Whyndyke Farm

Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what amount has been spent on building the psychiatric facility at Whyndyke Farm to date; and when that facility will become fully operational. [202504]

Jane Ellison: This is a matter for the national health service locally.

We have written to Derek Brown, Chair of the Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, informing him of the hon. Member's inquiry. He will reply shortly and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library.

Justice

Civil Partnerships Dissolution

Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will make it his policy that civil partnerships can be dissolved at any county court. [202469]

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Mr Vara: As of 22 April 2014, the county court no longer has the jurisdiction to consider divorce or civil partnership dissolution applications. These are now considered by the Family Court.

Hearings in divorce and civil partnership dissolution cases are rare, but from April 2015 if a hearing is required then it can be accommodated at any Family Court venue with the appropriate judicial expertise.

Community Rehabilitation Companies

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what representation he has received from magistrates and the judiciary since 1 June 2014 on service delivery; and if he will seek feedback as part of Test Gate 4 on whether the sale of Community Rehabilitation Companies contracts is having a detrimental impact on sentencing and court processes. [202528]

Jeremy Wright: On 1 June, as part of our ongoing Transforming Rehabilitation Programme of reform, the new National Probation Service (NPS) and Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) formally commenced operation. My officials have been in regular contact with the judiciary and magistracy throughout the transition process, but we have had no specific representations from them concerning service delivery.

We have made it clear throughout this process that we will manage the reforms in a controlled way and we will not proceed to share sale until thorough testing is complete and we are satisfied that it is safe to do so.

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) if he will publish the list of preferred bidders for the Tier 1 Community Rehabilitation Company contracts; [202763]

(2) when the preferred bidders under the Transforming Rehabilitation process will be announced; when winning bidders will be announced; and when winning bidders will take over the running of the Tier 1 Community Rehabilitation Company contracts. [202768]

Jeremy Wright: Bids to run the 21 Community Rehabilitation Companies are expected by the end of June, with contract winners being announced by the end of 2014. We will announce the list of preferred bidders when the evaluation has been concluded. We are committed to the roll-out of payment by results by 2015.

Courts: Children

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the NSPCC's Order In Court campaign seeking changes to the way the criminal justice system treats children. [202662]

Damian Green: The Ministry of Justice is committed to protecting and supporting child witnesses to help give their best evidence. In doing so, we have equipped the majority of Crown courts and magistrates courts with facilities to enable vulnerable witnesses to give evidence by secure video link from an alternative location to the trial court. We are exploring ways to increase the use of video links, including in cases involving vulnerable and intimidated victims and witnesses.

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We are also working with other criminal justice agencies to improve the uptake of Registered Intermediaries for child and other vulnerable witnesses. I am grateful to the NSPCC, whose campaign will assist in raising awareness.

Specialist training for judges is the responsibility of the judiciary and the Judicial College.

Courts: Video Conferencing

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many remote sites for giving evidence in court are open in each region of England and Wales. [202355]

Mr Vara: We must do everything we can to support vulnerable witnesses and help them give their best possible evidence to bring offenders to justice. That’s why we are trialing pre recorded cross-examination to allow young and vulnerable witnesses to give evidence away from what can be an aggressive court room atmosphere. This is on top of a range of measures to help reduce the anxiety of attending court, including giving evidence behind a screen. We will continue to explore ways we can use remote links and new technology to help witnesses give evidence from outside the court building.

The following table sets out the number of courthouses in each of the seven HMCTS regions in England and Wales. These facilities enable any victim or witness to appear by video link from a different court location from that of the trial court; it is also possible for third-party users to access the court system through a secure bridge.

Criminal Injuries Compensation: Preston

Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many claims for compensation have been submitted by residents of Preston constituency to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority that have not yet been resolved. [202482]

Damian Green: CICA does not hold information that would allow it to extract figures based on parliamentary constituencies.

Data Protection

Mr Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for the Justice what discussions she has had with the Lord Chancellor on the introduction of section 77 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 in relation to data protection offences; and if she will make a statement. [202612]

Simon Hughes: I am not aware that any discussions have taken place between the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, the right hon. Member for

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Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling) and the Secretary of State for the Home Department, the right hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), on the introduction of section 77 of the Criminal Justice Act 2008 (CJIA). The Ministry of Justice will liaise with all interested Government Departments before deciding whether to consult on introducing section 77 (CJIA) and commencing the enhanced public interest defence under section 78 (CJIA).

