International Development

Afghanistan

Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many women have been involved in senior negotiations and decisions on the UKs withdrawal from Afghanistan; and what proportion of the total number of senior negotiators and decision makers this figure represents. [180138]

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Justine Greening: Details of the membership of the National Security Council are publicly available.

Developing Countries: Health Services

Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what steps her Department is taking to address the shortage of health workers in developing countries; and if she will make a statement; [180358]

(2) what steps she is taking to increase human resources available for health services in developing countries. [180362]

Lynne Featherstone: The UK is helping countries develop their own health care systems, including country efforts to build and maintain health worker capacity. DFID supports the health workforce in the countries in which we work through programmes that help train new health workers such as nurses, birth attendants and midwives.

In addition, DFID funds the Health Partnership Scheme that supports partnerships between UK health institutions and partners in developing countries to strengthen health worker skills. DFID also provides funding to the Global Health Workforce Alliance, which advocates for improved human resources for health and which supports countries health workforce co-ordination and planning.

Developing Countries: Sanitation

Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will attend the Sanitation and Water for All high level meeting in Washington DC on 11 April 2014. [180206]

Justine Greening: The UK will be represented at an appropriate level at the 2014 Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) high level meeting. This meeting will focus on accountability and the progress each country, including the UK, has made in meeting the commitments made at the 2012 high level meeting. DFID officials are working with the SWA Secretariat on the agenda for the high level meeting.

Sudan

Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the number of fatalities from yellow fever in Sudan's West and Southern Kordofan states in the last year. [180210]

Lynne Featherstone: The Sudanese Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) recently notified the World Health Organisation (WHO) of a yellow fever outbreak affecting twelve localities in West and South Kordofan states. According to WHO, between 3 October and 24 November 2013, a total of 44 suspected cases of yellow fever including 14 deaths were reported from this outbreak.

Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has made to the United Nations on the polio vaccination campaign that had been due to take place in Sudan's Southern Kodorfan and Blue Nile states. [180211]

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Lynne Featherstone: We continue to believe that a cross-line polio vaccination campaign led by UNICEF and WHO is a priority and we have supported this with lobbying across the board at all levels of the United Nations (UN). The issue was most recently raised with the Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF on 11 December 2013 during his mission to Sudan. We also pushed hard for and were successful in securing a statement by the UN Security Council in October 2013.

Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the effect of the recent polio vaccination campaign in Sudan's South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. [180212]

Lynne Featherstone: The first phase of Sudan's national polio vaccination campaign has taken place in all areas with the exception of those areas of South Kordofan and Blue Nile states which are controlled by the Sudan People's Liberation Movement—North (SPLM-N). We remain greatly concerned that the 165,000 children in those areas have not been vaccinated, and have continued to lobby the Government of Sudan and the leadership of SPLM-N to agree the terms for a cessation of hostilities which would allow for a full campaign to take place.

Health

Autism

John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to ensure that local authorities are consulting with people with autism, their families and community-based charities as they develop local plans to implement the Adult Autism Strategy. [180400]

Norman Lamb: Local authorities (LAs) should be working with people with autism, their families and community-based charities to implement the Adult Autism Strategy. As part of the current review of that strategy, LAs and their partners have taken part in the national autism self-assessment exercise on progress made in implementing the strategy. This included a question on engaging people with autism and their carers in planning which was answered by 151 LAs. Only seven said that minimal engagement work had taken place, with the remainder scoring themselves higher than that, of which 83 said that a variety of mechanisms are being used so a cross-section of people on the autistic spectrum are meaningfully engaged in the planning and implementation of the strategy.

Breast Cancer

Mr Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to promote campaigns to tackle breast cancer. [180565]

Jane Ellison: Campaigns are now the responsibility of Public Health England (PHE). Be Clear on Cancer campaigns (encouraging symptom recognition and earlier general practitioner presentation) have been running since early 2011 and have covered a number of cancers, nationally and regionally. Breast cancer (specifically aimed at women over 70) forms part of the programme.

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Following successful local and regional pilots, a national breast cancer campaign targeting women aged 70 years plus and their influences will run from 3 February to 16 March 2014 and will include television, press, direct mail and out-of-home media advertising. The key message is: “1 in 3 women who get breast cancer are over 70, so don’t assume you're past it”.

Cancer: South Yorkshire

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the proportion of people in the latest survey with suspected cancer is who have seen a cancer specialist within the two weeks target in (a) Doncaster and (b) South Yorkshire. [180158]

Jane Ellison: The information is not available in the format requested. The target for two week waits following general practitioner (GP) urgent referrals for suspected cancer is 93%.

In quarter two of 2013-14 at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 93.4% of patients attended out-patient appointments within two weeks of an urgent referral from their GP for suspected cancer.

In quarter two of 2013-14 for Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) 94.6% of patients attended out-patient appointments within two weeks of an urgent referral from their GP for suspected cancer.

The 2013-14 quarter two figures for other CCGs in South Yorkshire are;

Barnsley CCG: 96%

Bassetlaw CCG: 91.2%

Rotherham CCG: 95.1%

Sheffield CCG: 94.1%.

Cannabis

Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what his policy is on the use of cannabis in the treatment of multiple sclerosis; [180113]

(2) what recent studies his Department has commissioned on the medicinal uses of cannabis. [180114]

Norman Lamb: Cannabis and its preparations are Class B controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. In the United Kingdom, it is illegal to produce, possess, supply, import and export cannabis except under Home Office licence. Cannabis is also subject to international drug control under United Nations Conventions.

Cannabis is listed in Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 as the UK does not recognise that it has any medicinal use. UK pharmacists are only able to possess, supply or dispense Schedule 1 drugs under a Home Office licence.

Sativex (nabiximols), a cannabis-derived mouth spray, is licensed in the UK as an add-on treatment for moderate to severe spasticity in multiple sclerosis and can be prescribed on the NHS.

In April 2013, the Home Office rescheduled Sativex from a Schedule 1 controlled drug to a part 1 Schedule 4 controlled drug. The rescheduling reflects Sativex's low potential for abuse or diversion.

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The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is currently updating its clinical guideline on the management of multiple sclerosis in primary and secondary care. The scope of the guideline states that, it will cover the management of spasticity with Sativex in patients with multiple sclerosis. NICE currently expects to issue its updated guideline in October 2014. NICE clinical guidelines are developed through consultation with stakeholders.

In the absence of NICE guidance on Sativex, it is for national health service commissioners to make funding decisions based on an assessment of the available evidence and the individual patient's clinical circumstances.

The Department has not commissioned any recent research on the medicinal uses of cannabis.

