Schools: Greater Manchester

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many of the schools assessed by Ofsted in Greater Manchester in 2013 were rated as (a) outstanding, (b) good, (c) requiring improvement and (d) inadequate. [181811]

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.

6 Jan 2014 : Column 105W

Schools: North West

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many schools in the North West of England have been assessed as being (a) outstanding, (b) good, (c) requires improvement and (d) inadequate since the introduction of the revised assessment framework in September 2013. [181810]

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 will be placed in the House Library.

Schools: Personnel Management

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what estimate he has made of the total cost to the public purse of human resource services in academies; and what the HR costs of the school system were in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2012-13. [181185]

Mr Timpson: The Department does not hold records of estimated expenditure by academies at this level of detail. The Department does require academies to submit an estimate of their income and expenditure for both the academic and financial year. The estimated cost of human resource services is included within the broader category of support costs. The Department is unable to extract those costs specific to human resource services.

The Department does not hold records of HR expenditure in the school system. The Department does require all schools maintained by local authorities in England to complete a Consistent Financial Reporting (CFR) return at the end of each financial year. The CFR return includes expenditure on a range of staff costs but the Department is unable to individually identify HR expenditure.

Shannon Matthews

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) when he made public the decision not to publish the serious case review on the case of Shannon Matthews; [181172]

(2) on what basis he made the decision not to publish the serious case review on the case of Shannon Matthews; [181173]

(3) pursuant to the answer of 29 November 2013, Official Report, columns 449-50W, on Shannon Matthews and the answer of 12 December 2013, Official Report, column 381W, on Shannon Matthews, if he will give the (a) case reference number and (b) name of the presiding judge who issued the Consent Order at the High Court on 19 June 2013. [181324]

Mr Timpson: I refer my hon. Friend to the responses of 18 November 2013, Official Report, column 745W, 29 November 2013, Official Report, column 449W and 12 December 2013, Official Report, column 381W.

Special Educational Needs

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of special educational needs students attained more than five A* to C grade GCSEs or equivalent, including English and mathematics, in each of the last five years. [181898]

6 Jan 2014 : Column 106W

Mr Timpson: The requested information for England can be found in table 1 of the Statistical First Release: ‘GCSE and equivalent attainment by pupil characteristics in England: 2011 to 2012’¹.

GCSE attainment for 2013 by pupil characteristics will be published on 23 January 2014.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gcse-and-equivalent-attainment-by-pupil-characteristics-in-england

Teachers: Training

Richard Benyon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps his Department is taking to ensure that initial teacher training students receive the appropriate support for teaching students with dyslexia and other literacy difficulties. [181219]

Mr Laws: The Department for Education requires that all trainee teachers meet the teachers’ standards before they can be awarded qualified teacher status (QTS). These standards include a requirement that teachers must adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of all pupils. Teachers should have a clear understanding of the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs, and be able to adapt teaching to engage and support them.

Ofsted inspects initial teacher training (ITT), including how well teachers are prepared to meet these standards. Inspections also examine how trainees are prepared to teach early reading.

In addition, the Department for Education provides funding to the Dyslexia SpLD Trust and to Nasen to provide information and training materials to improve the quality of support available to pupils with dyslexia or literacy difficulties. The Dyslexia SpLD Trust is working with schools and ITT providers to offer a professional development framework.

Young People: Unemployment

Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many 16 to 18-year-olds were not in education, employment or training in (a) England, (b) London and (c) Hendon constituency in each of the last five years. [181729]

Matthew Hancock: The Department does not hold constituency-level NEET data. Local authorities, however, collect information on 16 to 18-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training in each local authority area in England. This information is published annually on the Department’s website at:

http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/youngpeople/participation/neet/a0064101/16--to-18-year-olds-not-in-education,-employment-or-training

although the quality of the data is dependent on the local data collection arrangements.

Communities and Local Government

Army: Germany

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 16 December 2013, Official Report, column 440W, on Army: Germany, what account he took of paragraph 7.24 of the Leader of House’s Guide to Parliamentary Work in the preparation of that answer. [181012]

6 Jan 2014 : Column 107W

Brandon Lewis: It is long-standing government practice, under this and previous Administrations, not to provide information about interdepartmental discussions, so as not to undermine collective responsibility, or inhibit the free and frank provision of advice or exchange of views, or otherwise prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs.

The hon. Member was previously conversant with such practices when he was in Government, as evident by his replies to parliamentary questions such as 23 June 2009, Official Report, columns 743-44W.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 16 December 2013, Official Report, column 440W, on Army: Germany, whether he has taken any specific action in relation to the re-basing of armed forces personnel. [181013]

Brandon Lewis: The Department for Communities and Local Government has taken no specific action in relation to the re-basing of armed forces personnel. I am aware colleagues at the Ministry of Defence are fully engaged with local authorities and service providers.

Curzon Institute

Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 10 December 2013, Official Report, column 157W, on the Curzon Institute, whether the contract agreed with the Curzon Institute (a) was advertised beforehand and (b) open to other organisations invited to bid for it. [180225]

Stephen Williams [holding answer 16 December 2013]: The Curzon Institute approached my Department with a bid for grant funding to support a project it was taking forward to highlight the contribution made by Commonwealth nations to the First World War. We felt that this project had a good strategic fit with the Department's desire to take the Commonwealth aspect of the Centenary forward, and awarded it a grant of £120,000. This was not let as a competitive contract because the Department was not buying a service. Grant funding was provided to support the organisation in delivering its own project.

More information about the project can be found on my Department's website:

www.gov.uk/government/news/commonwealth-contribution-to-first-world-war-to-be-commemorated

Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 10 December 2013, Official Report, column 157W, on the Curzon Institute, whether Afzal Amin was involved in negotiating this contract. [180227]

Stephen Williams [holding answer 16 December 2013]: As I have outlined to the hon. Member in my answers to her previous questions, my Department has a grant funding agreement with Curzon Education to support a commemoration programme highlighting the crucial contribution of Commonwealth countries during the First World War.

6 Jan 2014 : Column 108W

Mr Amin was involved in the discussions with civil servants, solely in his capacity as an official representative of Curzon Education/the Curzon Institute (for the avoidance of doubt, not in any other personal or political capacity).

More information about the project can be found on my Department's website at:

www.gov.uk/government/news/commonwealth-contribution-to-first-world-war-to-be-commemorated

Fire Services: South West

Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will make a statement regarding the proposed merger of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue services. [180948]

Brandon Lewis: The Government may support authorities where locally-led and locally-supported mergers are shown to deliver improved cost effectiveness and efficiencies. The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, my right hon. Friend the Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr Pickles), will consider applications to combine two local fire and rescue authorities where proposals have been consulted on and have local support.

Equally, nothing prevents such authorities moving ahead with back office integration and sharing of administrative services straight away, to help decide sensible savings.

Fires: Deaths

Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how his Department defines a fire death; and how his Department records such deaths. [181335]

Brandon Lewis: Fire deaths are defined as being all fatalities which result from injuries that occurred as a result of a fire. These include any casualty who subsequently dies from such injuries.

The Department receives electronic records of all incidents attended by fire and rescue authorities, and these include details of casualties. Numbers of fire incidents, fatalities and non-fatal casualties are published in the Department's Fire Statistics Monitor publication at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fire-statistics-monitor

Fires: Electrical Safety

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many household fires were caused by electric heaters in each of the last 10 years; and how many such fires resulted in (a) injuries and (b) fatalities. [180336]

Brandon Lewis: The number of household fires whose source of ignition was an electric heater and related casualties are shown in the table. Over three quarters of these fires and 85% of the resulting casualties were the result of misuse of the appliance, for example items either covering or too close to the appliance.

