9 Sep 2013 : Column 593W

Written Answers to Questions

Monday 9 September 2013

Home Department

Cumbria Constabulary

John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions she or Ministers of her Department have corresponded with (a) the police and crime commissioner for Cumbria and (b) the chair or chief executive of Cumbria police authority regarding the suspension of Temporary chief constable Stuart Hyde. [167962]

Damian Green [holding answer 6 September 2013]:The suspension of chief constables is a matter for PCCs as set out in the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 and Policing Protocol Order 2011.

Home Office Ministers and officials have meetings with a wide variety of international partners, as well as organisations and individuals in the public and private sectors, as part of the process of policy development and delivery. Details of ministerial meetings with external organisations and individuals are passed to the Cabinet Office on a quarterly basis and are subsequently published on the Cabinet Office website which is available here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/home-office-ministers-gifts-and-hospitality-oct-2012-to-dec-2012

9 Sep 2013 : Column 594W

Domestic Violence: Barnsley

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of domestic abuse cases in Barnsley were referred by the police to the Crown Prosecution Service in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012. [168078]

Mr Jeremy Browne: We do not collect this information centrally.

Firearms: Licensing

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many revoked shotgun and firearms licences have been returned at a later date from 2010 to 2013. [167987]

Damian Green: Once revoked and if the licence holder disputes the decision, a shotgun or firearms licence can only be restored by appeal through the Crown court. If the grounds for revocation are reconsidered by the police, the normal procedure is for the individual to apply for the grant of a new licence.

Statistics on reversals of revocations through the Crown court are not part of the required data returns.

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many firearms and shotgun certificates have been refused in (a) 2013, (b) 2012, (c) 2011 and (d) 2010; and how many have been revoked. [167988]

Damian Green: The data requested were published in the recent Home Office statistical release Firearm and Shotgun Certificates in England and Wales 2012-13, available online at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/firearm-and-shotgun-certificates-in-england-and-wales-2012-to-2013

Data for financial years 2009-10 to 2012-13 are also provided in the table. Data relating to 2013-14 are expected to be published in the autumn of 2014.

Homicide: Reoffenders

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convicted murderers have gone on to murder again following their release in each of the last 10 years. [167617]

Mr Jeremy Browne: The information requested is shown in the following table.

9 Sep 2013 : Column 595W

Publications

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many reports produced by her Department have been redacted for (a) reasons of national security and (b) other reasons in each year since 2010. [167767]

James Brokenshire: The information is not held centrally and could not be obtained without incurring disproportionate cost.

West Midlands Police

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department with reference to the spending review 2013, what the change in the budget for West Midlands police authority has been in 2013-14; and what assessment she has made of the effect of that change on the effectiveness of policing in the West Midlands. [167844]

Damian Green [holding answer 6 September 2013]:The Chancellor of the Exchequer’s spending round announcement on 26 June concerned decisions on Government funding for the financial year 2015-16 only. It therefore had no impact on 2013-14 police budgets. Central Government funding for the West Midlands police and crime commissioner in 2013-14 was set out in the Home Office Police Grant Report 2013-14 laid on 4 February 2013 and accompanying written ministerial statement, 4 February 2013, Official Report, columns 3-6 WS.

In 2013-14, core funding to the West Midlands police and crime commissioner from the Home Office is £473 million. This is 1.6% lower than the equivalent funding in 2012-13.

As a result of spending round 2013 the Home Office has committed to resource savings of 6.1% in 2015-16. However, central Government revenue funding to the police has been prioritised, and will reduce by 4.9% in real terms in 2015-16.

Provisional funding allocations for 2014-15 will be laid in Parliament later in the year as part of the annual police funding settlement process.

Attorney-General

Euthanasia

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Attorney-General what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies on assisted suicide of the Court of Appeal's judgment in July 2013 on the case brought by Paul Lamb and the family of the late Tony Nicklinson. [167771]

9 Sep 2013 : Column 596W

The Solicitor-General: The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is appealing this decision to the Supreme Court. The DPP will assess what, if any, implications there are for the assisted suicide policy after the Supreme Court has considered the case.

House of Commons Commission

Disability

Dr Huppert: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, what plans the Commission has to ensure the provision of facilities to allow large groups of disabled people to meet in the House. [168187]

John Thurso: We make every effort to accommodate disabled visitors within the physical constraints of the buildings, particularly those of the Palace of Westminster. Arrangements for large groups of disabled people to lobby Members are made in Westminster Hall.

The organisers of such events are asked to notify the House in advance so that we can provide the best support and advice. Since April 2013, the Serjeant at Arms has reviewed all forthcoming events weekly. Any events that have specific access requirements or are on subjects likely particularly to draw the interest of those with disabilities, are identified and plans put in place to support them.

For Members organising events, meetings or lobbies in the House that could be attended by people with disabilities, there is a guidance leaflet entitled “Information for Members of both Houses and pass holders escorting visitors with disabilities”. The leaflet shows the accessible visitor route through the main Palace and Portcullis House, the location of accessible lavatories, parking advice and general information on accessing the Estate. The full leaflet can be found at:

http://intranet.parliament.uk/access-buildings/access-security/disabled-access/

All new infrastructure projects include full consideration of disabled access. In conjunction with the forthcoming independent appraisal of options for the long term restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster that has been requested by the House of Commons Commission and the House of Lords House Committee, a high level Equality Analysis of the design and function of the Palace is now being undertaken. This will seek to identify strategic opportunities and priorities for the longer term, including improved access for disabled people.

Prime Minister

Honours

Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Prime Minister how many (a) peerages, (b) knighthoods and (c) damehoods have been awarded principally for services to the NHS in each of the last five years. [167373]

9 Sep 2013 : Column 597W

The Prime Minister: Information on peerages, knighthoods and damehoods is published in the London Gazette, copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House.

Iraq Committee of Inquiry

Mr Godsiff: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to his answer of 28 January 2013, Official Report, column 547W, and to the letter sent by Sir John Chilcot to him on 15 July 2013, whether the Chilcot Inquiry still intends to send out letters providing details of criticisms made as part of the Maxwellisation process by the end of October; how long the individuals receiving such letters will be given to respond to criticisms made against them; at what point detail of those criticisms will be made public; what further steps the Inquiry will then need to go through before publishing its report; and when he expects the Chilcot Inquiry to publish its report on the Iraq war. [167996]

The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to Sir John Chilcot's letter of 15 July 2013 and my reply of 19 July 2013 which can be found on the Iraq Inquiry website. Copies have been placed in the Library of the House.

Members: Security

Mr Winnick: To ask the Prime Minister whether public expenditure is fully taken into account in respect of the funds involved in the protection of his person while in the House. [168093]

The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him on 18 June 2012, Official Report, column 632W.

Health

Antibiotics

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration has been given to the Danish VetStat model of collection of data on antimicrobial use on farms in the development of his Department's UK five-year antimicrobial resistance strategy. [167944]

Anna Soubry: The Government are aware of systems in place in other European Union countries, whereby surveillance of antibiotic consumption is undertaken by livestock industries, in collaboration with vets. However, in the United Kingdom data are collected on the sale of veterinary antimicrobials. Furthermore, Europe is aiming to harmonise collection and reporting all these data through the European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption.

Data collection and usage will also form part of the implementation of the UK Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy, which will be published shortly.

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration has been given to the Danish model of regulation of antimicrobial use in food-producing animals in the development of his Department's UK five-year antimicrobial resistance strategy. [167945]

9 Sep 2013 : Column 598W

Anna Soubry: Variations in the structure of veterinary practice and the livestock industries in the two countries mean that aspects of the Danish model may not be applicable to the United Kingdom. However, implementation of the UK Five Year Antimicrobial Strategy will involve the development of plans to improve antimicrobial use, taking account of the available evidence and any revisions to relevant European Union legislation, including the responsible use of antimicrobials in food producing animals. The strategy will be published shortly.

