Select Committee on Foreign Affairs Written Evidence


Further memorandum submitted by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office

FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH ANNUAL REPORT

  Thank you for your letter of 27 May. Michael Jay is looking forward to his evidence session with the Committee on 24 June and has agreed the following replies to the Committee's questions.

1.   What options are being considered for meeting the total additional cost of £30 million for the UK's presidencies of the European Union and the G8 in 2005? (page 22)

  The figure of £30 million covered the FCO's preliminary estimates of the costs of the main events of what would be workmanlike, but professional, Presidencies. That amount would not provide for, say, G8 Presidency events on the scale of this year's Evian Summit. It does not include associated costs that would fall to other government departments (eg policing). The FCO is working up more detailed costings and options as the basis for application to the Treasury for access to the Reserve.

2.   Could you provide the Committee with further details of the Global Opportunities Fund, updating the information the Office supplied in its Response to the Committee's Report last year (Cm 5712)? For example, how will projects be co-ordinated with the DfID, how will Posts apply for funding, what criteria will be used to assess which projects are funded, when will the first projects financed under the Fund be up-and-running? (page 23)

  The Global Opportunities Fund (GOF) is being administered on the basis of an overall strategy agreed by the FCO Board and Ministers. The strategy emphasises five main strands of activity under GOF for the initial three-year period (2003-06): human rights and the rule of law, good governance (political and economic), environment and energy, international security, and science and technology. Funds are allocated through a two-stage process: first to programmes and then, through these, to individual projects.

  Five GOF programmes are being launched this year (2003-04):

    —  Good governance in EU accession countries and near neighbours;

    —  Counter-terrorism;

    —  Climate change and energy;

    —  Engagement with the Islamic world;

    —  Strengthening our relations with emerging markets.

  Before any programme can be launched, the programme manager must produce a proposal clarifying the objectives, target countries, criteria for assessing projects, total funding required, and complementarity with existing donor efforts. These proposals are screened by a GOF Steering Group, which decides how much funding to earmark for each programme.

  Once programme allocations are agreed, programme managers work with Posts and others to invite and screen bids for individual projects based on the agreed criteria. The procedures vary between programmes, for example to allow for the sensitivity of counter-terrorism work. But all programme managers are required to consult widely and involve key stakeholders inside and outside the FCO in assessing project bids.

  Three programmes have been agreed by the GOF Steering Group. The other two ("Islamic world" and "Emerging markets") will be launched soon. Some projects are up and running, particularly in areas where the FCO was active before GOF (eg tackling climate change, support for EU enlargement).

  The five programmes are in addition to the work the FCO is supporting through the Human Rights Project Fund, the Environment Fund and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. These funds will be brought together under GOF by next year to simplify administration and maximise overall impact. We will ensure this is done in a way that preserves the FCO's commitment to key areas of work.

  DfID were consulted on the GOF strategy and are represented on the GOF Steering Group (as are the British Council). DfID participate (along with other Government Departments) in some of the programme management teams, and are consulted on projects bids by Posts. We are determined to ensure that GOF programmes add value to the existing efforts of DFID and others.

3.   What was the efficiency saving achieved in 2002-03 and how did this compare with the agreed target? (page 23)

  The efficiency savings for the financial year 2002-03 were set at 3%. The 3% was deducted automatically from each Directorate's budget allocation at the beginning of the financial year. Directorates were expected to manage within budget, less efficiency targets.

4.   Why is the planned resource budget allocation for 2004-05 and 2005-06 significantly lower than that for 2003-04 in each objective area? How will this reduction in spending be achieved: efficiency savings, asset sales, cuts in programmes, etc.? (page 25)

  There is an apparent dip in the FCO's total resource DEL in years 2004-05 and 2005-06 because the FCO's bids for peacekeeping funds are made and voted annually, so only those for 2003-04 have been incorporated into table 4. If we assume that the FCO will be voted funds for peacekeeping which are of the same order as for 2003-04, then the total FCO resource budget would be:
£m
2003-042004-052005-06
1,6511,7011,768


  We will find a clearer way of presenting these figures in the 2004 Departmental Report.

5.   How does the financial information contained in table 6, and the subsequent tables at the beginning of each chapter, relate to that contained in tables 4 and 5? (p32)

  Tables 4 and 5 show the effect on FCO resources of the 2002 Spending Review. The figures therefore show the Spending Review settlement in different ways. The Spending Review settlement represents the money that the FCO receives direct from the taxpayer in order to meet its objectives.

  The aim of table 6 and subsequent tables at the start of each chapter is to link outputs with the total resource that the FCO is able to devote to each Objective. The figures therefore include not only the Spending Review settlement but also receipts such as visa fees and the proceeds of asset recycling.

6.   What percentage of oil, gas and mining companies targeted by the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights scheme, for companies operating in areas of conflict, have signed up to the scheme? (page 63)

  The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights were developed through a collaborative process between the UK and US Governments, the private sector and civil society groups. Four UK and four US companies joined the Voluntary Principles group when it was set up though two of the US companies, Chevron and Texaco, subsequently merged. Since then a further four companies have joined. All decisions on taking forward the Voluntary Principles, including new members, are taken by consensus. The Voluntary Principles group does not target companies as such but interested companies, whether or not they are formal members of the group, are encouraged to implement the Principles.

7.   What percentage of United Nations member states have ratified the UN Convention Against Torture? (page 66)

  133 members have ratified the UN Convention against Torture out of a total of 192 members. This is around 69%. We aiming to increase this to over 70% by the end of the financial year.

8.   Could you provide a break-down of the national contributions to the running costs of the International Criminal Court? When does the Court anticipate being able to commence its first prosecution? (page 70)

  I attach a breakdown of assessed national contributions for the first Financial Period of the Court (1 September 2002-31 December 2003). (Annex A)

  With the swearing-in of the Prosecutor (Ocampo of Argentina) on 18 June 2003, the Court will be in a position to announce its first investigations. The first realistic date for a prosecution (as against investigation or the issue of an indictment) may be late 2004 or 2005.

9.   What is the estimated amount of opium currently being cultivated in Afghanistan, compared with the last three years? How are these estimates calculated? (page 77)

  The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) conducts an annual survey into the level of opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan. The survey relies upon a combination of ground based census methodology, remote sensing and random sampling to estimate the area cultivated with opium poppy in Afghanistan. The survey reported that the level of cultivation was 82,000 hectares in 2000, 8,000 hectares in 2001, and 74,000 hectares in 2002. The UNODC is in the process of carrying out the 2003 survey. Its results will be published in the autumn. In March 2003, the UNODC published an Opium Rapid Assessment Survey for Afghanistan. This gave an early insight into the pattern of opium poppy cultivation for the 2002-03 growing season but did not predict the level of opium poppy cultivation for 2003 or beyond. It did find however that there was a trend for farmers to cultivate opium poppy in increasingly remote and inaccessible areas. Best indications available suggest that this year's opium crop will be similar in size to last year's.

10.   Why does it appear that letters from Members of Parliament are answered more slowly than those from other correspondents? (page 82)

  The FCO has a good record of prompt replies to correspondence—whether from MPs/Peers or members of the public. In 2002, 86.1% of MPs' and Peers' letters were replied to within the target of 20 working days (15 for visa-related letters), a high percentage for a department which last year received over 25,500 letters from MPs and Peers. This compares well to other Government Departments. It also represented an improvement over our performance in 2001, when we replied to 78.5% of MPs'/Peers' letters within the target period.

  Our record on replies to public correspondence is also improving. In 2002-03, we replied to 92.5% of the 43,939 public correspondence items received that year within 20 working days, up from 88.2% in 2001-02 (33,790 items received).

  There are several reasons why our response time to letters from MPs and Peers is slightly slower than that for members of the public. These include the additional sensitivity that often surrounds ministerial correspondence, and the fact that standard replies tend not to be used—as they are for public letter writing campaigns, for example. For visa correspondence, casework information is required and Posts are consulted. This adds to the time taken to reply. But in all cases, every effort is made to reply as quickly as possible.

  We will continue to keep our performance in replying to all correspondence under close review, and to consider new measures to improve our response times. We encourage people to use our website, as an alternative—and instant—way of obtaining information about foreign policy issues.