A study funded by the Medical Research Council on cannabinoid use in progressive inflammatory brain disease is within the portfolio of research managed by the Department's National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) through the NIHR Evaluation, Trials and Studies Co-ordinating Centre. Details of this study can be found on the centre's website at:

www.nets.nihr.ac.uk/projects/ememrc/0980001

Childbirth

Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what support his Department makes available for the emotional health of women during pregnancy; [180636]

(2) what support his Department provides to families who have had premature births; [180637]

(3) what the annual cost is of premature births to the NHS; [180640]

(4) what support is given to the families of premature babies to help them form a secure bond with their babies; [180679]

(5) what support his Department provides to women to help them maintain a healthy pregnancy. [180699]

Dr Poulter: Women should receive maternity care that focuses on their needs and emotional well-being. The mandate from the Government to NHS England includes an objective that every woman has a named midwife who is responsible for ensuring she has personalised, one-to-one care throughout pregnancy, childbirth and during the postnatal period.

Families who have had premature births are supported by the neonatal unit providing care for their baby. NHS England is responsible for commissioning neonatal critical care services for sick and premature babies. Clear quality standards for neonatal care are outlined in the Department's Toolkit for High-Quality Neonatal Service and the NICE Quality Standard for Specialist Neonatal Care. NHS England commissions neonatal critical care services against these standards.

In line with NHS England's standard contract for neonatal critical care, neonatal services should provide a family centred approach to care that involves families in the care of their baby and helps them understand their baby's needs.

Information on the annual cost of premature births to the national health service is not collected centrally.

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Family-centred care puts the physical, psychological and social needs of both the baby and their family at the heart of all care given. To support bonding parents are encouraged to participate in their baby's care at the earliest opportunity. This can include regular skin to skin contact, feeding and day-to-day care such as nappy changing. The Department awarded Bliss—the National charity for the Newborn (for years 2010-13) a grant for “Family Centred Care: A guide for parents project”, which aims to improve parents' experience of neonatal care and help them to establish their role as parents as soon as possible.

Women receive advice on maintaining a healthy pregnancy from their midwife as part of routine antenatal care. Additional support and advice is available on the NHS Choices website and through the NHS Information Service for Parents and through the Start4Life campaign.

Clinical Commissioning Groups

Mr Barron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS Wakefield Clinical Commissioning Group; [180310]

(2) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group; [180311]

(3) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS Leeds South and East Clinical Commissioning Group; [180312]

(4) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS Leeds West Clinical Commissioning Group; [180313]

(5) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS Greater Huddersfield Clinical Commissioning Group; [180314]

(6) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS Bradford City Clinical Commissioning Group; [180315]

(7) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS Leeds North Clinical Commissioning Group; [180316]

(8) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS Bradford Districts Clinical Commissioning Group; [180317]

(9) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group; [180318]

(10) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS Airedale, Wharfdale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group; [180319]

(11) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group; [180320]

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(12) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS Rotherham Clinical Commissioning Group; [180321]

(13) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group; [180322]

(14) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS Bassetlaw Clinical Commissioning Group; [180323]

(15) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS Barnsley Clinical Commissioning Group; [180324]

(16) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group; [180325]

(17) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS Scarborough and Ryedale Clinical Commissioning Group; [180326]

(18) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS North Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group; [180327]

(19) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group; [180328]

(20) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS Hull Clinical Commissioning Group; [180329]

(21) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS Harrogate Rural District and Clinical Commissioning Group; [180330]

(22) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group; [180331]

(23) if he will make an assessment of the potential effect on local services of NHS England's proposed changes to the funding formula for NHS East Riding of Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group. [180332]

Norman Lamb: Responsibility for resource allocation is a matter for NHS England as set out in the mandate. The Government has made clear in the mandate that one of the governing principles should be equal access for equal need, and that changes in allocations should not result in the destabilising of local health economies.

Initial findings from NHS England's fundamental review of allocation policy, which drew on the expert advice of the independent Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation and, involved a range of external partners, were considered by the NHS England board at their meeting on 17 December. The board paper is available at:

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www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/bm-item7.pdf

I refer the right hon. Member to the written ministerial statement issued by the Secretary of State for Health, the right hon. Member for South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), on 17 December 2013, Official Report, columns 88-89WS.

Compulsorily Detained Mental Patients: Young People

Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many beds are available to juveniles who have been sectioned under the Mental Health Act with

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violent behaviour as one of the indicators; and where each such bed is situated. [180271]

Norman Lamb: We do not hold the information in the form requested. However, we do have data on the number of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) medium secure, low secure and psychiatric intensive care beds as shown in the following table.

However, not all those placed in CAMHS low and medium secure beds or psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) beds will necessarily have been sectioned under the Mental Health Act or presented with violent behaviour.

Dementia

Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will issue guidance to employers and employees on identifying signs of early dementia; and if he will make a statement. [180264]

Norman Lamb: The Government do not have plans to issue guidance solely aimed at employers and employees on identifying signs of early dementia. However, next year, Public Health England, working with Alzheimer's Society, will launch a three-year, £12 million social movement to make the nation more aware of dementia and how to help people with the condition. Aside from public-facing activity, the movement will target business partners and urge them to continue roll out the Dementia Friends programme within their organisations, giving their employees an understanding of dementia and the

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supportive action they can take to help themselves, family, friends and customers. In addition, the NHS Health Check programme offers advice and support to help people aged 40 to 74 make lifestyle changes that can reduce their risk of dementia and other conditions, and now includes dementia awareness advice for those aged 65 to 74 years. Further information is available at:

www.healthcheck.nhs.uk

Gender Recognition

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 9 December 2013, Official Report, column 96W, on gender recognition, (1) what the average waiting time from GP referral to an appointment at a gender identity clinic was in (a) the North West and (b) England in each of the last three years for which data are available; [180555]

(2) how many people have been referred to gender identity clinics in each of the last three years for which data are available. [180556]

Norman Lamb: This information is not held centrally. Hospital Episode Statistics data cannot be used to identify gender identity clinics; gender identity is not a treatment specialty identified in the data.

General Practitioners: South Yorkshire

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of patients were provided with a GP appointment within 48 hours in (a) Doncaster and (b) South Yorkshire for the last quarter for which figures are available. [180167]

Jane Ellison: The information requested is not collected.

Health Education

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what Public Health England's campaign plans are in relation to (a) alcohol, (b) tobacco, (c) obesity and (d) physical activity. [180664]

Jane Ellison: Public Health England has not yet finalised its campaign plans for the 2014-15 financial year but will publish its marketing plan in the spring.

The plan will be subject to approval by the Cabinet Office's Efficiency Reform Group.

