Written Ministerial Statements

Thursday 9th May 2013 Written Statements

Thursday 9 May 2013

Counter-Terrorist Asset Freezing Regime

Thursday 9th May 2013 Written Statements

[The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Greg Clark)]

My noble friend the Commercial Secretary to the Treasury, Lord Deighton, has today made the following written ministerial statement:

Under the Terrorist Asset-Freezing etc. Act 2010 (“TAFA 2010”), the Treasury is required to report to Parliament, quarterly, on its operation of the UK’s asset-freezing regime mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 1373.

This is the ninth report under the Act and it covers the period from 1 January 2013 to 31 March 2013. This report also covers the UK implementation of the UN al-Qaeda asset-freezing regime and the operation of the EU asset-freezing regime in the UK under EU regulation (EC) 2580/2001 which implements UNSCR 1373 against external terrorist threats to the EU. Under the UN al-Qaeda asset-freezing regime, the UN has responsibility for designations and the Treasury has responsibility for licensing and compliance with the regime in the UK under the Al-Qaeda (Asset-freezing) Regulations 2011. Under EU regulation 2580/2001, the EU has responsibility for designations and the Treasury has responsibility for licensing and compliance with the regime in the UK under part 1 of TAFA 2010.

Annexes A and B to this statement provide a breakdown, by name, of all those designated by the UK and the EU in pursuance of UN Security Council Resolution 1373.

During this period the Treasury response to the independent reviewer’s second report was laid in Parliament.

The following table sets out the key asset-freezing activity in the UK during the quarter ending 31 March 2013:

Planning: Reuse of Buildings

Thursday 9th May 2013 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Mr Eric Pickles)]

The coalition Government believe that a swift and responsive planning system is vital for delivering sustainable development. We want to promote the use of brownfield land to assist regeneration, and get empty and underused buildings back into productive use. Using such previously developed land and buildings will help us promote economic growth and still ensure that we safeguard environmentally protected land.

Further to my written statement of 24 January 2013, Official Report, column 16WS, on reforms to change of use to promote regeneration, we are today laying secondary legislation to amend the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development Order) 1995.

These changes will bring empty and underused buildings back into productive use; make it easier to bring forward suitable buildings for state-funded schools; allow business and families to extend and improve their premises and homes without the expense of moving; and facilitate delivery of superfast broadband. These measures also implement recommendations from Mary Portas’ review to reduce restrictive “change of use” red tape.

New homes: commercial to residential change of use

New permitted development rights will allow change of use from offices B1(a) to homes (C3) to provide new homes in existing buildings. This gives a clear signal to owners, developers and local planning authorities that we want underused and outdated offices to be brought back to life, and provides an excellent opportunity to create much needed new homes.

We recognised that there may be exceptional economic circumstances which would justify exemptions. Following a thorough assessment of cases submitted, this change will not apply to areas in 17 local authorities, as set out in the secondary legislation.

Supporting high streets and local firms

Our changes will also support business start-up and expansion, the rural economy and the future of our high streets. Existing redundant agricultural buildings of 500m² or less will be able to change to a range of new business uses, to boost the rural economy while protecting the open countryside from development.

People looking for premises to test new business ideas and other pop up ventures will find it easier to identify sites and open quickly: new retail ventures, financial and professional services, restaurants, cafes and businesses will be able to open for up to two years in buildings designated as Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, Dl or D2 classes (shops, financial services, restaurants, pubs, hot food takeaways, business, non-residential institutions, leisure and assembly).

Thresholds for permitted development rights for change of use from B1 (business) or B2 (general industry) to B8 (storage and distribution) classes and from B2 (general industry) or B8 (storage and distribution) to B1 (business) will increase from 235m² to 500m².

Allowing parents and community activists to open new free schools

In a move to assist the Government’s free schools agenda, there are a series of measures to make it easier for parents and community activists to convert existing buildings to become new state funded schools. Premises used as offices, hotels, residential and non-residential institutions, and leisure and assembly will be able to change use permanently to a state-funded school. For one academic year building in any use class will be able to be used as a state-funded school.

Helping families improve their homes

Where we believe a local planning authority will have an interest in ensuring the impact of any change of use is properly managed we have put in place a prior approval stage, allowing local residents and councillors to continue to play an active part in the planning process.