11.   What is being done to meet the target of the FCO being in touch with 60% of Chevening scholars from 1992? (page 82)

  With the support of the FCO, Posts are intensifying their efforts to maintain contact with former Chevening scholars, through:

    —  the development of alumni associations, several of which are now flourishing;

    —  the organisation of conferences, workshops and debates for former students;

    —  invitations to special receptions and other activities including events surrounding Royal or Ministerial visits.

  Some posts invite former scholars to sit in on interview panels for new scholars. Examples of best practice are circulated to the global network of posts. New technology and the recently established Chevening alumni website enable staff to keep in touch with former students. The current review of the Chevening scheme by external consultants is examining ways in which follow-up work with scholars can be further strengthened.

12.   What "generic" radio and TV programming was cut in order to establish the new £5 million Public Diplomacy Programme Fund? Could you provide us with further details of the campaigns in China to be funded later this year from the new Public Diplomacy Programme Fund? Why was China chosen as a priority target for the fund? What criteria were used to make decisions on how the Fund was allocated? (p 83)

Cuts to generic radio and TV programming

  In September 2002 the FCO closed down the following generic TV and radio productions:

    —  London Radio Service—an international radio service which supplied free to air audio news and features in six languages to radio stations world-wide. Annual cost: £1.8 million;

    —  UK Today—a monthly magazine programme made up of five stories a month on aspects of contemporary Britain. Annual cost: £0.5 million;

    —  The Edge—12 x 30 minute programmes promoting British achievements in science and technology. Annual cost: £0.6 million;

    —  British Satellite News Service—a free television news service providing overseas broadcasters with coverage of world-wide stories from a British perspective. This service was maintained but streamlined at an annual saving of £1.25 million;

    —  The duplication, distribution and marketing operation of the TV programmes was closed down at an annual saving of £0.75million.

The Think UK Campaign in China

(i)  Further details of the campaign

  The Think UK campaign in China brings together the following stakeholders: the FCO, the British Council, Trade Partners UK, Invest UK, the China Britain Business Council, the British Chamber of Commerce in China, the Great Britain-China Centre and key private sector partners. The objective of the campaign is to improve perceptions of the UK amongst China's "successor generation"—educated 16-35 year-olds in the four major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chongqing). The campaign seeks to gain wider recognition that the UK is good at the kind of innovation and original thinking relevant to China's needs.

  It will involve a wide range of projects in many different fields, all highlighting British creativity and innovation in science and technology, culture, design, fashion, education, sport, industry and environmental protection. Core projects include: an interactive exhibition on DNA; a major sculpture installation—Asian Field—by Antony Gormley; an environmental film-makers competition; the Design Council's Great Expectations exhibition; and a range of innovative commercial events. The other core campaign projects (all highlighting British creativity and innovation in a range of fields) are:

  1.  Writers' Train—Five Chinese writers and five British writers of different genres undertake a train journey through China and collaboratively produce a new work inspired by their journey. Published initially on website, then as book. Shanghai Documentary Channel are filming event.

  2.  Learning from the source: English from Britain—a multimedia exhibition providing active participation in English language learning.

  3.  English Taxi—a new computer game which depends on the player's successful manipulation of English.

  4.  Chinese version of British Council Football Culture website.

  5.  UK China Challenge—adventure game TV series involving mixed teams of young Chinese and young British players who are set a number of creative, physical and intellectual challenges. Shot in the UK for transmission on CCTV.

  6.  Creative Robotics—competition to produce home-designed and built robots and exhibition demonstrating robot technology in the UK.

  7.  Science Showcase—exhibition on UK involvement in Mars Express mission plus lectures, events and competitions with a space theme.

  8.  Opening of new Clean Energy Research Centre at Tsinghua University.

  9.  Climate Change televised debate, chaired by Professor David King and involving leading Chinese and British experts.

  10.  Enterprise competition—young people invited to devise a business plan for taking an innovation through to commercial application. Prize of £100,000 to wining candidate to take project to practical implementation.

  11.  Young Scientists—20 British scientists in early stages of their careers meet their Chinese counterparts. Based in Shanghai.

  12.  Hometime—an exhibition about contemporary British domestic architecture and design.

  13.  Wireless without Limits—interactive exhibition showcasing UK's strengths across the ICT industry.

  14.  Financial Services Challenge—interactive learning competition on Think UK website.

  15.  CEO interviews—series of media interviews with CEOs of top British companies and televised discussion panel of British and Chinese counterparts on issues including CSR.

  16.  Passion for Fashion—Fashion design competition for young Chinese designers who will work with leading British designers and showcase their results in a catwalk show in Shanghai.

  17.  CSR: Making Good Money—Five short films covering different aspects of corporate social responsibility.

  18.  50 x 5 minute TV features promoting aspects of contemporary UK to be made available free to Chinese broadcasters.

  19.  Chevening Scholars Events Programme—a range of Think UK seminars and networking events.

  The campaign was due to be launched in April 2003. But owing to the SARS outbreak, the campaign has been provisionally re-scheduled to run from late June to December 2003.

(ii)  Why was China chosen?

  Think UK is intended to raise awareness of the strength of contemporary Britain among an increasingly affluent and influential segment of Chinese society: young, educated professionals living in major cities. Opinion surveys show that members of this group are more confident and outward looking than their seniors. They tend to look to the US and Japan for innovative and creative ideas, and recognise few of the UK's recent successes in the arts, science or business. We believe that improving perceptions of Britain among this group would benefit the UK's political and commercial interests and contribute to the long-term development of mutually beneficial UK/China relations.

(iii)  What criteria were used to make decisions on how the Fund was allocated?

  The decision to allocate funds took into account the importance of the UK's relationship with China; the government's strategic intention to increase engagement with China at all levels; surveys of public opinion identifying areas where perceptions of the UK were out-of-date or inaccurate; the potential for co-operation on cultural, scientific, media and commercial projects with lasting impact; and the new opportunities brought about by the development and opening up of Chinese society, for example in the media, travel and education.

13.   What "scientific and analytical" process will the FCO employ to gauge perceptions of the UK abroad? (p83)

  The FCO is commissioning an international tracking study, jointly funded by the FCO, British Council, BTI and Visit Britain. The study will provide a global snapshot of attitudes towards the UK (based on a representative sample of 15 countries) and will allow us to track, on an annual basis, how perceptions are changing. This data will help us to target our effort in areas or on issues where perceptions of the UK are out of line with the realities of contemporary Britain and thus contribute to the achievement of the objectives set out in our Public Diplomacy Strategy.

  The study will be carried out by an experienced public opinion polling company. The contract will be awarded in July and the first survey report delivered by the end of December 2003. The survey will be conducted using a representative sample of at least 500 well-educated respondents, aged 18-40, in each country. The countries listed below have been selected for the study (the selection guided by the geographical priorities identified in the Public Diplomacy Strategy).


Brazil
India Poland
ChinaIndonesiaRussia
EgyptJapanSouth Africa
FranceNigeriaTurkey
GermanyPakistanUSA


  We will also compare attitudes towards the UK with those towards a group of "comparator" countries—China, France, Germany, Japan and USA.

  In addition, we will be using polling and evaluation to assess the impact of individual Public Diplomacy Campaigns—starting with Think UK in China.

14.   Could you provide us with a breakdown of the students currently in receipt of Chevening Scholarships by gender and nationality? (p87)

  Listed below is a combined breakdown by country of the 2002-03 Chevening Scholars. The total is 2,451.

  This comprises:

    1,909 Core Scheme Scholars who started in 2002-03;

    63 Core Scheme Full Continuers in 2002-03; and

    479 Centrally Joint-Funded Scholars who started in 2002-03.

  The gender breakdown of the total of 2,451 was:

    1,360 male (55%) and

    1,091 female (45%).

