Written Answers toQuestions
Monday 4 December 2006
Transport
A12/A127
The A12 and A127 in London now form part of the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN). Therefore, any improvement schemes for those stretches of road are a matter for the Mayor and Transport for London. Further information concerning this road may be obtained from:
Director of Street Management
Transport for London
Windsor House
42-50 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0TL
Prior to 22 May 2000 the Highways Agency (HA) was responsible for the A12 and A127 in London but to obtain the information requested would entail disproportionate cost.
Since 22 May 2000 the A12 and A127 in London now form part of the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN). Therefore, any details of the costs of improvements would be held by the Mayor and Transport for London. Further information concerning this road may be obtained from:
Director of Street Management
Transport for London
Windsor House
42-50 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0TL
A1307
The number of fatalities resulting from personal injury road accidents reported to the police on the A1307 in each of the last 10 years is given in table.
Year of accident Fatalities 1996 4 1997 1 1998 2 1999 5 2000 1 2001 1 2002 4 2003 3 2004 1 2005 2
Airports: Security
In his written statement of 20 July 2006, Official Report, columns 56-57WS, the Secretary of State welcomed the broad thrust of the review and said that we would be working closely with key stakeholders to consider the recommendations in detail. The Secretary of State intends to make a further statement in due course.
Aviation
This data was published in ‘Aviation and the Environment: Using Economic Instruments (2003)’. This document can be found at:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_aviation/documents/downloadable/dft_aviation_507934.pdf
We will ensure that, over time, aviation pays the external costs its activities impose on society.
The environmental outcome of a trading scheme will depend upon the cap set for the scheme as a whole. Detailed design issues are subject to negotiation with EU partners and DfT will continue to argue for a well-designed, robust trading scheme.
The CE Delft report “Giving Wings to Emissions Trading” estimated that including aviation within the EU Emissions Trading Scheme could result in reductions of around 20-26mt of CO2 between 2008-12.
We expect the European Commission proposal will be accompanied by an impact assessment with further details.
Tables which show the number of flights in percentage terms taken by adults in Great Britain over the last three years, based on the British Social Attitudes Survey have been placed in the Libraries of the Houses.
Cancelled Transport Projects
I refer the hon. Member to the answers given by my predecessor as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport on 14 March 2006, Official Report, column 2065W, and by the Minister for Transport on 31 October 2006, Official Report, column 305W.
Carbon Dioxide Emissions
I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 28 November 2006, Official Report, column 517W.
Concessionary Travel
Outside London it is for the bus operators to set fares; they will take a number of factors into account when doing so, including the impacts of fare increases on the majority of bus passengers who pay a commercial fare.
Consultants
Lists showing the nature and costs of the work of (a) private finance initiative, (b) public-private partnership and (c) other external consultants engaged by the central Department and each of its agencies in 2005-06 have been placed in the Libraries of the House.
It replaces the list provided with the answer to a similar question about the nature and cost of consultancy 4 September 2006, Official Report, column 2008W. Since the earlier list was compiled a more accurate breakdown of spend by two suppliers; one used by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and the other by the central Department has been obtained.
Cycle Road Signs
There is no requirement to erect cycle road signs. It is for the local highway authority to decide what is needed. Guidance is given in Local Transport Note 2/87 “Signs for Cycle Facilities”, and in a number of other Local Transport Notes and Transport Advisory Leaflets.
Departmental Secondments
One person is currently on secondment to the Department from the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB). The Department meets the full costs of the secondee’s salary (including national insurance and pension contributions). Where appropriate, the Department also reimburses the secondee for travelling and subsistence costs incurred in carrying out the Department’s business, in accordance with the departmental scales for the grade.
Drink/Drug Driving
The information requested is not available.
The target audiences for both our drink and drug driving campaigns are informed by road casualty figures and research into driver awareness and attitudes.
For example our major target audience for the drink driving campaign is young men, who are over-represented in casualty figures. Road Casualties Great Britain 2005 showed that male drivers under 30 currently had the highest incidence of failing a breath test after being involved in a personal injury road crash. Independent research for the drug driving campaign indicated that drug drivers were also more likely to be young men.
Foreign Hauliers
None. Under the Road Safety Act 2006 which was given Royal Assent on 8 November the police will have new powers to require the payment of a deposit by a person they believe to have committed an offence in relation to a motor vehicle who does not provide a satisfactory address in the United Kingdom. The Act also makes provision for the police to prohibit the driving of a vehicle in respect of which a deposit was required and not paid, and in specified circumstances, to immobilise that vehicle.
I have been asked to reply.
We are taking forward plans for distance-based lorry charging as part of our wider work on national road pricing. Road pricing has the potential to reflect the wider costs that lorries impose in the UK, especially congestion costs.
The industry through their representatives at the Road Haulage Industry Task Group proposed the pre-registration of foreign hauliers entering the UK. The Government are currently considering the industry's proposals.
Fuel Economy
None. The purpose of official fuel economy figures is to provide an objective comparison between different models of car. In order to do this, tests must be conducted in a manner which is accurate and repeatable, using a standardised test cycle run in a laboratory. This eliminates variations caused by road type, traffic and weather conditions, driving style etc.
The introductions in the Vehicle Certification Agency’s fuel consumption booklet and the corresponding website state clearly that the official figures might not be achieved under ‘real life’ driving conditions. However they serve as a means of comparing models.
Gender Equality
In line with the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (Public Authorities)(Statutory Duties) Order 2006 (No. 2930), laid on 10 November 2006, we expect to publish the Department’s gender equality scheme by 30 April 2007.
The discrimination provisions in the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply to both the public and private sectors. Gender equality considerations can be built into contracts between public authorities and their private sector contractors where they are relevant to the function or service being carried out.
From 6 April 2007, private sector organisations, when carrying out functions of a public nature on behalf of public authorities, will be required to comply with the general gender equality duty which is to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination and harassment and promote equality of opportunity between women and men.
To assist us, our non-departmental public bodies and Executive agencies in ensuring that private sector contractors providing goods, works or services on our behalf, are aware of their obligations under the general gender equality duty we will refer to the Equal Opportunities Commission’s (EOC) code of practice of the gender equality duty and any further EOC guidance when available.
From April 2007, the Department will carry out gender impact assessments of major policy developments and new legislation in line with the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (Public Authorities)(Statutory Duties) Order 2006 (No. 2930). We shall refer to Equal Opportunities Commission’s (EOC) code of practice on the gender equality duty and their specific guidance when available.
In order to ensure better performance on the general gender equality duty which will require public authorities to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination and harassment and promote equality of opportunity between women and men, the Department will be taking the steps outlined in the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (Public Authorities)(Statutory Duties) Order 2006 (No. 2930) which should come into force on 6 April 2007.
Halliburton
The Highways Agency awarded the following PFI contracts to the Road Management Services consortium consisting of AMEC, Alfred McAlpine, Dragados and Halliburton.