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Health Services: Reciprocal Arrangements

Mr Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what progress has been made on the implementation of Article 21.1 of EU Directive 2011/24 regarding cross- border access to health care; and if he will make a statement; [180413]

(2) how many EU member states have transposed into national law EU Directive 2011/24, on the application of patients' rights in cross-border healthcare; and if he will make a statement; [180414]

(3) what steps his Department has taken to implement EU Directive 2011/24; and what assessment he has made of the progress of other EU member states in implementing that directive. [180627]

Jane Ellison: As of 12 December 2013, the Department of Health understands from the European Commission that six member states have fully transposed the directive, seven member states, including the United Kingdom, have provided a partial notification of transposition, and a further four member states will transpose by the end of 2013.

On behalf of Wales, Scotland, Gibraltar and England, on 24 October, the Department of Health submitted a partial notification to the European Commission on the implementation of the EU directive on cross-border healthcare.

Officials from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland have advised that the regulations transposing the directive in Northern Ireland will come into operation before the end of this year.

With regard to steps taken by the Department of Health, the National Health Service (Cross-Border Healthcare) Regulations 2013, the implementing regulations for England and Wales, came into force on 25 October 2013, to coincide with the transposition deadline.

Ministers

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent on ministerial salaries in the last year for which figures are available. [180101]

Dr Poulter: Information about the ministerial salaries is in the public domain and is published annually as part of the Department's Annual Report and Accounts Resource Accounts Remuneration Report. The latest 2012-13 accounts are available at:

www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc1314/hc00/0046/0046.pdf

The following table has been extracted as follows from the 2012-13 accounts:

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18 Dec 2013 : Column 666W

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason musculoskeletal conditions were not included in the first planned wave of primary care data into the care.data programme. [180658]

Norman Lamb: NHS England is taking forward the implementation of the care.data programme. All clinical conditions, including musculoskeletal conditions, should be included in the extract of primary care data for the care.data programme with the exception of those conditions designated as "sensitive".

NHS England is working with the Health and Social Care Information Centre to prepare a further submission to the General Practice Extraction Service Independent Advisory Group to ensure that a wider range of conditions, including musculoskeletal conditions, are contained in the specification.

NHS: Foreign Workers

Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effect of migrant health workers from developing countries working in the National Health Service. [180357]

Dr Poulter: The Department is not able to make an assessment as the number of migrant health workers from developing countries is not collected centrally.

Although in earlier years the national health service relied quite heavily on recruiting staff overseas, efforts to recruit, train and retain staff in this country have paid off in recent years. The NHS now has many more health care professionals, and is much closer to self-sufficiency—in line with World Health Organisation recommendations.

However, given the size and complexity of the NHS it is likely that it will still need to recruit some doctors (and other skilled staff) from overseas to fill gaps in service provision.

The United Kingdom has signed the World Health Organisation Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel and the UK was a member/donor of the Global Health Workforce Alliance.

NHS organisations are strongly advised to adhere to the Code of Practice in all matters concerning the international recruitment of health care professionals across all disciplines—including the appointment of medical staff, nurses, dentists, radiographers, physio- therapists, occupational therapists and all other allied health professionals.

Nurses

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many nurses are engaged in full-time daily care of patients in (a) England and (b) Greater London. [180254]

Dr Poulter: The number of full-time equivalent nurses, midwives and health visitors working in the national health service in England and Greater London are set out in the following table.

The proportion of a nurse's time spent on patient care will vary from trust to trust and post to post.

The data are from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) 2012 Annual Workforce Census, which reflects the numbers of NHS staff employed in England on 30 September in each year in both primary care and hospital and community health services. The 2012 Workforce Census is the most recent; the next Census will be published in March 2014 and will reflect the position as at 30 September 2013.

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Social Workers: Temporary Employment

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of agency social workers employed by local authorities in 2013-14. [180361]

Norman Lamb: The information requested is not available within the Department.

Leader of the House

Human Rights: Children

Sarah Teather: To ask the Leader of the House what steps he has taken to ensure that the parliamentary counsel are made aware of the UK's international human rights obligations relating to children including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. [180443]

Mr Lansley: Parliamentary counsel draft legislation on instructions from departmental lawyers. The Office of Parliamentary Counsel believes it is important for its drafters to have a sound knowledge of human rights law, both with regard to children and more generally. Drafters are supported in this by, amongst other things, a variety of training opportunities and knowledge-sharing arrangements. A reminder about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child has recently been issued to members of the Office.

Scotland

Scottish Independence: Effect on North-east England

8. Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent assessment he has made of the potential effect of Scottish independence on the economy of the north-east of England. [901640]

David Mundell: The detailed Scotland analysis papers we have published underline the value to the economy, across the whole of the United Kingdom, of Scotland remaining as part of the Union.

As it stands, the UK is a true domestic single market, with free movement of goods and services, capital and people.

Civil Service

9. Mr McCann: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has had discussions with the Cabinet Secretary on the impartiality of the civil service in Scotland in relation to its involvement in preparing the Scottish Government document, “Scotland's Future”. [901641]

Mr Alistair Carmichael: I have no doubt that the civil service in Scotland has provided full advice to Scottish Ministers—it is for the Scottish Government to account for the use of that advice.

They are of course accountable to the Scottish Parliament.

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Post Office Network

10. Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met representatives of the Post Office to discuss the network transformation programme and its potential effect on post offices in Scotland. [901642]

David Mundell: The Scotland Office is in regular communication with the Post Office on the network transformation programme. I last met with representatives of the Post Office in November when I had the pleasure of visiting the new Post Office in Biggar, in Lanarkshire, to discuss a range of issues.

Treasury Analysis Papers

11. Stephen Metcalfe: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on HM Treasury's Scotland analysis papers. [901643]

Mr Alistair Carmichael: I have held, and will continue to hold, regular discussions with various Government Ministers on the Scotland analysis papers.

The Scotland analysis programme will continue to publish papers that set out how Scotland contributes to and benefits from being part of the UK.

Infrastructure Programme

13. Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the Government’s infrastructure programme on Scotland. [901645]

Mr Alistair Carmichael: The UK Government’s national infrastructure plan sets out the decisive action we are taking to support long-term investment in energy, transport, telecommunications and innovation. These lie at the very heart of a successful Scottish economy.

“Scotland’s Future”

15. Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department’s policies of the Scottish Government document “Scotland's Future”; and if he will make a statement. [901647]

Mr Alistair Carmichael: The Scottish Government’s White Paper has been long awaited.

Unfortunately it fails to provide a sufficient response to any key referendum questions on issues such as currency, costings and pensions.

If Scotland votes for independence their future will need to be negotiated with the remaining UK and others.