  The scholars came from a total of 152 countries:

    Afghanistan  34

    Albania  11

    Algeria  5

    Andorra  1

    Angola  1

    Argentina  25

    Armenia  17

    Australia  28

    Austria  1

    Azerbaijan  8

    Bahamas  3

    Bahrain  24

    Bangladesh  16

    Barbados  13

    Belarus  10

    Belgium  3

    Belize  6

    Bolivia  5

    Bosnia  11

    Botswana  9

    Brazil  66

    British Virgin Islands  1

    Brunei  2

    Bulgaria  29

    Cambodia  4

    Cameroon  6

    Canada  14

    Caribbean Overseas Territories  6

    Chile  16

    China  231

    Colombia  13

    Costa Rica  3

    Croatia  24

    Cuba  5

    Cyprus  22

    Czech Rep.  13

    Denmark  8

    Dominica  1

    Dominican Republic  7

    East Jerusalem  10

    East Timor  7

    Ecuador  5

    Egypt  43

    El Salvador  2

    Estonia  14

    Ethiopia  8

    Fiji  8

    Finland  4

    France  6

    Gambia  2

    Georgia  12

    Germany  1

    Ghana  21

    Greece  3

    Guatemala  3

    Guyana  7

    Honduras  1

    Hong Kong  59

    Hungary  20

    Iceland  8

    India  147

    Indonesia  74

    Iran  38

    Ireland  4

    Israel  15

    Ivory Coast  5

    Jamaica  7

    Japan  19

    Jordan  16

    Kazakhstan  9

    Kenya  14

    Kosova  10

    Kuwait  4

    Kyrgyzstan  5

    Latvia  11

    Lebanon  9

    Lesotho  4

    Libya  8

    Lithuania  13

    Luxembourg  7

    Macedonia  10

    Madagascar  2

    Malaysia  68

    Mauritius  7

    Maldives  2

    Malta  12

    Malawi  10

    Mexico  69

    Moldova  8

    Mongolia  12

    Morocco  8

    Mozambique  4

    Namibia  6

    Nepal  6

    Netherlands  5

    New Zealand  10

    Nicaragua  2

    Nigeria  47

    Norway  5

    Oman  16

    Pakistan  58

    Panama  2

    Papua New Guinea  5

    Paraguay  3

    Peru  9

    Philippines  15

    Poland  38

    Portugal  11

    Qatar  3

    Romania  22

    Russia  66

    Rwanda  3

    St Helena  1

    Saudi Arabia  14

    Senegal  6

    Seychelles  2

    Sierra Leone  4

    Slovakia  11

    Slovenia  12

    Singapore  13

    Solomon Islands  2

    Somalia  1

    South Africa  33

    South Korea  85

    Spain  1

    Sri Lanka  6

    Sudan  15

    Swaziland  5

    Sweden  2

    Switzerland  4

    Syria  24

    Taiwan  29

    Tajikistan  3

    Tanzania  7

    Thailand  25

    Tonga  1

    Trinidad & Tobago  5

    Tunisia  8

    Turkey  49

    Turkmenistan  6

    Uganda  15

    Ukraine  27

    United Arab Emirates  3

    Uruguay  7

    Uzbekistan  16

    Vanuatu  3

    Venezuela  16

    Vietnam  24

    Yemen  5

    Yugoslavia  18

    Zambia  12

    Zimbabwe  22

    TOTAL  2,451

15.   Where does the FCO anticipate the extra £11 million will come from to complete the expansion of the Chevening scholarship programme? (p89)

  £11 million is the estimated cost of expanding the programme to achieve the Prime Minister's target if all extra scholars were to study for a one year Master's degree course. External consultants are reviewing ways to maximise the impact of the FCO's investment in the Chevening Scholarships Scheme, considering how the benefits might be enhanced, as well as examining strategies to meet the Prime Minister's target. The reviewers are looking at a range of options to meet the funding shortfall, including:

    —  providing more short courses to reduce unit costs;

    —  capping scholarships at a fixed level;

    —  maximising efficiency savings in managing the scheme, including using internet-based application procedures;

    —  allowing the private sector and educational institutions to take on more of the management and funding of parts of the scheme; and

    —  appointing a private sector champion to raise more funds from the private sector.

  We are also encouraging OGDs to maintain and/or increase their contributions.

16.   The Annual Report stated that: "By the end of 2002, the UK had over 50 UK civil servants working on twinning projects full-time in candidate countries. In the 2002 round, we won 31 new projects." Could you provide comparative figures for the French, German, Italian and Spanish foreign services? (p99)

  These figures are as follows:

  Number of Member States' civil servants working on twinning projects full time in candidate countries


UK:
51
Germany:over 100
France:over 60
Spain:over 60
Italy:about 30



  Note:  Once a twinning project has been awarded, a covenant must be produced before the Pre-Accession Adviser can start work in the Candidate Country concerned. The process of putting together the covenant varies between 6-12 months. We do not have comprehensive data on when PAAs from other Member States have commenced their respective projects.

  Number of projects won by MS in the 2002 twinning round (as lead and junior partner)


UK:
33 (NB this number is slightly different from that provided earlier due to selection now being completed)

Germany:55
France:26
Spain:28
Italy:14


17.   How has the impact of the "Know Before You Go" campaign been measured? (p111)

  We are committed to monitoring the impact of the "Know Before You Go" campaign to ensure value for money. We have commissioned targeted public opinion research to survey and track attitudes and future intentions towards travel preparedness and to inform the design of the campaign. The programme has included six-monthly omnibus research (benchmark questions) of UK adults to capture behavioural change as and when it happens. We also plan to conduct focus groups among specific sectors of traveller. In 2002, we saw a 2% increase in the number of travellers taking out insurance. Our research also demonstrated a 15% increase among those surveyed of the need to engage in a significant level of preparation ahead of a visit overseas. Added to the research programme, we have measured the performance of the campaign in terms of increased traffic to the "Travel" area of the FCO website—a key campaign aim (the estimated total of page views rose from 642,000 in June 2002 to 812,000 in October). We have also evaluated success through media take-up (the launch of our "Youth" mini-campaign in late April was widely announced on TV, in print and on national and local radio) and the extension of our travel industry partnerships (now over 160).

18.   Does the FCO provide levels of support similar to the British Hajj Delegation to any other religious festivals aboard? (p119)

  The FCO does not provide similar support to other religious festivals abroad at present. The Hajj is a unique event which merits special attention. It is an obligation for all Muslims (one of the five pillars of Islam) and it takes place under extremely demanding and difficult conditions, with millions of pilgrims (including approximately 20,000 British Hajjis) congregating in Mecca over a two-week period.

  The British Hajj Delegation provides much needed consular and medical assistance to these British pilgrims. The delegates themselves are volunteers and many have made considerable financial sacrifices to participate. Foreign Office funds cover some of the travel and accommodation costs of the Delegates, the costs of the FCO Consular staff accompanying the Delegation, and the costs of the Hajj Advisory Group Secretariat based in London. The Delegation is also part funded through sponsorship.

19.   Why is the term "non-residence visa application" used in the PSA target for FCO Objective 8, while "non-settlement application" is used in the corresponding performance assessment? (p122)

  The two terms are synonymous. We often use the less technical term "non-residence" in public documents.

20.   What is being done to meet the target of 90% of all non-residence visa applications being interviewed within 10 working days? (p122)

  We have put in place a series of measures to address this issue:

    —  The allocation of seasonal relief officers to Posts has been reviewed to ensure that resources are directed where pressure is greatest;

    —  We are seeking to increase our "Floater" pool of Entry Clearance Officers to be able to respond quickly to unexpected increases in demand;

    —  Operational reviews are being prioritised to focus on Posts where waiting times are causing most concern;

    —  Our modernisation programme involving the streamlining of systems and procedures and the introduction of remote application methods such as couriers and application centres is designed to eliminate excessive queues in normal circumstances.

  These measures are paying dividends. Performance against this target for the financial year 2002-03 has increased to 86%.

21.   What are the targets for queuing times at Posts for visa interviews? By how much were these exceeded during the summer of 2002 at larger posts? Could you provide us with details of the queuing time experienced by applicants at the three busiest posts during the last year? (p123)

    —  Target times at Post are in line with PSA targets:

  Target 1 requires 90% of straightforward applications to be decided within 24 hours.

  Target 2 requires 90% of non-settlement interviews requiring interview to be decided within 10 days.

  Target 3 provides for a target time for settlement applications of 12 weeks in the majority of posts. Due to the large volume and variety of such applications received in some of the busier Posts (eg Dhaka, New Delhi, Mumbai) applications are sub-divided in order to prioritise them as follows:

  Sub-category 1: Right of Abode and dependant relatives over 65—target 12 weeks.