Atrial Fibrillation

Mr Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions his Department has had with NHS England on the inclusion of new outcomes indicators for atrial fibrillation in the NHS Outcomes Framework since the publication of the Cardiovascular Disease Outcome Strategy. [167735]

Anna Soubry: As set out in the Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes Strategy, published in March 2013, atrial fibrillation is a priority for this Government and NHS England are working to support primary care to provide good management of people with or at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including atrial fibrillation-related stroke.

The NHS Outcomes Framework contains several indicators relating to CVD across Domain 1, 2, 3 and 4, including collecting information on the proportion of persons aged over 18 admitted to hospital as an emergency admission with specified primary diagnoses which include atrial fibrillation (Indicator 2.3.i). There are currently no plans to include any more specific indicators on atrial fibrillation in the framework.

However, the Clinical Commissioning Group Outcome Indicators Set for 2013-14 includes indicators on CVD, which covers atrial fibrillation.

The NHS Outcomes Framework is designed to be a balanced, high-level set of outcome goals that measure quality across the breadth of NHS services.

Eyesight: Testing

David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to automatically include a free eye test and ophthalmic equipment for people who already hold a valid prescription exemption certificate. [167993]

Dr Poulter: Free national health service sight tests are available to people diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma in response to their increased risk of developing eye disease.

Free NHS sight tests are also available to:

those under 16 years of age;

students in full-time education aged under 19;

those aged 60 or over;

individuals considered to be at risk of glaucoma;

people that are registered blind or partially sighted or who require a complex optical appliance; and

individuals on low incomes including those receiving income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance and pension credit guarantee credit.

9 Sep 2013 : Column 599W

Eligible patients also receive an NHS optical voucher, which they can use to meet (in whole or in part) the cost of these glasses or contact lenses.

The groups eligible for optical vouchers are:

those under 16 years of age;

students in full time education aged between 16 and 19;

individuals who have been prescribed complex lenses; and

individuals on low incomes including those receiving income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance and pension credit guarantee credit.

People with a valid prescription exemption certificate who fall within the above categories would be entitled to NHS sight tests and optical vouchers. There are currently no plans to change eligibility criteria for free NHS sight tests or for NHS optical vouchers.

Meningitis

Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what the cost to the public purse was of claims settled through the NHS Litigation Authority relating to (a) meningococcal meningitis and (b) meningitis B in the last 15 years; [167892]

(2) how many claims were made through the NHS Litigation Authority relating to (a) meningococcal meningitis and (b) meningitis B in the last 15 years. [167893]

Dr Poulter: 174 claims were made through the NHS Litigation Authority (NHS LA) relating to both meningococcal meningitis and meningitis B between 1 April 1998 and 31 March 2013. It has not been possible to distinguish between the two, as they are not coded separately by the NHS LA. This number has been obtained by listing claims where ‘meningitis’ is mentioned in the data. Of the 174 claims, 140 have been settled, with the remaining 34 claims still ongoing.

The total cost to the public purse of claims settled through the NHS Litigation Authority relating to the 140 settled claims has been approximately £45.84 million to date.

126 of the claims were settled by way of a lump sum payment of damages, totalling £15.38 million.

14 of the more serious cases were settled by way of a periodic payments order i.e. where the patient will receive an annual payment (usually to purchase care) for the remainder of their life. The total cost paid to date for these claims are £30.46 million. The NHS LA has made provision in its accounts for a further £32.61 million for the future payments relating to these cases.

It should be noted that many clinical claims involve more than one ‘injury’ so it may not be the case that these costs relate solely to meningitis.

Meningitis: Vaccination

Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has released an interim position statement to not recommend a meningococcal B vaccination programme on cost grounds in advance of the publication of the study underlying that decision. [167755]

9 Sep 2013 : Column 600W

Anna Soubry: The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), a group of independent experts that provided advice to United Kingdom health departments on immunisation, considers published and unpublished studies routinely to help ensure that as much relevant information is considered as possible when developing advice. As the JCVI is committed to releasing draft minutes within six weeks of committee meetings, its assessments of the findings of studies are often published prior to the publication of those studies in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.

The JCVI interim position statement on the use of Bexsero® meningococcal vaccine in the UK was informed by discussions at the June 2013 JCVI meeting about a yet to be published study on the impact and cost-effectiveness of immunisation strategies using this vaccine. The draft minutes of the meeting which describes the committee’s assessment of the findings of the study was published six weeks after that JCVI meeting. The interim position statement which also describes the assessment was published at the same time.

NHS: Disability

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what benefits the NHS offers under disability leave; and which NHS trusts offer disability leave. [167957]

Dr Poulter: The Department does not collect this information as national health service organisations are independent employers.

Public sector employers are under a particular duty under the Public Sector Equality Duty to eliminate discrimination and promote equality. The Equality Act 2010 Employment Statutory Code of Practice identifies disability leave as an example of a reasonable adjustment that an employer should consider.

As a matter of good practice, NHS organisations should have a policy such as a special leave policy that incorporates disability leave.

Nurses: Foreign Workers

Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many overseas nationals were registered as a nurse in the NHS in each of the last five years. [168042]

Dr Poulter: The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) collects data on the number of registrations to the NMC register. The following table shows the number of nurses from overseas and the European economic area registered as nurses in the national health service in each of the last 10 years:

9 Sep 2013 : Column 601W

Tobacco: Packaging

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence-based research his Department has considered in developing its policy on standardised packaging of cigarettes; and what conclusions he has drawn from the consideration of that evidence. [167889]

Anna Soubry: The Department commissioned a systematic review of evidence on standardised packaging. It was undertaken by academics at the university of Stirling, university of Nottingham and the Institute of Education, and published alongside the consultation on standardised packaging of tobacco products in 2012.

The Government have decided to wait before commenting on the evidence base or making a final decision on standardised packaging. This allows time to benefit from the experience of Australia, where they introduced standardised packaging in December 2012.

Vaccination

Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the extent to which the current method of evaluation of vaccines in the UK fully captures the lifetime benefits of disease prevention such as costs borne by parents unable to work, costs to the education system for special needs education and payouts of medico-legal claims. [167777]

Anna Soubry: The current method of evaluation of vaccines in the United Kingdom follows National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) practice to ensure vaccines are considered on the same basis as other health interventions. NICE methodology is designed to maximise the total health benefit to the population from the resources available to the national health service. It does not consider non-health costs or benefits.

Transport

Airports

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the implications for his policy on airport capacity of the ruling of the Supreme Court of 1 May 2013 on ClientEarth v. The Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the UK's breach of its obligations to comply with the Air Quality Directive. [167947]

9 Sep 2013 : Column 602W

Mr Simon Burns: No assessment of this has been made. The Government have set up the Airports Commission to examine the question of how best to maintain the UK's international hub connectivity. The Government expect, in line with its terms of reference, that the Airports Commission will take account environmental factors including air quality when reaching its recommendation.

Driving Offences

Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many untraced driver agreement applications rejected by the Motor Insurers' Bureau have subsequently been overturned by an arbitrator at appeal either by (a) preliminary and (b) final decision. [168091]

Stephen Hammond: Information can be provided for the number of claims referred to arbitration where the decision of the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) was overturned either because it rejected the claimant's application in its entirety or where the applicant and MIB cannot agree on the amount of an award. Claims often take some time to settle, therefore the figures provided are from 2010, as most of these will now be settled. In that year the MIB received 18,915 untraced claims. Of those, 270 or 1.4% have been referred to an arbitrator and of these 88 resulted in the MIB's decision being overturned. As a percentage of the total therefore 0.46% of the cases for that report year have seen the MIB's decision overturned by an arbitrator.

The hon. Member may want to write directly to the Motor Insurers' Bureau for any additional information at:

Motor Insurers' Bureau

Linford Wood House

6-12 Capital Drive

Linford Wood

Milton Keynes

MK14 6XT.

Motor Vehicles

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on the road tax payable by foreign vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [168166]

Stephen Hammond: International arrangements allow foreign registered vehicles to circulate for six months without having to register or pay vehicle excise duty providing they are correctly registered and licensed in their 'home' country. Once a foreign registered vehicle has been in the UK for more than six months in any 12 month period, the keeper must register it and pay vehicle excise duty.