Name of contract Date of award Terms of contract A1 Darrington to Dishforth 2003 HA Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) A13 Thames Gateway 20001 HA Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) 1 The Highways Agency awarded the A13 contract on 2 April 2000, the contract was subsequently novated to Transport for London on 3 July 2000.
A DBFO briefing pack is available from the Highways Agency website (http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/2748.aspx).
Helicopters: Buckinghamshire
This information is not held by the Department for Transport. If the hon. Member writes to the chief executive of National Air Traffic Services Ltd. they will provide the information requested.
Their address is:
400 Parkway
Whiteley
Fareham
Hants
PO15 7FL.
Highways Agency
The information is as follows.
For (i) Highways Agency schemes in the Targeted Programme of Improvements, I refer the hon. Member to the answer of 6 November 2006, Official Report, column 685W, to the hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling) which referred to an answer given on 24 July 2006, Official Report, column 746W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Brent, South (Ms Butler).
The Secretary of State has asked Mike Nicholas, Chairman of the Nicholas Group, to review the Highways Agency approach to cost estimating and project management, and to make recommendations, including on how the agency should best assess, monitor and report on risks to its cost estimates. He will report shortly.
For (ii) local authority schemes, I have placed a table in the Library of the House. The table provides the latest approved departmental contribution, which isthe most reliable indication of the final cost to the Department.
Lighting: Essex
No. As the local highway authority, Essex county council are responsible for considering the implications that any such decision may have on road safety.
MidMan Multi-modal Study
Tables of progress against the recommendations have been placed in the Libraries of the House. This list is not exhaustive as central Government approval (or funding) would not necessarily be needed to deliver all projects that contribute to meeting the recommendations in the study.
National Pensioners' Bus Passes
The Department has been discussing the desirability and practicality of reciprocal arrangements with the devolved Administrations. The Concessionary Bus Travel Bill introduced 27 November includes a power to allow, via regulations in the future, for mutual recognition of concessionary bus passes across the UK. Various issues and practicalities, such as interoperability of passes will need to be considered and consulted upon before mutual recognition is possible.
Parking Offenders (Database)
The Secretary of State consulted on revising civil enforcement for parking in July this year. The consultation covered, among other things, whether it would be acceptable for the Association of London Government (now called London Councils) to expand their persistent evader database for use across England and, if not, what other options might be suitable. The consultation closed on 29 September 2006 and the Department will publish a summary of the responses when the regulations are laid in Parliament early next year.
Railways
Ministers meet with representatives from the train operating companies from time to time where a wide range of issues are discussed.
The performance of all rail franchises is continually monitored. Changes to a franchise specification and committed outputs are only made when there are major changes to the market demand for the services of the franchise or other external factors require a change. Examples are the opening of a new station or a change to the rail network. Such changes are negotiated with the franchisee through the provisions contained in the franchise agreement.
Train running data for the Rail Network as a whole is collected and processed by Network Rail. The Department holds information on total passenger train cancellations broken down by franchise but not by the reason for each cancellation.
The following table shows the total cancellations suffered by each franchised train operator for the year to 19 August 2006, the most recent available figures. These figures include trains that were cancelled both before departure and before reaching their final destination. The Department does not hold information on the breakdown between trains that are cancelled and those that are part-cancelled.
Franchise operator Total cancellations Trains planned to run TPE 746 83,325 One 8,171 575,637 Northern 6,369 628,554 FCC 4,994 351,966 GNER 568 40,612 Merseyrail 2,102 205,199 VWC 638 70,246 Central 7,955 102,873 VXC 650 61,532 Arriva 2,710 281,630 Chiltern 1,016 102,873 Silverlink 3,092 217,451 c2c 1,422 109,699 southeastern 5,502 570,880 Gatwick 489 56,282 Southern 5,783 633,158 SWT 5,677 570,587 FGW 4,798 221,124 MML 395 44,366
Officials from the Department are currently dealing with representations regarding the forthcoming zonalisation of the fare structure in London. This change to fare regulation will simplify the fares in the London area and will pave the way for Oyster Pre Pay to be rolled out on the national rail in London.
No such plans exist.
Detailed break-downs of rail franchisees' revenues are commercially confidential.
Road Pricing
(2) what assessment he has made of the impact of his proposals for a national road pricing scheme on the need for the construction of the Mottram to Entwhistle by-pass.
Current legislation allows for new trunk roads (including motorways) to be tolled in order to recoup construction costs, but powers to price existing trunk roads to manage demand are very limited. Local authorities can propose pricing on nearby trunk roads as part of a local pricing scheme. Provided suitable proposals come forward from local authorities, we would expect to see the first schemes operational in four to five years. From these initial schemes we will evaluate the impacts of pricing and how it can be effectively used to manage demand.
We have no intention of pre-empting the debate to be had on national road pricing by seeking powers for such a scheme at this time.
At the moment, while we are still gathering evidence of how road pricing will be operating in practice, the Department, does not require the appraisal process for road improvement proposals to include an assessment of the impact of road pricing. However, we are keeping the position under review and looking at schemes on a case by case basis.
Road Surfacing Recycling
The information requested is not available.
Road traffic: Census
Recommended standard procedures to be used when conducting traffic surveys by roadside interviews are contained in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Advice Note TA/11/81. This can be found at the following web address:
http://www.standardsforhighways.co.uk/dmrb/vol5/section1/ta1181.pdf.
Roads: Tolls
The Department has consulted on draft guidance to local authorities developing road pricing pilot schemes. This advises that local authorities should undertake traffic modelling to understand the full range of impacts of road pricing schemes, including diversion, and to reflect these in design. The draft guidance can be found on the Department's transport appraisal website at:
www.webtag.org.uk.
Sadlers Farm Roundabout
The A13 at Sadlers Farm is not a trunk road. Therefore the responsibility for holding any available data lies with Essex county council as local highway authority, rather than the Department.
None. The A13 at Sadlers Farm is not a trunk road. The responsibility for carrying out any assessments which may be needed lies with Essex county council as local highway authority rather than the Department.
Television Advertisements
Expenditure on television advertising by the Department and Executive Agencies for fiscal year 2005-06 was as follows:
£6.86 million in DfT Central in support of the THINK! road safety campaign.
£5.41 million by DVLA covering the Harmonised Registration Certificate, Continuous Registration, Sale of Number Plates and Vehicle Excise Duty in Scotland.
£17,300 by the Government Car and Despatch Agency on the Local Government Channel on Sky, which was shown as part of the June Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy conference.
Leader of the House
Consultants
The Office of the Leader of the House of Commons has employed consultants on only one occasion since 1997. The details are set out as follows.
August 2005:
Project: Review of private office correspondence database
Total cost: £3,760
Solicitor-General
BAE Systems
I can confirm that the SFO, in conjunction with the MOD police, is currently investigating allegations which relate to BAE Systems plc.
Barristers (Prosecution Fees)
The information requested is not collated centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost (Code of Practice on Government Information, part 2, clause 9).
Furthermore, in line with some counsel fee payment processes for the period in question, fees were paid to a group of barristers from the same chambers, rather than individuals. This information cannot therefore be disaggregated.