Driving Offences: Insurance

Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will take steps to increase the penalties for uninsured drivers. [202610]

Jeremy Wright: Sentencing in individual cases is entirely a matter for our independent courts and they must follow sentencing guidelines issued by the independent Sentencing Council.

The Government announced on 12 May this year that we intend to carry out a review of the offences and maximum penalties available for a range of driving offences. This will include offences involving uninsured drivers.

Employment Tribunals Service

Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) whether his Department’s employment tribunal statistics are independently assessed for accuracy; [202164]

(2) for what reasons the quarterly employment tribunal statistics published by his Department on 12 June 2014 were removed without notification and replaced the same day with a second set of statistics; and if he will make a statement. [202165]

Mr Vara: The Ministry of Justice publishes quarterly official statistics on the tribunals which come under it, including employment tribunals. These are produced by statisticians within the Ministry of Justice using information collated by HM Courts and Tribunals Service, and are covered by the Code of Practice for Official Statistics.

The statistics published on 12 June were updated shortly after the initial publication. This was because we identified that the breakdown of employment tribunal jurisdiction claims was incorrect in a table published as an annex to the main publication.

The revision had no impact on the main findings set out in the statistical publication, that HMCTS tribunals recorded 84,700 receipts in the period January to March 2014. This is 67% lower than the same period of 2013, and the lowest receipts since this statistical series began in 2008-09.

In line with gov.uk policy, we alerted users to this revision by posting a message on the main webpage for the publication and have put in place procedures to ensure future publications will not be affected.

Freedom of Information

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will make it his policy to regularly provide details on private sector bodies who collaborate with public sector bodies on projects which are subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000. [202371]

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Simon Hughes: The Government already provide details of private sector bodies who work under contract with the Government. Since January 2011, as part of the Government's transparency programme, details of contracts above the value of £10,000 are published on Contracts Finder;

https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder

Mediation

Mr Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what estimate he has made of the number of cases in which compulsory mediation and information meetings would have been appropriate in 2013-14; and what funding is being made available in 2014-15 to provide that service. [202292]

Simon Hughes: We do not have the data to allow us to assess how many family court applications filed in 2013-14 might have been appropriate for a mediation information and assessment meeting (MIAM) in comparison with the number of MIAMs actually attended. In 2013/14 13,354 couples attended a publicly funded MIAM (that is, where at least one of the parties was legally aided).

Implementation of the Children and Families Act 2014 on 22 April 2014 means that attendance at a MIAM is now compulsory for the potential applicant.

Public funding (legal aid) remains in scope for family mediation for those who qualify on means and merits, and the budget for legal aid for mediation is uncapped. In 2013/14, the LAA spent £9m on mediation. If one party is funded the other will be covered for the MIAM as well. Legal help with mediation is also available for the funded party and includes help from a lawyer with applying to the court for a consent order based on the agreement reached in mediation.

Powers of Attorney

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) if his Department will strengthen levels of protection of elderly and vulnerable people by allowing the Office of the Public Guardian to investigate abuses of power of attorney in cases where these powers have been revoked; [202570]

(2) what steps he will take to introduce safeguards to power of attorney to better protect elderly and vulnerable people from abuses of that power; [202571]

(3) how many successful prosecutions for abuse of power of attorney were brought forward in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement; [202572]

(4) what steps he is taking to increase levels of protection for elderly and vulnerable people who fall victim to abuse of power of attorney; [202573]

(5) if his Department will take steps to expand the investigatory powers of the Office of the Public Guardian to better protect elderly and vulnerable people in cases in which power of attorney is abused; and if he will make a statement. [202574]

Simon Hughes: The Government are committed to protecting elderly and vulnerable people, and to ensuring that anyone responsible for abuse is dealt with appropriately.

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The Public Guardian has power to investigate cases where concerns are raised about the actions of a person acting under a power of attorney, and to apply to the Court to revoke the power of attorney where necessary to prevent abuse. The Public Guardian will refer cases to health and care authorities, who can act under statutory safeguarding powers to protect an individual who may be at risk, and to the police if he suspects a criminal offence has been committed.

We are currently considering whether the Public Guardian needs additional powers to strengthen his role in safeguarding elderly and vulnerable people, including the power to continue an investigation after a power of attorney or court order has been revoked or disclaimed. This would require changes to primary legislation.

Data on prosecutions for fraud, or for ill-treatment and neglect under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, do not specify whether the allegation relates to a person acting under a power of attorney. The Government’s response to the House of Lords Select Committee’s report on the Mental Capacity Act includes a commitment to review the use of the criminal offence under section 44 of the Act.