6 Jan 2014 : Column 109W

The Department's Fire Kills campaign promotes a range of fire safety messages, primarily around the importance of working smoke alarms, to help drive down the number of fires and associated casualties. Fire Kills works in close partnership with the Electrical Safety Council to raise awareness of electrical fire safety messages, including the safe use of electric heaters. Together, we coordinate Electrical Fire Safety Week each year to create a hook for both local and national news stories and events to promote these messages.

Housing: Demolition

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many dwellings were demolished by each of the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinders in each year that scheme was in operation. [180788]

Kris Hopkins [holding answer19 December 2013]: The Audit Commission published a review of the Housing Market Renewal programme (Audit Commission, Housing market renewal, March 2011, p.9) that projected there would be 30,987 demolitions from 2002 to 2010-11. Full figures by type can be found in the Audit Commission report, while figures on individual areas are available at:

http://archive.audit-commission.gov.uk/auditcommission/housing/marketrenewalpathfinders/strategicreviews/pages/strategicreviewofprogress2010.aspx.html

This Government have cancelled the Pathfinder programme and are instead bringing these homes back into use for the communities who need them. We have provided £235 million in direct funding to housing providers and community groups to create homes from empty property which meet the needs of their community. Our delivery partners have committed to creating up to 15,000 homes from empty property by 2015.

More broadly, the New Homes Bonus has rewarded over 93,000 long-term empty properties being brought back into use.

Ministers

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much was spent on ministerial salaries in the last year for which figures are available. [180093]

Brandon Lewis: According to the most recent annual accounts, the Department spent £227,000 on ministerial salaries in 2012-13 (excluding social security costs). This compares with £272,000 in 2009-10.

6 Jan 2014 : Column 110W

In May 2010, the coalition Government cut Ministers' salaries by 5% and then froze ministerial salaries for the rest of the Parliament. This represents a significant cut in real terms, and shows how Ministers have led from the front in tackling senior pay and delivering sensible savings.

Travellers

Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 12 December 2013, Official Report, columns 364-5W, on Travellers, if the Government will work with the research project at Salford University on continuing to update statistical data in relation to the number of Roma in England, Scotland and Wales, in order to inform its ongoing strategy in relation to Roma. [180754]

Stephen Williams: The Government engage with a wide range of experts on polices relating to Roma. In particular, Government officials attend meetings of the National Roma Network, the membership of which includes local authorities, non-governmental organisations and academics, including the authors of the Salford University report on Roma in the UK.

Urban Areas

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he has taken to support small high street businesses. [180962]

Brandon Lewis: The Government recognise that small businesses are a vital part of high streets and are committed to supporting them, as highlighted in our support for Small Business Saturday on 7 December. On 5 and 6 December we announced a range of powerful new measures to provide the tools for local communities to transform their high streets and town centres, including the biggest business rates support package for over 20 years.

We are introducing a business rates discount of £1,000 for smaller retail premises for two years from April, and 50% business rates relief for up to 18 months for new occupants of shops that have been vacant for a year. We are capping next year’s business rates RPI increase at 2%. As well as doubling small business rate relief for a further year to March 2015, we will relax the rate relief criteria to remove the disincentive for the smallest businesses to take on second properties. Other measures to support high streets include tackling aggressive and unhelpful parking policies, a review of business improvement districts, consultations on new permitted development rights, further planning simplification, a call for evidence on red tape and support for the digital high streets. More information can be found in the press release at:

www.gov.uk/government/news/eric-pickles-launches-package-of-support-for-local-shops

Smaller retailers will also benefit from the Government’s introduction this year of a £2,000 employment allowance for all businesses to reduce their national insurance contributions bill each year, and a falling corporation tax rate. The Government will make it cheaper for businesses to employ young people by abolishing employer national insurance contributions for under-21 on earnings up to £813 per week. Small retailers can also take

6 Jan 2014 : Column 111W

advantage of the range of support offered by the Government to help small and medium-sized businesses to start and thrive.

Energy and Climate Change

Electricity Generation

Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what measures are in place to ensure that capacity market agreements are properly structured to support the independent financing of new power projects. [181958]

Michael Fallon: The proposals for a Capacity Market are the subject of a public consultation which has just closed and included questions on the status of the proposed capacity agreements and investibility of the design.

In finalising the design, we will be seeking to find the right balance between ensuring the Capacity Market is investible for the new power projects we need, and ensuring consumers are not taking on too much risk on behalf of investors.

Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if the Government will review the proposed penalty regime for the capacity market to ensure that independent generators are not excluded financially from participating in it in favour of the big six energy suppliers. [181959]

Michael Fallon: The proposals for a Capacity Market are the subject of a public consultation which has just closed and included questions on the proposed penalty regime and its impact on the investibility of the design for both big incumbent and independent capacity providers.

A proposed cap on penalties and the concept of a four hour warning should help ensure the risks of participation remain manageable for investors, but we will be reviewing consultation responses on these issues and seeking to ensure that capacity auctions are competitive for all sizes of provider.

Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if the Government will extend the length of the proposed capacity market agreements to facilitate new competition in the wholesale generation market. [181960]

Michael Fallon: The proposals for a Capacity Market are the subject of a public consultation which has just closed and included questions on appropriate length of capacity agreements for new power plants.

We will be reviewing consultation responses and seeking to ensure that capacity auctions facilitate competitive new entry to the market.

Energy

Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if the Government will introduce support mechanisms to help fuel cells and hydrogen energy reach their potential in the UK. [180945]

6 Jan 2014 : Column 112W

Gregory Barker: Fuel cells are energy conversion devices which offer zero emissions at the point of use. Hydrogen is an energy vector (like electricity), which depending on how it is produced, has the potential to be low or zero carbon. Fuel cells and hydrogen have potential applications for stationary power generation, transport, and battery replacement in some niche markets such as materials handling. The technology is on the verge of commercialisation.

Three Government Departments (DECC, BIS and DFT through the Office of Low Emission Vehicles) have been participating in UK2Mobility, an industry-led project to develop a business plan for the roll out of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in the UK. This would facilitate the deployment of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) which leading automotive manufacturers are committed to introducing on a commercial basis in selected markets from 2015. The Government will be considering the support mechanisms which may be needed to facilitate the deployment of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, fuel cell electric vehicles, and the production of low-carbon hydrogen. In addition the Government have launched a call for evidence on measures to support uptake of ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs), including FCEVs, in 2015-20 using the £500 million we committed in this year's spending round.

For power generation, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for North Warwickshire (Dan Byles) on 25 October 2013, Official Report, columns 291-2W.

Energy: Meters

Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (1) how many electricity smart meters were installed in domestic properties in Scotland in (a) 2012 and (b) 2013; [181899]

(2) how many gas smart meters were installed in domestic properties in Scotland in (a) 2012 and (b) 2013; [181900]

(3) how many non-domestic properties in Scotland have (a) smart meters and (b) advanced meters. [181901]

Michael Fallon: The Government publish quarterly statistics on the number of smart, smart-type and traditional meters installed and operated in domestic properties and smart, advanced and traditional meters installed and operated in smaller non-domestic sites by the larger energy suppliers (i.e. British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON, Npower, Scottish Power and SSE) in Great Britain. The latest quarterly release was published on 12 December 2013:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/smart-meters-statistics

These estimates are released as Experimental National Statistics which means they are official statistics undergoing an evaluation process prior to being assessed as National Statistics. They are published in order to involve users and stakeholders in their development, and as a means to build in quality assurance during development. Currently, data is published only at Great Britain level.

6 Jan 2014 : Column 113W

Energy: Prices

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to his statement of 2 December 2013, Official Report, column 631, on energy bills, what assessment his Department has made of the distributional effects of paying for social and environmental obligations on (a) energy bills and (b) taxes. [180205]

Michael Fallon: The Government's latest assessment of the impact of climate change and energy policies on consumer energy bills was in March 2013¹. This presents an assessment of the distributional impacts of climate change and energy policies across different household types, including by expenditure decile, household composition, heating fuel type, tenure and rurality.