Trade and Industry
Business Link
The regional development agencies (RDAs) became responsible for managing Business Link in April 2005.
Individual RDAs determine how they deliver the business link service in their region. Some RDAs have decided to implement a centralised management structure, whilst others have decided to retain a local Business Link structure. The RDAs seek approval from the DTI Secretary of State for their plans by submitting their proposals to the Central Project Review Group (CPRG) made up of representatives from DTI, Treasury and SBS.
The RDAs that have already received approval for their proposals are: London Development Agency, Advantage West Midlands and East Midlands Development Agency. The Northwest Development Agency, East of England Development Agency, One North East and the South East of England Development Agency are currently awaiting approval. Yorkshire and Humberside and South West Development agencies have yet to make their applications for approval.
Coal Industry Compensation
Paragraph 6 of the minute specifically states that compensation “would need to be negotiated in detail”. The Government put forward proposals for compensation, but these were rejected by the solicitors representing claimants. The Government remain committed to compensating where liability is proven.
The Department used the medical advice submitted in the original trial in deciding the liability owed to surface workers. Specific medical advice regarding the evidence of COPD in surface workers was sought before the submission of the minute, but was only received after the minute was submitted.
Medical advice was consistently being sought and given on a number of issues arising from the original trial. Specifically, the Department sought advice on the 19 June 2000 on the basis of the evidence that had been collated at that time.
Companies Bill
[holding answer 28 November 2006]: The Government published a regulatory impact assessment (RIA) alongside the Companies Bill, available on the DTI website at http://www.dti.gov.uk/files/file29937.pdf
The RIA explains the difficulty of precise quantification in this area. The RIA assessment was therefore based on discussions with business in the course of developing the Bill, and the assessment concluded that direct savings could be of the order of £160 to £320 million per annum.
Departmental Contracts
The DTI paid £18,120.55 to DHL for services relating to the central London HQ Estate during 2005-06.
DTI had no arrangements in place for using the services of DHL in those buildings before 1 April 2005.
Departmental Research and Development
The following table shows the Research Councils’ total expenditure on all establishments in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and their expenditure on their Institutes in each of the last five years. All figures are in £000.
£000 FY England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland Overseas International subscriptions Central expenditure 2005-06 1,801,696 219,744 48,207 10,275 23,881 233,005 141,447 Of which: Spent in Research Council Institutes 671,444 61,952 8,538 1,378 21,049 — — 2004-05 1,532,191 200,685 42,241 8,200 17,672 228,975 99,848 Of which: Spent in Research Council Institutes 570,223 57,301 7,012 1,174 15,008 — — 2003-04 1,445,272 178,188 40,020 6,308 13,545 211,215 114,040 Of which: Spent in Research Council Institutes 584,901 53,542 6,676 608 12,959 — — 2002-03 1,413,592 161,718 44,959 5,598 12,790 142,654 104,287 Of which: Spent in Research Council Institutes 511,541 43,367 7,003 569 12,664 — — 2001-02 1,332,128 162,134 39,787 8,709 13,985 116,453 93,469 Of which: Spent in Research Council Institutes 500,068 43,952 5,581 592 13,824 — — Note: Figures for FY 2005-06 are provisional, and include, for the first time, the Arts and Humanities Research Council, which was created on 1 April 2005.
Departmental Staff
A review of the engagement and management of consultancies (incorporating both (a) and (b)) was carried out from July to November of 2003. The review examined how value for money in the engagement and management of consultants could be optimised. The Department adopted the findings of the review. This has resulted in a reduction in consultancy costs in each subsequent financial year as follows:
£ million 2003-04 112 2004-05 86 2005-06 53.6
Furthermore in the current financial year an enhanced internal approval process has been implemented for proposed consultancy engagements exceeding £50,000. This enables transparency of decision making, based on sound business case proposals for provision of best value for money in each case.
DTI does not have a specific annual budget for engaging workers on a consultancy basis. Consultancy requirements reflect specific and changing business needs within the Department. However our spend over the last five financial years has been as follows:
£ million 2001-02 64 2002-03 93 2003-04 112 2004-05 86 2005-06 53.6
Energy Costs
In December 2005, one million gas customers and 1.2 million electricity customers were repaying a debt through their prepayment meter or by repayment arrangements. Around 60 per cent. of these customers owed less than £100 to their energy suppliers.
On 13 July I met a delegation from the Metals Forum, including a representative of the trade association UK Steel, to discuss energy costs and a range of other issues affecting the metals sector. Since then several hon. Members have raised this matter in writing on behalf of steel operations in their constituencies. In addition, DTI officials have discussed the issue on a number of occasions in their day-to-day contacts with key companies in this sector. Furthermore, the Department has set up the Business Energy Forum which is jointly chaired by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and Richard Lambert of the Confederation of British Industry to look at prices, supply and the winter outlook for all industries. This is an area the Department takes very seriously and we are grateful to the representatives of UK industry that work with us on these matters.
When the Low Carbon Buildings programme phase one was launched in April 2006, we allocated £6.5 million to the household stream. On 25 October, we announced that a further £6.2 million of the total £28.5 million funding was to be re-allocated to the household stream for allocation up to June 2008. This is being achieved by transferring the bulk of public sector projects to the Low Carbon Buildings programme phase two, where £50 million is being made available to support projects in the public and not for profit sectors.
On 25 October 2006 we announced that £6.2 million of the total £28.5 million funding for the Low Carbon Buildings programme phase one was to be re-allocated to the household stream from all other streams. There has been no increase in funding.
European Union
I have been asked to reply.
The Government have undertaken work to measure the administrative costs to business, charities and the voluntary sector arising from legislation—including European Union law—in force in England. The results of this exercise are due to be published before the end of this year in departmental simplification plans. These plans will include departments’ proposals to reduce administrative costs arising from EU law where it is appropriate to do so. The European Commission has also recently proposed a strategy to measure and reduce administrative burdens across the European Union.
Farepak
I do appreciate the concerns that people have regarding the costs of insolvency proceedings, but insolvency legislation attempts to leave the matter of the practitioner’s remuneration to the creditors, as they have most interest in the matter.
In my dealings with the Administrators—who have been most helpful in providing information and advice to the Family Fund and myself—I have noted how they have tried to keep their costs to a minimum so that as much money as possible can be returned to Farepak customers.
It is not possible for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to intervene in determining the amount of the administrator’s remuneration. The basis on which an administrator’s remuneration may be calculated is set out in the Insolvency Rules 1986.
It is also possible for the court to reduce the amount of remuneration where creditors claim that it is excessive.
Fuel Meters
[holding answer 30 November 2006]: In 2005, 11 per cent. of gas customers—2.2 million—and 14 per cent. of electricity customers—3.6 million—used a prepayment meter.
Microgeneration
We do not hold comprehensive data on which local authorities use microgeneration to power council facilities. The closest proxy we have is the data held in relation to capital grants we have awarded. Under our previous programmes (Clear Skies and the Major PV Demonstration Programme) and the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, we have awarded capital grants to the local authorities on microgeneration technologies on a variety of buildings. The document will be placed in the Libraries of the House.
