Buildings

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will review his departmental estate in order to reduce costs; and if he will make a statement. [206680]

Jo Swinson: There has been, and continues to be, substantial investment in reviewing BIS departmental estates in order to reduce costs. We have made substantial investment which has proven most successful in delivering an Estates Transition Programme.

Business: Ashfield

Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many small and medium-sized enterprises have been started in Ashfield constituency in each of the last five years; and what proportion of such businesses are still trading. [205156]

Matthew Hancock: There is no single data source that comprehensively measures all business start-ups within the UK. However, as a near proxy BankSearch collates data on the number of new business bank accounts opened in Great Britain. This can be used as an indicative measure of business start-up activity and is the most comprehensive source available to BIS. Data go as far back as 2008 and do not include information on whether the business is trading or not.

Business: Cybercrime

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department is taking to ensure that UK businesses are protected from cyber-crime. [205271]

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Mr Vaizey: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is playing a key role in the delivery of the National Cyber Security Strategy, a five-year programme to transform the UK’s approach to cyber security, backed up with £860 million of investment.

BIS leads on the “making it safer to do business in cyber space” objective and has delivered a range of measures to help protect UK business from cyber crime, including:

publishing a range of good practice cyber security guidance aimed at large and small businesses;

delivering the ‘Cyber Streetwise’ campaign with the Home Office to help businesses and consumers protect themselves against online crime;

launching the industry approved “Cyber Essentials” scheme which enables businesses to implement a good basic level of cyber hygiene against cyber threats;

making over £1 million of cyber security innovation vouchers available to UK SMEs to help them improve their cyber security, and

Support for industry initiatives such as Nominet’s ‘Cyber Assist’ pilot service for small and medium-sized enterprises experiencing cyber attacks.

BIS also works with other Government Departments and the security and intelligence agencies to deliver further measures to help protect UK business from cyber crime, including:

Creating a national Computer Emergency Response Team, CERT UK, which works closely with industry, Government and academia to enhance UK cyber resilience. It provides support to Critical National Infrastructure companies to handle cyber security incidents.

Setting up the Cyber Security Information Sharing Partnership (CISP), part of CERT UK, which enables companies to share information and intelligence on cyber security threats;

The creation of a Government approved list of Cyber Incident ‘Clean Up’ companies which can help companies respond effectively to incidents and get them up and running as soon as possible.

Business: Email

Andrew Bingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment his Department has made of the financial advantages enjoyed by larger companies in preventing their marketing and promotional emails from being blocked by servers. [205876]

Mr Vaizey: The Department has not made an assessment regarding this issue.

If there is evidence that treating emails in this manner is driving anti-competitive behaviour by companies, this should be referred to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the UK’s independent competition authority, for consideration.

Correspondence

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will take steps to increase the number of replies within his Department's working day standard; and if he will make a statement. [206131]

Jo Swinson: The handling of correspondence is given the highest priority by the Department and we aim to respond to all correspondence within 15 working days.

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For the calendar year ending 31 December 2013, the latest period for which figures are available, 93% of responses to MPs and Peers were answered within our target of 15 working days. This represents an increase of 9% over the previous year’s performance.

Guidance on handling correspondence from Members of Parliament, Peers, MEPs and Members of devolved Administrations will be updated in due course.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/61196/guide-handling-gov-correspondence.pdf

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will estimate the annual cost to his Department of (a) stationery and (b) postage incurred when sending a ministerial reply to hon. Members; and if he will make a statement. [206140]

Jo Swinson: Every effort is made to ensure that departmental correspondence is dealt with in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Letters are sent on stationery printed in-house. If sending a ministerial reply to hon. Members at the House of Commons or House of Lords then no postage is incurred as mail is delivered twice a day from the Department, 1 Victoria Street on our van service.

During recess, letters are sent via first class mail—the cost of stationery and postage during the most recent summer recess period is estimated at around £200. Figures for earlier time periods are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Disabled Students' Allowances

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the Answer of 7 July 2014, Official Report, column 128W, on disabled students' allowances, (1) whether his Department will provide supplemental funding to higher education institutions to support students likely to require extra reasonable adjustments as a result of changes to disabled students allowance; [205046]

(2) how much money his Department will save as a result of the proposed changes to the disabled students allowance. [205028]

Greg Clark: The Government are consulting stakeholders about the proposed changes. These consultations will help inform the Equality Analysis, which will include an estimate of the savings that might be expected from the proposals, once agreed.

Exports

Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many firms have taken part in the Passport to Export scheme in each year of its operation. [206267]

Matthew Hancock: Passport to Export has been running for over 10 years and in most years around 1,200 companies have been signed to the scheme. That number was increased in 2013/14. Since 2010 for which data are readily available, the number of companies signed to the scheme is as follows:

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Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much match funding has been allocated to firms under the Passport to Export Scheme; and what proportion of these funds have been withdrawn. [206271]

Matthew Hancock: Since 2010 for which data are readily available, the level of expenditure on match funding has been as follows:

No companies with an offer of matched funding have had that offer of funding withdrawn.

Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many firms have been allocated funds which have subsequently been withdrawn with the removal of match funding under the Passport to Export scheme. [206272]

Matthew Hancock: No companies offered matched funding under UK Trade & Investment’s Passport to Export Scheme have had that offer of funding removed.

Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many firms are participating in the Passport to Export scheme. [206275]

Matthew Hancock: I refer the hon. Member to parliamentary question 206276 that I have answered today. This indicates the numbers of companies signed to the Passport to Export scheme in recent years. Companies are signed up to the scheme over the course of each financial year and stay on the programme for a period of up to 12 months.

Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many firms (a) applied and (b) were approved to take part in the Passport to Export scheme in each month of its operation. [206276]

Matthew Hancock: Monthly data for companies signing up to the Passport scheme are not available for the full length of time Passport has been running. However, monthly data are available since April 2012, and they are set out in the following table.

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No data are retained on the numbers of companies which applied but were not approved to take part in the Passport to Export scheme.