We have not carried out a similar analysis of the distributional impacts of funding social and environmental obligations through general taxation.

¹https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/estimated-impacts-of-energy-and-climate-change-policies-on-energy-prices-and-bills

Forests: Developing Countries

Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the role of forest governance and national legislation in implementing REDD+ strategies in developing countries. [182017]

Gregory Barker: The Government recognise the important role of national parliaments and legislators in stopping deforestation.

For 12 years the UK has supported programmes to reduce illegal logging, and reform forest governance and markets. Currently the DFID-led Forest Governance Markets and Climate Programme provides £79 million of the UK's International Climate Fund between 2011 and 2016 to benefit poor people by putting in place the governance and market reforms that reduce illegal logging and deforestation.

Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the role national parliaments and legislators play in implementing REDD+ strategies in developing countries. [182018]

Gregory Barker: Good governance is a prerequisite for better management of forests in developing countries, including for the mechanism known as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+).

There is a role for national parliaments and legislators in implementing REDD+ strategies in developing countries. For example they can help define the national strategies and plans, provide the basis to set up national forests monitoring systems, systems for measuring and reporting of emissions, and to ensure that the social and environmental safeguards are addressed and respected.

The DFID-led Forest Governance, Markets and Climate (FGMC) Programme is supporting reforms to improve forest governance in a number of countries, including Liberia, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Indonesia.

6 Jan 2014 : Column 114W

Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the total amount is which his Department provides to (a) bilateral and (b) multilateral funds to support capacity building in national parliaments and the development of national legislation as part of the preparation and implementation of REDD+ strategies in developing countries. [182019]

Gregory Barker: DECC along with DFID and DEFRA provide support to protect forests in developing countries through the UK's International Climate Fund, with a portion of this dedicated to capacity building. UK support includes:

(a) UK bilateral programmes

£15 million low-carbon agricultural project with Colombia—will help cattle farmers plant trees on cattle-grazing land to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect forests, increase biodiversity and improve livelihoods.

£79 million Forests Governance Markets and Climate initiative—works in Liberia, Ghana, Indonesia and other countries to help stop illegal logging.

£20 million Forestry Knowledge and Tools (KnowFor) initiative—supports good practice forest management by working with leading international think-tanks to influence policy and decision makers.

£20 million Nepal Multi-Stakeholder Forestry Programme—reduces rural poverty and maintains healthy ecosystems by helping local communities manage their forests.

£25 million to help Indonesia improve accountability for land-use decisions, manage corruption in the system for issuing plantation and mining permits, and support spatial planning in Papua for sustainable economic development in Indonesia's last undisturbed forest.

(b) Multilateral funds

£15 million to the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (£3.5 million to the FCPF Readiness Fund and £11.5 million to the FCPF Carbon Fund)—administered by the World Bank to help 37 countries reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation.

£100 million to the Climate Investment Funds' Forest Investment Programme (CIF's FIP)—administered by the World Bank to help eight countries scale up investments in action against deforestation.

£50 million to the Congo Basin Forest Fund—administered by the African Development Bank to help the 10 countries of the Congo Basin improve forest their management.

£75 million to the BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes—a public-private partnership administered by the World Bank will support countries or jurisdictions in advancing their implementation of REDD+.

Support for REDD+ phase II (implementation) and phase III (results-based payments) can also support the development of legislation by incentivising countries to move through the REDD+ readiness process when the necessary reforms are made.

Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how his Department supports the development of national REDD+ legislation in developing countries. [182020]

Gregory Barker: The Government recognise the importance of the development of national REDD+ legislation in developing countries.

We are active in negotiations under the UNFCCC and multilateral forest funds such as the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility Readiness Fund—more countries are demonstrably progressing on REDD+ readiness through the FCPF Readiness Fund and we see progress

6 Jan 2014 : Column 115W

on the implementation of REDD+ activities including the development of national REDD+ strategies, and systems for national forest monitoring, measuring and reporting emissions, and reporting on social and environmental safeguards.

The DFID-led £79 million Forest Governance, Markets and Climate (FGMC) Programme under the International Climate Fund supports reforms to improve forest governance in a number of countries, including Liberia, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Indonesia.

Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what discussions he has had with his counterparts in other donor countries on allocating a proportion of all multilateral REDD+ funds to support capacity building in national parliaments and the development of national legislation as part of the preparation and implementation of REDD+ strategies in developing countries. [182022]

Gregory Barker: Multilateral REDD+ funds work in developing countries with a wide range of stakeholders, and in principle have the potential to support national parliaments and the development of national legislation in the programmes which they support. For example, our most recent discussions on this issue were at a UK-hosted forest event in Warsaw on 20 November. The Secretary of State joined Norway and the United States to announce a total of $280 million for the new BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes. This will include technical assistance which may be used to support such capacity building.

Fracking

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment his Department has made of (a) recent research published in the US into radon gas contamination of shale gas gathered from fracking and (b) the implications of that research for prospective hydraulic fracturing in the UK. [181778]

Michael Fallon: A recent report by Public Health England, titled ‘Review of the Potential Public Health Impacts of Exposure to Chemical and Radioactive Pollutants as a Result of Shale Gas Extraction’, looked into the potential of radon contamination from shale gas operations in the UK. This concluded that:

“it is unlikely that shale gas extraction or related activities would lead to any significant increase in public exposure from outdoor radon levels or indoor levels in nearby homes”.

The environmental regulator (Natural Resources Wales in Wales) will consider any application on current best practice and information as is relevant to the specific site in the application.

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the volumes of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) which may be extracted from the earth in future fracking operations in the UK; what proposals he plans to make for the conditioning, treatment, packaging and long-term management of such radioactive wastes; what information his Department holds on how the US has handled such NORM waste; and what assessment he has made of how the UK can learn from the US experience. [181780]

6 Jan 2014 : Column 116W

Michael Fallon: The potential volumes of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) will depend on the scale of production, which cannot be estimated until there is exploratory drilling and testing. In the US disposal of NORM is regulated state by state and in some includes reinjection of waste waters underground, a practice that is not permitted in the UK. In the UK, we have established regulatory processes for disposal of NORM and, as with mining or mineral processing, the relevant environmental regulator is responsible for assessing the risk, if any, from NORM at any particular site and licensing or permitting activities appropriately. Water UK, who represent the water industry and the UK Onshore Operators Group, have recently signed a memorandum of understanding to work together to help minimise the impact of onshore oil and gas development in the UK on the country's water resources. This includes the expected volumes, composition of waste water and preferred disposal routes. UK Water Industry Research are modelling the demand for waste water services to advise the water industry.

Water Power

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what discussions his Department has had with water companies on the possibility of generating electricity from the flow of water within water mains by installing Archimedean screws within suitable water main pipes. [181298]

Gregory Barker: DECC has had no such discussions.

Wind Power: Dorset

Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the impact of policy changes relating to offshore wind farms on Navitus Bay. [180991]

Michael Fallon: No such assessment has been made.

Transport

Airports Commission

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the total cost to the public purse of the Airports Commission will be over the life of the Commission. [181954]

Mr Goodwill: The independent Airports Commission was set up by the Government to examine how best the UK can maintain its international connectivity. On setting up the Commission in 2012, the Department set a budget of £20.35 million to allow for building, staff and IT costs, expert consultancy, publishing, travel and hosting public consultation events over the four financial years 2012-13 to 2015-16.

Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the cost of the further study of the Isle of Grain option outlined in the interim report of the Airports Commission; and what contractors have been engaged to complete this work. [181965]

6 Jan 2014 : Column 117W

Mr Goodwill: The Airports Commission is independent and was set up by the Government to examine how best the UK can maintain its international connectivity.