Ministers

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much was spent on ministerial salaries in the last year for which figures are available. [180107]

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David Mundell: Since the coalition formed in 2010, ministerial salaries within the Scotland Office have not increased. The amount spent on ministerial salaries is published in the Scotland Office Annual Report and Accounts. Figures for the last financial year, 2012-13, can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/annual-report-and-accounts-2012-13--2

Culture, Media and Sport

Betting Shops

Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate she has made of (a) the numbers of licensed betting establishments in each parliamentary constituency in each of the last five financial years, (b) the numbers of B2 machines operated in such licensed betting establishments in each parliamentary constituency in each of the last five financial years, (c) the gross amounts gambled on those machines in each parliamentary constituency in each of the last five financial years and (d) the net annual profits derived from such gambling in each constituency in each of the last five financial years. [178328]

Mrs Grant: The Department does not collate figures on licensed betting offices or category B2 gaming machines by parliamentary constituency.

The Gambling Commission's most recent industry statistics publication shows that, at 31 March 2013, there were 9,055 licensed betting offices nationwide. For previous years, as of 31 March, there were the following numbers of licensed betting offices: approx. 8,862 in 2009, approx. 8,822 in 2010, 9,067 in 2011 and 9,128 in 2012.

The industry statistics show that, between April 2012 and March 2013, there were on average 33,209 B2 gaming machines available for use in licensed betting offices. For previous years, the average was as follows: 31,439 in 2008-09, 33,663 in 2009-10, 32,832 in 2010-11 and 33,270 in 2011-12.

Figures for the gross amount gambled are unavailable. However, the gross gambling yield (the amount retained by operators after the payment of winnings but before the deduction of the costs of the operation) for these machines between April 2012 and March 2013 was £1,547 million. For previous years, the gross gambling yield was as follows: £1,051 million in 2008-09, £1,167 million in 2009-10, £1,302 million in 2010-11 and £1,450 million in 2011-12.

Culture: Finance

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to review her Department's allocation of capital for culture projects to ensure that areas across the country are treated equitably. [180452]

Mr Vaizey: There are no plans to review the Department's allocation of capital for culture projects at this time. Ring-fenced allocations of capital grant in aid are allocated by DCMS towards a number of major projects carried

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out by ALBs. DCMS also provides capital funding to arm’s length bodies (ALBs) including Arts Council England, English Heritage, 15 sponsored museums and galleries and the British Library. Decisions on how to invest core capital grant in aid are made by those ALBs, independently of Government.

Marriage

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many officials in her Department are working on allowing same-sex couples to convert their civil partnerships to marriages. [180545]

Mrs Grant [holding answer 18 December 2013]: DCMS has approximately nine full-time equivalent policy and legal staff working on implementing the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013. The new procedures and processes required specifically for the conversion of civil partnerships into marriages are the responsibility of a number of other Departments.

Olympic Games 2012

Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 4 December 2013, Official report, columns 668-9W, on National Lottery: Olympic Games 2012, what estimate she has made of the receipts that will arise on completion of the Olympic Village in 2014; and if she will make a statement. [179029]

Mrs Grant: The receipt to be realised from the sale of part of the Village for private renting will be confirmed in 2014 following completion of the sale. What can be confirmed at this stage is that £71 million of this receipt will go to the Olympic Lottery Distribution Fund (OLDF).

Pay Television

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether offices of (a) her Department and (b) its executive agencies have access to Sky Sports or an equivalent premium sports television service; and what the cost to the public purse is in each case. [176426]

Mrs Grant: DCMS receives its TV feed from the Parliamentary Network, as it requires access to the House of Commons and House of Lords Annunciator feed and coverage. The Broadcast channels, provided by the Network, include Sky Sports 1, 2 and 3. The feed is provided over fibre cable. DCMS pays £1,275 per month for the fibre connections, including maintenance, between the House and the 100 Parliament street.

Radio: Advertising

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when her Department plans to hold a consultation on broadcast advertising rights for community radio stations. [180537]

Mr Vaizey: The consultation will be published shortly. The details will be published on the DCMS section of the Gov.UK website.

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Remembrance Day

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport who is permitted to lay a wreath at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph; and on whose behalf such people lay wreaths. [179917]

Mrs Grant: Tradition and precedent maintain that the following people lay wreaths at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph:

Her Majesty the Queen lays a wreath on behalf of the nation, while the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, the Princess Royal, the Duke of Kent, the Earl of Wessex, the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Henry of Wales lay wreaths in their own right.

The Prime Minister lays a wreath on behalf of Her Majesty's Government and the Leader of the Opposition lays a wreath on behalf of Her Majesty's Opposition. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs lays a wreath on behalf of British Overseas Territories. The High Commissioners of the Commonwealth countries lay wreaths on behalf of the Commonwealth. The First Sea Lord, Chief of the General Staff, and the Chief of the Air Staff lay wreaths on behalf of the individual armed services, while representatives of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets, the Air Transport Auxiliary Association and the Civilian Services lay wreaths on behalf of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets and the Air Transport Auxiliary respectively.

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport who currently lays wreaths on behalf of (a) the Crown Dependencies and (b) the British Overseas Territories at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph. [179918]

Mrs Grant: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs lays a wreath on behalf of the British Overseas Territories. A wreath is not laid on behalf of the Crown Dependencies.

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what process is used when the decision is made as to who is permitted to lay a wreath at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph. [179919]

Mrs Grant: There is no specific process which determines who is permitted to lay a wreath at the Remembrance Sunday service. Tradition, precedent and practicality set out those who lay wreaths at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph.

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make it his policy to advise the Royal Household that each of the (a) British Overseas Territories and (b) Crown Dependencies should be allowed to lay a wreath of their own at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph. [179920]

Mrs Grant: Tradition, precedent and practicality sets out those who lay wreaths at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs lays a wreath on

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behalf of the British Overseas Territories and there are no plans to change the existing arrangements for wreath laying.

Women and Equalities

Babies

Mr Hollobone: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what progress has been made in promoting the provision of breast feeding and baby care facilities in high streets. [179025]

Mrs Grant: This does not fall under the Government Equalities Office remit. The Government recognise that breastfeeding has significant short and long-term health benefits for both mothers and children beyond the period of breastfeeding itself. However, the Government are also aware that breastfeeding is a personal choice for each woman to make and that not all mothers are able to, or choose to, breastfeed. The Department of Health is committed to supporting breastfeeding through the Healthy Child programme, as set out in the White Paper “Healthy Lives, Healthy People: Our strategy for public health in England”.

Bishops: Females

Guy Opperman: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what steps she has taken to support the Church of England's General Synod on the subject of women bishops. [179088]

Mrs Grant: I strongly support the Synod in the progress that it has made this year towards enabling women to become bishops. It is widely acknowledged that women already do a tremendous job within the Church of England and the time has come to take the final step of enabling women to become bishops. I understand that the Synod hopes their legislative process to enable the appointment of women bishops will be completed by the end of 2014.