Exports: Middle East

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will suspend all standard individual export licence and open individual export licences to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories until at least such time as a ceasefire in the present conflict in that region has been established. [206224]

Matthew Hancock: A ceasefire was announced on 26 August 2014 and remains in force. The Government continue to monitor the situation closely.

Graduates

Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to increase opportunities for university leavers and to ensure that university leavers in all regions and constituent parts of the UK benefit from his efforts. [206222]

Greg Clark: The Government are rebuilding, rebalancing and growing the economy to ensure that all university leavers in all parts of the country are given the opportunity to achieve their potential.

The economic plan is working, with more than 2 million more private sector jobs and 400,000 more businesses.

To enable students to take advantage of these opportunities we are increasing the information available to them through the Key Information Set. This provides comparable information on over 37,000 undergraduate courses at universities and colleges across the country.

Our Graduate Talent Pool programme has played a valuable role in stimulating the UK graduate internship market, helping graduates to gain relevant work experience and improving their employment prospects.

Latest data, from the Destinations of Leavers of Higher Education survey, show that these policies are working, and 88% of full-time first degree leavers who graduated from UK universities in 2012/13 were in employment or further study six months after graduation.

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New Businesses: Northern Ireland

Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of the monies made available for the Government's Start-Up Loan scheme has been allocated to businesses in Northern Ireland since the scheme began. [205566]

Matthew Hancock: The funding Government have allocated to the Start-Up Loan scheme is not segregated by region, therefore when a Start-Up Loan delivery partner approves a Start-Up Loan for a business in Northern Ireland the funds are derived from the overall Start-Up Loan budget. The scheme was extended to Northern Ireland June 13 and there have been 126 loans with a value of £591,610.

New Businesses: Westmorland

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many new businesses (a) have been registered in Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency since 2010 and (b) were registered between 2005 and 2010. [205053]

Matthew Hancock: There is no single data source that comprehensively measures all business start-ups within the UK. However, as a near proxy BankSearch collates data on the number of new business bank accounts opened in Great Britain. This can be used as an indicative measure of business start-up activity and is the most comprehensive source available to BIS. Data go as far back as 2008.

Between the start of 2010 and May 2014 there were an estimated 2,610 start-ups in the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency. Between the start of 2008 and the end of 2009 there were an estimated 1,265 start-ups in this constituency.

Pay: Ethnic Groups

Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will take steps to increase the number of workers from ethnic minority backgrounds who are paid the living wage as defined by the Living Wage Foundation. [206515]

Jo Swinson: The Government encourage employers to pay the living wage when it is affordable and not at the expense of jobs. However our primary policy for supporting the low paid is the National Minimum Wage (NMW) which is carefully set by the independent Low Pay Commission at a level that maximises their wages without damaging employment by setting it too high.

The NWW has benefitted all low paid workers across the UK, not just those from ethnic minority backgrounds. Since its introduction in 1999 it has increased faster than average earnings and inflation without an adverse impact on employment.

In addition to the NMW we are increasing the personal allowance for income tax, allowing workers to take home more of what they earn. From April 2015 changes to income tax will provide the average worker with an additional £800 to their pay packet and by then will have taken 3.2 million people out of tax altogether.

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Property: Greater London

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many and what proportion of properties in each London borough sold in each year since 2010 were sold to foreign buyers. [206265]

Matthew Hancock: The information requested has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

Royal Mail

Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what agreement was sought from priority investors on the long-term holding of shares in Royal Mail. [206020]

Matthew Hancock: No agreement was sought from the priority investors ahead of the sale of shares in Royal Mail on the long-term holding of shares.

Any mechanism which requires a buyer to give up the rights normally associated with shares, such as a restriction on the right to sell those shares for a period of time, would be reflected in the price investors would be prepared to pay for those shares.

Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions took place between (a) Ministers in his Department, (b) officials, (c) the Financial Adviser to HM Government and (d) the banking syndicate working on the privatisation of Royal Mail with priority investors on the length of time shares in the privatised business would continue to be held. [206035]

Matthew Hancock: We did not seek assurances from priority investors on the length of time that they would hold the Royal Mail shares that they bought.

Our intention was to ensure that RM started out with a core of long-term, stable investors who understood the business, along with some hedge fund participation to ensure liquidity in the aftermarket. We achieved that.

We did not expect the shareholder register to remain static. Some investors have sold their shares, presumably because the share price reached their target price. Others have bought shares. There is still a wide range of views on the value of this company.

Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Edinburgh South of 24 June 2014, Official Report, column 167W, on Royal Mail, what correspondence his Department has had with the syndicate of banks involved in the initial public offering on (a) the payment of the discretionary fee and (b) the length of the stabilisation period set out in the engagement letter. [206040]

Matthew Hancock: The Department has not had any correspondence with the syndicate of banks about the payment of the discretionary fee and the length of the stabilisation period.

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Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) on what date the decision was taken to set the limit the public offering of Royal Mail shares to those applying for shares of a value of less than £10,000; [206646]

(2) on what date banks were informed of the decision to limit Royal Mail shares to people applying for shares of a value less than £10,000. [206647]

Matthew Hancock: The decision to limit the allocation of shares under the Royal Mail Retail Offer to those applying for less than £10,000 was taken by Ministers on 9 October 2013.

The banks involved in the sale of Royal Mail shares were informed on the same day as the decision was made.

Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to his Department's Major Projects Portfolio September 2013, published on 23 May 2014, if he will place in the Library the lessons learned document in respect of the Royal Mail sale of shares. [206815]

Matthew Hancock: The lessons learned document was prepared for internal use by the Department.

The Department does not intend to give this document wider circulation as producing such documents is an important part of the decision making process and to release it would have an inhibiting effect on future Government decision making processes (including the identification of ways to improve those processes).

Students: Disadvantaged

Sir Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what allowance his Department makes for the proportion of mature, disadvantaged and harder to reach students any college has on its student rolls when assessing the adequacy of the college's student attendance rates. [207046]

Nick Boles: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has no role in assessing the adequacy of student attendance rates in further education (FE) colleges.