North East Productivity Alliance
The North East Productivity Alliance’s “Dissemination of Best Manufacturing Practice” project has helped 286 General Manufacturing companies in the region since its inception in 2003; of which:
35 were based in Tees Valley
92 in County Durham
40 in Northumberland, and
119 in Tyne and Wear
Companies cover all manufacturing sectors in the region, including: Automotive, Aerospace, Food and Drink, Electronics, Plastics, Textiles, Shipbuilding and repair, Oil and gas, Pharmaceuticals, Construction, Marine, Rail, White Goods, Process industries, Printing, Furniture and General Engineering. The project has been evaluated in a number of ways during this time: including through the National Audit Office’s assessment of the performance of One NorthEast, and in studies by Tribal HCH (March 2005), KPMG (March 2005 and ERS (March 2006).
Nuclear Waste
Prior to final disposal, nuclear waste needs to be stored on an interim basis. Interim storage occurs on all NDA and British Energy sites. The search for a final disposal repository location has not yet begun and there are no sites currently under consideration.
On 25 October 2006 the UK Government and Devolved Administrations responded to the report published on 31 July 2006 by the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM). The Government accepted that geological disposal coupled with safe and secure interim storage is the best way forward for the long-term management of the UK’s higher activity radioactive wastes. The Government also confirmed they are supportive of exploring an approach based on voluntarism (that is, willingness to participate) and partnership with local communities.
Patent Office
Intellectual Property is key to UK competitiveness in a global knowledge economy and the Patent Office is responsible for the IP regime which allows creators and inventors limited privileges, enabling them to lever economic success from their creativity.
The DTI Innovation Report, launched in December 2003 set out how the DTI needed to improve the way it helped UK businesses to successfully exploit their new ideas. The Patent Office’s role has been key in taking forward recommendations arising out of the report which included increased awareness and understanding of IP, improved confidence in IP protection by improving speed and costs of resolving disputes and working with others in tackling IP crime. Outcomes have included a range of tailored awareness raising for SMEs and an educational resource, the introduction of an Opinions service and publication of the first National Enforcement Report and IP Crime Strategy.
A recommendation of “Better Government Services—Executive Agencies in the 21st Century” published by the Prime Minister’s Office of Public Services Reform in July 2002 was that the central programme of quinquennial reviews of agencies such as the Patent Office (last reviewed in 2001) was abolished and replaced by business reviews of the end-to-end process in achieving specific outcomes. Each year the Patent Office agrees its Business Plan with the Department of Trade and Industry to ensure its objectives match departmental objectives and plans. Agency targets are reviewed on an annual basis and agreed in discussion with the Department and Minister. The Patent Office has a track record of continued improvement on timeliness of delivery of patents, trade marks and designs and has continued to reduce its backlogs (17 per cent. reduction in patents backlog for the financial year 2005-06). Agency targets for 2005-06 were met or exceeded and this trend continues into 2006-07.
Post Offices
The Government have invested more than £2 billion since 1999 in the Post Office network because we recognise the important social value and economic role of post offices, particularly in rural and deprived urban areas. We also recognise that many such post offices can never be commercially viable and will need continued public funding. We will be announcing shortly our proposals for ensuring a long-term stable footing for a national Post Office network.
Public Appointments
Information on the public appointments held by former Ministers is shown in the following table.
Public body Former Minister Dates National Consumer Council (NCC) Lord Whitty of Camberwell Appointed chair 6 March 2006
Renewable Energy
The Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 1 was launched on 1 April 2006, with a budget of £28.5 million available for allocation to successful applicants over three years. This budget was divided into streams 1 and 2 for £10.5 million and £18 million respectively.
Currently, local authorities can apply under streams 1 and 2 of the programme, depending on the scale of their project, while businesses can apply under stream 2 only. Wind turbines are eligible under both streams. Local authorities can also apply for grants under Phase 2 of the programme, where a further £50 million has been made available to the public and not for profit sector, including funding for wind turbines.
Further information on the scheme can be found at:
www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk
S Band Spectrum
(2) if the Government will review the process for allocating S band spectrum;
(3) what representations he has received on the allocation of S band spectrum space in the last 12 months;
(4) what recent discussions he has had with Ofcom on the allocation of S band spectrum space.
The Office of Communications (Ofcom), the independent regulator of communications is responsible for managing civil radio spectrum in the UK including setting the policy for optimizing its use. “S Band” is used for mobile satellite communications and the arrangements for its future allocation, and assignment to specific services, is therefore subject to international discussions within the relevant EU Committees. There are a number of potentially competing demands for access to this spectrum for both two-way mobile communication and for mobile TV. Ofcom represents the UK at EU meetings dealing with spectrum issues and regularly consults interested parties. I have not received any representations within the last 12 months, nor have I had discussions with Ofcom, but my officials are in regular contact with both Ofcom and industry representatives.
South-West Regional Development Agency
The funds allocated to the South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) for 2005-06 were £20,175,000.
SWRDA works with other partners to deliver the priorities in the Regional Economic Strategy. It has developed a range of regional programmes to support business productivity, encourage new enterprise and deliver skills for the economy which benefit business in the Bournemouth area. An example of this work is the SWRDA’s support for the ASTREA programme to develop unmanned aircraft which benefits Flight Refuelling who employ a number of Bournemouth residents.
SWRDA has invested in two business incubation centres, one at Bournemouth university which opened in 2002 and another at the Arts Institute at Bournemouth which opened in 2005 to support the retention of graduates in the local economy, particularly in the growth areas of computer animation and new media.
Tourism is vital to the economy of Bournemouth and SWRDA has worked closely with the council in developing a major project to enhance and refurbish the Bournemouth International Conference Centre. The rejuvenated facility opened in autumn 2005 and independent analysis suggests its customers now provide one quarter of the business for Bournemouth’s hotels, and are particularly important in the spring/autumn tourism season.
To address skills gaps and staff shortages in the hotel sector regionally and nationally, SWRDA is developing a national first, the Bournemouth Hotel School. It has assembled a site adjoining the Bournemouth International Conference Centre and appointed a private sector developer and operator who will invest around £30 million in this facility. This will also be the first newly built four star hotel in Bournemouth for many years.
Bournemouth contains areas of deprivation and SWRDA targeted the Boscombe area for investment through its Single Regeneration Budget programme in 2001. This programme concludes in 2007 and has delivered a range of new job opportunities, training and other community benefits including a new Enterprise Centre.