We have listened carefully to views expressed through our consultation and in debates in both Houses during passage of the Growth and Infrastructure Act on our proposals to increase the size thresholds for extensions. The regulations laid today will allow larger extensions to homes, offices and shops to proceed without needing to submit a planning application. Larger home extensions will be subject to a light-touch neighbours’ consultation scheme. The change is initially for a three-year period, and we will keep the policy under review to establish the scope for extending the scheme.

Bridging the digital divide

We are also introducing secondary legislation following the passage of the Growth and Infrastructure Act, to facilitate the roll out of high-speed fixed broadband in rural areas. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will lay complementary regulations shortly which are necessary for this measure to be fully implemented.

As set out in this year’s Budget statement, we will consult later in the summer on further relaxations to enable empty shops and agricultural buildings to convert to housing.

Traineeships

Thursday 9th May 2013 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills (Matthew Hancock)]

As part of plans to reform the education system we need better support for young people aged over 16 who are focused on securing an apprenticeship or sustainable jobs. We want to make it the new norm that young people go into either an apprenticeship or university.

Employers frequently tell us that they are not satisfied with the quality of young applicants that they receive for their vacancies. They would like young people to have better English and maths, experience in the workplace and the skills and character needed to secure and hold down a job.

So today I am publishing a framework for delivery for a new programme of traineeships. Traineeships will address the needs of young people and employers directly, providing an important link between school or college and apprenticeships or sustainable work.

The programme will begin from August this year for 16-19 year olds, and we will look to extend the programme up to 24 in due course. Traineeships will be designed to help young people develop in three core areas and have flexibility around this core to respond to individuals’ needs.

First, they will include high-quality work placements. This will allow trainees to work with an employer, developing the behaviours necessary to find and keep a job.

Secondly, traineeships will offer flexible training in other relevant areas to build character and help young people get ready for work, such as job search and interview skills, time-keeping and team working.

Thirdly, and crucially, the programme will develop the English and maths that employers consistently tell us are essential prerequisites for successful employment.

Providers and employers will have the freedom to work together to develop these core elements and any additional flexible content in the best way to engage and support individual trainees and meet the needs of local employers. Traineeships will be part of our new study programmes, which will ensure simplicity and enable young people to move between options.

Each traineeship will last up to six months, after which the trainee will be much better placed to progress into an apprenticeship, a sustainable job, or into continued education to develop the skills they need for their chosen career. Traineeships will conclude with a guaranteed interview with the work placement host, either for a job or a reference from their work placement to develop their CV.

In the first year, we will restrict the providers who offer traineeships to those that Ofsted has judged to be outstanding or good. This will help to ensure a high-quality start that we can expand upon in future years.

Employers will have a key role in making the traineeships programme a success, both leading delivery and working in partnership with education and training providers. I believe that the traineeships programme that I am announcing today will set more young people on the path to apprenticeships, sustainable jobs and successful careers.

Copies of the document we are publishing today will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Agriculture and Fisheries Council

Thursday 9th May 2013 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr Owen Paterson)]

I attended the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 22 April in Luxembourg. I was accompanied by the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Newbury (Richard Benyon), who is responsible for natural environment, water and rural affairs, who represented the UK on fisheries issues. Alun Davies AM and Richard Lochhead MSP also attended.

The substantive business of the Agriculture Council began with the presidency reporting back on the first six trilogue meetings with the European Parliament. Some technical issues had been resolved, and some major political aspects identified. A further 28 meetings were scheduled before the end of June to negotiate on the major political issues plus parallel technical meetings too. The aim is to reach agreement on the full package at the June Agriculture Council. The major political issues would be resolved then, but the presidency called for flexibility from member states as it will be necessary to update the negotiating mandate over the coming weeks.

The Commission introduced a proposal for transitional measures for the CAP in 2014. These roll over the majority of existing CAP rules for direct payments and rural development, but use the budgetary figures for the multiannual financial framework agreed by the European Council in February. The presidency explained that the Parliament planned to give its opinion on the transitional measures in July and that trilogues to agree the dossier would be held in the autumn.

Fisheries

The presidency reported on the trilogues with the European Parliament on the basic regulation of the common fisheries policy reform. Discussions had been constructive, but there was still no agreement on a number of key political issues, including the approach to be taken to the definition of maximum sustainable yield (MSY), the detail of the discard ban, regionalisation and fleet capacity. The presidency received support for its planned approach from member states and concluded that they now had support to intensify the work of the trilogues. The aim would be to agree a revised Council mandate for the negotiations in COREPER, with further discussion at the May Fisheries Council.