The Government’s school and college inspection body, Ofsted, in its judgment on a college’s outcome from learners may comment on low attendance and punctuality as an area for improvement, and will look at how a college’s achievement gaps are narrowing between different groups of learners.

Where Ofsted rates a college inadequate, BIS will take intervention action.

Students: Loans

Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills when his Department plans next to update the RAB charge on student loans. [205774]

Greg Clark: The next update of the RAB charge will happen when the Student Loans Company provides the Department with updated loans data. This typically takes place in early autumn each year.

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Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the answer of 11 December 2013, Official Report, column 247W, on students: loans, how many complaints (a) he and (b) the Office of Fair Trading has received about changes to the conditions of student loans sold to Erudio Student Loans Limited for loan holders (i) nationally and (ii) in Greater Manchester; what steps he has taken to remind Erudio of its responsibility to uphold the original conditions of the loan; what guidance he has issued to purchasers of the student loan book on how student loans impact credit ratings; and if he will place in the Library a copy of that guidance. [206948]

Greg Clark: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills had received complaints about Erudio Student Loans Limited from 38 loan holders (or their elected representatives) as at 31 July 2014:

12 of these did not specify their location.

of the remaining 26, 15 were from (or about) loan holders in England, of which one was in Greater Manchester.

The Office of Fair Trading was closed on 1 April 2014 and its responsibilities in relation to consumer credit passed to the Financial Conduct Authority. The Financial Conduct Authority does not investigate individual complaints. The Financial Ombudsman Service is a free, independent service for settling disputes between financial services firms and their customers, which can deal with complaints about a wide range of financial matters.

Erudio has been notified of five complaints received by the Financial Ombudsman Service as at 31 July 2014. None of these was from loan holders in Greater Manchester.

Mortgage style student loans are regulated loans under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (as amended). Terms and conditions are specified in the Education (Student Loans) Regulations 1998 and in borrowers’ loan credit agreements. Erudio Student Loans Limited is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for accounts formed under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (as amended) and must act in compliance with the terms and conditions of the loans, relevant regulatory requirements, industry guidance and all applicable laws.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has not issued guidance to Erudio Student Loans Limited in relation to how mortgage style student loans impact on borrowers’ credit scores, as the Department has no involvement in the credit scoring process.

The leaflet ‘Credit explained’ published by the Information Commissioner’s Office explains this in more detail and is available at:

http://ico.org.uk/for_the_public/topic_specific_guides/~/media/documents/library/Data_Protection/Practical_application/credit-explained-dp-guidance.pdf

UK Export Finance

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the potential effect of his proposals to extend the powers of UK Export Finance on (a) the commitment on the Coalition Agreement for UK Trade and Investment and the Export Credits Guarantee Department to become

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champions for British companies that develop and export innovative green technologies around the world and

(b)

human rights; and if he will make a statement. [206521]

Matthew Hancock [holding answer 22 July 2014]: The proposals to extend the powers of UK Export Finance (UKEF) should be helpful to exporters operating in all sectors.

Video Games: Cybercrime

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether his Department has taken steps to protect from cyber-crime attacks videogame developers and publishers who have products that are specifically based online. [205270]

Mr Vaizey [holding answer 16 July 2014]: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is playing a key role in the Government’s five-year, £860 million National Cyber Security Programme and has delivered a range of measures to help protect all UK businesses from cyber crime attacks. The Government have regular discussions with the videogames industry, for example through the work of the Creative Industries Council. Companies can draw upon various forms of Government help and support, such as the range of good practice guidance and the £5,000 cyber security innovation vouchers aimed at small businesses and start-ups. BIS continues to work with Government and industry partners to raise awareness of cyber threats and encourage businesses to take action to protect themselves.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Ascension Island

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure that West Nile virus is not introduced from the US to Ascension Island. [206997]

James Duddridge: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the then Parliamentary under Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Boston and Skegness (Mark Simmonds) on 21 July 2014, Official Report, column 870W.

British Indian Ocean Territory

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department will place in the Library a copy of the commercial tuna-fishing licences sold by the British Indian Ocean Territory Government in 2010. [206998]

James Duddridge: Copies of the commercial tuna-fishing licences from 2010 were deposited in the Library of the House on 21 July 2014.

British Nationals Abroad: Terrorism

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his (a) Egyptian, (b) Syrian and (c) Iraqi counterparts on preventing UK nationals becoming involved in terrorist groups. [206805]

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Mr Ellwood: We remain concerned about the significant number of UK nationals becoming involved in terrorist groups. Since the conflict in Syria began, more than 500 individuals have travelled to fight from the UK. Our priority is to dissuade people from travelling to areas of conflict in the first place, and to identify and dissuade individuals at risk of radicalisation.

We are working closely with allies, partners in the region and through the UN and EU on counter-terrorism priorities. We have had extensive discussions with the opposition Syrian National Coalition on the threat of extremism, including the role of UK nationals. We welcome their rejection of terrorism and their consistent condemnation of terrorist acts, as well as their commitment to upholding international human rights and humanitarian law. We are supporting the moderate opposition in Syria who are leading the fight against both the regime and wider extremism, including ISIL.

The Prime Minister called the Iraq Prime Minister PM Designate, Dr Haidar al-Abadi, and President Massoud Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government on 13 August to show UK support for Dr al-Abadi’s efforts to form a new Government and encourage co-operation between Baghdad and Erbil. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Tobias Ellwood and Secretary of State for International Development Justine Greening visited Baghdad and Erbil on 26-27 August. In Baghdad they met President Fuad Masoum, Prime Minister-designate al-Abadi and Speaker Salman al-Jibouri, all of whom were clear that early progress on the formation of a new Government is critical to progress in tackling the challenge Iraq faces from ISIL, and all of whom welcomed UK support.

The Foreign Secretary discussed the issue of foreign fighters with the Egyptian Foreign Minister in Cairo on 24 July, and Mr Ellwood discussed the regional security situation, including Iraq and Syria, with the Secretary General of the Arab League and the Egyptian Assistant Minister for Europe in Cairo on 25 August.