  Sub-category 2: Spouses and children under 18—target 12 weeks.

  Sub-category 3: Fiance(e)s and other first-time applicants—target 24 weeks.

  Sub-category 4: Re-applicants—target 36 weeks.

    —  Performance at our four highest volume Posts was as follows:

  New Delhi—Met targets 1 and 2 every month. Met all settlement targets with the exception of sub-category 3 in October (27 weeks).

  Lagos—Failed to meet target 2 at all. Waiting time ranged from 70 to 101 days. Met settlement target in three out of 12 months. Waiting ranged from 10 to 19 weeks. But Lagos has experienced a major growth in applications for several years averaging over 30% a year. The 2002 figure was 34%. A range of measures has been put in place to reduce the delays including more streamlined working procedures and the use of drop boxes for frequent travellers. The queue for non-settlement applications was eliminated by the end of February 2003. Post is now addressing the settlement queues. But, when demand rises on such a scale it is difficult to maintain service standards, especially where, as in Lagos, the space available to the visa section is finite.

  Mumbai—Met all targets every month.

  Beijing—Met all targets every month.

    —  A number of Posts experienced particular pressure during the months of June to September, failing to meet target 2 of 10 days for non-settlement applications requiring interview;

  Moscow—waiting times ranged from five to 32 days. Post had reduced the queue to five days by September. Queues built up due to summer peak in applications. Applications increased by 13% over previous year.

  Bangkok—waiting times ranged from nine to 15 days. Queue reduced to nine days by August. Again, build up due to summer peak—but applications in 2002 also rose by 13%.

  Dhaka—waiting times ranged from 0 to 12 days. Queue reduced to two days by August and eliminated by September.

  Accra—waiting times ranged from 0 to 32 days. The queue was reduced to 10 days in July and eliminated in August.

22.   How will the accumulated loss of £3.7 million on entry clearance operations from 2000-02 be financed? (p124)

  The accumulated loss of £3.7 million arose following a re-basing of UK visas costs by the FCO in 2001. A number of measures have been taken designed to cut UK visas costs and recover the deficit. These include:

    —  Measures to cut costs including a reduction in the number of new staff appointed;

    —  Steps to increase productivity including more streamlined processes and improved IT;

    —  A fee increase on 1 July 2002, which included a special Section 102 Order to recover post deficits.

  These measures, which form part of the Deficit Recovery Plan, should enable UK visas to repay the deficit and return to a self-financing position by the end of Financial Year 2003-04.

23.   Where will the staff for the Centre of Excellence be drawn from? (p139)

  Four people are being drawn from existing FCO personnel to staff the Centre (which we are calling the Programme and Project Management Group). The Head of the Group has been chosen for his professional skills and project management experience. Two of the four staff will work half-time on this task. Once the Centre is up and running and we have been able to identify possible skills gaps, we will consider recruiting and additional member of staff who can bring additional specific skills from outside the FCO.

  We also hope for one additional part-time staff member joining the Centre from the British Council or the BBC World Service, although this is still being discussed.

  To help get the Centre get off the ground we have employed two consultants, both of whom will be replaced by FCO staff over the next few months.

24.   How was the SR2002 target of recycling £100 million of assets agreed upon with HM Treasury? On what basis did the FCO decide that it had a further £100 million worth of "under-performing assets"? (p141)

  The target of £100 million for SR 2002 was a roll-forward of the same target for SR 2000. Formally, it is a limit within which sales receipts can be retained by the FCO, and a commitment to a particular level of receipts.

  The FCO considers that release of 10% of the value of its £1 billion estate over three years is not unreasonable. This is required to enable the estate to adapt to changing requirements, as well as releasing funds for investment in ICT.

  The FCO assesses its estate against KPIs on a regular basis. Some assets are "underperforming" because they are no longer fit for purpose; others because they are relatively expensive, or because there is substantial latent development potential.

25.   What impact would a failure to meet the SR2000 goal have upon planned estate and ICT improvement projects? (p141)

  In the event of a shortfall in asset recycling receipts the FCO would reprioritise in accordance with our Departmental Investment Strategy. The larger impact would be on our estate programme, which is increasingly dependent on asset sale receipts. Projects would have to be postponed.

26.   Could the FCO provide the Committee with a list of all properties in the overseas estate sold or offered for sale in the financial year 2002-03, as the Office did last year, with corresponding details on valuation, price, receipts, etc? (p141)

  I attach the list (Annex B).

27.   What is the current situation regarding the proposed sale of the Consular Residence in San Francisco?

  The current Residence in San Francisco is oversize and does not provide value for money. The FCO has agreed to purchase a new Residence which is fit for purpose and better value for money. The current Residence will then be sold. The transactions will provide a net contribution to FCO finances.

28.   Why is the FOCUS programme not referred to in the Annual Report? What caused the cost of the programme to rise from an estimated £23 million in January 2002 to £42 million in December that year? What impact will the programme's cancellation have on the Office's "efficient management, sifting, storage and retrieval of information" (written answer, 12 December 2002, col. 460W)? Why was the programme felt to be a "low priority" despite the investment of £9.5 million in its success (written ministerial statement, 28 April, col. 2WS)?

  The Focus Programme is covered on pages 142-143 of the report under the title "Knowledge Management Programme". This more descriptive title was preferred once the decision was taken to cancel the main Focus project. On reflection, the drafting should have made this clearer.

  A number of factors led to the projected increase in costs. In particular, in the light of the events on 11 September 2001 and the FCO's review of its contingency plans, it was decided that a faster recovery of the system's full functionality would be needed in the event of a major disaster affecting FCO buildings. This added to the development, hardware and support costs for the system. It was only later in 2002, when the team leading the programme understood the full scope of the business change required to make best use of the Focus system, that the costs of training and business change could be accurately predicted.

  The FCO continues to have an effective electronic records management system which complies with PRO standards. What we do not have, nor will have for some time, is a single global pool of information. It will continue to be stored in separate registries around the organisation. To help staff handle information overload, we still need a more effective intranet and better registry.

  The increase in the projected cost of Focus could not be met from our IT budget without curtailing other key projects. We therefore reviewed our IT spending priorities. Top priority had to be given to keeping our existing desktop and communications systems (Firecrest and FTN) fully operational, and to replacing the financial and personnel resources systems (Prism) which were the weakest part of the existing structure. With resources constrained, our prioritisation meant that new applications such as Focus had to wait until we knew we could afford them, even though we recognised the significant benefits they would bring.

29.   Why was the need to transfer funds from the capital to the administration and programme budgets, following the introduction of resource accounting, not foreseen? (p144)

  Under resource accounting, we are required to follow fixed asset/capitalisation conventions defined by accounting standards and generally accepted accounting practice. These are disciplined and subject to rigorous balance sheet audit, which was not the case under cash accounting.

  The scale of the differences in treatment of capital between the old cash vote and resource accounting were not appreciated until a detailed survey of all of the FCO capital spend.

  In addition, UK building standards and minimum security requirements are applied to our overseas estate projects, but this is not always valued in the local market. In some instances, this leads to significant write-downs, which were included in the reclassification exercise.

30.   How did the Office gauge the value for money of the Europe United Masters Football Match (October 2002)? (p145)

  The Europe United football tournament formed part of a wider effort to raise UK public awareness of the candidate countries and their accession to the EU. We therefore judge its effectiveness by looking at the amount of media coverage (and what it would have cost to pay for the equivalent in advertising—a common measure of outcome in the communications industry) and the level of public involvement.

  The attached table sets out the full range of editorial media coverage achieved (Annex C). The entire tournament was broadcast live on Sky Sports and repeated daily for one week and again on New Year's Eve 2002 with an estimated audience of 800,000 people.

  In addition, a wide variety of media were targeted, including national broadcast and print, web-based, sports, children/ youth and culture specialists and foreign media. In total, there were 111 items of media coverage. This was the first time the FCO was able to reach a sports audience through media such as Talksport radio, Shoot Magazine, the Independent Sports supplement, The People and through football club websites/ programmes. The table shows the cost of equivalent media space if bought through advertising for each item of editorial coverage received.

