---

4 Mar 2004 : Column 1090W—continued

CDC

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the cost of corporate entertaining by CDC was for the last seven years; and what the budget for corporate entertainment by (a) CDC and (b) Actis is for the next three years. [157842]

Hilary Benn [pursuant to his reply, 1 March 2004, Official Report, c. 618W]: The costs of corporate entertainment by CDC over the last seven years were as follows:

	£
1997	66,000
1998	101,000
1999	114,000
2000	88,000
2001	78,000
2002	81,000
2003	66,000

The corporate entertainment budgets for CDC and Actis for 2004 are £16,000 and £118,000 respectively. Although the combined level is higher than recent years, it reflects the need for the new investment management company, Actis, to establish itself in all its the markets worldwide, to promote its investment Funds and to attract third party investors.

Budgets for subsequent years have not yet been set.

Iraq

Mr. Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations he has made to the Agricultural Reconstruction and Development Programme for Iraq to ensure that poorer farmers do not suffer from higher prices for irrigation water; and if he will make a statement. [157435]

Hilary Benn: The USAID-supported Agricultural Reconstruction and Development Program for Iraq (ARDI) is undertaking surveys in the agriculture and natural resources sectors in Iraq in order to provide information for future policy-making by the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources.

As part of this work, ARDI advisers are working with the Ministry to consider options for the reform of tariffs on water used in irrigation. The aims of such reforms would be to generate revenue to cover the operating expenses of the irrigation system and to encourage the efficient and sustainable use of scarce water resources.

DFID secondees are not closely involved in the agriculture or water resources sectors in Iraq. However, advisers from other Coalition partners in these sectors are aware of the need to put in put in place measures which will improve the situation of poor farmers on a long-term sustainable basis.

4 Mar 2004 : Column 1091W

United Nations Officials Transcripts

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development on which dates his Department received transcripts of telephone conversations of the Secretary General of the UN; what action was taken in response to the information they contained; and whether the Department raised concerns about how the transcripts were acquired with the relevant authorities. [158400]

Hilary Benn: It has been the practice of successive Governments neither to confirm nor to deny allegations relating to the security and intelligence agencies.

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Public Record Office (Irish Historical Documents)

Mr. Paul Marsden: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will list documents on Kilmainham Gaol held by the Public Record Office. [156299]

Mr. Leslie: Information is available on the National Archives' electronic catalogue, available at www. nationalarchives.gov.uk An initial search revealed that some of the documents are held in the following series: AO2, HO45, SP34 and Tl. The National Archives of Ireland in Dublin also holds some material relating to Kilmainham Gaol.

Mr. Paul Marsden: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will list the documents relating to the courts-martial of those indicted following the Easter Uprising in Dublin in 1916 held by the Public Record Office. [156300]

Mr. Leslie: Information is held on the National Archives' electronic catalogue, available on the internet at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk An initial search revealed that some documents are held in Series WO71 and WO141.

Mr. Paul Marsden: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs which documents are held by the Public Record Office written by (a) P. H. Pearse, (b) Thomas J. Clarke, (c) Thomas Macdonagh, (d) Edward Daly, (e) William Pearse, (f) Michael O'Hanrahan, (g) Joseph Mary Plunkett, (h) John MacBride, (i) Sean Heuston, (j) Michael Mallin, (k) Eamonn Ceannt, (l) Con Colbert, (m) Thomas Kent, (n) Sean MacDiarmada, (o) James Connolly and (p) Sir Roger Casement. [156304]

Mr. Leslie: It is not possible to identify documents which may have been written by the names listed, without detailed research into the records held by the National Archives. Because this research would have to cover a very large number of documents, a full answer to the hon. Member could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, more information about Government records which have been transferred to the National Archives can be accessed through its web site at: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

Small Claims Track

Vera Baird: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs (1) what

4 Mar 2004 : Column 1092W

percentage of the cost of running the small claims track was recovered from the payment of court fees by litigants in the last period for which figures are available; [155383]

(2) what percentage of the costs of the small claims track in Middlesbrough court was recovered from court fees paid by litigants in the last year for which figures are available. [155384]

Mr. Leslie: The approximate unit cost to the Court Service of processing a claim from issue of proceedings to judgment at a small-claims hearing in 2002–03 was £527. For the purpose of calculating the unit cost the divisor is the number of claims allocated to the small claims track. In 2002–03 this was 80,496 (England and Wales). The total cost of small claims that are defended is therefore £42,421,392.

