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Correspondence
Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will reply to the letter dated 26 September 2001 from the hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell relating to Mr. Jones of 1 West Farm Avenue, Ashtead, Surrey. [48208]
Mr. Bradshaw: My office has no record of having received the letter to which the hon. Member refers. Once made aware that the hon. Member was still awaiting a reply, we immediately obtained a fax copy of the letter from his office. We received this on 11 April 2002. I have now replied.
Coolants
Jane Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the climate change impact will be of the use of HFC 134A to chill the water at the new GCHQ building. [56390]
Mr. Straw: During its operational life, HFC 134A—a non-ozone depleting refrigerant—will be used in a sealed system and will have no impact on the climate. If a non-ozone depleting, non-global warming product becomes available commercially, the HFC 134A will be replaced.
Zimbabwe
Mr. Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment has been made of the independence of the judiciary in Zimbabwe. [56564]
Mr. MacShane: The International Bar Association visited Zimbabwe in March 2001 and concluded that the rule of law there was in peril, and that the Zimbabwe Government had acted in a way that put democracy at risk. We are not aware of any more recent assessments by expert legal organisations of the independence of the judiciary in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Government ignored the recommendations of the International Bar
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Association, and continues to apply pressure to members of the legal profession. Our judgment is that this pressure has seriously undermined the independence of the judiciary.
Exports to Iraq
Andy King: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what goods subject to strategic controls have recently been approved for export to Iraq. [57317]
Mr. MacShane: Following consultation with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Trade and Industry recently approved a licence to export laboratory equipment to UNESCO for use by higher education institutions in northern Iraq. The export included bacterial growth media and potassium cyanide subject to the UN Import/Export (IMPEX) regime. Potassium cyanide is also subject to the Dual-Use Items (Export Control) Regulations 2000 as amended. The conclusion that this export does not represent a proliferation threat has been reached after careful assessment.
The UN Iraq Sanctions Committee approved this export to Iraq under the Oil for Food programme (OFF). Under OFF Iraq is allowed to export unlimited quantities of oil to fund the purchase of humanitarian goods. The export is consistent with the consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria.
Western Sahara
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action has been taken by United Kingdom representatives at the United Nations to ensure the people of the Western Sahara have the opportunity to vote on their future in a referendum; and if he will make a statement. [56587]
Mr. Bradshaw: United Kingdom representatives in New York have worked in the United Nations Security Council and through informal contacts and groupings to find a resolution to the dispute over Western Sahara.
During discussions on this matter, the UK's position remained consistent. The UK was impartial in this dispute and fully supported the position of the Secretary-General and his personal envoy, James Baker, to find a just and lasting solution to the situation in Western Sahara. The UK sought a just and durable outcome that allowed the people of the Western Sahara the right to self- determination. The UK wished to see both sides become flexibly engaged in the search for a long term solution, which at this point seemed stalled by their mutually exclusive objectives.
Gibraltar
Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to change the status of Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement. [55860]
Peter Hain: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to him on 10 May 2002, Official Report, column 396W.
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Andy King: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of his discussions with the Spanish Foreign Minister on 15 May. [57316]
Mr. Straw: I met the Spanish Foreign Minister today to continue our discussions on Gibraltar. There was a friendly and constructive atmosphere. We noted that we have made good progress since July 2001 and remain committed to reaching agreement by the summer. At the same time we both acknowledged that there are real difficulties which remain to be resolved. We agreed to convene a further formal Brussels Process meeting in late June or early July.
Pakistan
Mr. David Atkinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation of Mr. Ayub Masih, a Christian citizen in Pakistan; and if he proposes to monitor his appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal against the charge of blasphemy. [56260]
Mr. Bradshaw: We are deeply concerned about the misuse of the blasphemy laws in Pakistan and the fate of all Pakistani citizens, including Mr. Masih, who have been imprisoned and sentenced to death under these laws. Officials in London and Islamabad are in regular contact with human rights groups and Pakistan's minority communities. Together with our EU partners, we have raised our concerns at regular intervals with the Pakistani authorities, citing specific cases including Mr. Masih's. We raised his case again with the EU on 10 April 2002 and are now considering what further action we should take in support of Mr. Masih's Supreme Court Appeal.