It is important to note that decisions about the Church of England's internal structure and organisation are matters for the Church itself and not Government.

Gender Recognition

Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities if she will bring forward legislative proposals to amend the Sexual Offences Act 2003 to ensure equal treatment of those who are transgender or of indeterminate sex. [178592]

Mrs Grant: The Sexual Offences Act 2003 does not fall within the remit of the Government Equalities Office.

Business, Innovation and Skills

Apprentices

Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what the median pay was in each sector of Government sponsored apprenticeships in each of the last three years; and what the median pay for each such sector in each such year was for (a) women and (b) men; [180505]

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(2) what the (a) average gross hourly pay and (b) median annual salary was of Government-sponsored hairdressing apprenticeships in England and Wales in each of the last three years; [180523]

(3) what the (a) average gross hourly pay and (b) median annual salary was of Government-sponsored engineering apprenticeships in England and Wales in each of the last three years; [180524]

(4) what the (a) median and (b) mean (i) annual and (ii) hourly salary is for (A) men and (B) women in Government-sponsored apprenticeship schemes; and what the equivalent figures were in each of the last three years. [180596]

Matthew Hancock: Information on apprenticeship pay in England and Wales by sector framework and gender is published in research findings from the Apprenticeship Pay Survey. The most recent surveys cover apprentices working in 2011 and 2012:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship-pay-survey-2012

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship-pay-survey-2011

Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what the gender breakdown was of Government-sponsored hairdressing apprenticeships in England and Wales in each of the last three years; [180515]

(2) what the gender breakdown was of Government-sponsored engineering apprenticeships in England and Wales in each of the last three years. [180516]

Matthew Hancock: Information on apprenticeship starts by gender and Sector Framework is published in a supplementary table to a Statistical First Release:

http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/DE9F098F-97AC-49E3-AB93-DCE58EC9B8C5/0/June2013_ApprenticeshipStartsbySectorFrameworkLevelGender _revised.xls

http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/Statistics/fe_data_library/Apprenticeships/

Full year apprenticeship starts information for the 2012/13 academic year is not yet published by gender and sector framework. The Department does not collect further education information relating to the devolved Administrations.

Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate his Department has made of the number of new apprenticeship schemes created in (a) England, (b) London and (c) Hendon constituency since 2010. [180570]

Matthew Hancock: Information on the number of apprenticeship starts by geography is published in a supplementary table to a Statistical First Release:

http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/6D9AE2BF-CDB4-44C9-AB55-0EACF719BBBE/0/Nov2013_Apprenticeship_Starts.xls

http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/Statistics/fe_data_library/Apprenticeships/

Business: Hendon

Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department is taking to support small businesses in Hendon constituency in accessing finance. [180477]

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Matthew Hancock: Small businesses are vital to the economy and this Government are supporting them in many ways.

Of course, economic stability, lower taxes, deregulation, and a culture of enterprise are vital to business growth. Gov.uk is the home for Government services and information online.

www.gov.uk

One of the tools available is the “Finance Finder”, a searchable database of publicly-backed sources of finance. The tool helps businesses to explore the full range of options available, from Government grants to investment finance available from Business Angels and Venture Capitalists.

The BIS guide “SME access to finance schemes: measures to support small and medium-sized enterprise growth” is available on the same website by searching for the title and provides details on the main forms of public support available to businesses. The website

www.greatbusiness.gov.uk

also provides support and advice for businesses trying to grow as well as for entrepreneurs starting out. In addition to online support, the Business Services Helpline is available to provide a quick response on queries about starting a business, or a personalised and in-depth advice service for more complex needs.

Start-up loans are available to anyone over the age of 18 starting a business (or in the early stages of doing so) but lacking access to the necessary finance or support to realise their ambitions. In Hendon, 32 loans have been made with a total value of £200,149. Further information about start-up loans can be found at:

http://www.startuploans.co.uk

We have put in place a package of credit easing measures, to improve the supply of affordable credit to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). “Funding for Lending” is supporting the supply of credit to the whole economy. In April 2013 we extended the scheme and made it much more generous to SMEs. We are also supporting SMEs who lack sufficient trading record or collateral by providing a Government guarantee. In Hendon, 18 SMEs have been offered “Enterprise Finance Guarantee” loans worth over £2.04 million since May 2010. Companies in Hendon have also received funding of over £600,000 through schemes such as the Early Growth Fund and Regional Capital Venture Fund.

For businesses ready to go further there is “GrowthAccelerator”—a £200 million programme for up to 26,000 high growth potential SMEs, providing them with expertise and networks to achieve sustainable growth.

EU External Trade: USA

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what his policy is on the EU's proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership; and if he will make a statement. [180696]

Michael Fallon: The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is a top priority for the Government. It has the potential to be the largest bilateral trade agreement in history and to bring significant economic benefits, in terms of growth and jobs, to both sides of the Atlantic. The UK has consistently pushed for an

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ambitious and broad agreement that eliminates the vast majority of tariffs, addresses behind-the-border barriers across sectors and seeks to achieve regulatory coherence between Europe and the US. We are working with the Commission and other member states to develop a comprehensive agreement which reflects UK priorities.

There are compelling strategic reasons for the TTIP. It demonstrates clear EU-US leadership on the trade agenda and a firm commitment to liberalisation and open markets. This is an important opportunity to establish 21st century trade rules. The TTIP is also central to the Government's vision of a reformed EU which is more competitive and able to deliver jobs and growth for its citizens.

Negotiations are progressing as planned, with two rounds completed and a third taking place this week in Washington. The third round has a broad focus, including services, investment, procurement, regulatory coherence, and various sectoral discussions. The negotiations will be tough but we hope that a deal can be reached by early 2015.

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership for national sovereignty and the ability of Governments to act in the public interest. [180697]

Michael Fallon: While the Commission has competence under the EU's Common Commercial Policy to conduct trade negotiations, it does so in accordance with mandates from the Council. In the case of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) we would expect the final agreement to be a mixed competence agreement, requiring ratification by each member state.

Negotiations for TTIP are at an early stage. As with any trade or investment agreement, the UK aims to promote the UK's trade and investment interests while ensuring that the UK Government are not prevented from acting in the public interest.

Graphene: Patents

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many UK-based patents have been granted for use of graphene in each year since that material's discovery. [180333]

Mr Willetts: The number of UK-based patents granted for the use of graphene, by year of grant, is given in the following table.

All years prior to 2011 contain zero results.

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the implications of public policy on the number of UK-based patents for graphene; and if he will make a statement. [180334]

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Mr Willetts: The UK is a global leader in research into graphene. The Government are investing £50 million to create the Graphene Global Research and Technology Hub. This will ensure that the UK remains a leader in the development of applications for graphene.