Having agreed an overarching procurement approach with the Department for Transport, the commission’s work programme and spending decisions within its agreed budget are matters for it. Potential increases in expenditure which cannot be met within the commission’s existing budget will be considered by DFT alongside other priorities across the Department.

Alstom

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions (a) he and (b) officials in his Department have held with Alstom in respect of its decision to restructure its transport sector. [181919]

Stephen Hammond: There have been no discussions with Alstom. As a private sector company it is up to Alstom how they operate their business.

Belfast City Airport

Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what assessment he has made of the effect on Belfast City airport of the removal of the city airports category in proposed EU regulation (2011/0398(COD)) on Noise-related operating restrictions; [181788]

(2) what assessment he has made of the effect of proposed EU regulation (2011/0398(COD)) on Noise-related operating restrictions that would have on the regulatory status of Belfast City airport; [181789]

(3) what assessment he has made of the effect on smaller airports of proposed EU regulation (2011/0398(COD)) on Noise-related operating restrictions. [181790]

Mr Goodwill: The purpose of the proposed EU Regulation (2011/0398 (COD)) is to ensure a harmonised approach to the introduction of noise-related operating restrictions at airports, where member states wish to introduce them. Decisions to introduce such restrictions remain a matter of national competence.

The Government recognise that smaller airports can cause noise problems for their local communities. Although airports with less than 50,000 annual movements are not within the scope of the proposed regulation, this does not prevent noise-related operating restrictions from being introduced at such airports where appropriate. The Government's policy is to encourage any such noise controls to be agreed locally.

The Government do not therefore consider that the proposed new regulation will have any detrimental effect on Belfast City airport or other smaller airports.

Bus Services: Disability

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps his Department is taking to improve disabled access on the UK bus network. [180789]

6 Jan 2014 : Column 118W

Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport is committed to ensuring that disabled people have the same access to transport services and opportunities to travel as other members of society.

The Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000 (PSVAR) require facilities such as low floor boarding devices and state that any regulated public service vehicle shall be fitted with not less than one wheelchair space. All buses used on local or scheduled services with 22 passengers or more are required to be fully PSVAR compliant by 2015, 2016 and 2017, depending on the bus type.

According to the Department's latest statistics (published in September 2013), 92% of buses in England now have low floor designs, with 78% of the total fleet having a PSVAR accessibility certificate.

We are also looking at a number of ways of improving the accessibility of public transport, as reflected in our Accessibility Action Plan, published in December last year.

Calderdale Railway Line

Mrs Riordan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what investment plans he has for new rolling stock for the Calderdale line; and when he expects new stock to come into service. [181300]

Stephen Hammond: The Department is aware of stakeholder aspirations for increases to the capacity on the Calderdale line. The next opportunity to consider capacity on this route will be as part of the re-letting of the Northern franchise in 2016, in advance of which a full stakeholder consultation will be undertaken.

Crossrail Line

Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of public funding required for the Crossrail rolling stock contract; and how much of that funding will be provided by (a) his Department and (b) Transport for London. [180967]

Stephen Hammond: In March 2013 the Department for Transport (DFT) and Transport for London (TfL), in agreement with Her Majesty's Treasury, changed the financing of the Crossrail Rolling Stock and Depot contract to a fully publicly funded procurement from a PFI style deal.

The contract is estimated to cost in the region of £1 billion. The DFT, as a joint sponsor of the project, has agreed to contribute £100 million to this contract. The remaining costs are the responsibility of TfL.

Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the evaluation of bids for the Crossrail rolling stock contract will take into account the social and economic effect on (a) associated supply chains, (b) rail apprenticeships, (c) rail manufacturing skills and (d) other matters in Derby and its wider region. [180968]

Stephen Hammond: The Crossrail Rolling Stock and Depot invitation to negotiate includes requirements for responsible procurement. This means that bidders are required to set out how they will engage with the wider

6 Jan 2014 : Column 119W

supply chain and provide opportunities for training, apprenticeships, and small and medium size businesses within their procurement strategy. Bidders are also required to establish an appropriate local presence to manage the delivery of the contract.

The tender documents were reissued in April 2013, and are available in the Libraries of the House.

Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received in respect of the Crossrail rolling stock contract from the (a) Mayor of London and (b) Japanese government. [181189]

Stephen Hammond: The Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire Dales (Mr McLoughlin), regularly meets with the Mayor of London to discuss a wide range of transport matters including Crossrail. Their most recent meeting was on 12 December 2013. The Secretary of State has had no recent meetings with the Japanese Government.

Cycling

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 27 November 2013, Official Report, columns 303-4W, on cycling, how the £35 million invested to deliver safer junctions for cyclists has been allocated by (a) region and (b) city. [181125]

Mr Goodwill: Of the £35 million funding allocated to cycling, £15 million was granted to Transport for London (TfL) for investment in cycle safety. This included improved provision for cyclists at Bow, St George's Circus, Waterloo Roundabout, and at other locations identified in TfL's Cycle Safety Junction Review. £20 million has been allocated to schemes focused on areas outside London. The list of schemes outside London is available at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/181205/cycle-safety-fund-list.xls

The scheme information is broken down by region and cities. An update of the list of schemes which includes two further schemes will be available on the web shortly.

Driving: Licensing

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many cases of suspended driving licences involving the DVLA's medical officer have been outstanding for (a) three, (b) three to six and (c) over six months; how many cases there were in each such category 12 months ago; and what steps he is taking to reduce the number of such cases. [181832]

Stephen Hammond: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) handle approximately 625,000 cases each year where investigations are required due to a medical condition being declared. In the interests of road safety the more complex cases are considered by the DVLA's Medical Advisers.

The following information is based on the number of cases under consideration where individuals do not have entitlement to drive because their driving licence has been refused or revoked previously.

6 Jan 2014 : Column 120W

The DVLA continually strives to reduce the time taken to conclude all its cases. The DVLA has undertaken reviews of its processes and procedures, and as part of its Digital Agenda is looking, wherever possible, to automate these. The DVLA is also looking to strengthen its resources, particularly in the handling of the more complex cases.

Great Western Railway Line

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent estimate he has made of the expected completion date of the Great Western MainLine electrification works. [181105]

Stephen Hammond: I expect that Great Western electrification will be completed in phases between 2016 and 2018. Department officials work closely with Network Rail who are delivering this project.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the latest estimate of the costs of the Hoo Green to Barmfurlong section of the proposed High Speed 2. [181136]

Mr Goodwill: I refer the hon. Member to my previous answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Warrington South (David Mowat) dated 5 December 2013, Official Report, column 771W.

The estimated construction cost for the Winterbottom to Bamfurlong section of the route is £360 million.

This part of the route consists of three sections:

HSM12 (£110 million), HSM21 (£185 million) and HSM22 (£65 million).

Detailed estimates of the cost of land and risk will be determined at a later stage of development.

London Underground

Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what discussions he has had with the Mayor of London and Transport for London on what protections will be put in place to ensure that passengers do not pay more for tickets as a result of not receiving correct travel advice following ticket office closures; [180711]

(2) what discussions he has had with the Mayor of London and Transport for London about the range of tickets available to passengers following London Underground ticket office closures; [180713]

(3) what discussions he has had with the Mayor of London and Transport for London about the effect on (a) women, (b) disabled people and (c) older people of London Underground ticket office closures; [180714]

6 Jan 2014 : Column 121W

(4) what discussions he has had with Transport for London about the effect of London Underground ticket office closures on the provision of tickets for and travel advice about mainline railways; [180715]

(5) what discussions he has had with the Mayor of London and Transport for London on availability of advice to passengers following London Underground ticket office closures; [180718]

(6) what assurances he has received from the Mayor of London and Transport for London about staffing at London Underground stations following the proposed ticket office closures; [180721]

(7) what discussions he has had with the Mayor of London and Transport for London about the length of time stations may be unstaffed as a result of reductions in station staff; [180722]

(8) what discussions he has had with the Mayor of London and Transport for London on the effect on the security of passengers and staff of London Underground ticket office closures. [180723]

Stephen Hammond: Transport for London (TfL) set out their vision for the future of the Tube on the 21 November. TfL advised Ministers about their proposals ahead of the announcement. However, responsibility for London Underground, including decisions regarding the use of ticket offices, is a matter for TfL and the Mayor.