Supply2.gov.uk
(2) how many business organisations attended the Supply2.gov.uk roadshow on 26 October 2006 sponsored by East of England Development Agency; and what the total cost was of running the event;
(3) how many business organisations attended the supply2.gov.uk roadshow on 20 September 2006 sponsored by One North East; and what the total cost was of running the event;
(4) how many business organisations attended the supply2.gov.uk roadshow on 21 September 2006 sponsored by North West Development Agency; and what the total cost was of running the event;
(5) how many business organisations attended the supply2.gov.uk roadshow on 5 October 2006 sponsored by Advantage West Midlands; and what the total cost was of running the event;
(6) how many business organisations attended the supply2.gov.uk roadshow on 10 October 2006 sponsored by London Development Agency; and what the total cost was of running the event;
(7) how many business organisations attended the supply2.gov.uk roadshow sponsored by Yorkshire Forward on 17 October 2006; and what the total cost was of running the event;
(8) how many business organisations attended the supply2.gov.uk roadshow on 18 October 2006 sponsored by the East Midlands Development Agency; and what the total cost was of running the event;
(9) how many business organisations attended the supply2.gov.uk roadshow on 19 October 2006 sponsored by Yorkshire Forward; and what the total cost was of running the event.
The number of business organisations who attended each individual road show was as follows:
Region Date Attendees North East 20 September 26 North West 21 September 63 South West1 4 October 92 West Midlands 5 October 128 London 10 October 137 East Midlands 18 October 158 Yorkshire 19 October 71 South East 25 October 87 East England 26 October 167 1 Although a question was not raised asking for details of the roadshow that occurred in the South West, we have included this.
The event in Hull (PQ 2006/182) on 17 October was not one of the official series of www.supply2.gov.uk roadshows and therefore we have not included details of this. Although this event was advertised in the www.supply2.gov.uk promotion material, this was actually a “Selling to the public sector” event arranged by Business Link Humber and the Yorkshire and Humberside Development Agency.
The total cost of the support provided by the DTI was £7,500. BDP Solutions, the service provider for www.supply2.gov.uk, contributed the remainder of the costs.
Wind Power
DTI officials have regular meetings with E.ON to monitor progress on the Round One offshore wind farm projects at Scroby Sands and Robin Rigg, which have been awarded capital grants.
Officials have also met E.ON to discuss the current consultation on the renewables obligation, including the future support for offshore wind.
The installed capacity of wind power in the UK currently stands at 1,943 MW.
For 2005, the last year for which we have figures, electricity generation from wind power was 2,908 GWh.
Work and Families Act
The various public consultations undertaken relating to the Work and Families Act have received a wide range of representations from businesses and business organisations. Details of the responses can be found on the DTI’s website at http://www.dti.gov.uk/employment/index.html (see Holidays and Work and Families sections).
In addition to the formal consultation exercises, officials have been involved in numerous meetings to discuss these issues with business representatives and other stakeholders. Ministers have also discussed these matters in their own meetings with business, ensuring that business interests have been taken into account. Finally, development of the changes has been informed by an HR advisory group specifically set-up to look at how to ease compliance for employers.
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
We have noted Barnsley borough council’s active support for biomass heat and we welcome the progress they have made towards their target of a 60 per cent. reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010.
We recognise that there are many local and regional initiatives which aim to reduce carbon emissions through the use of biomass heat and electricity. We are currently collecting information on these initiatives, through the Government Office network, and will assess them to see what lessons can be learnt. The results will inform the work currently being undertaken to develop a UK Biomass Strategy.
Biodiversity
The new Biodiversity Action Plan targets have been approved and are now available on the UK Biodiversity Partnership's website:
http://www.ukbap.org.uk/BAPGroupPage.aspx?id=98
Biofuels
I have been asked to reply.
The information requested is not available.
(2) what steps his Department is taking to ensure that imported biofuels are not produced at the expense of rainforests and other eco-sensitive areas.
The environmental sustainability of production is one of the Government's key priorities for biofuel development. That is why the Government are developing an environmental assurance scheme as an integral part of the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO). This will require all obligated companies to report on the greenhouse gas balance and wider environmental impacts of their biofuels. The reports will include details of the previous use of the land on which the biofuel feedstocks were grown, and the impacts on biodiversity of growing those feedstocks. This will encourage companies to supply biofuels which deliver the maximum greenhouse gas savings with the minimum environmental impact. It will also ensure that we can monitor the impact of both imported and domestically-sourced biofuels.
The Government will be looking to move to a system that allows only biofuels which meet certain minimum sustainability standards to benefit from the RTFO. This will involve developing a verifiable and robust system that is compatible with World Trade Organisation requirements on barriers to trade.
Bovine TB
DEFRA does not hold this information. However, information on the support that member states receive is available on the European Union website at:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/diseases/eradication/legisl_en.htm.
British Waterways
I refer the hon. Member to the answers given on 2 November 2006, Official Report, columns 571-72W, 7 November 2006, Official Report, columns 1067-68W, and 23 November 2006, Official Report, column 159W.
Bush Meat
An inter-departmental ministerial body on biodiversity issues has commissioned a study into the importance of bush meat to poverty alleviation and biodiversity loss. It is expected to report in the new year.
DEFRA is funding the Bushmeat Working Group which considers strategies for a sustainable bush meat trade. Moreover, a number of agencies, Government Departments and local authorities are working together and sharing information to tackle meat crime in a co-ordinated manner. The Government have put £25 million into tackling illegal imports of animal products, following the foot and mouth outbreak, which will help counter illegal bush meat imports.
However, it must be stressed that there is a limit to what the Government can do in terms of tackling the trade in bush meat. We cannot intervene directly in sovereign matters of other countries, and bush meat has been a legitimate and acceptable food source in many countries for generations.
Cattewater Harbour
The Department has granted a licence under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 to Cattewater Harbour Commissioners (valid from 28 July 2006 until 27 July 2007) that authorises the disposal of up to 19,500 tonnes of maintenance dredgings from the Harbour at the Rame Head disposal site. This quantity represents a relatively small fraction of the quantity of material which has regularly been disposed of in Whitsand Bay.
Licence applications are subject to robust assessment, in consultation with a range of stakeholders, and include a scientific analysis of the material for disposal. The material was assessed as suitable for disposal at sea and, while Cornwall county council objected to the continued use of Rame Head, other stakeholders were content for the licence to be issued.
In recognition of local concerns which have been voiced over the continued use of the Rame Head site, discussions have taken place with local scientists and stakeholders and a public meeting has been held to explain the evidence of underpinning licence decisions and the results of monitoring.
Although this did not convince all those opposed to the use of Rame Head, the Department considers that, subject to ongoing monitoring, disposal activity at the site is environmentally acceptable.
In addition, I refer the hon. Member to the answers given on 28 November 2006, Official Report, column 497W.
Cattle Testing
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 27 November 2006, Official Report, column 286W.
Civil Servants
The following tables give the information requested.