Common organisation of the markets in the fishery and aquaculture products—state of play

The presidency reported on progress in the first two trilogues. Outstanding issues were in relation to mandatory consumer information and delegated and implementing acts. There would be a third trilogue, with any outstanding issues to be settled in COREPER. The presidency was optimistic that outstanding issues can be resolved ahead of May Council.

Action plan for reducing incidental catches of seabirds in fishing gears presentation by the Commission.

The Commission presented its plan of action, designed to improve the situation for a number of species threatened with extinction by reducing incidental catches to the lowest possible level. They were proposing a bottom-up, regionalised approach with responsibility given to member states and stakeholders. The Netherlands and the UK welcomed the plan. The UK highlighted serious concerns about by-catches of seabirds and argued that the plan gave the EU the opportunity to be recognised as a world leader in responding to this problem. Other member states gave a more guarded response.

AOB: state of play of fisheries protocols: Morocco and Mauritania

Spain introduced the AOB point they had raised, pressed for information on the prospects of a new fishing protocol with Morocco and for further improvements to the protocol with Mauritania. The Commission said they had worked intensively to progress the protocol with Morocco, including at ministerial level. On Mauritania the Commission would continue to seek sustainable and viable improvements to the protocol. They confirmed that if the protocol remained underused then they would make use of the break clause in order to protect the interest of taxpayers.

Veterinary Products Committee and its Sub-Committee 2012 (Annual Report)

Thursday 9th May 2013 Written Statements

[The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr David Heath)]

I have received the annual report of the Veterinary Products Committee and its sub-committee 2012, which has been published today.

Copies of the report have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

I am pleased to acknowledge the valuable work done by the distinguished members of the Veterinary Products Committee and its sub-committee and thank them for the time and effort dedicated in the public interest to this important work.

Riot (Damages) Act 1886

Thursday 9th May 2013 Written Statements

[The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Damian Green)]

The Home Secretary has commissioned an independent review of the Riot (Damages) Act 1886. This will be led by Neil Kinghan and is expected to conclude by the end of September 2013.

The review will examine the existing criteria which determine when compensation is payable under the Riot (Damages) Act. This includes looking at key issues involving the definition of a riot, who should be liable and what level of entitlement should be afforded under the Act.

Government's Legislative Programme 2013-14

Thursday 9th May 2013 Written Statements

[The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Andrew Lansley)]

Following yesterday’s state opening of Parliament, and for the convenience of the House, I am listing below the 17 Bills which were announced yesterday:

Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill

Care Bill

Defence Reform Bill

Deregulation Bill

High Speed Two Bill (Hybrid Bill)

High Speed Rail (Preparation) Bill

Immigration Bill

Intellectual Property Bill

Local Audit and Accountability Bill

Mesothelioma Bill

National Insurance Contributions Bill

Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill

Pensions Bill

Offender Rehabilitation Bill

Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Bill

Water Bill

Primary legislation will also be taken forward in accordance with the European Union Act 2011 to seek Parliament’s approval for measures proposed by the European Union.

Nine of these Bills, or parts of them, will have had pre-legislative scrutiny prior to introduction.

The following Bills will be published in draft:

Consumer Rights Bill

Deregulation Bill

National Insurance Contributions Bill

A draft Bill concerning National Assembly For Wales

A draft Bill concerning changes to the Riot Damages Act 1886

Further measures are expected to be published in draft later in the Session.

The Government also intend to bring forward a Law Commission Bill on inheritance and trustees’ powers and also a consolidation Bill on co-operatives.

Detailed information about each of these Bills can be accessed from the No. 10 website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/prime-ministers-office-10-downing-street.

Government's Legislative Programme (Northern Ireland)

Thursday 9th May 2013 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mrs Theresa Villiers)]

The legislative programme unveiled in the Queen’s Speech on 8 May 2013 contains measures which will apply to Northern Ireland.

The following is a summary of the legislation announced in the Queen’s Speech and its impact in Northern Ireland. It does not include draft Bills. The list also identifies the lead Government Department.