Burma

Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to his counterpart in Burma on the recent violence against Muslims in Mandalay and the growth of Buddhist extremism in that country. [206733]

Mr Swire: On 3 July, I expressed my concern about the violence which took place in Mandalay, and called for restraint. The British embassy in Rangoon has discussed the incident with the Government of Burma and we continue to monitor the situation. More broadly, we remain deeply concerned by the violence directed against Muslim and other minority groups in Burma and have been consistently clear that we look to the Government to ensure the security of all communities. Through the EU the UK is supporting a project to develop the capacity of the Burmese police force, including in Mandalay, so they are better trained to respond to such incidents in line with international standards. We are also providing funding to support organisations that run interfaith dialogue, which will be important in bringing communities together.

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Central African Republic

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support the Government are giving to the European Union Force's presence in the Central African Republic. [206841]

James Duddridge: We remain greatly concerned by the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR). The UK has supported the planning and logistics for the European Union Force (EUFOR) in CAR, including by providing a military officer to the Operation Headquarters. We provided practical support to speed up the operation’s deployment by flying equipment and personnel to CAR. The UK also supports the ongoing EUFOR operation by paying a proportion (14.82%) of the operation’s estimated €31.2 million common costs. Further to our support to the EUFOR mission we have provided £2 million for the African-led International Support Mission to CAR (MISCA), and provided logistical support to the French (Sangaris) mission. The Department for International Development has also provided £23 million in humanitarian aid since mid-2013.

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government have taken to ensure that the UN-led MINUSCA peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic is well-resourced and fully deployed with the UN authorised number of troops by September 2014. [206850]

James Duddridge: We remain deeply concerned about the situation in the Central African Republic and have been working closely with the United Nations and other partners to ensure MINUSCA deploys with the expertise and resources it needs to carry out its mandate (UNSCR2149, April 2014). We are supporting close consultation with the African Union, to ensure a smooth transition from the African-led International Support Mission to CAR (MISCA) to MINUSCA on 15 September, and we will continue to support UN efforts to bring MINUSCA to full strength as soon as possible.

Children: Detainees

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the implementation of each of the recommendations in the report, Children in Military Custody, published in June 2012. [206208]

Mr Ellwood: The UK has made repeated representations to Israel on their treatment of Palestinian prisoners, including child detainees. Since the Foreign and Commonwealth Office-funded independent report on Children in Military Custody, there has been some limited progress. This includes a pilot to use summons instead of night-time arrests, and steps to reduce the amount of time a child can be detained before seeing a judge. My predecessor wrote to the Israeli Attorney-General on 31 March 2014 to welcome the steps taken to date and to call for further measures, including the mandatory use of audio-visual recording of interrogations, investigation into continued reports of single hand ties being used, and an end to solitary confinement for children. The British Government have been working with the delegation

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who compiled the Children in Military Custody report to make a return visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in the near future.

Colombia

Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answers to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent South of 30 June 2014, Official Report, column 453W, on Colombia, for what reasons the Minister of State did not meet representatives of trade unions during his visit to Bogota; and if he will instruct the British Embassy in Bogota to monitor (a) the progress made by the Colombian authorities in bringing the perpetrators of assassinations of representatives of trade unions and (b) the efficacy of the Colombian Republic's commitment to ending the culture of impunity. [206566]

Mr Swire: I met human rights groups before and during my visit to Colombia last month, and one of these groups was specifically focused on trade unions.

The British embassy does a lot of excellent work on human rights with Colombian authorities, not least on specific cases related to trade unions and on the issue of impunity, and it will continue to do so. The embassy has, for example, raised the murders of FENSUAGRO and Patriotic March members with the Vice-President's Office. Following this, on 26 June, the Vice-President's Office stated that it was following up these cases with the Ministry of Defence, the Army, the Attorney-General's Office, the Inspector-General's Office and the National Protection Unit. The Vice President's Office is also in direct communication with FENSUAGRO.

EU External Trade

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in how many meetings in the last year between financial sector professionals and Ministers or senior officials in his Department the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership has been discussed. [206902]

Mr Swire: Details of meetings held by Ministers and Permanent Secretaries with external organisations are published quarterly and can be found at Gov.uk.

Information requested in respect of other officials' meetings is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate costs.

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in how many meetings in the last year between agricultural sector professionals and Ministers or senior officials in his Department the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership has been discussed. [206903]

Mr Swire: Details of meetings held by Ministers and Permanent Secretaries with external organisations are published quarterly and can be found at Gov.uk.

Information requested in respect of other officials' meetings is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate costs.

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Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in how many meetings in the last year between pharmaceutical sector professionals and Ministers or senior officials in his Department the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership has been discussed. [206904]

Mr Swire: Details of meetings held by Ministers and Permanent Secretaries with external organisations are published quarterly and can be found at Gov.uk.

Information requested in respect of other officials' meetings is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate costs.

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in how many meetings in the last year between chemical sector professionals and Ministers or senior officials in his Department the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership has been discussed. [206905]

Mr Swire: Details of meetings held by Ministers and Permanent Secretaries with external organisations are published quarterly and can be found at Gov.uk.

Information requested in respect of other officials' meetings is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate costs.

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) in how many meetings in the last year between manufacturing sector professionals and Ministers or Senior officials in his Department the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership has been discussed; [206906]

(2) in how many meetings in the last year between insurance sector professionals and Ministers or senior officials of his Department the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership has been discussed. [206879]

Mr Swire: Details of meetings held by Ministers and permanent secretaries with external organisations are published quarterly and can be found at Gov.uk.

Information requested in respect of other officials' meetings is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate costs.

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in how many meetings in the last year between energy sector professionals and Ministers or Senior officials in his Department the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership has been discussed. [206907]

Mr Swire: Details of meetings held by Ministers and permanent secretaries with external organisations are published quarterly and can be found at Gov.uk. Information requested in respect of other officials' meetings is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate costs.