The Mayor and TfL have made a commitment that all stations will remain staffed while services are running and have the right number of more visible staff to provide travel advice and meet the needs of customers in ticket halls, at ticket machines and on platforms.

London Underground has carried out an equality impact assessment to identify the impacts of its proposals which shows that the changes will be positive or neutral for all equality target groups. London Underground is listening carefully to any concerns or issues raised during its current consultation with trades unions and engagement with all stakeholders. This will inform the changes at tube stations that take place in 2015.

Network Rail

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) following the reclassification of Network Rail, whether he will take additional powers to direct Network Rail's borrowing; [181318]

(2) what estimate he has made of changes to Network Rail's cost of borrowing following its reclassification by the Office for National Statistics. [181319] Stephen Hammond: It is in the interest of both Government and Network Rail that the company continues to undertake its financing in the most efficient way possible. The company's financing decisions will continue to be driven by value for money for taxpayers, with appropriate consideration given to the fiduciary duties of Network Rail's directors and the long-term policy objectives for the railway. The Government, the Office of Rail Regulation and Network Rail will explore whether alternative approaches or refinements to the current model could deliver a more efficient approach, and if so from what point of time these might be introduced and

6 Jan 2014 : Column 122W

how the benefit of any such efficiencies would be secured for funders. Until then, Network Rail will continue to raise finance with support of the Financial Indemnity Mechanism.

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effect of the reclassification of Network Rail on maintenance and upgrade work following the reclassification of its debt. [181320]

Stephen Hammond: As set out in the Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire Dales (Mr McLoughlin’s) written statement of 17 December 2013, the Office for National Statistics' decision on the classification of Network Rail does not affect Network Rail's £38 billion settlement for the operation, maintenance and enhancement of the railway in the five years from 2014.

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport who will sign off the pay and bonuses of Network Rail executives following Network Rail's reclassification by the Office for National Statistics. [181953]

Stephen Hammond: As the Secretary of State set out in his written statement of 17 December 2013, Official Report, column 93WS, the Department for Transport (DfT) has agreed a Memorandum of Understanding with Network Rail (NR) to work through issues of accounting, budgeting and assurance; existing debt and new borrowing; and corporate governance with the company.

The conclusions of that work will be set out in a framework agreement between NR and DfT to be published before the reclassification takes effect on 1 September 2014.

Northern Rail

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what revenue support has been received by Northern Rail since 2010. [181989]

Stephen Hammond: Revenue support figures are published by the Office of Rail Regulation and can be seen at

http://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/displayreport/html/html/6d363642-c3a9-4a29-9477-542810798fa7

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what assessment he has made of the (a) risk and (b) benefits of devolving Northern Rail services; [181992]

(2) what assessment he has made of potential Government funding requirements in the event that responsibility for Northern Rail services is devolved; [181993]

(3) what the allocation of funding responsibilities will be between central Government and local authorities in the event that responsibility for Northern Rail services is devolved; [181994]

(4) when the Government plans to make a decision on the devolution of Northern Rail services; and if he will make a statement. [182005]

6 Jan 2014 : Column 123W

Stephen Hammond: The Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire Dales (Mr McLoughlin), met a delegation from the Rail North consortium of local authorities in the North of England on 21 November 2013 to take forward their proposals for the devolution of the Northern and TransPennine Express rail franchises. He confirmed the Government's support for the principle of devolution. Devolution could support greater local accountability, improved rail efficiency, passenger benefits and economic growth. The Secretary of State agreed with Rail North leaders an initial partnership structure to take forward devolved decision-making in the north of England to help manage the risks associated with a project of this scale.

The partnership will cover the re-franchised Northern and TransPennine services. The Department will run the competitions for the replacement franchises from February 2016, working closely with Rail North. The intention is to bring the management of those replacement franchises into a formal partnership structure. The partnership will build on the good work Rail North has done over the past year to build consensus on a long term rail strategy and a structure for decision-making in the north. It will be designed to facilitate local funding from Rail North partners in addition to core funding from the Department.

Rail North and Department officials are developing further details of the partnership for presentation to the Secretary of State and the Rail North local authorities in January.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the new short-term franchise for Northern Rail services is a contract extension or a new contract. [181995]

Stephen Hammond: The new franchise for services currently operated by Northern Rail will be a new franchise contract made by Direct Award.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consultation his Department has undertaken with passengers regarding the award of a short-term franchise for Northern Rail services. [181996]

Stephen Hammond: No formal consultation has been undertaken with passengers regarding the planned Direct Award to Northern. As part of the discussions about the new contract we are engaging closely with Rail North and other stakeholders.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the cost to his Department in respect of (a) consultancy fees and (b) other matters has been in respect of the short-term franchise for Northern Rail services. [181997]

Stephen Hammond: The cost to date of external advisers on the Northern Direct Award totals £393,000. The cost of all franchising activities will be published annually in the Department for Transport accounts.

6 Jan 2014 : Column 124W

Pedestrian Crossings

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will review departmental guidance on (a) pedestrian crossings and (b) the time allowed for a pedestrian to cross. [180705]

Mr Goodwill: The Department's guidance on designing pedestrian crossings, including setting timings, is given in Local Transport Note 1/95: The Assessment of Pedestrian Crossings, Local Transport Note 2/95: The Design of Pedestrian Crossings, and Traffic Advisory Leaflet 5/05: Pedestrian Facilities at Signal-controlled Junctions.

The Department is currently undertaking a review of traffic signing legislation, including the Zebra, Pelican and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations and General Directions. Once this is concluded, the Department will consider the need to update guidance to reflect these changes.

Traffic authorities are responsible for ensuring that their pedestrian crossings provide everyone with enough time to cross the road safely. The timings used at each crossing will vary, as they depend to an extent on individual site circumstances. In designing crossings, traffic authorities will also need to assess the impact of the timings on all traffic. The Department provides advice on calculating timings for crossings in guidance, but this is not mandatory.

The Department recommends that where a crossing may be used by a large number of older people or those with mobility issues, for example outside residential care homes, this should be taken into account when setting timings.

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will commission a review of guidance on the location of pedestrian crossings to ensure that casualties are minimised. [181179]

Mr Goodwill: The Department's guidance on designing pedestrian crossings, including setting timings, is given in Local Transport Note 1/95; The Assessment of Pedestrian Crossings, Local Transport Note 2/95: The Design of Pedestrian Crossings, and Traffic Advisory Leaflet 5/05: Pedestrian Facilities at Signal-controlled Junctions.

The Department is currently undertaking a review of traffic signing legislation, including the Zebra, Pelican and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations and General Directions. Once this is concluded, the Department will consider the need to update guidance to reflect these changes.

Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to review (a) the current guidance on pedestrian crossings and (b) the amount of time pedestrians have to cross the road at those crossings. [181929]

Mr Goodwill: The Department's guidance on designing pedestrian crossings, including setting timings, is given in Local Transport Note 1/95: The Assessment of Pedestrian Crossings, Local Transport Note 2/95: The Design of Pedestrian Crossings, and Traffic Advisory Leaflet 5/05: Pedestrian Facilities at Signal-controlled Junctions.

6 Jan 2014 : Column 125W

The Department recommends that where a crossing may be used by a large number of older people or those with mobility issues, for example outside residential care homes, this should be taken into account when setting timings.

The Department is currently undertaking a review of traffic signing legislation, including the Zebra, Pelican and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations and General Directions. Once this is concluded, the Department will consider the need to update guidance to reflect these changes.