The following Bills extend to Northern Ireland, in whole or in part, and deal wholly or mainly with excepted or reserved matters:

Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing (Home Office)

Defence Reform (Ministry of Defence)

Immigration (Home Office)

Intellectual Property (Business Innovations and Skills)

National Insurance Contributions (HM Treasury)

Northern Ireland Bill (Northern Ireland Office)

The following Bills may extend to Northern Ireland. They require the consent of the Northern Ireland Assembly in relation to provisions in the devolved field:

Care and Support (Department of Health)

Deregulation (Cabinet Office)

Mesothelioma (Department for Work and Pensions)

Pensions (Department for Work and Pensions)

Rehabilitation (Ministry of Justice)

The following Bills will have limited or no application in Northern Ireland:

High Speed Two Hybrid (Department for Transport)

High Speed Paving Two (Department for Transport)

Local Audit and Accountability (Department of Communities and Local Government)

Water Bill (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Discussions will continue between the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure that where provisions that cover transferred matters are included in any Bill, the consent of the Northern Ireland Assembly is sought.

Government's Legislative Programme (Scotland)

Thursday 9th May 2013 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Scotland (Michael Moore)]

Thirteen of the 15 new Bills mentioned in the Queen’s Speech for this Session of Parliament contain provisions that apply in Scotland, either in full or in part. Once again this is a strong programme of legislation for Scotland.

The programme focuses on strengthening economic competitiveness in Scotland and the whole of the United Kingdom as we continue to prioritise measures that will reduce the deficit.

The National Insurance Contributions Bill will reduce the cost for businesses and charities that take on new staff by reducing national insurance contributions for employers. Other measures to help businesses include the Deregulation Bill cutting red tape and an Intellectual Property Bill which will help encourage enterprise and drive economic growth.

With the high speed 2 legislation the Government are also taking steps to safeguard the future competitiveness of the United Kingdom, by investing in this crucial infrastructure which will see journey times from Scotland to London cut significantly.

The speech also outlines the important reforms to the pensions system, introducing a new single-tier state pension that will make the pensions system simpler and fairer, as well as benefiting those who have done poorly from the current system, for example carers and those with interrupted work histories. The Government will also help to support working parents, via a new scheme to help households where both parents work with the cost of child care.

This statement provides a summary of the legislation announced in the Queen’s Speech and its application to Scotland. It does not include draft Bills.

The Government are committed to the principles of the Sewel convention, and we will continue to work constructively with the Scottish Government to secure consent for Bills that contain provisions requiring the consent of the Scottish Parliament.

The Bills listed in section 1 will apply to Scotland, either in full or in part. Section 2 details Bills that will not apply in Scotland.

Section 1—Legislation applying to the United Kingdom, including Scotland (either in full or in part).

Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill

Care Bill

Defence Reform Bill

Deregulation Bill

High Speed Two Hybrid Bill

HS2 Paving Bill

Immigration Bill

Intellectual Property Bill

Mesothelioma Bill

National Insurance Contributions Bill

Northern Ireland Bill

Pensions Bill

Water Bill

Section 2—Legislation that will not apply in Scotland.

Local Audit and Accountability Bill

Offender Rehabilitation Bill

Government's Legislative Programme (Wales)

Thursday 9th May 2013 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr David Jones)]

The Government’s Third Session legislative programme announced in the Queen’s Speech on 8 May contains a wide range of measures that will apply to Wales, either in full or in part.

The following Bills and draft Bills will extend to Wales:

Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill (Home Office)

Draft Consumer Rights Bill (Business Innovations and Skills)

Defence Reform Bill (Ministry of Defence)

Deregulation Bill (Cabinet Office)

High Speed Rail (Preparation) Bill (Department for Transport)

Immigration Bill (Home Office)

Intellectual Property Bill (Business Innovations and Skills)

Mesothelioma Bill (Department for Work and Pensions)

National Insurance Contributions Bill (HM Treasury)

Pensions Bill (Department for Work and Pensions)

Rehabilitation Bill (Ministry of Justice)

Draft Wales Bill (Wales Office)

The following Bills may extend to Wales in varying degrees:

Care and Support Bill (Department of Health)

High Speed Two Hybrid Bill (Department for Transport)

Local Audit and Accountability Bill (Department of Communities and Local Government)

Northern Ireland Bill (Northern Ireland Office)

Water Bill (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Discussions will continue with the Welsh Government on Bills that might include provisions that require the consent of the National Assembly for Wales or Welsh Ministers.