EU Law

Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many times the UK has lost EU infraction proceedings since May

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2010 which relate to matters that fall within his Department's responsibility. [206657]

Mr Lidington: Since May 2010 the UK has lost no infraction proceedings in which the Foreign and Commonwealth office was the lead Department.

Iran

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the treatment of the Bahá’í community in Iran. [206751]

Mr Ellwood: It was reported in May 2014 that a Baháí cemetery in Shiraz, where over 950 Baha’is are buried, was destroyed – there have been a number of similar such incidents in recent years. As well as the threat of imprisonment, Baha’is continue to face ongoing harassment and discrimination.

The UK works closely with the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran, Dr Ahmed Shaheed, who’s most recent report of March 2014 addressed the plight of Baha’is and other religious minorities in the country. The UK’s non-resident Chargé d’Affaires to Iran discussed freedom of religion and other Human Rights issues with the Iranian authorities during his visit to Iran in March 2014. My hon. Friend the then Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Hugh Robertson), issued a public statement on 14 May 2014 calling for Iran to abide by its international commitments to ensure all Iranians are free to practice their religion without fear of persecution.

Iraq

Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to ensure that British Embassy staff in Iraq make contact with Danny Fitzsimons, who is held prisoner in that country. [207002]

Mr Ellwood: Embassy staff have visited Mr Fitzsimons and continue to attempt to do so despite the security situation in the area of Iraq where Mr Fitzsimons is detained. When they have been unable to visit, staff have had contact by phone or in writing. We will continue to provide consular support, taking into account the local conditions. The British Government remain in regular discussions with the Iraqi Authorities about Mr Fitzsimons's case.

Kazakhstan

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions Ministers in his Department have had with the Government of Kazakstan on human rights, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of religion. [206426]

Mr Ellwood: The Prime Minister visited Kazakhstan last year and had a wide-ranging discussion on human rights with President Nazarbayev. The former Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), raised human rights concerns with the Kazakhstani Foreign Minister during the latter’s visit to

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London in November last year. My right hon. noble Friend the former Senior Minister of State Baroness Warsi visited Kazakhstan in April and discussed a number of human rights issues with Kazakhstani interlocutors, building on previous visits and conversations.

We continue to raise our concerns about human rights, freedoms of expression, assembly and religion directly with the Government of Kazakhstan, and in relevant international fora, at every appropriate opportunity.

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions Ministers in his Department have had with the Government of Kazakstan on violation of fundamental labour rights and exploitation of child labour. [206427]

Mr Ellwood: We were deeply concerned by the labour clashes in western Kazakhstan in December 2011.

In November 2013 in a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, the then Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), encouraged Kazakhstan to sign up to the Voluntary Principles on Business and Human Rights, which aim to reduce the risk of human rights abuses connected to the extractives industry.

We are funding a project to promote the implementation of the United Nations “Protect, Respect and Remedy” Framework and guiding principles on business and human rights in Kazakhstan.

Finally, we welcome and support Kazakhstan’s efforts to implement its 2012 to 2014 Joint Action Plan and Joint Work Plan for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour, and meet its international obligations in this field.

Kenya

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his Kenyan counterpart on the safety of UK tourists to that country. [206803]

James Duddridge: The former Minister for Africa, my hon. Friend the Member for Boston and Skegness (Mark Simmonds), had regular discussions on security in Kenya with the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Amina Mohamed, and wrote to Ms Mohamed on the subject in May. The British high commissioner to Kenya discussed the safety of British nationals with Ms Mohamed, when he informed her of the latest change to FCO travel advice for Kenya in July 2014. I will be continuing this dialogue.

Macedonia

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government are taking to improve trade relations with the Republic of Macedonia. [206950]

Mr Lidington: We provide policy advice and political support for UK businesses operating, or seeking to operate in Macedonia, and enjoy good co-operation with the Macedonian Government on this front. For example, we run periodic ‘British Business Forums' that

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connect businesses directly with Macedonian institutions, resulting in closer co-operation and opportunities for companies to raise concerns directly with the Macedonian Government.

The embassy has also conducted targeted interventions in support of British business. For example we have tackled corruption/bureaucracy that was blocking a major British company from accessing the market, and have successfully lobbied against protectionist legislation that prevented another British company from repatriating its revenue.

Middle East

Simon Danczuk: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to de-escalate the situation in Gaza. [206289]

Mr Ellwood: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) has spoken to Israeli and Palestinian counterparts as well as key international partners about the present crisis in Gaza on numerous occasions in recent weeks, urging an end to violence, a durable ceasefire and successful negotiations in Cairo which lead to a sustainable solution to the current crisis, tackling its underlying causes. He has visited Ramallah, Jerusalem and Cairo for talks and attended the Foreign Affairs Council on 15 August 2014. He most recently spoke to the Egyptian Foreign Minister about the ceasefire talks on 20 August 2014.

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of recent Israeli actions in Gaza and that country's compliance with international law and its obligations under the Geneva Conventions. [206812]

Mr Ellwood: The Prime Minister has been clear that Israel has a right to self-defence but that everything must be done to minimise civilian casualties.

An assessment of whether Israeli actions in Gaza comply with international law and its obligations under the Geneva Conventions requires an investigation on the ground. To that end the United Nations Human Rights Council has set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate purported violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the Gaza Strip since the conflict began on 13 June 2014. The UK supports this inquiry, which must be balanced and independent.

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the legality under international law and the Geneva Conventions of Israel's current actions in Gaza. [206816]

Mr Ellwood: We have been clear that Israel has a right to defend itself. The UN Human Rights Council has set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate purported violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in the Gaza Strip since the conflict began there on 13 June. We are calling on both sides to co-operate with the Commission of Inquiry, which must itself be independent and balanced in its approach.