2001-021 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-072 DEFRA Perm 915 683 617 482 445 154 Temp 1,565 533 370 517 400 114 CEFAS3 Perm 37 69 58 42 40 51 Temp 11 11 14 0 3 1 CSL4 Perm n/a n/a n/a n/a 33 21 Temp n/a n/a n/a n/a 102 74 GDS5 Perm — — — — 7 4 Temp — — — — 2 3 MFA6 Perm — — — — 10 3 Temp — — — — 3 2 PSD Perm 9 6 9 19 12 0 Temp 8 5 9 11 7 3 RPA Perm 3,313 247 732 41 194 355 Temp 665 524 393 551 534 149 SVS7 Perm — — — — 65 76 Temp — — — — 138 48 VLA Perm 177 168 102 77 92 54 Temp 42 70 44 30 34 32 VMD Perm 17 11 20 7 14 2 Temp 1 0 0 0 0 0
2001-021 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-072 DEFRA Perm 510 661 549 516 465 378 Temp 1,577 857 350 300 289 325 CEFAS3 All staff 47 63 55 63 57 42 CSL4 Perm n/a n/a n/a n/a 62 35 Temp n/a n/a n/a n/a 59 73 GDS5 Perm — — — — 0 2 Temp — — — — 0 2 MFA6 Perm — — — — 0 7 Temp — — — — 0 4 PSD Perm 11 7 6 7 11 9 Temp 7 4 7 5 5 4 RPA Perm 326 348 468 452 618 193 Temp 307 449 341 312 469 257 SVS7 Perm — — — — 62 39 Temp — — — — 77 61 VLA Perm 129 119 125 116 101 64 Temp 3 34 34 21 16 10 VMD Perm 10 5 11 4 0 3 Temp 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2001-02 covers the period from 8 June 2001, when DEFRA was created, to 31 March 2002 (except the Rural Payments Agency, where the data cover the period from 1 April 2001). 2 2006-07 covers the period from 1 April to 31 October 2006. 3 Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) figures cover calendar years. 4 Central Science Laboratory (CSL) figures before April 2005 not available. 5 The Government Decontamination Service (GDS) was created on 1 October 2005. 6 The Marine Fisheries Agency (MFA) was created on 1 October 2005. 7 The State Veterinary Service (SVS) was created on 1 April 2005.
Climate Change
For agriculture, as for all sectors, our key advice is that businesses should consider the risks and the opportunities of a changing climate as an integral part of business planning. The impact of climate change on businesses will vary, and it is best that farmers and other decision-makers adapt to match their own circumstances, based on clear and relevant information from the Government.
The UK Climate Change Impacts Programme (http://www.ukcip.org.uk/) is a DEFRA-funded resource and outreach service that facilitates advice and guidance on impacts and adaptation for the public and private sectors. It is very active in engaging and advising the farming sector, for example in holding a joint seminar this September with the National Farmers' Union and the Country Land and Business Association.
At a more strategic level, the Government have set up the Rural Climate Change Forum as a high-level forum for discussion, input into policy development, and communication with land managers on climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Forum has discussed practical actions for adaptation, how best to communicate key messages on climate change to this sector, and has advised the Government on the development of climate change policy.
To support this activity the Government will continue to fund research on impacts and adaptation responses for land managers. Understanding of these issues is supported within DEFRA by an on-going research programme of £4 million into both the impacts of climate change on agriculture, and the means through which agriculture can contribute to reducing emissions. This work is complemented by knowledge transfer programmes to ensure this information reaches farmers and their advisers.
Climate Change Bill
The impact of waste management on climate change is one of the key considerations of the Review of the Waste Strategy. Waste accounts for 3.4 per cent. of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions and the integrated approach that will be set out in the revised waste strategy will reduce these emissions.
The Climate Change Bill will put into place a long-term framework for emissions reductions including putting in statute the Government's goal of a 60 per cent. reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. It will also establish an independent body—the Carbon Committee—to work with the Government to reduce emissions across the economy, create enabling powers to put in place measures to achieve our goals and improve monitoring and reporting arrangements.
We are determined to promote the widest possible debate in the Houses of Parliament and across the country about the contents of the Bill. The outcome of the Review of the Waste Strategy will help inform this process.
Consultants
Information about the external consultants used by the Department and its agencies in 2005-06 to advise on Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) is set out in the following table. Details of the companies with whom PFI and PPP deals themselves have been agreed are available on Partnerships UK’s (PUK) website.
Agency Consultant Nature of work Cost (£) PFI DEFRA Davis Langdon and Everest Cambridge Eastbrook PFI contract—financial advice 1,500 DEFRA Eversheds Cambridge Eastbrook PFI contract—legal advice 2,500 DEFRA Partnerships UK Nottingham County Council and Cornwall County Council Waste PFI: Commercial Negotiation Support for Standardisation of PFI Contracts 3 (SoPCS) work 191,722 DEFRA Partnerships UK Formal training of DEFRA staff: 5,604 Introduction to the Project Review Group’s (PRG) waste PFI assessment criteria DEFRA Partnerships UK Generic PFI Work: Interpretation and adaptation of HM Treasury’s generic PFI Value for Money (VfM) Stage 2 tool to the Waste PFI sector 14,666 DEFRA Jacobs UK Ltd. Generic Waste PFI: Review of Local Authority Waste Disposal Companies and their role in future procurement 759 DEFRA Partnerships UK Generic PFI Work: Interpretation and adaptation of HM Treasury’s generic PFI Value for Money (VfM) Stage 2 tool to the Waste PFI sector 2,371 DEFRA RPS Group Plc. DEFRA PFI related research on Refuse Derived Fuel 11,750 DEFRA Deloitte M C S Ltd. Review of Dorset Waste PFI Outline Business Case 16,433 DEFRA KPMG Consultancy on Waste PFI Projects 70,000 DEFRA Eunomia Research and Consulting Ltd. Consultancy on Waste PFI Projects 18,019 DEFRA Jacobs UK Ltd. Generic Waste PFI: Benchmarking of Waste PFI Infrastructure management costs 28,130 DEFRA KPMG Waste PFI: Review and Financial Assessment of Cheshire County Council Waste PFI Outline Business Case 24,239 DEFRA Public Private Partnership Programme Consultancy on Waste PFI Projects 17,827 DEFRA Juniper Consultancy Services Ltd. Generic Waste PFI: Energy from Waste and the Review of Renewable Obligations Certificates: Discussion Paper 2,115 PPP British Waterways Nabarro Nathanson Gloucester Quays—Legal Advice 72,505 British Waterways Ernst and Young Gloucester Quays—Financial Advice 33,040 Environment Agency Partnerships UK Development of a commercialisation strategy. 25,000
Correspondence
[holding answer 27 November 2006]: I apologise for the delay in replying to the hon. Member’s letter. A response has now been issued.
Council Tax Rebate Programme
The council tax rebate scheme is an independent activity undertaken by British Gas to help them meet their obligations, set by Government under the Energy Efficiency Commitment, to improve the energy efficiency of householders. It therefore involves no funding by DEFRA or its agencies.
Countryside Stewardship
Substantial progress has been made in processing this year's Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) payments. As at 24 November, some 62.5 per cent. of claims received by Natural England had been processed for payment.
Notwithstanding the progress made to date, the payment of claims remains a top priority for Natural England; efforts are on-going to ensure that all CSS claims received by the closing date will be processed for payment by the regulatory deadline of 31 January 2007.