  The FCO and the European Commission Representation to the UK share the objective of raising UK awareness of EU enlargement. The Europe United tournament was the first joint-funded EU enlargement project by the FCO and the Commission. In addition, City University Business School contributed £7,000 worth of sponsorship towards the event, the Turkish Tourist Office £3,000 and Czech Airlines £1,500.

  The total cost to the FCO was therefore £96,871. Given the audience achieved and the comparison with spending the money through advertising, we consider the event demonstrated value for money.

31.   When does the Office believe it will be able to meet its SDA targets for diversity in its Senior Management Grade? (p148)

  We believe that the FCO is likely to meet its 2005 target of 2% of staff in the SMS to be of minority ethnic origin. Progress to date has been relatively slow. But 2002 saw staff from minority ethnic groups move into the SMS for the first time; and 15% of our policy stream entrants were of minority ethnic origin (these are the people whom we would expect to get to the top of the organisation).

  At present rates we are unlikely to meet the 2005 target for women. But we expect to continue to make steady progress towards this target, as we have in recent years (the number of SMS women has increased from 6% in 1999 to 13% now). Our 2002 recruitment figures were encouraging: 48% of policy stream entrants were women.

  On disability, we are unlikely to meet the 2005 target. But we believe that this is partly a question of under-reporting and we are seeking to improve the accuracy of our statistical information in this area and use it to make faster progress towards our targets, in collaboration with our colleagues in the Cabinet Office.

  We are taking a number of short and long-term measures to make faster progress towards diversity targets in general. These include:

    —  Linking diversity explicitly into our business processes in the new FCO Strategy.

    —  Increasing inward and outward secondments, particularly at senior levels.

    —  Family-friendly policies which apply to all staff, to reduce the obstacles posed by our global mobility obligation.

    —  Promoting flexible working to all staff, including those at SMS level. We have some examples of SMS women working flexibly: part-time, compressed hours, regularly from home, and so on. We also have successful examples of flexible working patterns in the UK and overseas. This is an area in which we have made rapid progress in the last few years and we expect the number of flexible workers, and flexible working opportunities, to increase relatively quickly.

    —  Positive action programmes for some under-represented groups: we participate in the Cabinet Office Pathways Scheme (for those from minority ethnic groups with leadership potential) and its Leadership Development Programme for Disabled Civil Servants.

    —  Training for all FCO staff, including the Board and Ministers, in Valuing Diversity.

    —  Better monitoring for under-represented groups of all aspects of our employment processes: appraisal, promotion, progression, training, resignations.

32.   Could you provide further details of how the Charter for the Management of Staff Overseas has been implemented in the period 2002-03? (p 157)

  The paucity of complaints from local staff to London indicates that the great bulk of posts and managers are following Charter principles. We take very seriously any occurrence of bullying, harassment, or discrimination that does arise. There has been one such case recently, of sexual harassment, which resulted in disciplinary action (final written warning). Another case, of alleged bullying by a senior UK-based officer, is currently under investigation.

  Local Staff Management Unit proactively disseminate to Posts best practice in procedures for grievance handling, discipline and recruitment. They also ask Management Consultancy Service and Internal Audit to check when they visit Posts that proper procedures exist.

  We propose to conduct a survey of posts to check that they have suitable procedures in place, and that all line managers and local staff are aware of the Charter of Principles.

  We also plan to stress once again to Heads of Mission the importance of the Charter of Principles, in pursuing consultation with them about an approach to local staff management and pay setting that is sustainable in the FCO's budget position.

33.   Could you update the information you provided last year on the FCO's liability for terminal benefits for locally-engaged staff with the latest available data?

  We still await data for 2003 from a few Posts (nine out of 66). Accordingly we have for the time being re-used their 2002 figures. Adding those to the updated figures from the bulk of Posts which have provided them gives a global total of £23,277,667.

  That gives a close approximation to the final updated total for 2003. Since the sub-total of re-used 2002 figures, £1,517,556 is just 6.5% of the estimated global total, the final figure should differ little from that.

34.   For how long has the Chairmanship of the Foreign Compensation Commission been vacant, and when is a replacement expected to be appointed? What impact has the vacancy had on the Commission's work? (p175)

  The Chairmanship of the Foreign Compensation Commission (FCC) has been vacant since December 2001. Under Section 1(1) of the Foreign Compensation Act 1950, the Lord Chancellor's Department (LCD) is responsible for appointing a new Chairman through open competition. A final decision is not currently expected before late 2003-early 2004. In the interim, a part-time secretary (Wednesday to Friday) has been handling FCC business on a care and maintenance basis. The vacancy has had minimal impact on the Commission's work because there have been no claims to adjudicate during this period.

  Could we also have a copy of the following documents referred to in the Report:

    results of the Stakeholder Survey and Employee Opinion Survey commissioned in 2002 (pp 18-19);

  We have previously sent copies of these documents to the Committee. We would be happy to supply further copies if required.

    the new medium-term strategy for the FCO, if available (p19); and

  The strategy is not yet available but Michael Jay would be happy to brief the Committee on progress and emerging conclusions at the evidence session.

    a classified version of the PSA and SDA "scorecards" (p28).

  I attach copies of the SR2000 PSA[8] and SDA scorecards (Annex D). Please note that the former is classified Restricted.

Parliamentary Relations & Devolution Department,

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

June 2003






Annex A

Breakdown of assessed national contributions

INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT BUDGET FOR THE FIRST FINANCIAL PERIOD REQUIREMENTS FOR 2002: 7,723,375 EUROS

2002
UN scale of
assessment
UN scale adjusted to reflect the number of States Parties (b) Share of
total costs (c)
(rounded)
States Parties


Andorra
0.004 0.00822635
Antiqua and Barbuda0.002 0.00411317
Argentina1.1592.38222 183,988
Australia1.6403.37088 260,346
Austria0.9541.96086 151,445
Belgium1.1382.33906 180,654
Belize0.0010.00206 159
Benin0.0020.00411 317
Bolivia0.0080.01644 1,270
Bosnia and Herzegovina0.004 0.00822635
Botswana0.0100.02055 1,587
Brazil2.0934.30198 332,258
Bulgaria0.0130.02672 2,064
Cambodia0.0020.00411 317
Canada2.5795.30091 409,409
Central African Republic0.001 0.00206159
Costa Rica0.0200.04111 3,175
Croatia0.0390.08016 6,191
Cyprus0.0380.07811 6,032
Democratic Republic of the Congo0.004 0.00822635
Denmark0.7551.55184 119,854
Dominica0.0010.00206 159
Ecuador0.0250.05139 3,969
Estonia0.0100.02055 1,587
Fiji0.0040.00822 635
Finland0.5261.08115 83,501
France6.51613.39308 1,034,398
Gabon0.0140.02878 2,222
Gambia0.0010.00206 159
Germany9.84520.23555 1,562,867
Ghana0.0050.01028 794
Greece0.5431.11609 86,200
Honduras0.0040.00822 635
Hungary0.1210.24871 19,208
Iceland0.0330.06783 5,239
Ireland0.2970.61046 47,148
Italy5.10410.49083 810,246
Jordan0.0080.01644 1,270
Latvia0.0100.02055 1,587
Lesotho0.0010.00206 159
Liechtenstein0.0060.01233 953
Luxembourg0.0800.16443 12,700
Mali0.0020.00411 317
Marshall Islands0.001 0.00206159
Mauritius0.0110.02261 1,746
Mongolia0.0010.00206 159
Namibia0.0070.01439 1,111
Nauru0.0010.00206 159
Netherlands1.7513.59903 277,967
New Zealand0.2430.49947 38,576
Niger0.0010.00206 159
Nigeria0.0560.11510 8,890
Norway0.6521.34013 103,503
Panama0.0180.03700 2,857
Paraquay0.0160.03289 2,540
Peru0.1190.24459 18,891
Poland0.3190.65568 50,640
Portugal0.4660.95782 73,976
Romania0.0590.12127 9,366
San Marino0.0020.00411 317
Senegal0.0050.01028 794
Sierra Leone0.0010.00206 159
Slovakia0.0430.08838 6,826
Slovenia0.0810.16649 12,859
South Africa0.4110.84478 65,245
Spain2.5395.21870 403,060
Sweden1.0352.12735 164,304
Switzerland (d)1.274 2.61860202,244
Tajikstan0.0010.00206 159
The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 0.0060.01233953
Trinidad & Tobago0.016 0.032892,540
Uganda0.0050.01028 794
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 5.57911.46715885,651
Uruguay0.0810.16649 12,859
Venezuela0.2100.43164 33,337
Yugoslavia0.0200.04111 3,175
TOTAL48.652100.00000 7,723,375

  (a)  List of States Parties as at 3 September 2002.