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Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to resolve the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. [206861]

Mr Ellwood: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), has spoken to Israeli and Palestinian counterparts as well as key international partners about the present crisis in Gaza on numerous occasions in recent weeks, urging an end to violence, a durable ceasefire and successful negotiations in Cairo which lead to a sustainable solution to the current crisis, tackling its underlying causes. The Foreign Secretary also visited Ramallah, Jerusalem and Cairo for talks. He most recently spoke to the Egyptian Foreign Minister about the ceasefire talks on 20 August.

The UK has provided £19.1 million in UK aid in response to this crisis.

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps he has taken to publicise internationally the UK's position on the conflict in Gaza. [206865]

Mr Ellwood: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) has had numerous bilateral contacts with the Israelis, Palestinians, US and other international partners on the Gaza conflict in recent weeks, including during visits to Egypt, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. He has also attended multilateral events such as the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 15 August. He has given press interviews and issued many statements on developments. On each occasion he has made the UK's position on the Gaza conflict clear.

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps he has taken to protect residents of Gaza and the West Bank. [206866]

Mr Ellwood: The UK has provided £19.1 million in UK aid in response to this crisis. On 8 August DIFD announced it would be providing an additional £2 million to the Disasters Emergency Committee and on 4 August the Secretary of State for International Development announced £2 million in new funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency’s Flash Appeal. This will help the UN provide a package of essential goods to the thousands of families sheltering in schools. In total, we have now pledged £6 million to UNRWA’s appeal.

Furthermore, on 1 August DFID activated the Rapid Response Facility for Gaza. This means pre-approved partners with a proven ability to operate in Gaza will now have access to a total of £3 million in new funding to provide rapid and direct emergency humanitarian assistance. We are providing £3 million to the World Food Programme to provide food vouchers. This boost will provide emergency food vouchers for more than 300,000 people for one month, and we are also providing £2 million in medical aid. Finally, we have brought forward £3 million in funding to the International

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Committee of the Red Cross to help them repair water infrastructure, deliver emergency medical services and protect the civilian population.

But we are clear that a political solution is required to the current crisis in Gaza if we are to avoid this suffering happening again. All UK effort is focused to that end.

Nigeria

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further assistance is being offered to the Nigerian authorities following the latest reported Boko Haram massacre in Damboa township. [206727]

James Duddridge: I condemn all acts of terrorism in Nigeria. The attack on Damboa further demonstrates the need for the United Kingdom and others to support Nigeria as it confronts Boko Haram and other terrorist groups. On 12 June 2014 the Government announced a substantial new package of UK military, intelligence and development support to Nigeria. This package includes training and advice to Nigerian units deployed against Boko Haram; support to Nigeria in bringing increased development and prosperity to its north east; and a commitment to draw 1 million more children into education in Northern Nigeria by 2020.

Palestinians

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received on the right to self-determination of Palestinian people; and if he will make a statement. [206864]

Mr Ellwood: We receive regular representations on the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, including from Governments, NGOs, and members of the public. The UK Government’s long-standing position is that we support a negotiated settlement leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state, based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps, Jerusalem as the shared capital of both states, and a just, fair and agreed settlement for refugees. The UK will continue to do all it can to support and advance efforts to resolve the conflict.

Russia

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the occasions on which Russian state servants or military personnel are believed to have committed offences against national security in the UK, or to have infringed UK airspace, territorial waters, land or cyberspace without the legal right to do so, or otherwise to have challenged or threatened UK sovereign interests in the last five years; on what date each such event occurred; what the nature of each such event was; and if he will make a statement. [206777]

Mr Ellwood: It is the long standing policy of successive Governments not to comment on intelligence matters including matters related to national security.

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Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on imposing sanctions against Russia in relation to that country's response to the crash of the Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 in Ukraine. [206986]

Mr Lidington: The tragic loss of life on Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 has brought into sharp focus the consequences of Russia's destabilisation of eastern Ukraine. EU sanctions are in direct response to Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea, with the option of increasingly severe restrictive measures if Russia does not desist from its policies to destabilise Ukraine and support separatists in the east. By imposing sanctions, we have demonstrated our willingness to use economic levers to influence Russia's behaviour. We have no wish to isolate Russia, nor to see the Russian people suffer as a result of the unlawful actions of their leaders. The international community cannot stand by, however, and ignore attacks upon Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

St Helena

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many St Helenians are in fuel poverty. [206522]

James Duddridge: The St Helena Government are reviewing how they might appropriately analyse and report fuel poverty statistics on the island, but currently they do not record this information. The FCO and DFID do not record this information.

DFID assists by contributing to efforts to alleviate the effect of the operating loss of the utilities company and to ensure that user tariffs are maintained.

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many St Helenians have emigrated since November 2011. [206524]

James Duddridge: St Helena Government's (SHG) Statistics Office has confirmed 148 St Helenians have emigrated since November 2011.

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate she has made of the number of residents of St Helena in fuel poverty. [206991]

James Duddridge: The St Helena Government are reviewing how they might appropriately analyse and report fuel poverty statistics on the island, but currently they do not record this information. The FCO and DFID do not record this information.

DFID assists by contributing to efforts to alleviate the effect of the operating loss of the utilities company and to ensure that user tariffs are maintained.

Terrorism

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will share information with other European countries to prevent people becoming involved in terrorist groups in Syria, Egypt and Iraq. [206806]

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Mr Ellwood: In line with the UK's wider Objective on increased collaboration to counter the global threat from terrorism, the Government are already working closely with allies, partners in the region and through the UN and EU on counter-terrorism priorities. That includes working closely with European partners to tackle the shared threat from foreign fighters travelling to Syria and the region. The UK is regularly exchanging information with European partners at an operational and policy level to ensure co-ordination of efforts in tackling the threat.

Ukraine

Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his Russian counterpart on the crash of flight MH17 in Ukraine. [206730]

Mr Lidington: The Prime Minister spoke to President Putin on 20 July regarding flight MH17. He made clear that the shooting down of MH17 was totally unacceptable and that our priority was to get experts to the crash site so they could recover and repatriate the victims and collect any evidence necessary for the investigation.