Prisoners

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison Whitemoor spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the latest date for which figures are available; [202691]

(2) how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison Winchester spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the latest date for which figures are available; [202692]

(3) how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison Wolds spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the latest date for which figures are available; [202693]

(4) how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison Wood Hill spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the latest date for which figures are available; [202694]

(5) how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison Wormwood Scrubs spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the latest date for which figures are available. [202695]

Jeremy Wright: Up until the end of 2011-12, information was collected on the average hours per weekday that prisoners were unlocked. By subtracting the average hours unlocked from the 24 hours in a day, it is possible to estimate hours spent locked in cell. Figures for each prison establishment for the three years from 2009-10 to 2011-12 have been placed in the Library of the House.

It should be noted that time in cell includes hours when prisoners are asleep. Time unlocked includes time

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where a prisoner is either out of their cell or where the cell door is unlocked, allowing them to move freely in and out of the cell.

Time unlocked was discontinued as a performance indicator for prisons at the end of 2011-12 because it was not used in the day-to-day management of prisons and NOMS had concerns over the burden on the frontline of collecting the data. Indicators introduced into prison SLAs in respect of rehabilitation, resettlement and work in prisons provide a better demonstration of efforts to prepare prisoners for release and reduce reoffending.

Figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large-scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. Figures for time in cell for the year 2012-13 and 2013-14 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Work in prisons is a key priority to ensure prisoners are engaged purposefully while they are in custody. It also gives them the opportunity to learn skills and a work ethic which can increase their chances of finding employment on release, a key element in reducing reoffending.

The number of prisoners working in industrial activity across public sector prisons increased from around 8,600 in 2010-11 (the first year for which figures are available) to around 9,700 in 2012-13. This delivered an increase in the total hours worked in industrial activities from 10.6 million hours to 13.1 million hours. Private sector prisons have also been supporting this agenda and have reported that they delivered over 1.5 million prisoner working hours in commercial and industrial workshops in 2012-13, which provided work for over 1,200 prisoners. In addition, there are substantial numbers of prisoners who work to keep prisons running, on tasks such as cooking, serving meals, maintenance and cleaning.

Figures for public sector prisons are published in the NOMS Annual Report Management Information Addendum, available at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/225225/mi-addendum.pdf

The establishment-level breakdown of weekly hours worked is not available centrally for 2011-12 and 2012-13 and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Information on the proportion of prisoners classed as unemployed is not available centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Our reforms to the incentives and earned privileges national policy framework came into effect in adult prisons on 1 November 2013. Prisoners will be expected to engage in purposeful activity, as well as demonstrate a commitment towards their rehabilitation, reduce their risk of reoffending, behave well and help others if they are to earn privileges.

Prisoners: Driving Instruction

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) what the (a) security category and (b) sentence type was of each prisoner recorded as taking car driving lessons and tests in 2013; [202937]

(2) how many prisoners recorded as taking car driving lessons or tests in 2013 (a) absconded and (b) attempted to abscond during such lessons or tests; [202936]

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(3) how much was spent on car driving lessons and tests for prisoners in 2013. [202938]

Jeremy Wright: My officials are currently working to provide the information requested but it has not proved possible to produce it in the time allowed. I will write to you in due course.

Witnesses

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what estimate he has made of the number of active registered intermediaries that would be required to allow all vulnerable witnesses to have access to such support in court. [202209]

Damian Green: We must do everything we can to support vulnerable witnesses and help them give their best possible evidence to bring offenders to justice. The Ministry of Justice is actively looking at ways to increase the provision and uptake of special measures, in particular the use of registered intermediaries, to help vulnerable witnesses give their best evidence in court. Since 2009, 98% of requests for a registered intermediary have been matched by the Witness Intermediary Service.

Defence

AWE

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons a review of the scope of Project Pegasus is being undertaken at the Atomic Weapons Establishment; and what changes he expects to be made to the scope of the project as a result of the review. [200410]

Mr Dunne: Pegasus is the replacement highly enriched uranium component manufacturing and storage facility, and forms part of the Government’s programme of investment in the Atomic Weapons Establishment sites.

In accordance with normal industry best practice, the project is under regular review to ensure that the facility will meet the Ministry of Defence’s requirements while also achieving the optimum balance of performance, cost and schedule. No changes to the approved scope of the project have been made.