The Government are introducing a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) road user levy from 1 April 2014 payable by all HGVs using the UK road network weighing 12 tonnes or more. This will include foreign registered HGVs, which will be liable for the levy immediately upon entry to the UK and when using the UK road network.

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how the Government monitors foreign cars entering the UK. [168167]

9 Sep 2013 : Column 603W

Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport does not monitor foreign registered vehicles as they enter or leave the UK.

The DVLA is working in co-operation with the UK Border Force (UKBF), the police and local authorities to ensure that there are robust enforcement processes to deal with vehicle keepers who refuse to comply with UK registration and licensing rules. This work includes research into how the DVLA and the police can utilise the data that UKBF gathers on vehicles entering and leaving UK ports.

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how the Government is able to calculate when a foreign vehicle is liable to begin paying road tax. [168168]

Stephen Hammond: A keeper of a foreign registered vehicle is liable to pay vehicle excise duty once it has been in the UK for more than six months in any 12-month period. During any investigation it is for the keeper of the vehicle to prove that the vehicle has been in the UK for less than six months.

Vehicles that over-stay the exemption and do not register and pay vehicle excise duty can be subject to enforcement action which can include wheel-clamping, impounding and disposal.

Railways: Finance

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much from the public purse was received by (a) British Rail and (b) each other rail company in the UK in each year since 1983. [168058]

Mr Simon Burns: Information dating back to 1983 is not readily available. However, details of the aggregate level of Government financial support to, and income from, the rail industry dating back to 1985-86 is published on the Office of Rail Regulation's (ORR)website at

http://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/

In addition, detailed historic information on franchise payments and premiums in respect of individual train operating companies dating back to 1999-2000 is also available on the ORR's website.

Rescue Services

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions both the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Belfast, and the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Stornoway, were staffed at below risk-assessed levels at the same time between 1 January 2013 and 31 August 2013. [168115]

Stephen Hammond: Belfast and Stornoway Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres (MRCC) were concurrently staffed at below risk assessed levels between 1 January 2013 and 31 August 2013 on 46 occasions out of 486 shifts.

These situations are mitigated by 'MRCC pairing' where each MRCC is connected to at least one other MRCC which is available to provide mutual support. In respect of Belfast and Stornoway MRCCs mutual support

9 Sep 2013 : Column 604W

is available through a fixed link between them and dial up links from the MRCCs at Shetland, Aberdeen, Liverpool or Holyhead.

Rescue Services: Belfast

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Belfast, was staffed at below risk-assessed levels in (a) July 2013 and (b) August 2013. [168104]

Stephen Hammond: Belfast Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was staffed at below risk assessed levels in July 2013 on 50 occasions out of 62 shifts; and in August 2013 on 41 occasions out of 62.

These situations are mitigated by 'MRCC pairing' where each MRCC is connected to at least one other MRCC which is available to provide mutual support. In respect of Belfast MRCC mutual support is available through a fixed link from Stornoway MRCC and dial up links from the MRCCs at Shetland, Aberdeen, Liverpool or Holyhead.

Rescue Services: Liverpool

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Liverpool, was staffed at below risk-assessed levels in (a) July 2013 and (b) August 2013. [168106]

Stephen Hammond: Liverpool Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was staffed at below risk assessed levels in July 2013 on 39 occasions out of 62 shifts; and in August 2013 on 39 occasions out of 62.

These situations are mitigated by ‘MRCC pairing’ where each MRCC is connected to at least one other MRCC which is available to provide mutual support. In respect of Liverpool MRCC mutual support is available through a fixed link from Holyhead MRCC and dial up links from the MRCCs at Swansea, Milford Haven, Belfast and Stornoway.

Rescue Services: Stornoway

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Stornoway, was staffed at below risk-assessed levels in (a) July 2013 and (b) August 2013. [168105]

Stephen Hammond: Stornoway Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was staffed at below risk assessed levels in July 2013 on 13 occasions out of 62 shifts; and in August 2013 on 12 occasions out of 62.

These situations are mitigated by 'MRCC pairing' where each MRCC is connected to at least one other MRCC which is available to provide mutual support. In respect of Stornoway MRCC mutual support is available through a fixed link from Belfast MRCC and dial up links from the MRCCs at Shetland, Aberdeen, Liverpool or Holyhead.

Roads: Repairs and Maintenance

Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the average level of per capita funding provided for road maintenance to local authorities in each English region. [168039]

9 Sep 2013 : Column 605W

Norman Baker: The Department for Transport does not allocate highways maintenance funding to local highway authorities based on population but on likely need. The formula, developed and agreed with local authorities, distributes funding on the basis of road length, bridges needing repair, and lighting stock. The Department believes that this is a fair way of allocating funding—as those authorities with larger highway networks to maintain receive a higher proportion of the available funding.

Further details on the methodology can be found via the following weblink:

http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120606202955/http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/local-transport-capital-block-funding/maintenance-block-formula-explanatory-note.pdf

Treasury

Bank Services

Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect on the seven day switching service of new anti-money laundering requirements. [168074]

Greg Clark: UK anti-money laundering requirements will not impact the delivery of the seven day Current Account Switching Service. A bank will already have conducted necessary anti-money laundering checks prior to the account being switched which will take up to seven days.

The Payments Council has worked with industry to ensure that the delivery of this service will be simple and convenient.

Bank Services: Internet

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions has he had with the banking industry about the difficulties faced by some people in opening internet banking accounts in mobile not spot areas; and if he will make a statement. [167995]

Sajid Javid: Treasury Ministers and officials meet with, and receive representations from, a wide range of organisations and individuals in the public and private sectors as part of the usual policymaking process. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Government's practice to provide details of all such representations.

Commission on Devolution in Wales

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to respond to the Commission on Devolution in Wales. [167990]

Danny Alexander: The Government will respond to the Commission on Devolution in Wales following an assessment of the responses to its consultation on the potential impacts of devolving stamp duty land tax to Wales.

9 Sep 2013 : Column 606W

Credit: Interest Rates

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he plans to take to reduce the number of people using high interest lenders. [168079]

Sajid Javid: The Government want to see a well-functioning consumer credit market, where consumers can access the credit products they need and can be confident that lenders behave responsibly and treat them fairly. The Government are transferring regulatory responsibility for the consumer credit market, including high cost credit, to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) from next April. The FCA will have robust powers and take a more rigorous and responsive regulatory approach in order to better protect consumers.

The Government are also supporting the provision of alternatives to high cost credit. The Government are committed investment of up to £38 million in credit unions to increase access to affordable credit for at least 1 million more people and save consumers up to £1 billion in loan repayments by March 2015. The Government are also raising the maximum interest rate credit unions can charge per calendar month from 2% to 3%, coming into force on 1 April 2014.

Crown Lands and Estates: Northern Ireland

Ms Ritchie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much income has been received in respect of the marine land owned by the Crown Estate around Northern Ireland in the most recent financial year; and how much funding from that income has been allocated to the Coastal Communities Fund in Northern Ireland. [168059]

Danny Alexander: The size of the Coastal Communities Fund is equal to 50% of the revenues generated by the Crown Estate's marine assets. From its marine activities in 2012-13, the Crown Estate generated £1.2 million of revenue in Northern Ireland. This formed the basis for calculating the 2014-15 Northern Ireland Coastal Communities Fund budget of £0.6 million.

Excise Duties: Fuels

Ms Ritchie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effects of fuel duty levels on people living in rural areas. [168060]

Sajid Javid: The Chancellor of the Exchequer keeps all taxes under review and considers their effects in the round.

Motorists on the Scottish islands and the Isles of Scilly are benefiting from a 5p per litre discount on pump prices since the Government introduced the rural fuel rebate pilot scheme last year.

The Government are preparing to seek EU approval for an extension of the scheme to other remote parts of the UK that are likely to display similar cost characteristics to the islands.