  (b)  2002 United Nations Scale of Assessments adjusted to the number of States Parties that ratified the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

  (c)  The share of total costs (in euros) is based on the United Nations Scale of Assessments and the list of States Parties provide by the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA).

  (d)  Newly admitted member state. This is an indicative assessment rate used to calculate Switzerland's assessments as a non-member state prior to its admission on 10 September 2002.

INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT BUDGET FOR THE FIRST FINANCIAL PERIOD REQUIREMENTS FOR 2003: 23,170,125 EUROS


2003
UN scale of
assessment
UN scale adjusted to reflect the number of States Parties (b) Share of
total costs (c)
(rounded)
States Parties


Andorra
0.00400 0.008221,904
Antigua and Barbuda0.00200 0.00411952
Argentina1.149002.36064 546,963
Australia1.627003.34270 774,508
Austria0.947001.94563 450,804
Belgium1.129002.31955 537,443
Belize0.001000.00205 476
Benin0.002000.00411 952
Bolivia0.008000.01644 3,808
Bosnia and Herzegovina0.00400 0.008221,904
Botswana0.010000.02055 4,760
Brazil2.390004.91029 1,137,721
Bulgaria0.013000.02671 6,189
Cambodia0.002000.00411 952
Canada2.558005.25545 1,217,695
Central African Republic0.00100 0.00205476
Costa Rica0.020000.04109 9,521
Croatia0.039000.08013 18,565
Cyprus0.038000.07807 18,089
Democratic Republic of the Congo0.00400 0.008221,904
Denmark0.749001.53883 356,550
Dominica0.001000.00205 476
Ecuador0.025000.05136 11,901
Estonia0.010000.02055 4,760
Fiji0.004000.00822 1,904
Finland0.522001.07246 248,490
France0.5220013.28450 3,078,036
Gabon0.014000.02876 6,665
Gambia0.001000.00205 476
Germany9.7690020.07057 4,650,377
Ghana0.005000.01027 2,380
Greece0.539001.10738 256,582
Honduras0.005000.01027 2,380
Hungary0.12000.24654 57,124
Iceland0.033000.06780 15,709
Ireland0.294000.06403 139,954
Italy5.0647510.40561 2,410,994
Jordan0.008000.01644 3,808
Latvia0.01000.02055 4,760
Lesotho0.001000.00205 476
Liechtenstein0.00600 0.012332,856
Luxembourg0.080000.16436 38,083
Mali0.002000.00411 952
Marshall Islands0.00100 0.00205476
Mauritius0.011000.02260 5,236
Mongolia0.001000.00205 476
Namibia0.007000.01438 3,332
Nauru0.001000.00205 476
Netherlands1.738003.57075 827,347
New Zealand0.241000.49514 114,724
Niger0.001000.00205 476
Nigeria0.068000.13971 32,370
Norway0.646001.32722 307,518
Panama0.018000.03698 8,569
Paraguay0.016000.03287 7,617
Peru0.118000.24243 56,172
Poland0.378000.77661 179,941
Portugal0.462000.94919 219,928
Romania0.058000.11916 27,610
San Marino0.002000.00411 952
Senegal0.005000.01027 2,380
Sierra Leone0.00100 0.00205476
Slovakia0.043000.08834 20,470
Slovenia0.081000.16642 38,559
South Africa0.40800 0.83824194,222
Spain2.518755.17481 1,199,011
Sweden1.026752.10947 488,768
Switzerland (d)1.27400 2.61745606,467
Tajikistan0.001000.00205 476
The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 0.006000.012332,856
Trinidad & Tobago0.01600 0.032877,617
Uganda0.005000.01027 2,380
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 5.5360011.373802,635,325
Uruguay0.08000.16436 38,083
Venezuela0.208000.42734 99,015
Yugoslavia0.020000.04109 9,521
TOTAL48.67325100.00000 23,170,125

  (a)  List of States Parties as at 3 September 2002.

  (b)  2003 United Nations Scale of Assessments adjusted to the number of States Parties that ratified the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

  (c)  The share of total costs (in euros) is based on the United Nations Scale of Assessments and the list of States Parties provided by the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA).

  (d)  Newly admitted member state. This is an indicative assessment rate used to calculate Switzerland's assessments as a non-member state prior to its admission on 10 September 2002.

ADVANCES TO THE WORKING CAPITAL FUND FOR THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT


2002
UN scale of
assessment
UN scale adjusted to reflect the number of States Parties Share of
total costs
(rounded)
States Parties


Andorra
0.004 0.00822158
Antigua and Barbuda0.002 0.0041179
Argentina1.1592.38222 45,636
Australia1.6403.37088 64,576
Austria0.9541.96086 37,564
Belgium1.1382.33906 44,809
Belize0.0010.00206 39
Benin0.0020.00411 79
Bolivia0.0080.01644 315
Bosnia and Herzegovina0.004 0.00822158
Botswana0.0100.02055 394
Brazil2.0934.30198 82,413
Bulgaria0.0130.02672 512
Cambodia0.0020.00411 79
Canada2.5795.30091 101,550
Central African Republic0.001 0.0020639
Costa Rica0.0200.04111 788
Croatia0.0390.08016 1,536
Cyprus0.0380.07811 1,496
Democratic Republic of the Congo0.004 0.00822158
Denmark0.7551.55184 29,729
Dominica0.0010.00206 39
Ecuador0.0250.05139 984
Estonia0.0100.02055 394
Fiji0.0040.00822 158
Finland0.5261.08115 20,712
France6.51613.39308 256,571
Gabon0.0140.02878 551
Gambia0.0010.00206 39
Germany9.84520.23555 387,652
Ghana0.0050.01028 197
Greece0.5431.11609 21,381
Honduras0.0040.00822 158
Hungary0.1210.24871 4,764
Iceland0.0330.06783 1,299
Ireland0.2970.61046 11,695
Italy5.10410.49083 200,973
Jordan0.0080.01644 315
Latvia0.0100.02055 394
Lesotho0.0010.00206 39
Liechtenstein0.0060.01233 236
Luxembourg0.0800.16443 3,150
Mali0.0020.00411 79
Marshall Islands0.001 0.0020639
Mauritius0.0110.02261 433
Mongolia0.0010.00206 39
Namibia0.0070.01439 276
Nauru0.0010.00206 39
Netherlands1.7513.59903 68,947
New Zealand0.2430.49947 9,568
Niger0.0010.00206 39
Nigeria0.0560.11510 2,205
Norway0.6521.34013 25,673
Panama0.0180.03700 709
Paraguay0.0160.03289 630
Peru0.1190.24459 4,686
Poland0.3190.65568 12,561
Portugal0.4660.95782 18,349
Romania0.0590.12127 2,323
San Marino0.0020.00411 79
Senegal0.0050.01028 197
Sierra Leone0.0010.00206 39
Slovakia0.0430.08838 1,693
Slovenia0.0810.16649 3,189
South Africa0.4110.84478 16,183
Spain2.5395.21870 99,975
Sweden1.0352.12735 40,754
Switzerland 1.2742.61860 50,164
Tajikistan0.0010.00206 39
The Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia
0.0060.01233236
Trinidad and Tobago0.016 0.03289630
Uganda0.0050.01028 197
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 5.57911.46715219,676
Uruguay0.0810.16649 3,189
Venezuela0.2100.43164 8,269
Yugoslavia0.0200.04111 788
TOTAL48.652100.00000 1,915,700

    List of States Parties as at 3 September 2002.

    2002 United Nations Scale of Assessments adjusted to the number of States Parties that ratified the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

    The share of total costs (in euros) is based on the United Nations Scale of Assessments and the list of States Parties provided by the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA).

    Newly admitted member state. This is an indicative assessment rate used to calculate Switzerland's assessments as a non-member state prior to its admission on 10 September 2002.




