Written Statements

Wednesday 20th April 2016 Written Statements

Wednesday 20 April 2016

Police and Crime Commissioner Elections

Wednesday 20th April 2016 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (John Penrose)]

The Cabinet Office wishes to report the entry into force of the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections (Local Returning Officers’ and Police Area Returning Officers’ Charges) Order 2016. The order sets the maximum recoverable amounts for the services and expenses of police area returning officers and local returning officers. The order is the final piece of legislation which, taken together, confirm the arrangements for the police and crime commissioner elections on 5 May 2016.

[HCWS683]

Energy Bill: English Votes for English Laws

Wednesday 20th April 2016 Written Statements

[The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Andrea Leadsom)]

I am pleased to announce the publication of updated analysis of the Energy Bill for the purposes of English votes for English laws.

The English votes for English laws process applies to public Bills in the House of Commons. To support the process, the Government have agreed that they will provide information to assist the Speaker in considering whether to certify that Bill or any of its provisions for the purposes of English votes for English laws.

The memorandum provides an assessment of amendments made at Lords consideration of Commons amendments (LCCA) and tabled for Commons consideration of Lords amendments (CCLA), ahead of CCLA. The Department’s assessment is that none of the amendments change the territorial application of the Bill.

The memorandum can be found on the Bill documents page of the Parliament website at: http://services.parliament. uk/bills/2015-16/energy/documents.html and I have deposited a copy in the House of Commons Library.

[HCWS680]

EU Readmission Agreement: Jordan

Wednesday 20th April 2016 Written Statements

[The Minister for Immigration (James Brokenshire)]

The Government have decided not to opt in to a Council decision (12137/15) authorising the opening of negotiations on an agreement between the European Union and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (hereafter referred to as Jordan) on readmission.

EURAs ensure reciprocal procedures for the identification, documentation and return of persons illegally entering or remaining in EU member states. We decide whether to participate in EURAs on a case-by-case basis, depending on the priority we attach to the country concerned in terms of numbers of immigration returns and the degree to which we enjoy a good bilateral relationship with that country.

Jordan is not an immigration returns priority for the UK (there were only four enforced returns from January to September 2015), and our returns process is excellent; Jordan is a country to which we return on EU letters (this is easier because we do not need to obtain a travel document if we have strong supporting evidence of nationality). We would not enjoy an operational advantage if we were to change our bilateral arrangements for conducting returns to Jordan.

[HCWS681]

Police Advisory Board for England and Wales: Triennial Review

Wednesday 20th April 2016 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mrs Theresa May)]

On 5 February 2015, I announced in Parliament, through a written statement, the commencement of a triennial review of the Police Advisory Board for England and Wales. I am pleased to announce the completion of the review.

The Police Advisory Board provides independent advice to the Secretary of State on general questions affecting the police.

The review concludes that the functions performed by the Police Advisory Board are still required and that it should be retained as a stakeholder group. This is an administrative change in its classification that better reflects the way the body is constituted and provides advice. The Police Advisory Board is, therefore, no longer classified as a non-departmental public body. The report makes a further five recommendations that will be implemented shortly.

The full report of the review of the Police Advisory Board can be found on www.gov.uk and copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

[HCWS682]