Financial Services

Alun Cairns: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to extend the review of simplified financial products to investment vehicles. [168169]

9 Sep 2013 : Column 607W

Sajid Javid: In 2010, the Government consulted on ideas for a new suite of simple financial products, including a proposal that deposit savings and protection products should be the initial areas of focus. The majority of respondents agreed with this approach. The Government appointed Carol Sergeant to chair a Steering Group which focused on these products. Her final report was published in March 2013.

There are no current Government plans to extend this initiative to investment vehicles. However, Government welcome industry to apply the fundamental principles of the Simple Products initiative, such as clarity and transparency, to a broader product range.

Fuels: Northern Ireland

Ian Paisley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps she is taking to address the increased cost of fuel in Northern Ireland. [167727]

Sajid Javid: Fuel is 13p cheaper per litre than it would have been under the plans of the previous Government. In Northern Ireland and across the rest of the UK the Government has taken extensive action to support motorists. The 1.89ppl fuel duty increase that was planned for 1 September 2013 has been cancelled. This will save a typical car driver £25, van driver £50 and haulier £750 per year.

Income Tax: Pensioners

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue the Exchequer has raised through income tax from pensioners in each of the last five years. [167730]

Mr Gauke: Estimates for the number of taxpayers of state pension age and their income tax liabilities for the years 2009-10 to 2013-14 are shown in the following table:

Pay

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has set a target for the increase of real wages in the UK. [167762]

Sajid Javid: The UK economy is recovering from the most damaging economic and financial crisis in generations. The flexibility of real wages in responding to this shock has helped to maintain employment and support total household incomes.

9 Sep 2013 : Column 608W

The Government's flexible approach to employment regulation, which allows wages to be agreed between firms and individuals depending on a range of factors, such as inflation and local labour market conditions, has helped businesses to create more than 1.3 million jobs in the private sector since early 2010. The Government believe this is the right approach and would not wish to impose wage levels for business above the statutory minimum of the national minimum wage.

Tax Allowances: Dentistry

John Woodcock: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider making provision for tax relief for dental nurses on the cost of compulsory continuing professional development; and if he will make a statement. [167961]

Mr Gauke: The Government are committed to the simplification of the tax system. New tax reliefs add complexity to the tax system and have a cost to the Exchequer, which the Government have to balance against its other objectives. The Government therefore have no current plans to introduce tax relief for the cost of compulsory continuing professional development.

Taxation

Graeme Morrice: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment his Department has made of and what representations he has received on the effects of retrospective legislation and section 58(4) of the Finance Act 2008 on the stability and predictability of the UK tax system. [167695]

Mr Gauke: Stability and predictability are important aspects of a competitive tax system. This Government have acted to increase stability and predictability by introducing the ‘Protocol on unscheduled announcements of changes in tax Law’ in the Budget 2011 document entitled ‘Tackling tax avoidance’. The protocol makes it clear that fully retrospective legislation will be “wholly exceptional” and limited to circumstances where:

A significant amount of tax is at stake;

There is a history of abuse of this area of the legislation;

There has been a clear statement of policy in the area;

A clear warning has been given that retrospective action would be taken if abuse of specific legislation continued.

Representations received by this Government relating to section 58 and the stability and predictability of the UK tax system have come from users of the wholly artificial tax scheme to which section 58 applies and from their representatives.

Ulster Bank

Ms Ritchie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the Royal Bank of Scotland on the future of Ulster Bank. [168061]

Sajid Javid: The Treasury is investigating the case for creating a so-called 'bad bank' of risky RBS assets. As part of this, HM Treasury is working closely with RBS to review the case for transferring assets out of RBS—including Ulster Bank assets—and into a new bad bank.

9 Sep 2013 : Column 609W

The Chancellor, on behalf of the Government, has met representatives of RBS including its chairman and chief executive to discuss various issues relating to RBS.

Work and Pensions

Child Maintenance

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many Child Support Agency reassessments were carried out as a result of parents who are members of the armed forces being posted overseas in 2011-12. [167896]

Steve Webb: The information requested is not available, as it is not recorded by the Department for management information purposes.

Where a parent is a member of the armed forces and is posted overseas, this is not in itself cause for a case to be re-assessed. There would need to be an additional change in the parent's circumstances that the Child Support Agency has been notified of, for example a change to a shared care arrangement, or a change to the level of the parent's income.

Food Banks

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what discussions his Department has had with the Trussell Trust about the growth in demand for food banks; and if he will make a statement. [167876]

Mr Hoban: We have had some correspondence with the Trussell Trust but, as food banks are not Government responsibility, it is not considered necessary to have any discussions with them on this issue.

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make it his policy that Jobcentre Plus records the number of referrals they make to food banks; and if he will make a statement. [168118]

Mr Hoban: Food banks are not part of Government policy and, as such, the Department for Work and Pensions does not hold or collect information on them. The Department has no plans to review the use of food banks.

Jobcentre Plus

Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what procedures Jobcentre Plus follows to refer ex-service personnel to veterans' charities for additional help and support; [167519]

(2) what assessment he has made of the accuracy of the Jobcentre Plus information systems used to record the number of ex-service personnel accessing its services; and if he will make a statement; [167520]

(3) what methods Jobcentre Plus uses to record the number of ex-service personnel accessing its services; [167521]

9 Sep 2013 : Column 610W

(4) how many ex-service personnel customers Jobcentre Plus staff have served in (a) Wales, (b) Scotland and (c) each region of England since May 2010. [167522]

Mr Hoban: All ex-service personnel claiming jobseeker's allowance or employment and support allowance receive a flexible, personalised service and access to the full range of Jobcentre Plus services from day one. This starts with an interview with a personal adviser, the purpose of which is to discuss and agree a course of action that will offer best prospects of employment, taking into account individual circumstances and need. Beyond this, ongoing support is provided through additional advisory contacts, tailored to individual need.

Throughout the above, the adviser provides information about, and access to, the range of help available through Jobcentre Plus and partner organisations, including veteran's charities. To help with this, advisers have access to a District Provision Tool, which provides information about contracted and non-contracted provision and services delivered by a wide variety of local, regional and national organisations.

Advisers are also supported by DWP District Armed Forces Champions whose role is to ensure the support, advice and guidance offered reflects the needs of service leavers and the wider service community. The champions work in partnership with the armed forces community, support organisations/charities and local and national employers to identify employment opportunities and specialist support for service leavers.

Data on the number of ex-service personnel using DWP services is not routinely gathered, so this information is not available.

Social Security Benefits

Mr Darling: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people are currently in receipt of (a) universal credit and (b) any working age benefit. [167865]

Mr Hoban: The information is as follows:

(a) I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I provided on 2 September 2013, OfficialReport, column 251W, to the hon. Member for Wansbeck (Ian Lavery). The Department is working to guidelines set by the UK Statistics Authority to ensure we are able to publish statistics that meet high quality standards at the earliest opportunity. We intend to publish Official Statistics on pathfinder areas in autumn.

(b) We released our latest full quarterly National Statistics on benefit claimants (February 2013 data) on 14 August 2013 according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority. This was also our latest monthly release. Official figures can be found on the DWP statistical summaries page of the GOV.UK website:

DWP statistical summaries—Department for Work and Pensions:

www.gov.uk

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for how long claimants moved on to managed payments as a result of eight weeks' arrears will remain on that scheme before returning to direct payments; and if he will make a statement. [168117]

9 Sep 2013 : Column 611W

Steve Webb: One of the failings of the current system is that decisions to move claimants to managed payments of rent are not systematically reviewed. Under universal credit we will return claimants to direct payment of rent once we are satisfied that they are in a position to manage their affairs. We expect that managed payments will remain in place at least until the outstanding arrears have been recovered. How long managed payments remain in place beyond that will depend upon individual circumstance but we expect most claimants would not be switched back to direct payments for a further six months.

Universal Credit

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which components of the universal credit IT system are being implemented using (a) agile and (b) waterfall software development techniques. [167817]

Mr Hoban: The universal credit programme has, to date, used a mix of agile and waterfall software development where it has been appropriate to do so.

