Written Answers Written Answers to Questions Tuesday 4 November 2008 Scotland Departmental Training Mr. Hands To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what personal training courses at public expense he has undertaken since his appointment. Mr. Jim Murphy None. Transport A12: Essex Mr. Burns To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many road accidents there were on the A12 in Essex in each of the last 10 years; and how many of these accidents resulted in (a) death and (b) serious injury. Jim Fitzpatrick The numbers of reported personal injury road accidents on the A12 in Essex and the number of these accidents resulting in (a) death and (b) serious injury are shown in the table, for each year from 1998 to 2007. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | |All injury accidents|Fatal accidents1|Serious accidents1| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |1998 |181 |6 |26 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |1999 |198 |8 |25 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2000 |200 |5 |32 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2001 |239 |6 |41 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2002 |231 |4 |45 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2003 |199 |4 |36 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2004 |225 |4 |54 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2005 |221 |6 |44 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2006 |169 |5 |36 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2007 |181 |4 |23 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |1 Accidents are classified according to the severity of the most severely injured casualty; some fatal accidents will also have seriously injured casualties.| | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Aircraft: Oxygen Mr. David Anderson To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on airline companies' obligations with regard to allowing people with a lung condition to (a) access oxygen provided, (b) take their own (i) portable oxygen cylinders and (ii) portable oxygen concentrator on board flights; and what guidance he has issued on this matter. Jim Fitzpatrick European Regulation 1107/2006 on the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air, came fully into force in July 2008. It imposes a number of obligations on airlines with respect to the services they provide, including an obligation to carry passengers' medical equipment free of charge. However, there are no specific obligations to carry or provide oxygen in the cabin. To help the air transport industry to comply with its obligations under the regulation, the Department for Transport has published an updated version of its code of practice ‘Access to Air Travel for Disabled Persons and Persons with Reduced Mobility’. The code includes a section on oxygen which advises that air carriers may approve the carriage of gaseous (not liquid) oxygen or air cylinders required for medical use, but notes that carriers will wish to ensure that these do not pose a risk to security. The code also recommends that portable oxygen concentrator devices should normally be allowed if battery powered. Where air carriers wish to supply medical oxygen to passengers on request, the code acknowledges that it would be possible to make a charge for this service to cover the provision of the oxygen. Blue Badge Scheme Mr. Jim Cunningham To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent steps the Government has taken to reduce abuse of blue badges for disabled parking. Paul Clark In October 2007 we introduced legislation to change the design of the badge to include an anti-fraud hologram and a new serial number to help prevent fraud and aid enforcement. In January 2008 we revised local authority guidance to improve administrative consistency and enforcement and launched a £0.5 million local authorities centres of excellence fund, designed to promote good practice in administering and enforcing the scheme. In March 2008 we began a pilot experiment of new tamper proof laminates designed to further enhance badge security. Most recently, on 20 October 2008, the Department for Transport published a Comprehensive Blue Badge (Disabled Parking) Reform Strategy. This strategy contains a number of commitments to fight fraud and abuse of the Blue Badge Scheme. Departmental Staff John McDonnell To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many employment agency staff work in each of his Department’s bargaining units on a (a) headcount and (b) full-time equivalent basis. Mr. Hoon [holding answer 30 October 2008]: The central Department and its agencies had a headcount (a) of 523 agency staff, as at end of September 2008. This figure excludes the Government Car and Despatch Agency. --------------------------------------------------------- |Department for Transport |Headcount of staff| --------------------------------------------------------- |DfT (Central) |97 | --------------------------------------------------------- |Driving Standards Agency |119 | --------------------------------------------------------- |Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency |22 | --------------------------------------------------------- |Highways Agency |164 | --------------------------------------------------------- |Maritime and Coastguard Agency |35 | --------------------------------------------------------- |Vehicle Certification Agency |1 | --------------------------------------------------------- |Vehicle and Operator Services Agency|85 | --------------------------------------------------------- |Total |523 | --------------------------------------------------------- An accurate full-time equivalent (b) figure could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Driving: Safety Meg Munn To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what research his Department is undertaking into the effects of fatigue on drivers; (2) what recent discussions he has had with his European counterparts on the effects of (a) fatigue and (b) obstructive sleep apnoea on drivers. Jim Fitzpatrick The Department is conducting research on the potential use of fatigue risk management systems with the object of developing guidance for their use by those who employ drivers. The research is expected to be completed in the first half of 2009. Early indications from the project suggest that such systems offer considerable potential as a more effective method of managing fatigue than compliance with hours of work limits alone. They encourage employers to identify fatigue-related risk factors within their business and to consider the full range of potential contributors to fatigue, both work-related (e.g. work practices, shift patterns) and individual (e.g. lifestyle, medical conditions). At the European level, our researchers were most recently involved with the IMMORTAL project (Impaired Motorists, Methods of Roadside Testing and Assessment for Licensing). This project, which concluded in 2005, included a workshop on Fatigue (Fatigue, Sleepiness and Reduced Alertness as Risk Factors in Driving) with a particular focus on obstructive sleep apnoea and other sleep disorders. A departmental research manager was a co-author of the report arising from this workshop. That is online at: www.toi.no/getfile.php/Publikasjoner/T%D81%20rapporter/2004/739-2004/739-2004-2.pdf. There have been no more recent discussions with European counterparts. Heathrow Airport Adam Afriyie To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) whether there are plans for National Air Traffic Services to undertake additional public consultation before any introduction of (a) mixed-mode and (b) a third runway at Heathrow airport; and if he will make a statement; (2) what procedures would be followed if BAA sought permission to introduce mixed-mode (a) within the 480,000 cap and (b) exceeding the 480,000 cap. Jim Fitzpatrick [holding answer 3 November 2008]: The “Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport” consultation closed on 27 February and we expect to announce a decision on the future development of Heathrow by the end of the year. If mixed-mode operations are supported (either within the current movements cap or with additional movements), it would be for the airport operator to bring forward plans and obtain the necessary planning approvals. It would also be the responsibility of the airport operator and National Air Traffic Services to further assess the indicative airspace and air traffic control arrangements presented in the consultation to meet the statutory requirements of the Civil Aviation Authority. This could include further consultation, where appropriate, in accordance with the CAA’s Airspace Change Process. London Airports: Smoking Andrew Mackinlay To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many times evacuations of (a) the concourses, (b) the security and passports areas and (c) the airside areas of (i) Heathrow, (ii) Gatwick and (iii) Stansted airports have occurred following an alarm being triggered by a passenger smoking in a toilet in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. Jim Fitzpatrick We have been advised by BAA that it is unable to provide detailed information on how many evacuations have been carried out over the last 12 months due to a fire alarm being triggered without detailed analysis. As this is an operational matter for BAA, I suggest the hon. Member directs his inquiry to the chief executive of BAA. Network Rail: Standards Mr. Clappison To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 29 October 2008, Official Report, column 1040W, on Network Rail: standards, what improvement notices have been served on Network Rail by the Office of the Rail Regulator in the last 12 months. Paul Clark The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has served a total of 19 improvement notices on Network Rail in the last 12 months. Details of 18 of these notices have been entered on the public register. They can be found on ORR’s website at: http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/. One notice, served on Network Rail in June 2008, relating to the joint between non-adjustable stretcher bar brackets and switch rails, has been appealed by Network Rail and therefore has not been entered onto the public register. Piracy: Gulf of Aden Norman Baker To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what steps he is taking to counter the incidence of piracy on the high seas, with particular reference to the Gulf of Aden; (2) how many British seafarers are being held hostage as a consequence of piracy incidents on the high seas; and what steps he is taking to secure their release. Jim Fitzpatrick The Department for Transport is not aware of any British seafarers being held hostage as a consequence of piracy incidents. The Government are acutely aware of the dangers being faced by seafarers on board ships transiting the Gulf of Aden and abhor the loss of life incurred to date. The UK is supportive of the IMO's efforts which calls for states interested in the safety and security of maritime activities to take part actively in the fight against piracy and armed robbery against ships off the coast of Somalia. The Department has issued advice to seafarers on the measures that can be taken to prevent acts of piracy and armed robbery in Marine Guidance Note 298. We have also urged Masters to obtain up to date information about pirate attacks in order to plan their passage through the Gulf of Aden. This advice can be obtained from the Royal Navy's UK Maritime Trade Operation based in Dubai. The shipping industry has also been informed of the Maritime Security Patrol Area (MPSA) established by the Combined Maritime Forces. The MPSA does not eliminate the risk of criminal activity and shipping has been warned to exercise extreme caution and vigilance. Piracy is an international problem that requires an international solution. The Government are playing their full part by pressing for effective international action to address the issue by tackling the problem at its roots on land. The Government are very concerned by increasing numbers of piracy and armed robbery attacks in and around Somali waters and we have noted the expressed concerns from industry. We are working proactively with our EU, NATO and Coalition Task Force 150 partners to counter the menace. Railways: Crime Prevention Mr. Jim Cunningham To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what recent steps the Government has taken to reduce the level of crime on railways; (2) what recent steps the Government has taken to improve police resources to prevent crime committed on railways. Paul Clark The total number of offences reported to the British Transport Police (BTP) reduced by 12 per cent. between 2006-07 and 2007-08 and crime remains low relative to the over one billion passenger journeys made each year. We nevertheless continue to work closely with the industry and the police to secure further improvements. Last year, the budget for the British Transport Police (BTP) increased by 5 per cent. and, at £271 million, is at more than twice the level it was six years ago. BTP numbers at London Underground and mainline stations have increased too and there are now 2,813 officers and 262 community support officers in the force. Railways: Freight Mr. Stephen O'Brien To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made towards the target of increasing rail freight by 80 per cent. by 2010 as stated in his Department's Transport Ten Year Plan of 2000; what the baseline year is against which this target is being measured; and how much rail freight there was in each year since 2000. Paul Clark The potential rail freight growth figure of up to 80 per cent. quoted in the Department for Transport's 10 year plan of 2000 was not a target. It was always recognised that actual growth would depend on a number of factors—in particular, the success of private sector rail freight operators in delivering improvements in performance and efficiency. Detailed rail freight statistics covering the years from 2000 to 2008 are published in the Office for Rail Regulation's Rail Trends document on its website: www.rail-reg.gov.uk and by the Department for Transport in its Transport Statistics for Great Britain document on its website: www.dft.gov.uk. Since 2000-01 the amount of rail freight moved has increased by 17 per cent. In the last 18 months the Government have announced record levels of rail freight investment to support continued growth including £200 million towards the development of a strategic freight network and over £150 million of funding towards the provision of infrastructure enhancement for freight through the Productivity Transport Innovation Fund. Railways: Safety Mr. Jim Cunningham To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what recent steps the Government has taken to publicise the dangers of playing on or near railway tracks to young people; (2) what recent steps the Government has taken to prevent children from playing on or near railway tracks. Paul Clark Network Rail's ‘No Messin’!’ campaign seeks to reduce crime and trespass on the railway by young people. It has been developed to appeal to them by using a style and language they will understand. Network Rail's initiative is reinforced by campaigns run by train operators to educate children in schools about the dangers of trespassing on the railway. These measures are further supported by the British Transport Police who work with the industry to reduce incidents of crime and trespass. Rapid Transit Systems Mr. Stephen O'Brien To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made towards the target of creating 25 new rapid transit lines in major cities and conurbations by 2010 as stated in his Department's Transport 10 Year Plan of 2000; how many new rapid transit lines were created in each year since 2000; and by what percentage light rail passenger journeys have increased since 2000. Paul Clark The Ten Year Plan published in July 2000 set out indicative figures for the number of light rail schemes that might be delivered by 2010. This was neither a target nor a commitment for the Government. The following light rail lines have been opened since 2000: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Name of scheme |Number of new lines| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2000|Croydon Tramlink |3 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2000|Manchester Metrolink -Eccles extension |1 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2002|Tyne and Wear Metro -Sunderland extension |1 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2004|Nottingham Express Transit |1 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005|Docklands Light Railway - London City Airport extension|1 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following schemes are in preparation; ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Name of scheme |Stage reached |Number of new lines| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Docklands Light Railway -Extension to Woolwich Arsenal |Under construction, due to be completed in 2009. |1 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Manchester Metrolink -Extensions to Rochdale, Oldham, Chorlton and Droylsden |Under construction, project due to be completed in 2012. |4 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Nottingham Express Transit -Extensions to Clifton and Chilwell |Granted Programme Entry. If Full Approval is granted the lines could be completed by 2013. |2 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Manchester Metrolink -Extensions to Ashton, East Didbsury and Manchester Airport |Granted Programme Entry as part of Greater Manchester's Transport Innovation Fund bid. |3 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Manchester Metrolink -Extensions to Trafford, Oldham town centre, Rochdale town centre, and Second city crossing scheme|Schemes which currently have no approval status that Greater Manchester are also progressing as part of their Transport Innovation Fund bid.|4 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Light rail passenger journeys in England increased by 90 per cent. between 1999-2000 and from 98 million to 186 million passenger journeys in 2007-08. Road Signs and Markings Mrs. Villiers To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department has authorised the erection of road signs which indicate metric rather than imperial measurements. Paul Clark [holding answer 3 November 2008]: The Department for Transport has not authorised any signs aimed at general road users that display metric measurements only. For a traffic sign to be lawful, it must be either prescribed in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) (2002) or be authorised by the Secretary of State. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the devolved Administrations authorise non-prescribed signs for the roads in their areas. TSRGD provides for the use of imperial measurements for distance and speed. Certain prescribed traffic signs may show metric units of measurement together with the corresponding imperial units—such as signs indicating maximum height or width restrictions. However, metric is not permitted as a replacement for imperial on such signs. The Department has authorised the use of driver location signs and a limited number of distance marker posts for the trunk road and motorway network. These indicate an established referencing system, which uses metric units, to enable the emergency services to locate the scene of an incident without any confusion. Road Traffic Mr. Stephen O'Brien To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made in achieving the target of reducing road congestion below 2000 levels as stated in his Department's Transport Ten Year Plan of 2000; against what baseline this target is being measured; and how much road congestion there was in each year since 2000, broken down by region. Paul Clark The Ten Year Plan gave an indicative figure for congestion on inter-urban trunk roads which was formalised in the SR2002 PSA target: to reduce congestion on the inter-urban road network in England below 2000 levels by 2010. However, subsequently the Government set out the case for new congestion performance targets in The Future of Transport White Paper published in July 2004. A new target was set in SR2004. The baseline for the SR2004 target was published in February 2006 using new sources of journey time data. Inter-urban journey time reliability performance has since been regularly published against this baseline. The latest provisional data show the current level of performance for the 10 per cent. slowest journeys, which is the PSA measure, to be around the SR2004 baseline level for the year August 2004 to July 2005. This is also the case for all journeys. Differences in sources used and in measurement mean that it is not possible to produce a consistent series of data from 2000 and report on trunk road congestion in Ten Year Plan terms. Also, data are not readily available at regional level as the current measure is based on routes which extend outside regional boundaries. Mr. Stephen O'Brien To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made in achieving the target of undertaking 80 major trunk road schemes to improve safety and traffic flows at junctions by 2010 as stated in his Department's Transport Ten Year Plan of 2000; and what major trunk road schemes were (a) started and (b) completed in each year since 2000. Paul Clark The Ten Year Plan published in July 2000 set out a broad package of measures for improving transport. Over the 10 year period individual projects in the Highways Agency's programmes would flow from the outcome of multi-modal studies and decisions taken through regional transport strategies. Although the plan gave an indicative figure for trunk road schemes this is not a target that the Government monitor performance against. Two tables have been placed in the Libraries of the House. Table A shows the Highways Agency major trunk road schemes started in each year since 2000 while table B shows schemes opened to traffic in each year since 2000. Road Traffic: Essex Mr. Jenkin To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the oral answer to the hon. Member for Chelmsford on 21 October 2008, Official Report, column 155, on traffic congestion, which (a) causes of and (b) locations prone to road accidents and collisions on the A12 in Essex will be prioritised for road safety improvement funding; and what funding he plans to make available for such improvements in the next three years. Jim Fitzpatrick Personal injury accidents on the motorway and trunk road network are monitored on a continuous basis by the Highways Agency and reported in its annual safety report. Accidents are reviewed on a route basis, and locations with disproportionately more accidents are prioritised for remedial action. With regards to the A12 in Essex, in the period 2008-09 to 2011-12, the Highways Agency is intending to spend up to around £22 million on major maintenance improvements at Kelvedon and Witham and £2.5 million on an auxiliary lane southbound between Hatfield Peverel and Witham. All of these significant interventions will have some beneficial impact on safety, and other minor safety works are also planned. This work will be subject to availability of funding and prioritisation against other works on the strategic road network within the Eastern region. Roads: Accidents Malcolm Bruce To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will bring forward legislative proposals to include cats within the provision of section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988; and if he will make a statement. Jim Fitzpatrick [holding answer 3 November 2008]: There are no legislative proposals to include cats within the provision of section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 which requires a driver to report accidents involving animals such as horses, cattle, asses, mules, sheep, pigs, goats and dogs. This requirement arises from their status as working animals. There is no obligation to report all animal deaths on roads. The police advise drivers that, if possible, they should make inquiries to ascertain the owner of the cat and advise them of the situation. Rolling Stock Mr. Stephen O'Brien To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the percentage change in active rolling stock has been since 1997. Paul Clark The Department for Transport does not keep the detailed information required. However, we know that in May 1995, the number of vehicles on lease was 10,401 and, as of today, the number on lease on the rail network is around 11,150, an increase of approximately 7.2 per cent. It should also be noted that a further 1,300 vehicles will be delivered as part of high level output specification (HLOS), of which 423 have already been ordered. Transport: Expenditure Mr. Stephen O'Brien To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much (a) public investment, (b) private capital investment and (c) public resource expenditure was spent on (i) rail, (ii) strategic roads, (iii) London transport, (iv) local transport and (v) other transport in each year since 2000, in (A) nominal and (B) real terms. Mr. Hoon The following table shows the public investment (capital) and public resource spending within the Department for Transport's departmental expenditure limit (DEL) on rail, strategic roads, London, local transport and other transport for each year since 2002-03. (Owing to classification, accounting and boundary changes comparable figures for earlier years are not available.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | |2002-03|2003-04|2004-05|2005-06|2006-07|2007-08| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Public investment (capital) | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Rail |963 |3,143 |2,825 |2,600 |3,596 |3,496 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Strategic Roads |736 |439 |610 |753 |1,116 |1,056 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |London |772 |— |— |— |— |— | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Local and regional transport|1,515 |1,532 |1,710 |1,559 |1,659 |2,364 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Other transport |139 |119 |77 |83 |132 |135 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Public resource expenditure | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Rail |289 |1,111 |1,444 |1,219 |1,322 |1,163 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Strategic Roads |1,339 |1,518 |1,418 |1,576 |1,752 |1,787 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |London |1,025 |2,550 |2,261 |2,182 |2,641 |2,400 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Local and regional transport|339 |385 |407 |431 |542 |659 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Other transport |475 |545 |545. |659 |665 |791 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ These figures do not include capital spending by local authorities funded through prudential borrowing, nor revenue spending by local authorities funded through general grant (paid by CLG) and council tax. Data providing a comprehensive statement of private capital investment in these areas are not available. The following table sets out the DEL spending shown above, expressed in real terms with a 2007-08 price base. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | |2002-03|2003-04|2004-05|2005-06|2006-07|2007-08| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Public investment (capital) | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Rail |1,101 |3,487 |3,051 |2,752 |3,706 |3,496 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Strategic Roads |841 |487 |659 |797 |1,150 |1,056 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |London |883 |— |— |— |— |— | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Local and regional transport|1,732 |1,700 |1,847 |1,650 |1,710 |2,364 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Other transport |158 |132 |83 |88 |136 |135 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Public resource expenditure | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Rail |330 |1,232 |1,560 |1,290 |1,362 |1,163 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Strategic Roads |1,531 |1,684 |1,532 |1,668 |1,805 |1,787 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |London |1,172 |2,829 |2,442 |2,309 |2,721 |2,400 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Local and regional transport|388 |427 |439 |457 |558 |659 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Other transport |543 |605 |589 |698 |685 |791 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Transport: Regulatory Impact Assessments Mr. Stephen O'Brien To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library copies of all regulatory impact assessments for (a) road projects and (b) other major transport infrastructure projects conducted since 1997. Paul Clark The Department for Transport does not undertake regulatory impact assessments for road or other transport infrastructure projects as they are not regulatory in nature. Infrastructure projects are assessed in line with the new approach to appraisal (NATA) guidance. Transport: Tyne and Wear Jim Cousins To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what payments his Department has made to local authorities in Tyne and Wear for a pilot study under the Transport Innovation Fund; and what plans he has for the future funding of People in Motion. Paul Clark Tyne and Wear authorities have received a total of £1.7 million pump priming funding from the Department for Transport's Transport Innovation Fund. This funding was provided to support the development of Transport Innovation Fund packages that address local congestion problems combining demand management, including road pricing, with better public transport. We are awaiting the outcome of the work that has been carried out by Tyne and Wear's People in Motion partnership. Vehicle Number Plates Bob Spink To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to amend the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001 to permit the voluntary display of the Union Flag or other national identifiers. Jim Fitzpatrick [holding answer 3 November 2008]: We have announced our intention to allow the voluntary display of national flags on vehicle number plates in England, Scotland and Wales. We are looking at how this can be brought forward as soon as possible. Mrs. Villiers To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to ensure that drivers may legally display the (a) Union Flag, (b) flag of Saint Andrew and (c) flag of Saint George on car registration plates. Jim Fitzpatrick [holding answer 3 November 2008]: We have announced our intention to allow the voluntary display of national flags on vehicle number plates in England, Scotland and Wales. We are looking at how this can be brought forward as soon as possible. Work and Pensions Better Government for Older People Mr. Andrew Smith To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the sources of funding are of the Better Government for Older People initiative. Ms Rosie Winterton The information is in the following list.. Better Government for Older People Anticipated Sources of Funding 2008-09 Department for Work and Pensions grant in aid Anchor Trust grant Local Authorities subscriptions Primary Care Trust subscriptions Fire and Rescue organisation subscriptions Police Associations subscriptions Local Strategic Partnerships subscriptions Recoverable VAT Bank Interest Community Allowance Kerry McCarthy To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent discussions he has had with the Department for Communities and Local Government on the community allowance pilots. Mr. McNulty We jointly announced with the Department for Communities and Local Government in Communities in Control: real people, real power (CM7427) that the CREATE Consortium could pilot the community allowance within the existing benefits and permitted work structure. This was part of ongoing discussions with the Department for Communities and Local Government to explore how to promote paid community work for out of work benefit claimants to improve their chances of moving into work and benefit the community in which they live. Kerry McCarthy To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will introduce a community allowance as part of the new employment and support allowance regime. Mr. McNulty We have always made clear that the CREATE consortium will be able to pilot the community allowance within the existing benefits and permitted work structure. We would want to see a full evaluation of the allowance and the impact on improving benefit claimants' chances of moving into work before we considered whether to introduce it more widely. Compensation: Vaccination Ian Stewart To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many claims under the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS) have been made by people claiming damage by hepatitis A or hepatitis B vaccines; for what reasons unsuccessful claimants for payment in respect of these vaccines have been informed that if they wish to appeal they must do so within six years; and for what reason hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines are not included in the VDPS. Jonathan Shaw The Vaccine Damage Payments scheme only covers vaccines that are recommended as part of the routine childhood immunisation programme. The scheme does not cover hepatitis A or hepatitis B vaccines because they are not currently included in the childhood immunisation programme. The Department does not collect information about the number of claims made by people claiming damage from hepatitis A or hepatitis B vaccines as this information is not required for the administration of the scheme. People who make a vaccine damage payment claim in relation to vaccines not covered by the scheme are still given the right to appeal decisions they may disagree with. This practice helps ensure that customers have another opportunity to provide further information in support of their claim. Council Tax Benefit Julia Goldsworthy To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many households were in receipt of council tax benefit in each year since 1985; and how much was spent on council tax benefit in each of those years. Kitty Ussher Information on council tax benefit is available only from 1993-94 when it was introduced. The available information is in the following tables: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Expenditure (£ million)|Caseload (Thousand)| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1993-94 |1,940 |5,450 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1994-95 |2,077 |5,615 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1995-96 |2,189 |5,690 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1996-97 |2,311 |5,618 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1997-98 |2,395 |5,479 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1998-99 |2,452 |5,306 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1999-2000 |2,511 |5,051 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2000-01 |2,575 |4,761 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2001-02 |2,686 |4,664 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2002-03 |2,834 |4,625 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2003-04 |3,223 |4,693 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2004-05 |3,557 |4,915 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005-06 |3,774 |5,029 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006-07 |3,944 |5,080 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2007-08 |4,023 |5,089 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Notes: 1. The expenditure figures presented here reflect nominal costs for the whole of Great Britain. 2. They are total amounts paid to beneficiaries, irrespective of the source of funding, and include benefit spending reimbursed by DWP, and benefit spending financed from local authorities' general funds. 3. They reflect the latest benefit-by-benefit estimate of outturn, and not the amounts voted by Parliament. 4. Figures for 2006-07 and 2007-08 are estimated outturn and may change slightly once subsidy returns from all local authorities are audited. 5. Council tax benefit was introduced in April 1993. Source: Published expenditure tables to 2006-07, and estimated outturn for 2007-08.| | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Council Tax Benefits: Greater London Mr. Randall To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people he estimates were (a) eligible for and (b) in receipt of council tax benefits in (i) London, (ii) the London Borough of Hillingdon and (iii) Uxbridge constituency in each year since 1997 for which figures are available. Kitty Ussher Estimates of the numbers eligible for council tax benefit are not available below the level of Great Britain. It is, therefore, not possible to provide estimates of the numbers entitled in London, the London borough of Hillingdon, and the constituency of Uxbridge. The available information on recipients of council tax benefit for London and the London borough of Hillingdon is in the following table. Information is not available broken down by parliamentary constituency. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |London |Hillingdon| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1997 |759,720|17,660 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1998 |728,260|17,520 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1999 |692,540|17,350 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2000 |628,650|16,980 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2001 |607,160|16,360 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2002 |615,320|16,090 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2003 |633,530|15,810 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2004 |672,070|17,360 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005 |708,440|17,890 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006 |717,610|18,140 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2007 |724,440|18,200 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Notes:1. Recipients refers to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple.2. The figures have been rounded to the nearest 10.3. Figures for any non-responding authorities have been estimated.4. Council tax benefit totals exclude any second adult rebate cases.Source:Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Management Information System Quarterly 100 per cent. caseload stock-count taken in May 1997 to May 2007| | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Departmental Health and Safety Mr. Jim Cunningham To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent steps the Government has taken to improve health and safety regulation. Jonathan Shaw [holding answer 6 October 2008]: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is committed to better, smarter health and safety legislation. In December 2007 it published its second Simplification Plan1, which set out how it was reducing the administrative burden of health and safety regulation on businesses and making compliance easier, in particular for low risk, small and medium sized enterprises. Among the regulatory improvements detailed in the plan was the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007, which consolidated four sets of regulations, and improved the process for proving competency. HSE is also improving guidance on regulations to help businesses understand and comply. For example, it has produced 29 example risk assessments for different sectors, showing businesses that a risk assessment does not need to be complicated. Finally, the Better Regulation Executive has carried out a review of the health and safety regulatory regime, particularly for lower risk small businesses2. This has made several recommendations for improvement. Of those addressed to HSE, some are already being addressed through HSE's simplification work. Others will be considered through the development and subsequent implementation of HSE's new strategy. Departmental Liability Mr. Burstow To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on what dates in each of the last five years his Department informed the House of the creation of contingent liabilities relating to his Department or its non-departmental public bodies. Mr. McNulty Details of contingent liabilities are contained in the departmental resource accounts each year. The dates on which these accounts were laid in the House over last five years were: 2007-08: 21 July 2008 2006-07: 24 July 2007 2005-06: 7 November 2006 2004-05: 26 January 2006 2003-04: 18 January 2005 Departmental Pensions Jenny Willott To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many civil servants working in his Department and its agencies have pensions with a cash equivalent transfer value of over £1 million. Jonathan Shaw It is not appropriate to disclose pension information for civil servants other than board members whose details are shown in the Remuneration Report in annual Resource Accounts. A copy of the Resource Accounts for the Department for Work and Pensions and its agencies for financial year 2007-08 can be found in the Library or accessed electronically using the following links: Department for Work and Pensions Resource Accounts 2007-08 (pages 34 to 38 refer) http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/dwp/2008/res_acc/report_2007_08.pdf Jobcentre Plus Annual Report and Accounts 2007-08 (pages 22 to 25 refer) http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/stellent/groups/jcp/documents/websitecontent/dev_015683.pdf Child Support Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007-08 (pages 30 to 32 refer) http://www.csa.gov.uk/en/PDF/reports/annual_report_08.pdf The Pension Service Annual Report and Accounts 2006-07 (pages 52 to 55 refer) http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/pdf/annualreport/appendices.pdf Disability and Carers Service Annual Report and Accounts 2006-07 (pages 47 to 49 refer) http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/dwp/2007/dcs/dcs-ar-06-07.pdf Departmental Responsibilities Mr. Hoban To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what work programme has been put in place for his Department's strategy team; and if he will make a statement. Jonathan Shaw The Strategy Unit carries out a range of projects to underpin the strategic objectives of the Department. Departmental Temporary Employment Mr. Hoban To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which companies were used by his Department for providing temporary staff in each of the last five years; and what the value of contracts with each such company was in each of those years. Jonathan Shaw A list of companies and organisations that provided temporary staff to the Department for the last three years 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 and the expenditure with each company and organisation during those years is provided in the following table. Information for the two previous years 2003-04 and 2004-05 is not available. The expenditure provided for “temporary staff” includes both clerical and administrative personnel, and other interim, specialist and professional personnel including interim managers (this primarily covers the specialist areas of IT, finance, project and programme management, HR, procurement and communications). It is not possible to provide separate details of expenditure on the different categories of temporary and professional and technical staff. ---------------------------------- |£ | ---------------------------------- |Supplier |2005-06|2006-07|2007-08| ---------------------------------- |Parity |5,835,909.74|7,407,152.90|5,455,978.00| ---------------------------------- |Hays |3,845,970.36|7,309,387.40|4,585,773.86| ---------------------------------- |LA International |1,951,194.77|3,714,763.77|4,073,159.71| ---------------------------------- |X Net Ltd. |2,195,562.45|3,361,228.16|2,803,781.70| ---------------------------------- |Computer People |3,442,057.48|2,624,283.46|1,891,034.15| ---------------------------------- |Xansa |3,132,669.48|2,931,074.54|1,431,417.61| ---------------------------------- |Nesco |1,967,357.38|3,225,360.71|1,927,190.14| ---------------------------------- |Methods Consulting Ltd. |—|4,214,785.12|2,272,514.72| ---------------------------------- |Amtec Consulting |743,534.51|2,304,845.06|2,245,626.32| ---------------------------------- |Michael Page International |1,447,584.06|2,027,746.26|1,514,802.25| ---------------------------------- |Capgemini UK plc |—|1,923,327.28|1,522,575.55| ---------------------------------- |Rullion Computer Personnel |553,566.42|1,377,848.84|896,668.95| ---------------------------------- |Hedra |1,541,395.28|1,051,045.39|162,259.12| ---------------------------------- |Elan |1,043,303.76|851,637.66|508,100.98| ---------------------------------- |Badenoch and Clark |905,931.15|758,639.47|416,761.22| ---------------------------------- |Manpower plc |1,494,999.96|365,753.47|84,532.67| ---------------------------------- |Office Angels |642,921.02|610,019.71|310,066.59| ---------------------------------- |Stopgap Ltd. |610,122.77|232,514.83|449,284.72| ---------------------------------- |PPM Excellence Ltd. |—|465,607.87|643,151.75| ---------------------------------- |Reed in Partnership |135,642.43|539,992.46|432,490.39| ---------------------------------- |Servicetec Ltd. |468,451.01|245,214.58|378,440.21| ---------------------------------- |Recruit Media Ltd. |267,210.38|264,316.21|236,759.49| ---------------------------------- |Hudson Global Resources |406,056.48|154,820.92|120,905.05| ---------------------------------- |Adecco UK Ltd. |254,760.19|218,955.86|30,755.96| ---------------------------------- |Impact Executives |209,720.48|158,669.42|30,315.03| ---------------------------------- |Acorn Recruitment Ltd. |153,757.90|242,842.57|—| ---------------------------------- |Northern Recruitment Group |125,977.41|103,049.59|150,372.15| ---------------------------------- |PricewaterhouseCoopers |—|342,884.21|29,046.01| ---------------------------------- |Randstad Employment Bureau |165,970.59|154,749.84|—| ---------------------------------- |Venn Group Ltd. |6,103.00|104,443.78|136,161.76| ---------------------------------- |TFPL Ltd. |—|148,701.15|91,260.08| ---------------------------------- |Brook Street plc |132,500.77|—|76,493.23| ---------------------------------- |City Centre Recruitment |116,676.53|82,681.68|691.84| ---------------------------------- |Purcon Ltd. |—|—|165,372.95| ---------------------------------- |Mercer Human Resource Consulting|126,347.75|34,932.34|—| ---------------------------------- |Pertemps |63,429.94|65,194.89|—| ---------------------------------- |Penna |—|115,198.00|1,770.00| ---------------------------------- |Jobwise Group plc |21,421.66|95,325.00|—| ---------------------------------- |Hudson |—|97,641.08|1,205.20| ---------------------------------- |Party Resources Ltd. |—|84,559.10|11,464.56| ---------------------------------- |Capita Business Services Ltd. |—|40,887.00|50,049.31| ---------------------------------- |Xchangeteam Ltd. |21,261.51|39,080.24|27,636.00| ---------------------------------- |Hewitt Bacon and Woodrow Ltd. |56,302.27|13,080.47|16,131.21| ---------------------------------- |Datasky |—|77,210.00|—| ---------------------------------- |Venn Group Recruitment |75,636.14|—|—| ---------------------------------- |Norman Broadbent Co. |75,172.98|—|—| ---------------------------------- |Hudson York Farrell |71,441.24|—|—| ---------------------------------- |Central Office of Information |—|58,054.91|—| ---------------------------------- |Premiere Employment Group |23,104.11|21,570.10|1,192.67| ---------------------------------- |SAS Software Ltd. |—|—|36,184.13| ---------------------------------- |Job Channel Ltd. |25,990.00|—|—| ---------------------------------- |At Work Recruitment |16,961.77|7,734.00|—| ---------------------------------- |Bluestone |—|—|15,880.58| ---------------------------------- |Fylde Office Service |14,342.87|—|—| ---------------------------------- |Forrest Recruitment |12,153.25|—|—| ---------------------------------- |Stimulation Ltd. |—|12,068.78|—| ---------------------------------- |Serco Ltd. |—|—|10,650.49| ---------------------------------- |Kelly Services |8,478.77|1,619.26|—| ---------------------------------- |Forrest and Co. |9,787.23|—|—| ---------------------------------- |Alexander Lloyd |9,400.00|—|—| ---------------------------------- |Hay Group |—|4,507.00|1,280.00| ---------------------------------- |Ellingham Employment Services |—|—|5,156.49| ---------------------------------- |Venn Group Recruitment Solutions|4,935.00|—|—| ---------------------------------- |Serco Solutions |4,206,00|—|—| ---------------------------------- |TFPL Ltd. (EC1M) |—|3,956.00|—| ---------------------------------- |GCS Recruitment Specialists |—|3,928.00|—| ---------------------------------- |Speech to Text Reporting |3,806.60|—|—| ---------------------------------- |Office Personnel |3,524.50|—|—| ---------------------------------- |Law Absolute |—|—|2,825.43| ---------------------------------- |Atos Origin |—|2,348.00|—| ---------------------------------- |Bravo Solution |—|2,341.78|—| ---------------------------------- |Westminster Accord |2,096.09|—|—| ---------------------------------- |Rosemary Nichols Consulting |—|1,323.80|645.20| ---------------------------------- |PA Consulting Services Ltd. |—|1,347.37|—| ---------------------------------- |KMC International |1,045.65|—|—| ---------------------------------- |Merrill Legal Solutions |—|—|1,036.34| ---------------------------------- |Impact Recruitment |—|—|300.00| ---------------------------------- |Baileys Recruitment Agency |236.57|—|—| ---------------------------------- |Aims Recruitment |—|120.00|—| ---------------------------------- Disability Living Allowance Jenny Willott To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what training and guidance his Department gives on length of awards to staff making decisions on the award of disability living allowance and attendance allowance; and if he will make a statement; (2) what guidance his Department has issued to those staff taking decisions on awarding disability allowance on the duration of the award. Jonathan Shaw All claims for disability living allowance (DLA) and attendance allowance (AA) are decided by decision makers who are required to make decisions fairly and impartially based on the application of the law to the facts of the individual case. Decision makers’ training covers all available legal, medical and procedural guidance that pertains to periods of award, to enable them to determine what period of award is appropriate. The Department provides decision makers with guidance on deciding the duration of awards within the Decision Makers Guide and the Decision Makers Procedural Guide. In addition, comprehensive up to date medical guidance has been developed and approved by medical experts in their field, for the majority of impairments that give rise to claims for DLA and AA. The guidance for each impairment includes interpretation of clinical information, definitions of clinical technology and guidance on the likely duration of the care and/or mobility needs arising from that impairment. Jenny Willott To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how often recipients of the mobility component of disability living allowance who list as a disability (a) AIDS, (b) arthritis, (c) back problems, (d) blindness, (e) chest disease, (f) deafness, (g) diabetes, (h) epilepsy, (i) frailty, (j) heart disease, (k) learning difficulties, (l) malignant disease, (m) mental health causes, (n) multiple sclerosis and (o) muscle, joint or bone problems have their awards reassessed. Jonathan Shaw The information is not available. Once entitlement to disability living allowance is established, the frequency of reassessment varies according to the individual circumstances of the case. For example, a claim may be reassessed if a customer reports a change in their circumstances, or information is received suggesting that there has been a change of circumstances since the original award of benefit was made. In addition, where a fixed period award is nearing its end point, the customer is invited to submit a new claim which is then assessed on the current evidence before a new decision is made on entitlement. Other claims may continue throughout the period of the award without being reassessed. Mr. Oaten To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of applications for (a) disability living allowance and (b) attendance allowance have been refused in each of the last three years. Jonathan Shaw [holding answer 3 November 2008]: The available information is in the following table: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Percentage | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |2005-06|2006-07|2007-08| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Disability living allowance |53|53|55| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Attendance allowance |21|20|18| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Notes: 1. Claims received: It is not possible for a claimant to make concurrent multiple claims. A customer can make more than one claim in a year. However, a new claim cannot be made until a decision on the previous claim has been made. 2. Success rates are the number of claims awarded as a percentage of the number of decisions in that year—not a percentage of the number of claims received. Source: Management Information Statistics. This information is generated by the disability living allowance/attendance allowance computer system for management purposes. It is not a National Statistic. Management information records and counts events. This means that the number of claims refused are not directly comparable to the number of claims received because a decision to refuse or accept a claim is not necessarily made in the same time period.| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Disability Living Allowance: Bexley Mr. Evennett To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many residents of Bexleyheath and Crayford receive the (a) lower and (b) higher rate of the mobility component of the disability living allowance. Jonathan Shaw The available information is in the following table: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Number| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Highest rate |1,880 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Lowest rate |1,050 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Some additional disclosure control has been applied. 3. Totals show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and exclude people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital. 4. Figures are published on the DWP website at:www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/tabtool.aspSource: DWP Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study.| | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Employment Service: Manpower Jenny Willott To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many staff were employed by the (a) Employment Service and (b) Benefits Agency in each year for which records are available, broken down by region; (2) what the average salary was of staff employed by the (a) Employment Service and (b) Benefits Agency in each year for which records are available, broken down by region. Jonathan Shaw The Benefits Agency was established on 10 April 1991. The Employment Service was established on 2 April 1990. Both ceased to exist after March 31 2002 when Jobcentre Plus and The Pension Service were launched. Historical staffing statistics for each Agency can be found in Civil Service Statistics at: www.civilservice.gov.uk/about/statistics. A breakdown of the staffing statistics at regional level is not available. Information on average salaries would be available only at disproportionate cost. Employment: Low Incomes Mr. Harper To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what guidelines have been issued to Jobcentre Plus employees in relation to making individuals better off in work calculations; which benefits or funding streams are (a) included and (b) excluded from the calculation; and if he will make a statement. Mr. McNulty The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested. Letter from Lesley Strathie: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what guidelines have been issued to Jobcentre Plus employees in relation to making individuals better off in work calculations; which benefits or funding streams are (a) included and (b) excluded from the calculation; and if he will make a statement. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. An extensive range of learning is available to equip Personal Advisers to use the Better Off Calculator effectively. Personal Advisers attend a two-day technical event which instructs them on how to use the calculator. Up-to-date learning material and comprehensive technical guidance is also available. The Better Off Calculator has been designed to navigate the user through a series of pre-set screens and this helps to ensure that all relevant information is captured. A Better Off Calculation takes into account the following benefits, credits and statutory payments: Attendance Allowance Bereavement Allowance Carer’s Allowance Child Benefit Child Special Allowance Child Tax Credit Constant Attendance Allowance Council Tax Benefit Disability Living Allowance Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance Employment and Support Allowance Guardian’s Allowance Housing Benefit Incapacity Benefit Income Support Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Jobseeker’s Allowance Maternity Allowance Pension Credit Second Adult Rebate Severe Disablement Allowance State Pension Statutory Adoption Pay Statutory Maternity Pay Statutory Paternity Pay Statutory Sick Pay War Disablement Pension War Widow’s Pension Widowed Parents Allowance Working Tax Credit It also takes in to consideration the following income types: Child Maintenance payments Savings Capital Personal/Occupational Pension Other Income Benefits in payment Tax Credits (including 50+ additional WTC) in payment Work details—Income/expenses Income from Borders Income from current/previous tax year- Taxable Social Security Benefit Employee earnings Benefits in kind Self employed earnings Other earnings All other incomes are not taken in to consideration. At present, there are some limitations to the calculations the Better Off Calculator can perform, especially where there are complex rules or when discretion has to be applied; for example, with self-employment cases, students or persons from abroad when a calculation has to be done manually. Jobcentre Plus updates the Better Off Calculator twice each year to capture legislative changes, new initiatives and to implement further improvements. Housing Benefit Jenny Willott To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what the (a) total and (b) average amount paid to households receiving local housing allowance above the five bed rate was in the most recent month for which figures are available, broken down by the smallest geographical area for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement; (2) how many households are in receipt of local housing allowance above the five bed rate (a) nationally and (b) broken down by the smallest geographical area for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. Kitty Ussher The information is not available. Mr. Andrew Smith To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effects on vulnerable people of direct payments of housing benefit. Kitty Ussher [holding answer 3 November 2008]: Two of the intended effects of the local housing allowance are to promote financial independence and personal responsibility. Therefore payments are normally made directly to tenants so they have personal responsibility for paying their rent. However, we recognise that there will always be a small proportion of tenants who will struggle with this, so there are circumstances in which the local authority has the power to pay benefit direct to the landlord. These are if the local authority either considers that the tenant is likely to have difficulty in relation to the management of their own affairs—for example, the tenant is known to have a learning disorder or a drug/alcohol problem that would mean they are likely to have difficulty handling a budget—or considers it improbable that the tenant will pay their rent; for example, the local authority is aware that the tenant has consistently failed to pay the rent on past occasions without good reason. Additionally, in housing benefit generally, payment direct to the landlord is a statutory requirement if a tenant has built up rent arrears of eight weeks or more, or is having deductions from their income support or jobseeker's allowance to pay off rent arrears. If this occurs, the local authority has the discretion to continue paying direct to the landlord when the level of arrears drops to below eight weeks. We plan to review the LHA, which was rolled out nationally from April 2008, during the first two years of operation. Incapacity Benefit Mr. Drew To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people on incapacity benefit who are capable of entering employment. Jonathan Shaw Incapacity benefit is a benefit for people whom, due to ill health or disability, it would be unreasonable to require to work. People who are able to work can claim jobseeker’s allowance. However, with help and support, many people on incapacity benefits are able to move into work. Through Pathways to Work, we support people on incapacity benefits to prepare to return to work. Pathways to Work has helped over 94,000 claimants into work since October 2003. Jobcentre Plus Mr. Lidington To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if he will make a statement on his plans for the reorganisation of Jobcentre Plus offices and processing centres in the South East of England; (2) if he will make a statement on the future of the Jobcentre Plus office at Sunley House, Aylesbury. Mr. McNulty [holding answer 20 October 2008]: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested. Letter from Lesley Strathie: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions asking if he will make a statement on his plans for the reorganisation of Jobcentre Plus offices and processing centres in the South East of England; and if he will make a statement on the future of the Jobcentre Plus office at Sunley House, Aylesbury. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. Since 2002 Jobcentre Plus has completed a national modernisation programme to improve levels of service to all our customers through new style Jobcentres, Contact Centres, Benefit Delivery Centres and the Internet. The roll out of Jobcentre Plus in the South East was completed with the opening of our new Portsmouth Jobcentre Plus office on 24 September 2008. The Jobcentre Plus network in the South East currently consists of 73 Jobcentres and 8 Benefit Delivery Centres. Our customers expect to access our services like any other organisation, as easily, directly and flexibly as possible. We are, therefore, offering far more of our services, both to employers and individual customers, through our Contact Centre network and the Internet. Customers making a benefit claim or enquiry can call a 0800 number to provide claim details by phone, this is free to landline users, with a call back facility available for those using mobile phones. This reduces the need to call into a Jobcentre and increasingly our offices are used for booked appointments only. In addition, we are providing a more individual service for our most disadvantaged customers, delivered in partnership with the public, private and voluntary sectors. Social Fund services to most of the region are provided by the Jobcentre Plus Benefit Delivery centre in Bowback House, Milton Keynes. The former Social Security Office Sunley House in Aylesbury has been used for some Social Fund work on a temporary basis until sufficient space became available in Milton Keynes. We have now acquired sufficient space in Bowback House, Milton Keynes to house the Sunley House Social Fund operations. The current planning assumption is that Social Fund work will migrate to Milton Keynes Benefit Delivery Centre by 31 March 2009. This will allow Jobcentre Plus to close Sunley House and realise a saving to its estate costs of approximately £420,000 in 2009/10. All Social Fund staff in Sunley House have been given the opportunity to redeploy to Milton Keynes Benefit Delivery Centre. A number of staff have already done so. Staff will also be able to apply for other Department for Work and Pensions vacancies at Aylesbury and Chesham Jobcentres as well as vacancies within HMRC in the Aylesbury area. Services to Jobcentre Plus customers in Aylesbury will not be affected by the closure of Sunley House as Social Fund payments to Aylesbury customers will be made from the Jobcentre in Heron House which is just a few hundred yards away. I hope you find this information helpful. I have asked Paul Williams (Customer Services Director for the South East) to contact you to arrange a suitable time to discuss your concerns either by phone or face to face, whichever is more convenient for you. However, if you would like to contact Paul directly in the meantime his number is: 01483 446065. Jobcentre Plus: Closures Mr. Laws To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many jobcentres have closed in each month since 1 January 2007; how many are scheduled for closure in the next year; and if he will make a statement. Mr. McNulty The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested. Letter from Lesley Strathie: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions asking how many Jobcentres have closed in each month since 1st January 2007, and how many are scheduled for closure in the next year. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. The following table provides a month by month breakdown of the 81 Jobcentre Plus office closures between 1 January 2007 and October 2008. ------------------------- | |Closures| ------------------------- |January 2007 |5 | ------------------------- |February 2007 |2 | ------------------------- |March 2007 |5 | ------------------------- |April 2007 |5 | ------------------------- |May 2007 |2 | ------------------------- |June 2007 |3 | ------------------------- |July 2007 |9 | ------------------------- |August 2007 |2 | ------------------------- |September 2007|1 | ------------------------- |October 2007 |1 | ------------------------- |November 2007 |1 | ------------------------- |December 2007 |4 | ------------------------- |January 2008 |5 | ------------------------- |February 2008 |10 | ------------------------- |March 2008 |12 | ------------------------- |April 2008 |3 | ------------------------- |May 2008 |0 | ------------------------- |June 2008 |1 | ------------------------- |July 2008 |1 | ------------------------- |August 2008 |7 | ------------------------- |September 2008|1 | ------------------------- |October 2008 |1 | ------------------------- Three Jobcentres which are currently open to the public are scheduled for closure this year. They are all within Jobcentre Plus London Region: Brixton Hill, Feltham and Orpington. All three have been subject to a rigorous consultation process. Other than these, no decisions have yet been taken on further closures over the next 12 months. Jobcentre Plus: Lost Property Mr. Waterson To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what records Jobcentre Plus has of the number of items of mail it has sent through the Royal Mail signed for services which have been (a) lost and (b) misplaced in the last 12 months. Mr. McNulty The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) use the Recorded Delivery and Special Delivery service, which are signed for postal services provided by Royal Mail. DWP business users of these services are responsible for reporting any misplaced or lost items directly to Royal Mail and records of lost or misplaced items are therefore not held centrally within DWP or centrally within Jobcentre Plus. This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Jobcentre Plus: Manpower Mr. Alan Reid To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 20 October 2008, Official Report, columns 19-20, on job centres, what his definition is of front line staff; and how many (a) full-time equivalent staff and (b) front line full-time equivalent staff were employed in each job centre in Argyll and Bute in each year since 2004. Mr. McNulty [holding answer 27 October 2008]: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested. Letter from Lesley Strathie: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question, pursuant to the Answer of 20"1 October, Official Report, columns 19-20, on jobcentres, what his definition is of front line staff; and how many (a) full-time equivalent staff and (b) front line full-time equivalent staff were employed in each jobcentre in Argyll and Bute in each year since 2004. The number of frontline full time equivalent staff employed in the following Jobcentres in Argyll and Bute is as follows. All staff working in a Jobcentre are regarded as frontline staff. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Office |2004 |2005 |2006 |2007 |2008 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Campbeltown |23.14|18.1 |14.56|10.95|10.95| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Dunoon |14.35|11.54|14.54|9.54 |9.54 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Helensburgh |13.77|9.77 |8.77 |9.77 |7.77 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Oban |29.33|28.09|18.26|17.99|15.99| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Rothesay |11.96|10.42|9.42 |7.41 |6.41 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Note:Headcount figures are quoted in full-time equivalents using the Office for National Statistics criteria for counting headcount and details the position at March in each year.Source:Jobcentre Plus Management Information Portal| | | | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It should be noted that the activities carried out in Jobcentres in 2008 are not the same as those carried out in 2004 as a result of the transfer of processing activities to Benefit Delivery Centres. For this reason it could be misleading to compare the staffing levels year on year. Jenny Willott To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) Jobcentre Plus staff and (b) customer-facing Jobcentre Plus staff there are planned to be (i) in total, (ii) in each region and (iii) in each Jobcentre Plus district in each of the next three years; and if he will make a statement. Mr. McNulty The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested. Letter from Lesley Strathie: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking how many (a) Jobcentre Plus staff and (b) customer facing Jobcentre Plus staff there were (i) in total, (ii) in each region and (iii) in each Jobcentre Plus district in each of the next 3 years; and if he will make a statement. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. The Department’s Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) 2007 settlement provides for the following staffing numbers in Jobcentre Plus: ------------------------ |March each year|Number| ------------------------ |2009 |65,453| ------------------------ |2010 |61,985| ------------------------ |2011 |58,529| ------------------------ We do not have a future breakdown of this staffing by the categories you request. Our plans are under active review in the light of the current economic situation. We are already planning for Jobcentre Plus to have 2,000 more staff than the original assumption to enable us to respond to increasing numbers of customers. We do not yet have the detailed plans which describe the revised numbers for this year below a national level. Maternity Benefits Jenny Willott To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many maternity allowance claims remained unprocessed at the end of each quarter in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement; (2) how many and what proportion of maternity allowance claims were processed within (a) seven, (b) 14, (c) 21, (d) 28, (e) 35, (f) 49 and (g) 63 days in each quarter of the last three years; and if he will make a statement; (3) how many staff have been working directly on the processing of maternity allowance claims in each quarter of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. Mr. McNulty The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested. Letter from Lesley Strathie: The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has asked me to reply to your questions on the processing of Maternity Allowance applications. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. The target for clearing Maternity Allowance claims is 20 days and we expect to clear 4,800 claims within this timescale. Therefore, our normal “head of work”, which is the amount of claims we expect to have outstanding at any one time, is 4,800 claims. Statistical information regarding Maternity Allowance claims is only available from April 2006. We have provided quarterly data from April 2006 to September 2008. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Quarter ending |Number of maternity allowance claims outstanding| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |June 2006 |4,650 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |September 2006 |3,833 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |December 2006 |4,287 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |March 2007 |5,933 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |June 2007 |6,616 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |September 2007 |6,823 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |December 2007 |5,973 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |March 2008 |6,326 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |June 2008 |10,937 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |September 2008 |4,513 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Source:Jobcentre Plus Management Information Portal| | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Clearance times for Maternity Allowance increased slightly this year over the summer months resulting in a backlog of 7,000 cases awaiting action. This was as a result of an increase in births leading to an increase in Maternity Allowance applications by a fifth. This increase also coincided with the centralisation of the administration of Maternity Allowance claims between December 2007 and August 2008 into four Benefit Delivery Centres covering the whole country and a temporary dip in productivity associated with retraining existing members of staff. The backlog has now been cleared and we have returned to our normal “head of work”. Information relating to the proportion of Maternity Allowance claims processed within 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 49 and 63 days is not held. Statistical information regarding details of staff working on Maternity Allowance claims is only available from April 2006. We have provided quarterly data from April 2006 to June 2008. Data for the second quarter of 2008 is not yet available, however, we have provided the average figure incorporating August 2008 data. The figures quoted relate to staff working on Maternity Allowance new claims and maintenance activities and also include any general support duties and related Maternity Allowance work, including acting as telephone point of contact for all enquiries relating to claims and maintenance. It should be noted however, that before benefit centralisation many staff working on other benefits often helped on Maternity Allowance and this work would not have been recorded on the system. Therefore figures are not comparable year on year. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |2006-07|2007-08|2008-09| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Quarter 1 |87.09 |80.60 |126.19 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Quarter 2 |91.54 |91.62 |n/a | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Quarter 3 |82.60 |107.85 |n/a | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Quarter 4 |76.77 |126.80 |n/a | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Yearly Average |84.50 |101.72 |130.66 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Source:Jobcentre Plus Activity Based Management Portal| | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mediation Andrew Selous To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what progress has been made on his Department’s mediation with a counsellor initiative; and if he will make a statement. Jonathan Shaw [holding answer 30 October 2008]: The Department has successfully been running a mediation pilot for employees in selected parts of Jobcentre Plus and Pension, Disability and Carers Service since 9 June 2008. The pilot offers mediation as a voluntary alternative to the formal grievance procedures. The pilot is due to finish on 9 January 2009 and it will then be evaluated. Following this a decision will be taken about whether to offer mediation on a permanent basis. Pension Credit Mr. Waterson To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average response time was for new pensions credit applications in (a) Eastbourne constituency, (b) East Sussex and (c) the UK in each of the last 12 months. Ms Rosie Winterton The information is not available at the level requested. Mr. Waterson To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many and what proportion of pension credit applications received by the Pension Service in the last 12 months have been repeat applications. Ms Rosie Winterton The Agency does not have any information on the volume of repeat applications. Mr. Waterson To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pension credit applications the Pension Service received in each of the last 12 months. Ms Rosie Winterton The Pension Service has received a total of 280,893 applications for pension credit in the last 12 months. The following table shows the total number of applications received for each of the last 12 months. ----------------------------------------- | |PC applications received| ----------------------------------------- |October 2007 |24,121 | ----------------------------------------- |November 2007 |24,319 | ----------------------------------------- |December 2007 |17,123 | ----------------------------------------- |January 2008 |25,619 | ----------------------------------------- |February 2008 |23,460 | ----------------------------------------- |March 2008 |20,791 | ----------------------------------------- |April 2008 |24,265 | ----------------------------------------- |May 2008 |21,946 | ----------------------------------------- |June 2008 |23,251 | ----------------------------------------- |July 2008 |27,903 | ----------------------------------------- |August 2008 |22,869 | ----------------------------------------- |September 2008|25,226 | ----------------------------------------- | | | ----------------------------------------- |12 month total|280,893 | ----------------------------------------- Pensioners: Bus Services Mr. Hepburn To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners claimed free bus travel in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK in each year since its inception. Paul Clark I have been asked to reply. Concessionary travel is administered at a local level therefore the Government do not hold historic pass holder data. However, due to the recent reissue of passes for the introduction of the England-wide concession, the Government collected data concerning numbers of pass holders from each travel concession authority. The totals for Jarrow and the metropolitan borough of South Tyneside are both included in the figures for Nexus, the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive. In October 2007 Nexus reported a total of 219,073 elderly and disabled pass holders. The total for the North East region was 460,094 and for England as a whole 7,491,416. Post Office Card Account Peter Luff To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the accuracy of information provided on the telephone by Pensions Service staff about the future of the Post Office card account; and if he will make a statement. Ms Rosie Winterton [holding answer 3 November 2008]: We continually monitor our communications and issue appropriate reminders and updates to staff. Customers are being provided with information about the Post Office card account and around 12,500 new card accounts are being opened every month. Mr. Crausby To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent representations he has received on the future of the Post Office card account. Ms Rosie Winterton I and my ministerial colleagues have received a number of letters on the future of the Post Office card account. We have also answered questions in the House and responded to points raised during debates. Post Office Card Account: Chelmsford Mr. Burns To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in (a) West Chelmsford constituency and (b) the Chelmsford local authority area have a Post Office card account. Ms Rosie Winterton The answer is not available in the precise format requested. The following table shows the number of benefit and pension accounts paid into a Post Office card account in (a) the West Chelmsford constituency and (b) the Chelmsford local authority area. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Number| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |West Chelmsford constituency |3,700 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Chelmsford local authority area |5,360 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Notes:1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10 and refer to payment accounts live and in payment as at 12 April 2008. Claimants with more than one account will be counted for each account.2. Child benefit is administered by HM Revenue and Customs and War Pensions are administered by MOD. These benefits have been excluded.Source:DWP, Information Directorate| | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Social Security Benefits Jenny Willott To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average processing time for (a) disability living allowance and (b) pension credit applications was (i) in each of the smallest geographical areas for which information is available and (ii) in total in each quarter of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. Jonathan Shaw The information is as follows: (a) Disability living allowance Please see the following table giving the DLA New Claim (Normal Rules) year to date (YTD) average actual clearance times (AACT) in each of the new claim business units for DLA for each quarter of the last five years and the equivalent DLA national figure. ---------------------------------------------------------------- |YTD DLA NR Claims AACT|Q1 |Q2 |Q3 |Q4 |Q1 |Q2 |Q3 |Q4 | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |Edinburgh |36.4|36.6|36.7|37.9|40.6|39.3|39.1|38.0| ---------------------------------------------------------------- |Newcastle |32.4|32.3|31.9|32.1|35.3|35.5|35.0|34.7| ---------------------------------------------------------------- |Leeds |41.0|40.4|39.2|37.5|34.2|34.2|32.7|32.3| ---------------------------------------------------------------- |Manchester |33.5|34.4|35.5|35.8|38.1|36.3|35.4|34.2| ---------------------------------------------------------------- |Bootle |35.3|36.4|37.2|37.5|37.0|37.7|36.1|34.7| ---------------------------------------------------------------- |Midlands |34.5|35.8|35.6|35.0|33.5|33.6|32.9|32.4| ---------------------------------------------------------------- |Bristol |37.3|40.6|40.5|39.2|38.3|38.3|36.0|34.5| ---------------------------------------------------------------- |Wales |36.5|40.6|40.1|39.0|35.7|37.3|36.7|35.4| ---------------------------------------------------------------- |Wembley |41.0|42.3|43.0|43.0|35.1|35.6|35.8|36.0| ---------------------------------------------------------------- |Sutton |40.3|40.8|40.6|40.3|36.3|36.5|36.1|36.3| ---------------------------------------------------------------- |Glasgow |39.1|39.3|38.4|37.9|35.8|36.0|33.9|32.6| ---------------------------------------------------------------- |DCPU5 NCU |— |— |— |— |— |— |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |Bootle NE |— |— |— |— |— |— |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |Wales NE |— |— |— |— |— |— |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |DCPU 1 NCU |— |— |— |— |— |— |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |National |38.8|39.9|40.0|39.7|37.5|37.7|36.7|36.2| ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- |YTDDLA NR Claims AACT|Q1 |Q2 |Q3 |Q4 |Q1 |Q2 |Q3 |Q4 | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |Edinburgh |38.0|39.3 |38.5|37.9|36.9|37.7|37.5|36.7| ----------------------------------------------------------------- |Newcastle |35.8|37.7 |37.9|38.0|38.2|40.1|40.3|— | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |Leeds |30.9|31.2 |30.7|30.9|33.6|35.4|35.2|35.2| ----------------------------------------------------------------- |Manchester |29.2|29.3 |29.7|29.7|29.4|32.3|35.0|35.7| ----------------------------------------------------------------- |Bootle |32.8|32.7 |32.4|31.6|32.9|34.4|35.5|35.8| ----------------------------------------------------------------- |Midlands |29.9|31.3 |31.7|31.7|32.0|32.1|33.2|34.2| ----------------------------------------------------------------- |Bristol |31.5|33.5 |34.6|34.4|43.2|42.8|43.7|44.4| ----------------------------------------------------------------- |Wales |31.9|33.7 |34.7|35.0|34.9|35.4|37.1|37.8| ----------------------------------------------------------------- |Wembley |33.2|33.4 |33.7|34.6|38.6|38.7|39.5|39.7| ----------------------------------------------------------------- |Sutton |40.4|40.6 |40.7|40.9|— |— |— |— | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |Glasgow |31.9|35.1 |36.4|36.7|31.7|33.5|34.4|33.8| ----------------------------------------------------------------- |DCPU 5 NCU |20.3|25.9 |29.8|30.6|29.6|29.6|30.3|30.0| ----------------------------------------------------------------- |Bootle NE |— |— |— |— |— |— |— |34.8| ----------------------------------------------------------------- |Wales NE |— |— |— |— |— |— |— |34.1| ----------------------------------------------------------------- |DCPU 1 NCU |— |— |— |— |— |— |— |— | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |National |33.5|__34.3|34.5|34.5|35.0|35.8|36.7|36.8| ----------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |YTDDLA NR Claims AACT |Q1 |Q2 |Q3 |Q4 |Q1 |Q2 |Q3|Q4| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Edinburgh |34.0|35.7|37.3|36.6|— |— |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Newcastle |— |— |— |— |— |— |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Leeds |34.2|33.0|31.6|30.7|25.8|25.1|— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Manchester |35.2|34.5|34.2|32.9|28.4|27.8|— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bootle |36.5|36.8|37.5|35.5|29.2|29.9|— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Midlands |37.5|38.3|37.2|35.8|29.0|29.7|— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bristol |46.6|44.5|43.5|40.5|29.2|29.0|— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wales |37.6|37.0|36.1|34.7|29.2|30.8|— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wembley |42.5|43.0|43.0|41.1|29.5|30.3|— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sutton |— |— |— |— |— |— |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Glasgow |33.2|35.7|35.1|34.2|30.8|31.8|— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |DCPU 5 NCU |27.6|31.7|33.6|32.6|31.7|32.9|— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bootle NE |37.8|37.9|37.9|37.0|32.3|32.4|— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wales NE |36.6|36.4|35.7|34.1|29.3|31.4|— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |DCPU 1 NCU |— |— |— |— |12.4|16.9|— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |National |36.9|37.7|37.5|36.0|29.5|29.8|— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Notes: DLA AACT target: 2003-04 = 42 days, 2004-08 = 39 days and 2008-09 = 38 days. When Sutton DBC was closed the DLA new claims work was transferred to DCPU 5 New Claims Unit. When Newcastle DBC was closed the DLA new claims work was transferred to the Bootle and Wales offices (Bootle North East and Wales North East). When Edinburgh DBC was closed down the DLA new claims work was transferred to DCPU 1 New Claims Unit. 2. The table above shows that for the majority of the units the YTD target for DLA New Claims was met, this despite the target being reduced from 42 days in 2003-04 to 38 days for this year. Over this period all units have seen a steady reduction in their YTD performance ranging from a decrease of 15.9 days at Leeds DBC to 4.8 days at Midlands DBC, from the first quarter of 2003-04 to the second quarter of 2008-09. Also throughout this period the national YTD performance was below target for all of the quarters and reduced from 38.8 days in the first quarter of 2003-04 to 29.8 days in the second quarter of 2008-09, a decrease of nine days. Source: RDA 80123 Monthly Reports.| | | | | | | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (b) Pension credit Please see the following table giving the pension credit new claim year to date (YTD) average actual clearance times (AACT) in each of the current Pension Centres for each quarter of the last five years and the equivalent pension credit national figure. ---------------------------------------------------- | |Q1 |Q2 |Q3 |Q4 |Q1 |Q2 |Q3 |Q4 | ---------------------------------------------------- |Burnley |9.4 |17.2|23.8|19.8|9.7 |10.7|9.3 |7.0 | ---------------------------------------------------- |Cwmbran |2.8 |7.4 |4.5 |3.6 |4.1 |4.6 |6.3 |5.4 | ---------------------------------------------------- |Dundee |14.5|10.3|10.7|7.1 |6.8 |7.7 |12.5|12.2| ---------------------------------------------------- |Leicester |8.6 |11.3|13.4|8.6 |9.7 |12.0|17.3|13.2| ---------------------------------------------------- |London |7,9 |8.8 |13.5|12.6|10.0|14.7|15.1|12.2| ---------------------------------------------------- |Motherwell|17.1|17.6|16.5|11.9|8.8 |9.9 |15.0|14.4| ---------------------------------------------------- |Seaham |6.4 |6.3 |9.2 |6.5 |6.4 |8.2 |12.1|8.1 | ---------------------------------------------------- |Stockport |16.8|18.6|14.8|11.6|11.5|11.1|11.6|10.7| ---------------------------------------------------- |Swansea |12.1|13.8|12.5|9.4 |10.2|10.7|11.7|10.0| ---------------------------------------------------- |Warrington|13.4|12.1|9.8 |7.6 |7.0 |8.9 |15.3|9.7 | ---------------------------------------------------- |National |9.7 |11.4|14.3|11.1|9.2 |10.9|12.3|10.2| ---------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- | |Q1 |Q2 |Q3 |Q4 |Q1 |Q2 |Q3 |Q4 | ---------------------------------------------------- |Burnley |8.0 |10.9|10.0|9.9 |11.0|6.4 |8.0 |15.1| ---------------------------------------------------- |Cwmbran |6.5 |7.5 |7.1 |6.4 |7.6 |6.5 |9.7 |12.9| ---------------------------------------------------- |Dundee |8.6 |8.3 |10.0|7.2 |8.6 |9.5 |11.9|14.2| ---------------------------------------------------- |Leicester |11.0|13.7|12.0|12.8|10.5|6.7 |10.9|14.9| ---------------------------------------------------- |London |11.1|9.2 |8.8 |10.5|12.8|12.2|17.7|20.4| ---------------------------------------------------- |Motherwell|12.0|10.3|7.2 |6.5 |8.4 |12.0|12.0|16.6| ---------------------------------------------------- |Seaham |7.7 |9.7 |8.7 |11.0|9.5 |10.4|12.7|15.6| ---------------------------------------------------- |Stockport |8.4 |8.8 |8.3 |8.5 |11.5|11.6|17.8|23.6| ---------------------------------------------------- |Swansea |9.4 |9.2 |9.3 |9.5 |12.8|9.8 |15.1|14.4| ---------------------------------------------------- |Warrington|7.0 |7.4 |10.0|12.1|9.0 |9.9 |12.4|16.6| ---------------------------------------------------- |National |8.8 |8.5 |8.5 |9.1 |10.1|9.7 |12.7|15.8| ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Q1 |Q2 |Q3 |Q4 |Q1 |Q2 |Q3|Q4| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Burnley |15.4|15.9|12.4|11.0|11.5|10.5|— |— | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cwmbran |9.9 |9.5 |8.4 |9.6 |9.3 |9.1 |— |— | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Dundee |14.3|14.2|11.8|11.4|11.9|12.0|— |— | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Leicester |19.0|24.2|28.1|15.1|16.1|19.3|— |— | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |London |17.8|13.8|11.5|13.6|12.5|12.4|— |— | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Motherwell |15.3|16.7|11.9|14.2|15.4|16.0|— |— | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Seaham |15.7|15.0|16.2|16.7|11.6|11.7|— |— | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Stockport |19.2|24.0|24.2|23.8|18.5|19.8|— |— | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Swansea |12.4|13.4|16.2|17.0|17.3|17.3|— |— | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Warrington |15.8|18.8|15.8|13.1|16.4|18.7|— |— | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |National |15.2|16.7|15.8|14.9|14.3|14.9|— |— | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Notes: Pension Credit AACT target: 2003-07 = 10 days, 2007-09 = 15 days. As part of the Transformation Programme, the ten Pension Centres shown above now deal with all pension credit applications. In 2003, there were 26 pension centres and there has been a gradual reduction to present state. The target of 10 days was eased to 15 days to allow the new transformation processes to be embedded within the organisation. Currently, at a national level the 15-day target is being achieved. Source: Management Information System Programme.| | | | | | | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The pension centres deal with the following geographic areas: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | |Geographic area | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Burnley |Norfolk, Cambs, Herts, Essex, Cumbria, Beds, Suffolk and North Lanes | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Cwmbran |Hants, Berks, Oxon, Bucks, IOW, Gloucs and Wilts | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Dundee |East and North Scotland, Highlands, North and South Yorkshire and East Riding | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Leicester |Leics, Northants, Notts and Lincs | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |London |London and Surrey | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Motherwell|Ayrshire, North and South Lanarkshire, Glasgow, West Scotland, Kent, East and West Sussex| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Seaham |North East, Bradford and Keighley | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Stockport |Worcs, Warwicks, Shropshire, Staffs, Birmingham, Herefords and Derbys | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Swansea |Wales and South West | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Warrington|Lanes, Merseyside and Manchester | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Social Security Benefits Agency: Expenditure Mr. Ancram To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the cost to the public purse of the Benefits Agency was in (a) 2006-07 and (b) 2007-08. Mr. McNulty The Benefits Agency ceased to exist in 2002. Information concerning the cost to the public purse of the Department for Work and Pensions is available in its 2008 Departmental Report (Cm 7401), copies of which are in the Library. Social Security Benefits: Fraud Mr. Burns To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people were prosecuted for crimes relating to benefit fraud in (a) West Chelmsford constituency and (b) the Chelmsford local authority area in each of the last five years. Mr. McNulty The information is not available. Social Security Benefits: Industrial Disputes Mr. Waterson To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what contingency plans he is considering to ensure the efficient and effective operation of benefit payments for the duration of planned industrial action by civil service unions; (2) what assessment he has made of the effect on his Department’s published performance targets of planned industrial action by civil service unions; and if he will make a statement; (3) what assessment he has made of the effect on pension and benefit recipients of planned industrial action by civil service unions; (4) what estimate he has made of the cost to his Department’s budget of planned industrial action by civil service unions; and what adjustments will be necessary to ensure that his Department’s budgets balance. Mr. McNulty Our contingency plans, which are flexible and proven, include prioritising our resources to ensure that our top priority—to make payments to our customers—is maintained throughout any strike action by staff. We will also maintain access to our services by telephone and wherever possible face to face. Ninety-eight per cent. of DWP customers receive automated payments. Customers, including pensioners, job seekers, benefit claimants and those who rely on child maintenance payments will continue to receive the payments on which they depend. The flexible nature of our business delivery and our business continuity planning will enable us to minimise the impact of industrial action on published performance targets. Short-term periods of industrial action do not have any significant impact on the Department’s budget. State Retirement Pensions Mr. Waterson To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many individuals received late payment of their state pension during the last 12 months in (a) Eastbourne constituency, (b) East Sussex and (c) the UK. Ms Rosie Winterton The information requested is not available. Mr. Waterson To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many individuals received a late payment of their deferred state pension in each of the last 12 months. Ms Rosie Winterton The information requested is not available. State Retirement Pensions: Hillingdon Mr. Randall To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many individuals received late payment of their state pension in (a) the London Borough of Hillingdon and (b) Uxbridge constituency in the last 12 months. Ms Rosie Winterton The information requested is not available. State Retirement Pensions: Overseas Residence Mr. Waterson To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many state pension recipients live outside the UK. Ms Rosie Winterton The latest estimate of the number of UK state pensions paid to pensioners living outside the UK is approximately 1,090,000. Source: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study, 100 per cent data, February 2008 Vocational Training: South Yorkshire Mr. Illsley To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of employment training funding provided to training providers in (a) South Yorkshire, (b) Rotherham and (c) Barnsley was (i) spent on training and (ii) retained as cash, profits of charges by the training provider over the last five years. Mr. McNulty The information requested is not available. This is primarily a matter for the individual providers. The Department awards contracts which stipulate a given level and quality of provision at an agreed price which represents value for money and providers are expected to deliver against the terms of those contracts. Mr. Illsley To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how much has been allocated, and to which organisations, by the Government on employment training in (a) South Yorkshire, (b) Rotherham and (c) Barnsley in each of the last five years; (2) which training providers have provided services paid for by employment training funding in (a) South Yorkshire, (b) Rotherham and (c) Barnsley in each of the last five years; (3) which training providers received employment training funding in (a) South Yorkshire, (b) Rotherham and (c) Barnsley in the last five years. Mr. McNulty The following table provides details of the providers, in each of the locations requested, that have received employment training funding from the Department in the last five years and the estimated contract values for the providers in the South Yorkshire district. Some of the values represent a number of different contracts held by individual providers. The Department does not hold central records of employment training funding allocated to individual towns and could provide this information only at disproportionate cost. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Providers |Contract(s) value (£)|Providers |Providers | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council |1,276,800 |Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council|Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Personnel Evaluation Consultants Ltd. |3,975,728 |Personnel Evaluation Consultants Ltd.|Personnel Evaluation Consultants Ltd.| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Phoenix Enterprises |774,451 |Phoenix Enterprises | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |SOVA (Supporting others through volunteer action) |1,000,923 |SOVA |SOVA | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |The Source at Meadowhall |909,504 |The Source at Meadowhall |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Action for Employment |27,384,210 |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |BTCV Enterprises |1,060,980 |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Business Employment Services Training Ltd. (BEST Ltd.)|8,591,499 |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Community Training Services |1,371,142 |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council |710,400 |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Into Business Scheme |349,059 |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Morthyng Ltd. |616,210 |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |NACRO |823,078 |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Nationwide Ethnic Transport Training Ltd. (NETT Ltd.) |1,166,698 |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Reed in Partnership |4,729,487 |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sheffield City Council |2,210,968 |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sheffield Futures |767,365 |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Work Fit |204,000 |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Lifetime Careers |1,192,032 |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Winter Fuel Payments Robert Neill To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 29 September 2008, Official Report, column 2402W, on winter fuel payments, what estimate he has made of the value of the winter fuel payment in 2008-09 for a 60 to 79 year-old, expressed as a percentage of the average annual energy and gas bill. Ms Rosie Winterton Actual expenditure data on the average annual energy and gas bill for 2008-09 are not available. However, based on fuel price changes to September 2008 it is estimated that the winter fuel payment of £200 plus the additional payment of £50 for 2008-09 would make up around 20 per cent. of the average annual energy and gas bill. Notes: 1. Household energy expenditure on energy is taken from the 2006 Family Spending Survey for 65-74 year olds, uprated by changes in the price of fuel and light to September 2008 2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 5 per cent. Winter Fuel Payments: Hillingdon Mr. Randall To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how much he expects to pay to pensioner households in (a) the London Borough of Hillingdon and (b) Uxbridge constituency in winter fuel payments in 2008-09; (2) what estimate he has made of the number of households in (a) the London Borough of Hillingdon and (b) Uxbridge constituency which will receive the (i) £250 and (ii) £400 winter fuel payment in 2008-09. Ms Rosie Winterton Expenditure in 2006-07 on winter fuel payments in (a) the London borough of Hillingdon was £7.3 million and in (b) the Uxbridge constituency was £2.4 million. Forecasts of benefit expenditure are not produced below national level. It is not possible to derive a forecast for 2008-09 using 2006-07 outturn data because the benefit rates for winter fuel payments have changed for 2008-09 and because adequate caseload data are not available. Notes: 1. Expenditure figures have been rounded to the nearest £100,000. 2. Parliamentary constituencies and local authorities are assigned by matching postcodes against the relevant ONS postcode directory. 3. Please note that a small number of these households receive amounts higher than the usual rate for their age group, where the household includes more than two individuals each entitled to payments at half of the usual household rate. Source: Information directorate 100 per cent. data Figures for winter 2007-08 are not yet available. The number of households that received the £200 and £300 winter fuel payment in winter 2006-07 are shown in the following table. We expect similar numbers to receive the £250 and £400 respectively in winter 2008-09. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Number of households |£ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |London borough of Hillingdon | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |24,050 |200| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |7,840 |300| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Uxbridge constituency | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |7,750 |200| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2,500 |300| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Notes:1. Figures rounded to the nearest 10.2. Parliamentary constituencies and local authorities are assigned by matching postcodes against the relevant ONS postcode directory.3. Please note that a small number of these households receive amounts higher than the usual rate for their age group, where the household includes more than two individuals each entitled to payments at half of the usual household rate.Source:Information directorate 100 per cent. data| | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Working Tax Credit John Barrett To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of all eligible recipients of working tax credit are currently in receipt of the childcare element. Mr. Timms I have been asked to reply. The information requested is not available. However, the estimated number of families benefiting from the child care element of working tax credit, at April 2008, is provided in Table 4.4 of the HMRC publication “Child and Working Tax Credits Statistics. April 2008”. This is available on the HMRC website at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-quarterly-stats.htm Leader of the House Ministerial Policy Advisers: Written Questions Mr. Hoban To ask the Leader of the House if she will put in place arrangements for questions for written answer to be tabled to Government envoys. Chris Bryant No, as Ministers should remain accountable for policies, decisions and actions of their Departments and agencies. Regional Ministers: Written Questions Mr. Hoban To ask the Leader of the House if she will put in place arrangements for questions for written answer to be tabled to regional ministers. Chris Bryant Questions for written answer which relate to regional matters may be tabled to the relevant Secretary of State. The House will shortly have the opportunity to consider motions establishing regional Select Committees and regional Grand Committees, including provision for ministers to answer questions in the Grand Committees. Foreign and Commonwealth Office Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations Mr. Keith Simpson To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made on the implementation of the action plan on peace, reconciliation and justice in Afghanistan; and what assistance the UK has given to civil society organisations in the country in support of that implementation since 2002. Bill Rammell The UK has given the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) £500,000 to support its three-year action plan for 2006-2008, which includes the implementation of the peace, reconciliation and justice action plan. Our support helps the AIHRC to collect and record evidence of past human rights abuses, raise awareness about transitional justice and lobby the Afghan Government for action. In 2007, the AIHRC's Transitional Justice Unit documented 86 mass graves related to past human rights abuses; such information will contribute to any future progress on transitional justice. Afghanistan: Politics and Government Dr. Kumar To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government plan to take to help address corruption in public life in Afghanistan. Bill Rammell We continue to press President Karzai to take action against corrupt public officials and look forward to working with the new Minister of the Interior, Hanif Atmar, to tackle corruption in the Rule of Law sector, in particular policing. The Department for International Development has supported work to identify and address the areas of the Government of Afghanistan that are most vulnerable to corruption. The Department for International Development is working closely with the World Bank to put in place more robust public financial management systems across the Government, and is engaged with other international partners to identify support requirements for the Government’s new anti-corruption body. In addition, the UK is providing anti-corruption specialists to strengthen Afghan law enforcement and justice institutions with a focus on the prosecution of counter-narcotics and corruption-related cases. Bangladesh: Politics and Government Ms Keeble To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the caretaker Government of Bangladesh about lifting the state of emergency before the commencement of the campaign period for the elections in December. Bill Rammell When my noble Friend, the Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN, Lord Malloch-Brown, visited Bangladesh in October, he reiterated to the caretaker Government, the main political parties, civil society and the media the UK's support for fair and credible elections. He made clear that the lifting of the state of emergency would be a major step towards this goal. Belarus: Children Mr. Chope To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government are taking to make representations to the Belarus authorities to allow the resumption of exchange programmes of Belarus children from the Chernobyl area. Caroline Flint Our ambassador to Belarus has been in close contact with the authorities in Minsk in recent weeks, raising our concerns about their decision to suspend these programmes. UK arrangements have worked well, with a high standard of care and safe return of the children to their guardians. We hope to find an amicable solution of the issue to allow the resumption of these programmes. Mr. Hancock To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the UK Government support the presumption of the exchange programmes of Belarus children from the area north of Chernobyl; and if he will make a statement. Caroline Flint The Government fully support the resumption of charitable programmes bringing children from Chernobyl affected areas to western countries for short respite holidays. The British ambassador to Belarus has been in close contact with the authorities in Minsk, raising our concerns following their recent suspension of the programme. UK arrangements worked well, with a high standard of care and safe return of the children to their guardians. We hope to be able to find an amicable resolution of the issue to allow these visits to resume quickly. Chernobyl: Children Mr. Hancock To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department will take steps to facilitate arrangements for children from Chernobyl to be able to travel to the UK in accordance with the motion passed at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 13 October 2008. Caroline Flint The Government support the motion of the Council of Europe calling on the Belarusian authorities to end the travel ban for children who participate in various assistance programmes. The British ambassador to Belarus has been in close contact with the authorities in Minsk, raising our concerns. UK arrangements have worked well, with a high standard of care and safe return of the children to their guardians. We hope to find an amicable resolution of the issue to allow the resumption of these programmes. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region: Elections Andrew Rosindell To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his Chinese counterpart on elections in the Hong Kong special administrative region. Bill Rammell My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has regular contact with his Chinese counterpart to discuss a whole range of issues, including Hong Kong. He pays close attention to Hong Kong, and comments on developments in the Six-Monthly Report. A particular focus is on Hong Kong's progress towards universal suffrage. On 29 December 2007 the Foreign Secretary released the following comments on Hong Kong's elections: “Today's announcement by the National People's Congress that there will not be universal suffrage in the 2012 Hong Kong elections will be a disappointment for all those who want to see Hong Kong move to full democracy as soon as possible.” “As the Hong Kong SAR Government has itself recognised, this includes the majority of Hong Kong's own people who have clearly said that they wish to elect the Chief Executive by universal suffrage in 2012.” “I remain of the view that both China and Hong Kong's interests will be best served by allowing Hong Kong to move to full democracy as soon as possible. The National People's Congress' statement clearly points towards universal suffrage for the Chief Executive election in 2017 and the legislative council thereafter. I hope that all parties concerned can engage in meaningful dialogue to allow this, and that the Hong Kong authorities will now put forward constructive proposals making progress in 2012 to achieve this goal.” Hong Kong Special Administrative Region: Tourism Andrew Rosindell To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many UK citizens visited the Hong Kong special administrative region in (a) 2007 and (b) 2006. Bill Rammell According to figures provided by the Hong Kong Immigration Department, 628,332 UK citizens visited Hong Kong in 2007 and 546,026 visited in 2006. India: Christianity Mr. Llwyd To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what assessment he has made of the current security situation for Christians in the state of Orissa, India; (2) what recent discussions he has had with the Indian Government and the Indian Ambassador to the Court of St. James on reports of extreme violence towards Christians in India in recent months; (3) what reports he has received of the security situation for Christians in the state of Karnataka, India; (4) what steps the Government are taking to promote the safety of Christians in India from violence, and fear of violence; (5) what reports he has received of the security situation for Christians in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Bill Rammell We have received reports of around 40 deaths, 3,000 homes burnt and 27,000 people homeless following the recent violence against Christians in Orissa. Christian missionaries and church buildings have also been attacked in Karnataka, and there have been at least 35 major incidents against the Christian community in Madhya Pradesh this year, too. We believe that there are a variety of factors behind the recent violence in Orissa. The British high commission in New Delhi continues to monitor the situation closely. We welcome the Indian Prime Minister's unequivocal statements condemning the attacks, most recently on 13 October. We have expressed our concerns directly with the Indian Government and their representatives. On 1 October, my noble Friend the Minister of State for Africa, Asia and the UN, Lord Malloch-Brown, raised the matter with the Indian high commissioner in London. On 17 October, he also discussed our concerns with Anand Sharma, Indian Minister of External Affairs, and Mohammed Quereshi, Chairman of the Minorities Commission in New Delhi. The issue of religious freedom is due to be raised at the EU-India Human Rights Dialogue in New Delhi later this year. India: Crimes of Violence Mr. Keith Simpson To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received of religious violence in Orissa state, India; what assessment he has made of its effect on the stability of India; and if he will make a statement. Bill Rammell We have received reports of around 40 deaths, 3,000 homes burnt and 27,000 people homeless following the recent violence against Christians in Orissa. We assess that there are a number of issues at play, including the role of minorities, castes and politics. We welcome the Indian Prime Minister's unequivocal statements, including most recently on 13 October, when he condemned the attacks; called for urgent measures to tackle religious violence; authorised deployment of additional police to restore law and order and offered compensation to the victims. On 17 October, during his visit to New Delhi, my noble Friend the Minister of State for Africa, Asia and the UN, Lord Malloch-Brown, expressed the Government's concerns about the current situation to Anand Sharma, Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, and Mohammed Quereshi, Chairman of the Minorities Commission in New Delhi. Iraq: Peacekeeping Operations Mr. Lidington To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which representatives of his Department and those agencies for which he is responsible were present at the briefing given on 26 February 2004 by the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross on that organisation's report on alleged abuses by coalition forces in Iraq. Bill Rammell I refer the hon. Member to the written answer given by my right. hon. Friend the then Foreign Secretary (Mr. Straw) to my hon. Friend the Member for Hampstead and Highgate (Glenda Jackson) on 26 May 2004, Official Report, column 1635W. We would not as a matter of course identify officials involved in such meetings but I can confirm that the officials were representatives of the Office of the UK Special Representative in Baghdad. Kashmir: Armed Conflict Margaret Moran To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in India and Pakistan on easing movements across the line of control in Kashmir. Bill Rammell The UK has long been at the forefront of seeking to improve conditions for residents of Jammu and Kashmir on both sides of the line of control. In September and October this year, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed the need for progress on economic links between India and Pakistan, and between the two divided parts of Kashmir with President Zardari of Pakistan and Indian Minister for External Affairs, Pranab Mukherjee. We also consistently raise with both countries the importance of making progress on bilateral relations, including improving conditions for Kashmiris on both sides of the line of control. Improving cross-border trade between India and Pakistan is important to developing the economies of both countries and cementing progress in the bilateral relationship. We therefore welcome the recent reopening of trade across the line of control. Kosovo: Refugees Mr. MacShane To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received from HM Ambassador in Kosovo on Roma refugee camps in Kosovo. Caroline Flint The Government continue to be concerned by the situation in the Roma refugee camps in northern Kosovo. The British embassy in Pristina monitors UN and non-governmental organisation (NGO) reports on the three affected camps: Osterode/Osterode, Cesmin Llug/Cesmin Lug and Leposavic/Leposaviq. International donors and NGOs have recently provided funding to help with rebuilding houses and are assisting members of the Roma community to rebuild their lives. 450 people have moved out of the camps after the completion of the first phase of the rebuilding of the Roma Mahalla, the Roma district of Mitrovica/Mitrovicë which was destroyed during the 1998-99 conflict. A further 48 people are in the process of being assessed for return to suitable accommodation. According to the Danish Refugee Council which administers the camps, there are approximately 169 Roma still living in the camps. Renewable Energy David Taylor To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform on the European Union's targets for renewable energy usage; and if he will make a statement. Gillian Merron The EU's climate change and energy package is an example of EU global leadership on climate change. Agreement on the package, later this year, will underline that the EU is on a fast track to a low carbon economy. A key part of this is the target the EU has set itself of deriving 20 per cent. of its energy needs from renewables. The climate and energy package, including the renewables element, has been the subject of several recent discussions in the NSID-EU Cabinet Committee, which my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary chairs, and at which the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) is represented. BERR's recent consultation on the UK's renewable energy strategy sets out plans for driving up the use of renewable energy in the UK, to enable us to meet our share of the EU target. It will help shape the UK's renewable energy strategy, which will be published next spring, once the UK's share of the target is agreed. The lead for the EU's 2020 package was previously shared between BERR and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Following recent structural changes, that lead now falls to the Department for Energy and Climate Change. Russia: South Ossetia Mr. Heald To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he plans to make to the Russian Government on their refusal to allow the EU ceasefire monitors into South Ossetia and Abkhazia; and if he will make a statement. Caroline Flint My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I, along with senior officials, are in regular contact on this issue with our partners in the EU, UN and Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The Government continue to press the Russian Government, through these organisations, to allow the OSCE monitors and the EU monitoring mission access to South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The head of the OSCE mission visited Moscow on 22 October and met with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister to discuss access to the disputed territories. France currently holds the EU presidency and on 22 October the French Foreign Minister, Bernard Kouchner, called on the Russians to grant European observers in Georgia access to the disputed areas. Somalia: Piracy Mr. Greg Knight To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government are taking to tackle piracy in the waters off the Somali coast. Bill Rammell The Government supported United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 1816 and 1838 calling on parties to address the growing problem of piracy off the coast of Somalia. We have been working with our EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) partners to implement these resolutions. In September, the EU set up a team to co-ordinate naval escorts protecting World Food Programme deliveries to Mogadishu. The EU is now planning a larger counter-piracy operation to which the UK will provide the operation commander and operation headquarters. EU partners agree that any operation must be co-ordinated with NATO and Combined Task Force 150, themselves active to deter piracy off the Horn of Africa. The UK contributes to both. Through the Department for International Development, the UK has allocated £25 million to support efforts to tackle instability in Somalia, which creates the conditions allowing piratical activity to flourish. Uzbekistan Mr. Keith Simpson To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Uzbekistan on establishing an independent inquiry into the events in Andijan in May 2005; and if he will make a statement. Caroline Flint The UK has proposed on numerous occasions, both bilaterally and with EU partners, to the Government of Uzbekistan that they establish an independent inquiry into the events in Andijan in May 2005. Most recently, Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials raised this issue with the Uzbek Government during a visit to Tashkent in May 2008. The EU has held two rounds of EU-Uzbekistan experts' meetings on the Andijan events, where the Uzbek side has maintained that these events were a foreign-led conspiracy to exploit religious “extremists” and terrorism in order to effect a “coloured revolution”. The Uzbek authorities have consistently rejected calls for an independent, international enquiry. Uzbekistan: Human Rights Mr. Keith Simpson To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the next EU-Uzbekistan Human Rights Dialogue will take place; and if he will make a statement. Caroline Flint The third EU-Uzbekistan Human Rights Dialogue is due to take place in mid-2009. The second EU-Uzbekistan Human Rights Dialogue took place on 5 June 2008 under the Slovenian presidency. Mr. Keith Simpson To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Uzbekistan on the detention of journalists Salijon Abdurahmanov and Yusuf Juma; and if he will make a statement. Caroline Flint Officials from our embassy in Tashkent have met Salijon Abdurahmanov and Yusuf Juma on a number of occasions. We are deeply concerned by their arrests and are following their situation closely. Both cases were raised at the EU-Uzbekistan Human Rights Dialogue on 5 June 2008. Together with our EU partners, we continue to urge the Uzbek authorities to implement fully their international human rights obligations. Uzbekistan: Refugees Mr. Keith Simpson To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of refugees who left Uzbekistan for neighbouring countries following events in Andijan in May 2005; and if he will make a statement. Caroline Flint UK estimates of the number of refugees who left Uzbekistan for neighbouring countries following events in Andijan in May 2005 are based on figures released by the international agencies. The UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) was closely involved in supporting efforts by Kyrgyzstan to give shelter to some 500 refugees from Andijan in May 2005. Of the 450 refugees who initially registered with UNHCR, 439 were transferred to Romania at the end of July and on to third countries. There may be many more Uzbek refugees in Kyrgyzstan who have not registered with UNHCR or other international organisations. We are aware that small numbers of refugees from Uzbekistan applied for asylum in other states including Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. The EU has raised concerns with Kyrgyzstan and other host countries at the return of some refugees to Uzbekistan contrary to international law. Electoral Commission Committee Electoral Register Mr. Tyrie To ask the hon. Member for Gosport, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission what assessment the Commission has made of the accuracy of the Electoral Register. Sir Peter Viggers The Electoral Commission informs me that its 2005 report, ‘Understanding Electoral Registration’, found that the best estimate for non- registration among the eligible household population in England and Wales at 15 October 2000 was between 8 per cent. and 9 per cent. The report is available in the House of Commons Library and on the Commission's website. In addition, the Commission published in October 2007 the findings of a report by GfK NOP into registration in London: The completeness and accuracy of the Electoral Registers in Greater London—a pilot study, which is available on its website. The Commission also informs me that it is planning to undertake a review of local Electoral Registers in a small sample of local authority areas. This is due to begin in early 2009. Political Parties: Finance Norman Baker To ask the hon. Member for Gosport, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission how many cases involving (a) regulated donees and (b) possible breaches of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 the Electoral Commission has (i) investigated, (ii) considered referring to the police and (iii) referred to the police in (A) 2008 and (B) in each of the last eight years; what offences were involved in each case; and how many investigators were employed on this work in 2008. Sir Peter Viggers The Electoral Commission informs me that it has investigated five cases involving regulated donees and possible breaches of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA). Two cases arose in 2007 and the remaining three arose in 2008. I am informed that all these cases involved the late reporting of donations to the Commission. The late reporting of donations by regulated donees is a criminal offence, so the Commission always considers whether such a matter should be referred to the police. The Commission decided to refer one of the cases arising in 2008 to the police. The Commission further informs me that during 2008 this work was conducted by the Commission's Enforcement Team (Casework) which consists of a team manager, an investigator and two caseworkers. This team also deals with enforcement issues relating to all other categories of regulated entities under PPERA, and the administration of Policy Development Grants. Representation of the People Act 1983 Mr. Tyrie To ask the hon. Member for Gosport, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Beckenham of 6 October 2008, Official Report, column 84W, on the Representation of the People Act 1983, what consideration the Commission has given to issuing its guidance in the form of codes of practice under paragraph 14 of schedule 4A of the 1983 Act. Sir Peter Viggers The Electoral Commission informs me that it believes that issuing guidance in the form of codes of practice would not provide a regulated entity with any additional assistance or certainty, beyond that provided by the Commission's current guidance. The Commission also informs me that the procedure for producing codes of practice requires that the Secretary of State approves the draft and may amend the draft before it is laid before Parliament. The Commission is concerned that this requirement would reduce its ability to update the guidance on a timely basis. The Commission has not received any representations from regulated entities seeking the production of a code of practice. Olympics Departmental Lost Property Grant Shapps To ask the Minister for the Olympics what (a) equipment and (b) data were lost by her Office in the last 12 months; and if she will make a statement. Tessa Jowell No equipment was lost by my office in the last 12 months. My office, in accordance with Cabinet Office guidance, did not report any personal data-related incidents for the period 2007-08. Olympic Games 2012: Consultants Mr. Don Foster To ask the Minister for the Olympics what consultancy contracts have been issued in relation to the 2012 Olympics in each year since 2004; and what the (a) value of contract, (b) purpose of contract and (c) contractor was in each case. Tessa Jowell The following tables show information on consultancy contracts issued by the Government Olympic Executive (GOE), the now disbanded Olympic Programme Support Unit (OPSU) and the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), in relation to the 2012 Olympics in each financial year since 2004. These costs reflect the process of preparing the bid, establishing and building up the requisite high level commercial and financial capacity in these organisations, while ensuring that key delivery milestones are, and continue to be, achieved across the programme. For example, this expert advice has helped us to: Undertake detailed work to deliver the funding package for the Games just 21 months from bid win, well ahead of any other Games; Begin construction on the Olympic Stadium over 2 months ahead of schedule. Government Olympic Executive (GOE) The GOE information on consultancy contracts gives the value of contracts issued as at August 2008. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Supplier |Task |Value (£) including VAT| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2004-05 | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Partnerships UK |Bid preparation |33,000 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Partnerships UK |Legacy Proposals |21,131 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |PWC |Bid preparation |182,000 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005-06 | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Accenture |Preparation, facilitation for, and write up of cross-departmental workshop |29,328 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Central Office of Information |Advertising for Chief Executive |60,609 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Hays |Assessment of the terms and conditions of the ODA Chief Executive |10,340 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |KPMG |Post bid-win Olympics Cost Review |1,190,000 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Odgers, Ray and Berndtson |Recruitment |25,876 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Rockpools |Recruitment |72,850 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006-07 | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Judith Riley Ltd. |Workshop facilitation |6,627 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |CABE |Feasibility Study for Architecture and Built Environment Centre in Park |20,000 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |PWC |5 Boroughs Deprivation Study |23,289 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Stanton Marris |Change management of GOE |16,616 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2007-08 | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |20:20 Delivery |Governance and delivery planning |75,460 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |PWC |Development of the Evaluation Framework |73,320 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Deloitte |Review of the Olympic Programme Support Unit (OPSU) (Part 2) and provision of advice on the transfer of OPSU functions to GOE|187,801 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Giles Emerson |Contribution to the Legacy Promises Document |4,418 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |TFG International |Provision of Best Practice advice from the Sydney Olympic and Paralympic Games |44,146 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sarah Hunter |Scoping of Community Engagement Project |800 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Odgers, Ray and Berndtson |Recruitment |179,126 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Central Office of Information |Organisation of “Ask the Team” events |70,113 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Central Office of Information |Olympics Legacy Research |121,409 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2008-09 | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Deloitte |Facilitation of GOE workshop |3,402 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sports Recruitment International|Recruitment |34,158 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Stanton Marris |Facilitation of GOE workshop |7,270 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Decision Analysis Services |Implementation of NAO recommendations on Olympic programme risk management |9,183 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Olympic Programme Support Unit (OPSU)—disbanded in September 2007, after which functions were absorbed into GOE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Supplier |Task |Value (£) including VAT| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005-06 | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Accenture |Establishment, and interim operation of OPSU |881,937 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006-07 | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ann Kennedy |Staff training |2,700 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Moorhouse Consulting Ltd|Staff training |2,600 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |PTP Associates |Staff training |9,043 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |PWC |Development of Olympic Sustainability Strategy|94,000 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2007-08 | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Deloitte |Review of OPSU (Part 1) |31,107 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Forum for the Future |Staff training |16,770 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Turner and Townsend |Programme Management Support |87,859 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) In my previous answer to the hon. Member for Faversham and Mid-Kent (Hugh Robertson) on 16 October 2007, Official Report, column 977W, I stated that the ODA had spent some £50 million on consultancy as at 9 July 2007. However, the ODA have since advised me that the information they provided for that answer included the cost of contracts and or elements of contracts that were not strictly consultancy services and therefore should not have been included in the figures provided in my reply. The amended figures for the periods are as follows: -------------------------------------- | |£ | -------------------------------------- |2006-07 |13,676,095.21| -------------------------------------- |2007-08 (up to 9 July)|1,155,508.00 | -------------------------------------- For accuracy, the non-consultancy elements, that should not have been included in the figures provided in my reply, have been taken out of the information provided in the following table. The following table provides information on ODA consultancy spend to July 2008, not the value of contracts. I am unable to give details of the total value of the ODA consultancy contracts at this stage, as this could compromise the ODA's commercial negotiating position and lead to an increase in cost. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Supplier |Task |Value of ODA consultancy spend as at July 2008 (£)| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005-06 | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Aon Limited |Operational services—pension advisory services |5,048,182 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |EC Harris LLP |Transport advice |1,532,728 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ernst and Young LLP |Provision of financial advisory services and interim staff to the ODA, prior to the recruitment of permanent ODA finance staff|8,344,509 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |John Rowan and Partners LLP |Procurement advice |122,414 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |OGC |Procurement advice |379,296 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Rockpools |Recruitment |5,257,036 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006-07 | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Augmentis Integrated Services Limited |Procurement policy and development of operating procedures |174,036 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bentley Systems |IT/software |43,398 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bravo Solution UK Ltd |e-sourcing services |1,587,324 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Business Systems Group Limited |IT goods and services (data network and telephony) |193,141 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Capgemini UK PLC |Project management support |676,941 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cedar Open Accounts Limited |Finance open accounts system |2,115 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |COA Solutions Ltd |Annual maintenance and access licensing for Cedar Open Accounts |84,770 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Computer People |IT services |263,548 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cornwell Management Consultants plc |Data and records management services |31,548 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Elstree Computing Limited |Quality Management Services (Transport) |97,579 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |ES Group Ltd |Event support |3,525 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Eminence Grise Consultancy |Organisational services |34,639 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Eurodata Systems plc |IT goods and services |808,279 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Future Inclusion Limited |Transport: Access Audit—Olympic Transport Plan |3,525 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Hedra plc |Procurement advice |2,630,542 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Intelligent Risk Pty Ltd |Security advice |233,092 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Jago Consultancy |Transport consultancy |37,021 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Jobs Go Public Limited |Recruitment |66,423 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |John Donoghue Associates |Industrial Relations consultancy. |5,805 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |KPMG LLP |Financial advice |1,581,764 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Matura Limited |Health, safety and environmental advice |11,586 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Norman Broadbent |Equalities and diversity |505,298 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Norwich Union |Financial advice |62,698 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Pan-Leisure Consulting Limited |Velopark advice |52,581 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Parsons Brinckerhoff Ltd |Sustainability advice |365,309 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Longwood Associates Ltd |Industrial relations |38,682 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Pringle Brandon LLP |Office configuration |12,288 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Quo Imus Ltd |Transport advice |1,125,614 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Rullion Computer Personnel Ltd |IT provision |276,642 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |SpencerMayes |Office configuration of Planning Decision Teams' office |3,576 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Steer Davies Gleave |Transport advice |955,414 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Turner & Townsend Ltd |Procurement advice |2,013,870 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Welcom Software Technology International Total|IT consultancy |37,001 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2007-08 | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |WS Atkins |Engineering, design, and infrastructure consultancy |13,583 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ove Arup and Partners Limited |Design, transport, and infrastructure consultancy |377,253 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Backhouse Jones Solicitors |Legal advice |2,703 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bond International Software (UK) Ltd |IT/software |22,055 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Booz Allen Hamilton Ltd |Transport security advice |41,125 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Capita Symonds |Project management support |107,518 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Davis Langdon LLP |Project Management support |4,175 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Faber Maunsell Ltd |Transport advice |16,330 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Fujitsu Services Limited |Back office systems and services |4,051,344 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Grant Thornton UK LLP |Financial advice |261,244 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Jane Cowmeadow Communications and Management |Event support |5,922 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ottaway Strategic Management Ltd |Equalities and diversity evaluation |15,975 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Segens Solicitors |Legal advice |2,650 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |T-Three Consulting Ltd |Human resources |18,140 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Deltek UK Ltd |On-site consultancy services |23,232 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Plain English David T.C. Davies To ask the Minister for the Olympics how many documents produced by the Government Office for the Olympics have been submitted to the Plain English Campaign for approval for Crystal Mark status in each year since 2005; and how many documents achieved such status in each year. Tessa Jowell No documents have been submitted for approval for Crystal Mark status. Northern Ireland Departmental Training Mr. Hands To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what personal training courses at public expense he has undertaken since his appointment. Mr. Woodward None. Parades Commission: Public Relations Mr. Dodds To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what public relations companies are contracted to the Northern Ireland Parades Commission to provide a media handling service; and how much they were paid in each year since 2004-05. Paul Goggins This is an operational matter for the Parades Commission. I have asked the Parades Commission secretary to reply to the hon. Member directly, and will arrange for a copy of the letter to be placed in the Library of the House and the Official Report. Police Service of Northern Ireland: Homosexuality Mr. Carmichael To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of whether institutionalised homophobia exists within the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Paul Goggins The PSNI equality and diversity unit is responsible for monitoring incidences of recorded bullying and harassment on the grounds of homophobic behaviour. From 1 January 2005 to 22 October 2008 there have been four cases raised by three individuals. The PSNI does not believe that there is any evidence to support a view that it is institutionally homophobic. Young Offenders Mark Durkan To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of residents in young offender centres in Northern Ireland had been diagnosed with addictions in each of the last five years. Paul Goggins Since October 2005, on committal, young offenders are asked if they are dependent on any substance and the following table details the number of young offenders recording a dependency for each of the previous three years. ----------------------------------------------- |Category of substance|2005-06|2006-07|2007-08| ----------------------------------------------- |Alcohol |24 |23 |21 | ----------------------------------------------- |Cannabis |6 |2 |4 | ----------------------------------------------- |Ecstasy |0 |1 |0 | ----------------------------------------------- |Heroin |1 |1 |3 | ----------------------------------------------- |Prescription drugs |2 |0 |1 | ----------------------------------------------- |Solvents |1 |0 |0 | ----------------------------------------------- |Other substances |1 |0 |0 | ----------------------------------------------- Lead responsibility for the provision of addiction services for prisoners in Northern Ireland was transferred to the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety on 1 October 2008. I have, therefore, copied your question and my response to Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey. Defence Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations Mr. MacNeil To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many enemy combatants have been captured by UK forces during operations in Afghanistan in each month of the last two years. Mr. Hutton I have nothing to add to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member on 14 October 2008, Official Report, column 1016W. Patrick Mercer To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the ratio is of (a) British combat armed personnel to UK Chinook helicopters deployed in Afghanistan, (b) British combat armed personnel to UK Apache helicopters deployed in Afghanistan and (c) UK Apache helicopters to UK Chinook helicopters deployed in Afghanistan. Mr. Hutton The ratio of UK Apache helicopters to UK Chinook helicopters deployed in Afghanistan is approximately 1:1. I am withholding information regarding the ratios of UK deployed personnel and Chinook and Apache helicopters as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness and security of the armed forces. Mr. Bone To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment he has made of the security situation in Afghanistan. Mr. Hutton Afghanistan continues to present significant security challenges, particularly, in the south and east of the country where the Taliban continue to use intimidation and violence against the local population. In Helmand, progress has been made along the Helmand river valley and we are expanding control with the Afghan Security Forces taking an ever more active role. Mr. Keith Simpson To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many studies his Department has (a) initiated and (b) completed on the lessons learned for his Department from the war in Afghanistan; and if he will place a copy of each completed study in the Library. Mr. Hutton The Department continually studies every aspect of our continuing operations in Afghanistan to identify and learn lessons in order to improve our operational capability. This work contains sensitive information and is therefore being withheld as its release would or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness and security of our armed forces. The Department does routinely engage with the Defence and Foreign Affairs Committees on such matters as lessons learned from operations, and these reports are already widely available in the public domain. Armed Forces: Coroners Mrs. Humble To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what circumstances his officials may decide the conclusions of a Board of Inquiry into a fatal incident are unsafe; what steps he is required to take to inform the coroner before or after an inquest has been held; by what procedures he may instruct the president of a board of inquiry to consider new evidence; and by what procedures a bereaved family may challenge the findings or recommendations of a board of inquiry. Mr. Bob Ainsworth Each board of inquiry's (BOI) provisional report is submitted to the relevant convening/reviewing authority for approval before the report is declared final. In considering the provisional report, the convening/reviewing authority may require the board to undertake further work because fresh evidence has come to light, because some evidence available to the BOI has been omitted, or because some relevant aspect has not been covered adequately and therefore the BOI has not met its terms of reference. Following completion of further work a revised provisional report must be submitted to the convening/reviewing authority for further consideration. This process may be undertaken as often as necessary to ensure the BOI has met its terms of reference. Where further work is required, the convening/reviewing authority should give specific instructions in writing to the BOI. Where it is considered that the BOI has met its terms of reference and no further work is required, the convening/reviewing authority makes its comments on the report and declares the provisional report as the final report and it notifies the president of the BOI that the inquiry has concluded and that the board is released from its duty. A copy of the final report is then made available to both the coroner and the next of kin if they wish to receive it. Some coroners await the completion of the BOI report before they hold the inquest, although there is no requirement for any coroner to do so and, indeed, some choose not to. Where the coroner chooses to await the completion of a BOI before holding the inquest, the coroner is provided only with a copy of the final BOI report. Where a BOI is completed after the inquest is held there is no requirement to inform the coroner of its findings. Where a BOI is held into the circumstances surrounding a death the MOD recognises that the bereaved families of Service personnel will have an interest in its conclusions and our policy is that we offer a personal briefing and a copy of the BOI report to the next of kin. Where the family wishes subsequently to question any aspect of the BOI they may do so in a number of ways: during the briefing given to them on the board's findings, conclusions and recommendations; through their Visiting Officer; by contacting the relevant single Service authority using the details provided with their copy of the BOI report; through their Member of Parliament; or by contacting the Ministry of Defence in writing by letter or email using the Ministry of Defence website. Should new information come to light after the completion of the final report which the convening authority judges to cast doubt on the conclusions of the BOI, a new inquiry may be convened to review the findings in light of the new information. Mrs. Humble To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the statement of 7 June 2007, Official Report, columns 26-8WS, on improved support for families, what response he has received from the Scottish Executive on whether provision could be made for inquiries into the deaths abroad of service personnel to take place in Scotland. Mr. Bob Ainsworth No reply has yet been received from the Scottish Executive to the letter sent by my right hon. Friend the then Secretary of State, to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Communities (Mr. MacAskill MSP) on 27 March 2008. Armed Forces: Death Mrs. Humble To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of Joint Service Publication 751 dealing with the return of possessions to the bereaved families of service personnel. Mr. Bob Ainsworth A updated copy of JSP 751 will be placed in the Library of the House; chapter 12 of this document outlines the procedure to be followed for the return of personnel effects following the death of a service person. Mrs. Humble To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what guidance is given to members of the armed forces on their choice of notified next of kin; what opportunities there are to revise and update named individuals according to circumstances; and what provision is made for the designation of other individuals to be notified in the event of death in service. Mr. Bob Ainsworth The definitions and guidance for nominations of next of kin (NoK) and emergency contacts (EC) are laid out in annex A to chapter 1 of Joint Service Publication 751. All service personnel are fully briefed during training on the importance keeping details of their NoK/EC up to date, and update briefs are delivered prior to deployment. Service personnel are required to record their NoK and EC details via the self-service facility on the Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) system. They can also telephone the JPA Centre (JPAC) inquiry centre where an operator will update their records for them whenever the requirement arises. Individuals can nominate a number of ECs who will be informed, in addition to the NoK, in the event of death. Armed Forces: Intimidation Mrs. Humble To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the result was of the review of monitoring arrangements of the extent of bullying in the armed forces referred to in paragraph 75 of the Government's response to the third report from the Defence Committee of Session 2004-05, on duty of care, Cm. 6620; and what steps he has taken to reduce under-reporting of bullying. Mr. Bob Ainsworth In 2006 the Joint Service Publication (JSP) 763 'The MOD Harassment Complaints Procedures' was issued. This provides guidance to all MOD Service and civilian personnel about making, responding to, advising on, investigating, and deciding on, complaints of harassment and bullying. Reporting of incidents of bullying and harassment improved following the issue of JSP 763. Annex P to JSP 763 describes how logs are to be kept recording all complaints (formal and informal) reported through unit equality and diversity advisors. Statistics from the logs are consolidated at single Service level biannually and subsequently analysed on a tri-Service basis to identify trends and lessons learned. Armed Forces: Recruitment Mrs. Humble To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what changes have been made to the standard pre-recruitment information pack for the armed forces following the review conducted in 2007; what information is available to parents of recruits on access to the Service Complaints Commissioner; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the information pack. Mr. Bob Ainsworth Information about the role of the Service Complaints Commissioner (SCC) is communicated through a number of means. Joint Service Publication 831 Service Complaints (Redress of Individual Grievance) sets out the policy and process for making and handling Service complaints, and includes a chapter on the role of the SCC. This is available on the Defence intranet and www.mod.uk to all serving personnel. A booklet covering the main points of the complaints process, with a leaflet explaining the role of the SCC has been issued for distribution to all Service establishments. A team profile is under development on the Defence intranet to make information relating to Service complaints available electronically. This profile will also provide a link to the SCC's website. The SCC has visited establishments of all three Services, and continues to do so regularly, to meet serving personnel and the chain of command to raise awareness of her role. There is no standard tri-Service pre-recruitment pack and the three Services have different approaches to providing information to recruits about how to make complaints in confidence: Navy During Phase 1 training Royal Navy and Royal Marine Rating and Other Ranks recruits at each establishment are briefed on both equality and diversity related complaints and Service complaints generally. Army All recruits and trainees receive briefings that inform them of the function of the complaints procedures and the various channels which are available to raise a complaint. These include: the chain of command, Women's Royal Voluntary Service, the Padre, the Unit Welfare Officer, a Medical Officer and the confidential Support Line. This is currently in the process of being reinforced by the inclusion of detail covering the role of the SCC in the "Army Recruiting and Training Division Code of Conduct and Behaviour for Recruits," leaflet and the Recruiting Group publication, "A Guide for Guardians and Parents". With the Commissioner's agreement, a paragraph outlining her role will be included in letters sent to parents. RAF There are two training establishments for the RAF, Cranwell and Halton. At RAF Cranwell, the Officer and Aircrew Cadet Training Unit is responsible for conducting the initial training of all officers and non-commissioned aircrew. Since January 2008, all cadets at RAF Cranwell have been briefed during their first week of training on the role and contact details of the SCC. At RAF Halton, comprehensive measures are in place to ensure that new recruits are aware of the complaints procedures. These include two 45-minute briefings on the RAF's Equality and Diversity Policy, and the distribution of a booklet entitled “Combating Bullying and Harassment in the Royal Air Force” to all recruits. The issue is also addressed in the Station Commander's Supervisory Care Directive, which is mandatory reading by all instructors at RAF Halton and is available to all recruits. Mrs. Humble To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set a date on which the minimum age for the voluntary recruitment of persons into Her Majesty's Armed Services will be raised in accordance with the terms of the United Nations Optional Protocol on the Rights of Children in Armed Conflict. Mr. Bob Ainsworth The minimum age for entry to the UK armed forces is 16, which reflects the normal minimum school leaving age. All recruitment to the UK armed forces is voluntary and recruitment of those aged under 18 requires parental consent. The Government made clear in their interpretive declaration when ratifying the Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict that the armed forces would continue to recruit from age 16, but made a clear commitment to take all feasible measures to ensure that those who had not yet reached the age of 18-years-old did not take a direct part in hostilities. The Government remain committed to meeting their obligations under the protocol and there are no plans to change the interpretive declaration. Armed Forces: Training Mrs. Humble To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of mandatory senior officers' equality and diversity seminars at the Joint Equality and Diversity Training Centre, Shrivenham; and if he will commission an independent evaluation of the programme. Mr. Bob Ainsworth The Senior Officers' Seminar is always well attended and is highly valued by those that participate in it. There has been no formal external evaluation of the seminar and there are no plans at present to commission one. Mrs. Humble To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the terms of reference for the oversight of the defence training estate by Ofsted are; and what remit inspectors have to (a) monitor and (b) report on measures to address bullying, harassment and ill-treatment. Mr. Bob Ainsworth The terms of reference for Ofsted to inspect training are as follows: to determine the extent to which progress has been made in addressing issues of care, welfare and support for recruits and trainees during initial training including examination of the self assessment process. Ofsted will evaluate the effectiveness of the strategic and operational management of the care, welfare and support for recruits and trainees during initial training and use the Common Inspection Framework (the national framework for inspection of post 16 education and training) to comment on the standard of initial training. The terms of reference state that Ofsted should take account of the national care standards and safeguarding where relevant, make judgments on strengths and areas for development of initial training, visit training establishments, armed forces careers offices, acquaint and selection centres and service training headquarters and establishments identified as priorities. Under the terms of reference Ofsted meet MOD officials to provide feedback on inspection progress. Ofsted is currently undertaking inspections following up on work previously undertaken by the Adult Learning Inspectorate on issues of care and welfare, including treatment, bullying and harassment. Additionally, Ofsted will comment on what it has observed in respect of the recruit journey, from contact with the armed forces careers office to phase 1 training. Ofsted will report its inspection findings in spring 2009. Armed Forces: Young People Mrs. Humble To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the timescale is for review of the guidance note for commanding officers dealing with the care and management of under-18s in HM Armed Services; and if he will place a copy of the most recent edition of the guidance note in the Library. Mr. Bob Ainsworth The guidance note for commanding officers who are responsible for the care and management of under-18s in HM armed forces is regularly reviewed and is updated when required following changes in legislation or Service policy. The current guidance note is being updated now to take into account changes in legislation regarding the selling of tobacco products to under-18s and the appointment of the Service Complaints Commissioner. The revised guidance note should be ready for publication shortly and a copy will be placed in the Library of the House. Army: Conditions of Employment Mrs. Humble To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the principal conclusions of the Army Duty of Care Audit in 2007 were; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report. Mr. Bob Ainsworth We are not aware of an Army Duty of Care Audit taking place in 2007. Army: Resignations Mrs. Humble To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the drop-out rate was for recruits undergoing infantry training at Catterick barracks in (a) 2002 and (b) 2007. Mr. Bob Ainsworth The percentage of Infantry recruits who did not complete their infantry training at the Infantry Training Centre (ITC), Catterick is as follows: -------------------- | |Percentage| -------------------- |2002-03|23.2 | -------------------- |2007-08|35.6 | -------------------- At the start of 2002-03 Infantry training was conducted as a phase one course at the Army Training Regiments (ATRs) followed by a 14-week phase two course at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick. During 2002-03 a new 24-week combined phase one and two course started at Catterick. So prior to the first full year of the combined course at 2003-04 some of the wastage would have already taken place at the ATRs and the wastage at Catterick reflected only the second part of the training. The figures for 2002-03 and 2007-08 therefore cannot be compared on a like-for-like basis. Army: Self-mutilation Mrs. Humble To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the conclusions were of the 2005 Army-sponsored study on causal factors of self-harm; whether further studies were commissioned as a result of the study's findings; and if he will place a copy of the completed report in the Library. Mr. Bob Ainsworth A copy of the report, 'Prevention of Suicidal Behaviour Among Army Personnel: In-depth Interviews with Soldiers and Healthcare Providers', including the conclusions, will be placed in the Library of the House. No further studies were commissioned specifically as a result of this study's findings. However, much progress has been made since 2005 in supporting those who may be at risk of suicide or self-harm. In particular, a suicide vulnerability risk management policy has been put in place to assist in identifying potential suicide victims and provide a structure for support. Mrs. Humble To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what guidance is available to commanding officers in order to complete their quarterly reports required by Army headquarters; and what data are captured from these reports in order to improve understanding and protection against suicide and self-harm. Mr. Bob Ainsworth The Army guidance for Suicide Vulnerability Risk Management (SVRM) is contained within Army General Administrative Instruction (AGAI) Volume 3 chapter 110. This guidance assists commanding officers to identify and manage individuals deemed to be potentially vulnerable in order to put in place the relevant and most appropriate care package. Units are required to report twice a year via proforma, identifying numbers of incidents of bullying, self-harm and attempted suicide. This reporting helps to further the Army's understanding of risks and trends in order to develop preventative measures and policies. Once an individual is identified as vulnerable and placed on the SVRM Register, there is a requirement for formal assessments of the individual to take place every three months as part of the Care Assessment Plan (CAP). Guidance on the CAP and how to put it in place with relevant associated measures are described within the document referred to above. Army: Suicide Mrs. Humble To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of (a) the 15 March 2005 version of the Army Provost Manual offering guidance on suspected suicides and (b) any subsequent revised guidance. Mr. Bob Ainsworth Section IX of Chapter 34 of the Provost Marshal (Army) Manual (Volume 5), which covers investigations into undetermined deaths, self-harm and attempted self-harm will be placed in the Library of the House. It was last revised on 15 March 2005 and is the extant version. There has been one Headquarters Provost Marshal (Army) policy note issued on this subject since then, which will also be placed in the Library of the House. AWE Aldermaston Norman Baker To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects a pre-construction safety report to be submitted to the Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate on the planned construction of a uranium enrichment facility at AWE Aldermaston. Mr. Quentin Davies There are no plans to build a uranium enrichment facility at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE). Nor has the process of uranium enrichment ever been undertaken at AWE Aldermaston. AWE currently has the capability to store, cast, machine and recycle enriched uranium. These capabilities are required for the foreseeable future, not only for use in Trident warheads, but also for submarine reactor fuel. Operation of these facilities is licensed by the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate. In order to provide this capability into the future, the best value for money option is to build a replacement uranium handling facility. The proposed replacement handling facility programme is in the assessment phase. If this handling facility proceeds to construction, the requisite safety reports will be submitted to meet regulatory requirements. AWE Burghfield: Planning Permission Norman Baker To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 26 June 2008, Official Report, column 447W, on AWE Burghfield: planning permission, what the reasons are for the revisions to the timetable for submitting planning applications for new development at Atomic Weapons Establishment sites. Mr. Quentin Davies The overall planning programme remains within the 2005 to 2015 period identified within the AWE Sites Development Context Plan. Some changes within the projected planning submission programme have occurred, reflecting the need to address technical issues and a reordering of priority in some cases. Such changes are to be expected in a complex capital facilities programme. AWE Management: Emergencies Norman Baker To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date the Royal Berkshire Hospital last took part in a Level 1 emergency exercise for an Atomic Weapons Establishment site; and when the hospital is next scheduled to participate in such an exercise. Mr. Quentin Davies The Royal Berkshire Hospital plays an important role in emergency planning for Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) sites and is routinely invited to participate in Level 1 emergency exercises. The hospital last took part in a Level 1 emergency exercise for an AWE site on 30 September 2003. AWE supported an exercise at the hospital involving simulated management and treatment of radioactively contaminated casualties in October 2006. The next Level 1 exercises are planned for late spring (Aldermaston) and autumn (Burghfield) 2009; precise dates have yet to be finalised with the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate. AWE Management: Floods Norman Baker To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his most recent estimate is of the costs arising from the July 2007 flooding at the Atomic Weapons Establishment sites. Mr. Quentin Davies As I indicated in the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Davies) on 29 October 2008, Official Report, column 1029W, the costs, to the extent that they are not covered by commercial insurance, are still the subject of commercial discussions between the MOD and AWE plc. AWE Management: Safety Norman Baker To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what procedures are in place to monitor AWE Management Ltd's retention of a nuclear baseline which demonstrates that its organisational structures, staffing and competences remain sufficient to maintain nuclear safety at the Atomic Weapons Establishment sites operated by the company. Mr. Quentin Davies In common with civil nuclear operators, the Atomic Weapons Establishment sites are licensed by the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII) and are required to comply with 36 licence conditions. Licence condition 36 requires that any changes to the nuclear baseline organisation for managing safety is monitored, assessed and categorised in terms of its impact on nuclear safety management in order to gain appropriate regulatory approval. The NII monitors AWE compliance against its licence conditions through inspection of processes and procedures. AWE Management: Standards Mr. Hancock To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether AWE plc has complied with the improvement notice served by the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate of the Health and Safety Executive on 3 April 2008 in respect of criticality documentation shortfalls. Mr. Quentin Davies The improvement notice issued to AWE plc. by the nuclear installations inspectorate (NII) on 3 April 2008 was served following an investigation into breaches of criticality operating rules at Aldermaston. The notice referred to the need for procedural guidance to have greater clarity. Improvements were sought in respect of the company’s arrangements and processes for complying with licence conditions covering operating rules and operating instructions. AWE plc. has agreed an implementation plan with the NII to meet the aforementioned, which requires the company to complete the necessary improvements by 19 January 2009. The NII has indicated that it is content with AWE plc.’s progress and that at no time were there any immediate operational risks from a criticality event. Ballistic Missiles Mark Pritchard To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will undertake research into the merits of a United Kingdom conventional intercontinental ballistic missile programme (a) unilaterally and (b) jointly with the US. Mr. Hutton We have no such plans. Defence Information Infrastructure Programme Dr. Murrison To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost has been of the Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) programme to date; what assessment he has made of the reasons for the time taken by the programme; what estimate he has made of the cost of these delays; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Quentin Davies The NAO Report published 4 July 2008 presented the cost of the Defence Information Infrastructure (DII) Programme as £1.422 billion to 31 March 2008, with an additional £306 million spent on related programmes. As at 30 September 2008, the spend on DII now stands at £1.702 billion, with £372 million for related programmes. The reasons for the time taken to deliver elements of the programme are set out in the NAO Report, which my Department has agreed. The cost of the delays incurred up until the end of financial year 2007-08 have added an estimated £182 million cost to the programme over and above the original estimate, across the 10 years of the programme. Departmental Information and Communications Technology Dr. Murrison To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects a design solution to be available under the Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) programme for the Falkland Islands; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Bob Ainsworth Overseas site solutions are designed to meet individual technical, physical, environmental, communications requirements and circumstances at each location. These necessarily take time to develop. The Defence Information Infrastructure (DII) programme has delivered infrastructure to support the implementation of the Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) application in the Falkland Islands and is currently developing the DII (Future) overseas solution, which should mature during 2009. Dr. Murrison To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the reasons are for the time taken to (a) design and (b) implement an effective encryption mechanism under the Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) programme; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Bob Ainsworth The programme is already successfully delivering fully encrypted DII(F) laptops to personnel at various sites. The time taken to design and implement an effective encryption mechanism for other removable devices and media under the Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) (DII(F)) programme is driven by the need to ensure the designs themselves are robust and capable of countering known and projected threats to the Department's information assets as well as operating correctly when connected to the DII(F) core infrastructure. Devices and their encryption mechanisms must be thoroughly tested and accredited to meet national governmental security standards before they can be deployed. Dr. Murrison To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the completion of an overseas design solution for the Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) programme; what the reasons are for the time taken; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Bob Ainsworth Germany is the major overseas site and at this time some 5,500 Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) DII(F) terminals have been successfully delivered there. Solutions for other overseas sites must be designed to meet technical, physical, environmental, communications requirements and circumstances at these sites, which necessarily take time to deliver. These solutions are expected to mature progressively during 2009. Departmental Visits Dr. Murrison To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to the public purse has been of visits by the Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) project programme to (a) Belize, (b) the Falkland Islands, (c) Germany, (d) Kathmandu, (e) Naples and (f) other overseas sites; if he will place in the Library the itinerary of each of these visits, detailing who was present, for how long the visit took place, and what progress was achieved as a consequence of each visit; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Quentin Davies This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Gurkhas: Females Mr. Gray To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on allowing women to join the Gurkhas. Mr. Kevan Jones Following the recommendation of the 2007 review of Gurkha Terms and Conditions of Service, the intention that Nepalese women should, in due course, be recruited into the Brigade of Gurkhas in the Corps unit—Engineers, Signals and Logistics—was announced on 8 March 2007. Since then work has been done to test the recruitment, selection and training processes, and to identify options for the way ahead. This work is due to be considered by the Army Board early next year. Information Warfare Mrs. Curtis-Thomas To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has made to NATO with respect to cyber defence. Mr. Bob Ainsworth The Secretary of State for Defence has made no recent representations to NATO with respect to cyber defence. The UK MOD is represented at various NATO Cyber Defence symposiums and workshops throughout the year. These meetings include the annual NATO Information Assurance Symposium and the two NATO Cyber Defence Workshops that are held bi-annually. Mrs. Curtis-Thomas