Pedestrian Crossings: Schools

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make an assessment of the effect of recent changes in the number of school crossing patrol officers on the safety of children's journeys to and from school. [181154]

Mr Goodwill: The provision of school crossing patrol services, is a matter for local authorities. The Government have no plans to review the impact of any changes made.

The Government's latest statistics show that there were 6,106 child casualties in accidents occurring between 7.30 am and 8.59 am or between 3.00 pm and 4.59 pm on a school day in 2012, of which 827 were killed and seriously injured (KSI). This represents a fall of 12% in KSI compared to the 2005-09 average.

Railways: Compensation

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) whether train operating companies qualify for Schedule 8 payments from Network Rail when timetabled rail passenger services are cancelled in advance of bad weather; [181973]

(2) which train operating companies have received Schedule 8 payments from Network Rail for unplanned disruptions to timetabled rail passenger services that occurred on (a) 27 October 2013, (b) 28 October 2013 and (c) 29 October 2013; and what the amount (i) applied for and (ii) paid by Network Rail was in each case; [181981]

(3) if he will take steps to ensure that Schedule 8 payments from Network Rail to train operating companies for unplanned disruptions to timetabled rail passenger services that occurred on (a) 27 October 2013, (b) 28 October 2013 and (c) 29 October 2013 will be passed on to passengers; [181982]

(4) what discussions with Passenger Focus he has had regarding Schedule 8 payments from Network Rail to train operating companies for unplanned disruptions to timetabled rail passenger services that occurred on (a) 27 October 2013, (b) 28 October 2013 and (c) 29 October 2013; [181983]

(5) what discussions with Network Rail he has had regarding Schedule 8 payments from Network Rail to train operating companies for unplanned disruptions to timetabled rail passenger services that occurred on (a) 27 October 2013, (b) 28 October 2013 and (c) 29 October 2013. [181984]

Stephen Hammond: Schedule 8 payments from Network Rail to the train operators are applicable for cancellations of timetabled services due to bad weather if the decision

6 Jan 2014 : Column 126W

to cancel is made after 2200 the day before; if the cancellation of timetabled services is agreed before 2200 the day before, then the timetable for the day as changed, and therefore schedule 8 payments do not apply.

Compensation in the later case is dealt with elsewhere in the Track Access Agreement, under the schedule 4 compensation regime. Details of the compensation regimes in the Track Access Agreements are published by the Office of Rail Regulation.

In general, the payments made by Network Rail to train operators under their Track Access Agreements, and those made by the operator to passengers for delays, serve different purposes and therefore are not comparable.

Compensation paid to train operators for delays for which Network Rail is responsible (including those arising from external events such as cable theft) is a matter for Network Rail. The compensation regime is a contractual and commercially confidential element within the Track Access Agreement between Network Rail and each operator, and is overseen by the Office of Rail Regulation.

Compensation is set on a formula basis designed, on average, to compensate the train operator for the future loss of revenue arising from disruption, including any longer-term loss of revenue from a sustained period of poor performance. It is not related to and does not include provision for any additional costs incurred by train operators, such as compensation costs to passengers.

Compensation paid by train operators to passengers for delays is based on an entirely different system, in line with the terms of the operator's Passenger's Charter, and may vary for example with the type of ticket purchased. A number of existing franchises operate, as will all future ones, the Delay/Repay compensation system, under which compensation for delay is paid regardless of whether the delay was attributed to Network Rail or a train operator.

The Minister responsible for rail meets regularly with senior representatives of Network Rail and other industry parties to discuss current rail performance. Passenger Focus is the official, independent consumer organisation representing the interests of rail users nationally. As such, Ministers would not normally expect to discuss matters concerning performance payments with them.

Railways: Fares

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what costs will fall on the public purse in the form of (a) additional and (b) total payments to each train operating company as a consequence of the decision to hold rail fares at RPI+0 in (i) 2014 and (ii) 2015. [181175]

Stephen Hammond: The Autumn Statement set out how the Government will provide relief on the prices hardworking people pay for train travel across Britain through a commitment to reduce the average regulated fare rises to RPI plus 0% for 2014. This measure will require Government to adjust levels of franchise compensation, and the amount to be paid will be determined through our negotiations with train operators.

6 Jan 2014 : Column 127W

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what costs will fall on the public purse in the form of (a) additional and (b) total payments to each train operating company as a consequence of the fares and ticketing review. [181176]

Stephen Hammond: The Fares and Ticketing Review announced a number of positive measures for rail passengers. Three specific measures will require payments to train operating companies. The reduction in fares basket flex to 2% will require Government to adjust levels of franchise compensation, and the amount to be paid will be determined through negotiations with train operators.

We will also be providing £18 million of funding to train operating companies who successfully bid to undertake the announced trials of flexible ticketing and single leg pricing.

Railways: Franchises

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the implications are for Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 arrangements of the statement on page 81 of the franchising prospectus that there will be an umbrella agreement which will cover the process including the purchase of the East Coast Main Line from Directly Operated Rail via a share purchase agreement. [181821]

Stephen Hammond: ECML will be purchased by the winning bidder of the franchise competition and will continue to provide the passenger services as a party to the franchise agreement. As such there is no relevant transfer under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE).

Railways: Freight

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of former British Rail freight sidings currently owned by freight operating companies would be of greater benefit to rail freight industry (a) in West Yorkshire and (b) on the East Coast Main Line if they were acquired by Network Rail. [181974]

Stephen Hammond: This is an operational matter for Network Rail, who can be contacted at the following address:

Network Rail

Kings Place

90 York Way

London

N1 9AG

Railways: Subsidies

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what the total premium payments made by Northern Rail since 2010 are; [181987]

(2) what Government subsidy has been received by Northern Rail since 2010; [181988]

(3) what subsidy has been paid by the Government to Virgin West Coast since their franchise was extended in December 2012. [181991]

6 Jan 2014 : Column 128W

Stephen Hammond: This information is published by the Office of Rail Regulation at:

http://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/displayreport/report/html/6d363642-c3a9-4a29-9477-542810798fa7

Railways: Waste Disposal

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the average quantity of effluent that is discharged directly onto railway tracks each week. [181975]

Stephen Hammond: When asked in early 2013, Network Rail was unable to estimate the current level of waste discharged on to the tracks.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what estimate he has made of the number of trains which still discharge effluent directly onto railway tracks; [181976]

(2) what estimate he has made of the number of trains which do not have effluent retention tanks. [181977]

Stephen Hammond: Over three quarters of all trains either have retention tanks fitted or are not equipped with toilets.

This proportion will increase significantly as new rolling stock is introduced over the next few years.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on which routes trains still discharge effluent onto railway tracks. [181978]

Stephen Hammond: Certain services on the Great Eastern, Great Western, Midland and East Coast main lines are served by trains which discharge effluent to the track. This is also the case for certain local and regional services in East Anglia, Wales, Scotland, the east and west midlands, the north and south-west England.

However, significant progress has been made since 2001 in rolling out vehicles with retention tanks, with a halving in the number of trains which discharge waste to the tracks. This will continue over the next few years as more new rolling stock with retention tanks is introduced, and as tanks are fitted to older units.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) whether his Department has made representations to the (a) rolling stock operating companies and (b) train operating companies to end the discharging of effluent onto railway tracks; [181979]

(2) whether his Department has made representations to the (a) rolling stock operating companies and (b) train operating companies to modify rolling stock which currently do not have effluent retention tanks. [181980]

Stephen Hammond: The rail industry is aware of Ministers' desire to see effluent discharge to tracks phased out.

The Department is currently considering proposals from a number of operators to extend their franchises, which include programmes to fit retention tanks to older fleets.