Mr Darling: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) when he expects universal credit to be paid through all Jobcentre Plus offices in the city of Edinburgh; [167867]

(2) when he expects universal credit to be available through all Jobcentre Plus offices in Great Britain. [167868]

Mr Hoban: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Wansbeck (Ian Lavery) on 2 September 2013, Official Report, column 252W.

Universal credit will progressively roll out in a carefully managed and controlled way from October 2013, with all those who are entitled to UC claiming the new benefit by 2017.

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the potential effect on youth unemployment of the introduction of housing costs contributions under universal credit. [168102]

Steve Webb: The Government expect these changes to have a positive effect on youth unemployment for two reasons. First, taking a contribution from those aged 21 to 24 who are on benefit but on whom there is an expectation of work, increases the incentive to find a job; not least because the householder now has a direct interest in the non-dependant's employment position.

Second, unlike the current system, the contribution does not increase when the non- dependant moves into work or where their earnings rise. This removes a significant disincentive and helps to ensure that work pays.

Any effect on the overall level of youth unemployment will be contingent on the behavioural response to these improved incentives. It is not possible to pre-determine this response.

9 Sep 2013 : Column 612W

Winter Fuel Payments: British Nationals Abroad

Sir Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which French tropical overseas territories were included in his Department's average temperature calculations in respect of winter fuel payments to expatriate UK citizens living in the EU member states. [167864]

Steve Webb: From 2015-16 winter fuel payments will no longer be payable to individuals in countries where the average winter temperature is warmer than the warmest region of the UK (South-West England). The Government has worked with the Met Office to analyse comparable winter temperature data across all EEA countries. The Met Office used recognised administrative regions for each country. For France this was the 27 regions, including French Guyana, Guadeloupe, La Reunion, Martinique and Mayotte. It does not include the French overseas territories, which are not part of the EEA.

Work Capability Assessment

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what his most recent assessment is of the quality of work capability assessments undertaken on behalf of his Department; [161212]

(2) how he monitors the quality of the work capability assessments carried out on behalf of his Department; and if he will make a statement; [161316]

(3) what performance indicators are included in the contract between his Department and Atos Healthcare for undertaking work capability assessments; and what recent assessment he has made of the performance of Atos under that contract. [161372]

Mr Hoban: The Department looks at a wide range of indicators to assure Atos Healthcare's performance on work capability assessments, including clearance times; the proportion of customers sent home unseen; complaint handling; the percentage of assessments requiring rework before a final decision can be made; and the quality of assessment reports.

Atos Healthcare is contractually responsible for managing, monitoring and reporting on the quality of assessments that they deliver on behalf of the Department. To monitor quality, Atos has an audit programme in place for all health care professionals developed in conjunction with the Department. This consists of a national statistically significant programme of random audit supported by a rolling programme of individual audit and, where appropriate, individual targeted audit. During this audit, assessment reports are considered against quality criteria developed by the Department and cases graded “A”, “B” or “C” with a C-grade report falling below the standards expected by the Department (although this does not necessarily mean that the advice contained within the report is incorrect).

Atos Healthcare's contract with the Department requires it to report monthly on the results of the national sample. The contractual expectations are that, on a rolling three month basis, less than 5% of reports should fail to meet the standards set by the Department. The monthly audit reports provided to the Department by Atos Healthcare routinely showed that it was meeting the contractual target. Over the past 18 months Atos

9 Sep 2013 : Column 613W

consistently reported meeting this target, with the latest reported results for face-to-face assessments based on the April 2013 audit showing 5.3% C-grades.

The quality of Atos Healthcare's audit activity is reviewed by a joint team consisting of doctors working for the Chief Medical Adviser to the DWP and senior Atos Healthcare staff. This involves randomly sampling and examining a selection of audited cases from each of Atos Healthcare's audit centres on an annual basis.

During this ongoing quality assurance activity, the Department identified problems both in the quality of assessment reports produced by Atos and in their audit processes, which had failed to identify these problems. Looking at a sample of reports produced following a face-to-face assessment from October 2012 to March 2013, the Department identified the percentage of C-grade cases as 41%.

This level of performance is contractually unacceptable and the Department immediately instructed Atos Healthcare to introduce a quality improvement plan. This was set out in the written ministerial statement made by Lord Freud on 22 July 2013, Official Report, House of Lords, column WS151.

We are working closely with Atos as this plan is taken forwards. The majority of Atos's health care professionals have now been through the retraining and revalidation process and have demonstrated they are meeting the required quality standards. All other professionals are having 100% of their assessment reports audited by senior professionals until they have successfully completed this process. Any that do not meet the required standards by the end of September will have their approval to carry out assessments revoked by the Department. We are confident that these steps are ensuring that the quality of reports currently submitted to the Department meets our expectations but will be monitoring this closely over the coming months.

The Department has also engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers to review the quality assurance processes applied by both Atos and the Department and to provide independent advice on how these may be strengthened going forwards. They are due to report to the Department by early October.

As set out in the written ministerial statement, the Department also intends to bring in new providers to support the delivery of the work capability assessment in order to be as responsive to the needs of the claimants as possible. This work is progressing and a notice will be placed in the Official Journal of the European Union shortly.

A full update will be provided to Parliament in the autumn.

Defence

Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme

Sir Alan Meale: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans his Department has for the future of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme; [167928]

(2) who took the decision to reorganise the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme; and for what reasons that decision was taken; [167929]

9 Sep 2013 : Column 614W

(3) when his Department took the decision to reorganise the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme; whether all the Scheme's stakeholders were consulted before that decision; and what recommendations on the future of the Scheme were received from stakeholders; [167930]

(4) whether the Chair of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme was consulted about a new format for that Scheme; and what advice he gave on those changes. [167933]

Dr Murrison: I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave on 2 September 2013, Official Report, column 49W to the right hon. Member for East Renfrewshire (Mr Murphy), and on 2 September 2013, Official Report, column 37W to my hon. Friend the Member for North Wiltshire (Mr Gray).

The decision to convert the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS) to a charity was agreed unanimously by all AFPS stakeholders (Mr Speaker, the Lord Speaker, myself on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence, the commercial sponsors, and Sir Neil Thorne (as founder)) on 25 October 2012. This was informed by a review which consulted widely and considered a range of future governance options.

This decision will ensure the Scheme's long-term sustainability and provide the transparent and accountable governance structure expected of organisations with access to parliamentarians and the Ministry of Defence who are also supported by commercial sponsors.

As the AFPS founder, Sir Neil Thorne has been involved in the discussions on the future of the Scheme from the outset and his advice has been valued by all stakeholders.

Sir Alan Meale: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent by (a) his Department, (b) sponsoring organisations and (c) other contributors on promoting the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme in the last 25 years; and what assessment he has made of the value for money of the scheme. [167934]

Dr Murrison: The Ministry of Defence contributes to the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme through its programme of briefings and embedded visits for members. Detailed records of this contribution over 25 years are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost; however, it is the longstanding view of Ministers and Service Chiefs that the modest investment in personnel resources required is justified by the benefits of the scheme.

The provision of commercial sponsorship and other contributions is a matter for the Board of Trustees.

Sir Alan Meale: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date his Department decided to request that the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme be taken under the umbrella of the Industry and Parliament Trust; for what reasons that request was made; and why that decision was subsequently changed. [167941]

Dr Murrison: Amalgamation with the Industry and Parliament Trust was one of the governance options considered by Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme stakeholders on 25 October 2012 but the stakeholders agreed that it was not a viable option.

9 Sep 2013 : Column 615W

Defence: Procurement

Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the contribution of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State of 16 July 2013, Official Report, column 1015, for what reasons the identity of the domain to go first when a Government-Owned Contractor-Operated Organisation is established has not yet been made public. [168120]

Mr Dunne: This information has already been made public. In the event of a decision to proceed with a GoCo for Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the Maritime domain will be included in the first stage along with the Common Resource Platform which includes elements of the finance, human resources and commercial functions across DE&S. This information has been promulgated through internal MOD communications, through the Invitation to Negotiate that was provided to bidding consortia and through the media.

Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether cross-Government approvals were received prior to the invitation to negotiate specific to the proposal for a Government-Owned Contractor-Operated Organisation which was published on 24 July 2013. [168122]

Mr Dunne: Cross-Government approvals were received prior to the publication of the Invitation to Negotiate on 24 July 2013. The Ministry of Defence will continue to work with colleagues across Government throughout the remainder of the programme.

Military Exercises

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assets and how many personnel took part in Exercise Brilliant Arrow 2013; and what the cost to the public purse was of this exercise. [167811]

Dr Murrison: The RAF has deployed approximately 70 personnel and one Sentry E-3D to Oerland Air Base in Norway for two weeks. The additional cost specific to undertaking this exercise was some £40,000.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assets and how many personnel will take part in Exercise Steadfast Jazz 2013; and what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of this exercise. [167812]

Dr Murrison: While UK contributions to Exercise Steadfast Jazz have not been finalised, and are subject to wider planning considerations, it is likely that the UK will provide two naval vessels. As the exercise has not yet taken place, we are not yet able to confirm the additional costs of our contribution.

RAF Northolt

Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the extra total revenue his Department will receive as a result of the increase in civilian commercial movements at RAF Northolt over the next three years. [168158]

9 Sep 2013 : Column 616W

Mr Dunne: The estimated extra revenue the Ministry of Defence will receive as a result of the increase in civilian commercial movements at RAF Northolt over the next three years is approximately £8 million. This figure is based on full utilisation of the additional movements available and does not take account of any additional costs that RAF Northolt may incur.

Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will publish an impact assessment of the decision to increase the number of civilian commercial movements at RAF Northolt over the next three years; and if he will make a statement; [168159]

(2) what assessment he has made of the potential increase in pollution as a result of the increase in civilian commercial movements at RAF Northolt over the next three years; and if he will make a statement. [168161]

Mr Dunne: The impact of the decision to increase the number of civilian commercial movements at RAF Northolt was addressed in an open letter published on RAF Northolt's website on 29 April 2013. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

As the proposed increase in the number of civilian commercial movements is within existing limits no new assessment of the potential increase in pollution was undertaken. A full environmental noise survey was conducted in 1996; ad hoc assessments have been carried out during the intervening period and a further environmental noise survey is planned later this year.

Reserve Forces

Mr Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many new Army reservists were recruited in the first quarter of 2013-14; what recruitment target was set for that period; how many Army reservists are expected to be recruited in 2013-14; and how many reservists need to be recruited in each of the next five years to meet the Army's current manning targets. [167862]

Mr Francois: In order to meet the requirements set out under Army 2020 the Army's structure is changing and manning is in a period of transition with strength reflecting the planned drawdown. Immediate measures have been put in place to deliver a step change in Army reserve recruiting.

It will take time to accurately measure the growth in reserve forces following the announcement of 3 July 2013, Official Report, column 932, but my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has said the Government remain committed to keeping the House updated through the publication of both recruitment figures and trained strength figures as the Army reserve moves forward.

Trident

Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the cost to the public purse of the Trident Alternatives Review. [167781]

Danny Alexander: I have been asked to reply as the Minister responsible for the Trident Alternatives Review.

9 Sep 2013 : Column 617W

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife (Thomas Docherty), the hon. Member for North Durham (Mr Jones) and the hon. Member for Barrow and Furness (John Woodcock) on 2 September 2013, Official Report, column 6W.

USA

Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 15 July 2013, Official Report, column 506W, on USA, what information his Department holds on such casualties. [168031]

Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence only holds information on deaths to UK armed forces personnel which occurred while in-service. From 1 January 2003 to 6 September 2013, there were eight confirmed cases where UK armed forces personnel have died as a result of US armed forces air strikes confirmed through the outcome of a coroner's inquest. Five occurred as a result of operations in Afghanistan and three as a result of operations in Iraq.

Northern Ireland

Bovine Tuberculosis

Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans the Government have to extend badger cull trials to Northern Ireland. [167725]

Mrs Villiers: The Government have no such plans. This is a devolved matter which is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development.

World Police and Fire Games 2013

Mr Nuttall: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the cost to the public purse was of hosting the World Police and Fire Games in Belfast in August 2013. [168041]

Mrs Villiers: The devolved Northern Ireland Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure took the lead in taking forward the games though a company called the 2013 World Police and Fire Games Limited which it established to deliver them. No funding was made available by my Department in respect of hosting them.

Communities and Local Government

Fire Services: Pensions

Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will calculate by how much, under the proposed Fire Fighters' Pension Scheme: Proposed Final Agreement, a fire fighter in the (a) 1992 pension scheme, (b) 2006 scheme and (c) 2015 scheme would have their total pension reduced at an actuarially reduced rate of 5% if they retired at age 55 on 1 January (i) 2015, (ii) 2016, (iii) 2017, (iv) 2018, (v) 2019, (vi) 2020, (vii) 2021 and (viii) 2022. [166047]

9 Sep 2013 : Column 618W

Brandon Lewis [holding answer 18 July 2013]: The Government have listened carefully to firefighters’ concerns and tabled a generous pension offer, which includes enhanced arrangements for firefighters retiring from age 55. A member of the Firefighters' Pension Scheme 2015 or the New Firefighters' Pension Scheme 2006 who chose to retire at age 55 would have their pension actuarially reduced in accordance with factors issued by the scheme actuary. A member of the Firefighters' Pension Scheme 1992 taking their pension at age 55 would not have their 1992 scheme pension actuarially reduced.

The current factors applicable for the New Firefighters' Pension Scheme 2006 are contained in New Firefighters' Pension Scheme Early Retirement Factors issued on 4 July 2011 by the Government Actuary's Department. No such factors have been issued by the Government Actuary's Department for the Firefighters' Pension Scheme 2015, although indicative factors can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/firefighters-pension-scheme-reforms-pension-scheme-calculator

A copy of this document can be found in the Library of the House.

Housing: Finance

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much of his Department's capital budget has (a) been spent on (i) housing and (ii) affordable housing in each financial year from 2010-11 to 2012-13 and (b) will be spent on such housing in each financial year from 2013-14 to 2017-18. [163038]

Brandon Lewis [holding answer 2 July 2013]: DCLG's capital spend from 2010-11 to 2012-13 is set out in the Department's annual report and accounts for these years.

DCLG's capital budgets on housing and affordable housing from 2013-14 to 2014-15 are set out in the Department's 2013-14 Main Estimate Explanatory Memorandum.

Spending Round 2013 set out DCLG's total capital budget for 2015-16 and announced that DCLG will invest £957 million capital spending per annum between 2015-16 and 2017-18 in affordable housing as well as £250 million in 2015-16 and £150 million in 2016-17 in a new Affordable Rent to Buy scheme.

The current spending review's affordable housing programme is levering in a total of £19.5 billion of private and public investment in 170,000 affordable homes, assisted by the innovative affordable rent scheme which has helped increase the level of private investment and thus overall capital spending on affordable housing than would otherwise have been the case.

Up to a further 30,000 affordable homes will be delivered by March 2017, supported by a share of the £10 billion housing guarantees and grant of £450 million.

The £3.3 billion of funding announced in the Spending Round 2013, together with receipts from right-to-buy sales, will lever in up to £20 billion of private investment in affordable housing in addition.

By contrast, I observe the last Prime Minister planned to cut back housing investment, remarking before the general election: “Housing is essentially a private sector activity. Let's be honest about this... I don't see a need for us to continue with such a big renovation programme” (BBC Newsnight, 30 April 2010).

9 Sep 2013 : Column 619W

Non-domestic Rates

Andy Sawford: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the outcome was of his visit to Sevenoaks Town Council on 22 June 2013 was; what assessment he has made of the calls from the National Association of Local Councils for further reform of business rates to assist town and parish councils in supporting local economic growth; and if he will make a statement. [167081]

Brandon Lewis: The Government recognise the valuable role played by parish and town councils in helping to foster vibrant local communities. While we do not propose to change the standard funding arrangements for such councils, and funding will continue to be delivered through a precept, we have introduced measures through the Localism Act which can significantly empower parish and town councils, increasing their role and capability in supporting local economic growth.