The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), remains in regular contact with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Ukrainian Government on assisting Ukrainian nationals to obtain external passports. [207039]

Mr Lidington: This is not an issue which we have raised with the Ukrainian Government. It would be inappropriate for Her Majesty's Government to lobby over who should be eligible for Ukrainian national passports.

Wines

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what value of wine from the Government's wine cellar was consumed by each Government Department in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12, (c) 2012-13, (d) 2013-14 and (e) the first quarter of 2014-15. [206705]

James Duddridge: I refer the hon. Member to the written statement made by my hon. Friend the former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mark Simmonds), on 17 July 2014, Official Report, columns 86-87WS, the Annual Statement on the Government Hospitality Wine Cellar, covering consumption, stock purchases and costs. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not record the values of wines consumed on a Department by Department basis for official Government events, as to do so would incur disproportionate costs. The overall value of wines consumed since 2011 was as follows:

2011-12: £55,679

2012-13: £65,623

2013-14: £55,805.

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Culture, Media and Sport

British Film Institute

Sir Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he expects that the Triennial Review of the British Film Institute will be published. [206926]

Mr Vaizey: The BFI Triennial Review Report is being prepared for publication and will be published shortly. The House will be informed of the publication through a Written Ministerial Statement.

Cleaning Services

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether his Department pays the London living wage to cleaners working in its London office. [206771]

Mrs Grant: DCMS does not have any direct employees who are paid less than the rate defined by the Living Wage Foundation as a living wage. DCMS is not responsible for setting pay levels for contracted workers. This is a matter for the organisations who employ them. However, we actively encourage employers to ensure that the living wage is paid and we would monitor these when contracts are being negotiated.

Copyright: Internet

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what his policy is on the development by ISPs and copyright owners of Creative Content UK, a programme of education about legal entertainment services, and alerts to subscribers found to have been uploading content illegally online; and what effects he expects the development to have on the implementation of the Digital Economy Act 2010. [206927]

Mr Vaizey: The Government warmly welcomed the initiative by copyright owners and ISPs of setting up Creative Content UK, and have pledged £3.5 million over three years to support the educational campaign that will complement the process. An industry-led solution has always been our preferred approach, and so Government will not progress the relevant provisions within the Digital Economy Act 2010 at this time. However, they will remain available if a legislative solution becomes necessary.

Coventry City Football Club

Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions he has had with the Football League on Coventry City Football Club returning to play in Coventry. [206700]

Mrs Grant: I meet regularly with the Football League to discuss a range of issues. I have met with the Members for Coventry North East, Coventry South and Kenilworth & Southam to learn more about the situation faced by Coventry FC, and have raised their specific concerns with the Football League in writing.

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Football: Insolvency

Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport with reference to Lord Justice Hickinbottom's judgement in Sisu v. Coventry City Council, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to reform the Football Creditors' Rule. [206702]

Mrs Grant: The football authorities have made significant moves over recent years to get clubs on a stronger financial footing, principally through the introduction of financial fair play rules, minimising the need for football to rely on the Football Creditors Rule in cases of club insolvencies. The Government keep the situation under review.

Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the implications of Lord Justice Hickinbottom's judgement in Sisu v. Coventry City Council and others for football governance in the UK; and if he will make a statement. [206703]

Mrs Grant: Following the judgment, I would urge all parties to focus on the most important issue of getting Coventry City back to playing its home matches in Coventry within the timescale set out in the Club's membership agreement.

Gaming Machines

Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether the research being conducted by Lincoln University on fixed odds betting terminals will assess the potentially addictive nature of those machines. [207030]

Mr Vaizey: The Responsible Gambling Trust (RGT) has commissioned a wide-ranging research programme on category B2 gaming machines which is due to be published in the autumn. This research will seek to understand what measures might limit harmful play without impacting on those who do not exhibit harmful behaviour and the RGT has commissioned the University of Lincoln to determine whether gambling at higher stakes is a risk factor for gambling-related harm and to explore the impact of higher stakes and prizes on players.

Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether the research being conducted by Lincoln University on fixed odds betting terminals will help determine an appropriate stake level for those machines. [207031]

Mr Vaizey: The Responsible Gambling Trust (RGT) has commissioned a wide-ranging research programme on category B2 gaming machines which is due to be published in the autumn. This research will seek to understand what measures might limit harmful play without impacting on those who do not exhibit harmful behaviour and the RGT has commissioned the University of Lincoln to determine whether gambling at higher stakes is a risk factor for gambling-related harm and to explore the impact of higher stakes and prizes on players.

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Mobile Phones: Radio Frequencies

Sir Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if he will request Ofcom to undertake an independent analysis of (a) the need of mobile network operators to be granted access to additional radio spectrum and (b) the quantity of spectrum currently allocated to mobile network operators of which they are not making use to provide mobile connectivity for consumers; and if he will make a statement; [206819]

(2) what assessment he has made of the validity of mobile network operators' requirement for access to an increased quantity of radio spectrum; and if he will make a statement; [206820]

(3) what recent assessment he has made of the efficiency with which mobile companies make use of the radio spectrum to which they currently have access; and if he will make a statement. [206817]

Mr Vaizey: The 4G auction in 2013 has increased the amount of spectrum available to the mobile network operators (MNOs) for delivering next generation mobile services. The 4G rollout is under way and will ensure the UK continues to have some of the best mobile services in Europe.

The Department has not made any direct assessment of mobile network operators’ (MNOs) spectrum requirements or the technical characteristics of their network deployments. Ofcom published their Mobile Data Strategy consultation on 21 November 2013, which examines consumer demand for mobile data services and how this could be met, including MNOs’ spectrum requirements. The consultation document and responses can be found on Ofcom’s website:

http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/mobile-data-strategy/

Ofcom has since published a further statement on their Mobile Data Strategy:

http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/mobile-data-strategy/statement/

The Department does not directly monitor the operations of the MNOs or the technical characteristics of their network deployments. Ofcom does however undertake certain monitoring functions including monitoring of coverage, service quality and ensuring MNOs comply with any obligations included in their spectrum licences.