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the answer of 22 November 2011, Official Report, column 272W, on AWE, what his most recent estimate is of the (a) anticipated out-turn cost and (b) projected in-service date of each of the new build projects in the Atomic Weapons Establishment Site Development Context Plan. [200428]

Mr Dunne: The following tables show the current new build projects, with approved costs and in-service dates, at the Atomic Weapons Establishment.

Projected in-service dates are shown in bandings to avoid prejudice to national security and defence. No costs are attributed to projects detailed in table 2 as these have yet to be approved.

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Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost is of each Lightning II his Department has ordered to date. [201930]

Mr Dunne: The Lightning II aircraft are being procured incrementally. To date the UK has ordered four F-35 B aircraft, three of which have been delivered. The approved cost for the production of the four aircraft, including initial spares provision, risk, concurrency, necessary programme and support arrangements, long lead items and our contribution to the composite share ratio for the next batch of aircraft is £999 million, as detailed in the National Audit Office Major Projects Report 2013.

RAF Leuchars

Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the (a) Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, (b) 2 Close Support Battalion REME and (c) 110 Provost Company RMP are scheduled to move to Leuchars; how many military personnel make up each unit; and how many (i) spouses and (ii) school-age children are attached to each unit. [202097]

Mr Francois: The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (Royal Scots DG) and 2 Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (2 CS Bn REME) are due to relocate to RAF Leuchars during the summer of 2015, whilst 110 Provost Company (110 Pro Coy), Royal Military Police, will arrive in tranches from late 2015 to 2018.

The number of personnel, spouses and school-age children are as follows:

Dependents data are subject to change due to inflow and outflow of personnel to and from the units and has been estimated for planning purposes.

Fife Education Authority has visited the units in Germany and is in regular contact with officials regarding the number of children relocating to RAF Leuchars.

Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what items of infrastructure have been (a) commissioned for installation and (b) installed at RAF Leuchars in preparation for the arrival of Army units and associated personnel; and how much each such item (i) is estimated to cost and (ii) has cost. [202101]

Mr Francois: It is expected that over £5 million of investment will be made at RAF Leuchars to prepare for the arrival of Army units. This work is in the final stages of planning, so we hope to begin the work soon.

Reserve Forces

Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people in (a) Scotland, (b) Wales, (c) Northern Ireland and (d) each English region have joined the (i) Army Reserves, (ii) Royal Naval Reserves and (iii) Royal Air Force Reserves in each year since 2010. [201291]

Anna Soubry: This information is not held in the format requested. Statistical data on recruitment to the Reserve Forces can be found in the Defence Statistics Quarterly Personnel Report at:

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https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-armed-forces-quarterly-personnel-report-2014

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information his Department holds on the use of drones originating at (a) USAF Croughton, (b) RAF Marham, (c) NSA Menwith Hill and (d) RAF Waddington; and if he will make a statement. [202451]

Mr Francois: The UK’s Reaper Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) are remotely operated from RAF Waddington. The US does not operate RPAS from the UK.

War Graves

Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many graves are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, by (a) cemetery and (b) country; [202190]

(2) which cemeteries are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, by country; and if he will make a statement. [202191]

Anna Soubry: The Commonwealth War Graves Commission ensures that the 1.7 million people who died in the two world wars will never be forgotten. The Commission cares for cemeteries and memorials at 23,000 locations, in 153 countries. It is therefore not possible to list every cemetery in this answer. Detailed and searchable information on the numbers of graves at each location in every relevant country is available on the Commission's website:

www.cwgc.org

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Second World War: Anniversaries

Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how much funding has been allocated for commemorations of the 70th anniversary of the end of the second world war; and if he will make a statement; [202185]

(2) if he will provide funding to refurbish war graves and war memorials (a) in the UK and (b) overseas as part of the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the ending of the second world war; and if he will make a statement; [202025]

(3) with which countries his Department has (a) held discussions and (b) plans to hold discussions on (i) joint events and (ii) a UK presence at overseas events to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the ending of the second world war; when any such discussions (A) took place and (B) are due to take place; and if he will make a statement; [202026]

(4) how many officials in his Department are engaged (a) full-time and (b) part-time in preparations to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of the second world war; and if he will make a statement; [202178]

(5) if he will make it his policy to apply a motif on all his Department's commemorative items and events associated with the 70th anniversary of the end of the second world war; and if he will make a statement. [202179]

Anna Soubry: Following the very successful commemorations to mark the 70^th anniversary of D-Day’s we will now be focusing in more detail across Government on how the 70th anniversary of the end of the second world war in 2015 might be marked in an appropriate manner. I expect an announcement to be made later in the year.