The percentage of cost recovered from fees paid by litigants was 103 per cent. This allows for income and cost associated with small claims that did not go to a hearing or were not defended. The cost of the small claims hearing itself, (included in the figure of £527) is based on the average length of a small claims hearing published in Judicial Statistics 2002 (table 4.11).

In 2003 a total of 482 small claims were allocated to track at Middlesbrough county court, indicating a total cost of £254,014. It is impossible to carry out valid comparisons of cost and income at local level. This is because a significant proportion of fee revenue is accounted for centrally at the Claims Production Centre (Northampton). The CPC issues claims on behalf of all county courts in England and Wales.

University Complaints

Ms Walley: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the Government's policy is in respect of the availability of legal aid for those intending to refer university complaints to the proposed new Independent Adjudicator as set out in the Higher Education Bill; and if he will make a statement. [158299]

Mr. Lammy: It is intended that the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA), which has been established by the higher education sector, will be the designated operator of a scheme for the review of student complaints should the Higher Education Bill become law. The OIA is not a judicial scheme. It operates along similar lines to other Ombudsman-type schemes and will be free to complainants, and therefore legal aid should be unnecessary.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Burma

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Burmese Government about the country's procedure for trial. [157462]

Mr. Mike O'Brien: We are concerned about the Burmese authorities' procedure for trial. We believe that Burmese trials continue to fall short of international fair

4 Mar 2004 : Column 1093W

trial standards. I regularly raise our concerns on human rights issues with the Burmese authorities, most recently when I met the Burmese ambassador on 23 February.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he has made to the Burmese Government to review the sentences of those political prisoners who have been sentenced in trials which did not meet international standards of fairness; [157464]

(2) what representations he has made to the Government of Burma about the continued detention of 23 people arrested on 30 May 2003. [157724]

Mr. Mike O'Brien: We have repeatedly called on the Burmese regime to fully release all political prisoners and to allow them to play an active role in national reconciliation in Burma.

We are concerned about the Burmese authorities' procedure for trial. We believe that Burmese trials continue to fall short of international fair trial standards. I regularly raise our concerns on human rights issues with the Burmese authorities, most recently when I met the Burmese ambassador on 23 February.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he has made to the Burmese Government about ensuring that the National Convention incorporates extensive human rights safeguards in a new constitution for the country; [157465]

(2) what discussions he has had with the Burmese Government about the timetable for reconvening the National Convention to draft a new constitution and conduct the transition to democracy. [157623]

Mr. Mike O'Brien: The Burmese ambassador called on me on 23 February to discuss the State Peace and Development Council's plans to reconvene the National Convention. We had a full and frank discussion. I made clear that the National Convention should be an inclusive, transparent process with a clear timeframe. I have repeatedly called on the Burmese regime to ensure that human rights in Burma are fully respected.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the level of access of the Rohingya people in Burma to (a) markets, (b) employment, (c) education and (d) medical care. [157472]

Mr. Mike O'Brien: Many people in all parts of Burma have only limited access to employment opportunities, education, and medical care. These problems are compounded in Northern Rakhine State by the additional travel and other restrictions placed on the Rohingya people, which in some cases also limit their access to markets. We provide support to the United Nation High Commission for Refugees who are working to improve conditions in Northern Rakhine State.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the extent of the confiscation of Rohingya land for (a) use as Burmese army camps and (b) the settlement of other people. [157473]

4 Mar 2004 : Column 1094W

Mr. Mike O'Brien: We are aware of allegations of land confiscation but are unable to independently verify these.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the extent of the use of human minesweepers in Burma. [157629]

Mr. Mike O'Brien: We are aware of allegations of instances where villagers or prisoners have been forced to assist with mine clearance, including by inappropriate and dangerous methods. The 2003 Landmine Monitor, published by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, alleges three cases of 'atrocity demining' in 2002.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the extent of the destruction of crops and food supplies by the State Peace and Development Council in Burma. [157633]

Mr. Mike O'Brien: Instances of destruction of crops and food supplies by the State Peace and Development Council forces is rare in the large parts of the country. However, there are credible reports of such activity in areas where armed conflict continues.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the extent of (a) looting, (b) burning and (c) extortion by the State Peace and Development Council in Burma. [157636]

Mr. Mike O'Brien: Instances of looting and burning by State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) forces or other authorities are rare in the majority of the country. However, in the areas where armed conflict continues there are numerous allegations of looting and burning of property, and other human rights abuse, by SPDC forces. We judge that some of these allegations are credible. Restrictions on travel by British embassy personnel in Rangoon makes it impossible to independently verify individual allegations.