Dairy Farming
[holding answer 27 November 2006]: The costs of production of individual farmers varies considerably within the UK and across the EU. It is up to farmers to calculate, then minimise, their costs of production while maximising their margins through negotiations with their milk purchasers. The Government cannot and should not get involved in price negotiations either in the UK or at EU level. The market must determine prices.
The promotion of dairy products is a matter for the dairy industry.
However, DEFRA currently provides approximately £6 million a year to Food from Britain (FFB) to promote exports of all food and drink produced or processed in the United Kingdom. FFB also promotes the production and consumption of quality regional food and drink both in the UK and abroad. This support is available to producers of dairy products.
Draft Legislation
Primary legislation drafted by the Department over the last 12 months which is not specifically mentioned in the Queen’s Speech is that contained in the Animal Welfare, Commons, and Natural Environment and Rural Communities Acts 2006.
The Department has also drafted a significant quantity of secondary legislation, which in common with normal practice is not referred to in the Queen’s Speech.
The Queen’s Speech does refer to “other measures” which covers legislation not specifically referred.
Emissions Trading
The UK’s National Allocation Plan for phase II of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), submitted on 21 August, sets out our methodology for allocating allowances. Phase II of the EU ETS allows for a maximum level of auctioning of allowances of 10 per cent., and we propose to set the level of auctioning in the UK at 7 per cent. The remainder of the allowances will be allocated in a two stage process that allocates allowances at sector level in the first instance and subsequently allocates to installations within each sector. Allocations at sector level, other than to the Large Electricity Producers (LEP), will be made on the basis of the sector’s projected need between 2008 and 2012. Allocations at installation level will be based on historic emissions, with the exception of the LEP sector, whose allocations will be benchmarked.
The approved UK National Allocation Plan for Phase I (2005-2007) of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme is set to deliver savings in carbon dioxide emissions of around 65 million tonnes (roughly 8 per cent.) below the projected emissions of the traded sector.
The UK's proposal for Phase II of the scheme provides business with additional certainty on the contribution it needs to make to help tackle climate change and is expected to deliver additional savings of 29.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
Over 1,000 UK installations are covered by the scheme in the first phase, covering around 45 per cent. of the UK's CO2 emissions in 2002. Almost 12,000 installations are involved across the 25 member states of the EU, accounting for approximately 50 per cent. of EU CO2 emissions.
The results of the first year of the scheme were published in May 2006. These showed that the infrastructure is working as expected, and that it provides a sound base to build on for the future. It is too early to determine the overall impact of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme with just one year's data. However DEFRA carried out an analysis of these data and will publish its findings shortly.
In 2004, the latest year for which figures are available, domestic aviation accounted for an estimated 0.42 per cent. of UK carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and an estimated 0.36 per cent. of UK greenhouse gas emissions in the Kyoto basket. These figures do not include international aviation which is reported as an information item in the UK greenhouse gas inventory but does not, by international agreement, count towards national totals.
Energy Crops
DEFRA officials attend agricultural shows, workshops, seminars and conferences to explain the financial support and guidance that is available. DEFRA also provides articles for relevant farming journals and newsletters. Local support teams, set up under the Community Renewables Initiative, which is part-sponsored by DEFRA, also help to raise awareness.
DEFRA’s website gives details of the payments available to help establish energy crops and to develop supply lines. Best practice guidance booklets are available for growing short rotation coppice and miscanthus. These advise on the choice of site, planting techniques, crop management and harvesting methods. The Biomass Energy Centre (www.biomassenergycentre.org.uk) provides detailed information on all aspects of growing and supplying energy crops. The centre is supported by the Government and aim to draw together information from existing sources into one easy to use service based around the website and an information inquiry service.
Further information is available on the DEFRA website at:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/crops/industrial/energy/index.htm
Energy Efficiency
[holding answer 27 November 2006]: The Warm Front Scheme can provide a grant of up to £2,700 (or up to £4,000 where an oil central heating system is recommended). Where works recommended exceed the grant maxima, efforts are made to identify funding from other sources.
Information from the current phase of the scheme indicates that:
(i) Over 99 per cent. of cases that just require insulation measures can be fully funded by the Warm Front grant.
(ii) Where heating measures alone are recommended, over 70 per cent. of cases can be fully funded by Warm Front, with 40 per cent. of those cases that exceed the grant maxima having previously received assistance from the scheme.
(iii) Where both heating and insulation measures are recommended, over 85 per cent. of cases can be fully funded by Warm Front.
In summary, over 89 per cent. of all cases can be fully funded by Warm Front.
Any household within the 16 councils who have signed up to the British Gas council tax rebate scheme, who have fillable cavities and are interested in applying, can benefit from cavity wall insulation installation.
[holding answer 30 November 2006]: As set out in July’s Energy Review, we have built on the 2006 Climate Change Programme and announced a number of ambitious new measures to continue to promote an increase in household energy efficiency, including an energy supplier obligation to 2020, a strengthened emphasis on building and product standards and a renewed emphasis on the importance of individual action and citizen engagement. In total this package ensures that the household sector remains on course to achieve 60 per cent. carbon savings by 2050.
Fishing Fleet
The Marine Fisheries Agency collects data on the age of UK vessels (excluding islands), the following table gives the number of vessels constructed each year as at the end of 2005.
Under 10 metre Over 10 metre Pre 1960 197 97 1961-65 114 65 1966-70 183 167 1971-75 360 240 1976-80 707 140 1981-85 639 196 1986-90 802 304 1991-95 468 75 1996-2000 486 102 2001 86 26 2002 88 15 2003 81 22 2004 82 21 2005 49 13 Unknown 491 25
Flooding
DEFRA funds most of the Environment Agency’s (EA) flood-related work and grant aids individual capital improvement projects undertaken by local authorities and, in low-lying areas, internal drainage boards. The programme to manage risk is driven by these operating authorities; DEFRA does not build defences, nor direct the authorities on what specific projects to undertake.
Local authority expenditure on flood risk management (including levies to the EA and internal drainage boards) is largely supported by the local government funding mechanisms operated by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).
Table 1 shows total central and local government expenditure on flood protection and alleviation measures in (a) England and (b) the Ouse catchment area. This includes expenditure on flood defences, flood warning and research and development, but excludes expenditure on measures primarily to reduce risk of coastal erosion (which can also sometimes help reduce flood risk).
£ million (a) England DEFRA grant and other expenditure Local authority expenditure (b)Ouse catchment1 2005-06 449.2 73.7 6.7 2006-072 436.6 71.8 5.8 1 Defined as EA expenditure within the Ouse catchment area between the confluence with the River Ure and the confluence with the River Derwent. DEFRA grant to local authorities and/or internal drainage boards within the Ouse catchment area, if any, could not be determined without incurring disproportionate cost. 2 Forecast.
Table 2 shows spend by City of York council on their flood defence measures and special levies to internal drainage boards. This information was obtained from returns provided by the council to DCLG.
