| Previous Section | Index | Home Page |
ASSIST Programme
Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the performance of the ASSIST programme in its first year; and what changes to the programme are planned. [87285]
Mr. Tony Lloyd: As my hon. Friend will be aware from my announcement in the House on 26 March 1998, Official Report, columns 235-36, the ASSIST programme was established on 1 April 1998 to replace the UK Military Training Assistance Scheme (UKMTAS), with the main purpose of re-focusing support to the Government's priority of promoting respect for human rights and good governance.
Notable results in the first year included: a course in China run together with Save the Children Fund, designed to fight child trafficking; direct human rights training for the Russian military; a workshop on conscientious objection in Novograd; and a women and children protection course in the Philippines.
The transition to new objectives made a good start in the financial year 1998-99 with 84 per cent. of spending being compatible with the new ASSIST criteria. For the next financial year, as pre-existing commitments reduce we shall be increasing this percentage and further refining the ASSIST criteria.
New objectives will include:
15 Jun 1999 : Column: 118
We have set up an ASSIST Challenge Fund to be used for flagship projects. To enable greater continuity and planning, we have agreed that ASSIST will continue for at least 3 years. We are also liaising with the MOD and DFID to ensure that ASSIST's programmes complement those Departments' programmes in related areas.
A copy of the new ASSIST criteria will be placed in the Library.
Mr. Paice:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact of an energy tax on the UK glasshouse industry. [86106]
Mr. Rooker:
The impact of the climate change levy on any one industry, firm or plant will depend on the tax rates set for different sectors. Final rates for the climate change levy will not be set until the Finance Bill 2000, so it is not possible to produce definitive figures at this stage. The Government will consider the issue of competitiveness when setting the final rates for the climate change levy.
Mr. Paice:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the policies of European Union Agriculture Ministers in respect of the proposed energy tax on the horticultural industry; and what reports he has received of plans to exempt the industry in individual member states. [86050]
Mr. Rooker:
The scope of the proposed EC Energy Products Directive, and the minimum rates of tax which might apply, are still under discussion. It is known that a number of member states have fundamental objections to certain aspects of the Energy Products Directive and there are a number of technical points on which member states are seeking further clarification. These will be discussed further at future meetings of ECOFIN.
Mr. Wyatt:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations he has had with quarantine kennel owners since he announced his proposals for reform of quarantine law relating to pets. [86278]
Mr. Rooker:
Dialogue with representatives of the quarantine industry is continuing and we are pleased that they have joined the Pet Travel Scheme Advisory Group established by my Department.
Dr. Cable:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make rabies vaccines for pet dogs and cats freely available to pet owners preparing to travel abroad and return to Britain without quarantine; and if he will make a statement. [85747]
Mr. Rooker:
Rabies vaccine will be made freely available in due course.
15 Jun 1999 : Column: 119
Dr. Cable:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to submit the drafts of proposed amendments to the secondary legislation on quarantine to the European Commission for inclusion in EU law. [85745]
Mr. Rooker:
The European Commission have been sent a copy of the report of the Advisory Group on Quarantine. Decisions on whether to make proposals for EU law are a matter for the Commission.
Dr. Cable:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will place in the Library a copy of the draft of proposed amendments to the secondary legislation on quarantine; and if he will make a statement. [85746]
Mr. Rooker:
Drafting of a Statutory Instrument providing for the Pet Travel Scheme pilot arrangements is still under way. Copies of the draft will be placed in the Library of the House when work has further advanced.
Dr. Cable:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to approve rabies antibody sera-testing for pet dogs and cats; and if he will make a statement. [85748]
Mr. Rooker:
The Advisory Group on Quarantine recommended that under the new arrangements it proposed for pets, laboratories should be accredited to perform serological tests according to a quality procedure specified and operated by the British authorities. Once the Government have approved a list of laboratories for serological testing under the Pet Travel Scheme (which is expected soon), a list will be placed in the Library of the House.
Dr. Cable:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to instruct his advisers on quarantine reform to ensure that all new implementation proposals comply with European Community law, with particular reference to Articles 30-36 of the Treaty of Rome. [85744]
Mr. Rooker:
It is always the Government's intention that their proposals should comply with European Community law.
Jackie Ballard:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what discussions he has had with users of Bacillus thuringiensis in respect of its safety; and what plans he has for future discussions; [86216]
(3) what representations he has received from producers of Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria concerning its safety. [86215]
Mr. Rooker:
One strain of Bacillus thuringiensis, a naturally occurring bacterium, is specified as the active ingredient in a number of insecticide products approved for use on ornamental plants, vegetables, fruit crops and fruit trees in the UK. No products containing Bacillus thuringiensis have approval for use in forestry in this country.
15 Jun 1999 : Column: 120
Following recent reports of possible adverse effects from a particular strain of Bacillus thuringiensis (not approved for use in the UK), the Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD) has demanded information from the main producer of approved products on whether those effects could arise from the use of the Bacillus thuringiensis strains approved in the UK. Their representations are awaited and will be promptly evaluated.
The Government have not yet been asked for, or sought, discussions with users of Bacillus thuringiensis, but we will consider whether this would be appropriate in the light of any information the producer provides.
Information to help users use pesticides correctly is given on each product's label--the content of which must comply with any requirements set by Government. If additional restrictions need to be placed on the use of Bacillus thuringiensis, approval holders will be required to add these to their labels.
All pesticides are regulated to provide protection for people--including pesticide users--and the environment. Detailed scientific information supplied by applicant companies is evaluated by the Government and their independent advisers; only if a pesticide can be used without unacceptable risk to people and the environment will Ministers approve it. All approved pesticides are subject to routine review and may be reviewed at any time if particular concerns arise.
Mr. Paice:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what timetable he plans to follow for developing a pilot scheme for the new pet transport system; and when he expects to announce (i) the list of approved laboratories in the EU and rabies-free islands, (b) the vaccines, (iii) the identification system and (iv) the certification format. [86105]
Mr. Rooker:
A pilot project will be in place as soon as possible (and in any event by next April), and the main scheme will be in place by April 2001. Announcements will be made about the arrangements for microchipping, vaccination, blood testing and health certification as these details are settled.
The addition of an objective to promote the re-establishment of appropriately structured and armed forces in post conflict situations (internal and external) and in newly democratised countries;
Promotion of the security of the Overseas Territories;
The inclusion of training for peacekeeping in accordance with UN guidance;
Co-operation with NGOs and other representatives of civil society on security sector assistance;
Enhancement of the professionalism of the armed forces has been withdrawn as an independent objective within the criteria.
(2) what plans he has to issue guidance and regulations concerning the use of Bacillus thuringiensis spores by organic farmers and forestry workers; [86214]
| Next Section | Index | Home Page |