To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what definition his Department uses of (a) cyber terrorism and (b) cyber warfare; and what assessment he has made of the cyber threats posed to the UK. Mr. Bob Ainsworth [holding answer 27 October 2008]: Although we do not have specific definitions for the term cyber terrorism and cyber warfare, we have produced assessments and developed policies in specific areas related to this terminology. The MOD works in close co-operation with those Government Departments and agencies engaged in assessing threats to the UK. The classification of these assessments prohibits disclosure of their content. Mrs. Curtis-Thomas To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contribution his Department has made to the development of (a) the NATO Cyber Defence legal framework and (b) the cyber security doctrine and strategy. Mr. Bob Ainsworth The information is as follows: (a) NATO does not currently have a Cyber Defence legal framework although they plan to have in the future. The scope and contents of this framework are to be discussed by the NATO Cyber Defence management board meeting this week. The MOD will assist in the development of this document through its drafting process. (b) The NATO Cyber Defence Policy and the Cyber Defence Concept were approved by the North Atlantic Council (NAC) earlier this year. The NATO Cyber Defence Management Authority (CDMA) was given approval by the NAC in March 2008 and the Concept of Operations for the CDMA are to be approved in this month. The MOD assisted in the development of these documents through their drafting process to final version. Iraq: Peacekeeping Operations Adam Price To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 27 October 2008, Official Report, column 635W, on Iraq: peacekeeping operations, (1) what issues were covered in the discussions with Jaish-al-Mahdi; (2) what the outcome was of the discussions between UK forces and Jaish-al-Mahdi; (3) with which organisations discussions were held; (4) when the discussions between the armed forces and Jaish-al-Mahdi (a) began and (b) were completed; and what the dates were of meetings. Mr. Hutton [holding answer 3 November 2008]: Discussions with senior figures in Jaish-al-Mahdi in Basra commenced in the summer of 2007 and continued until the end of the year. In a similar manner to other dialogue between the coalition, the Government of Iraq and militia groups, these discussions covered a wide range of issues, including the local security situation, future economic and redevelopment plans and the future role of militia groups within a democratic Iraq. The benefits of this strategy were demonstrated by the fact that on 4 December 2007 all the major parties in Basra—including the Sadrists—signed a document that committed them to supporting the rule of law in the city and the Iraqi Security Forces as its guardian. Across Iraq, dialogue between the coalition, the Government of Iraq and militia groups continues. Lynx Helicopters: Procurement Mr. Gerald Howarth To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has received proposals to expedite progress on Future Lynx. Mr. Quentin Davies [holding answer 30 October 2008]: The Future Lynx programme remains on schedule to achieve an in-service date of 2014 (for the Army's Battlefield Reconnaissance helicopter) and 2015 (for the Navy's Surface Combatant Maritime Rotorcraft). We continue to work closely with AgustaWestland to identify and explore opportunities to improve speed of delivery, reduce costs and increase operational availability and the contract includes mechanisms to incentivise this process. We are not, however, presently exploring specific opportunities to significantly advance the above dates. Military Aircraft Dr. Fox To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) aircraft and (b) helicopters his Department has leased from commercial contractors in each year since 2003; and what the total cost in each year was. Mr. Quentin Davies The number of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters leased in each year since 2003 was as follows: ----------------------------------------------------------- | |2003-04|2004-05|2005-06|2006-07|2007-08| ----------------------------------------------------------- |Training Aircraft|118 |125 |125 |125 |125 | ----------------------------------------------------------- |C-17 Globemaster |4 |4 |4 |4 |4 | ----------------------------------------------------------- |Helicopters |65 |66 |66 |64 |63 | ----------------------------------------------------------- The figures for helicopters correct the answer given to the hon. Member for North Devon (Nick Harvey) on 29 February 2008, Official Report, columns 2014-15W. Aircraft leasing costs are not identifiable uniquely from other associated costs, as they may form part of Multi-Activity Contracts which include flying hours, engineering support, simulator hours and in some cases civilian flying instructors and station/airfield support. On this basis, the overall costs for each financial year, were as follows: ----------------------------------------------------------- | |2003-04|2004-05|2005-06|2006-07|2007-08| ----------------------------------------------------------- |Training Aircraft|14.4 |19.1 |20.2 |20.5 |21.8 | ----------------------------------------------------------- |Helicopters |44 |48 |49 |50 |51 | ----------------------------------------------------------- The four C-17 aircraft were leased between 2001 and June 2008, after which the leases were ended. As each lease has ended, the last concluding in September 2008, MOD has taken ownership of the aircraft. In accordance with the contractual agreement I am withholding the in-year costs. However, the cost of the lease and support package for a seven-year contract between 2001 and 2008 was £769 million. Military Aircraft: Training Dr. Fox To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many training flying hours crews of the (a) Hercules C-130, (b) Tristar, (c) VC-10 and (d) C-17 Globemaster aircraft flew on average in each year since 2001. Mr. Bob Ainsworth I will write to the hon. Member with the information requested. Substantive answer from Bob Ainsworth to Liam Fox: I undertook to write to you in answer to your Parliamentary Question on 27 October, (Official Report, column 639W) about training flying hours. The majority of flying training is achieved during routine flying hours and all flying tasks include an element of aircrew training, therefore it is not possible to show average flying training hours separately. The average number of flying hours per year per crew since 2003 for the categories of aircraft requested are detailed in the table below. Average flying hours per year per crew are not available before 2003. All figures in the table have been rounded to the nearest five: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Financial year|Hercules C-130|TriStar|VC-10|C-17 Globemaster|Average flying hours per crew| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2003-04 |435 |600 |485 |550 |520 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2004-05 |410 |435 |360 |595 |450 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005-06 |375 |385 |470 |570 |450 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006-07 |340 |380 |420 |445 |395 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2007-08 |305 |410 |390 |435 |385 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NATO Mr. Soames To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of performance under the NATO transformation agenda. Mr. Hutton NATO has come a long way in recognising the importance of expeditionary capabilities in dealing with the broad range of security threats the alliance is likely to face. It continues to make progress, but not as quickly as we—and others—would like. The alliance needs to do more to provide the capabilities it needs for current and future operations, such as strategic and intra-theatre lift and contributions to the NATO Response Force. The UK and other allies have sought to find innovative ways of developing such capabilities through initiatives to make more helicopters and strategic lift available for operations, but ultimately these capabilities depend on sufficient investment by allies in defence, and prioritisation on the capabilities the alliance needs most. NATO Defence Ministers met in London in September to inject more dynamism into this transformation process. NATO's agreement in Budapest the following month to increase targets for the deployability of allies' land forces is a welcome step in the right direction. Nuclear Weapons Norman Baker To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a redacted copy of JSP 440 Supplement 1: The Defence Manual of Security, Directive for the Security of Nuclear Weapons and Special Nuclear Materials. Mr. Quentin Davies I am withholding Supplement 1 of JSP 440 on the security of nuclear weapons and special nuclear materials in the interests of national security. Nuclear Weapons: Transport Norman Baker To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria the nuclear weapons convoy group has to meet to pass the annual nuclear standardisation test. Mr. Quentin Davies Joint Service Publication (JSP) 471, Defence Nuclear Accident Response, and JSP 538, Regulation of the Nuclear Weapon Programme, require exercises to be conducted to demonstrate Nuclear Accident Response capabilities. The Defence Nuclear Weapon Regulator assesses nuclear weapon transport accident response exercises in accordance with the criteria in JSP 471 and JSP 538, including the Nuclear Accident Response Organisation Standardisation Test. An unclassified version of JSP 471 is available from the MOD website at: http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/CorporatePublications/HealthandSafetyPublications/JSP471 A redacted copy of JSP 538 is available in the House of Commons Library. Norman Baker To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what guidance his Department has issued on the conduct of risk assessments of potential routes for nuclear warhead convoys; and what factors are taken into account in such assessments. Mr. Quentin Davies Guidance on the selection of nuclear weapon convoy routes is set out in Joint Services Publication 483, Nuclear Weapon Logistic Movement and Associated Nuclear Accident Response. Factors in the assessment of routes include the type of road, its surroundings and its proximity to hazards. All potential routes for nuclear warhead convoys are assessed by a qualified team to ensure the safety and security of the operation and the public. RAF Welford Norman Baker To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether a Ministry of Defence Police complement is stationed at RAF Welford. Mr. Bob Ainsworth The Ministry of Defence Police currently have an interim complement at RAF Welford. Trident Missiles Norman Baker To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether a design review of the Trident nuclear warhead has taken place in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Quentin Davies No. As part of a comprehensive programme of routine safety monitoring procedures, a formal design review of the Trident Re-entry System is undertaken approximately every seven years. The last such review was undertaken in 2006. USA: Nuclear Weapons Nick Harvey To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the purpose of the Enhanced Collaborations projects between the UK and the US in support of the nuclear weapons programme is; which projects (a) have been and (b) are being undertaken; and when each project started. Mr. Hutton The enhanced collaborations form part of the technical exchanges between the United Kingdom and the United States of America conducted under the auspices of the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement, which support the UK's nuclear stockpile stewardship programme and contribute to the ongoing review of warhead options announced in the 2006 White Paper—The Future of the United Kingdom's Nuclear Deterrent (Cmd 6994). As was made clear in the White Paper, decisions on whether and how we may need to refurbish or replace our current warheads are likely to be made in the next Parliament and to inform these decisions we are undertaking a detailed review of the optimum life of the existing warhead stockpile and analysing the options that may be available. In the interests of national security I am not prepared to discuss the detailed nature of these enhanced collaborations which commenced following an exchange of letters between Prime Minister Blair and President George W. Bush in December 2006. Treasury Banks: Correspondence Mr. Dai Davies To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will (a) place in the Library and (b) post on his Department's website copies of his Department's correspondence with (i) chief executives, (ii) chairmen and (iii) other executives of (A) British and (B) foreign banks which have received financial support from the public purse since July 2008. Ian Pearson Treasury Ministers and officials have meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development and delivery. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Government's practice to provide details of all such meetings. Coinage: Forgery Mr. Chope To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many prosecutions were brought against forgers of £1 coins in each of the last five years; (2) what guidance his Department and its agencies provide to consumers on how to identify whether a £1 pound coin is genuine or counterfeit; (3) how many counterfeit £1 pound coins were removed from circulation in each of the last five years. Angela Eagle The Royal Mint includes information on ways that a counterfeit £1 coin might be identified on the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ section of its website www.royalmint.gov.uk/. The following counterfeit £1 coins have been returned to the Royal Mint: ----------------- | |Number | ----------------- |2003-04|85,500 | ----------------- |2004-05|117,500| ----------------- |2005-06|84,500 | ----------------- |2006-07|153,800| ----------------- |2007-08|97,000 | ----------------- The Royal Mint does not hold central data regarding the number of prosecutions brought against forgers of £1 pound coins. The Metropolitan Police and the Serious Organised Crime Agency closed down an illicit Mint producing counterfeit £1 coins in December 2007. This resulted in a conviction and a sentence of five years imprisonment. Corporation Tax Stephen Williams To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of private employers off-setting expenditure on training and trainee wages against their corporation tax liability. Mr. Timms Employers are allowed to deduct expenditure on training and trainee wages in computing their taxable profits. Estimates of the impact on corporation tax receipts are not available. Departmental Television Mr. Maude To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what premium Sky, digital terrestrial or cable television channels (a) his Department and (b) each of its agencies subscribes to; and at what cost in the most recent year for which figures are available. Angela Eagle The following premium television channels were subscribed to in 2007-08: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Sky|Parliamentary TV|Select Committee TV| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |HM Treasury1 |21 |2 |40 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Debt Management Office |2 |0 |0 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 Sky subscription shared with the Office of Government Commerce| | | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OGC.buyingsolutions do not subscribe to any premium television channels. Drug Seizures James Brokenshire To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the estimated monetary value of illicit drugs seized by HM Revenue and Customs was in each of the last 10 years. Angela Eagle The approximate values of illicit drugs seized by HM Customs and Excise and HM Revenue and Customs in each of the last 10 financial years are set out in the following table. Values for the financial years 1998-99 to 2004-05 inclusive relate to heroin and cocaine seizures only. HM Revenue and Customs central records do not hold information on the values of other drugs seized in those years. ---------------------------------------------- |Financial year|Value of illicit drugs seized| ---------------------------------------------- |1998-99 |346 | ---------------------------------------------- |1999-2000 |247 | ---------------------------------------------- |2000-01 |625 | ---------------------------------------------- |2001-02 |459 | ---------------------------------------------- |2002-03 |617 | ---------------------------------------------- |2003-04 |1,241 | ---------------------------------------------- |2004-05 |528 | ---------------------------------------------- |2005-06 |300 | ---------------------------------------------- |2006-07 |285 | ---------------------------------------------- |2007-08 |292 | ---------------------------------------------- Excise Duties: Aviation Ian Stewart To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what modelling has been undertaken in assessing the likely impact on the economic viability of the aviation industry of the introduction of aviation duty. Angela Eagle I refer the hon. Gentlemen to the answer I gave to my hon. Friends, the Members for Manchester, Blackley (Graham Stringer) and for Derby, North (Mr. Laxton) and to the hon. Member for Manchester, Withington (Mr. Leech) on 27 October 2008, Official Report, column 789-90W. Excise Duties: Fuels Dr. Richard Taylor To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what assessment he has made of the likely effect of the rate of duty to apply to waste- derived fuel oil from 1 November 2008 on the complete recovery of waste oil to produce product equivalent fuel; (2) pursuant to the answer of 14 October 2008, Official Report, column 1059, on excise duties: fuel oil, what considerations informed the Government's decision to (a) apply to the EU for an extension of the derogation from the Energy Products Directive and (b) apply a rate of 9.29 pence per litre to waste-derived fuel oil, rather than the 15 euros per 1,000 kilograms minimum required under the Energy Products Directive; (3) what assessment he has made of (a) the likely annual tax revenue from the application of hydrocarbon oil duty to waste-derived fuel and (b) the likely annual administrative costs to the Government of the application of hydrocarbon oil duty to waste-derived fuel. Angela Eagle The Government have considered the effects of the rate of duty on the management of waste oil as a whole. In applying for a renewal of the derogation on waste oil reused as fuel the Government were concerned about the impact of ending the derogation at a time when the future of the waste oil market was uncertain due to the introduction of the EC waste incineration directive and review of the EC waste framework directive. Also that the benefits to be gained from ending the derogation would be disproportionate to the compliance and administrative costs involved. The UK is required to impose duty on waste oils reused as fuel and the duty rate to be applied is consistent with the relevant EU directive. Our assessment of the revenue and administrative cost implications is set out in the “Impact Assessment of the implementation of the Energy Products Directive (EPD) on the use of waste oils reused as fuel”, published on 20 February 2008. Financial Services: Curriculum Mr. Hoban To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with (a) the Department of Children, Schools and Families and (b) Ofsted on Ofsted’s evaluation of financial education as part of the preparation of the Joint Financial Capability Action Plan. Ian Pearson Ensuring that children have access to a planned and coherent programme of personal finance education in school is key to raising levels of financial capability in the UK. Studies by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and Ofsted have shown that further support is required to improve the effectiveness of finance lessons in schools. The joint Government and FSA financial capability action plan, published in July, set out measures for supporting financial education through the Government’s ‘My Money’ programme led by DCSF, which will help to embed financial capability into the curriculum, and the FSA’s ‘Learning Money Matters’ programme. It also set out how financial education would be evaluated through a DCSF independent review and a further schools survey by the FSA. HM Revenue and Customs: Correspondence Ian Stewart To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) plans to respond to the letter of 9 July sent from the hon. Member for Eccles to its offices at 100 Parliament Street concerning a constituent; and for what reasons HMRC have not responded to the hon. Member's answerphone messages. Mr. Timms The acting chief executive officer replied to the hon. Member on 29 October 2008 and apologised for the delay. HMRC also very much regret the delay in replying to a message left by the hon. Member's office. HMRC have taken steps to ensure that such delays do not reoccur. Landfill Tax Robert Neill To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether an impact assessment has been undertaken on the effects of the landfill tax escalator. Angela Eagle No impact assessment was undertaken on the effects of the landfill tax escalator. According to Government guidance, impact assessments are not required for changes to taxes or tax rates where there are no associated administrative costs or savings. Low Incomes Mr. Frank Field To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the guaranteed weekly income for working households of (a) a single individual, (b) a couple with no children, (c) a couple with (i) one, (ii) two and (iii) three children and (d) a single person with (A) one, (B) two and (C) three children was in (1) 1997 and (2) at the most recent date for which information is available. Mr. Timms Minimum income guarantees for in-work families have only existed since 1999, when they came into existence as a result of the introduction of the national minimum wage. Table 4.1 of the 2008 Budget document sets out the relevant figures for April 1999 and October 2008. Non-Domestic Rates: Ports Robert Neill To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Bromley of 9 October 2008, Official Report, column 802W, on taxation, what account was taken of the taxation criteria of (a) fairness, (b) proportionality, (c) public interest and (d) protecting of public revenue criteria for taxation in the Valuation Office Agency's decisions on retrospective application of business rates to ports; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Timms Valuation Officers apply statutory provisions which determine the effective date for any list alteration. Police: Pensions Mr. David Hamilton To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions his Department has had with members of the Scottish Executive on the funding of changes to police pensions. Yvette Cooper [holding answer 3 November 2008]: The Treasury has discussions with the Scottish Executive from time to time on a number of issues. The Scottish Executive have recently announced changes which they plan to make to police pensions, funded out of their existing budget. Tax Credit Mr. Frank Field To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to paragraph 2.17 of his Department’s document Tax Credits: improving delivery and choice, what the evidential basis is for the Exchequer cost of a fixed system being generally higher than that of a responsive system; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Timms Annex A of “Tax credits: improving delivery and choice—a discussion document”, published by HM Treasury and HM Revenue and Customs in May 2008, and currently available on the Treasury website, examines in detail the issues surrounding a fixed system of tax credits. Tax Credits Mr. Frank Field To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many households were overpaid tax credits in each year since 2003; how much was overpaid in tax credits in each of those years; and how much of that overpaid money was not recovered in each of those years. Mr. Timms Information on the number of families who incurred overpayments and on the total value of overpayments in 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07 is provided in part 2, figure 9 of the report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, in the HM Revenue and Customs 2007-08 accounts. This is available on the HMRC website at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/hmrc-dep-acct0708.pdf Information relating to the recovery of these overpayments is provided in part 2, figure 11 of the same report. Taxation: Carers Mr. Stephen O'Brien To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish his Department’s assessment of the proposal for tax-exempt care vouchers to help carers of adults remain in employment whilst balancing their caring responsibilities. Mr. Timms I refer the hon. Member to the answer the then Financial Secretary, my right hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Jane Kennedy) gave on 26 November 2007, Official Report, column 128W. Valuation Office Robert Neill To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar of 29 September 2008, Official Report, column 2307W, on the Valuation Office Agency: Rightmove, what work was approved to identify cost-effective approaches to gathering more information. Mr. Timms Investigative work was undertaken to assess market coverage and to support the Agency's aims of (1) reducing further the numbers of visits to taxpayers' homes, (2) aiding the accuracy of bandings and (3) improving timeliness in dealing with taxpayers' queries. Valuation Office: Geographical Information Systems Robert Neill To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 29 September 2008, Official Report, column 2307W, on the Valuation Office: Geographical Information Systems, whether the Agency or HM Revenue and Customs plans to publish an invitation to tender document for any of the project for the new system. Mr. Timms No. Four companies were invited to tender. The invitations to tender documents have not been published beyond the four companies, due to commercial sensitivities. Robert Neill To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar of 29 September 2008, Official Report, column 2307W, on the Valuation Office: Geographical Information Systems, what the timetable is for finalising the specification of the geographic information system. Mr. Timms The specification for the Valuation Office Agency's GIS will be finalised by December 2009. Justice Community Orders: Hertfordshire Mike Penning To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many community orders were issued to residents of (a) Hertfordshire and (b) Hemel Hempstead in each of the last five years. Maria Eagle Data on community sentences (including the community order and other community sentences) are available by police force area and the following table shows the number of community sentences imposed by the courts in the Hertfordshire police force area 2002 to 2006. Data for 2007 will be available later in the year. Community sentence data are not made available for smaller areas because detailed checks on sentencing data are not carried out at court level. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Hertfordshire police force area (Number of persons)| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2002 |2,709 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2003 |3,019 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2004 |3,363 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005 |3,617 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006 |3,716 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 These data are on the principal offence basis.Note:These figures have been drawn from administrative data systems. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system.Source:OMS Analytical Services| | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Crimes of Violence: Ex-servicemen Dr. Murrison To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many former members of the armed forces were taken into custody following a conviction for a violent offence in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Hanson We are unable to identify the occupation of an offender from the courts proceedings database. As such, we cannot tell the number of ex-service personnel that were convicted and sentenced to immediate custody for violent offences. Data from nationally representative surveys of some 2000 sentenced prisoners near release conducted in 2001, 2003 and 2004 show the proportion of prisoners who had previously served in the armed forces as 6 per cent. 4 per cent. and 5 per cent. respectively. Custody Kerry McCarthy To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what his policy is on the use of deferred commencement dates for custodial sentences; and if he will make a statement. Maria Eagle Where a court imposes a custodial sentence the offender is sent to prison immediately unless the court decides to suspend the sentence. We have no plans to introduce provisions to defer the commencement of custodial sentences. Legal Aid Scheme Mr. Sanders To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the budget for civil legal aid was in each year since 2004. Bridget Prentice There is no set budget for civil legal aid. Civil legal aid is funded from the overall budget for legal aid which itself forms part of the Department’s delegated expenditure (DEL). Funding for legal aid can be increased or decreased from within DEL according to need. The following table shows the resource expenditure for the Community Legal Service covering civil, family, immigration and asylum work since 2004-05. ------------------------------ | |Resource (£ million)| ------------------------------ |2004-05|624 | ------------------------------ |2005-06|783 | ------------------------------ |2006-07|788 | ------------------------------ |2007-08|795 | ------------------------------ Marriage Mike Penning To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) what steps he is taking to ensure the rights of women are protected in the approval by English courts of (a) marriages and (b) divorces completed under Sharia law; (2) what steps he is taking to ensure that English courts have the (a) resources and (b) expertise to exercise proper scrutiny of marriages and divorces completed under Sharia law which come before them; (3) how many consent order forms were issued by his Department for approval by English courts of (a) marriages and (b) divorces completed under Sharia law in each of the last five years; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the necessary form; (4) how many divorces completed under Sharia law and granted consent orders by English courts involved individuals under the age of 18 years in the last 10 years; (5) how many marriages completed under Sharia law were referred to English courts for a consent order in each of the last five years; (6) what estimate he has made of the number of marriages completed under Sharia law which were not referred to English courts for a consent order in each of the last five years; (7) how many marriages completed under Sharia law were (a) granted and (b) denied consent orders by English courts in each of the last five years; (8) how many marriages completed under Sharia law and granted a consent order by English courts involved individuals under the age of 18 years in the last 10 years; (9) what estimate he has made of the number of divorces completed under Sharia law which were not referred to English courts for a consent order in each of the last five years; (10) how many divorces completed under Sharia law were (a) granted and (b) denied consent orders by English courts in each of the last five years; (11) how many divorces completed under Sharia law and granted consent orders by English courts were initiated by (a) women and (b) men in each of the last five years. Mr. Straw When a petition for divorce is lodged at a court the court requires information to ascertain that there was a valid marriage between the parties, and the grounds on which a divorce is sought. The religious affiliation of the parties is not included on divorce documents. Hence it is not possible to provide any statistics that relate to the parties' religion. Marriages conducted in this country under Sharia law are not recognised in England and Wales unless they also comply with the provisions of the Marriage Acts. Therefore “Sharia marriages” are not a legal reality in this country and we cannot obtain statistics for them. We are aware that many Muslim couples undergo both a civil ceremony in a register office and a purely religious ceremony. The former is recognised but the latter is not. Increasing numbers of mosques are registered so that they can offer a joint civil and religious marriage ceremony. Section 55 of the Family Law Act 1986 allows parties to a marriage to apply for an order that their marriage is valid, or to allow “divorced” parties similarly to test the validity of their divorce. This provision is used rarely, and generally to test the validity of marriages contracted abroad and foreign divorces. A Sharia marriage contracted in this country which does not comply with Marriage Act requirements would not be validated. “Sharia divorces” conducted in this country are also unrecognised by the legal system. The English courts do not approve divorces or annulments granted by any faith group, therefore no statistics are available for them. A Sharia divorce dissolves the religious “limb” of a marriage but leaves the civil marriage intact. This must be dissolved by a civil divorce. If no civil marriage has taken place then no civil divorce is required. Consent orders differ widely according to what is required in each case. Therefore there is no standard form for a consent order. In a consent order relating to children the court can, among other things, make orders relating to contact, residence, a requirement that either parent do something or refrain from doing it, an order for expert reports or for contact activities or for review. In financial matters a court can deal with income, capital, pensions, assets and can, among others orders, make periodical payment, secured periodical payment, lump sum or property adjustment orders, pension sharing orders, and asset distribution orders. The only orders that can be made during an extant marriage are an order for validity of marriage, as described above, or an order for judicial separation, which has similar effects to divorce save that the parties are still regarded as married, albeit legally separated. This type of order is usually used by those with a religious objection to divorce. Neither of these orders is likely to be made by consent. Consent orders can be applied for following negotiations and an agreement reached by the parties directly, or with the help of lawyers, mediators, or a third party, which might be a Sharia council. Sharia councils operate under the statutory basis of the Arbitration Act 1996, established by the previous Government. The family court would be unable to tell whether an application for a consent order (whether within a divorce or in other proceedings) had been made as the result of negotiations conducted through a Sharia council, by the parties themselves, through mediation or by the intervention of any other third party. Applications for consent orders are generally filed by solicitors. In those circumstances the court can see whether the parties had the benefit of legal advice. However, even if lawyers have represented the parties, the court will still check consent orders to ensure that they appear to be within the range of orders that could be made had the matter been adjudicated in court. There are many forms of alternative dispute resolution available to assist parties to reach an agreement in family cases, but whichever method the parties use; the principles applied by the court are the same. The court cannot simply ‘rubber-stamp’ an agreement in a family case, whatever the process by which the agreement has been reached, and judges can and do ask for further information where there is any doubt about the propriety of a proposed order. Any proposed consent order submitted to the court, whether the product of an agreement by the Sharia council or not, might be made by coercion and it is the function of the judiciary to question any order which appears unfair. An order which on its face involved an undue financial advantage to one party or set out arrangements for children which excluded care by or contact with one parent would be the sort of order which alerts a court to potential coercion and the need to ask for further information and, if appropriate, to refuse to make the order requested. Court statistics do not include the ages of the parties at the time a consent order is made, although the information is available to the court when considering the terms of the order, and is one of the factors taken into account in making a decision as to the fairness or otherwise of an order. The Office for National Statistics' records show that between 1996 and 2005 only 18 women and no men under the age of 18 were divorced. Members: Correspondence Sir Gerald Kaufman To ask the Secretary of State for Justice when he plans to reply to the letter dated 19 September from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton on Mr. Abdoul Karim Barry. Mr. Straw I replied to the right hon. Member on 23 October 2008. I apologise for the delay. Prison Service: Appeals John McDonnell To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) how many cases were considered by the Civil Service Appeal Board in regard to staff employed by HM Prison Service in each of the last five years. (2) on how many occasions the Civil Service Appeal Board has recommended re-instatement or re-engagement of staff employed by HM Prison Service in each of the last five years; (3) on how many occasions where the Civil Service Appeal Board has recommended reinstatement or re-engagement of staff employed by HM Prison Service the Prison Service decided not to accept the recommendation of the Board in each of the last five years; (4) what the additional cost has been to the public purse of a decision by HM Prison Service not to accept the recommendation of the Civil Service Appeal Board to re-instate or re-engage a member of staff in each of the last five years; (5) what the cost has been to the public purse, of applications to the Civil Service Appeal Board by staff employed by HM Prison Service in each of the last five years. Mr. Malik In the Prison Service, responsibility for defending cases at the Civil Service Appeal Board is devolved to a local level. Comprehensive records of the outcome of all Civil Service Appeal Board cases have only been maintained centrally since November 2007. Information on cases prior to that date can be obtained only at disproportionate cost. According to centrally held records, 64 cases were considered by the Civil Service Appeal Board in regard to staff employed by the public sector Prison Service between 1 November 2007 and 16 October 2008. The Civil Service Appeal Board recommended reinstatement or re-engagement of public sector Prison Service staff in 14 cases between 1 November 2007 and 16 October 2008. The public sector Prison Service decided not to accept the recommendation of the Civil Service Appeal Board in six cases where the Board had recommended reinstatement or re-engagement of staff between 1 November 2007 and 16 October 2008. The sum of £40,820.00 was incurred in additional awards in those cases between 1 November 2007 and 16 October 2008 where the public sector HM Prison Service decided not to accept the recommendation of the Civil Service Appeal Board to reinstate or re-engage a member of staff. The cost to the public purse, in terms of the compensation awarded following applications by staff employed by the public sector Prison Service to the Civil Service Appeal Board between 1 November 2007 and 16 October 2008 was £199,781.34. Prisoners Chris Huhne To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people serving custodial sentences for each type of offence of (a) less than one month, (b) between one and three months, (c) between three and six months and (d) between six and 12 months were in prison on average at any one time in each of the last 10 years. Mr. Hanson Figures showing the numbers of prisoners serving sentences in all prison establishments in England and Wales by offence group and in the sentence length bands requested can be found in the following table. I refer also to the Offender Management Caseload Statistics, 2007, published on 30 October, copies of which have been placed in the House of Commons Library. This will provide additional context to the statistics supplied in the answer. The breakdowns in the table for the years 2002-06 are further breakdowns of tables to be found in earlier editions of the Offender Management Caseload Statistics (table 8.12 for 2006) and Prison Statistics for England and Wales. Data are not available to provide equivalent further breakdowns for the years 1998 to 2001, and the statistics provided for these years are therefore taken from the annual published table in Prison Statistics for England and Wales. The figures provided have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |All sentence lengths|All within requested range|(a) Less than one month|(b) One month and less than three months|(c) Three months and less than six months|(d) Six months less than 12 months| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2007 | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |All |65,533 |7,626 |337 |1,231 |3,597 |2,462 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Violence against the person|17,616 |1,458 |54 |209 |767 |428 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sexual offences |7,336 |102 |9 |14 |26 |54 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Robbery |8,747 |264 |41 |53 |88 |81 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Burglary |7,920 |643 |44 |73 |254 |272 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Then and handling |3,706 |1,720 |73 |303 |819 |526 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Fraud and forgery |1,738 |477 |5 |25 |160 |287 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Drug offences |10,613 |231 |20 |35 |82 |94 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Motoring offences |1,484 |891 |8 |109 |587 |187 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Other offences |5,991 |1,761 |74 |397 |789 |501 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Offence not recorded |383 |80 |8 |15 |26 |32 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006 | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |All |63,404 |8,484 |363 |1,461 |4,136 |2,525 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Violence against the person|16,215 |1,608 |66 |257 |862 |423 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sexual offences |6,598 |125 |9 |15 |41 |60 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Robbery |8,415 |215 |37 |37 |67 |75 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Burglary |7,791 |677 |33 |85 |280 |279 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Theft and handling |4,125 |2,077 |71 |398 |996 |611 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Fraud and forgery |1,692 |444 |4 |38 |145 |257 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Drug offences |10,647 |250 |24 |48 |93 |85 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Motoring offences |1,920 |1,305 |9 |190 |879 |227 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Other offences |5,594 |1,689 |104 |381 |752 |452 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Offence not recorded |408 |96 |5 |13 |21 |67 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005 | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |All |62,179 |8,234 |391 |1,491 |4,127 |2,225 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Violence against the person|15,178 |1,571 |57 |281 |846 |386 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sexual offences |6,185 |127 |13 |10 |47 |56 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Robbery |8,378 |179 |35 |30 |63 |51 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Burglary |8,082 |600 |44 |73 |274 |209 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Theft and handling |4,126 |1,977 |81 |441 |924 |531 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Fraud and forgery |1,454 |393 |4 |42 |139 |208 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Drug offences |10,661 |251 |34 |39 |92 |86 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Motoring offences |2,163 |1,472 |12 |229 |1.052 |179 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Other offences |5,289 |1,517 |103 |336 |637 |441 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Offence not recorded |664 |148 |8 |10 |53 |77 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2004 | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |All |60,924 |8,057 |373 |1,439 |3,939 |2,306 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Violence against the person|13,974 |1,406 |81 |234 |696 |395 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sexual offences |5,773 |103 |5 |12 |38 |47 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Robbery |8,448 |184 |29 |39 |62 |54 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Burglary |8,643 |698 |40 |72 |269 |317 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Theft and handling |4,404 |2,046 |87 |431 |922 |607 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Fraud and forgery |1,147 |336 |3 |40 |172 |121 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Drug offences |10,486 |203 |19 |37 |76 |71 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Motoring offences |2,403 |1,619 |19 |277 |1,140 |184 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Other offences |4,842 |1,280 |81 |279 |501 |420 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Offence not recorded |803 |182 |10 |20 |63 |90 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2003 | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |All |59,393 |8,178 |337 |1,469 |4,163 |2,209 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Violence against the person|12,986 |1,156 |58 |204 |581 |313 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sexual offences |5.540 |91 |5 |16 |30 |41 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Robbery |8,286 |180 |36 |45 |48 |51 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Burglary |8,816 |700 |38 |75 |282 |305 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Theft and handling |4,651 |2,292 |84 |457 |1,114 |637 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Fraud and forgery |1,022 |284 |6 |37 |156 |85 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Drug offences |10,330 |253 |28 |37 |86 |102 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Motoring offences |2,689 |2,000 |22 |351 |1,362 |265 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Other offences |4,186 |1,038 |56 |225 |438 |319 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Offence not recorded |886 |185 |6 |21 |65 |93 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2002 | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |All |57,272 |7,796 |337 |1,319 |3,791 |2,349 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Violence against the person|12,212 |1,079 |45 |162 |511 |362 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sexual offences |5,294 |87 |1 |16 |25 |46 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Robbery |7,522 |214 |48 |38 |58 |71 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Burglary |9,156 |805 |48 |58 |306 |393 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Theft and handling |4,739 |2,299 |94 |461 |1,077 |667 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Fraud and forgery |1,040 |258 |5 |45 |125 |83 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Drug offences |10,067 |244 |22 |26 |81 |115 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Motoring offences |2,259 |1,674 |17 |293 |1,140 |225 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Other offences |3,911 |887 |50 |197 |387 |253 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Offence not recorded |1,072 |248 |9 |25 |81 |134 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | |1— |Up to and including 3 months|Over 3 months up to and including 6 months|Over 6 months less than 12 months| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2001 | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |All |54,169|8,542|2,428 |3,958 |2,156 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Violence against the person |11,637|1,160|262 |541 |357 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Rape |2,760 |9 |5 |1 |3 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Other Sexual offences |2,304 |72 |9 |30 |33 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Robbery |6,813 |199 |46 |73 |80 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Burglary |8,515 |765 |106 |299 |360 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Theft and handling |4,584 |2,215|515 |1,111 |589 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Fraud and forgery |1.020 |283 |59 |145 |79 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Drug offences |9,068 |262 |73 |92 |97 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Other offences |6,581 |3,357|1,317 |1,587 |453 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Offence not recorded |887 |220 |36 |79 |105 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2000 | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |All |53,093|8,792|2,049 |4,338 |2,405 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Violence against the person |11,217|1,162|288 |553 |321 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Rape |2,702 |12 |9 |3 |0 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Other Sexual offences |2,388 |112 |18 |46 |48 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Robbery |6,353 |193 |54 |74 |65 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Burglary |8,982 |898 |135 |372 |391 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Theft and handling |5,044 |2,580|640 |1,184 |756 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Fraud and forgery |1,016 |282 |69 |127 |86 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Drug offences |8,473 |324 |78 |117 |129 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Other offences |6,051 |2,954|721 |1,745 |488 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Offence not recorded |866 |275 |37 |117 |121 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |1999 | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |All |51,293|7,380|1,650 |3,540 |2,190 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Violence against the person |10,858|1,006|214 |460 |332 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Rape |2,576 |0 |0 |0 |0 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Other Sexual offences |2,370 |122 |9 |38 |75 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Robbery |6,331 |86 |14 |39 |33 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Burglary |8,780 |791 |97 |334 |360 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Theft and handling |4,411 |2,068|529 |945 |594 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Fraud and forgery |1,104 |283 |44 |142 |97 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Drug offences |8,169 |279 |45 |100 |134 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Other offences |5,398 |2,538|669 |1,416 |453 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Offence not recorded |1,296 |207 |29 |66 |112 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |1998 | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |All |52,159|7,610|1,500 |3,599 |2,511 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Violence against the person |10,944|1,049|217 |504 |328 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Rape |2,373 |0 |0 |0 |0 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Other Sexual offences |2,422 |124 |13 |55 |56 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Robbery |6,626 |117 |16 |53 |48 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Burglary |8,656 |770 |101 |287 |382 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Theft and handling |4,492 |1,928|389 |895 |644 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Fraud and forgery |1,199 |321 |59 |130 |132 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Drug offences |7,893 |409 |41 |157 |211 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Other offences |5,425 |2,555|631 |1,390 |534 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Offence not recorded |2,129 |336 |33 |128 |175 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |1 Data unavailable to provide further breakdown| | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Prisoners Release Mark Pritchard To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many offenders were released on licence from prisons in England and Wales having served less than half of their custodial sentence in the latest period for which figures are available. Mr. Straw In 2007, 11,428 prisoners were released earlier than their halfway point of sentence subject to licence conditions on the Home Detention Curfew Scheme and 16,197 prisoners were released under temporary licence on the End of Custody Licence scheme. The Offender Caseload statistics for 2007 were published on 30 October 2008 and are available on the Ministry of Justice website and in the Library of the House. Prisoners: Nationality Damian Green To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many and what percentage of (a) foreign national prisoners and (b) prisoners of unknown nationality there were in each prison in England and Wales on 1 October 2008. Mr. Hanson The following table indicates the numbers of prisoners who are recorded as being (a) foreign national and (b) nationality not yet recorded in all prison establishments in England and Wales as at 30 September 2008. Although nationality may not yet be recorded in certain instances, this is not indicative of where nationality is unknown. Relevant checks with other Government Departments are conducted as appropriate in order to ascertain further details. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Foreign nationals in establishment|As a percentage of total population in establishment|Nationality not recorded in establishment|As a percentage of total population in establishment| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Male | | | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Acklington |28 |3 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Albany |60 |11 |7 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Altcourse |95 |8 |15 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ashfield |27 |7 |6 |2 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ashwell |65 |11 |1 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Aylesbury |61 |14 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bedford |93 |19 |4 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Belmarsh |193 |21 |17 |2 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Birmingham |189 |13 |32 |2 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Blantyre House |2 |2 |1 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Blundeston |91 |18 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Brinsford |45 |8 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bristol |55 |9 |7 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Brixton |225 |28 |16 |2 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Buckley Hall |19 |5 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bullingdon |153 |15 |7 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bullwood Hall |194 |93 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Camp Hill |91 |16 |34 |6 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Canterbury |281 |97 |1 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cardiff |74 |9 |8 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Castington |15 |4 |2 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Channings Wood |44 |6 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Chelmsford |114 |16 |20 |3 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Coldingley |55 |14 |3 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cookham Wood |5 |10 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Dartmoor |29 |5 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Deerbolt |12 |3 |1 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Doncaster |110 |10 |53 |5 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Dorchester |24 |10 |5 |2 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Dovegate |107 |13 |1 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Dover |298 |99 |3 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Durham |76 |8 |6 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Edmunds Hill |82 |23 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Elmley |145 |15 |20 |2 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Erlestoke |54 |12 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Everthorpe |35 |5 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Exeter |36 |7 |6 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Featherstone |70 |10 |1 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Feltham |147 |23 |30 |5 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ford |66 |12 |1 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Forest Bank |84 |7 |25 |2 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Frankland |39 |5 |2 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Full Sutton |57 |10 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Garth |59 |7 |1 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Gartree |44 |8 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Glen Parva |69 |9 |3 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Gloucester |20 |6 |13 |4 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Grendon/Spring Hill |20 |4 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Guys Marsh |51 |9 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Haslar |160 |100 |1 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Haverigg |23 |4 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Hewell |200 |14 |5 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |High Down |229 |21 |36 |3 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Highpoint |176 |22 |3 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Hindley |15 |3 |4 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Hollesley Bay |12 |4 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Holme House |44 |4 |3 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Hull |47 |5 |5 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Huntercombe |58 |17 |6 |2 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Kennet |23 |7 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Kingston (Portsmouth)|17 |9 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Kirkham |8 |1 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Kirklevington Grange |0 |0 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Lancaster Castle |5 |2 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Lancaster Farms |19 |4 |11 |2 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Latchmere House |9 |5 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Leeds |84 |9 |6 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Leicester |62 |17 |7 |2 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Lewes |75 |11 |7 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Leyhill |37 |8 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Lincoln |67 |9 |9 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Lindholme |162 |15 |46 |4 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Littlehey |119 |16 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Liverpool |116 |8 |10 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Long Lartin |67 |15 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Lowdham Grange |104 |15 |2 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Maidstone |96 |20 |1 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Manchester |197 |16 |43 |4 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Moorland Open |6 |2 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Moorland Closed |41 |5 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North Sea Camp |16 |5 |1 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Northallerton |5 |2 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Norwich |63 |12 |8 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Nottingham |73 |13 |14 |3 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Onley |55 |10 |4 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Pare |45 |4 |5 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Parkhurst |80 |16 |6 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Pentonville |327 |29 |30 |3 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Peterborough |104 |17 |18 |3 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Portland |77 |13 |3 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Preston |33 |4 |5 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ranby |100 |9 |2 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Reading |14 |5 |4 |2 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Risley |73 |7 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Rochester |79 |17 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Rye Hill |135 |21 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Shepton Mallet |5 |3 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Shrewsbury |39 |13 |3 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Stafford |71 |10 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Standford Hill |42 |9 |1 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Stocken |74 |9 |2 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Stoke Heath |17 |3 |3 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sudbury |16 |3 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Swaleside |151 |20 |1 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Swansea |36 |9 |3 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Swinfen Hall |46 |7 |1 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |The Mount |219 |29 |3 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |The Verne |359 |61 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |The Wolds |18 |5 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Thorn Cross |1 |0 |1 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Usk/Prescoed |17 |4 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wakefield |55 |7 |2 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wandsworth |478 |29 |89 |5 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Warren Hill |12 |6 |15 |7 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wayland |134 |13 |5 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wealstun |33 |6 |1 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wellingborough |95 |15 |1 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Werrington |7 |5 |7 |5 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wetherby |5 |2 |6 |2 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Whatton |70. |8 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Whitemoor |66 |15 |3 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Winchester |62 |11 |2 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Woodhill |114 |14 |21 |3 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wormwood Scrubs |457 |36 |20 |2 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wymott |60 |6 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Female | | | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Askham Grange |3 |3 |8 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bronzefield |103 |25 |49 |12 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Downview |73 |20 |1 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Drake Halt |50 |20 |1 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |East Sutton Park |8 |9 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Eastwood Park |41 |13 |2 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Foston Hall |16 |7 |3 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Holloway |126 |26 |17 |4 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Low Newton |22 |7 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Morton Hail |235 |68 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |New Hall |41 |10 |7 |2 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Peterborough |57 |16 |10 |3 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Send |38 |14 |1 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Styal |35 |8 |5 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Total |11,168 |13 |944 |1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Population data were published on the Ministry of Justice website on 31 October 2008 in line with standard practice: http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/populationincustody.htm This information is updated quarterly. I refer the hon. Member to the answer he was given on 15 October 2008, Official Report, column 1235W. These figures include prisoners held on remand or serving custodial sentences, as well as those held under the Immigration Act 1971 (including those in the immigration removal centres of Dover, Haslar and Lindholme). In September’s data around 77 per cent. of prisoners for whom nationality is unrecorded are remand prisoners. Unrecorded nationalities account for 1 per cent. of the overall population. These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. Repossession Orders: Mortgages Chris Huhne To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many (a) immediate and (b) suspended orders for possession have been made in mortgage repossession proceedings in each region in each of the last five years. Bridget Prentice The following table shows the numbers of outright and suspended orders made for mortgage possession in each region in England and Wales since 2003. These figures do not indicate how many houses have been repossessed through the courts, since not all the orders will have resulted in the issue and execution of warrants of possession. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |2003 |2004 |2005 |2006 |2007 |Total | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Suspended orders | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |London |3,252 |3,996 |6,489 |6,914 |6,129 |26,780 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Midlands |4,705 |5,222 |7,174 |8,585 |8,968 |34,654 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North East |3,579 |3,687 |5,360 |6,967 |7,009 |26,602 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North West |4,003 |3,805 |5,043 |6,714 |7,179 |26,744 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South East |4,933 |5,759 |8,174 |8,647 |8,000 |35,513 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South West |2,305 |2,593 |3,750 |4,114 |3,757 |16,519 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wales |1,729 |1,527 |2,156 |2,700 |2,991 |11,103 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |England and Wales |24,506|26,589|38,146|44,641|44,033|177,915| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Outright orders | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |London |2,742 |3,792 |6,621 |8,298 |7,945 |29,398 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Midlands |2,936 |3,715 |5,943 |8,816 |10,069|31,479 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North East |2,427 |2,549 |4,279 |6,643 |8,043 |23,941 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North West |2,635 |2,687 |4,072 |6,499 |7,890 |23,783 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South East |3,268 |4,291 |7,046 |9,046 |9,824 |33,475 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South West |1,425 |1,940 |3,068 |4,001 |4,421 |14,855 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wales |1,099 |1,120 |1,789 |2,736 |3,208 |9,952 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |England and Wales |16,532|20,094|32,818|46,039|51,400|166,883| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |All orders | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |London |5,994 |7,788 |13,110|15,212|14,074|56,178 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Midlands |7,641 |8,937 |13,117|17,401|19,037|66,133 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North East |6,006 |6,236 |9,639 |13,610|15,052|50,543 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North West |6,638 |6,492 |9,115 |13,213|15,069|50,527 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South East |8,201 |10,050|15,220|17,693|17,824|68,988 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South West |3,730 |4,533 |6,818 |8,115 |8,178 |31,374 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wales |2,828 |2,647 |3,945 |5,436 |6,199 |21,055 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |England and Wales |41,038|46,683|70,964|90,680|95,433|344,798| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 Mortgage possession data include all types of lenders whether local authority or private.2 The court, following a judicial hearing, may grant an order for possession immediately. This entitles the claimant to apply for a warrant to have the defendant evicted. However, even where a warrant for possession is issued, the parties can still negotiate a compromise to prevent eviction.Notes:1. Includes suspended orders and orders made.2. Does not include the small number of possession actions entered in the High Court. Source:Ministry of Justice| | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shoplifting Miss McIntosh To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what plans he has to introduce restorative justice in relation to shoplifting offences. Mr. Straw Restorative justice can be used in relation to shoplifting offences. It is for local criminal justice boards and local criminal justice agencies to consider how best to use their funding to meet their targets and local needs. Restorative justice, for a variety of offences, is an established part of the work of youth offending teams and a number of areas have established schemes to deliver adult restorative justice. Where a scheme is available, its use in relation to a given case should depend on whether the victim chooses to participate and, where appropriate, the sentence of the court. Young Offender Institutions Mr. Malins To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many hours per day were spent by inmates (a) in cell and (b) out of cell in each young offender institution in the latest period for which figures are available. Mr. Hanson The National Offender Management Service does not record the time prisoners spend in or out of their cells but does measure the time cells are unlocked. The following table shows the average time unlocked per prisoner per weekday, in all young offenders institutions across England and Wales between April and September 2008. Data are provisional and subject to validation. --------------------------------------------------------------------- |Prison |Average time unlocked per prisoner per weekday| --------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ashfield |9.7 | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |Aylesbury |7.0 | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |Brinsford |1— | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |Castington |8.8 | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cookham Wood |18.6 | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |Deerbolt |7.0 | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |Feltham |9.5 | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |Glen Parva |8.3 | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |Hindley |9.2 | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |Huntercombe |6.6 | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |Lancaster Farms |7.8 | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |Northallerton |7.6 | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |Portland |7.9 | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |Reading |7.5 | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |Rochester |7.6 | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |Stoke Heath |8.5 | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |Swinfen Hall |7.8 | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |Thorn Cross |12.5 | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |Warren Hill |9.7 | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wellington |10.1 | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wetherby |10.7 | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 Data not available| | --------------------------------------------------------------------- Young Offender Institutions: Drugs Mr. Malins To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what rehabilitation programmes are available for drug users in young offender institutions. Mr. Hanson The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) has in place a comprehensive drug treatment framework, based on the National Treatment Agency's revised models of care, to address the different needs of drug-misusers in prisons and young offenders institutions (YOIs). The interventions available are designed to meet the needs of low, moderate and severe drug misusers—irrespective of age, gender or ethnicity. The interventions available include: Clinical services (detoxification and/or maintenance prescribing); CARATs (Counselling, Assessment, Referral, Advice and Throughcare services)—CARATs are available in all YOIs in England and Wales; Drug rehabilitation programmes—young adult offenders in the estate have access to the following programmes: Short Duration Programme P-ASRO (prisons Addressing Substance Related Offending) Therapeutic Communities (young females in 1 establishment) Young People's Substance Misuse Service (YPSMS)—a non-clinical service for those under the age of 18 in custody in England and Wales, combining education and prevention with treatment. Prison drug treatment funding has increased year on year since 1996-97—up 1,179 per cent., with record numbers engaging in treatment. Young Offender Institutions: Education Mr. Malins To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what educational opportunities are available for young offenders aged (a) 16 to 18 and (b) 18 to 21 years old in young offender institutions. Mr. Hanson The educational opportunities available to offenders in young offender institutions (YOIs) is specified by the Learning and Skills Council in both an offenders' learning journey for under 18s and an offenders' learnings journey for adults. For under 18s this includes literacy, language and numeracy, information and communications technology (ICT), continuity of mainstream education, vocational training in a range of subjects and physical education. For adults, the specified curriculum includes literacy, language and numeracy, ICT and work-related learning. Young Offenders: Employment Mr. Malins To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many young offenders found full or part-time employment within one month of release from custody in the latest period for which figures are available. Mr. Hanson The National Offender Management Service does not record whether an offender has found full or part-time employment within a month of release from custody. However, it does record whether an offender has full or part-time employment on release. During the period April to September 2008 (latest figures available1) the total number of prisoners with employment upon release from young offender institutions (YOIs) was 1,263. 1 Data are provisional and subject to ongoing validation. Young Offenders: Literacy Mr. Malins To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what percentage of young offenders in custody were unable to read or write (a) on admission and (b) on release in the latest period for which figures are available. Mr. Hanson All young offenders under the age of 18 are assessed. Young offenders over the age of 18 are only assessed where basic skills screening indicates a literacy or numeracy deficiency and they have been referred to a learning provider. In the academic year 2007-08 there were a total of 7,329 learning and skills assessments carried out in young offender institutions (YOIs). 24 per cent. of those assessments showed literacy levels below level 1 with numeracy below level 1 at 33 per cent. In the same period 1,388 qualifications were achieved below level 1, 1,813 qualifications at level 1 and 771 were achieved at level 2. Assessment of individuals was not carried out on release from custody and information is not available centrally. Young Offenders: Prisoners Release Mr. Malins To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what percentage of young offenders went to (a) housing provided by a family member, (b) housing provided by a local authority or other statutory provider, (c) housing provided by a charity and (d) an address unknown to the authorities following release from custody in the latest period for which figures are available. Mr. Hanson Currently suitable accommodation after custody is a key element in the Government's Youth Crime Action Plan and we have been consulting on how we can increase young offender's access to this resource. The responses to the consultation will inform future policy in this area. There is also a National Indicator 46, ‘Young offenders' access to suitable accommodation’, which will encourage local authorities to support this aim. This information is not collected centrally. Mr. Malins To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what percentage of young offenders were released from custody into full or part-time education in the latest period for which figures are available. Mr. Hanson The percentage of prisoners released from custody into full or part-time education from young offender institutions (YOIs) was 27.8 per cent. for the period April to September 2008, the latest figures available1. 1 Data are provisional and subject to ongoing validation. Young People: Custodial Treatment David Howarth To ask the Secretary of State for Justice when he expects the independent review of prisoner escort and custody services-commissioned escorts for young people, commissioned by the Youth Justice Board to be published. Mr. Hanson The Youth Justice Board has commissioned a research report to assist with planning of escorting arrangements in the secure estate for children and young people. The purpose of the report is to aid internal decision-making and the board has no plans to publish it. International Development Overseas Aid Mr. Hollobone To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make it his policy not to allocate aid and assistance to countries which operate space programmes. Mr. Douglas Alexander The Department for International Development's (DFID) policy on providing aid is set out in the UK Government's 2006 White Paper. This is available online: http://www.dfid.gov.uk/wp2006/default.asp DFID concentrates its development assistance on countries with the largest numbers of poor people and on fragile states. When then deciding whether to use aid to support a country's Government, DFID undertakes a detailed assessment of that Government's commitment to: reducing poverty; upholding human rights; and improving public financial management. When assessing a Government's commitment to reducing poverty the composition of their public expenditure programme is viewed as a whole. It would not be appropriate to make that assessment based solely on whether they include or exclude specific expenditures. Rwanda: Overseas Aid Mr. Oaten To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much aid the Government have provided to Rwanda in each of the last three years. Mr. Douglas Alexander The UK Government have provided the following amounts of aid to Rwanda during the last three years: ----------------- | |£ | ----------------- |2005|29,325,834| ----------------- |2006|51,298,863| ----------------- |2007|47,204,899| ----------------- Duchy of Lancaster Civil Servants: Career Structure Mr. Maude To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) what records his Department maintains on the number of civil servants who are (a) on the Priority Movers List, (b) part of the Priority Talent Pool, (c) part of the Career Support Network and (d) part of the Redeployment Network in each Government agency and Department; (2) how many permanent staff of (a) the Cabinet Office and (b) the Central Office of Information are not assigned to a permanent post; (3) how many permanent staff within Downing street are classed as (a) staff without posts and (b) part of a people action team. Mr. Watson Individual Departments maintain their own records of staff temporarily without a permanent post. These staff are managed actively in accordance with departmental policy and taking into account cross-civil service protocols on the handling of surplus staff. As at 30 April 2008 there were 17 permanent Cabinet Office employees without a permanent role and none in the Central Office of Information. The Cabinet Office runs a brokerage service to ensure that staff without permanent roles are assigned to project or interim work while they are supported to find a suitable permanent role. Civil Servants: Pensions Paul Rowen To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) what estimate he has made of the annual change in the cost to the public purse arising from the recent changes to civil service pensions; and if he will make a statement. (2) what estimate he has made of the annual savings accruing to the public purse as a result of the introduction of a career average pension scheme within the civil service pension scheme. Mr. Watson I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement made by my hon. Friend the then Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office (Gillian Merron) on 26 July 2007, Official Report, column 105WS, which gave details of the package of civil service pension reform. The impact to date of the introduction of the nuvos scheme on the overall membership of the civil service pension scheme, and on overall costs, is limited. However, the scheme actuary has estimated long-term annual savings in employer contributions at 1.2 per cent. of the total pensionable payroll (the total pensionable payroll is currently around £14 billion). Paul Rowen To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many civil servants will receive payments from the civil service pension scheme in 2008-09. Mr. Watson Details of benefits payable under the principal civil service pension scheme will be included in the Cabinet Office: Civil Superannuation Resource Accounts 2008-09, expected to be published shortly before the summer recess. Departmental Information Officers Mr. Heald To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many full-time equivalent press officers (a) work and (b) provide assistance for his Department. Mr. Watson 10 full-time equivalent press officers currently work and provide assistance for the Cabinet Office. Departmental Public Participation Mike Penning To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many postcards were issued by his Department as part of public policy consultations in each of the last five years; and how many responses were received in each year. Mr. Watson The Cabinet Office uses a range of methods to engage with the public, including online surveys and information leaflets. The information requested is not held centrally and can be obtained only at a disproportionate cost. However, 1,479 postcards were sent out at the outset of the Crime and Communities consultation to stakeholders who had been involved with addressing crime and antisocial behaviour in their neighbourhoods. 399 responses were received. EDF Energy Mr. Hoban To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what contracts (a) his Department and (b) its agency has with EDF; and how much (i) his Department and (ii) its agency paid to EDF in each of the last 10 years, broken down by the purpose of the payment. Mr. Watson The Cabinet Office does not have any energy contracts directly with EDF. Since 2002 the Cabinet Office has procured its electricity and gas supply from facilities management providers who tender competitively. In 2007-08 the Cabinet Office procured for 70 Whitehall an additional electrical transformer to avoid overloading the original at a cost of £150,000 plus VAT from the distribution network operator EDF Energy. From 1998 to 2002 the Cabinet Office procured its energy from various suppliers including London Electricity (wholly owned by EDF Energy). Information for this period can be provided only at disproportionate cost. Government Departments: Information and Communications Technology Mr. Stephen O'Brien To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what public-facing IP addresses are used by the Government Secure Intranet. Angela Eagle I have been asked to reply. The information is as follows. GSi Gateway 62.25.106.196 62.25.106.208 62.25.106.209 62.25.106.210 195.92.40.36 195.92.40.48 195.92.40.49 195.92.40.50 GSi SIG 62.25.109.193 195.92.206.241 212.137.36.226 62.25.109.194 195.92.206.242 212.137.36.227 62.25.109.195 195.92.206.243 212.137.36.228 62.25.109.196 195.92.206.244 212.137.36.229 62.25.109.197 195.92.206.245 212.137.36.230 62.25.109.198 195.92.206.246 212.137.36.231 62.25.109.199 195.92.206.247 212.137.36.232 62.25.109.202 195.92.206.250 212.137.36.235 GCSx 212.137.70.225 62.25.105.45 Parliamentary Counsel Office: Manpower Anne Main To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many staff are employed by the Parliamentary Counsel Office on a (a) full-time equivalent and (b) headcount basis; and how many such staff were employed on 1 January (i) 2007 and (ii) 2008. Mr. Watson As at the end of September 2008 there were 83 people employed in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. This equated to 79.91 full-time equivalents. 87 people were employed in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel as at 1 January 2007. This equated to 84.42 full-time equivalents. 