6 Jan 2014 : Column 129W

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps have been taken by (a) rolling stock operating companies and (b) train operating companies to modify rolling stock which does not have retention tanks for effluent. [181998]

Stephen Hammond: There is currently no formal or legal requirement to stop train operating companies from discharging toilet waste on to the track or to force rolling stock leasing companies to retrofit controlled emission toilets to those trains that currently discharge waste to the track.

Despite this, the industry is taking steps to reduce the number of trains that discharge effluent to the track. A fleet of older diesel trains in East Anglia is currently being fitted with retention tanks, while the Department is currently considering proposals from a number of operators to extend their franchises, which include programmes to fit tanks elsewhere.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the Government require all new rolling stock on UK railways to have effluent retention tanks. [181999]

Stephen Hammond: Since 1996, the rail industry has adhered to a code of practice which requires effluent retention tanks to be fitted to all new rolling stock with toilets.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department issues guidelines on the frequency which train effluent tanks must be emptied. [182000]

Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport does not issue guidelines on the frequency which train effluent tanks must be emptied. This is an operational matter for the railways.

Rolling Stock

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what leasing costs have been paid to rolling stock leasing companies on each franchise in each of the last ten years; [181923]

(2) what the total leasing costs are that have been paid to rolling stock leasing companies in the last 10 years. [181932]

Stephen Hammond: The leasing costs for rolling stock are the result of negotiations between two private sector commercial entities. Putting such information in the public sphere would give advantage to each party's competitors.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what steps he has taken to introduce the regulation of fair rates of return for the rolling stock operating companies recommended by the McNulty Rail Value for Money study; [181925]

(2) what steps he has taken to hold rolling stock in the public interest as recommended by the McNulty Rail Value for Money study. [181926]

6 Jan 2014 : Column 130W

Stephen Hammond: The Secretary of State's March 2012 Command Paper sets out the Government's approach to the sector in light of the McNulty study.

The Government's policy is for a market led approach to rolling stock. Current and future franchise competitions give greater flexibility to franchisees over the rolling stock decisions they make when bidding for franchises which will drive greater value in the sector.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of market share of the rolling stock leasing companies. [181930]

Stephen Hammond: For franchised rail passenger fleets, ownership by vehicle is as follows:

Virgin Trains

Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what obligations there are in the franchise and contract extension of Virgin to maintain its rolling stock; and whether those obligations specify the number and location of maintenance depots. [181841]

Stephen Hammond: The franchise agreement requires West Coast Trains Ltd, trading as Virgin Trains, to operate and maintain the specified train fleet. The franchise agreement does not specify the number and location of maintenance depots.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what obligations there are in the franchise and contract extension for Virgin Trains to maintain its rolling stock; and whether those obligations specify the number and location of maintenance depots. [181918]

Stephen Hammond: The franchise agreement requires West Coast Trains Ltd, trading as Virgin Trains, to operate and maintain the specified train fleet. The franchise agreement does not specify the number and location of maintenance depots.

West Coast Railway Line

Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) whether Alstom Traincare is responsible for all train maintenance on the west coast main line; [181838]

(2) what arrangements will be made to ensure the continuation of maintenance of the west coast main line in the event of the sale of Alstom West Coast Traincare. [181843]

6 Jan 2014 : Column 131W

Stephen Hammond: Franchisees operating trains on the west coast main line are responsible for the provision of rolling stock required to operate their services.

Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether (a) he and (b) his officials have been advised whether Alstom will be selling Alstom West Coast Traincare; and what discussions he or they have held with Alstom in respect of the future of Alstom West Coast Traincare. [181840]

Stephen Hammond: There have been no discussions with Alstom in respect of the future of West Coast Traincare.

Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the likely effect on train reliability and quality if Alstom West Coast Traincare is sold. [181842]

Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport has made no such assessment. Franchisees operating trains on the west coast main line are responsible for the provision of rolling stock required to operate their services.

Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether maintenance staff employed by Alstom West Coast Traincare will be transferred to Virgin Trains in the event of the sale of Alstom West Coast Traincare. [181844]

Stephen Hammond: If a company is sold, the Government expects all relevant employment law will be obeyed and complied with.

Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether maintenance staff employed by Alstom West Coast Traincare will be transferred to another contract in the event of the sale of Alstom West Coast Traincare. [181845]

Stephen Hammond: This is a matter for Alstom.

Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many passengers used the West Coast Main Line during peak periods between (a) Euston and Birmingham and (b) Euston and Manchester in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012. [181888]

Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport (DFT) does not hold this information.

Statistics published by DFT:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rail-passenger-numbers-and-crowding-on-weekdays-in-major-cities-in-england-and-wales-2012

show rail passenger numbers on trains throughout the day in several major cities, as well as the levels of peak crowding, but these are not available by route.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether maintenance staff employed by Alstom West Coast Train Care will return to Virgin Trains under the provisions of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulation 2006, in the event of the sale of Alstom West Coast Traincare. [181910]

6 Jan 2014 : Column 132W

Stephen Hammond: If a company is sold, the Government expects all relevant employment law will be obeyed and complied with.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether maintenance staff employed by Alstom West Coast Train Care will move to another contract under the provisions of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulation 2006, in the event of the sale of Alstom West Coast Traincare. [181911]

Stephen Hammond: If a company is sold, the Government expects all relevant employment law will be obeyed and complied with.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether Alstom has informed his Department that it plans to sell Alstom West Coast Traincare. [181912]

Stephen Hammond: The Department is not aware of any plans to sell West Coast Traincare.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions (a) he and (b) officials in his Department have held with Alstom in respect of the future of Alstom West Coast Traincare. [181913]

Stephen Hammond: There have been no discussions with Alstom in respect of the future of West Coast Traincare.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) whether Alstom West Coast Traincare is responsible for all train maintenance on the West Coast Main Line; [181914]

(2) what arrangements his Department plans to make to ensure the continuation of train maintenance on the West Coast Main Line in the event of the sale of Alstom West Coast Traincare. [181916]

Stephen Hammond: Franchisees operating trains on the West Coast Main Line are responsible for the provision of rolling stock required to operate their services.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the potential effect on train reliability and quality in the event that Alstom West Coast Traincare is sold. [181917]

Stephen Hammond: No such assessment has been made. Franchisees operating trains on the West Coast Main Line are responsible for the reliability and availability of rolling stock required to operate their services.

Health

Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate his Department has made of the proportion of GDP represented by the cost of alcohol-related conditions and accidents. [181947]

6 Jan 2014 : Column 133W

Jane Ellison: Alcohol misuse is estimated to cost society £21 billion¹ annually through alcohol-related illness, crime and lost productivity. This represented 2% of workplace-based gross value added in England in 2010.²

¹ The figure of £21 billion is made up of costs to the national health service in England, costs of alcohol-related crime in England and lost productivity across the United Kingdom. The inclusion of lost productivity in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland means that the estimate for costs as a proportion of gross value added (GVA) in England will be overstated, albeit only slightly.

² Official estimates of gross domestic product (GDP) are not produced for England. GVA is used in the estimation of GDP. GVA is equal to GDP less the value of taxes on products and plus the value of subsidies on products. GVA measures the value added by units engaged in production and is the difference between the value of goods and services produced (output) and the cost of raw materials and other inputs which are used up in production (intermediate consumption).

Ambulance Services

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) which bodies receive the funds accruing from penalties imposed on NHS trusts because of ambulance handover delays; and what restrictions there are on the use of those funds; [181034]

(2) pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for West Lancashire (Rosie Cooper) of 26 November 2013, Official Report, columns 143-44, on ambulance handover times, if he will publish the workings behind the figure of 38 per cent; how he assessed that a reduction in delays was as a result of penalty fines; whether any other possible causal factors in that reduction were considered in preparing that Answer; and if he will make a statement; [181040]

(3) if he will list the number and amount of penalty fines paid by each trust for ambulance handover delays since April 2013; [181078]

(4) whether he has had discussions with (a) ambulance and (b) nursing staff representatives on the effect on staff morale of the penalty fines for ambulance handover delays introduced since April 2013; what his assessment is of the causes of ambulance handover delays; and if he will make a statement. [181080]

Jane Ellison: Any funds accruing from penalties imposed on national health service trusts because of ambulance handover delays go back to the clinical commissioning group as commissioner, with the local Urgent Care Working Group having a role in saying how the money is reinvested in the system—although this is for local determination.