Annex C

Europe United Masters Football Match—editorial media coverage
Publication NameDate Circulation/
reach
Readership/
OTS
FrequencyNotes ContentRate Card
Equivalent £s
Gross Value £s
Entertainment
News
22.07.02 5,00012,500Weekly Event listingsEvent details 40.00120.00
Simon Mayo
Show—Radio 5
23.07.02 6,538,0006,538,000Weekly reach Interview with Peter Hain 2,150.006,450.00
Skysports News23-26.07.02 600,000600,000Daily Show min
10 times
Interview with Gary Mabbutt and coverage of photocall 27,360.0082,080.00
10 Downing Street
News
23.07.02 30,00030,000Online EU enlargement messages and countries listed
Talksport24.07.022,248,000 2,248,000Weekly reach 5 minutes (approx) durationIncluding key messages and event details 3,000.009,000.00
Financial Times24.07.02 474,3951,431,381Daily EU enlargement mentioned 1,107.163,321.48
FT.com24.07.02128,000 128,000Online55.5 million
page impressions a month
EU enlargement mentioned1,905.00 5,715.00
Southwark News25.07.02 4,80014,400Weekly Action shot with perimeter board in background 387.501,162.50
Skysports.com26.07.02 246,000246,000Online 42 million page impressions a monthAll information including key messages and images 2,200.006,600.00
Essex Chronicle26.07.02 49,005147,015Weekly Image and key messages 286.20858.60
Capital Radio29.07.02 5,254,0005,254,000Weekly reach 30 seconds (approx) durationInterview with Gary Mabbutt 1,134.003,402,00
Sponsorshipnews.com 01.08.02 7,2557,255Online Event details, key messages and countries listed 400.001,200.00
Entertainment
News
29.07.02 5,000125,000Weekly Event listingsEvent details 40.00120.00
The Wharf01.08.0240,000 120,000Weekly Interview with Gary Mabbutt and mention of EUMF 357.001,071.00
Icthewharf.co.uk01.08.02 60,46760,467Online Interview with Gary Mabbutt and mention of EUMF 900.002,700.00
Essex-fa.org02.08.0225,578 25,578Online EU enlargement mention150.00 450.00
Entertainment
News
05.08.02 5,00012,500Weekly Event listingsEvent details 40.00120.00
London at Large07.08.02 3,5008,750Weekly Event listingsEvent details 40.00120.00
Maldon Burnham
Standard
08.08.02 11,11035,097Weekly Image and key messages 441.001,323.00
Hot Tickets09.08.02432,477 1,297,431Weekly Magnum photo led with mention of EUMF3,781.20 11,343.60
Entertainment
News
12.08.02 5,00012,500Online Event listingsEvent details 40.00120.00
Sportcal12.08.0242,786 42,786Online EU enlargement messages and tournament info 789.002,367.00
News Shopper14.08.02319,987 959,961Weekly Competition inc EU enlargement messages 1,047.903,143.70
Newsshopper.co.uk 14.08.02 119,786119,786Online CompetitionCompetition inc EU enlargement messages 1,200.003,600.00
Guardian (local
newspapers)
12.08.02 233,436700,306Weekly Competition inc EU enlargement messages 278.25834.75
Entertainment
News
19.08.02 5,00012,500Weekly Event listingsEvent details 40.00120.00
London at Large21.08.02 3,5008,750Weekly Event listingsEvent details 40.00120.00
Football Insider22.08.02 5,00012,500Monthly Foreign Office mention and event date 150.00450.00
Match24.08.0270,323 211,194Monthly Competition inc EU enlargement messages 1,000.003,000.00
The Independent—
Sport
24.08.02 227,905569,763Daily British Masters promotion inc EUMF perimeter board 4,700.0014,100.00
The Independent—
Sport
25.08.02 236,199590,498Weekly British Masters promotion inc EUMF perimeter board 4,000.0012,000.00
Entertainment
News
26.08.02 5,00012,5000Weekly Event listingsEvent details 40.00120.00
PR Week26.08.0217,020 51,060Weekly Magnum photo led with mention of EUMF565.48 1,696.43
Totallyjewish.com 26.08.02 50,43250,432Online Competition inc EU enlargement messages 989.452,968.00
Enfield Gazette28.08.02 150,000450,000Weekly Competition inc EU enlargement messages 411.751,235.25
Teletext (Channel 4
event listings) page
466
28.08.0260,00060,000 DailyEvent listingsEvent details 145.00435.00
Shoot Monthly01.09.02 50,303125,758Monthly Competition inc EU enlargement messages 1,000.003,000.00
The People01.09.021,393,630 4,180,890Weekly Competition inc EU enlargement messages 5,555.2016,665.60
Entertainment
News
02.09.02 5,00012,500Weekly Event listingsEvent details 40.00120.00
The People08.09.021,393,630 4,180,890Weekly Competition inc EU enlargement messages 4,166.4012,499.20
Entertainment
News
09.09.02 5,00012,500Weekly Event listingsEvent details 40.00120.00
London At Large11.09.02 3,5008,750Weekly Event listingsEvent details 40.00120.00
Enfield Advertiser11.09.02 150,000450,000Weekly Competition winners585.60 1,756.80
Youngscot.org12.09.02 27,78627,786Online Event listings40.00 120.00
Evening Standard
Hot Tickets
13.09.02 432,4771,297,477Weekly Competition446.74 1,340.21
Independent on
Sunday
15.09.02 242,614606,535Weekly Barbican festival led with mention of EUMF 1,430.004,290.00
Independent.co.uk 16.09.02 111,783111,783Online Barbican festival led with mention of EUMF 1,512.004,536.00
Entertainment
News
16.09.02 5,00012,500Weekly Event listings40.00 120.00
London At Large18.09.02 3,5008,750Weekly Event listings40.00 120.00
Sunday Times:
Funday Times
22.09.02 1,391,4584,174,374Weekly Competition inc EU enlargement messages 1,792.745,378.23
Bristolcity.co.uk22.09.02 7,0677,067Online Tournament info and EU enlargement messages 550.001,650.00
Entertainment
News
23.09.02 5,00012,500Weekly Event details40.00 120.00
Besotted.com24.09.0215,786 15,786Online Tournament info and EU enlargement messages 675.002,025.00
4thegame.com25.09.021,172,896 1,172,896Online Competition inc all info and EU messages 2,978.008,934.00
East London
Advertiser
26.09.02 17,12842,820Weekly All info including EU enlargement messages 276.00829.00
The Wharf26.09.0240,000 100,000WeeklyInterview Event details. Interview with Ray Wilkins and competition 714.002,142.00
Hackney Gazette26.09.02 38,428115,284Weekly Competition inc all info and EU messages 397.501,192.50
London Jewish
News
27.09.02 40,000120,000Weekly Competition inc all info into and EU messages 221.98665.95
Independent: Sport28.09.02 227,905569,763Daily Competition inc all info and EU messages 4,700.0014,100.00
Independent: Sport29.09.02 236,199590,498Weekly Competition inc all info and EU messages 4,700.0014,100.00
Entertainment
News
30.09.02 5,00012,500Weekly Event listingsEvent details 40.00120.00
Youngscot.org03.10.02 27,78627,786Online Competition inc all info and EU messages 700.002,100.00
The Wharf03.10.0240,000 100,000WeeklyInterview Tournament info700.00 2,100.00
Speak Out Guide04.10.02 5,00012,500Yearly Interview, EU enlargement
and tournament info
Four Four Two05.10.02 67,246168,115Monthly EU enlargement mentioned 589.001,767.00
Skysports.com05.10.02 246,000Online Competition inc all info and EU messages 4,400.0013,200.00
Sport First06.10.02100,000 250,000Weekly Competition inc all info and EU messages 315.00945.00
Sky Sports News07.10.02 600,000600,000Daily Paul Gascoigne announcement 13,680.0041,040.00
Sky News07.10.02850,000 850,000Daily Paul Gascoigne announcement5,400.00 16,200.00
Football36508.10.02356,000 356,000OnlineTicket offer All info including key messages and images 2,500.007,500.00
Entertainment
News
09.10.02 5,00012,500Weekly Event listings40.00 120.00
The Sun08.10.023,508,754 10,526,262DailySports section Gascoigne led, tournament mention984.85 2,954.55
4thegame.com08.10.021,172,896 1,172,896OnlineTicket offer Inc full press release info2,500.00 7,500.00
Talksport08-11.10.022,248,000 2,248,000Weekly reach 9 mins 10 secs durationTicket competitions with all EU enlargement messages 6,700.0021,100.00
London at Large09.10.02 3,5008,750Weekly Event listingsStop Press inc EU mention 40.00120.00
Time Out09.10.0286,653 316,633WeeklySport listings 1/4 page in EU Messages and tournament info 900.002,700.00
Metro Life—
Evening Standard
10.10.02432,4771,081,193 WeeklySport listings Lead item, 1/3 page inc EU messages and tournament info 2,667.008,000.00
The Wharf10.10.0240,000 100,000Weekly Gascoigne mention and event details200.00 600.00
Channel 5—Live
with Chris Moyles
11.10.021,081,5411,081,541 Viewing figuresJohn Barnes

as EUMF rep.