Patent statistics may be used as an indicator of the state of development of a particular technology, and of which companies and universities participate in its development. The Intellectual Property Office is working with the Technology Strategy Board in its technology assessment programmes.

Overseas Trade: Scotland

Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what support UK Trade & Investment has provided to Ministers in the Scottish Government (a) during overseas trips and (b) in relations with foreign Governments since May 2010. [180663]

Michael Fallon: Detailed information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

British Government overseas posts do provide support to Scottish Ministers on overseas visits, when requested. UK Trade & Investment and UK Export Finance also provide support to Scottish businesses.

Royal Mail

Mr Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of effects of privatisation of Royal Mail on the Post Office. [180626]

Jo Swinson: Post Office Ltd has been a separate, independent company since April 2012. Through its network of more than 11,500 branches, the company provides access to around 170 products and services, including those of Royal Mail, but also a wide range of Government services, financial products and services, and telephony products.

In 2012, prior to separation from Royal Mail, Post Office Ltd signed a long-term, commercially negotiated agreement with Royal Mail for the continued supply of services through the post office network. This is a legally binding agreement and is not affected by the sale of shares in Royal Mail.

The two companies are natural commercial and business partners and the chief executive of Royal Mail has said it would be "unthinkable" that there would not always be a strong commercial relationship between the two companies.

Cabinet Office

Charitable Donations

Mr Sheerman: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate he has made of the amount donated to UK charitable organisations through UK crowdfunding platforms in the last year [180121]

Mr Hurd: The information requested is not held centrally. Crowdfunding is a new and innovative way for people to support charitable organisations and I am interested to see how it develops.

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Civil Servants: Scotland

Ann McKechin: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what representations his Department has received from the Scottish Government in the last 12 months on continuity of employment of UK Government civil servants working in Scotland in the event of Scottish independence, as outlined in “Scotland's Future: Your Guide to An Independent Scotland”. [180164]

Mr Hurd: The Cabinet Office has not received any representations from the Scottish Government on this matter in the last 12 months.

Deloitte

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health regarding assessment of work by Deloitte under its NHS contracts for consultancy services in the first quarter of 2010. [180514]

Mr Hurd [holding answer 17 December 2013]:As was the case under previous Administrations internal discussions are not normally disclosed.

Lone Parents

Mr Nigel Evans: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate he has made of the number of children being cared for by a single parent in (a) Ribble Valley constituency, (b) Lancashire and (c) the UK. [180564]

Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.

Letter from Caron Walker, dated December 2013:

On behalf of the Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to respond to your question asking the Secretary of State for Education what estimate has been made of the number of children being cared for by a single parent in (a) Ribble Valley constituency, (b) Lancashire and (c) the UK. (130564)

The number of dependent children living in lone parent families in different areas of the UK can be estimated using the Annual Population Survey. Dependent children are those living with their parent(s) and either (a) aged under 16, or{b) aged 16 to 18 in full-time education, excluding children aged 16 to 18 who have a spouse, partner or child living in the household.

As with any sample survey, estimates from the Annual Population Survey are subject to a margin of uncertainty.

Minimum Wage

Mr Bain: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people aged 22 or over resident in each (a) local authority area and (b) parliamentary constituency

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were employed in jobs paying less than the national minimum wage in 2013. [180489]

Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.

Letter from Caron Walker, December 2013:

On behalf of the Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people aged 22 or over resident in each (a) local authority area and (b) parliamentary constituency, were employed in jobs paying less than the national minimum wage in 2013. (180489).

Estimates for the number of jobs paid below the national minimum wage in the United Kingdom are produced using data from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), but estimates are not available below Regions. The table shows the regional estimates for April 2013, the latest period for which results are available. Figures relate to employee jobs, which are defined as those held by employees and not the self-employed. It is not possible for reasons of quality to provide an age breakdown for these figures.

A guide to measuring low pay and associated articles can be found on the National Statistics website at:

http://wasppreview/ons/guide-method/method-quality/specific/labour-market/annual-survey-of-hours-and-earnings/new-annual-survey-of-hours-and-earnings.html

Press Releases

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office for what reasons a quote from Jonathan Isaby, Political Director of the Taxpayer's Alliance, was included in his Department's press release, “Government savings reach £5.4 billion at mid-year point”, published on 7 November 2013. [179999]

Mr Hurd: It has been the practice of successive Governments over many years to reference views, statistics or research from external organisations in communications materials.

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For a couple of examples from a previous Government I refer the hon. Member to:

http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20070701141754/http:/www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/newsroom_and_speeches/press/2007/press_65_07.cfm

http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20070701141754/http:/www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/newsroom_and_speeches/press/2007/press_67_07.cfm

Treasury

Ministers

Ian Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much was spent on ministerial salaries in the last year for which figures are available. [180109]

Nicky Morgan: HM Treasury ministerial salary expenditure is published each year in the HM Treasury annual report and accounts:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hm-treasury-annual-report-and-accounts-2012-to-2013

National Income

Steve Baker: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to adopt the gross output measure of the economy developed by the US Bureau of Economic Analysis in order to reveal the total sales volume at all stages of production in the UK. [180207]

Nicky Morgan: The Government regard the headline measure of gross domestic product (GDP) to be the most relevant measure of aggregate economic activity. These figures are published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The ONS also publishes estimates of gross output at aggregate, institutional sector and industry level as part of the wider UK National Accounts.

Education

Children's Centres

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many children's centres there were in the 30 per cent of most deprived areas across England, calculated according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation, in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and (d) 2013. [176910]

Elizabeth Truss: My Department has carried out a data-cleansing and survey exercise to assure me of the level of confidence in figures provided by local authorities on the Sure Start-on database. This has shown that in 2010 there were actually 3,615, not 3,631¹, centres open, as there were 15 centres which local authorities entered onto the database which did not subsequently open and one duplicate record.

Of these 3,615 centres, information from local authorities shows that 65 have closed. Six new centres have opened.

As of 30 November 2013, 3,055 children's centres that local authorities have designated as statutory children's centres are open.

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There are a further 501 sites which were designated as children's centres in April 2010 that remain open and offering services to families and children as part of a network of children's centres.

Due to these data issues, reliable information in connection with areas of multiple disadvantage is not yet available. We will provide this information as soon as possible.

To ensure that the data presented to the public is as accurate as possible, the Government will now review the way in which the children's centres data is collected from local authorities and presented on the direct.gov website. The website will be amended overnight to reflect the correct current position.

To provide the information for earlier years would incur disproportionate cost.

