Written Answers Written Answers to Questions Tuesday 28 October 2008 Prime Minister Departmental Staff Mr. Hoban To ask the Prime Minister how many staff work on the Downing Street switchboard, broken down by Civil Service grade. The Prime Minister As at 1 April 2008 12 staff worked on the Downing Street switchboard. Stress Mr. Hands To ask the Prime Minister what arrangements his Office has in place to assist officials to overcome the effects of stress experienced in the workplace. The Prime Minister I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary Cabinet Office, (Mr. Watson) today. Wouter Basson Andrew Mackinlay To ask the Prime Minister if he will direct the relevant authorities to investigate the claim made by Wouter Basson during his trial in South Africa in July 2000 that an illicit weapons cache, including chemical weapons, seized by HM Customs and Excise (HMCE) was subsequently stolen from an HMCE warehouse following information he provided; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Timms I have been asked to reply. HMRC officials have reviewed their historical records and have found no evidence to support the claim that a weapons cache, including chemical weapons, was stolen from a HMCE/HMRC warehouse. Northern Ireland Borders Mr. Laurence Robertson To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether funding is provided by his Department to counties in the Republic of Ireland which border Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. Paul Goggins The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) can confirm that it provides no funding to any counties in the Republic of Ireland. Departmental Public Participation Mrs. May To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many citizens' juries his Department has held since 1 July 2007; what the cost was of each; what issues were discussed at each event; and how many (a) Ministers and (b) members of the public attended each event. Paul Goggins The Northern Ireland Office has not held any citizens' juries since 1 July 2007. Departmental Temporary Employment Mr. Hoban To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 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. Paul Goggins The Northern Ireland Office (NIO), excluding its agencies, executive non-departmental public bodies and public inquiries, have made the following payments to recruitment agencies in the last five financial years: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Recruitment Agency |2003-04 |2004-05 |2005-06 |2006-07 |2007-08 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Brook Street (UK) Ltd. |0.00 |0.00 |2,403.75 |913.42 |35,712.89 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Diamond Recruitment |9,699.84 |14,811.99 |10,555.42 |10,332.81 |16,092.65 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Excel Recruitment Ltd. |24,915.03|14,473.16 |0.00 |0.00 |0.00 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Grafton Recruitment |32,431.98|31,739.91 |76,451.18 |112,394.12|100,458.31| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Hays Accounting Personnel |31,518.36|29,992.96 |31,992.13 |43,846.28 |27,262.03 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Select Recruitment |1,318.15 |23,782.99 |9,388.80 |0.00 |0.00 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Tim Lewis Recruitment Ltd.|0.00 |6,553.00 |5,512.30 |1,522.13 |0.00 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Total |99,883.36|121,354.01|136,303.58|169,008.76|179,525.88| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The figures in this table include both the costs for appointing staff to the Department and the salaries paid to temporary staff members. Young Offenders Mark Durkan To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of (a) people in young offender centres in and (b) the population of Northern Ireland are (i) male, (ii) female, (iii) of each religion, (iv) from an ethnic minority, (v) from each socio-economic group and (vi) resident of each district council area; and if he will make a statement. Paul Goggins At 21 October, there were 53 female prisoners and 207 male young offenders and juveniles held at Hydebank Wood young offenders centre and prison. The other information relating to young offenders/ prisoners is detailed in the following tables. As Prison Service records do not identify residency by district council area, the information has been provided on a county basis. The Northern Ireland Prison Service has an obligation to ensure that all of its policies and procedures are fair to all who come into contact with it and is fully committed to its statutory obligations under section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, and all other relevant equality and anti-discrimination legislation and duties. Responsibility for the provision of figures for the general population of Northern Ireland is a matter for the devolved administration. ------------------------------------- | |Male |Female | ------------------------------------- | |Number|Percentage|Number|Percentage| ------------------------------------- |Atheist |2 |0.97 |—|—| ------------------------------------- |Christian |2 |0.97 |6|11.32| ------------------------------------- |Church of Ireland|16 |7.73 |10|18.87| ------------------------------------- |Evangelical |2 |0.97 |—|—| ------------------------------------- |Free Presbyterian|9 |4.35 |—|—| ------------------------------------- |Methodist |6 |2.90 |2|3.77| ------------------------------------- |Muslim |2 |0.97 |1|1.89| ------------------------------------- |Presbyterian |45 |21.73 |5|9.43| ------------------------------------- |Roman Catholic |107 |51.68 |16|30.19| ------------------------------------- |Baptist |1 |0.48 |—|—| ------------------------------------- |None |12 |5.80 |7|13.21| ------------------------------------- |Other |3 |1.45 |6|11.32| ------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ | |Male |Female | ------------------------------------ | |Number|Percentage|Number|Percentage| ------------------------------------ |Black African |2 |0.97 |2|3.77| ------------------------------------ |Chinese/Oriental|2 |0.97 |12|22.65| ------------------------------------ |Irish Traveller |4 |1.93 |—|—| ------------------------------------ |White |198 |95.65 |36|67.92| ------------------------------------ |Afro Caribbean |— |— |3|5.66| ------------------------------------ |Arab |1 |0.48 |—|—| ------------------------------------ --------------------------------------- | |Male |Female | --------------------------------------- | |Number|Percentage|Number|Percentage| --------------------------------------- |Unemployed |166 |80.19 |41|77.36| --------------------------------------- |Routine occupations|41 |19.81 |12|22.64| --------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- | |Male |Female | -------------------------------------------- | |Number|Percentage|Number|Percentage| -------------------------------------------- |County Antrim |106 |51.21 |16|30.20| -------------------------------------------- |County Armagh |11 |5.31 |2|3.77| -------------------------------------------- |County Down |35 |16.91 |8|15.10| -------------------------------------------- |County Fermanagh |9 |4.35 |2|3.77| -------------------------------------------- |County Londonderry |20 |9.66 |2|3.77| -------------------------------------------- |County Tyrone |10 |4.83 |5|9.43| -------------------------------------------- |Outside Northern Ireland|3 |1.45 |8|15.09| -------------------------------------------- |No fixed abode |13 |6.28 |10|18.87| -------------------------------------------- Scotland Departmental Pensions Jenny Willott To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many and what proportion of civil servants in his Department are members of the (a) Classic, (b) Classic Plus, (c) Nuvos and (d) Premium civil service pension schemes. Ann McKechin All staff in the Scotland Office are on secondment from the Scottish Executive or the Ministry of Justice. The Office does not maintain a central record of the pension status of staff; such records are held by the parent Departments. Departmental Public Participation Mrs. May To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many citizens' juries his Department has held since 1 July 2007; what the cost was of each; what issues were discussed at each event; and how many (a) Ministers and (b) members of the public attended each event. Ann McKechin The Scotland Office has not arranged any citizens' juries since 1 July 2007. Departmental Recruitment Mr. Scott To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many vacant posts in his Department were advertised in each of the last three years; and at what cost. Ann McKechin All the staff in the Scotland Office are on loan from other Government Departments and the Office reimburses those Departments for the costs involved. In the last three years, the Office has directly advertised externally for one post, and contributed towards the advertising costs of a joint campaign with the Scottish Executive for other staff, at a total cost of £8,069. Plain English David T.C. Davies To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many documents produced by his Department were 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. Ann McKechin The Scotland Office has not submitted any documents to the Plain English Campaign for Crystal Mark status. Philip Davies To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much his Department has spent on Plain English Campaign training courses in each year since 2005. Ann McKechin The main objectives for the Scotland Office set out in its annual report do not envisage the production of documents for public consumption and accordingly it has not felt necessary for staff to attend such courses. Foreign and Commonwealth Office EC Countries: Asylum Daniel Kawczynski To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure that other European Union states share responsibility for providing asylum to those from outside the EU who require it. Caroline Flint The Government have actively participated in the existing Common European Asylum System of directives establishing minimum standards for asylum practices and procedures, and the Dublin Regulation determining responsibility for examining asylum claims. The Government welcome the opportunity afforded by the European Commission's Policy Plan on Asylum and the Migration Pact which was agreed at the October European Council, to develop greater practical cooperation between member states and non-governmental organisations in the area of asylum. Falkland Islands: Argentina Mr. Hoyle To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his most recent assessment is of the state of relations between the Falkland Islands and Argentina. Gillian Merron The United Kingdom is responsible for the Falkland Islands' foreign relations. The UK values its relationship with Argentina as an important international partner. We have a close and productive relationship on a range of bilateral and multilateral issues, including human rights, sustainable development and counter-proliferation, and continue to look for practical ways to co-operate with Argentina on a range of South Atlantic issues. However, the Argentine sovereignty claim to the Falkland Islands and the Argentine refusal to recognise the democratically elected Falkland Islands Government, casts a shadow over our relationship. The principle of self-determination, enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, underlies our position on the Falkland Islands. Iraq: Asylum Mr. Moore To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 15 September 2008, Official Report, column 2186W, on Iraq: asylum, how many of the 422 applications received by the UK Border Agency from Iraqi nationals under the Gateway Protection Programme have now been approved; how many new applications have since been received; and how many of these applications have been approved. Bill Rammell Of the 422 Iraqi individuals who had been referred to the UK Border Agency for resettlement under the Gateway Protection Programme before 15 September, 256 individuals (91 case applicants) have so far been approved. Since 15 September, three new case applications (nine individuals) have been received. None of these have yet been approved. Mr. Moore To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 15 September 2008, Official Report, column 2186W, on Iraq: asylum, of those applications (a) received by the UK Border Agency from Iraqi nationals under the Gateway Protection Programme and (b) for exceptional leave to remain under the Locally Employed Staff Assistance scheme, how many have included claims for dependants; what the total number is of dependants claimed on each scheme; and how many dependants are associated with those applications which have been approved. Bill Rammell Information on the total number of dependants covered by applications to the locally employed staff assistance scheme is not held centrally, and could be obtained only at a disproportionate cost. To date, 165 dependants have been approved for resettlement in the UK under the Gateway programme, and 51 dependants have been granted indefinite leave to enter under the scheme for serving staff. Israel: Terrorism Mr. Amess To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he received of terrorist attacks in the State of Israel since July 2008; what discussions he has had with the Government of the State of Israel on terrorism in Israel since July 2008; and if he will make a statement. Bill Rammell We welcome the Gaza ceasefire which has reduced the number of attacks and brought calm to the lives of civilians in both southern Israel and in Gaza. However, the UK remains concerned by any attack against Israel. There have been five attacks during the period in question in Jerusalem and the State of Israel. These were: On 2 July, three Israelis were killed and 66 injured (including two infants) by a Palestinian using a bulldozer to attack cars, pedestrians, and two buses in West Jerusalem. On 11 July, a border patrolman was shot by a Palestinian terrorist in West Jerusalem. The policeman died on 23 July from his injuries. On 23 July, 16 Israelis were injured in an attack using a bulldozer in West Jerusalem against a bus and four other vehicles; the driver was killed by police. On 22 September, 17 soldiers were injured in an attack by a Palestinian driving a car into a group of Israelis at an intersection in West Jerusalem; the driver was shot and killed. On 23 September, a pipe bomb exploded outside the house of Professor Zeev Sternhell in West Jerusalem. A Jewish right wing terrorist was suspected of carrying out the attack. There have also been a number of rocket attacks from Gaza into the State of Israel, but there has been no confirmation of any injuries or damage as a result of these attacks. We discuss various issues, including security, with Israeli officials on a regular basis and will continue to devote our efforts to the Annapolis process with the vision of two states, living side by side in peace and security. Middle East: Armed Conflict Mr. Amess To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions (a) he, (b) Ministers in his Department, (c) officials in his Department, (d) the British Ambassador to Egypt and (e) officials in the British Embassy in Egypt have had since August 2008 with the Government of Egypt on the trafficking of (i) weapons and (ii) people into Gaza from Egypt via under-border tunnels; what response was received in each case; what reports he has received on the number of tunnels between Gaza and Egypt that have been (A) discovered and (B) closed; and if he will make a statement. Bill Rammell The UK welcomes any appropriate action taken to reduce trafficking of weapons and people into Gaza. Earlier in the year, we pressed Egypt to act on smuggling. But this issue has not been explicitly raised with the Egyptian authorities since August 2008. Egypt is actively addressing the issue. With the number of tunnels being discovered and closed constantly changing, we are unable to provide a definitive figure, but we continue to monitor the situation. Sri Lanka: Human Rights Mr. Dismore To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reasons Colonel Karuna was released from UK custody; what assessment he has made of Colonel Karuna’s status as a member of the Sri Lanka parliament given the allegations of human rights abuses against him; and if he will make a statement. Bill Rammell Venamoorthi Muralitharan (aka Karuna Amman) was removed from the UK on 2 July, after completing a custodial sentence for possessing false documents. At the time, the Crown Prosecution Service advised that there was insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction in the UK for other offences. Mr. Dismore To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government’s policy is on Sri Lanka’s candidacy for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council; and if he will make a statement. Bill Rammell The UK expects every member of the UN Human Rights Council to act in accordance with the spirit of UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251 in upholding the highest standards of human rights promotion and protection and co-operating fully with the Council. Sri Lanka: Internally Displaced Persons Mr. Moore To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to promote freedom of movement for displaced people in the Vanni region of Sri Lanka. Bill Rammell On 26 September, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development stressed to President Rajapakse the need to secure the humanitarian space of some 200 to 250 thousand people affected by renewed conflict. I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development, Michael Foster, on the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka during the debate on 15 October 2008, Official Report, columns 240-49WH. Mr. Moore To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Sri Lankan authorities on recent events in the Vanni region of Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement. Bill Rammell On 26 September, my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for International Development met President Rajapakse in New York and raised the issue of the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka. They stressed the need to secure the humanitarian space and provide humanitarian relief in northern Sri Lanka and called for a sustainable political solution to the conflict. Sri Lanka: Politics and Government Mr. Dismore To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Sri Lankan Government over their responsibility to (a) ensure that security forces operate under the rule of domestic and international law and (b) bring to justice those of the security forces who commit crimes, including war crimes and abuses of human rights; and if he will make a statement. Bill Rammell We remain deeply concerned about the humanitarian rights situation in Sri Lanka and urge all parties to the conflict to respect the rights of civilians. We continue to press for full investigation of alleged breaches of international law and action to bring perpetrators to justice. In July, my noble Friend, the Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN, Lord Malloch-Brown, raised the UK’s concerns over human rights in Sri Lanka with the Sri Lankan government, including with President Rajapakse, and the Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapakse. Mr. Dismore To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the recent statement by the International Committee of the Red Cross on the misrepresentation of its findings by the Sri Lankan Government. Bill Rammell We share the International Committee of the Red Cross’s concerns over the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. My noble Friend, the Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN, Lord Malloch-Brown, expressed similar concerns to President Rajapakse, his Ministers and senior officials during his visit to Sri Lanka this summer. Sudan: Peace Negotiations Mr. Drew To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of progress in implementing a consultation process with the population of the Nuba Mountains as part of the Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Gillian Merron We have had no reports of progress in implementing the consultation process with the population in the Nuba Mountains. We are monitoring developments in the region because of the specific references to the Nuba Mountains in the Comprehensive Peace Agreements, which we continue to press all parties to implement in full. UN Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women Lynne Featherstone To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reservations have been sought by the Government on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; and if he will make a statement. Maria Eagle I have been asked to reply. The United Kingdom signed the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1981, and ratified with reservations in 1986. The UK reservations in 1986 were general reservations (a-d), and specific reservations on article 1, 2, 9, 10, 11, 15 and 16. Since that time the Government have not sought any new reservations on the Convention and have withdrawn a number of reservations, most notably in 1995 and 1996. The UK's sixth periodic report to the CEDAW committee on progress towards the implementation of the Convention was submitted on 1 May 2007. The report notes that the UK has withdrawn the CEDAW reservation relating to immigration and has modified the reservation relating to the throne and the armed forces. The UK currently has reservations on: general reservations (a, c, and d), and specific reservations on article 9, 11, 15(3) and 16. The current reservations will be reviewed in 2008-09 as part of the follow up plan from the UK's examination by the CEDAW Committee in July 2008. Olympics Olympic Games 2012: Finance Hugh Robertson To ask the Minister for the Olympics if she will provide a breakdown by main budget heading of the (a) £66 million contribution to paralympic costs and (b) £32 million allocated to the Look of London contained in the public sector funding package for London 2012. Tessa Jowell [holding answer 23 October 2008]: The £66 million is the Government's planned contribution, within the £9.325 billion funding package, towards the hosting of the Paralympic games by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG). The precise breakdown of costs will need to be agreed between LOCOG and the Government as detailed plans for the Paralympics develop. Expenditure on the Look of London is expected to take place in the financial years of 2011-12 and 2012-13. The breakdown of costs within this £32 million funding will be determined in the next spending round, and detailed budgets agreed nearer the time. Women and Equality Departmental ICT Mr. Hoban To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what IT projects the Government Equalities Office is undertaking; and what the most recent estimate of (a) the cost and (b) the completion date of each is. Maria Eagle The Government Equalities Office is currently rebuilding its website at an estimated cost of £40,000. The project will be completed by the end of 2008. There are no other IT projects under way. Departmental Official Visits David Simpson To ask the Minister for Women and Equality how much was spent on overnight accommodation by civil servants within the Government Equalities Office since its creation. Maria Eagle Over the past 12 months the Government Equalities Office has spent £2,600 on overnight accommodation. Departmental Public Participation Mrs. May To ask the Minister for Women and Equality how many citizens’ juries the Government Equalities Office has held since 1 July 2007; what the cost was of each; what issues were discussed at each event; and how many (a) Ministers and (b) members of the public attended each event. Maria Eagle The Government Equalities Office has not held any citizens’ juries since 1 July 2007. Departmental Security Chris Huhne To ask the Minister for Women and Equality how many security passes have been reported (a) lost and (b) stolen by staff in the Government Equalities Office since its creation. Maria Eagle There have been two instances of building passes being lost since the Government Equalities Office (GEO) was created. These are included in the figures provided by my hon. Friend the Member for Tooting (Mr. Khan) for the Department for Communities and Local Government London headquarters building, where most of GEO’s staff are based. Departmental Trade Unions Mr. Hoban To ask the Minister for Women and Equality how many civil servants in the Government Equalities Office were seconded to work for (a) trades unions and (b) the Trades Union Congress in each year since its inception. Maria Eagle No civil servants in the Government Equalities Office have been seconded to work for (a) trade unions and (b) the Trades Union Congress since its inception. Domestic Violence: Sentencing Mr. Roger Williams To ask the Minister for Women and Equality how many successful prosecutions for domestic violence against women have resulted in a prison sentence for the perpetrator in the last five years. Maria Eagle It is not possible to identify separately domestic violence offences on the court proceedings database as the circumstances of offences are not collected centrally. National Equalities Panel Mr. Hoban To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what estimate she has made of the cost of (a) establishing the National Equalities Panel, (b) running the panel in its first year and (c) the salary which will be paid to panel members. Maria Eagle The total cost of the Panel is likely to be £400,000 over two financial years. It will be met by a Government research grant to the London School of Economics. Payment of the grant will be dependent on completion of agreed stages in the project. The Chair and panel members, who are leading experts in their fields will be paid £1,000 per day, for a maximum of 80 days for the Chair and eight days for each member. Defence Armed Forces: Intimidation Mrs. Humble To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many calls have been logged on the armed forces anti-bullying confidential support line in the last 12 months; what procedures are in place to ensure that steps are taken to address (a) allegations of bullying and (b) identify patterns of abuse and bullying blackspots; and by what means the Service Complaints Commissioner is kept informed. Mr. Bob Ainsworth The armed forces do not run an ‘armed forces anti-bullying confidential support line'. However, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association runs a ‘confidential support line' for a range of issues such as welfare, health and terms of service including concerns about bullying and harassment. The support line is available to serving personnel (of all services) together with their families and former members of the armed forces. Calls to the support line are logged under a series of generic headings including 'equality and diversity' which includes those concerning bullying, harassment and discrimination. During the period January to December 2007, the most recent period for which figures are available, 170 calls from serving service personnel relating to equality and diversity issues were logged, together with a further 19 from family members and veterans. The Department's unified diversity strategy makes clear that bullying and harassment are not tolerated under any circumstances and that the penalties for offenders are potentially severe. Joint Service Publication 763 'The MOD Harassment Complaints Procedure' sets out the procedures for all MOD Service and civilian personnel making, responding to, advising on, investigating, and deciding on, complaints of harassment. All units are required to have at least one qualified Equality and Diversity Advisor (EDA); larger units will have several. In addition to providing help and advice to individuals, EDAs are required to keep unit equality and diversity logs. The logs are regularly reviewed by unit commanders and statistical information is drawn upon by a tri-Service Evaluation Group (at commodore, colonel and group captain level) chaired by the Director Service Personnel Service Conditions along with other reports and statistics to identify trends and areas of concern. While conducting unit visits, the independent Service Complaints Commissioner is given access to unit logs and it has recently been agreed that she will also be provided with statistics from these logs bi-annually. Armed Forces: Leave Dr. Fox To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many days lost were recorded for service personnel in respect of (a) rest and recuperation, (b) post-operational tour and (c) annual leave in each year since 2003. Mr. Bob Ainsworth Rest and Recuperation (R&R) is not classified as an entitlement and is given at the discretion of the chain of command. Leave, including post operational leave, should be recorded on the Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) system. The Defence Analytical Services Agency (DASA) undertake an annual leave survey designed to estimate the leave taken, carried forward and lost but it does not distinguish those personnel who were not able to take forward leave from those who chose to carry it forward to the next year. The survey findings from 1997-08 to 2006-07 are available in the Library of the House but, due to JPA data migration issues, DASA have not been able to conduct the 2007-08 survey. Armed Forces: Termination of Employment Dr. Fox To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel leaving the armed forces in each year since 2001 had completed (a) under five years service, (b) between five and 22 years service and (c) over 22 years service. Mr. Bob Ainsworth The number of service personnel leaving the trained UK regular forces1 in each financial year since 2001-02 is provided in the table: 1 Outflow from the UK Regular Forces includes recalled reservists on release and outflow to the Home Service Battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment. The Royal Irish Regiment disbanded on 31 March 2008. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | |All services|Fewer than five years|Five to 22 years|Over 22 years| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2001-02 |17,930 |5,470 |7,690 |4,770 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2002-03 |16,850 |5,380 |6,560 |4,920 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2003-04 |16,460 |5,540 |6,510 |4,420 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2004-05 |17,600 |5,970 |7,060 |4,580 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2005-06 |18,140 |5,440 |7,310 |5,400 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2006-071 |218,870 |25,450 |27,900 |25,230 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2007-08 |218,010 |24,660 |29,250 |24,100 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |1 Army outflow data split by length of service is unavailable for 1 March 2007 to 31 March 2007. Therefore, Army outflow figures broken down by length of service for FY 2006-07 comprises data from 1 March 2006 to 28 February 2007. The total trained outflow for UK Regular Forces for financial year 2006-07 was 18,870. The sum of the fewer than five years length of service, five to 22 years length of service and over 22 years service quoted in this table is 18,580.2 Denotes provisional. Due to ongoing validation of data from the Joint Personnel Administration System, all service flow statistics for financial year 2006-07 and 2007-08 are provisional and subject to review.Source:DASA Quad Service| | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Armed Forces: Training Mrs. Humble To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many instructors have enrolled in and completed training at the Staff Leadership School at Pirbright; how many and what proportion of instructors have completed the Train the Trainer courses; and what target date he has set for the completion of mandatory training for all instructors on the training estate. Mr. Bob Ainsworth A total of 2,244 instructors have enrolled and completed courses at the Army Staff Leadership School (ASLS) at Pirbright since its opening in April 2007. Of those, 1,791 completed the full and accredited Defence Train the Trainer (DTTT) course and the remainder completed an appropriately tailored version for personnel working in proximity of, but not directly instructing, trainees. At 30 September 2008 the proportion of instructors trained by ASLS was 81 per cent. across the training establishments commanded by Director General Army Recruiting and Training. The revised policy for staff delivering formal training, issued on 1 August 2008, requires all instructors to gain this qualification. This should, ideally, be achieved prior to taking up their instructional post or, where this is not possible, within three months of taking up instructional duties during which time they are to be very closely supervised. Work is in hand to ensure that all instructors in initial formal training have received the DTTT course, the current target being to ensure that, by December 2008, 95 per cent. of instructors have been trained. Mrs. Humble To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps have been taken by the Army to establish and maintain central records of written policy changes within the training estate. Mr. Bob Ainsworth The Army's policy for recruit training is maintained by Headquarters (HQ) Army Recruiting and Training Division (ARTD) and is derived from Defence and other Army policies. It is promulgated via the ARTD handbook, a web based document which is available to all Army training units via the Army Intranet. Each element of policy is owned by an officer within the HQ who is responsible for ensuring the published policy is kept up to date. Mrs. Humble To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many recruits enrolled in the Army Junior Entry Phase 1 training at (a) Army Foundation College Harrogate, (b) Army Training Regiment Winchester and (c) other establishments in 2007; and what progress has been made extending the duration of Phase 1 training at Army Training Regiment Bassingbourn. Mr. Bob Ainsworth In financial year 2007-08, 1,309 Junior Entry recruits commenced training at the Army Foundation College Harrogate and 863 at Army Training Regiment Bassingbourn. Junior Entry training switched from Bassingbourn to Army Training Regiment Winchester in August/September 2008. This is in line with the recommendation in Sir Nicholas Blake QC’s “Deepcut Review” that those under 17 should be trained in establishments catering exclusively for this age group. Prior to this, no junior entry training was conducted at Winchester. There are currently no plans to extend the Junior Entry Phase 1 course at Winchester beyond its present 23 weeks, which consists of 20 weeks tuition and three weeks leave. Armed Forces: Young People Mrs. Humble To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) 16-year-olds and (b) 17-year-olds were recruited into each of the armed services in (i) 2002 and (ii) 2007; and how many recruits aged under 18 years of age were allocated to units for military duties. Mr. Bob Ainsworth The following table shows the number of 16 and 17-year-olds that were recruited into each service of the UK regular armed forces1 in the financial years 2002-03 and 2007-08. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |16 |17 |16 |17 |16 |17 |16 |17 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2002-03 |4,430 |5,035 |585 |970 |3,600 |3,330 |245|735 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2007-08 |12,575|13,405|1280|1550|12,200|12,550|195|1305| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 Provisional.Source:DASA Quad-Service.| | | | | | | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Armed forces personnel are not allocated to units for military duties until they have completed training. The number of trained UK regular armed forces1 personnel under the age of 18 as at 1 April 2002, 2003, 2007 and 2008 is shown in the following table. 1 UK Regular Forces includes all trained and untrained personnel. Gurkhas, Full Time Reserve personnel, and mobilised reservists are excluded. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |As at 1 April: |All services|Naval service|Army|RAF| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2002 |1,060 |205 |755 |100| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2003 |1,190 |255 |830 |100| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2007 |1770 |85 |1675|10 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2008 |1640 |1110 |1515|110| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 Provisional.Note:Due to ongoing validation of data from the joint personnel administration system, all Naval service flow statistics for 12-month periods ending 31 October 2006 onwards, and Naval service strength statistics from 1 May 2007 are provisional and subject to review. All Army flow statistics for 12-month periods ending 31 March 2007 onwards and strength statistics from 1 April 2007 are provisional and subject to review. All RAF flow statistics for 12-month periods ending 30 April 2007 onwards and strength statistics from 1 May 2007 are provisional and subject to review.Source:DASA Quad-Service.| | | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Government have made a clear commitment to take all feasible measures to ensure that those who had not yet reached the age of 18 did not take a direct part in hostilities. Army: Training Mrs. Humble To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures are in place to monitor delays in Phase 2 training in the army; how many individuals were subject to delays in (a) 2005 and (b) 2007; what record is kept of individual training plans; and how statistical information is collected on training. Mr. Bob Ainsworth The Army Recruiting and Training Division (ARTD) Headquarters do not record the total number of individuals who are subject to delays per calendar year. A monthly report is created by each Arms and Service school illustrating those recruits who have been delayed in commencing aspects of Phase 2 training. Courses start and finish all the time and so this figure should only be considered a 'snapshot' of the delays in the training pipeline at a particular point in time. The following table gives the average number of recruits who have amassed more than a 14 day cumulative delay prior to reaching Phase 2 training. Data is collected within the first five days of each month. These snapshots of data over the months of the financial years shown have been averaged to show the general standard of delays to Phase 2 in the years requested. Prior to the end of Phase 1, recruits receive a plan which outlines what Phase 2 consists of and they also visit their Phase 2 establishment. During their Phase 2 induction week, they are given an individual training plan which details their proposed training schedule. Delays can be caused by a number of factors, not all of which are within the Army's control. However, ARTD takes positive steps to minimise delays. Where delays are unavoidable training programmes are run so as to maintain interest, fitness and military skills. A recruit would normally have leave between courses and delays are therefore not calculated until after 14 days. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Apr|May|Jun|Jul|Aug|Sep|Oct|Nov|Dec |Jan|Feb|Mar|Average monthly figure| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005-06 |700|687|652|673|654|592|644|648|1363|632|710|663|718 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2007-08 |809|848|775|836|820|876|794|826|979 |886|n/a|896|850 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Note:1. No data was available in February 2008 due to a two week system disruption.| | | | | | | | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Defence Dr. Fox To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has for a new defence review. Mr. Hutton There are currently no plans for a new defence review. Defence policy and commitments are kept under continuous review. Defence: Procurement Dr. Fox To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the proposed Directive (a) COM(2007) 0766 on public procurement in the fields of defence and security and (b) COM(2007) 0765 on terms and conditions of defence-related product transfers within the EC; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Quentin Davies We share the Commission's desire for the creation of a more effective European defence equipment market that is open, transparent and competitive. We are working positively with the Commission and other member states to reach agreement on directives which would provide benefit to the conduct of defence business for all stakeholders while protecting the UK's strategic interests. A defence and security procurement directive also has the potential to improve British industry's access to European defence markets and to improve its competitiveness worldwide. The proposed terms of the transfers directive are consistent with the way in which the UK export licensing system currently operates. Departmental Consultations Dr. Fox To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what public consultations his Department has undertaken in the last month. Mr. Kevan Jones The Ministry of Defence had two open public consultations during the month of September. Consultation on UK Defence Spectrum Management closed on 5 September 2008, and consultation on the MOD's revised Welsh Language Scheme closed on 8 October. Documents for public consultation and the MOD's response to comments that are received can be viewed at: http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/CorporatePublications/ConsultationsandCommunications/PublicConsultations/RevisedModWelshLanguageScheme.htm Departmental Recruitment Mr. Hoban To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civil servants in his Department were recruited through the fast stream; and what the average salary of those officials is. Mr. Kevan Jones The specific number of civil servants employed by the Ministry of Defence who were recruited through the Fast Stream whether into the Ministry of Defence directly, or via other Departments, is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. As at 21 October 2008 there were 131 civil servants employed by the Ministry of Defence on the Fast Stream scheme. Those who joined the Department on the current pay deal will earn between a minimum of £22,960 and a maximum of £40,515 per year while on the scheme. Hercules Aircraft: Safety Mr. Gray To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what advice Ministers had received prior to 2005 on fitting of foam suppressant on the Hercules wing-tanks. Mr. Bob Ainsworth None. Military Exercises Dr. Fox To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many and what percentage of training exercises have been cancelled in 2008; and for what reason each exercise was cancelled. Mr. Bob Ainsworth Of the 584 training exercises scheduled to take place in 2008, 55 have been cancelled (9.4 per cent.); reasons for each cancellation are listed as follows. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ser|Exercise name |Start |End |Reason for cancellation | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Lion Sun 12—07/08 |1 January 20008 |29 February 2008 |Savings Measure | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Lion Sun 13—07/08 |1 January 2008 |29 February 2008 |Savings Measure | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Snow Falcon 08 |10 January 2008 |25 January 2008 |Savings Measure | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Red Flag 08-2.1 |13 January2008 |26 January 2008 |Alternative exercise opportunity pursued | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Oak Apple |24 January 2008 |5 April 2008 |Kenyan domestic instability | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Grand Prix 3—07/08 |28 January 2008 |20 March 2008 |Kenyan domestic instability | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Lion Sun 14—07/08 |1 February 2008 |31 March 2008 |Savings Measure | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Red Flag 08-2.2 |2 February 2008 |15 February 2008 |Alternative exercise opportunity pursued | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Noble Midas |4 February 2008 |16 February 2008 |Airframe availability | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Druids Dance 9—07/08 |18 February 2008 |9 March 2008 |Re-programming removed need for exercise | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Green Flag West 08-4 |20 February 2008-|7 March 2008 |Alternative exercise opportunity pursued | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Lone Fin 08 |5 March 2008 |16 March 2008 |Savings measure | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Grand Prix 1—08/09 |10 March 2008 |26 April 2008 |Kenyan domestic instability | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Spontex 08-1 |12 March 2008 |23 March 2008 |No aircraft availability | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Makran Osprey |31 March 2008 |11 April 2008 |Political instability in Pakistan forced withdrawal of the AIR component and made the Ex untenable| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Bald Eagle 08/09 |1 April 2008 |1 May 2008 |No unit available | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |l. |Lion Sun 1—08/09 |18 April 2008 |16 May 2008 |Savings Measure | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Sphinx |21 April 2008 |30 April 2008 |No AAR available | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Lion Sun 2—08/09 |25 April 2008 |23 May 2008 |Savings Measure | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Bass Rock 08/09 |1 May 2008 |1 October 2008 |Exchange. Cancelled at Canadian request | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Fingals Cave 08/09 |1 May 2008 |1 October 2008 |Exchange. Cancelled at Canadian request | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Flying Rose 2—08/09 |1 May 2008 |1 October 2008 |Exchange. Cancelled at US request | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Mulberry Tree/Prickly Pear 08/09|1 May 2008 |1 October 2008 |Exchange with US. Cancelled by mutual agreement due to lack of available forces on either side | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Stoney Run 08/09 |1 May 2008 |1 October 2008 |Exchange ex—UK leg went ahead but US leg cancelled due to unavailability of AT | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Winged Star 08/09 |1 May 2008 |1 October 2008 |Airborne focused exchange. Neither UK nor US airborne forces available due to ops | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Lion Sun 3—08/09 |30 May 2008 |27 June 2008 |Savings Measure | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |150 Tpt Regt(V) Obua Trg |31 May 2008 |1 June2008 |Trg area unavailable | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Frukus |1 June 2008 |28 June 2008 |Russia/Georgia dispute resulted in cancellation | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Blue Flag |2 June 2008 |13 June 2008 |Cancelled by host nation (USA) | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Elite |2 June 2008 |18 June 2008 |Savings measure | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Loyal Arrow |16 June 2008 |27 June 2008 |Ex cancelled by NATO | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Coop Mako 08 |19 June 2008 |30 June 2008 |Cancelled by sponsor | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Lion Sun 4—08/09 |20 June 2008 |18 July 2008 |Savings Measure | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Batus Run |23 June 2008 |29 June 2008 |Change to dates prevented Air participation | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Lion Sun 5—08/09 |27 June 2008 |25 July 2008 |Savings Measure | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Uhlan Eagle 08/09 |1 July 2008 |30 July 2008 |Re-programming removed need for exercise | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Trg weekend 150 Tpt Regt (V) |14 July 2008 |15 July 2008 |Trg area unavailable | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |First Jog |15 July 2008 |17 July 2008 |Ex Objs reached in an earlier exercise | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Lion Sun 6—08/09 |18 July 2008 |15 August 2008 |Savings Measure | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Lion Sun 7—08/09 |25 July 2008 |22 August 2008 |Savings Measure | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Lion Sun 8—08/09 |15 August 2008 |12 September 2008|Savings Measure | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Lion Sun 9—08/09 |22 August 2008 |19 September 2008|Savings Measure | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Outreach 4—Georgian Express |1 September 2008 |1 October 2008 |Russian-Georgian hostilities | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Slovak Hawk |1 September 2008 |8 September 2008 |Budget cuts | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Tricolour 3—08/09 |1 September 2008 |1 October 2008 |No unit available | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Lion Sun 10—08/09 |12 September 2008|10 October 2008 |Savings Measure | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Lion Sun 11—08/09 |19 September 2008|17 October 2008 |Savings Measure | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Log Provider 08 |22 September 2008|3 October 0208 |Operational Commitments | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Sapper Sands |29 September 2008|10 October 2008 |Unit unavailable | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Trg Ex—75 Engr Regt (V) |11 October 2008 |12 October 2008 |Operational Commitments | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Trg Ex—75 Engr Regt (V) |25 October 20-08 |26 October 2008 |Operational Commitments | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Trg Ex—75 Engr Regt (V) |30 October 2008 |31 October 2008 |Operational Commitments | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Uhlan Barbara 08/09 |1 November 2008 |25 November 2008 |Re-programming removed need for exercise | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |Flotex Silver |24 November 2008 |5 December 2008 |Host nation reduced scale of Ex to National only, cancelling INVITEX component | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1. |White Phoenix |1 December 2008 |5 December 2008 |Training moved to early 2009 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Persian Gulf: Peacekeeping Operations Dr. Fox To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many seaborne incidents in the Persian Gulf involving coalition forces and (a) armed gangs and (b) the Iranian navy have been recorded since January 2008. Mr. Hutton Since January 2008 there have been no recorded significant seaborne incidents between coalition forces and non-state forces in the Persian Gulf. Coalition ships operating in the Persian Gulf regularly interact with the Iranian navy but since January 2008 there have been no reports of significant incidents of concern. Submarines: Decommissioning Willie Rennie To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress his Department has made in the development of plans for the dismantling and storage of submarines at Plymouth and Rosyth. Mr. Quentin Davies As stated in the answer of 15 July 2008, Official Report, column 312W, to the hon. Member for South-West Devon (Mr. Streeter), the ISOLUS project team continues to take forward technical and siting issues in conjunction with stakeholder groups, with a technical options study due to conclude by the end of this year, and the project procurement strategy being developed within the context of the Defence Industrial Strategy. The project remains committed to further public consultation before major decisions are made. Home Department Airports: Foreign Workers Damian Green To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps her Department takes to check members of foreign aircrew landing in the UK for (a) immigration status and (b) criminal offences. Mr. Woolas [holding answer 27 October 2008]: Crew members who are based in the United Kingdom and those who arrive as passengers in order to join an aircraft as a member of the crew, are subject to the same controls and checks as other passengers. In line with the Immigration Act 1971, other arriving aircrew are able to enter the UK without leave from an immigration officer, provided they are embarking as crew within seven days. This concession is monitored through joint operations conducted by the UK Border Agency, HM Revenue and Customs and the police, on a risk-assessed, intelligence-led basis. Close liaison is maintained with the carriers regarding any criminal offences committed by those allowed to operate in this country as aircrew. In future, e-Borders will require carriers to provide all passenger and crew data to the UK Border Agency, in advance of travel, for journeys to and from the United Kingdom. This data will be checked against watchlists and when a person of interest is identified, the relevant law enforcement agency will be notified. A comprehensive travel history will also be maintained, allowing us to record who has travelled to the United Kingdom, whether as crew or passenger, and when they have left. Antisocial Behaviour: Liverpool Mr. Wareing To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will visit the Croxteth and Norris Green districts of Liverpool in the near future to discuss anti social behaviour with the police and representatives of the local communities. Mr. Alan Campbell My right hon. Friend has no plans to visit the Croxteth and Norris Green districts of Liverpool in the near future. However, we have provided practitioners including the police with a wide range of tools and powers to tackle antisocial behaviour, issue guidance on their use, provide information through a practitioner website and set up a free telephone advice line to provide specific support on individual problems. We also deliver regional workshops to help local practitioners make the best use of the available tools and powers. Asylum Damian Green To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the rate of absconding was of (a) single men, (b) single women, (c) families and (d) unaccompanied child asylum seekers who were not held in detention and whose claim for asylum had (i) been refused with removal from the United Kingdom imminent, (ii) been refused and where removal from the United Kingdom was not possible on human rights or humanitarian grounds and (iii) were yet to be processed in the latest period for which figures are available. Mr. Woolas [holding answer 21 October 2008]: The requested information is not collated centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Sarah Teather To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information her Department provides to the authorities in the country of origin of an asylum seeker without documents as part of the re-documentation process. Mr. Woolas In cases where a travel document is required information is exchanged with embassies and high commissions, but this is limited to personal biographical data related to the individual applicant. Information relating to any asylum claim is treated in confidence and is not disclosed to the authorities, unless the claimant has given his consent for the transfer of the data. Tony Baldry To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she expects to determine the asylum application of Phindintombi Ndlovu, Ref No N1062839. Mr. Woolas The UK Border Agency wrote to the hon. Member on 23 October 2008. Asylum: Sudan Mr. Drew To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration was given to arranging for independent interpreters to be present during all interviews that took place in March and April 2007 between Sudanese officials and Sudanese asylum seekers at her Department’s facilities. Mr. Woolas Since 22 March 2007 independent interpreters have been used at interviews between Sudanese officials and Sudanese asylum seekers. Sarah Teather To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Sudanese asylum seekers were deported following re-documentation interviews in March and April 2007 were from Darfur. Mr. Woolas Of the Sudanese nationals interviewed in March and April 2007, there have been two enforced returns of Darfuri asylum seekers and a further departure which was made voluntarily. Sarah Teather To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps were taken in response to the complaint made by a Darfuri asylum seeker against a Sudanese official as part of the re-documentation interviews of March and April 2007. Mr. Woolas Following receipt of a complaint made by an individual regarding the interview conducted by a Sudanese official, the UK Border Agency amended the interview process. Since 22 March 2007 independent interpreters have been present at each interview; the interpreters are required to sign a disclaimer to confirm that discussions at the interview are professional and relevant to the documentation process only. Asylum: Work Permits Sir Peter Soulsby To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what grounds may a work permit be refused to an asylum seeker who has been awaiting a decision upon an asylum application for more than a year. Mr. Woolas An asylum applicant may apply for permission to take up employment if a decision has not been taken on the applicant’s asylum application within one year of the date on which it was recorded. The application to take employment will only be considered if the delay in reaching a decision cannot be attributed to the applicant. Border and Immigration Agency: Correspondence John Barrett To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the parliamentary business unit of the Immigration and Nationality Department plans to respond to the letter from the hon. Member for Edinburgh West’s letter of 17 July 2008 on his constituent Rangarirai Mukora. Mr. Woolas The letter of 17 July was not received in my office however a letter from the hon. Member for Edinburgh West dated 3 October 2008 addressed to the Regional Director in Glasgow regarding the same matter was replied to on 6 October 2008. Borders: Personal Records Anne Moffat To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she takes to track the identities of individuals (a) entering and (b) leaving the UK. Mr. Woolas [holding answer 27 October 2008]: The Government's electronic borders system—e-Borders—allows us to count all passengers and crew in and out of the UK. To date, the e-Borders system has screened over 70 million passengers travelling to and from the UK from approximately 100 carriers on over 150 routes. This has resulted in 30,000 alerts being issued and over 2,500 arrests. British Nationality: Gurkhas Dr. Kumar To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the Government's policy is on the grant of UK citizenship to Gurkhas who have served in the armed forces. Mr. Woolas The requirements for naturalisation as a British citizen are as set out in section 6 of and schedule 1 of the British Nationality Act 1981. A person applying for naturalisation must have been lawfully present in the United Kingdom for a period of five years ending on the date of the application. Within that period he or she should not have been outside the United Kingdom for more than 450 days. For a person married to or the civil partner of a British citizen, the residential qualifying period is reduced to three years. There is discretion to overlook periods of absence from the UK during the five or three year qualifying period. The current policy is to overlook any such absence if it was due to the applicant's (or his or her spouse's or civil partner's) service in the United Kingdom forces. However this discretion is not exercised if, at the time of consideration, the applicant is still serving as a member of the Brigade of Gurkhas. The difference in treatment between Gurkhas and non-Gurkhas is due to the understanding between the Nepalese and United Kingdom Governments that those serving in the Brigade of Gurkhas should remain Nepalese citizens during their periods of service. Nepalese nationality law provides that any citizen of Nepal who acquires another nationality will automatically lose Nepalese citizenship. It would therefore not be right to bestow British citizenship on Gurkha soldiers since they would, as a result, automatically lose their existing Nepalese citizenship. For this reason, and in order to avoid jeopardising the special relationship that currently exists between the United Kingdom and Nepal, there are no plans to grant British citizenship automatically to serving Gurkha soldiers. If, however, Gurkhas transfer into other units of the British army on completion of five years service in the Brigade or they become settled in the UK after discharge from service they would then be able to apply for naturalisation as British citizens under section 6 of the British Nationality Act 1981 on the same terms as other non-British service personnel. Departmental Data Protection James Brokenshire To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any officials in (a) her Department and (b) its agencies were disciplined or dismissed for (i) breaches of data protection requirements and (ii) inappropriate use of personal or sensitive data in each of the last three years for which figures are available. Mr. Woolas The answer is provided in the following tables. Home Office: ------------------------------- | |Disciplined|Dismissed| ------------------------------- |2005-06|0 |0 | ------------------------------- |2006-07|0 |0 | ------------------------------- |2007-08|0 |0 | ------------------------------- ------------------------------- | |Disciplined|Dismissed| ------------------------------- |2005-06|0 |0 | ------------------------------- |2006-07|0 |0 | ------------------------------- |2007-08|0 |<5 | ------------------------------- Identity and Passport Service ------------------------------- | |Disciplined|Dismissed| ------------------------------- |2005-06|<5 |<5 | ------------------------------- |2006-07|6 |5 | ------------------------------- |2007-08|8 |7 | ------------------------------- ------------------------------- | |Disciplined|Dismissed| ------------------------------- |2005-06|<5 |<5 | ------------------------------- |2006-07|0 |0 | ------------------------------- |2007-08|<5 |<5 | ------------------------------- UK Border Agency ------------------------------- | |Disciplined|Dismissed| ------------------------------- |2005-06|<5 |<5 | ------------------------------- |2006-07|0 |<5 | ------------------------------- |2007-08|<5 |<5 | ------------------------------- ------------------------------- | |Disciplined|Dismissed| ------------------------------- |2005-06|<5 |<5 | ------------------------------- |2006-07|0 |<5 | ------------------------------- |2007-08|0 |<5 | ------------------------------- Criminal Records Bureau Nil return. Departmental Marketing Mr. Evans To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much her Department spent on advertising in each of the last five years. Mr. Woolas [holding answer 16 October 2008]: Government policies and programmes affect the lives of millions of people and in order for them to work they must be communicated effectively. This is done with cost efficiency in mind and there are strict rules to ensure value for money on Government advertising. The following table shows how much the Home Office has spent on advertising campaigns over the last five years. ----------------------- | |Amount (£000)| ----------------------- |2003-04|12,062 | ----------------------- |2004-05|11,314 | ----------------------- |2005-06|9,348 | ----------------------- |2006-07|13,658 | ----------------------- |2007-08|8,144 | ----------------------- Departmental Pensions Jenny Willott To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many civil servants working in her Department and its agencies have pensions with a cash equivalent transfer value of over £1 million. Mr. Woolas 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 financial year (2007-08) can be accessed electronically using the following link. Home Office Resource Accounts 2007-08 (pages 29 to 32 refer): http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/resource-accounts-07-08?view=Binary Departmental Temporary Employment Mr. Hoban To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which companies were used by her 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. Mr. Woolas The expenditure with each of the companies that the Home Department has used for the provision of temporary agency staff for the financial years 2006-07 and 2007-08 is given in the following table. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Suppler |Financial year|HO Headquarters(£)|IPS (£)|CRB (£)| ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Adecco |2007-08 |0 |320,000|0 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Angela Mortimer |2007-08 |0 |101,000|0 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Brook Street |2007-08 |1,810,000 |63,000 |0 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Employment Plus |2007-08 |353,000 |0 |0 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Hays |2007-08 |816,000 |0 |0 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Kelly Services |2007-08 |52,000 |55,000 |6,812 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Manpower |2007-08 |0 |49,000 |0 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Northern Recruitment|2007-08 |377,000 |0 |0 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Office Angels |2007-08 |1,459,000 |0 |0 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Reed |2007-08 |759,000 |0 |31,221 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Step Ahead |2007-08 |0 |140,000|0 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Adecco |2006-07 |0 |508,000|0 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Angela Mortimer |2006-07 |0 |7,000 |0 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Brook Street |2006-07 |3,150,000 |144,000|6,110 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Employment Plus |2006-07 |1,092,000 |0 |0 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Hays |2006-07 |323,000 |0 |5,584 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Kelly Services |2006-07 |56,000 |321,000|0 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Manpower |2006-07 |0 |128,000|0 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Northern Recruitment|2006-07 |370,000 |0 |0 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Office Angels |2006-07 |3,065,000 |0 |0 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Reed |2006-07 |943,000 |0 |3,800 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Step Ahead |2006-07 |0 |54,000 |0 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Information for prior periods is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Drugs: Seizures James Brokenshire To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many seizures of illicit drugs there were at (a) Heathrow Airport, (b) Gatwick Airport, (c) Stansted Airport, (d) the Port of Dover and (e) the Port of Felixstowe in each of the last 10 years; and what the estimated street value of each such seizure was. Mr. Woolas National seizure figures are published in the Annual reports for HM Revenue and Customs and HM Customs and Excise. Information below a national level is not disclosed. Entry Clearances: Middle East Dr. Starkey To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) Palestinians and (b) Israelis have been refused entry into the UK because of their links to violence, terrorism or other armed criminal acts in the last 12 months. Mr. Woolas During the 12-month period 1 October 2007 to 30 September 2008, UK Border Agency records show that 10 Israelis were refused entry to the UK at ports, on the grounds that their exclusion was conducive to the public good. This category covers, but is not limited to, the offences listed in the present question. UKBA records show that no Palestinians were refused entry for this reason, during the same period. Identity Cards: Foreigners Mr. Heald To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many foreign nationals have (a) been interviewed for the national identity card scheme and (b) received a biometric residence permit. Mr. Woolas Applications for identity cards can be accepted only on and after 25 November 2008. On 25 November 2008, foreign nationals, subject to immigration control, who are applying to extend their leave in the UK under certain student categories, as a spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner under the immigration rules will be issued with an identity card if leave is granted. Illegal Immigrants: Police Custody Mr. Clappison To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of those arrested were identified as illegal immigrants in each of the last five years; and how many of these were (a) detained in police cells or immigration removal centres and (b) not detained but referred to a Home Office Unit. Mr. Woolas [holding answer 17 January 2008]: Data on numbers of individuals arrested was only available from April 2005. Arrests on suspicion of being illegal immigrants during this period were: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Arrests on suspicion of being illegal immigrants|Operational enforcement visits| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005 (April to December)|9,209 |8,364 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006 |11,870 |13,991 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2007 |10,757 |15,099 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In “Enforcing the Deal: Our plans for Enforcing the Immigration Laws in the United Kingdom's communities”, published on 19 June 2008, we set out our enforcement priorities. Our attention is centred on taking action against organised criminals, facilitators and employers who break the law. We have focussed over 1,000 additional enforcement staff on enforcement duties whose duties include issuing civil penalties against employers, compliance visits and removal of those who present the greatest harm. Information on those detained in police cells, immigration removal centres or not detained but referred to a Home Office unit is not collated. Relevant information might be recorded on individual case files but could be obtained only by detailed examination of each record at disproportionate cost. The data provided is based on management information and is not a national statistic. It should be treated as provisional as it may be subject to change. Immigration Dr. Starkey To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedures are in place to deal with people who make false declarations of their country of residence on immigration cards at the UK border. Mr. Woolas UK Border Agency landing cards collect data by nationality, but do not record the country of residence of arriving passengers. Immigration: Climate Change Mr. Peter Ainsworth To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment her Department has made of the likely effects of climate change on numbers of (a) immigrants and (b) asylum seekers entering the UK in the next 10 years. Mr. Woolas [holding answer 11 September 2008]: The Department has been working to identify potential areas of risk it may face as a result of climate change, which can be found here: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climatechange/adapt/programme/home-office.htm. The global impact of climate change could affect the levels and patterns of migration to and from the UK, but the links are complex and there is no consensus among the scientific community. This will be kept under review. Immigration: Occupied Territories Dr. Starkey To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people whose home addresses are in illegal Israeli settlements entered the UK in the last 12 months. Mr. Woolas As Israelis are non-visa nationals, the United Kingdom Border Agency does not routinely collect nor record their home addresses when they are seeking to enter the UK. Plain English David T.C. Davies To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many documents produced by her Department were 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. Mr. Woolas Although the Home Office is a corporate member of the Plain English Campaign no central records are maintained of the take-up of their services by individual parts of the organisation. The information requested cannot be obtained at disproportionate cost. Philip Davies To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many documents produced by her Department were 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. Mr. Woolas Although the Home Office is a corporate member of the Plain English Campaign no central records are maintained of the take-up of their services by individual parts of the organisation. The information requested cannot therefore be obtained at disproportionate cost. Police Authorities: Bank Services Mr. Pickles To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the financial exposure of each police authority to the Icelandic banking crisis is, expressed in cash terms. Mr. Coaker [holding answer 17 October 2008]: Based on information provided to us by the Association of Police Authorities, the details requested are set out in the following table. ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Police authority |Investments (£ million)| ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Avon and Somerset Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Bedfordshire Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |British Transport Police Authority |— | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Cambridgeshire Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Cheshire Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |City of London Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Cleveland Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Cumbria Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Derbyshire Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Devon and Cornwall Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Dorset Police Authority |7.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Durham Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Dyfed-Powys Police Authority |2.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Essex Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Gloucestershire Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Greater Manchester Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Gwent Police Authority |1.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Hampshire Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Hertfordshire Police Authority |3.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Humberside Police Authority |5.75 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Kent Police Authority |11.10 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Lancashire Police Authority via LCC |0.67 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Leicestershire Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Lincolnshire Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Merseyside Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Metropolitan Police Authority |30.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Norfolk Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |North Wales Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |North Yorkshire Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Northamptonshire Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Northern Ireland Policing Board |— | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Northumbria Police Authority |3.50 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Nottinghamshire Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |South Wales Police Authority, |7.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |South Yorkshire Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Staffordshire Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Suffolk Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Surrey Police Authority |1.50 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Sussex Police Authority |6.80 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Thames Valley Police Authority |5.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Warwickshire Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |West Mercia Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |West Midlands Police Authority |5.40 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |West Yorkshire Police Authority |6.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Wiltshire Police Authority |0.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Total |95.72 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |Source:Association of Police Authorities| | ------------------------------------------------------------------ Police: Freedom of Information Mr. Amess To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 were made to each police authority about an individual's profile since 2005; how many requests were (a) agreed to and (b) refused in each of those years; how many refusals were subject to appeal to the Information Commissioner in each of those years; how many appeals were successful; if she will place in the Library copies of the material subsequently provided in each case; how much was spent by each police authority opposing each appeal; which (i) consultants and (ii) law firms were employed by each police authority in connection with each appeal; and if she will make a statement. Mr. Coaker This information is not held centrally. Police: Lancashire Mr. Pope To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers there were in (a) Hyndburn constituency and (b) the Lancashire Constabulary area in (i) 1997 and (ii) the latest period for which figures are available. Mr. Coaker The information is as follows: (a) Police personnel data are not available by parliamentary constituency, but are available for the basic command unit (BCU). Hyndburn falls within the Eastern BCU which had 598 officers on 31 March 2008. The earliest available BCU data is for March 2002 when Eastern BCU had 562 officers. (b) The numbers of full-time equivalent officers in Lancashire as at 31 March 1997 were 3,248, and as at 31 March 2008 were 3,609. Police: Pensions Paul Rowen To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate she has made of the annual change in the cost to the public purse of the 2006 changes to the national police pension scheme; and if she will make a statement. Mr. Coaker The new police pension scheme, under which police officers can build up maximum benefits over 35 years instead of 30 years, was introduced in April 2006 and applies to all new entrants since that point. The savings for 2008-09 as a result of that change are estimated to be 0.8 per cent. of pensionable pay, and 6.9 per cent. in the long term. Based on the current pensionable pay bill these savings equate to around £45 million and £390 million a year respectively. Population Mr. Clappison To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans she has to set a limit for UK population size; and if she will make a statement. Mr. Woolas The Government are undertaking sweeping reform of the immigration system. This includes introduction of the points-based system to ensure only those the UK really needs come here to work. The points-based system is flexible and responsive to the needs of the economy and we will use these levers taking advice from the Migration Advisory Committee on where our economy needs migration and from the Migration Impacts Forum to tell us about the pace of change that is right. We will continue to examine population projections to inform our use of the flexibility inherent in the points-based system. Travel Requirements: Fees and Charges Damian Green To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what forecasts her Department has made of levels of fee income from (a) British and (b) foreign nationals for passport, visa and other immigration-related documents and services in (i) 2008, (ii) 2009, (iii) 2010, (iv) 2011 and (v) 2012. Mr. Woolas The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) and UK Border Agency (UKBA) are the two Home Office service providers for passports, visas and other immigration document and services. IPS is currently forecasting that it will receive in the region of £377 million in passport related fees in the 2008-09 financial year. The budgeted figure for passport related fees for the 2009-10 financial year will be finalised early next year. Forecasts of passport related fees for the years after 2009-10 can only be made after the outcome of a full fees and charges strategy review is completed. An IPS fees and charges strategy review is needed as ID cards are being introduced for British citizens from 2009. IPS will need to reassess its future product prices as it will have to recover its costs over a different range of products. UKBA forecasts are independent of IPS fees and charges strategy as the visa and immigration documents business is separate from the passport and ID card business. The UKBA estimate of fee income for 2008-09 from visa applications is £300 million. The estimated fee income for 2008-09 from in-country applications is £350 million. UKBA is reviewing the position for 2009-10 for in and out-of country fees in the run-up to laying fees regulations early 2009. Estimates of fee income for the subsequent three years have yet to be made. Damian Green To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much her Department received in passport, visa and other immigration-related fees from (a) British and (b) foreign nationals in (i) the first six months and (ii) the second six months of each of the last five years. Mr. Woolas The annual income received from British nationals for passports services in each of the last five financial years is as follows: -------------------------------------------------- | |First six months|Second six months|Total| -------------------------------------------------- |2007-08|214.7 |161.0 |375.7| -------------------------------------------------- |2006-07|183.0 |162.6 |345.6| -------------------------------------------------- |2005-06|145.2 |132.5 |277.7| -------------------------------------------------- |2004-05|135.9 |106.2 |242.1| -------------------------------------------------- |2003-04|98.6 |98.9 |197.5| -------------------------------------------------- The annual income received by the Home Office for immigration services in each of the last five financial years is as follows: -------------------------------------------------- | |First six months|Second six months|Total| -------------------------------------------------- |2007-08|136 |164 |300 | -------------------------------------------------- |2006-07|99 |114 |213 | -------------------------------------------------- |2005-06|86 |118 |204 | -------------------------------------------------- |2004-05|49 |66 |115 | -------------------------------------------------- |2003-04|33 |40 |73 | -------------------------------------------------- The Home Office only assumed full responsibility for visa income from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) from 2008-09 onwards. Full year totals for visa income (excluding notional income for gratis visas) for the last five year—as provided by FCO—are as follows: ---------------------------- | |Income (£ million)| ---------------------------- |2007-08|273.6 | ---------------------------- |2006-07|190.5 | ---------------------------- |2005-06|163.4 | ---------------------------- |2004-05|127.4 | ---------------------------- |2003-04|111.9 | ---------------------------- UK Border Agency: Marketing Damian Green To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much her Department spent on commissioning a new (a) logo and (b) brand for the UK Border Agency. Mr. Woolas The development of the new UK Border Agency logo incurred a cost of £12,000 in design fees. A further £17,000 was spent on producing a set of templates and guidelines to cover all applications of the logo. A further £1,200 was spent on printing a summary guidelines booklet to distribute to senior managers within the UK Border Agency. UK Border Agency: Procurement Damian Green To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of invoices (a) the UK Border Agency and its predecessor organisations and (b) the Identity and Passport Service paid (i) within 10 days, (ii) within 30 days and (iii) more than 30 days from the date of receipt, broken down by invoice size. Mr. Woolas [holding answer 27 October 2008]: The overall position for UK Border Agency and Identity and Passport Service is set out in the following table. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |(a) UK Border Agency1|(b) Identity and Passport Service2| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |(i) Within 10 days |14.49 |35 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |(ii) Within 30 days |66.98 |63 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |(iii) Over 30 days |18.57 |2 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 Total invoices paid on Adelphi from 1 February 2008 until 30 September 2008 for UKBA cost centres.2 IPS processed invoices 2007-08 year.| | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Identity and Passport Service is unable to provide detail broken down by invoice size, UK Border Agency figures on this basis are given in the following table. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Percentage | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Invoice size |(i) Within 10 days|(ii) Within 30 days|(iii) Over 30 days| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |0-10,000 range |13.19|68.01|18.80| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |10,000-20,000 range |16.00|64.50|19.51| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |20,000-50,000 range |18.80|61.68|19.53| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |50,000-100,000 range |32.15|53.66|14.18| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |100,000+ range |41.61|48.68|9.71| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |All |14.49|66.93|18.57| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Note:Of the UK Border Agency invoices paid over 30 days: 25 per cent. of the volume of invoices paid over 30 days relates to seven suppliers. 50 per cent. of the value of invoices paid over 30 days relates to nine invoices, paid to six suppliers.| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transport Aviation: Passports Norman Baker To ask the Secretary of State for Transport under what provisions passengers using domestic flights are required to show a passport. Jim Fitzpatrick It is not a security requirement for passengers to provide a passport at check-in for domestic flights. Some airlines require under their own conditions of travel the presentation of a passport or other form of photographic ID to prevent ticket fraud. Aviation: Royal Family Norman Baker To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Canterbury of 3 July 2008, Official Report, column 1020W, on aviation: the Royal Family, if he will instigate an internal inquiry to establish for what reason the sum in question was spent on a cancelled project; and what steps he plans to take to prevent a similar occurrence. Jim Fitzpatrick The Royal and Ministerial Air Travel project was a feasibility study and correct procedures were followed in accordance with procurement best practice. The project was not cancelled and its outcome was delivered to Parliament on 26 March 2008. We see no need for an internal inquiry. Information about the project can be found on the Department’s website at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/aviation/royalminairtravelproject Bridges: Repairs and Maintenance Mrs. Villiers To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how much his Department and its agencies have spent on bridge maintenance since 2000; (2) how much his Department and its agencies have spent on local road maintenance since 2000. Paul Clark The Highways Agency is responsible for the management of the strategic road network, including bridge maintenance. It has spent the following amounts on bridge renewals: ----------- |£ million| ----------- |2004-05 |157| ----------- |2005-06 |152| ----------- |2006-07 |149| ----------- |2007-08 |170| ----------- This relates to renewals of bridges, tunnels, underpasses and other structures. It does not include costs associated with its private finance initiative contracts or routine maintenance of structures. The amounts shown are for the financial years from 2004-05, prior to this the information is not readily available to this level of detail. The management of the local road network, including bridge maintenance, in England, is the responsibility of local highway authorities. Maintenance of bridges owned by other bodies, such as Network Rail, is a matter for the respective bridge owner. Bus Lanes Mrs. Villiers To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of new bus lanes were created in each of the last 11 years, broken down by region. Paul Clark In the period of the first round of Local Transport Plans, from 2001-02 to 2005-06, local transport authorities invested £30.3 million on 387 busways and bus lanes, covering 220.57 miles. The following table shows the regional breakdown for new busways and bus lanes during this period. ----------------------------------------------------------------- |Region |Number of new busways/bus lanes|Miles | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |East |23 |12.81 | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |East Midlands |22 |8.70 | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |North East |56 |22.73 | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |North West |100 |111.22| ----------------------------------------------------------------- |South East |100 |34.73 | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |South West |46 |19.54 | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |West Midlands |60 |20.50 | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |Yorkshire and Humberside|47 |29.89 | ----------------------------------------------------------------- This information is not readily available prior to 2001-02, and to reduce the reporting burdens on local authorities, has not been collected since 2005-06. Bus Services: Homelessness Dr. Tony Wright To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on the provision of bus passes for people aged over 60 years with no fixed abode; and if he will make a statement. Paul Clark Local authorities are responsible for assessing eligibility for concessionary bus travel. They are required to issue passes to elderly and eligible disabled people whose "sole or principle residence" is within their area. Provided there is suitable evidence, we believe that it is possible for people of no fixed abode to fulfil this criterion. Carbon Emissions Norman Baker To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the average level of carbon dioxide emissions in grammes-per-kilometre was for (a) new and (b) all cars in (i) the UK and (ii) each other EU member state in each year since 1997. Jim Fitzpatrick Table 1 shows data on average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of new cars sold in the UK from 1997 to 2007. ----------------------------------- | |New car CO2 emissions (g/km)| ----------------------------------- |1997|189.8 | ----------------------------------- |1998|188.4 | ----------------------------------- |1999|185.0 | ----------------------------------- |2000|181.0 | ----------------------------------- |2001|178.0 | ----------------------------------- |2002|174.8 | ----------------------------------- |2003|172.7 | ----------------------------------- |2004|171.4 | ----------------------------------- |2005|169.7 | ----------------------------------- |2006|167.7 | ----------------------------------- |2007|164.7 | ----------------------------------- Data on average new car carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from 1997 to 2000 comes from estimates by The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). From 2001, figures are based on new car emissions data collected by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and supplied to the European Commission for the purposes of monitoring progress towards the EU voluntary commitments on new car CO2 targets. Data on average new car carbon dioxide emissions from 2000 to 2006 in most EU member states is available on the European Commission website at the following link: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/transport/co2/co2_monitoring.htm. This data is reproduced in table 2 as follows: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |EU member states |2000 |2001 |2002 |2003 |2004 |2005 |2006 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Austria |168.0|165.6|164.4|163.8|161.9|162.1|163.7| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Belgium |166.5|163.7|161.1|158.1|156.5|155.2|153.9| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cyprus |— |— |— |— |173.4|173.0|170.0| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Czech Republic |— |— |— |— |154.0|155.3|154.2| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Denmark |175.7|172.9|170.0|169.0|165.9|163.7|162.5| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Estonia |— |— |— |— |179.0|183.7|182.7| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Finland |181.1|178.1|177.2|178.3|179.8|179.5|179.2| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |France |163.6|159.8|156.8|155.0|153.1|152.3|149.9| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Germany |182.2|179.5|177.4|175.9|174.9|173.4|172.5| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Greece |180.3|166.5|167.8|168.9|168.8|167.4|166.5| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Hungary |— |— |— |— |158.5|156.3|154.6| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ireland |161.3|166.6|164.3|166.7|167.6|166.8|166.3| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Italy |155.1|158.3|156.6|152.9|150.0|149.5|149.2| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Latvia |— |— |— |— |192.4|187.2|183.1| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Lithuania |— |— |— |— |187.5|186.3|163.4| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Luxembourg |176.7|177.0|173.8|173.5|169.7|168.6|168.2| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Malta |— |— |— |— |148.8|150.5|145.9| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Netherlands |174.2|174.0|172.4|173.5|171.0|169.9|166.7| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Poland |— |— |— |— |154.1|155.2|155.9| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Portugal |169.2|— |154.0|149.9|147.1|144.9|145.0| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Slovakia |— |— |— |— |— |157.4|152.0| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Slovenia |— |— |— |— |152.7|157.2|155.3| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Spain |159.2|156.8|156.4|157.0|155.3|155.3|155.6| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sweden |200.1|200.2|198.2|198.6|197.2|193.8|188.6| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |UK |185.4|178.0|174.8|172.7|171.4|169.7|167.7| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |EU average 172.2 |169.7|167.2|165.5|163.4|162.4|161.3| | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |EU average (corrected)1 |171.0|168.5|166.0|164.3|162.2|161.2|160.2| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 For the purposes of monitoring progress towards the EU voluntary commitments on new car C02 emissions, a correction factor of -0.7 per cent. is applied to reported figures to align them with the original basis for the voluntary commitment.Note:The EU-10 member states started with data submission in monitoring year 2004. Data for Romania and Bulgaria is not available.| | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There is no data available on average CO2 emissions of all cars in the UK since data on CO2 emissions of new vehicles was not routinely collected before 1997. Therefore, in order to estimate the average CO2 emissions of all cars, we would need to make assumptions about the CO2 emissions of cars sold before 1997 and how many of these vehicles are still on the road. Our estimates suggest that average CO2 emissions from all cars, in the UK have fallen from around 190g/km in 2000 to around 180g/km in 2006. For similar reasons to those aforementioned, no data are available on average CO2 emissions of all cars in other EU member states. Departmental ICT Mr. Ancram To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much his Department spent on upgrading its IT in each of the last three financial years. Mr. Hoon The total spend for the Department for Transport and its agencies on upgrading its IT in each of the last three years is as follows: ---------------- | |£000 | ---------------- |2005-06|28,351| ---------------- |2006-07|29,718| ---------------- |2007-08|43,861| ---------------- VOSA is unable to identify separately the IT upgrade costs from the monthly charge that they make to Atos Origin, which manages its IT service. Due to limitations in GCDA’s the Government Car and Despatch Agency accountancy system, it cannot provide the complete breakdown within their costs. The costs do however include hardware and software upgrading costs. The Driving Standards Agency DSA changed its accounting system in April 2007 and this has resulted in changes to the coding system. This may lead to inconsistencies between the information reported for 2007-08 compared to previous years, however the costs of confirming this is disproportionate. Mr. Hoban To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what IT projects (a) his Department and (b) each of its agencies is undertaking; and what the most recent estimate of (i) the cost and (ii) the completion date of each is. Mr. Hoon The following tables show IT projects taking place within the Department and its agencies. DFT Central is undertaking the following IT projects: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Project |Most recent estimate of cost (£)|Most recent estimate of completion date| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Shared Services Programme |128,300,000 |2012 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |ETHOS office system upgrade |2,700,000 |November 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |TRANSEC Website project |261,000 |May 2009 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |National database for SCANNER (Surface Condition Assessment for the National Network of Roads) data|150,000 |September 2009 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Passenger Counts Database |2-3,000,000 |June 2010 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |CRASH (Collision Reporting and Sharing) |1— |2010 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |National Travel Survey database redevelopment |2— |2010 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |1 Out to tender2 Not yet tendered | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is undertaking the following IT projects: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Project |Most recent estimate of cost (£)|Most recent estimate of completion date| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Driver Licence Upgrade Project|15,224,000 |November 2008 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Drivers Reengineering Project |107,670,000 |March 2009 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ten Year Renewal 2 |16,397,000 |March 2010 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vehicle Operating Standards Agency (VOSA) is undertaking the following IT projects: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Project |Most recent estimate of cost (£)|Most recent estimate of completion date| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Automatic Number Plate Recognition and Weigh In Motion Sensors|5,800,000 |March 2009 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |MOT Enforcement Transformation |3,600,000 |March 2009 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Transport Office Portal |14,700,000 |March 2009 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |3D Secure and PCI DSS |1,300,000 |March 2009 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Electronic Test Bookings |16,500,000 |March 2009 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Customer Information Services Project |1,100,000 |March 2009 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Highways Agency (HA) is undertaking the following IT projects: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Project |Most recent estimate of cost (£)|Most recent estimate of completion date (financial year)| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Integrated Asset Management System Programme |39,850,000 |2017-18 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Business Intelligence Service Delivery |1,900,301 |2008-09 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Major Projects Business Intelligence Enabling Project |1,077,000 |2009-10 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Network Performance—BI Project |2,008,509 |2009-10 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Oracle Enhancement Project |1,230,000 |2008-09 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sharing HA Records Electronically |4,978,000 |2009-10 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |HA Pavement Management System |9,945,443 |2010-11 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |HA Traffic Information System |4,669,460 |2008-09 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Traffic Information 2011+ |4,000,000 |2011-12 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Better Traffic Data—Incremental Improvements |550,000 |2009-10 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Computer Aided Facilities Management System upgrade |15,000 |2008-09 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Environmental Information System |1,894,433 |2009-10 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Evaluate the purchase of AM broadcast licences for Traffic Radio |15,000 |2008-09 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |FOI/EIR web disclosure log |15,000 |2008-09 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |HA Data and Information services Policy Project |14,000 |2008-09 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Highways Agency Information Points |1,031,000 |2010-11 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Laptop Encryption |90,000 |2008-09 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |SHARE Legacy File Management |88,000 |2009-10 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Structures Management Information System |85,400 |2009-10 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |TAME (Traffic Appraisal, Modelling and Economics) Traffic Counter Granularity and Telemetry Upgrade|1,650,000 |2009-10 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Way We Work—RedDot—SHARE Integration Project |82,000 |2009-10 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Video Information Highway Policy Implementation |115,000 |2009-10 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is undertaking the following IT projects: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Project |Most recent estimate of cost (£)|Most recent estimate of completion date| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Driver Certificate of Professional Competence project (includes IT elements)|£36,000,000 |September 2009 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |New Practical Test Booking System—DTCS-T |£3,500,000 |December 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Enterprise Scanning Solution |£900,000 |November 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Intranet Project |800,000-1,000,000 |March 2009 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |ISO9001 (includes IT elements) |300,000 |October 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Central Servers Refresh |266,000 |March 2009 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Central Backup (Servers) |100,000 |December 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Area Office IT Refresh |817,000 |March 2009 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |IT Enhancements to Driving Test Centres |863,500 |December 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Laptop Remote Access |214,400 |December 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is undertaking the following IT projects: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Project |Most recent estimate of cost (£)|Most recent estimate of completion date (quarter, year)| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Consolidated European Reporting System/Single Vessel Database|5,000,000 |Q1 2010 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Radio Equipment Replacement Project |5,000,000 |Q3 2010 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Automatic Identification System Service Provision Project |500,000 |Q1 2009 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Government Car and Despatch Agency (GCDA) is undertaking the following IT project: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Project |Most recent estimate of cost (£)|Most recent estimate of completion date| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Booking and Despatch—to implement a new operational system to support the Agency’s Government Mail and Government Cars businesses|255,000 |December 2008 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) is not undertaking any IT projects. The Department for Transport does not hold centrally collected records on IT projects, which are managed locally. The aforementioned tables therefore show available information on major projects under way within DFT Central and each of its agencies. Departmental Marketing David Simpson To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the cost effectiveness of Government-commissioned advertising in the last 12 months relating to matters falling within the remit of his Department. Mr. Hoon The Department regularly assesses the cost effectiveness of our advertising through analysis by independent media auditors, quantitative research and progress against real world indicators, such as, in the case of our THINK! road safety campaign, the number of people killed or seriously injured. Departmental Pensions Jenny Willott To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many and what proportion of civil servants in his Department and its agencies are members of the (a) Classic, (b) Classic Plus, (c) Nuvos and (d) Premium civil service pension schemes. Mr. Hoon The number and proportion of Department for Transport civil servants in each of the civil service pension schemes is as follows: ------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Classic|Classic Plus|Nuvos|Premium|Total | ------------------------------------------------------------------- |Number of employees |9,677 |460 |1,142|6,684 |1,7963| ------------------------------------------------------------------- |Proportion of employees|53.9 |2.6 |36.7 |6.4 |99.6 | ------------------------------------------------------------------- The remaining 0.4 per cent. of civil servants have either opted for the partnership scheme (which is a money purchase scheme), or have opted out of a pension provision. Jenny Willott To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many civil servants working in his Department and its agencies have pensions with a cash equivalent transfer value of over £1 million. Mr. Hoon 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 Department for Transport Resource Accounts for financial year 2007-8 can be found in the Library or accessed electronically using the following link http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/publications/ei/secresaccs/resourceaccounts0708.pdf Departmental Postal Services Mr. Hoban To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the Answer of 1 September 2008, Official Report, columns 1408-9W, on departmental postal services, how much (a) his Department, (b) the Highways Agency, (c) the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and (d) the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency spent on its mail services in the last year. Mr. Hoon The requested information is provided as follows. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Spend on mail services (£)| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |(a) Central Department |1145,059.60 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |(b) Highways Agency |128,427.75 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |(c) Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency |222,900,000.00 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |(d) Vehicle and Operator Services Agency |3— | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 Comprising London HQ, Air Accidents Investigation Branch, Marine Accident Investigation Branch and Rail Accident Investigation Branch.2 Relates to financial year 2007-08. The £22.9 million postal related expenses include £0.7 million in relation to contract carrier and cash carrying services.3 The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) do not record this information.| | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Departmental Staff Norman Baker To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 16 October 2008, Official Report, column 1372W, on departmental staff, how many individuals in the rail network strategy division are examining options for supporting further growth in the longer term. Paul Clark Five members of staff within the rail network strategy division are directly engaged in work relating to options for supporting longer-term growth. The work is part of the Department for Transport's multi-modal approach to strategy development, supported by its wider technical and professional resources. Departmental Training Mr. Hands To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what personal training courses at public expense he has undertaken since his appointment. Mr. Hoon I have not undertaken any personal training courses at public expense since my appointment. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency: Consultants Mr. Prisk To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency spent on external information technology consultants in each of the last five financial years; and if he will make a statement. Jim Fitzpatrick Prior to the implementation of the new financial accounting system (SAP) in 2007, as part of the new Shared Services Arrangements, DVLA did not separately identify the different types of consultancy expenditure incurred. To interrogate the data for 2003-2007 would incur disproportionate costs so the following table details all contracts awarded to external information technology consultants and the value of those contracts, between 2004-05 and 2007-08. --------------- | |£000 | --------------- |2004-05|138 | --------------- |2005-06|508 | --------------- |2006-07|1,262| --------------- |2007-08|97 | --------------- A large proportion of the spend allocated to 2006-07 was for a single project which actually spans several financial years. Driving: Licensing Mrs. Villiers To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people hold a UK driving licence. Jim Fitzpatrick The estimated number of people in Great Britain with a full driving licence in 2007 was 33.8 million. East Coast Main Line Mr. Austin Mitchell To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made on the production of Network Rail's capacity analysis of the East Coast Main Line; and when it will be completed. Paul Clark Network Rail's East Coast Main Line capacity assessment report was published on 26 September 2008, and is publicly available on the website operated by the Office of Rail Regulation: http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/ecml_NR_caprep.pdf Fuels: Renewable Energy Mr. Jeremy Browne To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 15 October 2008, Official Report, column 46WS, on the Post-Gallagher update, what assessment he has made of the effect of slowing down the rate of increase of the renewable transport fuel obligation on (a) global food prices, (b) food insecurity in developing countries, (c) biodiversity loss and (d) greenhouse gas emissions arising from indirect land use change. Jim Fitzpatrick Professor Gallagher's review into the indirect effects of biofuel production acknowledged that there are uncertainties about the environmental, social and economic effects. However, he also concluded that there is a risk that the uncontrolled expansion and use of biofuels could lead to unsustainable changes in land use, such as the destruction of rainforest to make way for the production of crops. That might, in turn, increase greenhouse gas emissions, as well as contributing to higher food prices and shortages. Professor Gallagher recommended that the Government amend but not abandon their biofuels policy. The Government agree with this recommendation and are currently consulting on a proposal to slow down the rate of increase of the RTFO. The Renewable Fuels Agency is also required to include an assessment of the wider effects of biofuel production in its annual report to Parliament. This will enable the Government to continue to gather evidence on the impacts of biofuel use to help ensure that targets are set at appropriate levels. Fuels: Rural Areas Mr. Roger Williams To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will discuss with ministerial colleagues at HM Treasury a fuel tax derogation for rural areas. Paul Clark Decisions on fuel duty, as with all decisions on taxation, are matters for HM Treasury. Treasury Ministers routinely consult with ministerial colleagues on all relevant matters as part of the pre-Budget report and Budget processes. Heathrow Airport Mr. Ancram To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on whether a third runway should be built at Heathrow Airport. Jim Fitzpatrick I refer the right hon. and learned Member to the written statement made by the former Secretary of State for Transport on 8 July 2008, Official Report, columns 74-76WS. Lorries: Fuels Mr. Roger Williams To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will consider requiring foreign hauliers entering the UK to have the same level of fuel when leaving the UK as when entering. Jim Fitzpatrick Consideration was given to fuel restrictions as part of Haulage Industry Task Group discussions. It is likely that any restriction would contravene European single market rules. Lorries: Working Hours Mr. Roger Williams To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will consider bringing forward proposals to limit the number of hours per week that foreign hauliers may spend on UK roads. Jim Fitzpatrick The current EU drivers’ hours rules, which apply to drivers of large goods vehicles from all EU member states, restrict daily, weekly and fortnightly driving time, and require the taking of mandatory breaks and rests periods. In addition in June, at the EU Transport Council, political agreement was reached on a Commission Proposal which would limit the number of cabotage operations performed by EU hauliers to three in seven days if preceded by a loaded international journey. Motorways: Repairs and Maintenance Mrs. Villiers To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of new (a) motorway and (b) motorway widening were completed in each of the last 10 years. Paul Clark The following table shows (a) the number of miles of new motorway and (b) the number of miles of motorway widened in each year since 1998. --------------------------------------------- | |(a) New motorway|(b) Motorway widened| --------------------------------------------- |1998 |0.0 |22.7 | --------------------------------------------- |1999 |9.3 |18.5 | --------------------------------------------- |2000 |0.0 |9.3 | --------------------------------------------- |2001 |0.0 |0.0 | --------------------------------------------- |2002 |0.0 |0.0 | --------------------------------------------- |2003 |0.0 |6.6 | --------------------------------------------- |2004 |0.0 |0.0 | --------------------------------------------- |2005 |0.0 |13.4 | --------------------------------------------- |2006 |10.6 |19.4 | --------------------------------------------- |2007 |0.0 |1.2 | --------------------------------------------- |Total|19.9 |91.2 | --------------------------------------------- Parking: Disabled Mr. Amess To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will encourage local authorities to allow blue badge holders to park free of charge in (a) residents’ parking bays and (b) parking bays; and if he will make a statement. Paul Clark The Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Exemptions for Disabled Persons) (England) Regulations 2000 already require local authorities to exempt holders of a disabled person’s badge from any charges that apply to other classes of traffic for the use of on-street parking spaces. Public Transport: Visually Impaired Mr. Hancock To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate his Department has made of the number of visually impaired people injured whilst using public transport in the last 10 years. Jim Fitzpatrick The information requested is not available. Mr. Amess To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) blind and (b) partially sighted people had a free bus pass (i) in each year since 1997 and (ii) at the latest date for which information is available. Paul Clark Local authorities are responsible for issuing concessionary bus passes and the Department for Transport does not hold detailed information about the breakdown of different types of pass holder. From 1 April 2008 local authorities outside London have been required to issue all concessionary bus passes as ITSO smartcards. To date around 7.2 million have been issued. Approximately 900,000 London Freedom Passes have been re-stickered for national use. From 2010 London will be required to issue their passes as ITSO smartcards. Rail Network: Overcrowding Mr. Vara To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he plans to take to reduce overcrowding on the rail network; and if he will make a statement. Paul Clark The Government’s plans to increase capacity are set out in the rail White Paper “Delivering a Sustainable Railway” published on 24 July 2007 and available on the Department for Transport’s website www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/whitepapers/whitepapercm7176/. On top of the record sums already committed until 2009, the Government will invest a further £10 billion in delivering enhancements alone over the following five years. The Government plans the introduction of 1,300 new and additional rail vehicles onto the rail network in the period up to 2014. 423 new vehicles have already been ordered. Mr. Heald To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he plans to take to reduce overcrowding on the rail network; and if he will make a statement. Paul Clark The Government’s plan to increase capacity are set out in the rail White Paper “Delivering a sustainable railway” published on 24 July 2007 and available on the Department for Transport’s website: www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/whitepapers/whitepapercm7176/ On top of the record sums, already committed until 2009, the Government will invest a further £10 billion in delivering enhancements alone over the following five years. The Government plan the introduction of 1,300 new and additional rail vehicles onto the rail network in the period up to 2014. 423 new vehicles have already been ordered. Railway Network: Electrification Mr. Sanders To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department plans to extend the electrification of the rail network west of London. Paul Clark The Department for Transport has been working closely with the rail industry to examine the case for extending the electrified network. Railways: Concessions Andrew Stunell To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce a national discount railcard linked to the proposed standardisation of rail ticket tariffs; and if he will make a statement. Paul Clark There are a number of discount schemes already offered on rail: the Young Person’s, Senior, Family and Disabled railcards and in the South East, the Network Card. There are also group travel discounts available for some journeys. There are no plans to examine further schemes at this stage. River Mersey: Bridges Norman Baker To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what estimate he has made of the combined number of vehicle journeys per year likely to be made across the new Mersey Gateway Bridge and the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge if (a) a toll of £1.40 is payable and (b) no toll is payable; and if he will make a statement; (2) what assessment he has made of the effect that a toll of £1.40 on the new Mersey Gateway Bridge and the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge will have on traffic congestion in Warrington town centre; (3) what assessment he has made of the effects on the local economy of a toll on the new Mersey Gateway Bridge and the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge. Paul Clark Given the cost of the Mersey Gateway bridge in relation to the North West’s regional funding allocation, it is not realistic to expect that it could be funded without income from tolls. For assessment purposes, traffic modelling was based on annual average weekday traffic (AAWT) which is fully compliant with recommended appraisal procedures. Hence, forecasts of annual journeys (including weekends) are not available. The proposed traffic volumes on the combined crossings of Silver Jubilee bridge and the new Mersey Gateway bridge were estimated as follows: ---------------------------------------------------- | |£1.40 toll (2008 prices)|No toll| ---------------------------------------------------- |Opening year |74,000 |128,000| ---------------------------------------------------- |Opening year + 15|95,000 |146,000| ---------------------------------------------------- The Department has not made an assessment of the effect that tolls placed on the new Mersey Gateway bridge and Silver Jubilee bridge will have on traffic congestion in Warrington town centre. Halton borough council forecast the traffic diversion to be around 1 per cent. at peak times and 4 per cent. in daily traffic terms. The Mersey Gateway bridge is being promoted by Halton primarily to relieve the existing Silver Jubilee bridge (SJB) which experiences high levels of congestion. The scheme has strong backing from the Merseyside sub-region, as it is seen as a catalyst for unlocking significant development opportunities at key development sites including improved access to Liverpool John Lennon airport. In the region’s view, failure to provide the additional capacity will impede the regeneration of the area and the development of key sites served by the bridge and surrounding network including Widnes waterfront, Ditton Freight terminal and Daresbury science and business park. Since Halton have applied to my Department for orders under the Transport and Works Act and the Highways Act to authorise the construction of the new bridge and related matters, I cannot express a view on the merits of the scheme in order not to prejudice the Secretary of State’s eventual decisions. A public inquiry is to be held next year, although a date has yet to be fixed. Roads Mr. Ancram To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much was spent from the public purse per head on roads in (a) rural and (b) urban areas in 2007-08. Paul Clark The expenditure on roads in England in 2006-07 amounted to approximately £7 billion, including new build, maintenance and road lighting. This is equivalent to about £137 per head of population. Data are not available for 2007-08. Rural and urban breakdowns of the data are not available. Roads: Accidents Mrs. Villiers To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many drivers under the age of 25 years were involved in road collisions in each region of England and Wales in (a) each of the last 10 years and (b) 2008 to date; (2) how many road collisions involved drivers under the age of 25 in each region of England and Wales in (a) each of the last 10 years and (b) 2008 to date; (3) how many people were (a) killed, (b) seriously injured and (c) injured as a result of traffic collisions involving drivers under the age of 25 years in each region of England and Wales in (i) each of the last 10 years and (ii) 2008 to date. Jim Fitzpatrick The numbers of drivers or riders under the age of 25 years old involved in reported personal injury road accidents in each Government Office region in England and Wales in 1998 to 2007 are given in the following table. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Government Office region|1998 |1999 |2000 |2001 |2002 |2003 |2004 |2005 |2006 |2007 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |North East |3,355 |2,897 |2,924 |2,778 |2,858 |3,033 |2,968 |2,901 |2,884 |2,750 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |North West |12,525|11,769|11,392|10,927|10,652|10,422|10,574|10,190|9,237 |8,622 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Yorkshire and the Humber|8,444 |8,033 |7,794 |7,572 |7,820 |7,545 |7,063 |6,690 |6,681 |6,587 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |East Midlands |6,642 |6,187 |6,166 |5,981 |6,011 |6,057 |5,865 |6,032 |5,652 |5,707 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |West Midlands |8,394 |8,804 |8,061 |7,658 |7,619 |7,360 |7,178 |7,394 |7,129 |7,190 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |East of England |9,557 |8,784 |8,891 |8,695 |8,416 |8,511 |8,643 |8,402 |7,904 |7,810 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |South East |13,454|12,879|12,093|11,848|11,803|11,570|11,745|11,393|11,602|11,187| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |London |11,185|10,833|10,377|9,913 |9,299 |8,467 |7,599 |6,816 |6,044 |5,745 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |South West |7,496 |7,442 |7,223 |7,524 |7,646 |7,373 |7,602 |7,887 |7,417 |7,127 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | | | | | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |England |81,052|77,628|74,921|72,896|72,124|70,338|69,237|67,705|64,550|62,725| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | | | | | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Wales |4,112 |3,967 |3,664 |3,745 |3,970 |4,007 |4,189 |3,919 |3,896 |3,795 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | | | | | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |England and Wales |85,164|81,595|78,585|76,641|76,094|74,345|73,426|71,624|68,446|66,520| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The numbers of reported personal injury road accidents involving at least one driver or rider under the age of 25 years old in each Government Office region in England and Wales in 1998 to 2007 are given in the following table. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Government Office Region|1998 |1999 |2000 |2001 |2002 |2003 |2004 |2005 |2006 |2007 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |North East |3,038 |2,620 |2,660 |2,552 |2,633 |2,741 |2,704 |2,631 |2,607 |2,481 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |North West |11,194|10,556|10,349|9,906 |9,666 |9,413 |9,447 |9,134 |8,316 |7,719 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Yorkshire and the Humber|7,619 |7,270 |7,093 |6,879 |7,105 |6,828 |6,441 |6,054 |6,040 |5,974 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |East Midlands |6,060 |5,621 |5,618 |5,465 |5,477 |5,507 |5,329 |5,461 |5,164 |5,176 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |West Midlands |7,565 |7,839 |7,341 |7,008 |6,952 |6,710 |6,534 |6,678 |6,458 |6,487 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |East of England |8,578 |7,959 |8,057 |7,850 |7,668 |7,684 |7,789 |7,583 |7,111 |6,972 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |South East |12,144|11,610|11,039|10,788|10,673|10,476|10,649|10,315|10,462|10,106| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |London |10,371|10,053|9,656 |9,231 |8,647 |7,859 |7,079 |6,337 |5,623 |5,338 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |South West |6,766 |6,753 |6,543 |6,822 |6,902 |6,650 |6,851 |7,066 |6,622 |6,351 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | | | | | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |England |73,335|70,281|68,356|66,501|65,723|63,868|62,823|61,259|58,403|56,604| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | | | | | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Wales |3,716 |3,590 |3,309 |3,385 |3,566 |3,599 |3,769 |3,507 |3,422 |3,356 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | | | | | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |England and Wales |77,051|73,871|71,665|69,886|69,289|67,467|66,592|64,766|61,825|59,960| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The numbers of people (a) killed, (b) seriously injured and (c) slightly injured resulting from reported personal injury road accidents involving at least one driver or rider under the age of 25 years old in each Government Office region in England and Wales in 1998 to 2007 are given in the following table. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Government Office Region|Severity|1998 |1999 |2000 |2001 |2002 |2003 |2004 |2005 |2006 |2007 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North East |Killed |36 |30 |25 |34 |40 |50 |59 |51 |45 |31 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Serious |409 |339 |373 |354 |343 |365 |349 |335 |429 |346 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Slight |4,076 |3,493 |3,537 |3,436 |3,497 |3,614 |3,606 |3,492 |3,423 |3,373 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North West |Killed |114 |119 |135 |120 |122 |131 |131 |137 |131 |92 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Serious |1,509 |1,381 |1,352 |1,326 |1,371 |1,352 |1,420 |1,433 |1,286 |1,172 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Slight |15,363|14,638|14,214|13,491|13,169|12,519|12,583|12,330|11,393|10,426| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Yorkshire and the Humber|Killed |94 |89 |94 |118 |131 |128 |111 |125 |118 |102 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Serious |1,262 |1,182 |1,081 |1,214 |1,286 |1,190 |1,178 |1,098 |1,119 |1,088 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Slight |10,183|9,555 |9,447 |9,151 |9,418 |9,000 |8,491 |8,032 |8,234 |8,072 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |East Midlands |Killed |128 |116 |97 |90 |110 |120 |114 |98 |117 |109 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Serious |1,227 |1,122 |1,055 |1,027 |1,102 |1,047 |1,009 |972 |848 |877 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Slight |7,680 |7,123 |7,121 |6,901 |6,972 |6,964 |6,698 |6,890.|6,585 |6,499 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |West Midlands |Killed |103 |98 |99 |107 |85 |102 |106 |84 |115 |106 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Serious |1,481 |1,239 |1,189 |1,101 |1,062 |951 |941 |926 |867 |861 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Slight |9,313 |9,881 |9,440 |9,003 |8,862 |8,491 |8,239 |8,704 |8,379 |8,481 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |East of England |Killed |122 |123 |138 |137 |136 |130 |128 |118 |128 |121 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Serious |1,708 |1,545 |1,531 |1,489 |1,357 |1,439 |1,349 |1,306 |1,150 |1,159 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Slight |10,590|9;795 |10,078|9,850 |9,638 |9,572 |9,714 |9,519 |9,005 |8,645 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South East |Killed |168 |170 |176 |149 |154 |156 |161 |181 |153 |160 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Serious |1,932 |1,937 |1,906 |1,801 |1,808 |1,610 |1,623 |1,445 |1,514 |1,563 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Slight |15,211|14,555|13,568|13,644|13,240|12,819|13,017|12,876|13,267|12,619| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |London |Killed |61 |78 |81 |80 |77 |73 |64 |58 |63 |61 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Serious |1,870 |1,539 |1,532 |1,531 |1,354 |1,288 |988 |857 |905 |833 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Slight |11,219|11,113|10,924|10,401|9,851 |8,802 |7,974 |7,118 |6,368 |6,253 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South West |Killed |101 |91 |88 |103 |114 |85 |113 |115 |113 |100 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Serious |994 |985 |1,028 |909 |1,055 |1,018 |900 |905 |880- |882 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Slight |8,400 |8,306 |8,085 |8,620 |8,440 |8,130 |8,431 |8,839 |8,311 |7,877 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |England |Killed |927 |914 |933 |938 |969 |975 |987 |967 |983 |882 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Serious |12,392|11,269|11,047|10,752|10,738|10,260|9,757 |9,277 |8,998 |8,781 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Slight |92,035|88,459|86,414|84,497|83,087|79,911|78,753|77,800|74,965|72,245| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wales |Killed |66 |64 |53 |75 |56 |58 |88 |76 |63 |58 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Serious |539 |634. |555 |523 |576 |576 |515 |486 |490 |531 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Slight |5,034 |4,668 |4,565 |4,581 |4,896 |4,909 |5,141 |4,937 |4,854 |4,745 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |England and Wales |Killed |993 |978 |986 |1,013 |1,025 |1,033 |1,075 |1,043 |1,046 |940 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Serious |12,931|11,903|11,602|11,275|11,314|10,836|10,272|9,763 |9,488 |9,312 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Slight |97,069|93,127|90,979|89,078|87,983|84,820|83,894|82,737|79,819|76,990| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2008 data will be published in June 2009. Roads: Southend James Duddridge To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what discussions he has had with Southend-on-Sea borough council on the proposed highway improvement at Priory Crescent and the A127 junction; (2) what plans he has to meet (a) hon. and right hon. Members, (b) Southend Borough Council members and (c) Southend Borough Council officers in relation to the proposed highway improvement at Priory Crescent and the A127 junction. Paul Clark At present the Department for Transport's regional and local major schemes team are working closely with officers of Southend-on-Sea borough council, the scheme promoters, to prepare a revised major scheme business case which is due to be submitted shortly in order to reduce overspend on the original scheme. Following submission of this case meetings with appropriate hon. and right hon. Members, Southend borough council members and officers will be convened. Transport: Skilled Workers Lynne Jones To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the adequacy of supply of engineering and other skills required to implement his Department's transport strategy; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Hoon The Department for Transport, and its agencies, work closely with professional and trade bodies to understand what engineering and technical support capacity will be required by transport in the future. We acknowledge there has been, and remains, a shortage of relevant engineering and technical skills within the UK. However, these constraints are now less critical than in the past given the greater international mobility of labour and the shorter period needed to train people in these skills. We are seeking to address the remaining skills gaps in a number of ways. For example, the Highways Agency publishes a forward look of work to enable its suppliers to allocate and manage resources effectively. It works closely with key suppliers, professional and trade bodies to identify and address potential skills and other constraints. The Highways Agency also supports apprenticeship schemes in the construction sector through the national roads programme. As part of our rail technical strategy we will be outlining the skills the railways will need in the longer term to deliver a more cost effective, sustainable and higher capacity railway. And for Crossrail, where at the peak of construction in 2013-15 some 14,000 jobs, involving over 40 trades and professions, will be needed, we are working with industry bodies to establish a Tunnelling Academy offering training and recognised qualifications. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Biofuels Mr. Jim Cunningham To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much the Government have spent on research on the potential for biofuel use overseas in the last 12 months. Joan Ruddock I have been asked to reply. UK Government policy on biofuels has always been based on making their production and use sustainable. A number of studies on biofuel sustainability have considered the supply and demand of biofuels anticipated globally. These include the Gallagher Review commissioned by the Renewable Fuels Agency—the Gallagher Review and the studies underpinning it are available via the Renewable Fuels Agency's website http://www.dft.gov.uk/rfa/ and a study on the environmental sustainability of international biofuels production commissioned by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), available on DEFRA's website at www.defra.gov.uk. These studies cost approximately £300,000. Research has also been commissioned to consider key social, economic and ecological consequences of the development of bioenergy and its impacts on the rural poor in developing countries. These include a study commissioned by the Department for International Development on the impact of biofuels on agriculture and poverty reduction in developing countries, costing approximately £8,000, and available on the Overseas Development Institute website; and, under the auspices of the Brazil: UK: Southern Africa Taskforce on Biofuels, the Brazil:UK:Africa Partnership on Bioethanol Scoping study, which was commissioned by the Office for Science and Innovation (part of the former Department of Trade and Industry). The study looked into the technical potential for sugar cane for bioethanol in Africa, cost approximately £116,000 and is available on the Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform website. The Government have recently committed a further £170,000 to a five year transnational consortia research programme, "Bioenergy - an opportunity or threat to the rural poor" as part of the ERA-ARD (European Research Area for Agricultural Research and Development net). Carbon Emissions Mrs. Lait To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer to the right hon. Member for Maidenhead of 1 July 2008, Official Report, columns 770-74W, if he will place in the Library a copy of the reports on (a) distributional impacts of personal carbon trading, (b) personal carbon trading: public acceptability, (c) public understanding of sustainable energy use in the home and (d) waste infrastructure research. Joan Ruddock I have been asked to reply. I am arranging for copies of the reports on Distributional Personal Carbon Trading, Personal Carbon Trading: Public Acceptability, and Public Understanding of Sustainable Energy Use in the Home to be placed in the Library of the House. I have been informed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs that the navigator waste infrastructure research study has not yet been completed. Carbon Emissions: EU Law Mr. Tyrie To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage contribution to a reduction in UK carbon emissions on 1990 levels, as defined by the Climate Change Bill, are expected to be made by full compliance with the EU Renewables Directive by 2020. Mr. Mike O'Brien I have been asked to reply. Potential measures set out in the Renewable Energy Strategy (RES) consultation, to achieve 15 per cent. energy from renewable sources by 2020, are estimated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in 2020 by 20 to 25 MtCO2 outside the EU emissions trading scheme (transport and smaller scale heat), and to contribute 50 to 55 MtCO2 of savings within the EU emissions trading scheme cap (electricity and larger scale heat). The estimated savings outside, and additional to, the EU ETS cap represent around 10 to 15 per cent. of the reduction in carbon emissions required to achieve the Climate Change Bill’s target of at least a 26 per cent. reduction in carbon emissions on 1990 levels for the five-year budgetary period including the year 2020, which implies a reduction in carbon emissions of at least 154 MtCO2 on 1990 levels. Inland Waterways: Property John Howell To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the further review of the Environment Agency’s plans for lock-keepers’ cottages along the Thames will be published; whether the review has included a re-examination of the business case for disposal of the cottages; and if he will make a statement. Huw Irranca-Davies [holding answer 23 October 2008]: The Environment Agency intends to announce proposals for lock houses on the River Thames in the new year, after further negotiations have been held with the unions about all the terms and conditions for lock staff. The review will include a re-examination of the business case and will consider the issues raised by MPs, members of the public and staff. River Lymington: Ferries Mr. Swayne To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 13 October 2008, Official Report, column 938W, on River Lymington: ferries, what the role of the Government Office for the South East will be in resolving the situation regarding Wightlink’s application for shore works in the Lymington River. Huw Irranca-Davies [holding answer 23 October 2008]: It is part of Government Office’s role to connect Whitehall to key regional players and join up the agencies, non-departmental public bodies and regulators which operate regionally. In this instance, Government Office for the South-East is working with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, other Government Departments and the many regulators involved in this project to promote progress and a joined up response to the issue. Justice Anti-corruption Champion Mr. Heath 11. To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will make a statement on his role as anti-corruption champion. Mr. Straw The Government take very seriously their responsibility to tackle international and domestic corruption and as the anti-corruption champion, I will be taking forward the reform of the law on bribery and developing a comprehensive UK strategy for tackling foreign bribery, including a full response to the recent OECD report. The UK is recognised as one of the least corrupt countries in the world—16th in the world and 3rd of G8 countries and we are committed to tackling foreign bribery by UK firms. We have had the first conviction for foreign bribery in international transactions this summer and over 20 foreign bribery investigations. We have already announced in May this year in the draft legislative programme that we intend to introduce a draft Bribery Bill in the next Session. This will be informed by the Law Commission report on bribery, due next month. Courts System: Pay Rates Mr. Illsley 12. To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the system of regional pay within the courts system; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Malik The planned review of the pay and grading arrangements introduced last year for the Ministry of Justice is now under way. The review will cover all aspects of the new pay structure, including local pay. However, I can confirm that over the year since it was introduced, the Ministry has not experienced any difficulties in recruitment, retention or other operating issues arising from local pay. Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Mr. Binley 13. To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment he has made of the performance of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority against its objectives. Maria Eagle Rigorous performance assessment systems are in place. Performance is monitored and managed against CICA’s agreed objectives as set out in the 2008-09 Business Plan, on a monthly basis by the sponsor unit. Assessment to date shows that CICA’s unit cost per case has reduced, the time for registering an application has reduced, the cycle time to reach a first decision has reduced, and the size of the live case load has reduced and is the lowest it has been in 20 years. Mr. Evans 16. To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment he has made of the performance of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority against its objectives. Mr. Straw Rigorous performance assessment systems are in place. Performance is monitored and managed against CICA's agreed objectives as set out in the 2008-09 Business Plan, on a monthly basis by the sponsor unit. Assessment to date shows that CICA's unit cost per case has reduced, the time for registering an application has reduced, the cycle time to reach a first decision has reduced, and the size of the live case-load has reduced and is the lowest it has been in 20 years. Citizenship Mr. Marsden 14. To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on how to expand initiatives on, and awareness of, citizenship among people between the ages of 16 and 30. Mr. Wills Earlier this year, the Government established an independent Youth Citizenship Commission, to examine what citizenship means to young people, and exploring ways to encourage them to be active citizens. It will report to the Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Justice in spring 2009. Courts Service Bill Wiggin 15. To ask the Secretary of State for Justice when he next expects to meet senior members of the judiciary to discuss the budget for HM Courts Service. Bridget Prentice My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor meets with the senior judiciary on a regular basis to discuss a range of issues, including the budget or Her Majesty’s Courts Service. Mr. Chope 19. To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what estimate he has made of the (a) court time expended and (b) cost to the Courts Service of cases of television licence fee evasion. Bridget Prentice In 2006, we published estimates regarding television licence evasion cases in ‘Delivering Simple, Speedy, Summary Justice’ showing that in 2005 there were 173,000 cases taking approximately 5,800 hours of court time. Michael Fabricant 20. To ask the Secretary of State for Justice when he next expects to meet senior members of the judiciary to discuss the budget for HM Courts Service; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Straw We expect the proposed allocation of funds to Her Majesty's Courts Service for 2009-10 to become known in early November. We expect to be consulting with the judiciary under the terms of the Framework Agreement during mid/late November. We expect the allocation to Her Majesty's Courts Service to be finalised by the Ministry of Justice after these discussions have concluded. Courts Service: Northamptonshire Mr. Hollobone 17. To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what representations he has received on staffing levels in the Northamptonshire courts service and the implications of such levels for the effectiveness of judicial arrangements. Mr. Straw Formal representations have been received from the hon. Member for Daventry (Mr. Boswell) and my hon. Friend the Member for Corby (Phil Hope) in relation to communications from the Northamptonshire Magistrates' Bench chairmen voicing concerns about the impact on the delivery of the magistrates' courts service as a result of delays in recruitment of staff. Prison Officers: Assaults David T.C. Davies 18. To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps his Department is taking to reduce the incidence of attacks on prison officers by inmates. Mr. Straw Ministers and the Prison Service are committed to ensuring that violence in prisons is not tolerated in any form. Since 2004 every public sector prison has had in place a local violence reduction strategy. From mid 2007 this policy has included the contracted out prisons. The National Offender Management Service and the Prison Officers' Association are jointly committed to 'zero tolerance' on assaults on staff. Political Party Funding Martin Linton 21. To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will take steps to regulate political party funding via British subsidiaries of foreign-owned companies. Mr. Wills In order to donate to UK political parties, companies must be registered and carry on business in the UK. I acknowledge the concerns which have been expressed about the scope for evasion of the ban on foreign donations contained in these provisions, and I would be very happy to discuss how they might be improved to better deliver their underlying purpose. I suggest that this may be most usefully done in the context of debates on the Political Parties and Elections Bill which will be considered by Public Bill Committee in November. Titan Prisons Mr. Baron 22. To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what progress has been made on the Government's plans to build titan prisons. Mr. Straw The Government are currently analysing the responses to their recent consultation exercise and plan to publish their response later this year. Radicalisation: Prisons Patrick Mercer 23. To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps are being taken to combat radicalisation in prisons. Mr. Hanson The Government's counter-terrorism strategy identifies prisons as one of a number of arenas where extremists may seek to radicalise others. Prisons manage this risk as part of the National Offender Management Service's work to protect the public and reduce re-offending. The National Offender Management Service works closely with the Home Office and other experts to develop our counter-radicalisation efforts. Young Offender Institutions Mr. Wallace 24. To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the capacity of young offender institutions in England and Wales. Mr. Hanson We keep the capacity of the prison estate, including young offender institutions, under review. We are increasing prison capacity to meet current population pressures and a projected rise in the prison population by building around 1,500 additional places for the young offender estate. Prisons: Telephones Mrs. Riordan 25. To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will conduct a review of the cost to prisoners of telephone calls from prisons. Mr. Malik The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) met British Telecom on 17 October to begin negotiations on the cost of prisoner calls following the recommendation made by Ofcom in their investigation into the National Consumer Council super-complaint. NOMS is seeking a reduction in the cost of domestic landline and mobile calls for prisoners, although the provider is not contractually obliged to do so. NOMS will keep Ofcom informed of developments. Planning for the re-tendering project is also under way and we hope that call costs can be reduced under a new contract from April 2011. Commonhold Mr. Stewart Jackson To ask the Secretary of State for Justice when he expects to publish a consultation document on commonhold tenure; and if he will make a statement. Bridget Prentice We are currently reviewing our plans for the publication of a consultation document on commonhold in the light of other priorities. Therefore, no date has been set for publication. I will make a statement about the publication date when a decision has been made. Departmental Consultants Mrs. Laing To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much his Department spent on external IT consultants in the last 12 months. Maria Eagle The Ministry of Justice uses external consultants to provide expert professional advice on specific time limited tasks, usually in connection with projects, and only where the knowledge and advice they bring cannot be provided in-house. Our records show expenditure on external IT consultants for the financial year 2007-08 was £4.5 million. Domestic Violence: Victim Support Schemes Mr. Jim Cunningham To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps the Government have taken to support victims of domestic violence during the judicial process. Bridget Prentice Since 1997 the Government have been working to ensure that all sections of domestic violence law support and protect all victims of domestic abuse. In 2004 the Government passed the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act which was the biggest overhaul of domestic violence law for 30 years. Aside from legislation, on a national level in criminal courts this has included practical system changes promoting a co-ordinated community response to domestic violence through a set of initiatives in and around the criminal justice agencies which include: establishing 104 Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVC) with a commitment to increase this to 128 courts by 2011. These innovative courts represent both a partnership and a problem solving approach to domestic violence where the police, prosecutors, magistrates, court staff, the probation service and specialist support services work together to identify, track and risk' assess cases, support victims of domestic violence and share information better so that more offenders are brought to justice; setting up Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences by the agencies which focus on issues of safety, children, housing and health; and funding independent domestic violence advisers, via the Third Sector, who support victims through the court process. In both criminal and family courts which are not part of the SDVC network, special measures are available such as screening vulnerable witnesses or victims from the view of the accused, giving evidence by video link, separate exits and entrances to the court, separate waiting rooms, separate toilets and advance viewing of the court. There are other ways that victims are supported, for example, the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 provides central funding to appoint a lawyer to protect victims and witnesses of specific offences against cross-examination by a defendant in person. I would be happy to write to you in more detail on the steps the Government have taken. Driving Offences: Hampshire Sandra Gidley To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people were (a) cautioned and (b) fined for speeding in Hampshire in each of the last five years. Maria Eagle Available information on speed limit offences within the Hampshire police force area from 2002 to 2006 (latest available) is provided in the following table. 2007 data should be available end of November 2008. The force does not issue written warnings (cautions) for summary motoring offences. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Number of offences | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Court imposed fines1, 2|Fixed penalty notices issued3| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2002 |4,949|31,867| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2003 |5,270|45,324| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2004 |4,237|52,587| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005 |5,050|58,750| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006 |4,571|49,404| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 May include cases where fixed penalty was issued and not paid and consequently referred to court.2 Magistrates courts data only. Fines given at the Crown court total nationally (England and Wales) less than 10 each year.3 Covers tickets paid where there is no further action.4 Offences under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 ss. 16, 81, 84, 86, 88 and 89; Motor Vehicles (Speed Limit on Motorways) Regs. 1973; Parks Regulation (Amendment) Act 1926: byelaws made thereunder.Notes:1. Force does not issue written warnings for summary motoring offences.2. 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. Written warning may also be under reported.3. 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.| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Electoral Register: Fraud Dan Rogerson To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what procedures are in place to prevent second home owners voting in more than one constituency at general elections. Mr. Wills It is an offence for a person to vote twice in a general election. Any offence, if successfully prosecuted, could result in a fine of up to £5,000. At a general election the presiding officer at a polling station may, if necessary, ask any elector if they have already voted at the election, and may withhold a ballot paper from an elector if they do not answer the question satisfactorily. If an elector votes in person in a polling station the electoral register is marked to record the issue of the ballot paper to them, and similarly a list is maintained of returned postal votes. In the event of an election petition or police investigation following a general election, these records may bring to light any voting irregularities at the election. Mentally Disturbed Offenders Norman Lamb To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what his Department's policy is on meeting the needs of convicted prisoners with psychiatric disorders. Mr. Hanson Responsibility to secure appropriate mental health treatment and care within the prison estate transferred fully to primary care trusts with commissioning responsibility in the NHS in 2006. Investment increased from £118 million in 2002-03 to nearly £200 million in 2006-07 and 2007-08. Mental health treatment and care is delivered by the NHS within prisons. By 2005-06 nearly £20 million was being invested recurrently in mental health in-reach. There are now 102 mental health in-reach teams and all prisons have access to them: a total of 360 extra staff altogether. These teams apply NHS standards to the care and management of patients. This includes where relevant management under the care programme approach, individual support and treatment plans and access to day services and psychological therapies. For those individuals who are assessed to be too ill to treat in prison arid meet the criteria for detention under section of the Mental Health Act are transferred to hospital for treatment. Last year, 28 per cent. more prisoners, with mental illness too severe for prison, were transferred to hospital than in 2002—up to 926 from 723. There has also been a significant decrease in the number of people waiting for a transfer. At the end of December 2007 there were 40 people waiting for a bed for more than 12 weeks. At the end of March 2008 there were only 24. In relation to the small number of people with a severe personality disorder who are dangerous, the Department of Health and Ministry of Justice is investing in special secure services. The programme has a capacity of over 300 places in two high security prisons (Frankland and Whitemoor); a female prison (Low Newton in Durham) and two high security hospitals (Broadmoor and Rampton). They provide essential clinical services for dangerous offenders whose offending is linked to severe personality disorder. Norman Lamb To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment he has made of the facilities available to convicted prisoners with severe psychiatric disorders; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Hanson We continue to investigate the issues and have commissioned Lord Bradley to review a wide range of services for offenders with mental health issues. The Government welcomed the report prepared last year by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons on the mental health of prisoners and the recommendations made therein for improving the quality of mental health treatment and care. There continues to be investment in prison health services to meet the needs of prisoners with mental health problems. All prisoners receive a health assessment when received into prison, prisons now have access to mental health in reach teams, this enables prisoners with mental health problems to be treated and managed in a variety of locations within prisons, reflecting the care and treatment that would be available in community settings. Day services are available in some establishments to support individuals with mental health problems. Additional funding for drug services is being made available to meet the needs of prisoners with dual diagnosis. For those individuals who are too ill to be managed in a custodial setting and whose mental health needs have been assessed as meeting the criteria for detention under the Mental Health Act, are transferred to hospital for treatment and only return to prison when well enough. The Department of Health in partnership with the MoJ will publish its strategy ‘Improving Health Supporting Justice’ next year incorporating our views on the quality and future direction of health care in prisons fallowing a public consultation. The strategy will also take account of the recommendations that Lord Bradley will make on the potential to divert people with mental health problems and/or learning difficulties away from prison. This builds on the work we already do to divert over 500 mentally disordered offenders to hospital every year, avoiding prison altogether, and to transfer over 800 people a year from prison if they need specialist treatment in hospital. Norman Lamb To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what recent discussions he has had with the Chief Inspector of Prisons on the provision of treatment in prisons for prisoners with severe psychiatric disorders; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Hanson I meet with the Chief Inspector on a regular basis and discuss a variety of issues. The Government welcomed the HM Inspector of Prisons thematic review on the mental health of prisoners published in 2007 and the recommendations made therein for improving the quality of mental health treatment and care. We also welcome the Chief Inspector's most recent report on the indeterminate sentence for public protection. The Department of Health in partnership with the Ministry of Justice will publish its strategy Improving Health Supporting Justice' next year incorporating our views on the quality and future direction of health care in prisons following a public consultation. This will also take account of the recommendations that Lord Bradley will make on the potential to divert people with mental health problems and/or learning disabilities away from prison. Mentally Ill Staff Lynne Jones To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what information his Department has gathered on the effect of its policies and practices on the recruitment, development and retention of employees with mental illnesses within (a) his Department and (b) the public sector bodies for which he has responsibility; and what use has been made of that information. Mr. Malik Under the Disability Equality Duty introduced by the Disability Discrimination Act 2005, the Department and its public sector bodies listed in the associated Regulations are required to publish and implement disability equality schemes. These are plans setting out how they will carry out the Disability Equality Duty, monitor, and report on progress. In particular this includes their arrangements for gathering information on the effect of their policies and practices on the recruitment, development and retention of their disabled employees, including those with mental health conditions, and making use of that information. The Department's disability equality scheme sets out various arrangements and procedures. In order to ensure that the disability equality issues are enshrined in all departmental legislation, policy and service delivery, all new policies and functions have to be equality impact assessed for their impact on disabled people. The Department gathers and uses information on the effect of its policies and practices on disabled people in a number of ways, including involving disabled people in focus groups, through staff surveys and by identifying relevant research or data collected by other Government Departments and organisations. The Department aims to go beyond compliance and there is a commitment to ensuring that disabled staff have confidence and trust in the organisation and that they are able to participate fully in staff development opportunities. The Department is an authorised user of the two ticks scheme, allowing disabled candidates who meet the minimum requirements of a role, to be guaranteed an interview, for both internally and externally advertised positions. The Department has a disability network that provides confidential advice and support to staff, and a Workplace Support Services helpline and advisers to signpost staff to sources of help, including disability advice, information or assistance within the Department or to outside service providers and voluntary organisations. There is also guidance on making reasonable adjustments to meet the particular requirements identified by an individual who has declared a disability (though disability declaration is voluntary), and a range of guidance on specific disabilities. The public sector bodies sponsored by my Department that are subject to these requirements are responsible for publishing and implementing their own disability equality schemes. In line with the Disability Equality Duty, a report is published every three years to show: progress towards disability equality in my policy sector; and proposals for co-ordination of future work by relevant public authorities within my policy sector. These reports will show what impact, if any, policies have had on the recruitment and retention of disabled people including those with mental health condition, and set out proposals to address any gaps identified when establishing the progress made across the policy sector. The first report must be published by December 2008. Offenders: Employment Mr. Vara To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many and what proportion of released prisoners found (a) full-time employment and (b) placements in work-based training programmes within six months of completing their sentence in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Hanson The total number of prisoners who have education, training or employment (ETE) secured upon release are shown in table 1 for each of the last five years. Further data, recording those persons entering and sustaining employment/training four weeks following commencement, for both offenders released on licence and those serving community orders is shown in table 2. It is not possible to separately identify those that had a custodial sentence without incurring disproportionate cost. There is no recorded data relating to employment or training placements sustained after four weeks. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Employment on discharge|Education and training on discharge|KPI outturn employment|KPI outturn employment|KPI outturn training and education| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2003-04 |— |— |35,530 |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2004-05 |— |— |41,146 |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005-06 |— |— |42,879 |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006-07 |— |— |40,573 |— |— | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2007-08 |24,340 |9,622 |— |27.0 |10.7 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Notes: 1. KPI outturn for 2003-04 based on an end year resettlement survey. 2. Outcomes up to and including 2006-07 include those who attended Freshstart appointments at Jobcentre Plus, whereby prisoners who do not have a job or training place to go to on release are linked into employment, training and benefits advice and support immediately after release. Prisoners attending counted as half a point. Data showing have already been calculated as half a point. 3. Between 2003-04 and 2006-07 there was one measure for number of prisoners released into employment, training and education. 4. For 2007-08, the resettlement measure is expressed separately for employment, training and education. There are separate targets for the proportion of prisoners who have employment, and the proportion who have training and education upon release. Job Centre Plus data no longer included in the KPI from 2007-08.| | | | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |2006-07|2007-08| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Job entries | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |All persons supervised by Probation Service England and Wales total |19,926 |22,006 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Employment sustained for four weeks | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |All persons supervised by Probation Service England and Wales total |14,248 |16,823 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Notes: 1. Data were not recorded prior to 2006-07. 2. Latest available full year data.| | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Polling Stations: CCTV Philip Davies To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether his Department has issued guidance on the placing of CCTV cameras near polling stations. Mr. Wills The Information Commissioner's Office has already issued a CCTV Code of Practice, which provides guidance to ensure that those who use CCTV comply with the Data Protection Act 1998. The code covers the siting of cameras. One of the tenets of the code is that equipment be sited for limited purposes and not in any manner incompatible with those purposes. Prison Officers: Vaccinations Mr. Laxton To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many prison officers in England and Wales who are at occupational risk have been required to pay for vaccination against chronic hepatitis B since January 2000; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Hanson No prison officers in England and Wales have been required to pay for hepatitis B vaccination since January 2000. Prison Service policy is that all prisons are required to provide vaccinations for staff at risk. Staff are not charged. Prisons: North-West Mr. Wallace To ask the Secretary of State for Justice which local authorities in the North-West have expressed an interest in a titan prison being established in their area. Mr. Straw One local authority in the North-West has so far indicated sites available in their area as possibly being suitable, that is Lancaster and Wyre. Reparation by Offenders Mr. Andrew Smith To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what his policy on restorative justice and its future funding is; and if he will make a statement. Maria Eagle Our policy remains to encourage, but not require, the use of adult restorative justice, particularly as a service to victims where there is consistent evidence that it delivers high levels of satisfaction. It is for local criminal justice boards and other criminal justice agencies to consider how best to use their funding to meet their targets and local needs and a number of areas have established schemes to deliver adult restorative justice. Youth offending teams use restorative justice as part of their work to prevent offending and increase victim satisfaction. They implement this work from their own resources. Standford Hill Prison Mr. Clifton-Brown To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps are being taken in response to prisoners' views about methods of pain relief in Standford Hill Prison as outlined in the measuring the quality of prison life survey of June 2008; and whether there is a ban on prescribing oxycontin for pain relief in the prison. Mr. Hanson The National Offender Management Service has no authority over the types of medication prescribed by doctors who work in prisons. Complaints should be taken up with the local primary care trust. There is not a ban on prescribing Oxycontin at Standford Hill. Taxis: Licensing Mr. Evans To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many (a) arrests, (b) prosecutions and (c) convictions there have been for offences relating to drivers operating taxi services without a licence in the last five years. Maria Eagle 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. Offences relating to drivers operating taxi services without a licence are not notifiable offences and do not form a part of the arrests collection. The number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts for offences under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 S.167, and the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 Sec 40-60, and 62-68, in England and Wales, 2002 to 2006 can be viewed in the following table. However only section 47 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 covers “Acting as a Hackney Carriage driver without a licence.” The Office for Criminal Justice Reform is unable to separately identify offences under section 47 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847, as they form part of a group which cannot be analysed further. The table shows data for sections 40-60 and 62-68 of the Act. Court proceedings data are unable to separate Section 47—Act as a Hackney carriage driver without a licence, and Employ an unlicensed Hackney carriage driver. From the other set of offences under this statute as they are grouped together. These data are on the principal offence basis. The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offence for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences, the offence selected is the one for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. Court proceedings data for 2007 will be available at the end of November 2008. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Town Police Clauses Act 1847 Sec 40-60, and 62-68|Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, Sec 167.| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Proceeded against |Found guilty |Proceeded against|Found guilty| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2002 |450 |391 |229|182| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2003 |337 |270 |259|194| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2004 |292 |248 |483|311| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005 |283 |233 |597|422| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006 |391 |325 |714|384| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 These data are on the principal offence basis.2 Includes the following statutes and corresponding offence descriptionsTown Police Clauses Act 1847 Sec 40-60, and 62-68.Offences peculiar to stage carriage and public service vehicles.Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, Sec 167.Touting for hire car service without PSV operator's licence.3 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 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.4 Court proceedings data are unable to separate Section 47—Act as a Hackney carriage driver without a licence, and Employ an unlicensed Hackney carriage driver—from the other set of offences under this statute as they are grouped together.Source:Office for Criminal Justice Reform—Evidence and Analysis Unit| | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Will Owen Andrew Mackinlay To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether all the official documents relating to Will Owen, former hon. Member for the former constituency of Morpeth, have been placed in the public domain; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Wills Official documents relating to Will Owen are available to view at the National Archives, either in their reading rooms at Kew or online. Work and Pensions Council Tax Benefit Dan Rogerson To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people he estimates are (a) eligible for and (b) in receipt of council tax benefit in each region. Kitty Ussher [holding answer 23 October 2008]: Estimates of the number of people eligible for council tax benefit are not available below the level of Great Britain. The latest available information on the number of council tax benefit recipients by region is in the table. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Number | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Great Britain |5,079,080| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North East |296,640 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North West |682,710 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Yorkshire and the Humber |459,010 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |East Midlands |336,230 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |West Midlands |504,300 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |East |391,780 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |London |728,010 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South East |503,910 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South West |368,200 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wales |281,890 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Scotland |526,400 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Notes:1. The data refer 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. Figures may not sum due to rounding5. 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 August 2007.| | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Julia Goldsworthy To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much council tax benefit was paid in (a) 2006-07 and (b) 2007-08 in (i) England and (ii) Wales; and how much is expected to be paid in 2008-09. Kitty Ussher [holding answer 27 October 2008]: The available information on council tax benefit expenditure is in the following tables: -------------------- |£ million, nominal| -------------------- | |2006-07|2007-08|2008-09| -------------------- |England |3,382|3,508|3,658| -------------------- |Wales |172|180|188| -------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |£ million, 2008-09 prices | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | |2006-07|2007-08|2008-09| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |England |3,596|3,613|3,658| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Wales |183|186|188| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Notes: 1. There may be differences between figures quoted in these tables and those quoted in Department for Work and Pensions Accounts. 2. Expenditure for 2007-08 reflects the latest estimated outturn, and not the amounts voted by Parliament. 3. Real terms figures have been calculated using Gross Domestic Product deflators updated after the 2008 Budget Report on 12 March 2008. Source: Local authorities' subsidy returns and DWP forecasts.| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Housing Benefit Mr. Andrew Smith To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what guidance his Department has issued on the criteria for remitting payment of housing benefit directly to landlords providing accommodation for vulnerable people; (2) what discretion local authorities have to decide whether housing benefit is paid directly to landlords providing accommodation for vulnerable tenants; Dan Rogerson To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the merits of paying housing benefit directly to private landlords where their tenants agree. Kitty Ussher There will always be a small proportion of tenants who will struggle with the responsibility of paying their own rents, so there are safeguards in place. We have not issued guidance on the payment of housing benefit directly to the landlord. If local authorities consider that the tenant is likely to have difficulty in relation to the management of their own affairs they may make payment to the landlord. For example, if 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, payment could be made to the landlord. If local authorities consider it improbable that the customer will pay their rent, for example, if the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) authority is aware that the tenant has consistently failed to pay the rent on past occasions without good reason, payment might be made to the landlord. This is made at the discretion of the local authority, which is best placed to decide. Payment of housing benefit 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. The use of an eight-week period ties in with the period of eight weeks in which a tenant can fail to pay the rent without being evicted. In practical terms, this means that we advise local authorities to continue to encourage landlords to report any missing payments at the first opportunity. Where missed payments are reported, local authorities also continue to check whether there are any benefit issues outstanding, and seek evidence of any arrears outstanding through discussions with both landlords and tenants. No assessment has been made of the merits of paying housing benefit directly to private landlords where their tenants agree. Choice is only one aspect of the LHA, but a key principle is responsibility. We want to turn housing benefit into an enabling benefit rather than passive support. This cannot be achieved without tenants taking personal responsibility for their rent. Mr. Andrew Smith To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what monitoring his Department is undertaking of the proportion of housing benefit paid directly to landlords because of the vulnerability of the tenant. Kitty Ussher The Department is undertaking a review of local housing allowance over the two years from the commencement of its national roll-out in April 2008. As part of this review, we will be monitoring the proportion of housing benefit claimants in the private rented sector who have their benefit paid directly to their landlord due to their vulnerability. Income Support: Lone Parents Jenny Willott To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 20 October 2008, Official Report, columns 145-46W, on income support: lone parents, if he will place in the Library a copy of (a) the letter sent to all lone parents that will be affected by the changes to the eligibility rules for income support coming into effect in November 2008, (b) a copy of the fact sheet for lone parents outlining the changes and (c) the leaflet and posters setting out the steps each lone parent should take; and if he will make a statement. Kitty Ussher A copy of the October customer mailshot letter, the November customer mailshot letter and current copies of all three customer lone parent changes fact sheets, are now available and will be placed in the Library. The fact sheets are also available on the Jobcentre Plus website. All three fact sheets are currently being revised in preparation for distribution from 24 November, copies of which will be available, along with copies of the leaflets and posters, in the Library by the end of November. Jenny Willott To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 20 October 2008, Official Report, columns 145-46W, on income support: lone parents, how many and what proportion of the lone parents who will be affected by the changes to the eligibility rules for income support coming into effect in November 2008 have been sent a letter outlining the effects that the changes may have on them, broken down by the smallest geographical area for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. Kitty Ussher On 7 October, 97,950 letters were sent by mailshot to customers in Great Britain and to 5,057 customers in Wales, informing them of the introduction of quarterly work-focused interviews, and previously between 18 August and 22 September, a mailshot was sent to all 32,245 lone parents currently claiming disability premium, who may also be affected by the changes. We will write to around 110,000 lone parents, with a youngest child aged 11 and over, across England, Scotland and Wales during week commencing 24 November telling them about the changes and how they may be affected. Local Housing Allowance Jenny Willott To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the highest weekly payment of local housing allowance is that has been paid since its introduction; and in which broad market rental areas it was paid. Kitty Ussher The Rent Service has confirmed that the highest weekly local housing allowance (LHA) rate they have issued is £2,875 per week, which has been quoted in recent press stories. This LHA rate was provided for Broad Rental Market Areas Central London and Inner North and West London. As the Department has not received data returns from all local authorities for the whole of the period since the introduction of the LHA, we cannot confirm what the highest weekly amount actually paid out has been. Pension Credit Mr. Crausby To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the average credit pension credit recipients will receive in each of the next three years. Ms Rosie Winterton The estimated average pension credit that will be received by each claimant in Great Britain over each of the next three years is given in the following table. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Average pension credit (£ per week)| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2008-09 |51.50 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2009-10 |53.06 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2010-11 |55.00 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Note:Estimates are consistent with average weekly receipt estimates for 2007-08 from the Department's Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study.Source:DWP forecasts published spring 2008.| | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pension Credit Charles Hendry To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people applied for pension credit in each month since January 2006. Ms Rosie Winterton The following table shows the amount of pension credit applications for each month from January 2006 to September 2008: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Pension credit claims received |2006 |2007 |2008 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |January |33,454 |27,914 |25,619 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |February |36,930 |23,525 |23,460 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |March |38,246 |26,932 |20,791 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |April |27,810 |26,209 |24,265 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |May |30,725 |26,710 |21,946 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |June |32,625 |23,893 |23,251 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |July |28,606 |24,490 |27,903 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |August |31,332 |24,594 |22,869 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |September |28,525 |24,107 |25,226 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |October |28,072 |24,121 |— | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |November |30,368 |24,319 |— | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |December |21,402 |17,123 |— | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |12-month total |368,095|293,937|215,330| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Source: Management Information System Programme (MISP).| | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pensioners: Income Mr. Evennett To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average income of households in Bexley is where all occupants are of pensionable age. Ms Rosie Winterton The information that is available is shown in the following table. Information cannot be provided at a lower level than Government Office Region, averaged over three years. Figures are based on survey data and as such subject to a degree of sampling and non sampling error. Figures are based on the average of three years' data as single year estimates do not provide a robust guide to year-on-year changes. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |£per week (2006-07 prices)| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |London |351 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |United Kingdom |322 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Notes:1. Gross income is income from all sources received by the pensioner unit including income from social security benefits, earnings from employment, any private pension, and tax credits.2. Based on survey data and as such subject to a degree of sampling and non sampling error. Figures are based on the average of three years' data as single year estimates do not provide a robust guide to year-on-year changes. United Kingdom figures are included on the same basis for comparison: further information for single years at a national level are available in the publication "Pensioners' Income Series 2006-07.3. Figures have been rounded to the nearest £.4. Figures are based on the average incomes of pensioner units (couples or singles) where all members are state pension age or over.| | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Joan Walley To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what measures are in place to ensure that pensioners in receipt of a state pension and SERPS are not disadvantaged compared to those entitled to pension credits. Ms Rosie Winterton The Government provide a solid foundation of support for pensioners through the state pension system while focusing available resources on those who need most through targeted measures such as pension credit. At the same time, pensioners in general are entitled to a range of benefits and concessions, including winter fuel payments; free TV licences for those aged over 75; and free bus travel, prescriptions, and eye tests for the over 60s. At the point of initial contact with the Department pensioners are given information on the range of benefits to which they may be entitled. Reforms by the Government will provide a firmer foundation for future pensioners through a simpler, more widely available and generous state pension. Pensions: Economic Situation Mr. Gordon Prentice To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effects of the banking crisis on the value of pension funds and their ability to make payments as they fall due; and if he will make a statement. Ms Rosie Winterton The latest available data show that defined benefit scheme assets amounted to £768 billion at the end of September 2008, a decrease of 7.7 per cent. over the month and a fall of 4.8 per cent. over last the three months. This has left the aggregate funding position (total assets minus total liabilities) of defined benefit schemes at a deficit of £80.3 billion at end-September 2008. In order to pay benefits already accrued under the scheme as these fall due, each defined benefit pension scheme is required by legislation to set a statutory funding objective to have sufficient and appropriate assets. This funding objective is updated regularly. Where such a scheme is under-funded it submits a recovery plan to the Pensions Regulator, and new recovery plans should reflect current economic conditions. It should also be noted that while some defined benefit schemes may have deficits, many of their liabilities may not fall due for payment until many years into the future. Note: The data used are from the PPF 7800 Index using the monthly update for September 2008—the PPF 7800 is published by the Pension Protection Fund (PPF). Figures represent the latest estimated assets and net funding position, on a s179 basis, of almost 7,783 predominantly private sector defined benefit (DB) pension schemes in the UK. The s179 basis is, broadly speaking, what would have to be paid to an insurance company to take on the payment of PPF levels of compensation. Poverty: Children John Battle To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department is taking to assist (a) workless households with children under five years of age and (b) families in relative poverty with children under five years of age; and if he will make a statement. Kitty Ussher To help children, we must help their families. For most families, paid work is the most important route out of poverty. Accordingly, we have a support package of pre-employment and in-work support measures to help lone parents and couple parents move into work, make work pay, and help sustainability and progression in work. This includes the new deal for lone parents, the new deal for partners and the Government’s 10-year Childcare Strategy. The Government also have a range of fiscal and support measures to raise family incomes and ensure families with young children can access high quality services to support their child’s development. Budget 2008 announced £125 million for pilots to test out new and innovative ways of tackling child poverty, over the next three years. The pilots will explore pioneering approaches to tackling child poverty, identifying those that deliver the best results and the most sustainable long-term impacts. John Battle To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many and what proportion of three-to five-year olds were living in relative poverty in Leeds West constituency in each year since 1997; (2) how many and what proportion of three-to five-year olds were living in workless households in Leeds West constituency in each year since 1997. Kitty Ussher Our child poverty statistics, published in the Households Below Average Income series, allow a breakdown of child poverty by Government office region. Information on the number and proportion of three to five-year-olds living in relative poverty is not available below the level of Government office region. Data on the proportion of three to five-year-olds living in workless households are estimated using the Annual Population Survey (APS). As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject to a margin of uncertainty as different samples give different results. As the group in question is very specific, the estimates are based on very small sample sizes. Therefore, the margin of uncertainty is very large for these estimates and they are deemed unreliable for practical purposes. It is not possible to provide estimates from 1997 to 2003. The following tables show the number and proportion of children aged three to five living in workless working age households in the Leeds, West constituency for the period January to December in each year since 2004. Accompanying each estimate is a confidence interval which means that from all samples possible there would be 95 per cent. certainty that the true estimate would lie within the lower and upper bounds. --------------------------------------- | |Estimate|Lower bound|Upper bound| --------------------------------------- |2004|2,000 |0 |2,000 | --------------------------------------- |2005|2,000 |0 |2,000 | --------------------------------------- |2006|1,000 |0 |2,000 | --------------------------------------- |2007|1,000 |0 |2,000 | --------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Estimate|Lower bound|Upper bound| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2004 |41.0 |10.5 |71.5 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005 |52.0 |23.8 |80.2 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006 |25.6 |0 |56.2 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2007 |22.6 |0 |46.2 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Notes: 1. Figures for households are based on working age households. A working age household is a household that includes at least one person of working age—that is a woman aged 16 to 59 or a man aged 16 to 64. Source: Annual Population Survey Household Datasets.| | | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Retirement: Yorkshire and the Humber John Battle To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people who wish to work beyond retirement age in (a) Leeds West constituency, (b) the Leeds City area and (c) Yorkshire and Humberside region in each year since 1997. Kevin Brennan I have been asked to reply. The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply. Letter from Colin Mowl, dated October 2008: The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what estimate has been made of the number of people who wish to work beyond retirement age in (a) Leeds West, (b) the Leeds City area and (c) Yorkshire and Humberside region in each year since 1997. I am replying in her absence. (228292) The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles employment statistics for local areas from the Annual Population Survey (APS) and its predecessor the annual Labour Force Survey (LFS) following International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions. Estimates are provided for the number of people over statutory pension age (males aged 65 and over, females aged 60 and over) who stated they were available to work when surveyed. A respondent is classified as being available to work if they are unemployed and available to work, or employed. Table 1, attached, shows the number of persons in employment and unemployment over statutory pension age in Leeds West, Leeds and the Yorkshire and the Humber region. The estimates from 1998 to 2004 are for the 12 month period ending February that year and taken from the annual LFS. Figures for 2005 to 2008 are for the 12 month period ending March that year and taken from the APS. As these estimates are for a subset of the population in small geographical areas, they are based on small sample sizes, and are therefore subject to large margins of uncertainty. A guide to the quality of the estimates is given in Table 1. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Thousand | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |12 months ending |Leeds West|Leeds|Yorkshire and the Humber| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |February 1998 |1|11|53| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |February 1999 |2—|11|54| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |February 2000 |2|10|54| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |February 2001 |1|9|62| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |February 2002 |1|10|59| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |February 2003 |1|13|68| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |February 2004 |1|14|73| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |March 2005 |1|12|69| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |March 2006 |2|10|74| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |March 2007 |2|13|83| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |March 20083 |42|414|490| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 The number of people available to work is defined as those who responded either as being in employment or unemployed.2 Data are not available.3 Coefficients of variation have been calculated for the latest period as an indication of the quality of the estimates. See 4 as follows.4 Guide to Quality:The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5 per cent. we would expect the population total to be within the range 180-220.Key Coefficient of Variation (CV) (%) Statistical Robustness* 0 = CV < 5 Estimates are considered precise** 5 = CV < 10 Estimates are considered reasonably precise*** 10 = CV < 20 Estimates are considered acceptable**** CV 20 Estimates are considered too unreliable for practical purposes.Source:Labour Force Survey and Annual Population Survey.| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Social Fund Andrew Selous To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many callers were unable to speak to an operator about a Social Fund application in (a) the last quarter and (b) the last year for which figures are available. Kitty Ussher [holding answer 23 October 2008]: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus. 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 about how many callers were unable to speak to an operator about a Social Fund application in (a) the last quarter and (b) the last year for which figures are available. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. The information requested is not available. The current telephony management data does not tell us how many customers do not get through to an officer. Jobcentre Plus are rolling out an advanced telephony system which will be completed at the end of April 2009 at which time we will look at producing telephony reports that provide this information. Andrew Selous To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the reasons why applications for Social Fund (a) community care grants decreased by 9.2 per cent. and (b) budgeting loans decreased by 11.3 per cent. between 2007 and 2008; and if he will make a statement. Kitty Ussher No assessment has been made of the reasons for the decreases in applications for Social Fund community care grants and budgeting loans. Applications for community care grants and budgeting Loans vary from year to year. Numbers have decreased previously and subsequently risen. State Retirement Pension Mr. Waterson To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many individuals received the state pension in each of the last five years. Ms Rosie Winterton The information is in the table. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Number of individuals in receipt of state pension| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2008 |12,011,540 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2007 |11,785,670 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006 |11,611,590 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005 |11,519,880 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2004 |11,354,100 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Notes:1. Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Some additional disclosure control has also been applied.2. Figures are taken at February for each year.Source:DWP Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study| | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Steve Webb To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many cases of pensioners potentially entitled to lump sum payments of backdated retirement pension through payment of Class 3 National Insurance contributions his Department has identified to date in the special exercise that is underway; how much has been paid out in such lump sums to date; to how many people; when he expects to complete this exercise; and if he will make a statement. Ms Rosie Winterton [holding answer 27 October 2008]: The special exercise is due to be completed in December 2009. To date 4,917 pensioners have been identified with the potential to benefit from paying class 3 national insurance contributions. A further 1,580 pensioners have been identified who could potentially benefit from paying class 3 national insurance contributions and from home responsibilities protection. These pensioners are being contacted and given the option of whether to pay class 3 national insurance contributions. There are also 771 pensioners identified who could benefit from home responsibilities protection only. So far arrears of £13,650.28 state pension have been paid to nine pensioners who benefited from home responsibilities protection. State Retirement Pensions: Females John Barrett To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether his Department plans to extend the right of women to buy retrospective national insurance contributions in order to qualify for a state pension. Ms Rosie Winterton The Government have considered a range of options to help individuals who have gaps in their National Insurance contribution records to purchase additional voluntary Class 3 National Insurance contributions. We propose to allow individuals who are eligible to purchase voluntary Class 3 National Insurance contributions to buy an additional six years over and above those permitted under the current time limits. The time limited proposal will apply to those who reach State Pension age between 6 April 2008 and 5 April 2015 and who already have 20 qualifying years (taking into account Home Responsibilities Protection) on their National Insurance record. The measure will help people, particularly women and carers, who are approaching State Pension age but have earlier gaps in their National Insurance records to improve their basic State Pension. We intend to amend the current Pensions Bill to give effect to the measure. Winter Fuel Payments Mr. Crausby To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many winter fuel payments have been made to pensioner households in each of the last five years. Ms Rosie Winterton The following table shows the number of winter fuel payments made to households for the last five years. Figures for 2007-08 are not yet available but we expect the number to be similar to that for winter 2006-07. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Number | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2002-03 |11,348,040| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2003-04 |11,468,240| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2004-05 |11,401,170| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005-06 |11,514,760| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006-07 |11,702,900| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Note:Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.Source: Information directorate 100 per cent. data.| | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Winter Fuel Payments: York Hugh Bayley To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how much he expects to pay to pensioner households in York in winter fuel payments in 2008-09; (2) what estimate he has made of the number of households in York which will receive the (a) £250 and (b) £400 winter fuel payment in 2008-09. Ms Rosie Winterton The information is as follows: PQ/08/230253 Expenditure on winter fuel payments in the parliamentary constituency of York in 2006-07 was £3.5 million. Expenditure on winter fuel payments in the local authority area in 2006-07 was £6.5 million. Forecasts of benefit expenditure are not produced below national level and 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. Source: Information directorate 100 per cent. data. PQ/08/230254 Figures for winter 2007-08 are not yet available. In winter 2006-07 we made: 10,810 winter fuel payments to households in the city of York constituency and 20,820 winter fuel payments to households in York local authority with a member aged 60-79; and 4,080 winter fuel payments to households in the city of York constituency and 7,340 winter fuel payments to households in York local authority with a member aged 80 or over. We expect in 2008-09 similar numbers to receive the £250 and £400 respectively. Notes: 1. Figures rounded to the nearest ten. 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. Work Permits Mr. Soames To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many work permits have been issued in 2008 for shortage occupations. Mr. Woolas I have been asked to reply. During the period, 1 January 2008 to 15 October 2008, 6,596 work permits were issued to applicants under the Shortage Occupations category. The figure quoted is not provided under National Statistics protocols and has been derived from local management information and is therefore provisional and subject to change. Culture, Media and Sport Advertising Standards Agency: Public Appointments Mr. Hoyle To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 15 October 2008, Official Report, column 1296W, on the Advertising Standards Authority: public appointments, what requirement there is on the Chairman of the Authority to have regard to a balance of political views when making appointments to the Advertising Standards Authority Council. Andy Burnham The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Council operates independently of the Government, and therefore this is a matter for the ASA. Digital Broadcasting Dr. Kumar To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress has been made in improving the digital signal for terrestrial television in the UK; and what further steps are planned. Andy Burnham Digital signals cannot be increased in power until analogue television services are switched off as unacceptable levels of interference would otherwise occur. The digital signal will be improved over the next four years as digital switchover takes place on a region-by-region basis across the UK, completing in 2012. The process commenced in the Border region where the first switchover has already occurred at Whitehaven in Cumbria. The Middlesbrough, South and East Cleveland constituency is in the Tyne-Tees region which is planned to switch in 2012 along with London, the south of England and Northern Ireland. Digital Broadcasting: North East Dr. Kumar To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps his Department plans to take to improve the digital signal for terrestrial television in the North East. Andy Burnham At present only 80 principal transmitters out of the UK’s network of over 1,150 TV transmitters broadcast digital services. This restriction is necessary because at present analogue TV services occupy most of the spectrum allocated to TV broadcasting. When digital switchover occurs two things will happen. Firstly, the power of the digital services from the 80 existing transmitters will be increased significantly, including the main transmitters at Pontop Pike and Bilsdale that serve much of the north-east of England. Secondly, the analogue-only transmitters such as those in my hon. Friend’s constituency, at Eston Nab, Guisborough and Skinningrove, will all be converted to broadcast digital signals. Together these two measures will improve reception reliability and extend the reach of the digital TV services to the same proportion of the population that is able to receive analogue television. There are three analogue-only relay transmitters in the Middlesbrough, South and East Cleveland constituency, so there will be patches where reception is not very good at present. Digital Switchover Help Scheme: Borders Region Mr. Moore To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 15 September 2008, Official Report, column 2020W, on the Digital Switchover Help Scheme: Borders Regions, how many people have now been identified as eligible for assistance under the scheme in the area covered by the Selkirk television transmitter and its related relays on the grounds that they are (a) over 75 years old, (b) in receipt of (i) disability living allowance, (ii) attendance allowance and (iii) constant attendance allowance and (c) registered blind or partially sighted; what the overall percentage take-up of eligible people has been to date; and how many people have opted for (A) the default option of Sky, (B) a Freeview digital box, (C) a Freeview playback digital television recorder, (D) a new television with digital built-in, (E) Freesat and (F) Top Up TV. Andy Burnham [holding answer 22 October 2008]: A total of 16,618 people in the area covered by Selkirk television transmitter and its related relays are currently identified as eligible for the switchover help scheme. The total of eligible people has been adjusted in the light of information from Television Licensing, since possession of a TV licence is a condition of eligibility. All potentially eligible people, including those without a TV licence or not yet confirmed to have one, have now been contacted by the help scheme. Of those currently eligible, (a) 10,576 people are eligible on the grounds that they are aged 75 years or over, (b) 5,804 are under 75 and eligible on grounds that they receive a disability benefit, and (c) 238 people who do not fit either of these categories are eligible on the grounds that they are registered blind or partially sighted. A breakdown of numbers in receipt of each disability allowance is not available as this information is not needed for the purposes of the scheme. The number of people who have opted into the help scheme now stands at 2,758 people, or 16.6 per cent. of the eligible total. 7,274 or 43.8 per cent. of the total have responded. Of those that have opted in, 2,178 have made a choice of option and 580 have yet to choose. Of those that have made a choice, 59 per cent. have chosen the standard offer of a Sky satellite system, 39 per cent. have chosen a Freeview terrestrial set top box or upgrade, and the remainder have chosen freesat from ITV and BBC or Top Up TV. Public Libraries Mr. Jim Cunningham To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent steps the Government has taken to modernise public libraries. Barbara Follett [holding answer 27 October 2008]: In 2003 DCMS published Framework for the Future, the Government’s 10-year national public library strategy. This provided a broad vision to enable libraries to modernise through promoting reading and learning, enabling access to digital skills and services and encouraging community cohesion and civic values as well as looking for the scope for capacity building. Framework for the Future has been underpinned by work funded through the Museums Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), including the training programme, Leading Modern Public Libraries, and library service peer reviews. In the context of framework, on 9 October 2008 my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced that DCMS will undertake a Library Service Modernisation Review to define the Government’s vision for a modern, world-class public library service and set out some of the necessary steps to achieve this vision. This review, which is expected to report in the spring of 2009, aims to support local authorities in delivering modernised, responsive and appealing library services for their communities, and to improve performance and increase usage. The BIG Lottery Fund £80 million Community Libraries Programme is an investment across England to improve community learning opportunities through libraries. Part of this is offering the types of opportunities that are essential to the delivery of modern library services. These include learning opportunities and activities to attract new library users such as reading groups, writing groups, language classes, family learning activities, art and museum exhibitions, cultural activities, drama, information seminars and health initiatives. Mr. Jim Cunningham To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent steps the Government has taken to increase use of public libraries. Barbara Follett [holding answer 27 October 2008]: On 9 October 2008 my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced that DCMS will undertake a Library Service Modernisation Review to define the Government’s vision for a modern, world-class public library service and set out some of the necessary steps to achieve this vision. This review, which is expected to report in the spring of 2009, aims to support local authorities in delivering modernised, responsive and appealing library services for their communities, and to improve performance and increase usage. Libraries have played a central role in the Department for Children, Schools and Families funded National Year of Reading, holding a broad range of themed events and activities, and as part of their membership drive signing up over 1 million new members since April 2008. There are a significant number of programmes funded by Departments, sponsored organisations and third sector partners which promote the increased use of public libraries: these include Bookstart, Book Ahead, Boys into Books, the Summer Reading Challenge, Booked Up, Fulfilling their Potential and the Vital Link. The BIG Lottery Fund’s £80 million Community Libraries Programme is an investment across England to improve community learning opportunities through libraries. Part of this is offering the types of opportunities essential to the delivery of modern library services, including, learning activities to attract new library users such as reading groups, writing groups, language classes, family learning activities, art and museum exhibitions, cultural activities, drama, information seminars and health initiatives. Sport England: Public Appointments Mr. Hunt To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 14 October 2008, Official Report, column 1206W, on Sport England: public appointments, how much he expects the re-advertisement of the position of chairman to cost. Andy Burnham [holding answer 27 October 2008]: It is expected that the cost of re-advertising the position of chair and advertising the position of deputy chair will be £13,150. Sports: Finance Mr. Brady To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has had from UK sporting organisations on the adoption of a wider list of sports eligible for elite funding. Andy Burnham DCMS receives occasional representations from sporting organisations, and from hon. Members on their behalf, requesting that Government funding of elite sport be provided to a broader range of sports, including the sport of lacrosse. The primary focus of the finite funding that the Government have available to support high performance sports is to enable our very best Olympic and Paralympic athletes to deliver the ambitious medal goals for London 2012. Funding is therefore concentrated on Olympic and Paralympic sports. Sports: Learning Disability Mr. Harper To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what funding his Department provided for elite athletes with a learning disability in each year between 1997 and 2001. Andy Burnham [holding answer 27 October 2008]: Elite athletes were funded by Sport England from 1997 to 1999 after which it became the responsibility of UK Sport. Between 1999 and 2000 Sport England administered lottery payment operations on behalf of UK Sport and retained the athlete records. The transfer of operations took place during 2000-01. Sport England have advised that their records do not identify which athletes had a learning disability and the information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost. UK Sport provided the following funding for elite athletes with learning disabilities in 2001. ---------------------------- |Financial year|Funding (£)| ---------------------------- |2000-01 |22,698 | ---------------------------- |2001-02 |84,987 | ---------------------------- Swimming Mr. Laws To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what percentage of funding for the Government's free swimming initiative has been allocated to improving access to swimming lessons. Andy Burnham Initiatives such as swimming lessons will be funded from the overall package. Government are currently working with stakeholders including the Amateur Swimming Association and Sport England on the detailed cost, design and delivery arrangements for such initiatives. Television Greg Mulholland To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate his Department has made of the number of households which are unable to receive all five terrestrial television channels as a result of geography or topography. Andy Burnham [holding answer 23 October 2008]: At present, approximately 20 per cent. of UK households cannot receive all five analogue terrestrial channels. However, 98.5 per cent. of UK households can receive BBC1 and 2, ITV and Channel 4 analogue services. Digital terrestrial coverage allows 73 per cent. of UK households to receive the five services. After digital switchover has been completed, it is expected that 98.5 per cent. of households will receive all of public service television channels. Television: Licensing Mr. Crausby To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many households have a free television licence. Andy Burnham As my hon. Friend may know, people who are aged 75 or over are entitled to a free Over 75 TV Licence for their home. In the financial year 2007-08 4.003 million free over 75 licences were issued. Mr. Crausby To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many households have a television licence. Andy Burnham The following statistics are for licences in force in the UK as at 31 March 2008. ---------------------------------------------------- |Region |Total licences in force (million)| ---------------------------------------------------- |England |20.574 | ---------------------------------------------------- |Northern Ireland|0.635 | ---------------------------------------------------- |Scotland |2.195 | ---------------------------------------------------- |Wales |1.242 | ---------------------------------------------------- |Channel Islands |0.093 | ---------------------------------------------------- |Total |24.740 | ---------------------------------------------------- Please note these statistics are approximations of the numbers of licences in force (in total, not just in households) and are not exact. They also do not include licences held by premises which are classed as Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC). This is because a detailed breakdown of ARC or other licences by nation is not held. It may also be interesting to note that figures from the Broadcaster’s Audience Research Board (BARB) estimate that the percentage of households in the UK which have a television is 98 per cent. More information on BARB can be found on their website at http://www.barb.co.uk/. Veredus Mr. Hunt To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much has been paid to Veredus in each of the last five years; and how much has been spent in respect of recruitment to the position of Chairman of Sport England. Andy Burnham The release of this information is likely to prejudice commercial interests and therefore cannot be disclosed. Wines Alistair Burt To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what his Department's practice is on supplying non-alcoholic wine as a choice at official receptions or functions. Mr. Sutcliffe The Department supplies good quality soft drinks as an alternative to non-alcoholic wine at official receptions and functions. Treasury Bank Services Mr. Vara To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with HM Revenue and Customs about support for taxpayers who have savings in a bank which has required payments from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme with regard to tax instalments falling due on 31 January 2009. Ian Pearson Treasury Ministers regularly discuss a wide range of issues with their officials in HMRC and other Departments. HMRC currently offers ‘time to pay’ arrangements to viable businesses facing temporary financial difficulties. These allow outstanding tax to be spread over a period (usually of months) based on what a business can genuinely afford to pay. Interest applies but the rates are competitive compared to commercial lending. This approach is designed to ensure otherwise viable businesses are not driven into insolvency by HMRC, both supporting business and in turn maximising tax recovery. Similar “time to pay” arrangements apply to individuals who are not classed as “in business”. Adam Price To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which companies have been appointed to assist his Department in the preparation of his plans for financial support to the banking industry. Ian Pearson [holding answer 2008]: The Treasury has taken financial advice from Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank and legal advice from Slaughter and May with regards to implementing the recapitalisation scheme. On matter relating to financial stability, the Treasury also takes advice from the Bank of England and FSA. Mr. Austin Mitchell To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what representations he has received from the government of Iceland on the use of anti-terrorist legislation to seize Icelandic bank assets; (2) what steps he is taking to (a) improve relations with Iceland and (b) help that country in its financial difficulties. Ian Pearson [holding answer 22 October 2008]: The Government are working closely with the Icelandic authorities to resolve issues of mutual interest related to the financial crisis. Bank Services: Iceland Mr. Cawsey To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether all UK charities who had deposits with Kaupthing Singer and Friedlander Bank will have those deposits fully protected by the Government. Ian Pearson [holding answer 14 October 2008]: The Government have put in place arrangements to ensure that all FSCS-eligible depositors in the Icelandic banks of Landsbanki, Heritable and Kaupthing Singer and Friedlander will receive their money in full. If a charity is eligible to claim compensation from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, it will be entitled to benefit from these arrangements. Bank Services: Low Incomes John Battle To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps his Department is taking to ensure that banks support low income households in accessing financial services during the current financial situation. Ian Pearson The Government are working closely with banks to ensure that low income households can access a wide range of financial services. In particular, the banks and the Government have agreed a shared goal to halve the number of adults without access to a bank account. Being able to use a bank account continues to be an important factor in whether people can play a full part in society. Progress towards this goal has been encouraging, and the Government and banks are working together to ensure that this continues. In December 2007 the banks also committed to support third sector affordable credit, including action to develop new provision in 25 high priority areas identified by the Financial Inclusion Taskforce's third sector credit Working Group. Taskforce and Government will continue to work with the banks to build on these commitments. Banking Services: Small Businesses Hugh Robertson To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment the Government has made of the likely effect on small businesses of the collapse of Kaupthing Singer and Friedlander Limited. Ian Pearson [holding answer 16 October 2008]: The Government have put in place arrangements to ensure that all FSCS-eligible depositors in the Icelandic banks of Kaupthing Singer and Friedlander will receive their money in full. If a small business is eligible to claim compensation from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, it will be entitled to benefit from these arrangements. Those depositors that are ineligible for FSCS compensation will be creditors of the bank in the normal way. Banking Supervision Mr. Dai Davies To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer from which budgets capital was made available to (a) support and (b) invest in banks; what considerations were given to presenting a Bill to put the provision of money to banks on a specific legislative footing; and if he will publish on his Departmental website the minutes of meetings held with chief executives and other senior executives from banks and Treasury Ministers, officials and Financial Services Authority officials since 1 September 2008. Ian Pearson This package of measures to support and invest in banks announced on 8 October will be funded through the Government’s ordinary borrowing mechanisms, via the central Government debt and cash management operations. We are investing in the banks themselves on commercial terms. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, other Treasury Ministers and officials regularly meet with representatives of the banking industry. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Government’s practice to provide details of all such meetings. Mr. Ancram To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the likely extent of nationalisation of the British banking system which will be necessary. Ian Pearson Both the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer have made it clear that the Government will do whatever is necessary, whatever is right, to ensure the stability of the financial system. The Chancellor in his statements of 8 October and 13 October detailed the steps taken to ensure financial stability. This package of measures has subsequently been replicated throughout the world. Banks: Iceland Tony Baldry To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what protection there is under UK banking regulations for the savings of UK citizens deposited in Icelandic banks trading in the UK; and if he will make a statement. Ian Pearson I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the Chancellor on 8 October 2008, Official Report, columns 279-80. Mr. Gregory Campbell To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect of the current economic situation in Iceland on (a) UK-owned banks and (b) banks located in the United Kingdom. Ian Pearson [holding answer 13 October 2008]: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the Chancellor on 8 October 2008, Official Report, columns 279-80. Mrs. Curtis-Thomas To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer with reference to the Seventeenth Report of the Treasury Committee on Banking Reform, HC 1008, what subjects were discussed during the regular contact between the Icelandic regulator and the Financial Services Authority. Ian Pearson The matter raised in this question is the responsibility of the FSA, whose day to day operations are independent from Government control and influence. Banks: Insolvency Mr. Streeter To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effects on financial institutions of the tighter insolvency regime introduced by the Financial Services Authority in 2003, with particular reference to Standard Life; and if he will make a statement. Ian Pearson [holding answer 13 October 2008]: This is a matter for the Financial Services Authority (FSA) as an independent regulator. Bradford and Bingley Adam Price To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the Government’s estimate is of the cost to the public purse of the nationalisation of Bradford and Bingley. Ian Pearson [holding answer 13 October 2008]: The Government’s objectives in taking Bradford and Bingley into public ownership were to protect depositors and maintain financial stability. Payments to protect depositors were largely funded by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), with taxpayers providing £4 billion to cover deposits over £35,000. The Government aim to recoup this payment from the proceeds of the wind-down and realisation of the assets of the remaining business of Bradford and Bingley in public ownership. Bradford and Bingley: Santander Group Mr. Redwood To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the terms of the agreement were with Santander Abbey over Bradford and Bingley, with particular reference to the balance between cash and other assets covering the retail deposit base. Ian Pearson Details of these arrangements are available on the Treasury’s website at: www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/bradford_bingley_assets_ transfer.htm Building Societies: Finance Mr. Jim Cunningham To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps the Government has taken to ensure the interests of all building societies are taken into account in the Government’s financial strategy during the current economic difficulties. Ian Pearson The recapitalisation scheme announced on 8 October provides three measures aimed to help not just UK banks (including foreign subsidiaries) but also UK building societies. The extension of the Special Liquidity Scheme will provide short-term liquidity. The recapitalisation through shares (both ordinary and preference) as well as Permanent Interest Bearing Shares (PIBS), will strengthen institutions’ resources, allowing them to restructure their finances while maintaining their support for the real economy. The credit guarantee scheme will ensure that the banking system has the necessary funds in the medium term. This scheme, which is now being replicated worldwide, is available for all UK building societies. Capital Investment Adam Price To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which capital projects he has identified to date as suitable to be fast-tracked during the current economic uncertainty. Yvette Cooper The Chancellor of the Exchequer will provide an update on the UK fiscal position at the 2008 pre-Budget report. It will set out how we are supporting the economy in the short-term, while taking the necessary decisions to ensure the public finances remain on a sustainable path in the medium term. Commissioners for the Reduction of the National Debt Mr. Hands To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the (a) date and (b) location was of the last meeting of the Commissioners for the Reduction of the National Debt. Ian Pearson The last recorded business meeting of the Commissioners for the Reduction of the National Debt took place on 12 October 1860. The meeting took place at the Offices of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Corporation Tax: Tax Yields Greg Clark To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of corporation tax receipts, excluding North Sea revenues, in (a) 2008-09 and (b) 2009-10. Angela Eagle The latest corporation tax receipt forecasts, excluding North sea revenues, were provided in Budget 2008. Updated forecasts will be provided in the forthcoming 2008 pre-Budget report. The latest corporation tax receipt figures, including North sea revenues, are available on the latest September 2008 Public Sector Finances press release, which is accessible from: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/psf1008.pdf Credit Rating Mr. Dai Davies To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will establish an inquiry into the competence of credit rating agencies. Ian Pearson The European Commission finished consulting on a EU-wide registration scheme for credit rating agencies on 5 September, and is due to report on the outcome of this consultation on November 12. We are working internationally to improve the incentives for credit rating agencies to supply more and better information that market participants want and to avoid creating undesirable incentives for investors to over-rely on ratings. However, any approach will need to be internationally agreed as far as possible both given the nature of the ratings system as well as to avoid the possibility of regulatory arbitrage. Departmental Disciplinary Proceedings Mr. Redwood To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sanctions are available in cases of departmental staff found to have committed disciplinary offences; and how many times each has been used in each of the last three years. Angela Eagle The disciplinary procedure for departmental staff permits managers to impose the following range of disciplinary penalties: Oral warning; Written warning; Final written warning; Past or future performance payments withheld or withdrawn in whole or part; Financial penalty by way of fine or restitution for loss or damage (payments recovered by deduction from pay); Ban on promotion for a specified period; Suspension or withdrawal of security clearance; Suspension for a specified period with or without loss of pay; Transfer to a lower pay range for a specified period with appropriate reduction in salary; and Dismissal. The following penalties were imposed in each of the last three years. The response covers employees of HM Treasury, OGC, OGC Buying Solutions and DMO. ----------------------------------- |Penalty |Number | ----------------------------------- |2008-09 to date| | ----------------------------------- |Written Warning|Less than 5 cases| ----------------------------------- | | | ----------------------------------- |2007-08 | | ----------------------------------- |Oral Warning |Less than 5 cases| ----------------------------------- |Written Warning|8 cases | ----------------------------------- |Dismissal |Less than 5 cases| ----------------------------------- | | | ----------------------------------- |2006-07 | | ----------------------------------- |Oral Warning |Less than 5 cases| ----------------------------------- |Written Warning|Less than 5 cases| ----------------------------------- |Final Warning |Less than 5 cases| ----------------------------------- |Dismissal |Less than 5 cases| ----------------------------------- Departmental Paper David Simpson To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of paper used (a) for photocopying and (b) in printed publications by his Department was from recycled sources in each of the last two years. Angela Eagle All of the paper used for photocopying in the Department in the last two years was made from at least 80 per cent. recycled sources, with over 90 per cent. in the last year from 100 per cent. recycled sources. From October 2008, all of the paper purchased for printing and photocopying in HM Treasury group will be from 100 per cent. recycled sources. From March 2008 HM Treasury has used paper that is 100 per cent. recycled on all printed publications. Before this, publications were printed on at least 75 per cent. recycled paper. Departmental Procurement Margaret Moran To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he plans to take to ease the procedures for tendering and procurement between Government departments and (a) social enterprises and (b) small- and medium-sized enterprises. Angela Eagle The Government's policy on SMEs and third sector organisations (including social enterprises) is to encourage and support these organisations to compete for public sector contracts where this is consistent with value for money policy, the UK regulations, the EU treaty principles and the EU procurement directives. The OGC has developed guidance to help procurers engage with these organisations within the legal and policy framework surrounding public procurement. Budget 2008 asked Anne Glover to lead a committee looking into what further work is needed to remove barriers. The recommendations of that committee will be published in the pre-Budget report. Departmental Secretarial Staff Mr. Hands To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his Department provides a separate diary secretary to (a) the Economic Secretary, (b) the Financial Secretary, (c) the Exchequer Secretary and (d) the Minister of State. Angela Eagle Diary secretary functions are performed by the staff of the private offices concerned. Departmental Security Chris Huhne To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many security passes have been reported (a) lost and (b) stolen by staff in (i) his Department and (ii) agencies sponsored by his Department in each year since 2001. Angela Eagle The information requested in respect of the Treasury and the DMO is as follows: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Department |Year |Lost|Stolen|Total| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |H M Treasury |20011|— |— |— | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |20021|— |— |— | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |2003 |125 |3 |128 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |2004 |17 |0 |17 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |2005 |34 |2 |36 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |2006 |46 |2 |48 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |2007 |74 |0 |74 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |2008 |76 |2 |78 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |20011|— |— |— | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |20021|— |— |— | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |2003 |11 |0 |11 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |20041|— |— |— | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |20051|— |— |— | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |2006 |2 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |2007 |0 |0 |0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |2008 |3 |0 |3 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 HM Treasury figures for 2001 and 2002. DMO figures for 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2005 are not available, other than at disproportionate cost.| | | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Departmental passes are disabled as soon as they are reported as lost or stolen, and do not contain information that links them to their respective building or organisation. EU External Trade: Israel Dr. Starkey To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether European Commission officials have on any occasion launched investigations inside Israel to determine whether Israeli importers are correctly applying the 2005 technical arrangement of the EU-Israel Association Agreement with regard to goods being charged at the correct duty. Mr. Timms HM Revenue and Customs are not aware of any investigations having been instigated by the European Commission. Dr. Starkey To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many requests for information have been raised with the Israeli customs authorities to establish whether consignments have been imported from Israel or Israeli settlements under the 2005 technical arrangement of the EU-Israel Association Agreement in each of the last three years. Mr. Timms The number of requests for information HM Revenue and Customs have raised with the Israeli authorities is as follows: ------------------------------------------- | |Number| ------------------------------------------- |1 February 2005 to 31 January 2006|13 | ------------------------------------------- |1 February 2006 to31 January 2007 |6 | ------------------------------------------- |1 February 2007 to 31 January 2008|2 | ------------------------------------------- Dr. Starkey To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many requests for information to the Israeli customs authorities under the 2005 technical arrangement regarding the origin of consignments from Israel or Israeli settlements had not been answered within 10 months, in each of the last three years. Mr. Timms The number of HM Revenue and Customs requests for information which have not been answered within 10 months is as follows: ------------------------------------------- | |Number| ------------------------------------------- |1 February 2005 to 31 January 2006|10 | ------------------------------------------- |1 February 2006 to 31 January 2007|2 | ------------------------------------------- |1 February 2007 to 31 January 2008|0 | ------------------------------------------- Dr. Starkey To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many requests for information regarding consignments believed to have originated from Israeli settlements have been answered by Israeli customs authorities in each of the last three years; and how many such consignments the Israeli government determined had originated from settlements. Mr. Timms HM Revenue and Customs advise as follows: 1 February 2005 to 31 January 2006—five requests answered (four consignments confirmed as having originated in a Settlement) 1 February 2006 to 31 January 2007—six requests answered (two consignments confirmed as having originated in a Settlement) 1 February 2007 to 31 January 2008—two requests answered (neither consignment originated in a Settlement) Dr. Starkey To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to ensure Israeli customs authorities respond to all requests from HM Revenue and Customs made under the 2005 technical arrangement. Mr. Timms The Israeli customs authorities are bound by the requirements of Article 33 of Protocol 4 to the EC—Israel Trade Association Agreement to reply to verification requests within 10 months. HM Revenue and Customs pursues responses to outstanding requests via correspondence with the Israeli authorities. Dr. Starkey To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has issued any fines to companies for falsely declaring goods are from Israel when they have originated from illegal Israeli settlements under the 2005 technical arrangement. Mr. Timms No fines have been issued. Dr. Starkey To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Israeli customs authorities have provided HM Revenue and Customs with a list of postcodes for Israeli settlements and the corresponding names and addresses of each settlement. Mr. Timms A list of postcodes and names of settlements was supplied to the European Commission by the Israeli customs authorities. This list was subsequently passed to all member states. Dr. Starkey To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will put in place procedures to record the import of products from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory separately from those relating to Israel. Mr. Timms HM Revenue and Customs already keep records of any imports that are from Israeli Settlements and identified as incorrectly claiming Israeli preferential origin. Financial Inclusion Team Mr. Hands To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what publications his Department's Financial Inclusion Team contributed in each of the last 10 years. Angela Eagle HM Treasury's Financial Inclusion Team has published several documents setting out the Government's policy on financial inclusion. The first was 'Promoting Financial Inclusion', in December 2004. In March 2007 HM Treasury published 'Financial Inclusion: The Way Forward' and a 'Review of Christmas Saving Schemes'. The most recent document was 'Financial Inclusion: An Action Plan for 2008-11', published in December 2007, which includes details of how the Government will invest their £130 million Financial Inclusion Fund over the current spending review period. Mr. Hands To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many officials were employed in his Department's Financial Inclusion Team (a) on a full-time equivalent basis and (b) on a headcount basis (i) in each of the last 10 years and (ii) at the latest date for which figures are available. Angela Eagle HM Treasury has had a Financial Inclusion Team since 2004. The team has included between two and four full-time staff since its inception. As of October 2008 it has three full-time team members. Government Securities Mr. Hands To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the value of (a) index linked and (b) conventional gilts planned to be auctioned by the Debt Management Office in each of the next 12 months. Ian Pearson The Government's future issuance plans are published in the Debt and Reserves Management Report 2008-09 and were recently revised on 14 October 2008. The Government do not publish estimates for the amounts that will be auctioned in future calendar months. Housing: Valuation Mr. Pickles To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average capital value was of (a) a pre-1919 terraced house (modernised), (b) an inter-war semi-detached house (modernised), (c) a post-1960 semi-detached house, (d) a post-1960 detached house and (e) a post-1960 flat in a three (or more) storey block, according to Valuation Office Agency records in (i) the most recent month for which figures are available, (ii) the same month in 2007 and (iii) the same month in 2006 in (A) England and (B) each local authority area or equivalent area that the Agency uses in England. Mr. Timms The Valuation Office Agency could provide the information requested only at disproportionate cost. The Agency publishes a bi-annual Property Market Report (PMR) which is available on its website www.voa.gov.uk: this includes a section on housing which provides opinions of the capital value of such properties for certain named towns and cities throughout the United Kingdom. Icesave Adam Price To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with Nordic countries on their reciprocal financial compensation scheme and its application to the Icesave online bank. Ian Pearson [holding answer 13 October 2008]: The Government are working closely with the Icelandic authorities to resolve issues of mutual interest related to the financial crisis, including compensation of depositors in Icesave. Imports: Israel Dr. Starkey To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many consignments of Israeli goods entered the UK in each of the last three years. Mr. Timms The number of consignments entering the UK in each year since the implementation on 1 February 2005 of the technical arrangement, in which Israeli exporters are bound to indicate the place of production on the proof of origin, are as follows: ------------------------------------------- |1 February to 31 January each year|Number| ------------------------------------------- |2005-06 |77,086| ------------------------------------------- |2006-07 |75,631| ------------------------------------------- |2007-08 |83,225| ------------------------------------------- Dr. Starkey To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many targeted physical examinations have been carried out on goods coming into the UK from Israel in the last three years. Mr. Timms Information for the whole period is unavailable. However, HM Revenue and Customs undertook a specifically targeted exercise of physical examinations from the end of July until the end of September 2008 to identify potential settlement goods incorrectly described as being of Israeli origin. 26 consignments were examined in that period. Imports: Occupied Territories Dr. Starkey To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many consignments of goods entered the UK from the occupied Palestinian territory in each of the last three years. Mr. Timms The number of consignments entering the UK in each of the years since the implementation on 1 February 2005 of the technical arrangement, are as follows: ------------------------------------------- | |Number| ------------------------------------------- |1 February 2005 to 31 January 2006|3,386 | ------------------------------------------- |1 February 2006 to 31 January 2007|2,831 | ------------------------------------------- |1 February 2007 to 31 January 2008|2,445 | ------------------------------------------- Inflation Stephen Hammond To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what research his Department has undertaken recently into the effect of incomes restraint on inflation. Yvette Cooper The Government regularly monitor developments in public and private sector pay and inflation. Wage pressures are one of the factors considered by the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England when setting interest rates to meet the inflation target. The Bank of England considers pay restraint across the economy to be key to maintaining low and stable inflation. Iraq Conflict: Finance Mr. Keith Simpson To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the Answer of 21 November 2007, Official Report, column 918W, on the Iraq conflict, if he will place in the Library a copy of the latest report by his Department into the implications for the Exchequer and the economy of military operations in Iraq. Yvette Cooper Details of the costs of military operations in Iraq and their expected impact on the public finances are published annually in the Ministry of Defence’s Annual Report and Accounts and in the Department’s Parliamentary Supply Estimates. Landfill Tax: Tax Yields Mr. Pickles To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the gross revenue from landfill tax in each of the next three years. Angela Eagle Forecast landfill tax receipts for 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11 are published in Table A11 of the 2008 Budget Report. Mentally Ill Staff Lynne Jones To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information his Department has gathered on the effect of its policies and practices on the recruitment, development and retention of employees with mental illnesses within (a) his Department and (b) the public sector bodies for which he has responsibility; and what use has been made of that information. Angela Eagle No specific information has been gathered in regards to employees with mental illnesses. However, the Treasury and other public sector bodies offer confidential staff welfare services, and make reasonable adjustments to any HR policy or process to any employee or applicant with a disability. Mortgages: Repossession Orders Mr. Dai Davies To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will direct those banks which have received funds from the public purse not to repossess any property in cases where the mortgage holder is unable to keep up payments where the property in question is the mortgage holder’s home and solely-owned property. Ian Pearson On 8 October this year, the Government announced a comprehensive package of measures to support stability of the financial system, protect ordinary savers, depositors, businesses and borrowers, and to safeguard the interests of the taxpayer. As part of their investment, the Government have agreed with the banks supported by the recapitalisation scheme a range of commitments. Details are available at: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/press_105_08.htm Non-domestic Rates: Valuation Mr. Pickles To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library a copy of the Valuation Office Agency’s non-domestic rating guidance, RAT IA, as amended to include advice on the smoking ban. Mr. Timms A copy of the Valuation Office Agency’s Rating Instruction and Advice reference 260106, which was updated to include advice on the Smoking Ban in June 2008, has been placed in the Library. Mr. Pickles To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what methodology will be used to calculate the rateable value of (a) micro wind turbines and (b) solar or photovoltaic cells, for the 2010 rates revaluation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the relevant guidance used by the Valuation Office Agency. Mr. Timms The method of determining the rateable value for the 2010 revaluation of these items will be by reference to cost as at 1 April 2008 (antecedent valuation date) multiplied by the decapitalisation rate applicable from 1 April 2010. For the 2005 rating lists, wind turbines or solar/voltaic cells operating within the microgeneration rules are treated as excepted plant and machinery and attract no rateable value. This will be applicable up to and including 31 March 2010. The SI 2008 No. 2332 came into force on 1 October 2008 and detailed guidance for VOA staff is in preparation. This will be incorporated into the VOA Rating Manual which is available on the VOA website at www.voa.gov.uk. It is anticipated that the guidance will be published by 30 November 2008. North Sea Oil Greg Clark To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his most recent estimate is of North Sea revenues in (a) 2008-09 and (b) 2009-10. Angela Eagle The Government’s most recent forecast for North sea revenues can be found in Tables C6 and C7 of the Budget 2008 document. Our next forecast will be published at PBR 2008. Northern Rock: Mortgages Mr. Austin Mitchell To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many mortgage repossessions Northern Rock has initiated in each month since it was taken into public ownership. Ian Pearson I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given to the hon. Member for Carmarthen, East and Dinefwr (Adam Price) on 21 July 2008, Official Report, column 728W. Overseas Companies: Israel Dr. Starkey To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether HM Revenue and Customs maintain a list of companies operating in illegal Israeli settlements. Mr. Timms While HM Revenue and Customs does not maintain a full list of companies operating in the illegal settlements, it does keep a record of companies whose goods have been identified as originating in a settlement. Poverty: Children Mr. Dai Davies To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what fiscal measures he and his predecessor introduced in each year since 1997 with the aim of reducing childhood poverty. Mr. Timms Since 1997 the Government have introduced a range of measures to make work pay such as tax credits and the national minimum wage, which have increased the minimum income the people can expect on moving into work. As a result of tax and benefit reforms, by October 2008, families with children in the poorest fifth of the population will be on average £4,100 a year better off. The following list outlines those measure that impact exclusively on families with children. April 1999—Above indexation increase in child benefit introduced October 1999—Working family tax credit introduced April 2000—Increase in under-11 working family tax credit child rate June 2000—Increase in under-16 working family tax credit child rate October 2000—Increase in under-16 child rates in income support and other income relate benefits April 2001—Children’s tax credit introduced at £520 a year June 2001—£5 increase in working family tax credit basic credit October 2001—£1.50 increase in income support child credits April 2002—Introduction of under one’s children’s tax credit June 2002—Increase in working family tax credit basic credit October 2002—Increase in income support/job seeker’s allowance child credits April 2003—Introduction of new tax credits April 2004—Increase in child element of child tax credit by £3.50 September 2004—Introduction of education maintenance allowance April 2005—working family tax credit increase in child care limits to £175/£300 per week April 2006—Extension of child benefit and child tax credit to young people in learning. April 2006—Percentage of child care costs eligible for support through working tax credit increased from 70 per cent. to 80 per cent. April 2008—Earnings uprating of child element of child tax credit extended to 2009-10. April 2008—Increase child element of child tax credit by £175 above earnings indexation April 2009—Eldest child benefit rate increased to £20 per week April 2009—Increase child element of child tax credit by £50 above indexation October 2009—Child benefit disregard introduced in housing and council tax benefits April 2010—Increase child element of child tax credit by £25 above indexation Public Works Loan Board Mr. Hands To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the value of loans to be made by the Public Works Loan Board in each of the next 12 months. Angela Eagle The information requested is available in table C12 of Budget 2008 (HC 388). Regulation Ann Winterton To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects the European Union to change the mark or marking to market rules. Ian Pearson The International Accounting Standards Board and the European Commission have acted very expeditiously to introduce the necessary changes already. The EU website carries full details of the changes http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/accounting/ias_en.htm. These are summarised in a press release which can be found at: http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/1513&fomiat=:HTML&aged=Q&language=EN&guiLanguage-en Revenue and Customs: North West Mr. Hoyle To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) plans to spend on (a) maintenance and (b) upgrading of its offices at (i) St. Helens and (ii) Blackburn in each of the next three years. Mr. Timms HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC’s) offices are occupied under the terms of an estates private finance initiative (PFI) contract. HMRC’s estates partner, Mapeley, is responsible for maintenance of the sites to the required contractual accommodation standards. HMRC pay a unitary Facility Price to Mapeley in return for fully serviced accommodation. In view of this there is no requirement for HMRC to spend additional sums on the day to day maintenance of the sites; HMRC has no plans to implement any works to upgrade the sites over and above the current contractual agreement. Seafarers' Earnings Deduction Andrew George To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to issue revised guidance on eligibility to claim the seafarers’ earnings deduction. Mr. Timms I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave on 23 October 2008, Official Report, column 548W to the hon. Member for Chorley (Mr. Hoyle). Swimming Mr. Hunt To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions his Department had with (a) local authorities, (b) the Local Government Association and (c) the Chief Cultural and Leisure Officers' Association before his announcement of free swimming for the over 60s. Andy Burnham [holding answer 10 September 2008]: I have been asked to reply. Before my statement to the House of 17 July in which I set out the details of the Government's free swimming programme, my Department held several discussions with representatives of local authorities, of the Local Government Association and of the Chief Cultural and Leisure Officers' Association. Welfare Tax Credits Mr. Gauke To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reasons his Department sends a standard tax credits renewal pack to the next-of-kin of deceased tax credit claimants. Mr. Timms [holding answer 9 October 2008]: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) fully recognise the distress that bereavement causes for families. When a customer dies HMRC has a statutory obligation to ensure the correct amount of tax credits was paid prior to the death. These cases are dealt with by a dedicated team in the Tax Credits office. In these circumstances HMRC send a sensitively worded letter to a personal representative of the deceased explaining why the annual declaration is required. Mr. Hands To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people were in receipt of tax credits at the end of each of the last 10 fiscal years. Mr. Timms Estimates of the average number of families benefiting from child and working tax credits are available in the HMRC publications ‘Child and Working Tax Credits Statistics. Finalised Annual Awards’, for each relevant year. These publications are available on the HMRC website at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personaltax-credits/cwto-quarterly-stats.htm Child and working tax credits replaced working families’ tax credit in April 2003. Estimates of the number of recipient families of working families’ tax credit are available in the HMRC publications ‘Working Families’ Tax Credit and Family Credit Statistics. Quarterly Enquiry’, for each relevant quarter. These publications are available on the HMRC website at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/wftctables/index.htm Welfare Tax Credits: Hertfordshire Mike Penning To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many complaints related to tax credits his Department has received from customers in (a) Hertfordshire and (b) Hemel Hempstead in each year since their inception. Mr. Timms The information requested is not available at county or constituency level. Welfare Tax Credits: Overpayments Jenny Willott To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how much, on average, his Department clawed back per case of tax credit overpayment in each (a) month of 2008-09 and (b) of the last five financial years; and if he will make a statement; (2) how much his Department has recovered in tax credits overpayments in each (a) month of 2008-09 to date and (b) year from 2003-04 to 2007-08; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Timms The information which can be provided on the total recovery of overpayments of 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07 tax credit awards is contained in Part 2, Table 11 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/hmrGdep-acct0708.pdf. The additional information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Health Accident and Emergency Departments: Admissions Mike Penning To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of patients required emergency readmissions within 28 days of emergency admission to hospital in each of the last five years. Mr. Bradshaw The information is not available in the format requested. The information that is available (from the National Centre for Health Outcomes Development (NCHOD) is provided for three different age groups. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | |Age group| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | |Ages 0-15|Ages 16-74|Ages 75 plus| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2006-07 |9.08 |8.82|13.82| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2005-06 |8.90 |8.51|13.63| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2004-05 |8.58 |8.14|13.05| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2003-04 |8.25 |7.73|12.19| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2002-03 |8.29 |7.39|11.60| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Note:Indirectly age, sex, method of admission of discharge spell, diagnosis (ICD 10 chapter/selected sub-chapters within medical specialties) and procedure (OPCS 4 chapter/selected sub-chapters within surgical specialties) standardised rates. Standardised to persons 2002-03.Source:Compendium of Clinical and Health Indicators/Clinical and Health Outcomes Knowledge Basewww.nchod.nhs.ukorwww.nchod.nhs.ukreleased October 2008.| | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Alcoholic Drinks: Health Education Mike Penning To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been spent on advertising his Department’s alcohol strategy through (a) television, (b) radio and (c) print media. Dawn Primarolo There has been no spending on television, radio or print media advertising for either the Government’s alcohol strategy, “Safe. Sensible. Social—The next steps in the National Alcohol Strategy” or the public consultation on alcohol, “Safe. Sensible. Social—Consultation on further action”. Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse Mike Penning To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department took to ensure neutrality in the wording of questions issued to the public in relation to his Department's recent consultation on alcohol strategy; and whether the consultation’s content was tested with an independent polling organisation before being issued. Dawn Primarolo Prior to being issued, care was taken to ensure that the content of the consultation, including questions issued to the public, was neutral and clearly presented the facts and issues in compliance with the Cabinet Office code of practice on consultations. The consultation is not intended to be an opinion poll. Alzheimer’s Disease Dr. Kumar To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the Government has introduced to alleviate the condition of those with Alzheimer’s disease. Phil Hope The Department’s service development guide for older people’s mental health services, “Everybody’s Business”, describes the range of services, which ought to be in place to support people with dementia and their carers. In addition, in August 2007, the Government announced work on the development of the first ever National Dementia Strategy and Implementation Plan. A draft strategy was issued for consultation in June 2008, and a final strategy will be published in the near future. Copies of both documents have been placed in the Library. Dr. Kumar To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in (a) the UK, (b) the North East, (c) Tees Valley district and (d) Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency in each of the last 10 years. Phil Hope The Department does not have data for the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in the last 10 years. However, for 2006-07 and 2007-08, the General Practitioner Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) has recorded the number of people with a diagnosis of dementia. The figures are given in the following table. They are the totals for patients with dementia. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for approximately 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |2007-08|2006-07| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Stockton on Tees Teaching PCT1 |745 |737 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Middlesbrough PCT |487 |524 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Redcar and Cleveland PCT |629 |575 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North East SHA |12,420 |12,128 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |England |220,246|212,794| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 This PCT was formerly known as North Tees.Note:We are unable to supply information for all the areas requested, as some are non-health regions. Where this occurs, we have supplied information for the health areas that best fit those requested.| | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ambulance Services: Manpower Mr. Waterson To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many part-time employees work in NHS ambulance service trusts; and what percentage of all employees of these trusts this figure represents. Ann Keen The number of part-time employees who work in national health service ambulance trusts and the percentage figure this represents is detailed in the following table: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Headcount and percentages | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Full-time staff|Part-time staff|Part-time staff as a percentage of total staff| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ambulance Trust |23,829|4,425|16| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Professionally qualified clinical staff |15,289|1,624|10| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Manager |561|27|5| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Emergency Care Practitioner |578|34|6| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ambulance Paramedic |7,411|773|9| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ambulance Technician |6,739|790|10| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Support to clinical staff |8,171|2,780|25| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ambulance personnel |3,134|1,243|28| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Trainee Ambulance Technician |1,080|67|6| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |General support |1,414|598|30| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Clerical and administrative |2,396|861|26| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Estates (maintenance and works) |147|11|7| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |NHS infrastructure support |369|21|5| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Senior manager |47|1|2| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Manager |322|20|6| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ambulance staff working in other trusts/PCTs |457|152|25| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Professionally qualified clinical staff |110|5|4| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Manager |9|1|10| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Emergency Care Practitioner |32|2|6| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ambulance Paramedic |55|2|4| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ambulance Technician |14|—|n/a| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Support to clinical staff |346|146|30| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ambulance personnel |135|25|16| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |General support |153|88|37| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Clerical and administrative |50|33|40| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Estates (maintenance and works) |8|—|n/a| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |NHS infrastructure support |1|1|50| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Manager |1|1|50| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |— = Zero. n/a = Not applicable. Note: One full-time equivalent is currently defined as 37.5 hours. Anything less than one full-time equivalent is counted as part-time. Data Quality Workforce statistics are compiled from data sent by more than 300 NHS trusts and primary care trusts (PCTs) in England. 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. Processing methods and procedures are continually being updated to improve data quality. Where this happens any impact on figures already published will be assessed but unless this is significant at national level they will not be changed. Where there is impact only at detailed or local level this will be footnoted in relevant analyses. Source: The NHS Information Centre Non Medical Workforce Census.| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Asthma: Prescriptions Mr. Wareing To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will add asthma to the list of conditions for which patients should receive free prescriptions; and if he will make a statement. Phil Hope As announced in the written ministerial statement to the House on 8 October 2008, Official Report, column 17WS, Professor Ian Gilmore has been asked to lead a review of prescription charges on how to implement our plans to phase in free prescriptions for those people in England with long term conditions effectively. We expect to publish the findings of this review in summer 2009. Blood Mr. Laxton To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs has to undertake bacterial infection in blood trials as part of their comprehensive review of pathogen inactivation for blood products in 2009. Dawn Primarolo Information from NHS Blood and Transplant trials including published literature on pathogen inactivation will be discussed as part of the independent Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO) review on options to reduce the risk of bacterial infection in blood. SaBTO does not commission research of this type. The Department in conjunction with the UK Blood Services have commissioned relevant research, trials and efficacy studies, which are due to be completed before any intervention is presented to SaBTO for their consideration and subsequently implemented. Breast Cancer: Ethnic Groups Harry Cohen To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when information on incidence and mortality will be collected for people with breast cancer from black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds; and if he will make a statement; (2) what the timeframe is for evaluating and agreeing models that collect data on prevalence of people with breast cancer from black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds; and if he will make a statement. Ann Keen Incidence and mortality data are already collected for all patients with cancer, and compiled through the regional cancer registries. The National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN) has cross-linked the most recent 10 years of complete data from hospital episode statistics (HES) to cancer registry data, which has enabled ethnicity data from HES to be assigned to cancer registry records. Using this linked repository, the NCIN will publish its first report on cancer incidence and mortality in relation to ethnicity in 2009. The NCIN, working with Macmillan and the Thames Cancer Registry, published preliminary figures on cancer prevalence in July 2008 and a full report is due to be published in January 2009. Work to publish figures on prevalence by ethnicity will follow the NCIN report on cancer incidence and mortality in relation to ethnicity. Breasts: Health Services Mr. Pelling To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many breast care nurses are working in the NHS. Ann Keen It is not possible to supply a figure for the number of nurses there are within the national health service working in breast care as this information is not collected centrally. A break down of nurses by area of work is shown in the following tables. ---------------------------- |Headcount | ---------------------------- | |1996|1997|1998|1999|2000|2001|2002|2003|2004|2005|2006|2007| ---------------------------- |All areas of work |301,253|300,467|304,563|310,142|316,752|330,535|346,537|364,692|375,371|381,257|374,538|376,737| ---------------------------- |Acute, elderly and general|160,165|159,934|161,980|165,643|170,261|177,904|187,439|201,184|203,358|205,611|204,112|205,601| ---------------------------- |Paediatric |15,520|15,341|16,266|16,689|16,922|17,640|18,014|18,437|18,917|19,178|18,634|18,923| ---------------------------- |Maternity |28,916|28,409|29,174|29,258|29,304|29,177|29,524|30,776|32,056|32,072|32,103|32,919| ---------------------------- |Psychiatry |38,827|39,109|38,141|38,999|39,529|41,539|42,654|44,728|47,390|48,553|48,478|48,499| ---------------------------- |Learning disabilities |12,105|11,111|10,736|9,923|9,497|9,776|9,550|8,950|8,656|8,824|7,583|7,618| ---------------------------- |Community services |44,914|45,898|47,601|48,972|50,481|52,401|53,814|57,588|61,559|63,257|62,343|61,997| ---------------------------- |Education staff |806|665|665|658|758|903|985|1,147|1,346|1,336|1,285|1,180| ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Full-time equivalent | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |1996|1997|1998|1999|2000|2001|2002|2003|2004|2005|2006|2007| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |All areas of work |248,070|246,011|247,238|250,651|256,276|266,171|279,287|291,925|301,877|307,744|307,447|307,628| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Acute, elderly and general |130,996|130,462|131,271|133,981|138,120|144,597|154,057|162,671|166,098|168,759|169,284|168,912| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Paediatric |12,591|12,590|13,084|13,383|13,644|13,997|14,546|14,825|15,258|15,412|15,302|15,416| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Maternity |23,192|22,776|23,059|22,919|22,776|22,684|23,043|23,758|24,463|24,750|24,961|25,654| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Psychiatry |35,444|35,296|34,627|34,974|35,804|36,973|38,176|39,383|41,585|42,529|42,716|42,602| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Learning disabilities |10,714|9,883|9,329|8,775|8,398|8,440|8,323|7,824|7,526|7,367|6,767|6,593| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Community services |34,399|34,422|35,299|36,058|36,871|38,221|39,302|41,850|44,989|46,917|47,338|47,448| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Education staff |733|582|568|562|662|760|819|968|1,140|1,119|1,079|1,004| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Notes:1. Totals may not equal the sum of component parts due to rounding and the inclusion of unclassifiable staff.2. More accurate validation this year means that in 2006 9,858 duplicate records were identified and removed from the non-medical census.3. The impact of duplicates on full-time equivalent has been minimal with the removal of 507.| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr. Pelling To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many breast cancer patients have no access to a breast care nurse. Ann Keen This information is not collected centrally. It is for cancer networks to work in partnership with strategic health authorities, national health service trusts and postgraduate deaneries to put in place a sustainable process to assess, plan and review their work force needs. Commissioners should benchmark their local clinical nurse specialist (CNS) provision against similar primary care trusts and take action where the CNS work force is found to be insufficient. Cancer: Health Services Mr. Liddell-Grainger To ask the Secretary of State for Health what (a) current and (b) capital spending took place per capita in relation to cancer treatment and services for (i) England and (ii) each primary care trust within the South West Strategic Health Authority in each financial year from 1997 to 2007. Ann Keen Expenditure data on cancer treatment and services by current and capital expenditure are not available. Programme budgeting data, available for financial years 2003-04 to 2006-07, show total cancer expenditure at England and primary care trust level for the South West strategic health authority region. These are provided in the following tables. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Financial year |Spend per capita (£)| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2003-04 |68.85 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2004-05 |76.73 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005-06 |87.50 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006-07 |86.23 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Note:Figures have been calculated using expenditure figures as published in the Department of Health resource accounts.| | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Spend per capita (£)| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |PCT |2003-04 |2004-05|2005-06| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bath and North East Somerset |92.11 |99.42|97.25| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bristol North |72.51 |76.88|87.02| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bristol South and West |94.94 |91.59|87.69| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cheltenham and Tewkesbury |81.58 |61.80|122.01| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cotswold and Vale |90.97 |117.94|105.30| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Kennet and North Wilts |68.28 |74.81|86.80| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North Somerset |71.75 |82.51|110.19| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South Gloucestershire |72.39 |58.8|98.33| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South Wiltshire |74.98 |90.54|100.02| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Swindon |55.97 |67.60|74.83| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |West Gloucestershire |82.95 |106.71|104.92| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |West Wiltshire |56.72 |64.88|89.09| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bournemouth |74.97 |77.01|88.10| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Mendip |59.58 |76.58|89.65| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North Dorset |67.59 |69.98|83.74| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Poole |105.71 |81.58|87.92| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Somerset Coast |64.54 |77.27|95.34| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South and East Dorset |93.70 |89.82|96.30| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South Somerset |89.50 |98.97|85.31| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South West Dorset |69.73 |82.09|91.69| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Taunton Deane |68.78 |90.27|88.93| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Central Cornwall |81.95 |96.34|110.91| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |East Devon |87.67 |117.02|113.42| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Exeter |82.02 |59.13|100.82| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Mid Devon |71.74 |96.82|114.13| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North and East Cornwall |67.07 |83.77|95.89| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North Devon |66.57 |74.43|102.02| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Plymouth |69.40 |75.24|87.25| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South Hams and West Devon |79.19 |83.98|107.53| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Teignbridge |84.71 |89.78|100.56| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Torbay |91.28 |110.18|105.62| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |West of Cornwall |75.66 |83.35|87.94| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Notes:1. With the exception of 2003-04 figures, all figures have been calculated using PCT expenditure on own population. Expenditure figures on PCT’s own population are not available for 2003-04, therefore net expenditure values have been used instead.2. Local population figures used to calculate per capita expenditure have been weighted to account for age, sex and need.| | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- South West strategic health authority PCT data for financial year 2006-07 are presented separately in the following table, as they are not directly comparable due to a PCT reconfiguration in 2006. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |PCT |Spend per capita (£)| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bath and North East Somerset PCT |87.08 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bournemouth and Poole Teaching PCT |116.72 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bristol Teaching PCT |86.87 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cornwall and Isles of Scilly PCT |68.39 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Devon PCT |78.71 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Dorset PCT |79.12 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Gloucestershire PCT |78.55 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North Somerset PCT |98.14 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Plymouth Teaching PCT |78.65 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Somerset PCT |82.62 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South Gloucestershire PCT |75.15 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Swindon PCT |83.86 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Torbay Care Trust |104.01 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wiltshire PCT |79.86 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Notes:1. Figures have been calculated using PCT expenditure on own population.2. Local population figures have been weighted to account for age, sex and need.| | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew George To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cancer networks have been established with NHS support; where each such network is based; and what the size of population covered by each network is. Ann Keen The following table lists the 30 current cancer networks, their estimated populations and the location of their central offices, as at 14 January 2008. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cancer network (location of central office) |Estimated population| ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Lancashire and South Cumbria (Preston) |1,513,734 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Greater Manchester and Cheshire (Manchester) |3,026,670 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Merseyside and Cheshire (Birkenhead) |2,013,727 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Yorkshire (Harrogate) |2,636,000 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Humber and Yorkshire Coast (Hull) |1,053,083 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |North Trent (Sheffield) |1,772,905 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Pan Birmingham (Birmingham) |1,902,118 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Arden (Coventry) |989,922 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Mid Trent (Nottingham) |1,622,313 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Derby/Burton (Derby) |694,250 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Leicestershire, Northants and Rutland (Enderby)|1,612,309 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Mount Vernon (St. Albans) |1,237,808 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |West London |1,829,803 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |North London |1,513,763 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |North East London |1,535,083 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |South East London |1,527,993 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |South West London |1,555,376 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Peninsula (Partington) |1,632,990 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Dorset (Ferndown) |698,684 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Avon, Somerset and Wiltshire (Bristol) |1,879,525 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |3 Counties (Cheltenham) |1,035,537 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Thames Valley (Oxford) |2,328,161 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Central South Coast (Southampton) |1,950,651 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire (Guildford) |1,193,245 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sussex (Lewes) |1,154,727 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Kent and Medway (Aylesford) |1,624,863 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Greater Midlands (Wolverhampton) |1,882,323 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |North of England (Newcastle upon Tyne) |2,995,948 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Anglia (Newmarket) |2,667,897 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Essex (Colchester) |1,384,217 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Source: National Cancer Intelligence Network. | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Cancer: Surgery Mr. Chope To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the Government's policy is on the use of Cyberknife robotic radio surgery for cancer patients. Ann Keen Cyberknife technology has yet to be evaluated in a United Kingdom clinical setting and so is not currently available as a standard treatment on the national health service. It is for local primary care trusts (PCTs) to use the funds allocated to them to meet the health care needs of their local populations. A consultant or clinician may recommend the use of Cyberknife for the treatment of cancer but it would be for the PCT to agree to supply the treatment at NHS expense. Care Homes: Infectious Diseases Mr. Lansley To ask the Secretary of State for Health what data his Department hold on rates of healthcare-associated infections in care homes. Ann Keen Information on rates of health care associated infections in care homes is not collected centrally. Care Homes: Inspections Mr. Hepburn To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many nursing homes have been inspected in (a) South Tyneside, (b) Tyne and Wear and (c) England in each year since 2000. Phil Hope We are informed by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) that the numbers of nursing homes inspected in South Tyneside and England in each year since 2003-04 are as shown in the table. CSCI does not collect data for Tyne and Wear, which is not a council with adult social services responsibility area. Information for the period between 2000 and that shown in the table is not held centrally. CSCI only has inspection records from the time of the establishment of its predecessor, the National Care Standards Commission (NCSC), in 2002. During the first months of NCSC’s existence, there was a delay in registering some homes, so complete data for 2002-03 are not available. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Year ending 31 March |South Tyneside|England| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2004 |12 |4,141 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2005 |13 |4,108 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2006 |12 |4,123 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2007 |12 |4,119 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |2008 |12 |4,153 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Source:CSCI registration and inspection database, static data cut 2 May 2008.| | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mr. Hepburn To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many nursing homes inspected by the Commission for Social Care Inspection in (a) South Tyneside, (b) Tyne and Wear and (c) England received a (i) 0 star rating (poor), (ii) 1 star rating (adequate), (iii) 2 star rating (good) and (iv) 3 star rating (excellent) in each year since 2000.[Official Report, 20 November 2008, Vol. 483, c. 5MC.] Phil Hope We are informed by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) that it can only provide the information requested from May 2008, when the star rating system was launched. The following tables show star ratings for nursing homes in South Tyneside and England. CSCI does not collect data for Tyne and Wear, which is not a council with adult social services responsibility area. --------------------- |Number of homes | --------------------- | |8 May 2008|13 October 2008| --------------------- |0 stars (poor) |1|5| --------------------- |1 star (adequate) |4|4| --------------------- |2 stars (good) |6|2| --------------------- |3 stars (excellent)|1|2| --------------------- |Total |12|13| --------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Number of homes | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |8 May 2008|13 October 2008| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |0 stars (poor) |181|131| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 star (adequate) |1,128|1,012| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2 stars (good) |2,130|2,306| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |3 stars (excellent) |548|590| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Not yet rated |125|144| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Rating suspended |8|10| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Total |4,120|4,193| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Source:CSCI Registration and Inspection database, 8 May 2008 and 13 October 2008 static cuts.| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Childbirth Mr. Crausby To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines are in place in the NHS for offering (a) home births and (b) natural births to expectant mothers. Ann Keen The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence published intrapartum care guidelines in September 2007, which provide guidance on the information that women should receive on planning the place of birth. “Maternity Matters: Choice, Access and Continuity of Care in a Safe Service”, which the Department published in April 2007, sets out guidelines on the choices that will be available to expectant mothers. A copy has been placed in the Library. Community Care: Elderly Mr. Lansley To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many older people were supported to live at home per 1,000 people in the year to 31 March 2008. Phil Hope The NHS Information Centre for health and social care collects and publishes data on the number of people receiving community based care which is either partly or wholly funded by councils with adult social services responsibilities (CASSRs) in England. 125.6 per 1,000 of the population of people aged 65 and over were receiving community-based care from CASSRs from 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008. Source: Provisional data from the P2f pro forma of the Referrals, Assessments and Packages of Care collection. Validated national level data are expected to be available in December 2008. Greg Mulholland To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people over the age of 65 years were supported to live at home in (a) England and (b) each strategic health authority area in each of the last five years. Phil Hope The NHS Information Centre for health and social care collects and publishes data on the number of people receiving community based care which is either partly or wholly funded by councils with adult social services responsibilities (CASSRs). Data are not collected centrally at strategic health authority level. Information is shown in the following tables. Table 1 shows the number of people aged 65 and over receiving community-based care from CASSRs at 31 March 2004. Table 2 shows the same data for 31 March 2005 to 2008. Guidance relating to clients receiving services was restated for 2004-05 to only include clients who are assessed by social services and who have a care plan. In previous years, some councils included clients receiving services from grant-funded organisations without a community care assessment. Therefore data for 2004-05 onwards are not comparable with earlier data. Additional clarification was also given on the recording of some types of services. These amendments mainly affect clients receiving community-based services. -------------- | |Number | -------------- |2004|662,000| -------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Number | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005 |642,000 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006 |652,000 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2007 |647,000 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2008 |1661,000| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 2008 figures are provisional. Fully validated data will be available in February 2009.Notes:1. The England total is an estimate based on actual figures.2. Figures are rounded.Source:RAP proforma P2s| | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Compulsorily Detained Mental Patients Philip Davies To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many detained mental health patients were absent without leave in each of the last five years. Phil Hope This information is not collected by the Department. Dental Services: Internet Mike Penning To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent estimate he has made of the number of NHS dental practices in England that make use of the internet in providing care. Ann Keen This information is not held centrally. Dental Services: South West Mr. Liddell-Grainger To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of dental patients were treated (a) by the NHS and (b) privately in (i) England and (ii) each primary care trust within the South West Strategic Health Authority in each financial year from 1997 to 2007. Ann Keen Information is not available in the format requested. Information on patients treated privately is not collected. The number of patients registered with an NHS dentist as a proportion of the population, in England, as at 31 March, 1997 to 2006 is available in annex B of the “NHS Dental Activity and Workforce Report, England: 31 March 2006”. Information is provided by primary care trust (PCT) and by strategic health authority (SHA) where appropriate. This information is based on the old contractual arrangements which were in place up to and including 31 March 2006. This report, published on 23 August 2006, has already been placed in the Library and is also available on the NHS Information Centre website at: http://www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/dwfactivity Under the new dental contractual arrangements, introduced on 1 April 2006, patients do not have to be registered with an NHS dentist to receive NHS care. The closest equivalent measure to ‘registration’ is the number of patients receiving NHS dental services (‘patients seen’) over a 24-month period. However, this is not directly comparable to the registration data for earlier years. Information on the number of patients seen by an NHS dentist in England, over the previous 24-month period, as a percentage of the population is available in table C2 of annex 3 of the “NHS Dental Statistics for England: 2006/07” report. Information is available for the 24-month periods ending 31 March, 2006 and 2007. This information is provided by SHA and by PCT. This report has already been placed in the Library and is also available on the NHS Information Centre website at: http://www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/dental0607 The Dental Services Division (DSD) of the NHS Business Services Authority has recently issued patients seen information at PCT level. However, this was for management purposes. PCTs have recently raised some issues which suggest that the way in which patients are allocated to PCTs across the various quarters needs to be reviewed. This means that sub-national information on patients seen was not included in the “Dental Statistics for England: 2007/08” report, published by the NHS Information Centre on 21 August 2008. The DSD has confirmed that this issue could only have a minimal impact on the national figures. They were therefore labelled as provisional pending the review. An update will be provided in the “Dental Statistics for England: 2008/09 Q1” report in November 2008. Dispensing Appliance Contractors Mike Penning To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dispensing appliance contractors have been prosecuted for fraudulent use of dispensing licences in the last five years; and how many of those prosecutions related to the wrongful use of multiple licences for financial benefit. Phil Hope All cases dealt with by the national health service counter fraud service (CFS) have the potential to result in criminal prosecution. The CFS also seeks civil recovery of losses to the NHS and investigation costs, as well as disciplinary sanctions before the appropriate regulatory or disciplinary body. No pharmaceutical appliance contractors have been prosecuted in relation to dispensing or multiple licences in the last five years. Mike Penning To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many dispensing appliance contractors dispense appliances above the level of the infrastructure payment cap of 50,000 proposed by his Department; and to how many patients these contractors provide services; (2) how many (a) industry representatives, (b) patient groups and (c) NHS organisations responded to the June 2008 consultation on changes to Part IX of the Drug Tariff; and what plans he has to publish the results of the consultation; (3) what assessment he has made of the advantages and disadvantages for dispensing appliance contractors with multiple dispensing licences under (a) the current on-cost system and (b) the system of remuneration proposed by his Department in its consultation on the provision of appliances under Part IX of the Drug Tariff; (4) pursuant to the answer of 6 October 2008, Official Report, column 434W, on incontinence: medical equipment, for what reason it is proposed to cap the infrastructure payment for Part IX-related services at 50,000 prescription items; (5) pursuant to the answer of 6 October 2008, Official Report, column 434W, on incontinence: medical equipment, how many respondents to his Department’s previous consultations on his Department’s proposals for provision of stoma and incontinence appliances under Part IX of the Drug Tariff (a) requested a cap at 50,000 prescription items and (b) advocated the removal of any cap. Phil Hope In addition to a number of proposals relating to payment by way of fees for specific services which patients will receive directly—such as home delivery—the Department’s latest consultation “Proposed new arrangement under Part IX for the provision of stoma and urology appliances and related services in primary care” (which has already been placed in the Library) proposed an infrastructure payment which is designed to cover requirements that are not directly linked to dispensing a prescription item for instance, operating within a clinical governance framework. It was proposed that the payment should be banded and capped according to the number of stoma and urology items dispensed on a monthly basis. The highest band was 30,000-50,000 items and two dispensing appliance contractors dispense more than 50,000 prescription items per month. The Department is now analysing responses to the consultation, including views on the proposed cap to the infrastructure payment. About 450,000 people use stoma and urology appliances. Under the current arrangements that primary care trusts have with dispensing appliance contractors (DACs) there is no requirement for them to provide patient numbers. However, in responding to the Department’s latest proposals some DACs have provided specific numbers in support of their views. Responses to the June consultation were received from: 41 industry representatives 13 patient groups 27 NHS organisations Control of entry was outside the scope of the June consultation. However, some assessment of the implications of the proposed remuneration system for appliance contractors with multiple dispensing licences has been made in the impact assessment—small firms sections—to illustrate the impact of different licence arrangements on the different possible remunerations (pages 26, 27). In the September 2007 consultation, the infrastructure payment cap was set at 35,000 part IX items dispensed per month. This cap was raised to 50,000 items per month in the June 2008 consultation. The proposal took account of views expressed by interested parties in response to the September 2007 consultation that: the level of infrastructure payment proposed could disrupt ongoing patient care; the banded structure for the infrastructure payment would affect individual contractors in a different way, inadvertently favouring some providers over others; and the volume cap proposed was too low and disadvantaged companies dispensing a high number of part IX prescription items to an excessive extent. Views were sought on the new proposals and the Department is in the process of analysing responses. 140 responses were received to the September 2007 consultation. Of these: none requested a cap of 50,000 prescription items; and two respondents advocated the removal of the cap. Drugs: Rehabilitation Mike Penning To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average duration was of methadone treatment programmes in the latest period for which figures are available. Dawn Primarolo The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse collects data on local services via the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System (NDTMS). The NDTMS does not record the specific substitute drug a drug misuser in treatment is prescribed and while the majority of clients will have received methadone, clients’ treatment programmes/regimes may have included buprenorphine and diamorphine. The average length of each prescribing intervention in 2007-08 was 338 days. Health Centres Mr. Scott To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many representations his Department has received from general practitioners requesting a further consultation in respect of proposals to establish polyclinics. Ann Keen The Department has run a search of its database, which shows that we have received in excess of 1,000 letters on the subject of Polyclinics. However, due to the way data are collected it is not possible to provide the number of letters received from general practitioners. Health Professions: Fraud Mr. Gordon Prentice To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people with medical qualifications later discovered to be fake have been employed in a clinical capacity by the NHS since 2000; and if he will make a statement. Ann Keen I understand from the General Medical Council that they are aware of four cases of people with medical qualifications later discovered to be fake, who have been employed in a clinical capacity by the national health service since 2000. Hospital Beds Norman Lamb To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost of introducing single rooms for all NHS patients. Ann Keen Each trust makes an informed choice regarding the appropriate percentage of single room provision based on practical considerations such as site restrictions, affordability as well as clinical and operational limitations. In some cases, providing single rooms for all patients may not be clinically appropriate. Single room accommodation can be introduced through new building or changing existing accommodation and will depend on the environmental and financial situation of the organisation. The cost of introducing single rooms for all patients depends on local decisions and an estimate for providing single rooms for all national health service patients cannot be accurately provided. However, an estimate of £22.9 billion (at today's prices) was made by the NHS Estates Agency in 2004 as the cost of providing 100 per cent. single rooms across the NHS excluding mental health accommodation. The Department's guidance for the provision of single rooms is that in new hospital developments the aim should be 50 per cent. provision, but should not fall below 20 per cent. and must be a higher percentage than the facilities they are replacing. The policy and design guidance for the provision of single rooms in mental health accommodation is 100 per cent. Hospitals: Cleaning Services Mr. Lansley To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to publish his Department's report on the effectiveness of its deep cleaning exercise conducted in 2007-08. Ann Keen The Department's report highlighting good practice examples arising from the deep clean programme will be published shortly. Hospitals: Infectious Diseases Mr. Hancock To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the potential merits of providing personal antimicrobial products for hospital patients as a means of combating healthcare-associated infections; and if he will make a statement. Ann Keen Our strategy ‘Clean Safe Care’ draws together the measures required to control infections. Generally, normal soap and toiletries are adequate for patients’ personal hygiene during their hospital stay. If decolonisation of a patient is necessary, hospitals will provide specialist soap and shampoo. Incontinence: Medical Equipment Mr. Drew To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will increase the additional dispensing fee under Part IX of the Drug Tariff for single line items; and if he will make a statement; (2) how many NHS patients receive intermittent catheters through a home delivery service; and if he will make a statement. Phil Hope No decisions have been made regarding the additional dispensing fee, as the Department is still in the process of analysing responses to the consultation entitled ‘Proposed New Arrangements Under Part IX of the Drug Tariff for the Provision of Stoma and Urology Appliances—and Related Services—in Primary Care’ June 2008, that closed in September 2008. A copy of this consultation has already been placed in the Library. About 450,000 people use stoma and urology appliances. Under the current arrangements that primary care trusts have with dispensing appliance contractors (DACs) there is no requirement for them to provide patient numbers. However, in responding to the Department's latest proposals some DACs have provided specific numbers in support of their views. Influenza: Vaccination Mr. Greg Knight To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much his Department plans to spend in the current financial year on (a) radio advertising to encourage the public to have an influenza vaccination and (b) fees to Stephen Fry for voicing such radio advertisements. Dawn Primarolo The radio media costs of the influenza vaccination campaign in financial year 2008-09 are expected to be £383,000. We are unable to provide Stephen Fry's precise fee for the flu immunisation radio campaign. This is because Mr. Fry's fee was specifically negotiated by the Central Office of Information with his agent on behalf of Department, and disclosure would represent a breach of commercial in confidence. The total production and playout costs for the three radio advertisements being used for the campaign were £24,900 including Mr. Fry's fee. Maternity Services Mr. Lansley To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) consultant-led and (b) midwife-led maternity units there were in England in each year since 1997 for which figures are available. Ann Keen I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Leyton and Wanstead (Harry Cohen) on 14 October 2008, Official Report, column 1176W. Maternity Services: Manpower Mr. Lansley To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many maternity care assistants there were in England in each of the last five financial years for which figures are available, broken down by NHS trust. Ann Keen We do not collect the number of national health service maternity care assistants centrally. However, the number of unqualified maternity service staff employed in England is detailed in the following table. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |headcount | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Total unqualified maternity services staff|Nursery nurse|Nursing assistant/auxiliary|Healthcare assistant|Support worker| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |England |7,724|440|3,639|2,704|941| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||||| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North East Strategic Health Authority |355|19|96|176|64| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust |19|0|1|18|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust |39|0|32|7|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Gateshead Health NHS Trust |23|0|0|23|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust |7|0|0|0|7| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Northumbria Health Care NHS Trust |101|0|7|71|23| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust |74|3|24|16|31| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust |20|0|20|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust |72|16|12|41|3| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||||| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North West Strategic Health Authority |1,111|61|601|323|126| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Trust |25|0|25|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust |45|1|44|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Central Manchester and Manchester Children’s University Hospitals NHS Trust |67|12|21|30|4| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust |61|13|0|47|1| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |East Cheshire NHS Trust |29|6|21|0|2| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust |54|3|50|0|1| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Halton and St. Helens PCT |1|0|1|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust |38|2|5|29|2| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust |120|0|0|93|27| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Morecambe Bay Hospitals NHS Trust |60|0|60|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust |51|2|16|19|14| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North Cumbria Acute Hospitals NHS Trust |26|0|7|19|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust |108|4|65|30|9| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Trust |72|7|43|9|13| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust |50|0|18|22|10| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust |28|0|28|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |St. Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust |22|2|20|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Stockport NHS Trust |43|2|37|4|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Tameside and Glossop Acute Services NHS Trust |40|0|35|0|5| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |The Mid Cheshire Hospital NHS Trust |35|6|6|21|2| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |The Wirral Hospital NHS Trust |82|1|56|0|25| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust |11|0|8|0|3| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust |43|0|35|0|8| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||||| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Yorkshire and the Humber Strategic Health Authority |763|32|428|230|73| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Airedale NHS Trust |32|0|10|22|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust |17|0|6|11|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust |46|0|16|27|3| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust |59|1|53|0|5| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Trust |22|1|20|1|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust |14|1|8|5|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust |83|0|63|0|20| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Kirklees PCT |3|2|1|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust |98|7|1|78|12| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust |98|8|71|0|19| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Trust |70|0|18|52|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Scarborough and North East Yorkshire Health Care NHS Trust |20|0|9|11|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust |119|5|108|0|6| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust |44|2|34|0|8| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |York Hospitals NHS Trust |38|5|10|23|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||||| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |East Midlands Strategic Health Authority |590|11|329|128|122| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust |28|0|28|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust |75|0|0|45|30| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Kettering General Hospital NHS Trust |58|0|12|17|29| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust |64|2|0|35|27| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Nottingham City PCT |1|0|0|0|1| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust |73|0|56|17|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust |49|0|48|0|1| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |The United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust |76|0|56|14|6| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust |166|9|129|0|28| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||||| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |West Midlands Strategic Health Authority |803|70|338|311|84| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Birmingham East and North PCT |1|1|0|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Birmingham Women’s Healthcare NHS Trust |113|0|113|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Burton Hospitals NHS Trust |48|0|0|35|13| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust |49|5|1|28|15| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust |103|6|97|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Hereford Hospitals NHS Trust |22|3|16|0|3| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Mid Staffordshire General Hospitals NHS Trust |24|1|0|9|14| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust |44|6|27|11|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust |67|0|18|32|17| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South Warwickshire General Hospitals NHS Trust |23|7|16|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |The George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust |22|0|19|0|3| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust |41|0|29|0|12| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust |71|5|1|65|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust |65|13|0|48|4| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust |39|5|1|33|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust |71|18|0|50|3| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||||| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |East of England Strategic Health Authority |870|71|449|282|68| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Basildon and Thurrock General Hospital NHS Trust |76|6|15|52|3| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bedford Hospital NHS Trust |35|1|33|0|1| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust |63|5|6|52|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cambridgeshire PCT |9|3|0|0|6| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust |63|0|63|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust |43|0|43|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Hinchingbrooke Healthcare NHS Trust |28|0|28|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust |62|14|1|35|12| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |James Paget Healthcare NHS Trust |45|6|39|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Luton and Dunstable Hospital NHS Trust |72|3|7|53|9| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Luton PCT |10|0|10|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust |41|0|5|0|36| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Norfolk and Norwich Health Care NHS Trust |50|5|45|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust |39|24|14|0|1| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Southend Hospital NHS Trust |31|0|0|31|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust |67|0|67|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Trust |45|4|41|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust |63|0|4|59|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust |28|0|28|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||||| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |London Strategic Health Authority |1,147|53|523|496|75| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust |70|0|21|49|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust |67|2|65|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Barts and the London NHS Trust |24|0|24|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust |15|0|0|13|2| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHS Trust |52|4|0|36|12| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ealing Hospital NHS Trust |14|2|3|9|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Epsom and St. Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust |63|7|45|4|7| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Guys and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust |74|0|63|11|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust |61|0|56|0|5| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust |56|0|15|41|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust |44|2|5|27|10| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |King’s College Hospital NHS Trust |42|0|0|42|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Kingston Hospital NHS Trust |62|16|4|37|5| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust |33|3|30|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Newham University Hospital NHS Trust |77|0|73|0|4| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust |24|3|0|3|18| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North West London Hospitals NHS Trust |26|0|3|23|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS Trust |29|0|2|26|1| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Queen Mary’s Sidcup NHS Trust |34|4|0|26|4| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Royal Free Harripstead NHS Trust |23|2|9|12|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust |48|0|48|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |St Mary’s NHS Trust |39|0|0|35|4| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |The Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust |28|0|8|20|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |The Whittington Hospital NHS Trust |37|4|8|25|.| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust |44|4|1|37|2| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |West Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust |20|0|0|20|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust |41|0|40|0|1| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||||| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South East Coast Strategic Health Authority |659|42|291|141|185| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust |54|4|33|5|12| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust |79|0|30|49|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust |26|0|0|20|6| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust |93|0|0|6|87| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust |50|2|42|0|6| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust |59|0|0|3|56| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust |74|13|22|35|4| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Medway NHS Trust |58|0|58|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Trust |48|21|26|1|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Royal West Sussex NHS Trust |30|0|6|22|2| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust |52|2|41|0|9| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Worthing and Southlands Hospitals NHS Trust |36|0|33|0|3| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||||| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South Central Strategic Health Authority |659|38|202|399|20| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust |64|0|7|57|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Trust |40|5|0|35|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Isle of Wight Healthcare PCT |39|9|20|8|2| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Milton Keynes General Hospital NHS Trust |43|0|24|7|12| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust |31|3|1|26|1| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust |124|0|0|123|1| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust |91|0|91|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Royal Berkshire and Battle Hospitals NHS Trust |95|0|0|95|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust |98|21|40|33|4| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust |34|0|19|15|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||||| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South West Strategic Health Authority |767|43|382|218|124| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cornwall and Isles of Scilly PCT |10|0|10|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Devon PCT |13|0|0|13|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |East Somerset NHS Trust |23|9|1|13|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust |59|0|45|14|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Gloucestershire PCT |12|0|9|0|3| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North Bristol NHS Trust |50|0|0|41|9| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North Devon Healthcare NHS Trust |21|0|21|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust |60|3|0|57|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Poole Hospital NHS Trust |64|10|54|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust |11|0|11|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust |48|0|0|37|11| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust |23|0|23|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust |11|11|0|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Salisbury Health Care NHS Trust |3|0|3|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |South Devon Healthcare NHS Trust |27|0|22|5|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust |16|0|16|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Taunton and Somerset NHS Trust |71|2|0|38|31| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |United Bristol Healthcare NHS Trust |149|8|71|0|70| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |West Dorset General Hospitals NHS Trust |29|0|29|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Weston Area Health NHS Trust |10|0|10|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Wiltshire PCT |57|0|57|0|0| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Data quality:Workforce statistics are compiled from data sent by more than 300 NHS trusts and primary care trusts (PCTs) in England. 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. Processing methods and procedures are continually being updated to improve data quality. Where this happens any impact on figures already published will be assessed but unless this is significant at national level they will not be changed. Where there is impact only at detailed or local level this will be footnoted in relevant analyses.Source:The NHS Information Centre Non Medical Workforce Census| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Midwives: Finance Andrew Stunell To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration he has given to providing support for participants who commenced re-training under the Return to Practice Programme for midwives in the financial years 2006-07 and 2007-08; and if he will make a statement. Ann Keen Strategic health authorities (SHAs) are responsible for allocating resources from education and training funding to support local initiatives such as return to practice programmes for professional staff. The Department has provided support and funding to SHAs for a programme of work, to deliver expansion in midwifery capacity, as announced in February. This includes supporting midwives through return to practice, where this is part of the local recruitment programme. SHAs are managing return to practice programmes locally and have been allocated £1.5 million in 2008 or £3,000 per midwife. The £3,000 is an approximate cost per midwife to provide free training, and to support costs such as for childcare and travel. Midwives: Manpower Mr. Crausby To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many midwives were employed in the NHS in (a) Bolton and (b) England in each of the last five years for which figures are available. Ann Keen The number of national health service midwives employed in Bolton and England in each of the last five years is detailed in the following table. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Headcount | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |2003|2004|2005|2006|20071| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |England |||||| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Qualified maternity services staff |30,776|32,056|32,072|32,103|32,919| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Of which: |||||| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Qualified midwives |23,941|24,844|24,808|24,469|25,093| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||||| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North West Strategic Health Authority area |||||| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Qualified maternity services staff |4,919|5,174|5,055|5,164|5,069| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Of which: |||||| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Qualified midwives |3,798|4,049|3,876|3,949|4,001| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||||| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Royal Bolton Hospitals Foundation Trust |||||| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Qualified maternity services staff |243|237|238|229|230| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Of which: |||||| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Qualified midwives |192|185|189|183|165| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1 Qualified midwife figures have fallen in the trust due to data cleansing within the maternity services area of work. As a result of this, a number of nurse managers have now been correctly coded.Note:Data qualityWorkforce statistics are compiled from data sent by more than 300 NHS trusts and primary care trusts (PCTs) in England. 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. Processing methods and procedures are continually being updated to improve data quality. Where this happens any impact on figures already published will be assessed but unless this is significant at national level they will not be changed. Where there is impact only at detailed or local level this will be footnoted in relevant analyses.Source:The NHS Information Centre Non Medical Workforce Census.| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ms Keeble To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many community midwives were employed in each strategic health authority region in (a) 1997, (b) 2002 and (c) 2007. Ann Keen The information requested on community midwives cannot be supplied as it is not collected centrally. The following table details the total number of midwives employed in each strategic health authority for the three years requested. ------------------------------------------------------------ |Headcount | ------------------------------------------------------------ | |1997|2002|2007| ------------------------------------------------------------ |England |22,385|23,249|25,093| ------------------------------------------------------------ | |||| ------------------------------------------------------------ |North East Strategic Health Authority area |1,224|1,241|1,288| ------------------------------------------------------------ |North West Strategic Health Authority area |3,864|3,833|4,010| ------------------------------------------------------------ |Yorkshire and the Humber Strategic Health Authority area |2,393|2,321|2,449| ------------------------------------------------------------ |East Midlands Strategic Health Authority area |1,591|1,697|1,745| ------------------------------------------------------------ |West Midlands Strategic Health Authority area |2,619|2,625|2,861| ------------------------------------------------------------ |East of England Strategic Health Authority area |1,942|2,159|2,407| ------------------------------------------------------------ |London Strategic Health Authority area |3,370|3,601|4,407| ------------------------------------------------------------ |South East Coast Strategic Health Authority area |1,431|1,680|1,820| ------------------------------------------------------------ |South Central Strategic Health Authority area |1,647|1,734|1,677| ------------------------------------------------------------ |South West Strategic Health Authority area |2,304|2,358|2,429| ------------------------------------------------------------ |Source:The Information Centre Non-Medical Workforce Census| ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Full-time equivalent | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | |1997|1998|1999|2000|2001|2002|2003|2004|2005|2006|2007| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |England |18,053|18,168|17,876|17,662|18,048|18,119|18,444|18,854|18,949|18,862|19,298| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | |||||||||||| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |North East Strategic Health Authority area |1,008|944|898|901|1,043|993|989|1,018|1,011|1,003|1,025| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |North West Strategic Health Authority area |3,160|3,044|3,035|2,994|3,068|3,069|3,049|3,252|3,094|3,138|3,111| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Yorkshire and the Humber Strategic Health Authority area |1,973|1,962|1,832|1,845|1,867|1,909|1,948|2,025|2,047|1,906|1,942| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |East Midlands Strategic Health Authority area |1,292|1,355|1,384|1,386|1,389|1,307|1,331|1,315|1,310|1,294|1,322| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |West Midlands Strategic Health Authority area |2,111|2,240|2,172|2,103|2,088|2,091|2,170|2,180|2,123|2,092|2,171| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |East of England Strategic Health Authority area |1,517|1,600|1,620|1,612|1,538|.1,630|1,646|1,644|1,725|1,742|1,806| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |London Strategic Health Authority area |2,809|2,777|2,789|2,673|2,813|2,812|3,026|3,040|3,326|3,442|3,499| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |South East Coast Strategic Health Authority area |1,085|1,131|1,063|1,108|1,188|1,264|1,254|1,312|1,320|1,325|1,382| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |South Central Strategic Health Authority area |1,280|1,308|1,252|1,239|1,244|1,258|1,228|1,248|1,187|1,145|1,255| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |South West Strategic Health Authority area |1,818|1,807|1,832|1,801|1,809|1,785|1,802|1,821|1,806|1,774|1,786| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Note:Figures are rounded to the nearest whole number.Source:The information Centre Non-Medical Workforce Census.| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Midwives: Redundancy Mr. Stewart Jackson To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS midwives have received redundancy notices in (a) Peterborough, (b) Cambridge and (c) England in the last two years. Ann Keen There have been no compulsory redundancies for national health service midwives in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire in the last two years. The total number of NHS midwives to receive compulsory redundancy notices in the last two years in England is listed in the following table: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Period |Total number of compulsory redundancies for midwives|Total number of compulsory redundancies (all groups)| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006-07|7 |2,330 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2007-08|1 |2,223 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Multiple Sclerosis: Drugs Mr. Gray To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he made of the effectiveness of the risk sharing scheme for the provision of multiple sclerosis disease modifying drugs; what value for money assessment he has made of the risk sharing scheme since its inception; when he will make available the full ScHARR report, including Annex C, as requested by the Health Select Committee in 2007; what the cost of the scheme has been since its inception; what the cost of (a) providing Avonex, Beteferon, Copaxone and Rebif and (b) the administration of the scheme by the MS Trust has been; and if he will make a statement. Ann Keen The risk-sharing scheme for disease modifying drugs for multiple sclerosis is a unique UK-wide programme set up to allow access to treatment through the national health service in a cost-effective manner. Over 5,000 patients are routinely monitored to assess their progress on treatment and it is estimated that, overall, some 10,000 patients are being treated with these drugs. The first two-year analysis of scheme data has been undertaken and it is planned to publish the results in a peer-reviewed medical journal. The independent Scientific Advisory Group, which advises the study, is considering how to modify the scheme in time for the next two-year analysis due in 2009. We hope then to determine reliably whether the drugs at current prices represent value for money for the NHS. The Health Select Committee was sent, in confidence, a full copy of the report from Sheffield's School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR) earlier this year. We estimate that the costs incurred since the scheme's inception are in the order of £300 million. This figure is made up of £200,000 a year representing the Department's 20 per cent. share of running the contract; an average £35,000 a year to meet the Multiple Sclerosis Trust's administration costs for the scheme and drug costs of around £50 million a year. NHS: Manpower Sir Nicholas Winterton To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people were employed in the National Health Service in 2007, expressed on (a) headcount and (b) full-time equivalent basis. Ann Keen The number of people employed in the national health service in 2007 is given in the following table. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Number of people| ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Total employed staff in 2007 |1,331,109 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |Total employed staff in 2007 (full-time equivalent)|1,089,436 | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- NHS: Pensions Paul Rowen To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was paid (a) by (i) employees and (ii) employers into and (b) to those receiving pensions payments from the National Health Service Pension Scheme in each of the last five years. Ann Keen The information requested for England and Wales is given in the following table. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |2002-03 |2003-04 |2004-05 |2005-06 |2006-07 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Total pensions paid to members and dependants |3,031,811|3,207,040|3,412,532|3,777,414|4,294,797| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Employer contributions |1,632,536|3,588,337|3,890,167|4,301,122|4,579,685| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Employee contributions (including added years) |1,509,710|1,645,090|1,818,140|1,995,282|2,127,235| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Total contributions paid |3,142,246|5,233,427|5,708,307|6,296,404|6,706,920| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Note:Total pensions paid to members and dependants includes pensions and lump sums paid to members, and pensions paid to widows and dependants together with death gratuities.Source:NHS Pensions| | | | | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr. Waterson To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many part-time employees of NHS ambulance service trusts and their predecessors who were excluded from the NHS pension scheme before 1999 were women; (2) how many part-time employees of NHS ambulance service trusts and their predecessors were not included in the NHS pension scheme in each year prior to 1999 for which figures are available. Ann Keen The information requested is not collected centrally. Mr. Waterson To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements are in place for part-time NHS employees to buy back foregone pension contributions; and if he will make a statement. Ann Keen Individuals who had been excluded from membership of the scheme prior to 1 April 1991 and wishing to make a claim were required to do so through an employment tribunal. Under employment tribunal rules claims had to be made while still working for that employer or within six months of the end of the employment relationship. Those successful in this process pay the contributions that are due to the scheme for the excluded period and their membership for this period is reinstated. Mr. Waterson To ask the Secretary of State for Health what pension entitlements are provided to (a) full-time and (b) part-time employees of NHS ambulance service trusts. Ann Keen The NHS Pension Scheme is a final salary pension scheme, which offers a defined package of benefits to scheme members in accordance with the scheme regulations. NHS ambulance staff, like other national health service employees enjoy a benefit package which includes: index linked retirement benefits life assurance and family benefits redundancy benefits ill health retirement benefits The aforementioned benefits are subject to the scheme member meeting relevant qualifying criteria set out in the scheme regulations. Full-time and part-time staff have the same benefits. The membership of part time staff is scaled according to the hours worked. NHS: Wards Mr. Hoban To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether (a) his Department's officials and (b) NHS officials have been instructed to review the cost to the public purse of providing more single rooms within the NHS estate since 27 September 2008. Ann Keen In October 2008 the Department's officials reported a capital cost estimate of about £9.51 billion (at Quarter 1 2008 prices) for providing 45,000 more single rooms, £211,401 per bed, while maintaining the existing bed capacity of the national health service estate. This costing was based on standard NHS costing methodologies. NHS organisations make decisions locally based on practical considerations such as site restrictions, affordability as well as clinical and operational limitations. Any national estimate must therefore make assumptions regarding the methods likely to be used for providing more single rooms and the likely cost effects of such methods. NHS officials have not been instructed by the Department to review the cost to the public purse of providing more single rooms within the NHS estate. Nurses Mr. Lansley To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 16 October 2008, Official Report, column 1466W, on nurses, (1) when his Department last issued guidance on the modern matrons programme; and if he will place in the Library a copy of that guidance; (2) what steps his Department has taken to ensure (a) a consistent definition of the role of and (b) consistent training for modern matrons across each NHS trust. Ann Keen “A Matron’s Charter: An action plan for cleaner hospitals” was published in October 2004. The document has already been placed in the Library. The definition of modern matrons was provided in the “NHS Plan” and detailed guidance was given in Health Service Circular 2001/010 “Implementing the NHS Plan: Modern Matrons: strengthening the role of ward sisters and introducing senior sisters”. Education and training of modern matrons is the responsibility of their employers in light of local priorities and local assessment of training needs. Osteoporosis Tom Levitt To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to improve the performance of healthcare professionals in the early diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. Phil Hope A directed enhanced service (DES) for osteoporosis has been agreed for 2008-09 and 2009-10, which will encourage general practices to diagnose and prescribe appropriate secondary prevention for patients with osteoporosis. This will help improve patient care by ensuring that specific patient groups are managed appropriately and in accordance with existing guidance published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Additionally, as part of the prevention package for older people, we intend to establish an expert group, who will develop a commissioning framework, which will help the national health service better provide services for falls, fractures and osteoporosis. The Department has started the process of engagement with key stakeholders from the NHS, social care and the third and private sector to develop the detail of the package, which it expects to publish by March 2009. The Department will also continue to review the evidence and opportunity for improved services in this area. Perinatal Mortality Anne Milton To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to reduce the number of stillbirths. Ann Keen The Department is committed to improving the outcomes for babies and therefore supports the Confidential Enquiry for Maternal and Child Health (CEMACH). CEMACH published their report “Perinatal Mortality 2006—England Wales and Northern Ireland”, in May 2008 and found a continuing decline in the overall neonatal mortality rate and in the stillbirth, perinatal and neonatal mortality rates in multiple pregnancies. This report has already been placed in the Library. The Department has also introduced a new maternity indicator to measure the percentage of women who have seen a midwife or a maternity health care professional for a health and social care assessment of needs, risk and choices by 12 completed weeks of pregnancy. This will improve early access to maternity care and outcomes for mothers and babies as risks will be identified early and an individualised plan of care developed. Pregnant Women: Medical Treatments Mr. Burrowes To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when and for what reason the decision was taken to withdraw diethylstilboestrol as a treatment for pregnant women; (2) what research conducted overseas on the long-term effects of taking diethylstilboestrol on (a) women and (b) their children his Department has evaluated; (3) what steps his Department has taken to identify and locate (a) women who were prescribed diethylstilboestrol and (b) the children of such women. Ann Keen Diethylstilboestrol (DES) is an oestrogenic hormone formerly used in the treatment of threatened miscarriage. In 1953 a large clinical trial in the United States showed no beneficial effect of DES on pregnancy outcome. In 1973, the UK’s Committee on Safety of Medicine (CSM) (now the Commission on Human Medicines) considered data from a US study that identified an association between the development of clear-cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina/cervix in the daughters of women exposed to DES during pregnancy. On the basis of the lack of benefit and evidence of harm the CSM wrote to all doctors in the UK with the recommendation that DES should no longer be used in pregnancy. The Department is aware of several overseas studies, including a number in the United States (where diethystilboestrol was used extensively), which have investigated the long-term effects of diethystilboestrol on women who took it during pregnancy. A large ongoing study conducted by the National Institute of Cancer in the United States is investigating the risks of DES to children who were exposed in utero. The Department has not formally evaluated these studies. The Department has in the past sought advice on this issue from the Advisory Committee for Cervical Screening. On the basis of this advice, the Department is of the view that a public education campaign would not be helpful. Many of the women at risk are not aware they or their mothers received DES. Proactively campaigning to find these women would create further anxiety. Sepsis Mr. Laxton To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of sepsis were recorded in England in each year since 2005. Dawn Primarolo The information requested is not available. Although the Health Protection Agency collects information on blood stream infections these data do not provide a complete picture as sepsis is a clinical condition caused by a range of bacteria that are manifest as localised infections as well as blood stream infections. Social Services Mr. Lansley To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 16 October 2008, Official Report, column 1468W, on social services, what assessment he has made of the likely financial situation of organisations responsible for adult social care provision in each year from 2012 to 2041 for which figures are available. Phil Hope The projected funding gap for 2012 to 2041, which was published in “Care Support Independence: The Case for Change” (a copy of which has been placed in the Library) was calculated for illustrative purposes only and no assessment of the current financial situation on the funding gap has been made. The wider issue of the reform of the care and support system is being considered in the Green Paper, due to be published next year. Mr. Lansley To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 21 October 2008, Official Report, column 321W, on social services, how the personal expenses allowance is calculated; and what the average weekly allowance for care home residents was in the last period for which figures are available. Phil Hope The requirement for an allowance for expenditure on personal items for those living in residential care settings has its origins in section 22(4) of the National Assistance Act 1948. The National Assistance (Charges for Accommodation) Regulations 1948 set the sum for personal requirements at five shillings per week. These Regulations came into force on 5 July 1948. Due to the passage of time, it has not proved possible to establish the reasons that the level set was felt to be appropriate. Contemporary papers and reports are not available. The Department now uprates the personal expenses allowance (PEA) annually on the basis of the increase in average earnings. The 2008-09 rate of PEA is £21.15 per week. This took effect on 7 April 2008. Social Workers: Manpower Paul Holmes To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many social workers per 100,000 residents there were in (a) Chesterfield, (b) Derbyshire and (c) England in each year since 1997. Ann Keen The NHS Information Centre for health and social care collect and publish data relating to the number of social workers directly employed by social services departments within councils with social services responsibilities. Data are not collected centrally for the Chesterfield parliamentary constituency. The following table shows that data for the number of whole-time equivalent social workers per 100,000 head of population for Derbyshire and England as of the 30 September each year from 1997 to 2007. Data for 2008 are expected to be published in spring 2009. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |England|Derbyshire| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1997 |71.4 |62.2 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1998 |72.1 |59.6 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |1999 |73.1 |62.1 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2000 |75.0 |70.0 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |20011 |76.4 |67.7 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |20021 |78.2 |72.5 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2003 |81.1 |74.2 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2004 |82.1 |78.9 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2005 |83.9 |78.5 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2006 |86.5 |78.0 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |2007 |87.6 |76.2 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Notes:1. Figures are the sum of rounded numbers.Source:SSDS00l| | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trauma: Children Mike Penning To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 16 October 2008, Official Report, column 1469W, on trauma: children, what proportion of (a) psychological trauma cases and (b) medical trauma cases classified by serious or critical bodily (i) injury, (ii) wound and (iii) shock involved children in the latest period for which figures are available. Ann Keen The information requested is not available. Hospital episode statistics (HES) do not have classifications by the wide terms of trauma classified as psychological, medical, injury, wound or shock. HES can provide data based on the International Classification of Diseases and related Health Problems tenth Revision (ICD10) diagnoses codes. HES can also provide data on procedures or interventions performed on the patient while in hospital, these would be based on the Office of National Statistics Classification of Interventions and Procedures codings. Information on the diagnosis codes can be found at: http://www.hesonline.org.uk/Ease/servlet/ContentServer? siteID=1937&categoryID=214 Energy and Climate Change Climate Change Gregory Barker To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what progress has been made on the commitments undertaken at the meetings of the Major Economies Process on Energy Security and Climate Change in Washington, USA and Honolulu, Hawaii; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Mike O'Brien The meetings referred to were focused around an exchange of views rather than specific commitments. The process bought together leaders of major economies for the first time to discuss the energy security and climate change agenda. Their expression of strong commitment to and support for achieving a global agreement on climate change in 2009 within the UN process has added valuable momentum to the ongoing debate. Energy Bill 2007-08 Mrs. Lait To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what representations he has received on the powers of entry provisions in the Energy Bill relating to carbon dioxide inspectors. Mr. Mike O'Brien I have not previously had any representations on the powers of entry provisions of carbon dioxide storage inspectors in the Energy Bill. However, during the House of Commons Energy Bill debate on 21 February 2008, the hon. Member for Wealden (Charles Hendry), Official Report, column 180, raised this issue, seeking clarification of the sanctions provided in the Bill for people who have deliberately obstructed inspectors in their work and the then Energy Minister reassured the hon. Member that the sanctions were adequate. Industrial Diseases: Compensation Willie Rennie To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many (a) former miners and (b) former miners’ families in Scotland have received compensation payments from the Coal Miners’ Compensation Scheme, broken down by constituency. Mr. Mike O'Brien [holding answer 13 October 2008]: The number of former miners and former miners’ families in Scotland, broken down by constituency, who have received Coal Health Compensation payments for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Vibration White Finger as at 5 October 2008 is shown in the following table. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |Total claims |Live claims |Deceased claims | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Constituency |Claims registered|Claims that have received a damages payment|Claims registered|Claims that have received a damages payment|Claims registered|Claims that have received a damages payment| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Aberdeen Central Burgh Con |33 |27 |23 |19|10|8| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Aberdeen North Burgh Con |30 |24 |19 |15|11|9| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Aberdeen South Burgh Con |31 |20 |19 |11|12|9| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Airdrie and Shotts Burgh Con |3,789 |2,436 |875 |661|2,914|1,775| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Angus Co Con |37 |27 |24 |17|13|10| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Argyll and Bute Co Con |176 |120 |91 |69|85|51| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ayr Co Con |1,345 |933 |600 |472|745|461| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Banff and Buchan Co Con |67 |49 |42 |31|25|18| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Caithness, Sutherl’d, Easter Ross Co Con |64 |38 |26 |19|38|19| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley Co Con |6,544 |4,692 |2,915 |2,346|3,629|2,346| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Central Fife Co Con |3,333 |2,313 |1,333 |1,061|2,000|1,252| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Clydebank and Milngavie Co Con |37 |23 |17 |11|20|12| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Clydesdale Co Con |2,566 |1,699 |637 |490|1,929|1,209| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Coatbridge and Chryston Burgh Con |1,419 |893 |405 |313|1,014|580| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cumbernauld and Kilsyth Co Con |1,052 |703 |290 |229|762|474| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cunninghame North Co Con |117 |82 |58 |41|59|41| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Cunninghame South Co Con |461 |282 |163 |130|298|152| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Dumbarton Co Con |46 |33 |24 |18|22|15| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Dumfries Co Con |130 |98 |82 |67|48|31| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Dundee East Burgh Con |43 |31 |19 |15|24|16| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Dundee West Burgh Con |36 |29 |17 |14|19|15| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Dunfermline East Co Con |5,253 |3,759 |1,885 |1,513|3,368|2,246| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Dunfermline West Co Con |2,750 |1,975 |1,223 |970|1,527|1,005| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |East Kilbride Co Con |127 |77 |60 |42|67|35| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |East Lothian Co Con |2,793 |1,935 |1,021 |793|1,772|1,142| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Eastwood Co Con |39 |20 |24 |13|15|7| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Edinburgh Central Burgh Con |142 |109 |70 |55|72|54| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Edinburgh East and Musselburgh Burgh Con |814 |550 |315 |237|499|313| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Edinburgh North and Leith Burgh Con |129 |88 |55 |38|74|50| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Edinburgh Pentlands Burgh Con |95 |67 |53 |38|42|29| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Edinburgh South Burgh Con |441 |311 |164 |123|277|188| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Edinburgh West Burgh Con |130 |87 |57 |45|73|42| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Falkirk East Co Con |1,194 |801 |412 |294|782|507| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Falkirk West Co Con |619 |373 |196 |137|423|236| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Galloway and Upper Nithsdale Co Con |799 |586 |357 |291|442|295| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Glasgow Anniesland Burgh Con |55 |28 |18 |13|37|15| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Glasgow Baillieston Burgh Con |241 |131 |46 |32|195|99| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Glasgow Cathcart Burgh Con |48 |25 |16 |11|32|14| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Glasgow Govan Burgh Con |30 |13 |13 |7|17|6| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Glasgow Kelvin Burgh Con |47 |32 |17 |14|30|18| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Glasgow Maryhill Burgh Con |111 |67 |43 |24|68|43| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Glasgow Pollok Burgh Con |38 |16 |15 |8|23|8| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Glasgow Rutherglen Burgh Con |307 |179 |53 |38|254|141| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Glasgow Shettleston Burgh Con |125 |77 |45 |29|80|48| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Glasgow Springburn Burgh Con |140 |79 |46 |26|94|53| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Gordon Co Con |41 |34 |33 |28|8|6| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Greenock and Inverclyde Co Con |16 |6 |6 |2|10|4| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Hamilton North and Bellshill Burgh Con |1,585 |980 |276 |179|1,309|801| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Hamilton South Burgh Con |1,461 |944 |267 |199|1,194|745| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Inverness East, Nairn/Lochaber Co Con |89 |64 |54 |40|35|24| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Kilmarnock and Loudoun Co Con |618 |410 |222 |176|396|234| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Kirkcaldy Co Con |2,630 |1,823 |1,071 |872|1,559|951| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Linlithgow Co Con |3,413 |2,381 |964 |745|2,449|1,636| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Livingston Co Con |1,005 |691 |344 |260|661|431| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Midlothian Co Con |4,613 |3,222 |1,945 |1,535|2,668|1,687| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Moray Co Con |57 |35 |32 |20|25|15| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Motherwell and Wishaw Burgh Con |946 |566 |208 |149|738|417| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North East Fife Co Con |155 |104 |68 |57|87|47| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |North Tayside Co Con |63 |51 |33 |27|30|24| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ochil Co Con |3,080 |2,150 |1,268 |1,021|1,812|1,129| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Orkney and Shetland Co Con |15 |10 |13 |9|2|1| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Paisley North Burgh Con |43 |27 |18 |14|25|13| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Paisley South Burgh Con |40 |28 |13 |9|27|19| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Perth Co Con |104 |70 |59 |43|45|27| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ross, Skye and Inverness West Co Con |77 |53 |55 |40|22|13| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Roxburgh and Berwickshire Co Con |112 |77 |58 |46|54|31| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Stirling Co Con |1,116 |704 |372 |278|744|426| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Strathkelvin and Bearsden Co Con |699 |469 |218 |169|481|300| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale Co Con |522 |375 |293 |232|229|143| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine Co Con |58 |33 |32 |21|26|12| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |West Renfrewshire Co Con |34 |24 |16 |11|18|13| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Western Isles Co Con |18 |12 |15 |10|3|2| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Total |60,433 |41,280 |21,836 |17,032|38,597|24,248| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Note:Claims that have received a damages payment includes both claims settled by payment and outstanding claims which have received an interim payment.| | | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Willie Rennie To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many miners’ compensation claims remain unsettled in Scotland, broken down by constituency. Mr. Mike O'Brien [holding answer 13 October 2008]: The number of miners’ Coal Health Compensation claims that remain unsettled in Scotland, broken down by constituency, for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Vibration White Finger, as at 5 October 2008, is shown in the following tables. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Constituency |Claims registered|Claims settled|Claims outstanding| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Aberdeen Central Burgh Con |33 |33 |0 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Aberdeen North Burgh Con |30 |30 |0 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Aberdeen South Burgh Con |31 |29 |2 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Airdrie and Shotts Burgh Con |3,789 |3,298 |491 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Angus Co Con |37 |35 |2 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Argyll and Bute Co Con |176 |161 |15 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Ayr Co Con |1,345 |1,202 |143 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Banff and Buchan Co Con |67 |62 |5 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Caithness, Sutherl’d, Easter Ross Co Con |64 |57 |7 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley Co Con |6,544 |5,849 |695 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Central Fife Co Con |3,333 |2,936 |397 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Clydebank and Milngavie Co Con |37 |33 |4 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Clydesdale Co Con |2,566 |2,240