Parish and town councils take the lead in preparing a Neighbourhood Plan, which provides them and their communities with a much greater say in local strategic planning matters. Local authorities who have adopted the Community Infrastructure Levy are required to pass 25% of levy receipts from local development to parish or town councils if a Neighbourhood Plan is in place. For areas without a Plan it will be a still highly significant 15% of levy funds.

Parish and town councils, in consultation with their communities, can spend the levy funds on any infrastructure and associated services they want, to support the development of the area.

Sevenoaks town council is currently in the early stages of preparing a Neighbourhood Plan and has received Government assistance to aid the process.

Non-domestic Rates: Greater London

Mary Macleod: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many businesses in (a) London, (b) Hounslow borough and (c) Brentford and Isleworth constituency have used the small business rate relief scheme to date. [167729]

Brandon Lewis: As at 31 December 2010, the latest date for which data are available, local authorities reported there were 61,100 businesses in London, benefiting from the small business rate relief scheme. Of these 1,280 were in the London borough of Hounslow.

Data were collected on the annual national non-domestic rates (NNDR1) forecast return completed by all billing authorities in England.

Data are collected at billing authority level; we do not collect data at constituency level. The data are collected at a fixed point in time and represent the situation at that time. We do not collect data on the total numbers that have benefited from the scheme over time.

We estimate that approximately half a million business in England are benefiting from the small business rate relief scheme. As the Government have currently doubled the level of small business rate relief we estimate that approximately a third of a million ratepayers are currently paying no rates at all.

9 Sep 2013 : Column 620W

Public Houses

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps his Department is taking to make communities aware of the Community Right to Bid as a way of protecting local pubs from closure. [167699]

Brandon Lewis: My Department has taken a number of steps to make communities aware of the Community Right to Bid as a way of protecting pubs from closure, including:

Promoting the Right to Bid through business partners such as the Plunkett Foundation, who work closely with communities concerning assets of community value.

Supporting the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) in their ‘List your Local’ campaign to get 300 communities to have listed their local pub by the end of 2013.

Hosting a seminar in July 2013 facilitated by DCLG, CAMRA, Pub is the Hub, Plunkett Foundation, Locality and Co-ops UK. Communities were invited to come along and discuss with experts how to protect their local pubs, including through the Community Right to Bid. Also present were representatives from the Ivy House pub in Nunhead, London, the first pub to be listed as an asset of community value and which has recently re-opened.

Utilising social media including promotion of Community Right to Bid on Twitter.

Personally promoting the Community Right to Bid wherever possible, including speaking engagements such as my speech at the Great British Beer Festival on 13 August.

Right to Buy Scheme

Mrs Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many homes were purchased under the right to buy in (a) South Shields, (b) the North East and (c) the UK in each year since 2009-10. [167779]

Mr Prisk: Figures for South Shields constituency are not available. Figures are available at a local authority level and the relevant local authority for the South Shields constituency is South Tyneside. Between 2009-10 and 2012-13 there were 165 sales of local authority owned dwellings through the Right to Buy scheme in South Tyneside. The annual figures show an increase in sales from 30 in 2011-12 to 85 in 2012-13 since the change in Right to Buy discounts in April 2012, but there is more to do to inform tenants of their new rights and help them up the ladder of home ownership. These figures do not include other schemes such as Social Homebuy. Over the same time on the same basis 13,714 dwellings were sold in England. Figures on an annual basis are available at the following link. Figures for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are not comparable.

Following the abolition of regional government by the Coalition, DCLG no longer publishes statistics at a regional level and does not believe that regions provide a coherent or meaningful framework for assessing public policy. Instead, our published statistics relate, where relevant, to other sub-national geographies which are more aligned with public policy. However, we hold data from which the requested figures can be derived and these are available through the following link.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/230904/LT685.xls

9 Sep 2013 : Column 621W

Wind Power: Planning Permission

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 10 July 2013, Official Report, column 288W, on wind power: planning permission, when he intends to announce his decisions on the 10 recovered appeals; and whether he intends to announce all 10 decisions simultaneously. [168163]

Mr Prisk: Every planning application/appeal should be considered on its individual merits, with due process. I will be issuing a decision on the first of these recovered appeals (Treading Field, Cambridgeshire) very shortly. A table listing the published target dates, where known, for the remaining recovered appeals has been placed in the Library of the House.

International Development

Developing Countries: Health Services

Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make it her policy that publicly led and financed health systems should be a priority in international discussions on the post-2015 development framework and that the future allocation of funds to the UK aid budget should reflect such a priority. [167754]

Lynne Featherstone: The importance of strong health systems in improving health outcomes has already been a priority in Post 2015 discussions, as highlighted in the High Level Panel report, which stresses the need for progress towards Universal Health Coverage. The future allocation of funds from the UK Aid budget will continue to be driven by the principles of poverty reduction and value for money.

Syria

Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has in the immediate term to increase the amount of UK humanitarian aid to those affected by the civil war in Syria. [168130]

Mr Duncan: At the G20 summit the Prime Minister announced a further £52 million in emergency humanitarian funding, taking the UK's total support for Syria and the region to £400 million. We will continue to lobby key international partners to increase their funding.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Arms Trade: Exports

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on assessing the human rights record of countries before permitting arms exports from the UK to those countries. [168162]

9 Sep 2013 : Column 622W

Alistair Burt: All export licence applications are considered by the Government on a case-by-case basis and in line with the provisions of the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) consults the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) on a number of the Criteria including Criterion 2—the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms. In making our assessment the FCO looks at information from a wide range of sources—including our global network of Posts, international organisations, the media, and non-governmental organisations. The Government will not issue an export licence where we judge there is a clear risk that the proposed export might be used for internal repression.

Detailed information on the assessment of export licensing applications can be found in the Government's Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls laid before the House on 12 July.

Gibraltar

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the policy of the Spanish government towards Gibraltarians. [167830]

Mr Lidington: I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of 2 September 2013, Official Report, column 10WS, and the Foreign Secretary's reply of 3 September 2013 to my hon. Friend the Member for Rossendale and Darwen (Jake Berry), Official Report, column 148.

We are aware of Spanish press reporting on wide-ranging measures that the Spanish Government may be planning to take against Gibraltar. While these reports are concerning, the British Government will respond to actions not rhetoric. We will continue to press the Spanish Government to de-escalate the situation, as well as preparing prudently for increasing that pressure if that does not happen. We remain very concerned by recent actions taken by the Government of Spain, most notably at the border with Gibraltar, and have responded robustly in partnership with the Government of Gibraltar. We have made clear to Spain that their unlawful actions are disproportionate and unacceptable. We have repeatedly expressed our desire to find a diplomatic solution acceptable to Spain while reaffirming our commitment to upholding the rights and interests of the UK and of Gibraltar. At the same time, Spain and the UK have a strong bilateral relationship from which both countries greatly benefit. We want to return to diplomatic means to find our way through the current tensions.

Iraq: Iran

Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the massacre of 52 unarmed civilians at camp Ashraf in Iraq on 1 September 2013; what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on dealing with the ongoing terror situation against the citizens of that country; and if he will make a statement. [167911]

9 Sep 2013 : Column 623W

Alistair Burt: When I learned of the violence at Camp Ashraf on 1 September 2013 I issued a statement strongly condemning the killings. It is an appalling attack and we have raised our very serious concerns with the Government of Iraq—including our call for a full and transparent inquiry and ensuring that those responsible are held to account.

We regularly discuss the security situation in Iraq, and the increased level of terrorism which has claimed over 3,000 lives since April, with our international partners—including at the UN and in the EU.

Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the wellbeing of hostages Vajiheh Karbalaie, Mahboobeth Lashkari, Fatemeh Sakhaie, Fatemeh Tahouri, Leila Nabahat, Sedigheh Ebrahim-pour and Mohsen Niknami who were taken prisoner on 1 September 2013 by Iraqi special forces from Camp Ashraf. [167912]

Alistair Burt: We are aware of reports about residents of Camp Ashraf not yet accounted for after the violent events of 1 September 2013, but do not have specific or recent information. We have called on the Government of Iraq to ensure the safety and security of all remaining residents.

Middle East

Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect on the revised Israeli-Palestinian dialogue of the growing insurgency in the Sinai peninsula and increased restrictions on the Egyptian border with the Gaza Strip. [167722]

Alistair Burt: We do not assess that these events have had a significant impact on the current Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. However, the turbulence in the broader region only makes the need for progress on the Peace Process even more pressing.

Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to the Answer to Baroness Tonge of 30 July 2013, Official Report, House of Lords, column 294WA, on Palestine, what the source was of the figures given in that Answer for the number of Palestinian civilians killed by Israelis since 1 January 2012 in incidents directly related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. [167891]

Alistair Burt: I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 4 September 2013, Official Report, column 389W.

Occupied Territories

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the number of (a) lawful and (b) unlawful refusals of Palestinian requests for building permits and master plans in the West Bank since 29 July 2013; and if he will make a statement. [168069]

9 Sep 2013 : Column 624W

Alistair Burt: We have received no reports on the number of Palestinian requests for building permits and master plans in the West Bank that have been refused since 29 July 2013.

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many new housing units have been (a) announced and (b) approved in settlements in East Jerusalem and the Occupied Palestinian State since 29 July 2013; how many new housing units have been built in that time; how many Palestinian homes and other buildings have been demolished; how many Palestinians have been evicted; how many Palestinians had their East Jerusalem residency permit revoked; how many olive trees have been destroyed or vandalised; and how many Palestinians have been forcibly transferred out of Area C. [168072]

Alistair Burt: As details are not held in the form requested, this information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Justice

British Transport Police

Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) what proportion of cases brought to court on behalf of the British Transport Police in the last three years were against people with a disability; [167153]

(2) what proportion of cases brought to court on behalf of the British Transport Police were successful in the last three years. [167155]

Jeremy Wright: From information held centrally it is not possible to identify cases brought by the British Transport Police from cases brought by other forces. Cases brought by the British Transport Police are generally heard in the force area where the offence was committed or where the defendant normally resides.

Community Justice Centres: Liverpool

Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) what assessment he has carried out of the work undertaken by the North Liverpool Community Justice Centre; [167880]

(2) what assessment he has made of the effect of the North Liverpool Community Justice Centre on (a) crime rates in Liverpool and (b) the work of community groups in North Liverpool. [167795]

Mrs Grant: The findings of a full evaluation of the North Liverpool Community Justice Centre were published in July 2012. The report can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/north-liverpool-community-justice-centre-analysis-of-re-offending-rates-and-efficiency-of-court-processes

Its key points included:

there was no evidence that the Centre was more effective in reducing reoffending than other courts;

offenders were more likely to breach a court order at the centre than other courts;

and court hearing performance varied. There was some indication that cases were dealt with more quickly and with fewer hearings

9 Sep 2013 : Column 625W

per case going to trial, but a higher proportion of ‘cracked’ trials (where guilty pleas are entered on the day) which waste time and costs for all parties.

(a) The evaluation report sets out crime rates for Merseyside between 2004-05 and 2009-10. This shows that over that period:

crime rates in north Liverpool reduced by a greater degree than across England and Wales more generally and by a greater degree than other parts of Merseyside;

crime rates in north Liverpool remained significantly higher than the national and Merseyside averages.

As stated in the full evaluation report on the North Liverpool Community Justice Centre published in 2012. It is not possible to attribute levels of reduced crime rates to the work of the centre.

(b) On its launch in 2005, one of the key objectives of the centre was to focus on community engagement and working with community groups. Its community engagement activity peaked in 2008-09 when the centre held over 200 community events involving 20,000 people. Research undertaken in 2011 found, however, that local awareness of the community work led by the centre was low. More recently, local community engagement activity has diminished as the workload of the centre has changed and widened beyond the centre's catchment area. A number of community groups were specifically invited to respond to a recent consultation on the future of the centre and have not done so.

Courts: Bishop Auckland

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what (a) financial savings have been made and (b) job reductions have taken place as a result of the closure of the (i) magistrates' court and (ii) county court in Bishop Auckland constituency. [167860]

Mrs Grant: As of 30 June 2013 the closure of Bishop Auckland county and magistrates courts has secured resource savings of £177,000. The property is currently on the market for disposal.

Both courts closed under the Court Estate Reform Programme announced to Parliament in December 2010. To date, the programme has closed 137 courts in England and Wales, resulting in total net benefits of £35.8 million (made up of £19.3 million resource benefits and £16.5 million capital benefits).

Although staff reductions are not available on individual courts the programme has delivered full-time equivalent staff reductions of 214.19.

Education

Care System

4. Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if his Department will publish a strategy setting out plans for children in the care system; and if he will make a statement. [900161]

Mr Timpson: Early last year we considered whether to develop an overarching strategy for children in care. We decided that as there was a general consensus about what needed to improve, it would be better to simply get on and drive a programme of change. Since then we

9 Sep 2013 : Column 626W

have set in place reforms to ensure that all children have strong and stable placements, achieve good educational outcomes and receive on-going quality support when they leave care.

Apprenticeships

18. Mark Menzies: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to improve the quality of apprenticeships. [900177]

Matthew Hancock: We have already raised the quality of Apprenticeships by making them real jobs; introducing minimum durations; identifying and rooting out poor quality delivery; and insisting on more stretching qualifications in English and maths.

Further reforms, following the Richard Review on the future of Apprenticeships, will ensure that apprenticeships will be more rigorous and more employer-led. A detailed implementation plan will be published shortly.

Pupil Progression

20. Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what representations he has received about year 12 pupils not being allowed to progress to year 13 because of standards set by schools above a pass grade. [900179]

Matthew Hancock: The Department has received one letter concerning a student who has been asked to change their subject choices and resit year 12 because of poor AS results.

Child Care

21. David Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans his Department has for child care; and if he will make a statement. [900180]

Elizabeth Truss: Reliable, high quality and affordable child care is essential to children’s development, and vital to giving parents the choice to work.

We want to increase the amount of child care available, and encourage a thriving market where high quality, affordable child care is on offer at the times working parents need it.

We have set out our plans in “More Great Childcare” and “More Affordable Childcare”.

Holiday Child Care

22. Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what estimate he has made of changes in the cost of holiday child care provision since 2010. [900181]

Elizabeth Truss: The Department’s child care and early years survey of parents provides national estimates of the amount families pay for holiday child care. The latest survey shows no significant change in this amount between 2010 and 2011. In 2011, the average daily cost of holiday clubs was £18.75. Over the longer-term, child care costs as a whole have increased significantly. “More Affordable Childcare” sets out Government plans to increase the amount of affordable child care.

9 Sep 2013 : Column 627W

Technical Qualifications

23. Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when the proposed tech levels and technical baccalaureate will be introduced; and if he will make a statement. [900182]

Matthew Hancock: Tech level qualifications will be introduced in September 2014 as a high quality alternative to A levels. They require industry backing and will equip students with specialist knowledge and skills.

The technical baccalaureate measure will recognise students who achieve a tech level, core maths at level 3 and the extended project qualification. It will appear in performance tables from 2016.

The DFE will publish the first list of approved tech levels in November 2013.

Schools Commissioner

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has to review the responsibilities of and lines of accountability for the role of Schools Commissioner. [168030]

Mr Timpson: The role of Schools Commissioner is the public face of academies and free schools, leading communications between the Department and the education sector. The responsibilities involve initiating brokerage arrangements between schools and sponsors, nurturing potential sponsors, influencing school-to-school support and working closely with Ministers to shape the future development of the academies and free schools programme. This is a two-year fixed term contract and the appointee will be accountable to the Director General of the Department's Infrastructure and Funding Group.

There are currently no plans to review the responsibilities and lines of accountability until the successful candidate's term comes to an end.