¹https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/numbers-of-sure-start-childrens-centres-april-2010

Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many children's centres there were in each local authority area in the latest period for which figures are available. [177099]

Elizabeth Truss: My Department has carried out a data-cleansing and survey exercise to assure me of the level of confidence in figures provided by local authorities on the Sure Start-on database. This has shown that in 2010 there were actually 3,615, not 3,631¹, centres open, as there were 15 centres which local authorities entered onto the database which did not subsequently open and one duplicate record.

Of these 3,615 centres, information from local authorities shows that 65 have closed. Six new centres have opened.

As of 30 November 2013, 3,055 children's centres that local authorities have designated as statutory children's centres are open.

There are a further 501 sites which were designated as children's centres in April 2010 that remain open and offering services to families and children as part of a network of children's centres.

Due to these data issues we are not yet able to provide accurate numbers by local authority area but will provide that further information as soon as possible.

To ensure that the data presented to the public is as accurate as possible, the Government will now review the way in which the children's centres data is collected from local authorities and presented on the direct.gov website. The website will be amended overnight to reflect the correct current position.

¹ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/numbers-of-sure-start-childrens-centres-april-2010

Higher Education: Admissions

Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of school leavers in each constituency went to (a) Russell Group Universities and (b) the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge in the latest year for which data is available. [180448]

Matthew Hancock: The requested data are published here:

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https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/231113/KS5_Parliamentary_Constituency_Percentages_SFR192013.xlsx

These show the key stage 5 destination measures parliamentary constituency tables for 2010-11 destinations, and are the latest data available. The Russell Group and Oxford and Cambridge University figures can be found in the table labelled ‘KS5_PCON_PER’.

A copy of the document has been placed in the House Library.

Languages: Education

Mr Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to increase the number of young people who speak a second language. [180566]

Elizabeth Truss: As I stated in my reply to the hon. Gentleman on 28 November 2013, Official Report, column 400W, the English Baccalaureate is already encouraging more young people to take a second language at GCSE level. The number of pupils entered for a modern foreign language GCSE at the end of key stage 4 (ages 14 to 16) in England increased by over 20% from 2012 to 2013.

We have made study of a foreign language compulsory at key stage 2 (ages seven to 11) as part of the new national curriculum, which comes into force from September 2014. The new programmes of study for key stages 2 and 3 (ages 11 to 14) set out that teaching a foreign language should enable pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing.

Ofsted

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when (a) he, (b) the Minister of State for Schools and (c) the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise received a copy of Ofsted's Annual Report 2013. [180468]

Mr Laws: Section 121 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 sets out that Her Majesty's Chief Inspector has a duty to report annually to the Secretary of State and that the Secretary of State must lay the report before each House of Parliament. In order to fulfil this requirement, the commentary section, which includes the letter from the Chief Inspector presenting the annual report, was sent to the Secretary of State on 4 December. Ministers received the full report on 10 December.

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether Ofsted released its annual 2013 Annual Report to media organisations before 10.00am on 11 December 2013. [180471]

Mr Laws: This question is a matter for Ofsted. I have asked Her Majesty's Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, to write to the hon. Member. A copy of his reply has been placed in the House Library.

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Schools: Armed Forces

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what measures are in place to ensure clarity of responsibility between his Department and the Ministry of Defence over safeguarding concerns in Combined Cadet Forces. [180300]

Mr Laws: The position on safeguarding responsibilities is very clear and is set out in guidance from the Department for Education and from the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

The armed forces' responsibility over safeguarding in Combined Cadet Forces (CCF) is clearly set out in two MOD Joint Service Publications (JSPs). JSP 313 includes a CCF Responsibility Matrix, which states that responsibility for Disclosure and Barring Service clearance of Contingent Officers lies with the School Head/Contingent Commander. For a CCF, the school head teacher may delegate this to the Contingent Commander, but the head teacher retains ultimate responsibility. JSP 535 is the Cadet Training Safety Precautions and sets out policy and procedures on child safeguarding and provides Cadet Force Adult Volunteers with specific guidance for dealing with accidents, incidents and child safeguarding issues.

Schools' responsibilities are set out in statutory guidance from the Department for Education on safeguarding: ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children 2013’ and ‘Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education’. The guidance covers the issue of volunteers working with children, for example in school cadet units.

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the results of the Military ethos in schools programme. [180301]

Mr Laws: The development of military ethos, such as self-discipline, resilience, teamwork and leadership, lead to positive outcomes both for individual young people and for society as a whole.

Alternative provision providers inform us of progress and impact on a regular basis. They also undertake their own independent evaluation exercises. These include a study by Swansea University into Commando Joe's programmes in four schools serving 57 pupils, which found that 56% of pupils in the study improved their mathematics academic achievement grades, 46% of pupils in the study improved their academic reading achievement grades and 70% of pupils in the study improved their academic writing achievement grades.

In addition, research by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) into Knowsley Skills Academy (KSA) found that 90% of the 30 individuals not in education, employment or training (NEETs) on the company's programme gained employment. NFER reported that:

“Feedback from young people, parents and other agencies indicates that KSA is making considerable progress at turning around the lives of young people and giving them the motivation and skills to make a successful return to mainstream education”.

Teacher assessment of the direct impact on 32 pupils involved in Challenger Troop programmes found that 77% of pupils showed improvement in self-control and behaviour after six months, with 10% showing improvement after one day. It also found that 86% showed improvement

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in their social skills after six months and 73% showed improvement in their self-awareness and confidence after six months.

It is too early for us to assess the impact of Troops to Teachers on schools as the under-graduate programme does not commence until-January 2014.

It is also too early to make an assessment of the impact on new cadet units in schools set up under the programme in 2013. However, early discussions with schools indicate that the programme is already making a positive difference to children, as is evident in this recent quote from one school participating in the programme:

“it has offered a valuable and incredibly rich outlet to students who do not typically throw themselves into the life of the school”.

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has to expand the military ethos in schools programme. [180302]

Mr Laws: Last month the Department for Education awarded £4.8 million of grants to military ethos providers in addition to the £3.2 million already committed last academic year.

As part of a wider engagement between the services and schools, Troops to Teachers will develop eligible service leavers into teachers through a combination of additional financial support and the introduction of a bespoke initial teacher training course from January 2014.

The Cadet Expansion programme aims to create 100 new cadet units based in English state funded schools by 2015. The programme has been given £10.85 million by the Department for Education and Ministry of Defence so that more young people can benefit from the cadet experience, and to increase the number of state schools benefiting from having a cadet force as part of school life.