Records of the number of sanctions paid by each trust are not held centrally. Ambulance handovers data are only collected centrally during winter (November to March)—via winter daily sitreps. Data are collected on the first part of the turnaround process:

1. Ambulance arrival to clinical handover;

2. Clinical handover to going out on next call.

The figures on ambulance handover delays are published on the NHS England website over the winter period. There is a time series file for each year, which is available at:

www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/winter-daily-sitreps/

6 Jan 2014 : Column 134W

At the time of the question asked by the hon. Member for West Lancashire (Rosie Cooper) of 26 November 2013, Official Report, columns 143-44W, the latest data available were to the 20 November 2013, or 13 data points from 4 November. Ambulance delays for this period were 9,904. For the first 13 days in 2012-13, the figure was 15,880. This represents a 38% reduction.

Penalty fines were assessed as being the main factor leading to the reduction in delays, as it is the major change introduced in the system. We understand that an area with few handover delays according to ambulance figures (the south-west) also has the most comprehensive system of fining acute providers in place.

Various discussions have taken place on broader aspects of ambulance trusts and delayed handovers, none specifically on the issue of the effect on staff morale.

Patient handover is a key part of delivering a positive experience of emergency care. Systems are in place to ensure efficient handover. However we recognise handover sometimes takes longer than the recommended 15 minutes, particularly during peaks of demand—one of the main causes for delays. Other causes include a more complex patient case mix or multiple ambulance attendances.

Arthritis

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what further steps his Department plans to take to implement the recommendations made in Services for people with rheumatoid arthritis, Tenth Report of Session 2009-10 of the Committee of Public Accounts, HC 46. [180646]

Norman Lamb: The Department published its response to the recommendations made in Services for people with rheumatoid arthritis, Tenth Report of Session 2009-10 of the Committee of Public Accounts in a Treasury Minute published on 15 July 2010, which can be found at:

www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm78/7885/7885.pdf

Of the nine recommendations, the Department agreed with one, partially agreed with five and disagreed with three. Where appropriate, and with regard to the devolved responsibilities of local commissioners, the Department set out actions it would take, or that were already under way, in response to the recommendations including:

supporting a group of charities to produce materials aimed at raising awareness of inflammatory arthritis conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis;

providing patients and clinicians with a new patient information resource, specifically designed to provide better access to information covering the whole of the patient journey;

supporting the work of a group of charities to produce materials for general practitioner (GP) practices and pharmacies aimed at raising awareness of inflammatory arthritis symptoms among members of the public and health care professionals; and

seeking reassurance from the Royal College of General Practitioners that rheumatoid and inflammatory arthritis was given sufficient prominence in GP training to ensure that all GPs have appropriate competence to recognise, manage and refer appropriately in the primary care context.

Since 1 April 2013, NHS England has responsibility for securing high quality outcomes for people with long-term conditions, such as arthritis, and through the Mandate we have asked NHS England to make measurable progress towards making the national health service

6 Jan 2014 : Column 135W

among the best in Europe at supporting people with ongoing health problems to live healthily and independently, with much better control over the care they receive.

Breast Cancer

Mr Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to improve public health policies to tackle the chemical causes of breast cancer. [180686]

Jane Ellison: The Department currently has no plans for new public health policies to tackle potential chemical causes of breast cancer, but would be happy to look at any evidence with our colleagues in Public Health England.

Mr Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what NHS funding was allocated to (a) all breast cancer research, (b) prevention of breast cancer and (c) research into the links between breast cancer and exposure to carcinogenic, hazardous and endocrine-disrupting chemicals in each of the last 10 years; what plans he has for future funding of research on prevention of breast cancer; and if he will make a statement. [180690]

Dr Poulter: Expenditure on these topics by national NHS (national health service) research and development programmes (to March 2006) and by National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) programmes (from April 2006) are shown in the following table. These figures include research training awards.

Expenditure on breast cancer research in these years through national clinical research networks (to March 2006) and through the NIHR Clinical Research Network (from April 2006) cannot be disaggregated from total expenditure on these networks.

Estimates of spend on breast cancer research (including research on breast cancer prevention) by NIHR biomedical research centres, biomedical research units and clinical research facilities are shown in the following table.

6 Jan 2014 : Column 136W

These research centres, units and facilities have not carried out any research specifically on potential links between breast cancer and exposure to carcinogenic, hazardous and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Prior to the establishment of the NIHR in April 2006, the main part of the Department's total health research expenditure was devolved to and managed by national health service organisations. From April 2006 to March 2009, transitional research funding was allocated to these organisations at reducing levels. The organisations have accounted for their use of the allocations they have received from the Department in an annual research and development report. The reports identify total aggregated expenditure on national priority areas, including cancer. They do not provide details of research into breast cancer or other particular cancer sites.

Total spend in future years by the NIHR on research on breast cancer prevention depends on the volume and quality of scientific activity. The usual practice of the NIHR is not to ring fence funds for expenditure on particular topics: research proposals in all areas compete for the funding available. The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including breast cancer prevention. These applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the scientific quality of the proposals made.

Breasts: Plastic Surgery

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assistance the Government are giving to people who have had faulty breast implants while compensation for those people is agreed. [180973]

Norman Lamb: The fraud perpetrated by the manufacturers of the PIP implants affected many patients who had chosen cosmetic surgery in the private sector. Where patients experience difficulty in getting support or redress from the private clinics responsible for their care, and where a patient is entitled to NHS services, the national health service will support the removal of PIP implants by:

an examination by imaging to see if there is any evidence that the implant has ruptured; and

removal of PIP implants if, informed by an assessment of clinical need, risk or the impact of unresolved concerns, a woman with her doctor decides that it is right to do so.

The NHS will replace the implants if the original operation was done by the NHS, or if the patient would have met the NHS criteria for breast augmentation as set out in the 2006 guidance from the Modernisation Agency, e.g. after surgery for breast cancer.

Cholera

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of cholera were treated by the NHS in each region in each of the last five years. [181948]

Jane Ellison: Cholera is a notifiable disease under the Health Protection Regulations 2010.

6 Jan 2014 : Column 137W

Public Health England (PHE) Gastrointestinal Reference Unit provides reference services for cholera in England and Wales. Surveillance data from laboratory reporting for England only are presented in the following table.

PHE regions are assigned based on the original diagnosing laboratory as residential postcode for all cases are not available. As the numbers are quite small, data broken down by smaller regions are not published due to the risk of deductive disclosure.

Clinical Commissioning Groups

Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health with reference to the review by NHS England on the future funding formula for the distribution of resources to clinical commissioning groups across England, if he will delay any final decision on this matter until all relevant representations have been received relating to the possible effect of narrowing the gap in both life expectancy and historic consequences of industrial and environmental health impacts. [180643]

Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the consequences of his Department's proposal to revise the formula for funding allocations to clinical commission groups (CCGs) for the (a) funding of the Greater Huddersfield CCG and (b) health of the people it serves. [180859]

Dr Poulter: Responsibility for resource allocation is a matter for NHS England as set out in ‘The Mandate’. The Government have 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 2013. A new formula to set clinical commissioning group (CCG) allocation targets was agreed.

The new formula uses a new indicator to recognise how health inequality should be reflected; uses a powerful new method to derive estimates of need; reflects more up-to-date population growth using general practitioner lists; and, reflects the new responsibilities of CCGs.

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