A certain level of extortion is widespread throughout the country. At the lowest and most common level it includes the extraction of small sums of money, by police and military personnel, at roadside and other checkpoints. We are aware also of frequent instances where 'contributions' to local projects, entertainment for VIP guests, additional charges for electricity and other services, etc. are extracted from householders under threat of jail sentences or other punishment, by civilian authorities.

Within conflict affected areas there are reports of threats and extortion being used, by military and anti-SPDC forces, to extract food, labour, information and other assistance from local villagers.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of deaths from the use of landmines in Burma in each of the last five years. [157641]

Mr. Mike O'Brien: A reliable estimate of the number of deaths from landmines is not possible, since many deaths (as opposed to injuries which require medical treatment) are unreported and unrecorded.

4 Mar 2004 : Column 1095W

The 2003 Landmine Monitor (published by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines) notes that in 2002 there were at least 114 landmine casualties reported in Burma, but only one of these, a military officer, was reported as being killed. It also notes that the number of landmine casualties appears to have been increasing in the last 5–6 years.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of internally displaced people in Burma who have died of starvation in each of the last five years. [157642]

Mr. Mike O'Brien: We do not hold figures for the number of internally displaced people (IDPs) in Burma who have died of starvation in each of the last five years.

IDPs are largely concentrated in areas where there is continuing conflict between the State Peace and Development Council forces and forces belonging to ethnic nationality organisations. Some have been forcibly relocated to 'resettlement' camps and villages. Others remain in hiding in remote areas. All IDPs, particularly those hiding in the jungle, are extremely vulnerable to a range of ills—including starvation, but also to disease, lack of medical care, lack of shelter, ongoing fighting and abuse by armed forces.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last had contact with the Karenni National Progressive Party; and what was discussed at that meeting. [157644]

Mr. Mike O'Brien: I have had no direct contact with the Karenni National Progressive Party.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Burma about the Emergency Provisions Act 1950. [157725]

Mr. Mike O'Brien: None.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of people in Karenni state who remain in need of (a) food, (b) shelter and (c) protection. [157639]

Mr. Mike O'Brien: Karenni State has an estimated population of 259,000 people. It is one of the least developed areas in Burma. There are large numbers of people who suffer from deficiencies in food, shelter and protection (as there are in other parts of Burma).

Between two thirds and three quarters of the area of the state is believed to be under the control of various armed ethnic organisations who have reached ceasefire agreements with the State Peace and Development Council. Although many problems remain in these ceasefire areas, the situation for ordinary villagers is better than in the areas where armed conflict continues.

In the areas of Karenni State where armed conflict continues, food, shelter and protection needs are particularly severe. Population displacement means that the numbers of people involved is probably considerably less than a quarter of the state's population. Among the most vulnerable are those internally displaced people who have been forced to

4 Mar 2004 : Column 1096W

leave their villages and who remain hiding in the jungle. Accurate estimates are hard to obtain, but their number probably reaches several thousand.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the numbers of Burmese State Peace and Development Council soldiers brought into Karenni state from Karen areas since 1 December 2003. [157640]

Mr. Mike O'Brien: We are aware of reports of increased military activity in southern Karenni State since December 2003. We are also aware of reports of an associated increase in instances of human rights abuse and internally displaced people. Some estimates of numbers and disposition of troops are available. The most comprehensive of these are provided by the Karen People's Progressive Party and Karen National Union forces and publicised by groups such as the Free Burma Rangers. They state that up to 1,000 new troops have been brought into the region. Other evidence for increased activity in this area is quite strong. But independent verification of troop numbers is not possible.

---