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the evidential basis is for the benefits of a military ethos in schools. [180303]

Mr Laws: Two studies have provided evidence on the benefits of Cadet Force membership. These are: “The Societal Impact of Cadet Forces”, November 2010, by the universities of Portsmouth and Southampton and “The Impact of Combined Cadet Force Contingents in state secondary schools in Wales”, June 2009, by the university of Wales Newport, School of Education. Results from the Portsmouth and Southampton study suggest “that cadets tend to have high levels of respect for authority and others and high levels of self-esteem. They are likely to be committed citizens and have heightened aspirations.”

Self-discipline has been shown to be a greater indicator of future success than IQ. This is set out in two reports. Duckworth, A.L, and Seligman, M.E.P. (2005) Self-discipline outdoes IQ in predicting academic performance of adolescents’ Psychological Science, 16:12 pg. 939-944 and Feinstein, L (2000) The Relative Economic Importance of Academic, Psychological and Behavioural Attributes Developed in Childhood London: Centre for Economic Performance (LSE).

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Duckworth and Seligman looked at the importance of self-discipline on a group of 13 and 14 year olds from a socioeconomically and ethnically diverse school. They conducted a two-year study of the students' self-discipline levels, finding that self-discipline was a significantly better predictor of academic performance than IQ. Feinstein finds that a sense of personal agency at the age of ten is more important to future chances than reading skills. We also know that the percentage of cadets that re-offend or commit a serious offence is significantly less than the national average.

We have evidence from the US Troops to Teachers (T3) programme that troops can make outstanding teachers who are likely to have a more significant result on the achievement of children and to remain in teaching longer than teachers recruited through other routes. The US T3 programme identified that one of the benefits that Service Leavers brought to the classroom is that they provide a role model to whom disadvantaged children can relate. This benefit was also highlighted on the BBC Panorama programme about Troops to Teachers on 28 February 2011.

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what consideration was given to sources other than the Military in the design of a programme to foster the values of self-discipline and teamwork. [180304]

Mr Laws: Military ethos is about improving educational attainment, and those things that support it such as good behaviour and attendance, through instilling positive qualities and values such as confidence, resilience, self-control, loyalty, agency, teamwork and problem solving. These qualities are of course not exclusive to the military. In the UK we have a strong tradition of youth uniformed organisations, such as Girlguiding UK. and the Scout Association, or St John's Ambulance and the Boys and Girls Brigades, who have an excellent track record of developing young people from a variety of backgrounds and of building their self-esteem and ability to self-manage.

Schools may also support a wide range of non-uniformed activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, the National Citizen Service and other sports, adventure and volunteering schemes.

The education system in England has a diverse range of alternative provision, delivered either in school or offsite, that helps foster these values. These include provision with work-based elements such as construction, or activity-based elements such as sports. It is for schools to decide what alternative provision is most suitable for their pupils. We have removed restrictions over maintained schools' power to direct pupils to be educated offsite for the purposes of improving their behaviour.

I also refer the hon. Member to my answer to PQ 180303.

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what alternatives to physical activities are available for those unable to take part in military ethos programmes as a result of a disability or for other reasons. [180306]

Mr Laws: Schools should ensure that their curriculum provision offers opportunities for all pupils and is inclusive of those with disabilities.

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Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many instances of bullying, abuse or neglect were reported by cadets in school Combined Cadet Forces in each academic year between 2010 and 2013. [180308]

Mr Laws: We are not aware of any such incidents related to pupils' experience as cadets. Safeguarding incidents would be for the relevant local authority to follow up with the school and, where relevant, the local brigade.

Schools: West Sussex

Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what support his Department plans to give to parents affected by the decision to withdraw funding from April 2014 of the Discovery New School in Crawley constituency; and if he will employ and assist West Sussex Local Education Authority in managing school places. [180674]

Mr Timpson: The Department's officials are working closely with the Chair of governors of Discovery New School and West Sussex county council (WSCC) to ensure that the children's move to other local schools is managed with as little disruption as possible. WSCC is committed to working with the Department for Education to ensure that there are suitable places ready in good local schools.

WSCC contacted the school and parents on the day of the announcement and has also offered to visit the school to offer advice to parents on securing a new school place for their children. The Department will continue to liaise with WSCC and offer support throughout the process.

Sixth-form Education

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to tackle poor performance in school and academy sixth forms. [180465]

Mr Laws: The Department for Education has recently consulted on proposals to reform the accountability system for 16-19 education to secure sharper accountability across all 16-19 schools and colleges. This includes proposals to strengthen minimum standards.

The Government introduced interim 16-19 minimum standards that applied to school and academy sixth forms for the first time in May 2013. In recognition that the standards were a new and interim measure of performance, no formal action was taken in relation to schools and academies falling below the interim 16-19 standard this year. However, all schools and academies falling below the standard were issued with letters, and academies were informed that in the event that they continued to be below the 16-19 standards, further action, in accordance with their funding agreement, may be considered.

All schools and academies remain subject to Ofsted inspection.

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many (a) schools and (b) academy sixth forms have success rates in the education of 16 to 19 year olds lower than the minimum performance levels expected of further education colleges in that area. [180466]

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Mr Laws: The qualification success rates for 16 to 18-year-olds are not comparable to the success rates used for adult Further Education Minimum Level of Performance. Producing a comparable measure would incur disproportionate costs.

The Department for Education introduced interim minimum standards for 16 to 18-year-olds in 2012¹. These standards are based on attainment rather than success rates.

¹http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/youngpeople/participation/b00218198/16-19-accountability/interim-minimum-standards-2011-12

An explanation of the Level 3 interim measure can be found here:

https://www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/2012/download/2012_16-19_Interim_minimum_standards.xlsx

Teachers: Training

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the effects of the time taken to allocate subject knowledge enhancement places on the capacity of universities to recruit to those programmes in the 2013-14 academic year. [180298]

Mr Laws: Subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) places are no longer allocated to a restricted group of institutions. All schools and initial teacher training (ITT) providers that were allocated teacher training places on 31 October were informed on 8 November that they could access funding for subject knowledge enhancement. This was to increase their capacity to recruit from 21 November, when the UCAS Teacher Training application system for ITT opened. As with the previous scheme, SKE in 2013-14 will be available to supplement the knowledge of suitable applicants for ITT, but now to a far wider group of providers and schools.

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education for what reasons the allocation of subject knowledge enhancement places to universities in academic year 2013-14 was not made until 8 November 2013. [180299]

Mr Laws: Following the review of the subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) programme and subsequent consultation with stakeholders, we have changed the way SKE operates. SKE places are no longer allocated to a restricted group of institutions; rather funding to source SKE provision is available to all institutions with initial teacher training (ITT) places. Once schools and ITT providers had teacher training allocations confirmed on 31 October, they could be informed on 8 November that they could access funding for SKE. This was to increase their capacity to recruit from 21 November, when the UCAS Teacher Training application system for ITT opened.