£ million Flood defence revenue expenditure Internal drainage board special levies 2005-06 0.4 0.5 2006-07 0.1 0.5
The EA has undertaken significant works within the Ouse catchment area to repair and improve flood defences since the floods of autumn 2000. These include repairs to defences in York and Selby (including the Foss Barrier) totalling in excess of £1 million and improvements to flood defences in Selby, due to be completed in 2008 at a cost of some £14 million.
DEFRA has overall policy responsibility for flood risk management in England, funds most of the Environment Agency (EA)’s flood related work and grant aids individual capital improvement projects undertaken by local authorities (LAs) and internal drainage boards (IDBs). The programme to manage risk is driven by these operating authorities; DEFRA does not carry out works, nor direct the authorities on which specific projects to undertake.
The following table shows DEFRA initial funding allocations for flood risk management at the start of each year, together with outturns on EA spend and DEFRA funding to LAs and IDBs. The figures have been converted to approximate equivalents at today’s prices using the public works non road inflation index published by the Department of Trade and Industry, with 2006-07 as the base year.
Initial allocation at start of year Spend outturn at end of year DEFRA funding to EA (grant in aid from 2004-05 onwards) DEFRA capital funding to LAs and IDBs EA spend DEFRA capital funding to LAs/IDBs Rev. Cap. Cap. Rev. Cap. Var. Cap. 2001-02 10.4 47.6 12.3 181.1 146.7 -12.9 7.0 2002-03 4.3 65.3 14.4 180.6 176.4 17.9 14.7 2003-04 5.3 67.6 13.0 193.5 182.0 -0.2 9.1 2004-05 284.6 76.0 14.0 229.6 183.2 -15.3 9.6 2005-06 351.8 101.9 14.2 272.1 247.2 17.5 9.8 2006-07 239.0 189.0 15.7 — — — —
EA spend is funded from sources additional to DEFRA grant, including levies on LAs, charges and contributions from beneficiaries but only DEFRA initial allocations have been shown in the table. However, the column under EA spend headed “Var.” indicates the match between overall resources available to the EA and spend in each year, being the difference between spend and income with a negative indicating expenditure less than income for the year. These variances are reflected in changes in the balances of funds carried forward by EA from one year to the next. Prior to 2004-05 the primary EA income sources were grant from DEFRA for specific projects and levies on LAs. Both forms of funding were largely replaced by grant in aid from DEFRA from 2004-05 onwards.
The revenue/capital split of DEFRA initial allocations for EA in 2004-05 and 2005-06 as shown was based on a narrow definition of capital spend, restricted to spend creating fixed assets in accounting terms. They understate the actual amount allocated by DEFRA for capital improvement measures. The definition to be used from 2006-07 onwards will better reflect spend on capital projects to construct new and improved defences regardless of whether a capital asset has been created in accounting terms. The figures for EA capital spend in the table use the latter definition in all years.
The table does not include DEFRA funding for LA capital coast protection projects which protect against coastal erosion and also often provide significant benefits in terms of reducing flood risk from the sea. In 2006-07 a higher proportion of capital funding than in 2005-06 was directed to LA coast protection projects in accordance with the DEFRA priority scoring system with a commensurate reduction in capital funding for the Environment Agency in 2006-07.
Local authorities incur further revenue spend on levies to EA and IDBs and their own spend and much of this is supported by the Department for Communities and Local Government but not shown in the table.
DEFRA has overall policy responsibility for flood and coastal erosion risk management in England, funds most of the Environment Agency's (EA) flood related work and grant aids individual capital improvement projects undertaken by local authorities (LAs) and internal drainage boards (IDBs). The programme to manage risk is driven by these operating authorities; DEFRA does not carry out works, nor direct the authorities on which specific projects to undertake.
The following table shows:
(i) DEFRA funding to LAs and IDBs for capital improvement projects to manage flood and coastal erosion risk (direct grant and, for LAs prior to 2006-07, a mixture of direct grant and Supported Capital Expenditure (Revenue))
(ii) spend by the EA in England on measures to manage flood risk, including expenditure on new and improved defences, maintenance, flood warning, flood risk mapping etcetera. Some EA spend is funded from sources other than DEFRA Grant in Aid.
(i) DEFRA funding to LAs/IDBs (ii) Environment Agency spend Capital Capital Revenue 1997-98 37.9 127.3 124.0 1998-99 39.2 112.9 131.0 1999-2000 37.4 116.5 141.2 2000-01 24.7 112.2 154.9 2001-02 26.7 135.5 167.3 2002-03 48.7 164.9 168.8 2003-04 49.0 172.4 183.3 2004-05 45.8 176.0 220.6 2005-06 73.4 242.6 267.1 2006-07 (forecast) 84.4 208.0 260.0
I hope to announce allocations for 2007-08 shortly.
The Environment Agency monitors rainfall and river flows and issues flood warnings when appropriate. The likelihood of flooding in the Oxford area is dependant on the amount of rain that falls in the Thames catchment, the intensity of this rain, and how wet the ground is before the rain starts falling. Obviously all these factors can vary considerably through the winter and it is not possible to accurately forecast the weather more than five days ahead. While the flow in the Thames through Oxford is normal for this time of the year, this situation can change as it did in the winter of 2002-03 when more than 100 properties were flooded.
The agency is evaluating options for a major flood risk management scheme for Oxford. Recent projects to raise awareness of flood risk in Oxford include advertising in local papers and radio stations, and house to house visits in at risk areas.
Since the floods in 2000, some £9 million has been spent on flood defence work in Shrewsbury. The Environment Agency (EA) is currently developing a scheme to defend the Abbey Foregate area of Shrewsbury. The funding for this scheme will be derived from a combination of developer and local levy funding. The timing of delivery of the scheme will depend on allocation of local levy funding, prioritised across the Midlands.
As part of a partnership group in Shrewsbury, the EA, Severn Trent Water, Shropshire county council, and Shrewsbury and Atcham borough council are planning the Coton Hill temporary defence scheme by summer/autumn 2007. Trials and on going discussions have proved very successful, and have identified some complex issues to be addressed across all agencies before the scheme can be implemented.
The EA has commissioned the new Flood Warnings Direct system, superseding the flood wardens system in Shrewsbury, and is planning to implement an innovative flood zoning policy with Shrewsbury and Atcham borough council.
Forestry
(2) how much new planting of forest he expects the Government to complete by 2010; and what targets he has set;
(3) whether he plans to revise his targets for the new planting of forestry following the revision of the English and Scottish forestry strategies;
(4) what his targets are for the new planting of forest within the UK for the next five years; and what targets he has for each species of tree;
(5) what steps he plans to take to deliver the new targets for woodland habitat creation.
My Department is responsible for woodlands in England only. At present, there are no specific targets for woodland creation in England. We have started to revise the England Forestry Strategy, and we are consulting on new proposals. Delivery of national priorities set out in the new Strategy (which we expect to publish next year), will result in an increase in overall woodland cover. However, we are still considering what an appropriate level of increase should be.
The area of new woodland created comes mainly from Forestry Commission grant aid planting, as well as planting by the Commission on the public forest estate. In addition a small area is planted each year without grant aid. A breakdown by tree species is not available.