Middle East
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 of 22 November 1967; and if he will make a statement. [55992]
Mr. Bradshaw: UN Security Council Resolution 242 of 22 November 1967 affirmed the need for a just and lasting peace in the middle east, including Israeli withdrawal from territories occupied in the recent conflict, and the right of all regional states to live in peace within secure and recognised boundaries. Together with more recent UN Security Council resolutions, this continues to form the basis of our policy on the middle east.
Belarus (Weapons Export Contracts)
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what weapons export contracts have been signed by UK companies with Belarus since August 2001; what weapons and services were sold in these contracts; what each contract value was; and if he will make a statement. [55156]
Dr. Moonie: I have been asked to reply.
Details of commercial contracts are confidential between companies and their customers. However, details of the Government's export licensing decisions and information on the export of military weapons in major categories are published in the annual report on strategic
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export controls, copies of which are available from the Library of the House. The 2001 edition is currently being prepared.
Occupied Territories
Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of damage caused to, and the likely costs of repair to, projects in the west bank and Gaza which are funded by Her Majesty's Government and EU institutions during (a) Israeli military incursions in April and (b) Israeli military action between September 2000 and April 2002; and if he will list the projects involved. [54860]
Clare Short: I have been asked to reply.
I refer my hon. Friend to the answers given on 26 March 2002, Official Report, column 877W, and 1 May 2002, Official Report, column 843W. A list of damaged projects was placed in the Library of the House.
The recent Israeli re-occupation has moved the issue of damage and assessment to an entirely different scale. A detailed damage assessment is being conducted by the international agencies. A joint World Bank/UNSCO (UN Special Co-ordinator's Office) paper is due to be circulated by 13 May, and follow-up action discussed at a local aid co-ordination committee meeting later next week. EU contribution to reconstruction efforts will be considered there (from the Commission and from member states).
TRANSPORT, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND
THE REGIONS
Committee Mandates
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the mandate of the Technical Adaptation Committee on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement. [55228]
Dr. Whitehead: European Council Directive 89/391/EEC makes provision for committees to work on
- "the purely technical adjustments to the individual directives provided for in Article 16 (1) to take account of: the adoption of directives in the field of technical harmonization and standardization, and/or technical progress, changes in international regulations or specifications, and new findings . . ."
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Together with member states, the European Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council decision 1999/468/EC, to
- "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the mandate of the Committee on the system of charging for the use of transport infrastructure is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement. [55643]
Mr. Jamieson: The committee of Government experts on charging for the use infrastructure was established by the Commission following the publication of its 1998 White Paper "Fair Payment for Infrastructure Use: A phased approach to a common transport infrastructure charging framework in the EU" (COM(1998)466). It is composed of representatives of member states and is chaired by the European Commission. The terms of reference set for the group were to develop and advise the Commission on Community guidance on methods to estimate the marginal costs of transport; develop practices to promote transparency of accounts; promote the development of 'transport accounts' at member state level; and to advise the commission on statistical and research needs and priorities. The committee has met once in the last twelve months. The UK is represented by officials from my Department and the annual cost of its work to public funds is about £1,000. No items are currently under consideration by the committee.
Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council decision 1999/468/EC, to
- "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the commission".
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the mandate of the Committee for granting community
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financial aid in the field of trans-European transport networks is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement. [55639]
Mr. Jamieson: The transport trans-European network (TEN) Financial Assistance Committee is established under the provisions of Article 17 of the TEN financing regulation (Regulation (EC) 2236–95). The Committee is composed of representatives of member states and is chaired by the European Commission. The remit of the Committee is to consider—and, where appropriate, to vote upon—budgetary measures proposed by the Commission. The Committee has met twice in the last 12 months. The UK is represented by officials from my Department and the annual cost of its work to public funds is about £2,000. The Committee will next consider a proposal from the Commission for the allocation of the 2002 transport TEN budget.
Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology Committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to
- "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the commission".
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the mandate of the Advisory Committee on aids to transport by rail, road and inland waterway is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement. [55683]
Mr. Jamieson: This Committee was established under the provisions of article 6 of the 1970 regulation on the granting of aids for transport by rail, road and inland waterway (Regulation (EEC) No. 1107–70). The remit of the Committee is to assist the Commission in its examination of aids granted for transport by rail, road and inland waterway. When it met, the Committee was composed of representatives of member states and was chaired by the European Commission. But, as far as we are aware, the Committee has not met for several years. Were it to meet, the UK would be represented by officials from my Department. There have been no costs to public funds in recent years. No items are currently under consideration by the Committee.
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Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council decision 1999/468/EC, to
- "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the commission".
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the mandate of the Committee on the adaptation to scientific and technical progress of legislation concerning the transport of dangerous goods is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement. [55678]
Mr. Jamieson: The Committee on the adaptation to scientific and technical progress of legislation concerning the transport of dangerous goods is established under the provisions of article 9 of Council directive 94/55/EC on the approximation of the laws of the member states with regard to the transport of dangerous goods by road (the so-called ADR framework directive), as amended. It also deals with the adaptation to scientific and technical progress of the technical annexes to Council directive 96/49/EC on the approximation of the laws of the member states with regard to the transport of dangerous goods by rail (the so-called RID framework directive), as amended; Council directive 95/50/EC on uniform procedures for checks on the transport of dangerous goods by road, as amended; Council directives 96/35/EC and 2000/18/EC on the appointment and vocational qualification and minimum examination requirements of safety advisers for the transport of dangerous goods by road, rail and inland waterways; and Council directive 99/36/EC on transportable pressure equipment, as amended.
The Committee is composed of representatives of the member states and is chaired by the Commission. Representatives of relevant European trade associations are also often invited to attend. The remit of the Committee is to consider—and where appropriate to vote upon—amendments to the technical annexes to the various directives listed above. The Committee has met twice in the last 12 months, and usually meets biannually. It often meets in tandem with a 'group of experts on the transport of dangerous goods' to discuss matters of mutual interest. The UK is represented by officials from my Department, usually accompanied by officials from the Health and Safety Executive, and the cost of its work, and that of the 'group of experts', to public funds is about £5,500.
The Committee is next scheduled to meet on 25–26 June 2002 but, since there is unlikely to be the need for a formal vote, it is anticipated that this will be
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in the form of the 'group of experts'. Items on the agenda are likely to be question and answer information on transportable pressure equipment; consideration of national derogations under articles 6.9 and 6.10 from the ADR and RID framework directives; consideration of formal amendment of the technical annexes of the ADR and RID framework directives; and possible measures on the security of dangerous goods in road and rail transport.
Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council decision 1999/468/EC, to
- "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the mandate of the Committee on the development of trans-European transport networks is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement. [55642]
Mr. Jamieson: The Committee on the development of the transport trans-European network (TEN) is established under the provisions of Article 18 of the transport TEN guidelines (decision no. 1692/96/EC). The Committee is composed of representatives of member states and is chaired by the European Commission. The Committee exchanges information on member states' transport TEN plans and programmes and assists the Commission in preparing its biennial report on the implementation of the TEN guidelines and its quinquennial report on the need for revisions to the guidelines. The Committee has met twice in the last 12 months. The UK is represented by officials from my Department and the annual cost of its work to public funds is about £2,000. The Committee is currently considering the scope of a revision to the transport TEN guidelines scheduled for 2004.
Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council decision 1999/468/EC, to
- "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".
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electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.
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