82 people were employed in the Office as at 1 January 2008. This equated to 81.5 full-time equivalents. Plain English Philip Davies To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much the Cabinet Office has spent on Plain English Campaign training courses in each year since 2005. Mr. Watson Management units across the Department arrange training to fulfil local skills needs—including for the use of plain English—with a wide range of external training providers. Detailed information relating to training activity used by management units is not held centrally by the Department, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Voluntary Work: Young People Mr. Jim Cunningham To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what recent steps the Government have taken to encourage children and young people to volunteer. Kevin Brennan As outlined in the Third Sector Review, the Government are investing £117 million in youth volunteering through v from 2008 to 2011. This is the biggest ever investment in youth volunteering, and v has so far created around 750,000 volunteering opportunities. The Office of the Third Sector has also provided funding in this financial year to the following organisations that provide or promote youth volunteering opportunities: Youthnet UK (£472,800), National Youth Agency (£315,200), Youth Action Network (£157,600) and the British Youth Council (£94,600). Communities and Local Government Architects Registration Board: Finance Julia Goldsworthy To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what funding her Department has given to the Architects Registration Board in each of the last three years. Margaret Beckett None. The Architects Registration Board is funded by the registration fees paid annually by architects in the UK. Beacon Council Advisory Panel Julia Goldsworthy To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the (a) responsibilities are and (b) budget is of the Advisory Panel on Beacon Councils. John Healey The Independent Advisory Panel for the Beacon Scheme (constituted as a non-departmental public body) advises Ministers on the themes, the criteria for assessment and the award of Beacon status. The panel receives secretariat support, from the Improvement and Development Agency (IdeA). For 2008-09, the forecast is that the direct costs of administering the panel will be around £167,000. Community Allowance Kerry McCarthy To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the timetable is for the piloting of community allowances, as referred to in the Communities in Control White Paper. Mr. McNulty I have been asked to reply. We have always made clear that the CREATE consortium will be able to pilot the community allowance within the existing benefits and permitted work structure. We would want to see a full evaluation of the allowance and the impact on improving benefit claimants' chances of moving into work before we considered whether to introduce it more widely. Community Relations: Islam Patrick Mercer To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps her Department has taken to implement Recommendation 12 of the Preventing Extremism Together report of 2005 concerning the development of Muslim beacon centres around the UK at the heart of Muslim geographic concentrations. Mr. Khan Progress has been made in implementing 49 of the 64 recommendations in the 2005 'Preventing Extremism Together' (PET). Of the 27 that were for Government to take forward, 22 have been either completed, are under way or are being taken forward as part of other work on preventing violent extremism. Outstanding actions are being taken forward as part of the overall cross-Government Prevent strategy. This recommendation, referring to the development of Muslim beacon centres around the UK at the heart of Muslim geographic concentrations was for Muslim communities to take forward. We remain open to the consideration of any requests for Government support in this area. Departmental Liability Mr. Burstow To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on what dates her Department informed the House of the creation of contingent liabilities relating to her Department or its non-departmental public bodies in each of the last five years. Mr. Khan Since 2003-04 the House has been informed twice yearly of the Department's and its predecessors' contingent liabilities. These were reported separately through their Main Supply Estimates and their Resource Accounts. The Main Supply Estimates were published in April or May of each year. In 2007-08, the Department's Winter and Spring Supplementary Estimates also reported on contingent liabilities. They were published on 15 November 2007 and 20 February 2008 respectively. The Resource Accounts were published on the dates set out in the table: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Department |Financial Year |Publication dates| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Office of the Deputy Prime Minister |Resource Accounts 2003-04|24 November 2004 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Office of the Deputy Prime. Minister|Resource Accounts 2004-05|20 July 2005 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Office of the Deputy Prime Minister |Resource Accounts 2005-06|25 July 2006 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Communities and Local Government |Resource Accounts 2006-07|12 July 2007 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Communities and Local Government |Resource Accounts 2007-08|21 July 2008 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elderly Mr. Waterson To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what her estimate is of the number of over-80s households in (a) Eastbourne, (b) East Sussex and (c) the UK in the 2008-09 fiscal year. Margaret Beckett The following table shows the projected number of over-80s households in Eastbourne, East Sussex and England for mid-2008: ------------------------------- | |Number (Thousand)| ------------------------------- |Eastbourne |5 | ------------------------------- |East Sussex|35 | ------------------------------- |England |1,690 | ------------------------------- The figures are from the Communities and Local Government Household Projections (revised 2004-based). These provide figures for England only. Fire Services Mr. Stewart Jackson To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many local fire authorities have signed up to the FireGuard contract; and if she will make a statement. Mr. Khan FireGuard is a collaborative procurement between 33 fire and rescue authorities to provide back- up emergency cover. We understand that no authority is currently signed up to the contract. Mr. Stewart Jackson To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what arrangement has been made for the provision of fire cover in periods of industrial action in the absence of FireGuard; and which organisations will provide that cover. Mr. Khan The provision of fire cover during periods of industrial action is the responsibility of fire and rescue authorities. It is for them to determine the level of emergency cover they regard as appropriate. Fire Services: Pensions Paul Rowen To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the average payment per person to members of the fire service pension scheme was in 2008. Mr. Khan According to figures submitted by fire and rescue authorities, the average payment per pensioner in 2007-08 was approximately £11,200. Mr. Philip Hammond To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what proportion of active members in the firefighters’ pension scheme joined on or after 6 April 2006; and what projections she has made of how this figure will change over time. Mr. Khan In 2007-08, of the 34,700 active members of the firefighters’ pension schemes, 5,700 (16.4 per cent.) were members of the new firefighters’ pension scheme 2006 which came into operation on 6 April 2006. The firefighters’ pension scheme 1992 was closed to new members at that point. It is estimated that 1,500 regular and retained firefighters will join the NFPS each year. Home Information Packs Mr. Greg Knight To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will suspend the requirement for a home information pack to be procured by those selling property in order to stimulate the housing market; and if she will make a statement. Margaret Beckett There is no evidence to show that home information packs are contributing to the current problems with the housing market, and we have no plans to suspend them. Housing: Evictions Dan Rogerson To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many housing benefit claimants have been (a) evicted and (b) deemed intentionally homeless as a result of rent arrears in each of the last three years. Kitty Ussher I have been asked to reply. The information is not available. Housing: Low Incomes James Brokenshire To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent assessment she has made of the health and safety risk to social housing tenants caused by equipment installed for the purposes of illegal radio broadcasts. Margaret Beckett We have not made any assessment of the health and safety risk to social housing tenants caused by equipment installed for the purposes of illegal radio broadcasts. Ofcom has extensive powers to prosecute those making illegal radio broadcasts. Housing: Regeneration Julia Goldsworthy To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) which local authorities took part in the first wave of the housing market renewal projects; and which authorities have expressed the intention of taking part in the second wave; (2) how much has been allocated to the second phase housing market renewal project area. Margaret Beckett The Housing Market Renewal pathfinder programme was established in 2003, with nine areas chosen for intervention, comprising the following 26 local authorities: Birmingham/Sandwell: Birmingham city council; Sandwell MBC East Lancashire: Lancashire county council, Blackburn with Darwen borough council, Burnley borough council, Hyndburn borough council, Pendle borough council, Rossendale borough council Hull and East Riding: Hull city council, East Riding of Yorkshire council Manchester/Salford: Manchester city council; Salford city council Merseyside: Liverpool city council; Sefton MBC; Wirral MBC Newcastle/Gateshead: Newcastle city council; Gateshead MBC North Staffordshire: Stoke-on-Trent city council; Newcastle under Lyme borough council; Staffordshire Moorlands district council Oldham/Rochdale: Oldham MBC; Rochdale MBC South Yorkshire: Sheffield city council; Barnsley MBC; Doncaster MBC; Rotherham MBC. Three areas of wider low demand were added to the programme in 2005: Tees Valley: Hartlepool borough council; Middlesbrough council; Redcar and Cleveland borough council; Stockton-on-Tees borough council West Cumbria: Cumbria county council; Allerdale district council; Barrow district council; Copeland district council West Yorkshire: Bradford city council; Kirklees MBC; Leeds city council; Wakefield MBC Funding for the period 2008 to 2011 was announced on 28 February 2008, Official Report, column 83WS. This covers the authorities as listed, with the exception of West Yorkshire, where funding for the South East Wakefield area of West Yorkshire is to be channelled through the South Yorkshire pathfinder. Housing: Sales Anne Main To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate her Department has made of the number of failed home sales in England and Wales in each of the last eight quarters. Margaret Beckett The latest estimate of the level of failed property transactions was made as part of the 2006 HIPs baseline research published in January 2007. This research estimated that 23 per cent. of buyers with completed transactions had previously had a failed transaction during their current house-buying experience. The report is available at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/hipbaselineresearch Local Authorities: Bank Services Mr. Andrew Smith To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans she has to issue guidance to local authorities with funds frozen in Icelandic banks on the appropriate level of any write-off of affected funds. John Healey The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) will be publishing professional advice to local authorities about the accounting aspects of the current situation and the factors they need to take into account in setting their budgets for 2009-10. Mr. Hoyle To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what guidance her Department issued to councils which signified in September 2008 their intention to (a) place deposits in overseas banks and (b) invest in overseas funds. John Healey It is a matter for local authorities to determine their own investment policies, within Government guidance to local authorities on investments, which was issued in 2004 following the 2003 Local Government Act. This emphasises that priority should be given to the security and liquidity of invested funds. The guidance is available at: http://www.local.communities.gov.uk/finance/capital/data/guidlocal.pdf Local Better Regulation Office Mr. Pickles To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether the Local Better Regulation Office will be able to designate itself as a primary authority and instruct councils to take enforcement action. Ian Pearson I have been asked to reply. The Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO) cannot nominate itself for the role of primary authority. LBRO may give directions in relation to enforcement action, but in limited circumstances. Where a proposed enforcement action has been referred to LBRO, and it confirms a primary authority's view that what is proposed is inconsistent with advice that the business has given, LBRO may direct the enforcing authority to take alternative action. Local Government: Gloucestershire Mr. Drew To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what correspondence she has had with Gloucestershire county council on unitary authority status; and if she will publish it. John Healey Gloucestershire county council did not respond to the our "Invitation to Councils", issued in October 2006, to submit unitary proposals and our records show no correspondence with the county council about unitary authority status, other than a freedom of information request in 2006 for information about representations received on the unitary issue. The information requested was provided. Local Government: Reorganisation Mr. Drew To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government by what means the process for an area to move from two-tier to unitary local authorities can be initiated. John Healey I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 13 March 2008, Official Report, column 583W. Mortgages: Government Assistance Mr. Dai Davies To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will bring forward proposals to provide compensation for single property mortgage holders who are in negative equity. Margaret Beckett Government are working actively with key stakeholders to provide support to homeowners during this period of unprecedented market turmoil. There are no plans to provide compensation for households experiencing negative equity. However, Government are already taking action to provide support for households affected by current market conditions through a mortgage rescue scheme targeted at the most vulnerable households, expanded provision of debt advice and increased support for homeowners who lose their jobs. Government continue to explore options to provide additional support. Mortgages: Repossession Orders Mr. Dai Davies To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent discussions (a) she and (b) the Minister for Housing has held with (i) the Secretary of State for Justice and (ii) the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in respect of the rate of use of charging orders by banks (A) nationalised and (B) in receipt of capitalisation by public money, resulting in the repossession of homes of people unable to keep up mortgage payments; and if she will review the application of such charging orders. Margaret Beckett Ministers have meetings with a wide range of organisations and individuals on a wide range of subjects. Information relating to internal meetings, discussion and advice is not disclosed as to do so could harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion. Mr. Dai Davies To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent representations she has had from the Citizens Advice Bureaux in respect of mortgage holders facing repossession of their homes by banks or building societies when difficulties arise with mortgage payments. Margaret Beckett Government are working closely with a range of stakeholders—including the Citizens Advice Bureaux—to help vulnerable households in financial difficulty and facing repossession remain in their homes wherever possible. We are concerned about recent data released from CAB which show a 51 per cent. increase in new mortgage and secured loan inquiries for the period July to September 2008 compared with the same period in 2007. That is why Government are taking urgent action to support vulnerable homeowners during these difficult times. Mr. Gordon Prentice To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what information her Department holds on the number of housing repossessions which took place as a percentage of the total mortgage book of the UK's top 10 mortgage providers in the last 12 months. Margaret Beckett Communities and Local Government does not collect or hold such data. The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) publishes figures on mortgage arrears and repossessions on a quarterly basis drawn from a representative sample of UK lenders covering around 95 per cent. of balances. CML does not publish sectoral data. Helen Southworth To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will take steps to ensure that banks take into account the tenancy rights of tenants whose landlord has a buy-to-let mortgage before making application for repossession of the property. Margaret Beckett I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Wright) on 30 October 2008, Official Report, column 1292W. Neighbourhood Management Programme Julia Goldsworthy To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what her Department has budgeted for neighbourhood management pathfinders in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2010-11. John Healey Funding for neighbourhood management pathfinders now forms part of the un-ringfenced area based grant. The allocation for 2008-09 is £10.7 million; proposed allocations for 2009-10 and 2010-11 are £5.1 million and £4.9 million respectively. 2008-09 is the final year of funding for the first round of pathfinders; the 2009-11 figures therefore represent funding for the second round pathfinders only. Regional Development Agencies Julia Goldsworthy To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what projects are funded by her Department through regional development agencies; and what the budget of each is for 2008-09. Mr. Khan My Department does not fund projects through regional development agencies directly. Regional development agencies are funded through the Single Programme, which is administered by their sponsor Department, the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. CLG is one of six contributing Departments to the Single Programme and is contributing £1.548 billion to the Single Programme for 2008-09. Spending priorities for each regional development agency are set out in their corporate plans, which are available on their websites. Allocations for 2008-09 are set out in the following table: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Regional development agency |Total Single programme allocation for 2008-09(£1000)| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Advantage West Midlands |300,638 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |East of England Development Agency |133,401 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |East Midlands Development Agency |163,000 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |London Development Agency |344,672 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North West Development Agency |385,008 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |One North East |245,500 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South East England Development Agency|157,811 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South West Development Agency |163,008 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Yorkshire Forward |299,462 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Total |2,192,500 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Swimming: Finance Mr. Pickles To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what representations her Department has received from local authorities on whether the plans for free swimming for over-60s will impose a net financial cost on local authorities. Mr. Khan Communities and Local Government have not received any representations on this matter. Department for Culture, Media and Sport have the lead in administering this policy. Tenants Rights Mr. Jim Cunningham To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) what recent steps the Government have taken to increase the protection of private tenants; (2) what recent steps the Government have taken to increase public awareness of the rights of private tenants; (3) what recent steps the Government have taken to prevent private landlords retaining rental deposits without justification. Margaret Beckett The Government are keen to promote a strong private rented sector that acts professionally and meets the needs of all its customers. In January this year, we commissioned Julie Rugg and David Rhodes at the centre for housing policy at York university to carry out an independent review looking at how the sector is operating and what can be done to improve the experience of both landlords and tenants. The review, published on 23 October, puts forward some very interesting ideas on how to raise standards and professionalism in the sector which we will be considering in consultation with stakeholders. We have already introduced measures to protect tenants’ deposits. Under the Housing Act 2004, landlords are required to protect the deposits for all assured shorthold tenancies that have been created since 6 April 2007 in one of three Government-approved schemes. These arrangements are designed to safeguard the interests of both landlords and tenants, ensuring good practice in deposit handling, so that when a tenant pays a deposit and is entitled to get it back, he or she can be assured that this will happen. The arrangements also include measures to assist with the resolution of disputes, which are designed to make disagreements over the repayment of the deposit faster and cheaper to resolve. The scheme has got off to an excellent start. In the first year, nearly one million deposits totalling over £900 million were protected under the new arrangements at the rate of 2,500 deposits a day. Details of the tenancy deposit protection arrangements and other regularly updated publicity material setting out tenants’ rights are available on the Department’s website and through: www.direct.gov.uk Home Department Alcoholic Drinks Mike Penning To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what venues were visited by KPMG during its review of the responsibility standards for the production and sale of alcoholic drinks, commissioned by her Department. Mr. Alan Campbell The Home Office was sent this information from KPMG. However, we believe that this information is commercially sensitive, and it is not our practice to make public information received from third parties. Animal Experiments Andrew Rosindell To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many proposals have been made under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to use animals in scientific procedures in 2008 to date; and how many of these have been accepted. Meg Hillier In 2008 to date under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 we have received 610 applications for project licences, 2,059 applications for personal licences and two applications for certificates of designation. In response, so far, 458 project licences, 1,933 personal licences and one certificate of designation have been granted. Antisocial Behaviour James Brokenshire To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how best practice on measures to combat antisocial behaviour is (a) assessed and (b) shared with others by her Department. Mr. Alan Campbell The Home Office antisocial behaviour ActionLine generates and evaluates case studies with the help of frontline practitioners on measures to combat antisocial behaviour. This information is available on the antisocial behaviour practitioner website: www.respect.gov.uk We also deliver regional workshops to help local practitioners make the best use of the available tools and powers. In addition, the effective practice database on the crime reduction website contains over 40 examples of how agencies across England and Wales have used a problem solving approach to tackle antisocial behaviour in their areas: http://www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk/cgi-bin/epd/index.cgi The website is a highly used channel to communicate directly with crime reduction practitioners across a wide range of crime issues. Antisocial Behaviour: Gwent Mr. Touhig To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many vehicles were confiscated as a result of anti-social behaviour in Islwyn constituency in each of the last five years. Mr. Alan Campbell Information on the number of vehicles confiscated as a result of antisocial behaviour is not collected centrally by the Home Office. Crime: Children Justine Greening To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans the Government has to include people under the age of 16 years of age in the British Crime Survey; and if she will make a statement. Mr. Alan Campbell The Home Office has already announced that we plan to extend the British Crime Survey to people under the age of 16 from January 2009. A National Statistics consultation seeking users' views on our proposals was carried out during the summer. Responses to this consultation are currently being considered and the Home Office will publish a document summarising comments received and its response in due course. Crime: Petrol Stations Mr. Evans To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) assaults, (b) robberies and (c) other crimes were committed at petrol stations in (i) Lancashire and (ii) nationally in each of the last three years. Mr. Alan Campbell [holding answer 27 October 2008]: The information requested is not collected centrally. It is not possible to determine the number of offences occurring at petrol stations from the recorded crime data collected by the Home Office. Departmental Publications Mr. Ruffley To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will place in the Library a copy of (a) Neighbourhood Wardens: an Evaluation of Selected Schemes, (b) Approved Premises: Referrals, Admissions and Outcomes, (c) Implementing Diversionary Restorative Justice: Lessons Learnt, (d) Process Study of Offender Management in the North West region and (e) Organised Crime: Revenues, Economic and Social Costs, and Criminal Assets Available for Seizure. Mr. Alan Campbell A copy of the draft unpublished research reports on “Neighbourhood Wardens: an Evaluation of Selected Schemes” and on “Organised Crime: Revenues, Economic and Social Costs and Criminal Assets Available for Seizure” will be placed in the Library as requested. The reports on “Premises: Referrals, Admissions and Outcomes”, “Implementing Diversionary Restorative Justice: Lessons Learnt” and “Process Study of Offender Management in the North West region” are now held in the Ministry of Justice following the machinery of government changes implemented in May 2007. The Ministry of Justice will write to you separately regarding the release of these reports. Domestic Violence Lembit Öpik To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the (a) recorded and (b) estimated actual number of incidents of domestic violence against (i) women and (ii) men was in the latest period for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement. Mr. Alan Campbell From the information collected centrally on police recorded crime, it is not possible to identify recorded cases of domestic violence. Such offences are not specifically defined by law and details of the individual circumstances of offences are not collected. The British Crime Survey (BCS) is a nationally representative survey of adults living in private households in England and Wales. The survey asks about crimes that have been experienced in the last 12 months including those not reported to or recorded by the police. Latest estimates from the 2007-08 BCS, show that 288,000 incidents of domestic violence were committed against women and 52,000 incidents against men. Domestic Violence: Gloucestershire Mr. Drew To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many incidents of offences related to domestic violence were reported in each police division in Gloucestershire in the latest year for which figures are available. Mr. Alan Campbell From the information collected centrally on recorded crime, it is not possible to identify recorded cases of domestic violence. Such offences are not specifically defined by law and details of the individual circumstances of offences are not collected. The British Crime Survey (BCS) routinely provides information on the number of incidents of domestic violence in England and Wales, but it is not possible to break the statistics down by police force area. Domestic Violence: Hertfordshire Mike Penning To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many incidents of offences related to domestic violence were reported in each police division of Hertfordshire constabulary in the latest year for which figures are available. Mr. Alan Campbell From the information collected centrally on recorded crime, it is not possible to identify recorded cases of domestic violence. Such offences are not specifically defined by law and details of the individual circumstances of offences are not collected. The British Crime Survey (BCS) routinely provides information on the number of incidents of domestic violence in England and Wales, but it is not possible to break the statistics down by police force area. Driving Offences Mr. Vara To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were (a) arrested and (b) convicted for driving without a licence or insurance in (i) North West Cambridgeshire constituency, (ii) Cambridgeshire, (iii) the East of England and (iv) England and Wales in each of the last five years. Mr. Alan Campbell The information requested on arrests is not collected centrally. The arrests collection held by the Home Office covers arrests for recorded crime (notifiable offences) only, broken down at a main offence group level, covering categories such as violence against the person and robbery. The offence of driving without a licence or insurance is not a notifiable offence and does not form a part of the arrests collection. Available information on convictions held by the Ministry of Justice, for the offences of 'driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence' and 'using a motor vehicle uninsured against third party risks', from 2002-06 (latest available) are provided in the following tables. 2007 data should be available end of November 2008. Data are available at police force area level only. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Number of offences| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |2002 |20032|2004|2005|2006| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cambridgeshire |2,298 |2,728|2,678|2,827|3,430| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |East of England |21,569 |24,917|23,965|23,464|23,430| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |England and Wales |288,499 |323,367|322,814|287,198|265,749| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 An offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 s. 143(2)2 As from 1 June 2003, 'driving a motor vehicle while uninsured against third party risks' became a fixed penalty offence.Notes:1. It is known that for some police force areas, the reporting of court proceedings in particular those relating to summary motoring offences may be less than complete.2. Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their limitations are taken into account when those data are used.| | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Number of offences| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |2002 |2003|2004|2005|2006| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cambridgeshire |1,265 |1,399|1,591|1,649|1,826| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |East of England |11,834 |13,859|14,016|13,681|12,645| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |England and Wales |170,910 |196,848|207,040|183,788|160,727| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 An offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 s. 87 (1) and (2) as amended.Notes:1. It is known that for some police force areas, the reporting of court proceedings in particular those relating to summary motoring offences may be less than complete.2. Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their limitations are taken into account when those data are used.| | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Driving Offences: Mobile Phones Mr. Ruffley To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drivers have been (a) stopped by police, (b) charged, (c) convicted, (d) fined and (e) cautioned for driving while using a mobile phone in each police force area in each year since the ban came into force. Mr. Alan Campbell Information requested on the number of drivers stopped or charged for using hand held mobile phones while driving is not collected centrally. Data on court proceedings for the offence have been provided in lieu of charging. Available information taken from the Court proceedings Database held by the Ministry of Justice from 2003 to 2006 (latest available) is provided in table 1. 2007 data should be available end of November 2008. As the majority of ‘use of hand held mobile phone while driving’ offences are dealt with by the issue of a fixed penalty notice, data on the number issued are also included in table 2, covering the period from 2003 to 2006. --------------------- |Number of offences | --------------------- | |2003|2004| --------------------- |Police force area |Total court proceedings2|Total findings of guilt|Total number of court fines|Total court proceedings2|Total findings of guilt|Total number of court fines| --------------------- |Avon and Somerset |0|0|0|19|19|18| --------------------- |Bedfordshire |1|1|1|5|5|5| --------------------- |Cambridgeshire |0|0|0|7|6|6| --------------------- |Cheshire |0|0|0|2|1|1| --------------------- |Cleveland |0|0|0|4|3|3| --------------------- |Cumbria |0|0|0|24|24|23| --------------------- |Derbyshire |0|0|0|17|16|16| --------------------- |Devon and Cornwall |0|0|0|19|17|16| --------------------- |Dorset |0|0|0|0|0|0| --------------------- |Durham |0|0|0|1|1|1| --------------------- |Essex |0|0|0|28|25|25| --------------------- |Gloucestershire |0|0|0|1|1|1| --------------------- |Greater Manchester |0|0|0|73|65|64| --------------------- |Hampshire |0|0|0|18|15|15| --------------------- |Hertfordshire |0|0|0|6|6|6| --------------------- |Humberside |0|0|0|4|4|4| --------------------- |Kent |0|0|0|0|0|0| --------------------- |Lancashire |0|0|0|17|16|15| --------------------- |Leicestershire |0|0|0|12|9|8| --------------------- |Lincolnshire |0|0|0|9|5|5| --------------------- |London, City of |0|0|0|7|5|5| --------------------- |Merseyside |0|0|0|22|20|10| --------------------- |Metropolitan Police|0|0|0|203|124|116| --------------------- |Norfolk |0|0|0|20|15|13| --------------------- |Northamptonshire |0|0|0|0|0|0| --------------------- |Northumbria |0|0|0|32|29|26| --------------------- |North Yorkshire |0|0|0|18|18|16| --------------------- |Nottinghamshire |0|0|0|8|7|6| --------------------- |South Yorkshire |0|0|0|12|12|11| --------------------- |Staffordshire |0|0|0|11|10|9| --------------------- |Suffolk |0|0|0|7|4|4| --------------------- |Surrey |0|0|0|9|7|7| --------------------- |Sussex |0|0|0|1|1|1| --------------------- |Thames Valley |0|0|0|24|21|20| --------------------- |Warwickshire |0|0|0|7|7|7| --------------------- |West Mercia |0|0|0|17|15|14| --------------------- |West Midlands |0|0|0|61|52|46| --------------------- |West Yorkshire |0|0|0|11|9|9| --------------------- |Wiltshire |0|0|0|21|19|18| --------------------- |Dyfed-Powys |0|0|0|13|13|13| --------------------- |Gwent |0|0|0|0|0|0| --------------------- |North Wales |0|0|0|3|3|3| --------------------- |South Wales |0|0|0|16|12|11| --------------------- | ||||||| --------------------- |England and Wales |1|1|1|789|641|596| --------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |2005 |2006 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Police force area |Total court proceedings2|Total findings of guilt|Total number of court fines|Total court proceedings2|Total findings of guilt|Total number of court fines| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Avon and Somerset |47 |39 |38|54|48|48| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bedfordshire |16 |13 |13|76|62|60| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cambridgeshire |19 |19 |19|52|46|42| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cheshire |15 |14 |14|36|30|29| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cleveland |7 |7 |6|20|16|14| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cumbria |41 |35 |34|57|53|52| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Derbyshire |52 |49 |48|35|30|29| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Devon and Cornwall |27 |25 |24|52|42|39| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Dorset |3 |3 |1|4|3|2| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Durham |2 |2 |2|16|15|15| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Essex |64 |53 |46|71|65|60| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Gloucestershire |4 |4 |4|10|7|6| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Greater Manchester |154 |136 |124|183|158|144| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Hampshire |40 |34 |33|69|63|62| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Hertfordshire |70 |64 |61|65|52|51| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Humberside |25 |22 |21|45|39|35| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Kent |0 |0 |0|0|0|0| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Lancashire |48 |46 |39|62|48|44| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Leicestershire |28 |26 |20|26|24|16| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Lincolnshire |15 |12 |11|30|24|23| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |London, City of |14 |12 |12|24|20|20| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Merseyside |27 |23 |14|46|41|27| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Metropolitan Police |658 |545 |496|685|588|541| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Norfolk |21 |17 |17|31|21|19| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Northamptonshire |0 |0 |0|0|0|0| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Northumbria |22 |20 |20|98|89|84| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North Yorkshire |35 |30 |29|34|33|32| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Nottinghamshire |26 |24 |18|17|15|13| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South Yorkshire |25 |21 |17|43|32|30| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Staffordshire |21 |21 |19|19|16|16| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Suffolk |22 |17 |17|21|16|15| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Surrey |91 |82 |82|92|88|87| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sussex |2 |2 |1|0|0|0| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Thames Valley |126 |112 |106|211|175|172| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Warwickshire |17 |13 |8|20|16|14| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |West Mercia |59 |50 |48|88|74|70| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |West Midlands |109 |88 |79|121|94|89| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |West Yorkshire |47 |38 |36|52|37|29| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wiltshire |29 |22 |21|38|32|32| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Dyfed-Powys |16 |13 |13|15|14|13| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Gwent |4 |3 |3|6|4|3| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North Wales |17 |13 |12|30|26|25| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South Wales |25 |20 |20|28|21|18| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | ||||| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |England and Wales |2,090 |1,789 |1,646|2,682|2,277|2,120| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 Offences under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, Regulations 110(1), 110(2) and 110(3). Introduced 1 December 2003.2 Includes cases where a fixed penalty notice was originally issued but not paid and subsequently referred to court.Notes:1. It is known that for some police force areas, the reporting of court proceedings in particular those relating to summary motoring offences, may be less than complete.2. Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.| | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |December| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Police force area |2003 |2004|2005|2006| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |England | |||| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Avon and Somerset |— |1,902|2,502|2,666| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bedfordshire |10 |579|944|1,749| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cambridgeshire |— |219|1,347|3,505| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cheshire |— |2,689|2,891|4,985| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cleveland |13 |1,066|1,955|2,263| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cumbria |13 |528|1,021|1,412| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Derbyshire |13 |978|1,501|2,718| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Devon and Cornwall |345 |796|1,482|1,892| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Dorset |— |521|657|1.982| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Durham2 |— |504|963|1,004| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Essex |— |2,431|4,369|6.857| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Gloucestershire |147 |632|1,208|1,484| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Greater Manchester |— |8,166|12,904|16,386| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Hampshire |54 |2,032|4,078|6,614| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Hertfordshire |— |2,526|3,923|4,614| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Humberside |— |381|1,202|1,924| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Kent |15 |1,707|4,829|4,708| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Lancashire |34 |1,719|3,079|3,937| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Leicestershire |17 |759|254|1,109| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Lincolnshire |7 |1,529|2,514|3,273| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |London, City of |45 |137|1,647|2,077| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Merseyside |— |1,836|5,684|8,800| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Metropolitan |681 |13,581|18,035|22,640| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Norfolk3 |17 |887|904|—| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Northamptonshire |1 |297|971|1,428| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Northumbria |56 |1,271|2,409|3,248| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North Yorkshire |5 |720|1,289|2,414| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Nottinghamshire |— |653|1,637|3,022| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South Yorkshire |28 |1,978|3,978|3,109| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Staffordshire |12 |264|2.346|2,416| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Suffolk |42 |978|1,707|2,613| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Surrey |164 |2,213|3,575|3,988| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sussex |— |546|1,105|2,318| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Thames Valley |25 |3,716|7.111|3,587| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Warwickshire |— |621|918|1,281| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |West Mercia |— |2,200|5,246|6,842| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |West Midlands |144 |3,864|5,065|4,661| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |West Yorkshire |— |2,368|4,272|4,997| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wiltshire |— |700|1,226|2,185| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |England |1,888 |70,494|122,748|156,708| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | |||| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wales | |||| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Dyfed-Powys |— |363|628|950| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Gwent |— |517|938|1,404| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North Wales |— |999|424|3,083| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South Wales |— |1,603|2,030|2,765| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | |||| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wales |— |3,482|4,020|8,202| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | |||| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |England and Wales |1,888 |73,976|126,768|164,910| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 Introduced 1 December 2003.2 Revised figure provided for 2006.3 Force unable to supply data for 2006 due to technical reasons.Note:Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.| | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Firearms: Crime Mr. Mark Field To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many incidents of violence against the person involving a handgun were recorded (a) in total and (b) per 1,000 of the population for (i) England, (ii) the Avon and Somerset Constabulary area and (iii) Bath and North East Somerset in each year from 1997 to 2008; (2) how many incidents of violence against the person where a fatality has occurred as a result of a handgun wound were recorded (a) in total and (b) per 1,000 of the population for (i) England, (ii) the Avon and Somerset Constabulary area and (iii) Bath and North East Somerset in each year from 1997 to 2008. Mr. Alan Campbell Available data relate to offences involving a handgun where the firearm was fired, used as a blunt instrument or used as a threat. Figures for England and Avon and Somerset police force area from 1997-98 up to and including 2006-07 are provided. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |England |Avon and Somerset | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Number of offences|Offences per 100,000 population|Number of offences|Offences per 100,000 population| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1997-98 |2,620 |5 |40|3| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1998-992 |2,668 |5 |41|3| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1999-2000 |3,672 |7 |54|4| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2000-01 |4,095 |8 |77|5| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2001-023 |5,858 |12 |87|6| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2002-03 |5,531 |11 |86|6| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2003-04 |5,123 |10 |85|6| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2004-05 |4,325 |9 |42|3| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005-06 |4,647 |9 |23|2| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006-07 |4,151 |8 |36|2| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 By being fired, used as a blunt instrument or used as a threat.2 There was a change in the counting rules for recorded crime on 1 April 1998.3 The National Crime Recording Standard was introduced on 1 April 2002. Figures for some crime categories may have been inflated by this.| | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |England |Avon and Somerset | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Number of offences|Offences per 100,000 population|Number of offences|Offences per 100,000 population| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1997-98 |33 |0.07 |—|—| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1998-992 |29 |0.06 |1|0.07| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1999-2000 |42 |0.08 |—|—| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2000-01 |48 |0.10 |2|0.13| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2001-023 |59 |0.12 |—|—| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2002-03 |39 |0.08 |3|0.20| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2003-04 |35 |0.07 |2|0.13| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2004-05 |36 |0.07 |—|—| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005-06 |22 |0.04 |—|—| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006-07 |27 |0.05 |—|—| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 By being fired, used as a blunt instrument or used as a threat2 There was a change in the counting rules for recorded crime on 1 April 1998.3 The National Crime Recording Standard was introduced on 1 April 2002. Figures for some crime categories may have been inflated by this.| | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Genetics: Databases Keith Vaz To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her most recent estimate is of the number of errors on the national DNA database; and how many and what percentage of the errors which were on the database in 2007 have been corrected. Mr. Alan Campbell It is not possible to estimate the number of erroneous records that may exist on the National DNA Database (NDNAD) and I refer my right hon. Friend to the reply given on 25 March 2008, Official Report, column 71W, by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Office (Meg Hillier), in response to a question from him on the number of irregularities on the National DNA Database. About 13.3 per cent. of records on the NDNAD are estimated to be duplicates or replicates. These are not erroneous but are dealt with in this answer because of my right hon. Friend’s previous reference to them as “mistakes”—21 April 2008, Official Report, column 1032W, refers. Replicate records can arise for a number of reasons but as they do not cause leads to be missed, or possible miscarriages of justice, they are not regarded as erroneous. Keith Vaz To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people aged under 18 who (a) have not been convicted of any crime and (b) have been convicted of a minor crime have their details stored on the national DNA database. Mr. Alan Campbell I refer my right hon. Friend to the written answer given to the hon. Member for Welwyn Hatfield (Grant Shapps) on 1 September 2008, Official Report, column 1565W. No information is available on whether the crime for which the individual was convicted, cautioned, reprimanded or had received a final warning was minor or more serious and this could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Mr. Sanders To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of individuals from each police force area who have details stored on the National DNA Database have been found guilty of an offence. Mr. Alan Campbell The National DNA Database does not record convictions. That is done by the Police National Computer (PNC). When data was last obtained from PNC it showed that at 31 March 2008, 857,366 people on the National DNA Database did not have a current criminal record on the Police National Computer. However, this figure includes those who have been convicted and their records deleted, and those where proceedings are still ongoing, as well as those who have never been convicted. It would be possible to break this figure down by police force area only at disproportionate cost. Illegal Immigrants: France Keith Vaz To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assistance the Government provides to France on the policing of the French border of the Channel tunnel. Mr. Coaker The UK and French Governments and police organisations co-operate closely on policing of the channel tunnel. UK and French senior officials and police officers meet regularly in the Joint Security Committee (JSC), which is set up by the Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) to ensure continued comparability of security standards for the channel tunnel. Kent police provide a permanent police presence and response to the channel tunnel which is funded under the terms of the Channel Tunnel Act. Kent police, under joint arrangements, also maintain a permanent liaison office in Coquelles that provides direct engagement with the French authorities. Article 4 of the Sangatte treaty further mandates regular joint operational meetings between French and UK agencies. The safety and security of the channel tunnel is supported by other initiatives such as the annual exercise programme, the lead for which alternates between the UK and France. Investigatory Powers Tribunal Bob Spink To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations she has received on the effectiveness of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal in the last 12 months. Mr. Coaker The Secretary of State for the Home Department has not received any representations on the effectiveness of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal. Police National Computer: Access James Brokenshire To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department who is permitted to have access to the information contained on the police national computer. Mr. Coaker I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend, the then Minister of state for security, counter-terrorism, crime and policing (Mr. McNulty), to the hon. Member for Monmouth (David T.C. Davies) on 5 March 2008, Official Report, column 2672W. Police: Olympic Games 2012 James Brokenshire To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what budgets police authorities have established for the cost of overtime and other expenses in connection with the policing of the 2012 London Olympics. Mr. Coaker Future budgets set by police authorities are a matter for the police authorities concerned. The Government are currently drawing up a detailed assessment of the likely additional security costs of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. Project Scope Mr. Grieve To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of (a) Project Scope and (b) Project Scope 2; (2) how much her Department spent on the delivery of (a) Project Scope and (b) Project Scope 2; (3) when the roll-out of (a) Project Scope and (b) Project Scope 2 will be completed; and if she will make a statement. Mr. Watson I have been asked to reply. With regard to the effectiveness of the SCOPE programme I have nothing further to add to the words of the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs during the recent debate on the Intelligence and Security Committee on 17 July 2008, Official Report, column 498W. In respect of information requested concerning the costs associated with the programme, I refer to the answer given to the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker) on 6 November 2006, Official Report, column 862W. We have informed our contractor for Phase 2 of SCOPE that a different approach to the delivery of those capabilities is needed. As a result we are discussing these implications with the contractor. The details of these discussions are commercially confidential and will remain so. Research Development and Statistics Directorate: Publications Mrs. Lait To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Bury St Edmunds of 26 June 2008, Official Report, columns 445-6W, on the Research Development and Statistics Directorate: publications, if she will place in the Library a copy of the research on neighbourhood wardens, redacting any sensitive personal information. Mr. Alan Campbell A copy of the draft unpublished research report on “Neighbourhood wardens: an evaluation of selected schemes” will be placed in the Library as requested. Roads: Accidents Mr. Evans To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were (a) prosecuted for and (b) convicted of road accident fraud in each of the last five years. Mr. Alan Campbell [holding answer 3 November 2008]: The information requested is not collected centrally. Sex Establishments: Licensing Ms Barlow To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether provisions to enable local authorities to license lap dancing clubs as sex encounter establishments will be included in the forthcoming Policing and Crime Reduction Bill. Mr. Alan Campbell Following a consultation with local authorities, the Home Secretary recently announced that the Government would take the necessary steps to give a stronger say to local people over the establishment of lap-dancing clubs in their area. The Government are considering various options, including whether to license such clubs as ‘sex encounter establishments’ as defined under the Local Authorities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 and will introduce legislation as soon as the parliamentary timetable allows. Shoplifting Miss McIntosh To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many shoplifting offences were committed in the last period for which figures are available. Mr. Alan Campbell There were 290,625 offences recorded by the police in 2007-08. This represents a fall of 1 per cent. over the previous year. Surveillance: Telecommunications Mr. Meacher To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many requests law enforcement agencies made to telephone and internet companies for details of (a) telephone calls and (b) internet use involving a public body authorised to require the disclosure of information under Part 3 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 in each year since 2001; which were the 20 public bodies in respect of which the most requests were made; and how many requests were made in respect of each of those 20 bodies. Mr. Coaker [holding answer 3 November 2008]: The number of requests for communications data under Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) is published in the Interception of Communications Commissioner’s annual report. These figures were not collated before 2005 and are not broken down by agency, type of communication (i.e. telephone or internet) or the service provider. ----------------------------------------- | |Number | ----------------------------------------- |1 January to 31 December 2007 |519,260| ----------------------------------------- |11 April 2006 to December 2006 |253,557| ----------------------------------------- |1 January 2005 to 31 March 2006|439,054| ----------------------------------------- Part 3 of RIPA deals with investigation of electronic data protected by encryption. These provisions have only been in force since October 2007. To date, 26 section 49 notices have been served on individuals requiring them to disclose material protected by encryption in an intelligible form. Written Questions: Government Responses Mr. Paul Goodman To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she plans to reply to Question 201880, tabled on 25 April 2008 on the deployment of police officers to prevent violent extremism. Mr. Coaker My predecessor replied to you on 23 June 2008, Official Report, column 81W. Health Venous Thromboembolism Dr. Richard Taylor 11. To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make risk assessments for venous thromboembolism mandatory for all patients on admission to hospital. Ann Keen We expect this venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment policy to be adopted throughout the national health service (NHS). Currently, at the request of the Chief Medical Officer, the Chair of the national implementation group is visiting throughout the NHS to discuss with senior managers and doctors their strategies for implementing VTE risk assessment in their hospitals. We will be monitoring the position closely and formally reviewing the policy in a year’s time. If there is inconsistency in, or lack of commitment to, implementation, we will consider making it mandatory to perform risk assessments. GP-led Health Centres Laura Moffatt 12. To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he plans to introduce GP-led health centres across England; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Bradshaw Yes. Every local national health service (NHS) in England is in the process of procuring a new general practitioner (GP)-led health centre open 8 am to 8 pm, 365 days a year. People will be able to use the new services and remain registered with their own GP. This will increase choice and convenience for the public who tell us easier access to GP services is a top priority for further improvements to the NHS. Exceptional Cases Panels Mr. Grogan 13. To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will issue national guidance to primary care trusts on the composition and rules of procedure of exceptional cases panels. Mr. Bradshaw Yes. We are developing both a set of principles and detailed guidance to support local decision making including exceptional cases panels. We expect to publish both the principles and the new guidance in the new year. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will be saying more on this in his statement. Accident and Emergency Treatment Bob Russell 14. To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his most recent estimate is of the number and percentage of people attending hospital accident and emergency departments whose treatment could have been undertaken by a trained first aider. Mr. Bradshaw No estimate has been made by the Department. However, it is sensible for the local NHS to minimise the number of avoidable accident and emergency attendances. Computerised Patient Records Mr. Bacon 15. To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has to permit GP practices to transfer computerised patient records electronically to another practice prior to the GP2GP system becoming operational. Mr. Bradshaw The GP2GP service provides a secure method for transferring a patient’s existing electronic health record when the patient first registers at a practice. Just under 60 per cent. of practices in England currently use this service and national health service Connecting for Health is working with suppliers to extend this service to more practices across England. Where practices do not yet have access to the GP2GP service, records may be transferred on paper or by a secure electronic medium approved by the primary care trust. National Dementia Strategy Mr. Evennett 16. To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made on the national dementia strategy. Phil Hope A draft of the national dementia strategy was published on 19 June for consultation. The consultation closed on 11 September and we are currently considering all the responses received before deciding on the final shape of the strategy. We aim to publish the strategy by the end of the year. Accident and Emergency Care: South-West Alison Seabeck 17. To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of accident and emergency care standards in the South West; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Bradshaw The independent health watchdog, the Healthcare Commission, recently reported excellent performance in the Plymouth health community across all of the services providing emergency care, including ambulance, accident and emergency out-of-hours GP services, emergency care provided by GPs and minor injuries units. It also said the NHS was improving faster in the south west than in any other region of England. Resource Allocation Tony Lloyd 18. To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on the allocation of NHS resources to those areas with the greatest health needs; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Bradshaw Revenue allocations to PCTs are made on the basis of a fair funding formula that directs funding towards those areas of greatest need. The aim of the formula is to ensure there is sufficient funding to provide equal access to equal need and reduce avoidable health inequalities. Pharmacy Licences: 100-hour Rule Mr. Burns 19. To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effects of the application of the 100 hour rule for granting pharmacy licences to supermarkets on the future of dispensing; and if he will make a statement. Phil Hope Consultation on possible options for legislative reform in respect of pharmacies opening at least 100 hours per week, whether in supermarkets or elsewhere, began on 27 August 2008 and ends on 20 November 2008. The consultation document, “Pharmacy in England: Building on strengths—delivering the future—proposals for legislative change” is available on the Department's website together with associated impact assessments and copies have been placed in the Library. Pharmacy White Paper Miss McIntosh 20. To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received on the Pharmacy White Paper. Phil Hope Since we published our White Paper “Pharmacy in England: Building on strengths—delivering the future” on 3 April 2008, the Department has received some 200 items of correspondence on this subject from hon. Members, Noble Lords, health professionals and members of the public up to 31 October 2008. In addition, consultation on proposals to reform the current legislative arrangements for NHS pharmaceutical services as promised in the White Paper began on 27 August 2008 and closes on 20 November 2008. The Department is receiving many representations as part of this consultation. PCT Funding Formula: North Yorkshire Hugh Bayley 21. To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to revise the funding formula for allocations to primary care trusts in North Yorkshire for 2009-10. Mr. Bradshaw The Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation (ACRA) has recently reviewed the PCT funding formula. The new formula will inform revenue allocations post 2008-09. The allocations will be published alongside the operating framework later this year. ACRA's report of its review will also be published at this time. NHS Treatment: Overseas Visitors Mr. Heathcoat-Amory 22. To ask the Secretary of State for Health what checks are made on the eligibility of overseas visitors for NHS treatment. Dawn Primarolo NHS hospitals have a legal duty to establish eligibility to free hospital treatment for all overseas visitors. They consider whether exemption from charge categories listed within these regulations apply, based on the evidence provided by the patient. If patients are not exempt, hospitals make and recover charges from them. Resource Allocation Review Mr. Hands 23. To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made on his Department’s resource allocation review; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Bradshaw The Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation (ACRA) has completed its review of the PCT funding formula. The new formula will inform revenue allocations post 2008-09. The allocations will be published alongside the operating framework later this year. ACRA’s report of its review will also be published at this time. Business Rates Mr. Chope To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the sum his Department will pay in business rates in respect of its empty property in England in 2008. Mr. Bradshaw It is currently estimated that £198,000 will be paid by the Department in empty business rates in 2008-09. The Department is actively seeking to dispose of its interest in the properties concerned. Abortion Mr. Amess To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library a copy of the partial regulatory impact assessment on the Prohibition of Abortion (England and Wales) Bill of Session 2005-06; and if he will make a statement. Dawn Primarolo This document has already been placed in the Library. Alcoholic Drinks James Brokenshire To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received on his Department's proposals for a mandatory code of practice for the alcohol industry; and if he will make a statement.[Official Report, 13 November 2008, Vol. 482, c. 5MC.] Dawn Primarolo More than 3,300 representations have been received and are still being logged and analysed. These will be considered carefully. Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse James Brokenshire To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of visits to accident and emergency departments related to patients requiring treatment where the primary or secondary diagnosis was excessive alcohol consumption in each of the last five years. Dawn Primarolo The information requested is not collected centrally. James Brokenshire To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent by the NHS on drugs to combat alcohol dependency in each of the last 10 years. Dawn Primarolo There are a number of drugs that can be used to treat, or that are used in the treatment of alcohol dependency. However, the vast majority of these drugs are used to treat a range of other conditions and data on their use cannot be broken down to show use by disease group, therefore providing these data would be misleading. However, disulfiram (Antabuse) and acamprosate (Campral) are used only in the treatment of alcohol dependency and the following table gives the cost of prescriptions of these drugs over the last 10 years. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |NIC1 of disulfiram and acamprosate| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1998 |1,078,184 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1999 |1,309,572 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2000 |1,900,413 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2001 |1,808,409 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2002 |1,620,725 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2003 |1,722,589 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2004 |1,828,429 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005 |1,961,854 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006 |2,143,146 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2007 |2,248,294 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 Net Ingredient Cost is the basic cost of a drug. It does not take account of discounts, dispensing costs, fees or prescription charges income.| | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- James Brokenshire To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent estimate he has made of the incidence of alcohol and cocaine poly-addiction. Dawn Primarolo The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse's National Drug Treatment Monitoring System (NDTMS), collects local data about individuals in structured drug treatment and the treatment they receive. The NDTMS reports that in 2007-08, 7,497 individuals, in specialist drug treatment, reported cocaine as one of their top three problem substances, with alcohol as either a second or third problem substance at the point of triage/initial assessment. The NDTMS only records data for clients in specialist drug treatment in England and it excludes those whose primary problem is with alcohol. Since April 2008, all providers of specialist alcohol treatment have been asked to submit data to the NTA's National Alcohol Treatment Monitoring System on clients receiving specialist treatment for their alcohol misuse, however, these data are not currently robust enough for reporting purposes. Therefore, it is likely that the figure above underestimates the number of individuals addicted to both alcohol and cocaine in England. It is only possible to collect data on those individuals who are addicted to both alcohol and cocaine when they enter treatment, therefore the data above take no account of those with poly-addiction who were not participating in treatment. Alzheimer's Disease: Hertfordshire Mike Penning To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in (a) Hemel Hempstead and (b) West Hertfordshire Hospital Trust in each of the last 10 years. Phil Hope The national Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) records the number of people recorded on practice disease registers with a diagnosis of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 50-75 per cent. of cases of dementia so the count of patients with dementia gives an indication of the number with Alzheimer’s disease. This register count is available only for the two latest releases of QOF, covering 2006-07 and 2007-08. We are unable to supply this information for Hemel Hempstead as the data are only available for practices but can be aggregated to primary care trust (PCT) level. We have supplied information for the health area that best fits Hemel Hempstead, namely West Hertfordshire PCT. These QOF figures are given in table 1. They are the totals for patients with dementia. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Financial year |Number| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2007-08 |2,030 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006-07 |1,996 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Notes:1. QOF is the national Quality and Outcomes Framework, introduced as part of the new General Medical Services (GMS) contract on 1 April 2004.2. Participation by practices in the QOF is voluntary, though participation rates are very high, with most Personal Medical Services (PMS) practices also taking part.3. The published QOF information was derived from the Quality Management Analysis System (QMAS), a national system developed by NHS Connecting for Health.4. QMAS uses data from general practices to calculate individual practices’ QOF achievement. QMAS is a national IT system developed by NHS Connecting for Health to support the QOF.5. The system calculates practice achievement against national targets. It gives general practices, primary care trusts (PCTs) and strategic health authorities (SHAs) objective evidence and feedback on the quality of care delivered to patients.6. The Quality Management Analysis System captures the number of patients on the various disease registers for each practice. The number of patients on the clinical registers can be used to calculate measures of disease prevalence, expressing the number of patients on’ each register as a percentage of the number of patients on practices' lists.7. Figures presented here are just the number of patients on the disease register for dementia.Source:The data supplied in table 1 are published on the website of the Information Centre for health and social care.(a) For 2007-08 see the “Quality and Outcomes Framework 2007/08” publication data tables at the following link (published 30 September 2008).http://www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data-collections/supporting-information/audits-and-performance/the-quality-and-outcomes-framework/qof-2007/08/data-tablesThe table for PCT level QOF for 2007-08 can be found at this link:http://www.ic.nhs.uk/webfiles/QOF/2007-08/NewFilesGS/QOF0708_PCTs_Prevalence.xlsThis publication has already been placed in the Library.(b) For 2006-07 see “Quality and Outcomes Framework 2006/07” publication data tables at the following link (published 28 September 2007).http://www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data-collections/supporting-information/audits-and-performance/the-quality-and-outcomes-framework/qof-2006/07/qof-2006-07-data-tablesThe table for PCT level QOF for 2006-07 can be found at this link:http://www.ic.nhs.uk/webfiles/QOF/2006-07/QOF0607_PCTs_Prevalence.xlsThis publication has already been placed in the Library.| | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- QOF information is not available for hospital trusts. Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) are available and give the number of finished consultant episodes in which the patient had a primary or secondary diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, shown in table 2. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |St. Albans and Hemel Hempstead NHS Trust and Mount Vernon and Watford Hospital|West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1997-98 |112 |— | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1998-99 |95 |— | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1999-2000 |89 |— | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2000-01 |— |89 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2001-02 |— |116 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2002-03 |— |124 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2003-04 |— |139 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2004-05 |— |149 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2004-05 |— |156 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006-07 |— |191 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Notes:1. West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust was set up in 2000-01 by merging St. Albans and Hemel Hempstead NHS Trust and RQL Mount Vernon and Watford Hospital. Therefore figures prior to 2000-01 were provided as the total of RPW and RQL.2. Numbers provided are for finished consultant episodes and for cases for patients admitted to NHS hospitals only. They do not represent the number of people as one person can have more than one episode during the year. They also do not represent the prevalence of people with Alzheimer’s disease.3. A finished consultant episode (FCE) is defined as a period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. FCEs are counted against the year in which the FCE finishes. Please note that the figures do not represent the number of patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the year.4. Primary diagnosis is the first of up to 14 (seven prior to 2002-03) diagnosis fields in the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data set and provides the main reason why the patient was in hospital.5. Secondary diagnoses, as well as the primary diagnosis, there are up to 13 (six prior to 2002-03) secondary diagnosis fields in Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) that show other diagnoses relevant to the episode of care.6. Number of episodes in which the patient had a (named) primary diagnosis: these figures represent the number of episodes where the diagnosis was recorded in the primary diagnosis field in a Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) record.7. Number of episodes in which the patient had a (named) primary or secondary diagnosis: these figures represent the number of episodes where the diagnosis was recorded in any of the 14 (seven prior to 2002-03) primary and secondary diagnosis fields in a Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) record. Each episode is only counted once in each count, even if the diagnosis is recorded in more than one diagnosis field of the record.8. Small numbers: due to reasons of confidentiality, figures between one and five have been suppressed and replaced with “*” (an asterisk). Where it was possible to identify numbers from the total due to a single suppressed number in a row or column, an additional number (the next smallest) has been suppressed in order to protect patient confidentiality.9. Data Quality: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) are compiled from data sent by more than 300 NHS trusts and primary care trusts (PCTs) in England. Data are also received from a number of independent sector organisations for activity commissioned by the English NHS. The NHS Information Centre for health and social care liaises closely with these organisations to encourage submission of complete and valid data and seeks to minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data via HES processes. While this brings about improvement over time, some shortcomings remain.10. Assessing growth through time: HES figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. During the years that these records have been collected by the NHS there have been ongoing improvements in quality and coverage. These improvements in information submitted by the NHS have been particularly marked in the earlier years and need to be borne in mind when analysing time series.11. Some of the increase in figures for later years (particularly 2006-07 onwards) may be due to the improvement in the coverage of independent sector activity.12. Changes in NHS practice also need to be borne in mind when analysing time series. For example, a number of procedures may now be undertaken in outpatient settings and may no longer be accounted for in the HES data. This may account for any reductions in activity over time.Source:Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), the NHS Information Centre for health and social care| | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Attendance Allowance Paul Rowen To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many individuals over the age of 65 applied for attendance allowance but did not satisfy the six month qualifying period in 2007-08. Ms Rosie Winterton I have been asked to reply. The information is not available. Cancer: Drugs Mr. Stephen O'Brien To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 6 October 2008, Official Report, columns 447-48W, on the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), for what reasons final NICE guidance on MabThera (rituximab) for untreated stage III or IV follicular lymphoma was issued before the date on which NICE started its appraisal; and for what reasons the appraisal of Tarceva (erlotinib) in lung cancer (non-small cell) will begin four years after its referral to NICE. Dawn Primarolo There were typographical errors in the response to the earlier question. These errors have been corrected in the following table, which has also been updated to reflect the fact that final guidance for one of the appraisals has now been published. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Topic |Work programme|Published/ongoing|Date of marketing authorisation1|Referral date2|Date of final NICE guidance|Start of NICE appraisal3| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Xolair (omalizumab) for uncontrolled asthma |8 |Published |October 2005 |April 2003 |November 2007 |November 2006 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Remicade (infliximab) for psoriasis |8 |Published |September 2005 |April 2003 |January 2008 |March 2007 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Natrecor (nesiritide), Heart failure (acute decompensated) |9 |Ongoing |n/a |October 2003 |n/a |October 2003 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Erbitux (cetuximab), Head and neck cancer |10 |Published |March 2006 |June 2004 |June 2008 |June 2006 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Iressa (gefitinib), lung cancer (non-small cell) |10 |Ongoing |n/a |June 2004 |n/a |January 2009 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Tysabri (natalizumab) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis |10 |Published |June 2006 |June 2004 |August 2007 |September 2006 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Alimta (pemetrexed) for mesothelioma |10 |Published |September 2004 |June 2004 |January 2008 |April 2005 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Erbitux (cetuximab) for head and neck cancer |10 |Published |March 2006 |June 2004 |June 2008 |June 2006 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Campto (irinotecan), colon cancer (adjuvant) |10 |Ongoing |n/a |June 2004 |n/a |n/a | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Mabthera (rituximab) for untreated stage III or IV follicular lymphoma4 |11 |Published |August 2004 |April 2005 |February 2008 |April 2007 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Taxol (paclitaxel) for early node-positive breast cancer |11 |Published |March 2005 |April 2005 |September 2006 |November 2005 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Taxotere (docetaxel) for early node-positive breast cancer |11 |Published |March 2006 |April 2005 |September 2006 |November 2005 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Gemzar (gemcitabine) for metastatic breast cancer |11 |Published |September 2004 |April 2005 |January 2007 |February 2006 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Fludara (fludarabine) for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia |11 |Published |February 2003 |April 2005 |February 2007 |February 2006 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Alimta (pemetrexed) for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer |11 |Published |September 2004 |April 2005 |August 2007 |April 2006 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Tarceva (erlotinib), lung cancer (non-small cell) |11 |Ongoing |September 2005 |April 2005 |n/a |March 2006 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Idraparinux sodium, atrial fibrillation |12 |Ongoing |n/a |July 2006 |n/a |July 2006 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Arava (leflunomide), psoriatic arthritis (moderate to severe) |12 |Ongoing |June 2004 |July 2006 |n/a |July 2006 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Idraparinux sodium, venous thromboembolism (recurrent) |12 |Ongoing |n/a |July 2006 |n/a |July 2006 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Herceptin (trastuzumab) for early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer |12 |Published |May 2006 |July 2005 |August 2006 |December 2005 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Alteplase (Actilyse) for the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke |12 |Published |June 2002 |July 2006 |June 2007 |September 2006 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Champix (varenicline) for smoking cessation |12 |Published |September 2006 |July 2006 |July 2007 |November 2006 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Humira (adalimumab) for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis |12 |Published |August 2005 |July 2005 |August 2007 |September 2006 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |MabThera (rituximab) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis |12 |Published |July 2006 |July 2005 |August 2007 |September 2006 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Velcade (bortezomib) for multiple myeloma |12 |Published |April 2004 |July 2005 |October 2007 |December 2005 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Orencia (abatacept) for rheumatoid arthritis |12 |Published |May 2007 |July 2006 |April 2008 |October 2006 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Tyverb (lapatinib), breast cancer (advanced or metastatic) |13 |Ongoing |June 2008 |December 2006 |n/a |February 2007 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cimzia (certolizumab), rheumatoid arthritis |13 |Ongoing |n/a |December 2006 |n/a |December 2006 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Remicade (infliximab), ulcerative colitis (acute exacerbations) |13 |Ongoing |February 2006 |December 2006 |n/a |March 2007 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Remicade (infliximab) for ulcerative colitis |13 |Published |February 2006 |December 2006 |April 2008 |March 2007 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Acomplia (rimonabant) for obesity |13 |Published |June 2006 |December 2006 |June 2008 |June 2007 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Baraclude (entecavir), Hepatitis B |14 |Published |June 2006 |June 2007 |August 2008 |September 2007 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sebivo (telbivudine), Hepatitis B |14 |Published |April 2007 |June 2007 |August 2008 |September 2007 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Adenuric (febuxostat), hyperuricaemia |14 |Ongoing |April 2008 |June 2007 |n/a |August 2007 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Humira (adalimumab) for the chronic psoriasis |14 |Published |December 2007 |June 2007 |June 2008 |July 2007 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ixabepilone, breast cancer (locally advanced or metastatic) |15 |Ongoing |n/a |December 2007 |n/a |July 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Erbitux (cetuximab), colorectal cancer (first line) |15 |Ongoing |July 2008 |December 2007 |n/a |January 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Erbitux (cetuximab), lung cancer (non-small cell) |15 |Ongoing |n/a |December 2007 |n/a |October 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Revlimid (lenalidomide), multiple myeloma |15 |Ongoing |June 2007 |December 2007 |n/a |April 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Xeloda (capectitabine), pancreatic cancer |15 |Ongoing |n/a |December 2007 |n/a |June 2009 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Pradaxa (dabigatran), venous thromboembolism |15 |Published |March 2008 |December 2007 |September 2008 |January 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Erbitux (cetuximab), head and neck cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) |16 |Ongoing |March 2006 |March 2008 |n/a |March 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Effient (prasugrel), acute coronary artery syndrome |17 |Ongoing |n/a |June 2008 |n/a |November 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Viread (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate), Hepatitis B |17 |Ongoing |April 2008 |June 2008 |n/a |August 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Nexavar (sorafenib), hepatocellular carcinoma (advanced and metastatic) |17 |Ongoing |October 2007 |June 2008 |n/a |August 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Orencia (abatacept), juvenile idiopathic arthritis |17 |Ongoing |May 2007 |June 2008 |n/a |January 2009 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Humira (adalimumab), juvenile idiopathic arthritis |17 |Ongoing |n/a |June 2008 |n/a |September 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sprycel (dasatinib), leukaemia (acute lymphoblastic) |17 |Ongoing |November 2006 |June 2008 |n/a |July 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Temodal (temoazolomide), melanoma (advanced and metastatic |17 |Ongoing |June 2005 |June 2008 |n/a |March 2009 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Mifamurtide, Osteosarcoma |17 |Ongoing |n/a |June 2008 |n/a |August 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Romiplostim, thrombocytompenic pupura |17 |Ongoing |n/a |June 2008 |n/a |August 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Promacta (eltrombopag), thrombocytopenic purpura |17 |Ongoing |n/a |June 2008 |n/a |March 2009 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Xarelto (rivaroxaban), venous thromboembolism |17 |Ongoing |n/a |June 2008 |n/a |August 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Azacitidine, acute myelomonocytic leukaemia and acute myeloid leukaemia |18 |Ongoing |n/a |July 2008 |n/a |January 2009 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Xeloda (capecitabine), advanced gastric cancer |18 |Ongoing |January 2008 |July 2008 |n/a |December 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Relistor (methylnaltrexone) opioid-induced constipation in patients receiving palliative care |18 |Ongoing |July 2008 |July 2008 |n/a |February 2009 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Datiros (alitretinoin), severe chronic hand eczema |18 |Ongoing |n/a |July 2008 |n/a |October 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Alimta (pemetrexed), locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer |18 |Ongoing |April 2008 |July 2008 |n/a |June 2009 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Mabthera (rituximab), relapsed treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia |18 |Ongoing |n/a |July 2008 |n/a |September 2009 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Mabthera (rituximab), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia |18 |Ongoing |n/a |July 2008 |n/a |September 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sutent (sunitinib), gastrointestinal stromal tumours |18 |Ongoing |July 2006 |July 2008 |n/a |August 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Actemra (tocillizumab), rheumatoid arthritis |18 |Ongoing |n/a |July 2008 |n/a |November 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Hycamtin (topotecan), carcinoma of the cervix |18 |Ongoing |n/a |July 2008 |n/a |December 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Yondelis (trabectedin), advanced metastatic soft tissue sarcoma