Performing Arts

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the economic contribution to the UK economy of (a) West End theatres, (b) the UK theatre industry and (c) the Programme Making and Special Events sector in each year since 2004; and if he will make a statement. [206937]

Mr Vaizey: Independent sector bodies have carried out assessments of the economic contribution of the arts to the UK economy. A report by the Society of London Theatre in 2013 showed that London Theatres grossed £0.53 billion in sales generating VAT receipts of £88 million.

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DCMS’s Creative Industries Economic Estimates, based on data from the Office of National Statistics available on a consistent basis since 2008, show the following contribution to the UK economy from Music and Visual and Performing Arts (including theatre) in Gross Value Added (GVA) terms:

Radio Frequencies

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the UK's ability to host future major sporting or cultural events of a loss of access by programme making and special events users to the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; and if he will make a statement; [206946]

(2) what assessment he has made of the potential effect on (a) places of worship and (b) community centres of loss of access by wireless microphone users to the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; and if he will make a statement; [206934]

(3) what assessment she has made of the potential safety and security risks at major national events arising from a loss of access by wireless microphone users to the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; and if she will make a statement; [206933]

(4) what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the (a) film industry and (b) television production industry of a loss of access by wireless microphone users to the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; and if he will make a statement. [206945]

Mr Vaizey: PMSE users currently have dedicated access to spectrum in channel 38 (between 606MHz and 614MHz) as well as access to interleaved spectrum for which no new equipment is required. Ofcom published a consultation on 24 April 2013 on the future use of the 700MHz band, and will ensure the views and spectrum requirements of the PMSE community and any other wireless microphone users are taken into account when advising on any decision. The consultation document and responses can be found on Ofcom’s website:

http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/700mhz-cfi/

There are also currently discussions in Europe on future spectrum provision for PMSE users and the potential requirement for further dedicated spectrum for these purposes.

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the programme making and special events (PMSE) sector of a loss of access by PMSE users to the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; and if he will make a statement; [206947]

(2) what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the continuation to the UK economy by (a) West End theatres, (b) the UK theatre industry and (c) the Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE)

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sector of a loss of access by the PMSE sector to the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; and if he will make a statement; [206936]

(3) what assessment he has made of the potential effect on small and medium-sized enterprises operating within the (a) programme making and special events sector and (b) creative industries of reallocation of the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum to use by mobile network operators; and if he will make a statement; [206943]

(4) what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the corporate events and conference industry of a loss of access by wireless microphone users to the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; and if he will make a statement. [206944]

Sir Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) for what reason his Department did not identify an alternative spectrum for use by the programme making and special events sector before the proposals to withdraw this sector's access to the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; and if he will make a statement; [206821]

(2) what assessment he has made of the potential effects of international harmonisation of the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum on domestic small and medium-sized enterprises operating within (a) the programme making and special events sector and (b) the creative industries; and if he will make a statement; [206818]

(3) what estimate he has made of the costs likely to be incurred by the programme making and special effects sector through having to complete research and development into new equipment of the re-allocation of the 700 MHz band; and if he will make a statement. [206823]

Mr Vaizey: Ofcom published a consultation on the future use of the 700 MHz band on 28 May 2014. This consultation assesses the impact any loss of access to the 700 MHz band would have on the PMSE community. Ofcom will ensure the views and spectrum requirements of the PMSE community are taken into account when making any final decisions on the use of the band. The consultation document and responses can be found on Ofcom’s website:

http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/700MHz/

Ofcom is working with the PMSE community of users and manufacturers to mitigate the impact of any change of use of the 700 MHz band; and discussing with the regulatory authorities in other countries their approach to this issue. A key focus of their work in this area is seeking to identify and make available alternative spectrum for the PMSE community.

Defence

Armed Forces

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the press release from the Prime Minister's Office of 14 July 2014, entitled PM announces £1.1 billion investment in capabilities for the armed forces, whether this amount will be sourced from departmental underspends. [206098]

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Mr Dunne: The £1.1 billion package has been funded predominantly by carrying over resources from 2012-13 and 2013-14. It has also been funded by drawing down some of the Ministry of Defence's unallocated financial provision to the appropriate level in the context of the most recent financial planning cycle, and by reprioritising some existing expenditure within the Defence programme.

Armed Forces: Cadets

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of the budget for the Cadet Expansion Programme has been spent to date. [205048]

Anna Soubry: To date, £4.3 million of the £10.85 million Cadet Expansion Programme budget has been spent. This represents 40% of the total budget.

Armed Forces: Criminal Investigation

Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average time taken was by each arm of the Armed Forces to make serving personnel available to the civilian police in connection with criminal investigations in the most recent period for which figures are available; and how many approaches the civilian police have made to the Armed Forces for access to serving personnel in relation to indictable offences. [205983]

Anna Soubry: This information is not held in the format requested. The civil police are not required to seek the assistance or permission of relevant arms of the armed forces in relation to serving personnel being made available in connection with criminal investigations. However, if such an approach is made, then the service authorities will attempt to assist as far as they are able so to do.

Armed Forces: Grace and Favour Housing

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to the public purse was of running and maintaining each grace and favour residence provided by his Department to senior figures from the armed forces in each year since 2010. [205237]

Anna Soubry: Under previous arrangements, Official Service Residences (OSRs, colloquially known as ‘grace and favour’ residencies) were provided for senior officers in certain posts which required them to undertake official hospitality for Defence purposes. As announced by the then Minister for Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, my right hon. Friend the Member for South Leicestershire (Mr Robathan), on 12 December 2011, Official Report, column 63WS, these arrangements have been discontinued. Properties which were formerly categorised as OSRs are being phased out on a rolling basis as personnel retire or move on to other posts. However, senior officers remain entitled to Service Family Accommodation (Type 1 or Type 2). In addition, the Department is undertaking an ongoing review into domestic assistance policy to ensure that the level of support provided to senior entitled officers is appropriate and driven by a clear business need. Information is available for financial years 2009-10 and 2010-11 and is presented in the following tables:

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