1 min approx duration
Key messages and tournament info48,000.00 144,000.00
Capital Radio11.10.02 5,254,0005,254,000Weekly reach 1 min (approx) durationInterview with Gary Mabbutt 2,268.006,804.00
What's On TV12.10.031,709,092 4,272,730WeeklyTV listings 274.00823.00
Daily Mail
Weekend
12.10.02 2,436,3756,090,938Weekly TV listingsSports Extra 2,278.006,835.00
TV Times12.10.02688,556 1,721,390WeeklyTV listings Today's Sports Choice inc EU messages1,880.00 5,640.00
TV Quick12.10.02553,148 1,382,870WeeklyTV listings 123.00370.00
Radio Times12.10.021,264,315 3,160,788WeeklyTV listings 132.00396.00
TV Choice12.10.02751,618 1,879,045WeeklyTV listings 243.00729.00
Evening Express
(Aberdeen)
12.10.02 62,764156,910Daily TV listings100.00 300.00
TV & Satellite
Week
13.10.02 250,301625,753Weekly TV listings64.00 193.00
Sunday Times13.10.021,412,322 3,530,805Weekly Comprehensive write-up inc interview and key messages 13,680.0041,040.00
The People13.10.021,393,630 4,180,890WeeklyTV listings 337.001,011.00
Sunday Express13.10.02 870,0682,175,170Weekly Sports sectionGascoigne led, tournament mention 560.001,680.00
London 94.913.10.02256,000 256,000Weekly reach15 mins (approx) duration Live match updates from the Arena1,600.00 4,800.00
Heart 100.7FM13.10.02 1,663,0001,663,000Weekly reach 1 min (approx) durationTournament mention on breakfast show 600.001,800.00
Skysports14.10.02600,000 600,000Viewing figures Inc Tony Banks interviews. Approx 3 mins and 3 repeats 24,624.0073,872.00
Daily Express14.10.02 955,2562,865,768Daily Sports sectionGascoigne led, tournament mention 960.002,880.00
Daily Mail14.10.022,484,975 6,212,438DailySports section Gascoigne led, tournament mention1,080.00 3,240.00
The Wharf16.10.0240,000 100,000Weeklyfront page flash, back page and centrefold DPS Post match write-up and pics of Tony Banks 5,500.0016,500.00
Sport First20.10.02100,000 250,000Weekly Gascoigne pic and caption100.00 300.00
When Saturday
Comes
01.11.02 25,57163,928Monthly Inc Tony Banks interview 1,500.004,500.00


FourFourTwo
TBC Monthly Paul Gascoigne interview and tournament mention
Cities to CitiesTBC Monthly
East London
Advertiser
TBC Weekly Penalty shoot-out coverage
Newham RecorderTBC Weekly Penalty shoot-out coverage
Maltese TV and
press
TBC Daily
NewsweekTBC Weekly
BBC Slovenia
section
TBC Daily
LIG TVTBC Daily
Kanal Day TV
Turkey
TBC Daily
O GloboTBC Weekly
Totals58,381,895 105,206,353 241,395.90724,191.35
Sky Tournament
Broadcast
13-20.10.02
and 31.12.02
800,000800,000 Viewing figures159 mins duration x 8 repeats Live transmission and repeats17,808 53,424

Annex D

SERVICE DELIVERY AGREEMENT

SCORECARD MEASURES

  SDA 1.  Increased international security through effective controls on the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, and reductions in destabilising levels of arms.

    —  Improved policing of the transfer of small arms by March 2004. Non-Proliferation Department

    —  Signature of the CTBT by 90% of the 38 remaining non-parties by March 2004. Non-Proliferation Department

    —  Universal adherence to, and full implementation of, the Chemical Weapons Convention by all states by March 2010. Non-Proliferation Department

  SDA 3.  British business better able to exploit and enhance its competitiveness, especially in knowledge-based sectors (high-tech, financial services, etc) and British interests in science and technology advanced internationally.

    —  Meet the outcomes, at an international level, of the government wide review of Science and Technology work. Science and Technology Unit.

  SDA 4.1.  Effective international action to protect the environment, consistent with sustainable development.

    —  Increased protection of endangered species by March 2004. Environment Policy Department

    —  International Commitment to combat climate change by March 2004. Environment Policy Department

    —  More effective global regulation of all uses of the oceans and protection of the marine environment by March 2004. AMSED

  SDA 4.2.  Reduced drugs and crime threat to the UK (also relates to cross-cutting review on drugs).

    —  Four anti-drugs/crime MOUs signed per year. Drugs & International Crime Department

    —  18 more key countries ratify the three UN Drug Conventions by April 2004. Drugs & International Crime Department

    —  Ensure that the development of European Drug Flow models matches the requirements and targets set in the UK Drug Strategy (Cross Cutting measure). Drugs & International Crime Department

    —  UNDCP to have in place a project monitoring/evaluation mechanism by end 2002, producing by 2004 project reports against which we can assess the value derived from UK inputs. Drugs & International Crime Department

    —  Successful resolution of all international terrorist incidents involving British interests. Counter-Terrorism Policy Department

  SDA 5.1.  Improved Parliamentary, Government, British public and media access to and understanding of, overseas considerations affecting the UK; improved response to their concerns.

    —  Improvement in levels of service provided to Parliament and parliamentary bodies, measured by the timely response to requests and adherence to deadlines. Parliamentary Relations Department

    —  Response times of substantive reply to telephone requests from diplomatic correspondents of two hours. News Department

    —  90% of feedback from visitors to open days and the Information Centre indicates their perception of the FCO has been positively influenced. Public Diplomacy Department

    —  On line file output to grow by at least 10% per annum. Public Diplomacy Department/BBCM

    —  33% growth by April 2004 in packages on special topics and events. Public Diplomacy Department /BBCM

  Improve response rate to MPs and Member of the Public Letters. Quality & Efficiency Unit

  SDA 5.2.  Perceptions of the UK overseas improved; in particular, increased respect for British policies and values and recognition of the excellence of British education, science and creative industries, resulting greater use of British goods and services.

    —  Number of Chevening scholars in position of influence (and in contact with us) after 10 years increased to 30% by March 2004. Cultural Relations Department

    —  1.25 million hits on Planet Britain 2000 website by April 2004. Public Diplomacy Department

  SDA 6.1  Greater UK influence with our EU partners and the applicant countries.

    —  Implementation of Action Plans with candidate countries by 2002 which improve their quality of life and security and their ability to take on the obligations of EU membership. Central and North West Europe Department

  SDA 6.2  A robust European Common Foreign and Security Policy.

    —  An effective and proactive CFSP making full use of the new structures in Brussels delivering results in support of the UK's foreign policy objectives. Common Foreign & Security Policy Department

    —  The development and maintenance of a structured step-change programme with EU partners. Common Foreign & Security Policy Department

  SDA 6.3  More effective EU external programmes promoting development, reconstruction and democratic values (with DFID and other Whitehall Departments).

    —  Balkans. European Union Department (External)

    —  FSU. European Union Department (External)

  SDA 8.1  Visa operation self-financing, with no increase in the real level of the visa fee.

    —  Reduction in number of gratis visas issued. Joint Entry Clearance Unit

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

June 2003





8   Not printed. Back


 
previous page contents next page

House of Commons home page Parliament home page House of Lords home page search page enquiries index

© Parliamentary copyright 2003
Prepared 4 December 2003