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Mr. Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many mobile phones were used by (a) Ministers and special advisers and (b) officials in his Department in each year since 1997; how many were (i) lost and (ii) stolen; and what their cost was. [191443]
Mr. Rammell:
Our records show that there are currently a total of 65 mobile phones in use by Ministers, Special Advisers and civil servants in ministerial offices. Within the rest of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK, there are a further 1,220 mobile phones in use. The records are cumulative and reflect live
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numbers only. Details of old phones disconnected or replaced are not kept and it is not therefore possible to provide a breakdown on a historical basis.
The cost for mobile phone services in the UK up until 2003 was based on line rental with new or replacement handsets provided to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office free of charge. Whilst suppliers are now charging for handsets, there are no records held centrally detailing those that were lost or stolen, and the resultant cost to replace them.
Details for mobile phones used by staff overseas cannot be provided as responsibility for such contracts is devolved to our overseas missions and relevant figures could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
Dr. Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many personnel the Department has recruited under the New Deal in each of the past five years. [193673]
Mr. Alexander: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has recruited a total of thirteen personnel under the New Deal Scheme in the past five years. These were recruited as follows:
Number | |
---|---|
1999 | 3 |
2000 | 4 |
2001 | 3 |
2002 | 0 |
2003 | 2 |
2004 | (22)1 |
(22) To date. |
Seven members of staff initially recruited under the New Deal Scheme have successfully applied for open competitions and have been recruited as permanent staff. There are currently four applicants who have been offered New Deal Placements subject to satisfactory pre-appointment checks.
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many full-time equivalent jobs (a) his Department and (b) its executive agencies had in (i) Yorkshire and the Humber and (ii) the City of York in (A) 1997 and (B) the latest year for which figures are available. [191839]
Mr. Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements were in place prior to 1974 to inform spouses of Foreign, Colonial and Commonwealth Office staff serving abroad but forbidden from working abroad of their obligation to make sufficient national insurance contributions to secure eligibility for a 100 per cent. basic state pension. [193619]
Mr. Alexander: It is not possible to determine the precise arrangements in place 30 or more years ago. In general, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office tries to keep its staff informed of relevant changes which might affect an individual's financial circumstances. But it has always been the case that it is an officer's own responsibility to make appropriate financial provision for the future for themselves and their families.
Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of the General Affairs and External Relations Council held on 11 October; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement. [192039]
Mr. MacShane: The information is as follows:
Outcome of 11 October 2004 General Affairs and External Relations Council
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, John Grant (UK's Permanent Representative to the EU) and I represented the UK at the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) in Luxembourg on 11 October.
Conclusions were agreed on terrorism, Libya, Western Balkans (ICTY, Serbia and Montenegro, and Kosovo elections), Sudan/Darfur, Indonesia, Great Lakes (Burundi and MONUC), Middle East Peace Process, Ukraine, Human Rights Dialogues (EU-China and EU-Iran), EU-India Strategic Partnership, WTO/DDA, Bosnia/EUFOR (Draft OPLANALTHEA), and EUPOL Proxima.
Preparations for the European Council (5 November 2004)
The Council examined a draft agenda prepared by the presidency. The main items are:
Economic issuesThe European Council will hear a presentation by Mr. Wim Kok, chairman of a high-level group advising the Commission on the preparation of the mid-term review of the economic reform strategy laid down at Lisbon in March 2000. It will also take note of work on a methodology for assessing the burden on businesses of legislation and regulation.
Justice and home affairsThe European Council is expected to adopt a new multi-annual agenda for the EU's Area of freedom, security and justice.
EU communication strategyThe European Council will examine how to better communicate to the public on the EU's work and its relevance to people's daily lives.
EU enlargementThe President of the Commission will present a number of policy documents regarding Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Turkey's applications to join the EU.
The Council welcomed progress made in several areas in the implementation of the EU Action Plan for combating terrorism, while noting that significant steps still needed to be taken by the EU and its member states to adhere to the commitments made under the plan. Conclusions were agreed.
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The Council took note of a presentation by Commissioner Verheugen on the Commission's Recommendation on the start of accession negotiations with Turkey, the 2004 Regular Report and Issues Paper on Turkey, the Strategy Paper on progress in the enlargement process, including Croatia, as well as the 2004 Regular Reports on Bulgaria and Romania.
EU Financial Framework for 200713
The presidency presented its progress report on the negotiations so far. the report gave a broad summary of the views raised by member states on competitiveness, cohesion, agriculture, rural development and fisheries. The Council also heard a presentation by the Commission on its proposals for financing in the field of external action. The presidency is aiming to secure Council agreement to principles and guidelines for the 200713 financial perspective at the European Council in December as a step on the way to reaching political agreement on future financing next year.
As part of a policy of engagement with Libya, the Council decided to lift the arms embargo and repealed a set of economic sanctions adopted by the EU in application of UNSC resolutions. The Council invited Libya to respond positively to this policy, notably with a view to the resolution of the remaining EU concerns, such as the case of the Bulgarian and Palestinian medical workers and other outstanding issues. Conclusions were agreed, which reflected these concerns.
The Council remained supportive of Ukraine's pursuit of democratisation and economic reform. The EU has called upon the Ukrainian authorities on several occasions to safeguard all necessary conditions for holding free, fair and transparent presidential elections this autumn. The Council reiterated this appeal and reminded the Ukrainian leadership that the conduct of these elections will be proof of Ukraine's commitment to the democratic values of the Council of Europe and the OSCE and bears great significance for EU-Ukraine relations. Conclusions were agreed.
Ministers discussed Iran over lunch with a particular focus on the nuclear issue. Views were exchanged on the approach for the weeks ahead, leading up to the IAEA Board of Governors meeting of 25 November. Conclusions were agreed on the EU-Iran Human Rights Dialogue.
Ministers took stock of the state of discussions on the embargo on the sale of arms to China over lunch, following the mandate given to the Council by the European Council in December 2003. Conclusions were agreed on the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue.
The Council urged the Government of Sudan to provide information on actions taken to neutralise and disarm the Janjaweed militias and to bring to justice
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perpetrators of human rights violations and crimes against civilians. It called upon all parties to strictly abide by the ceasefire agreement signed on 8 April 2004. The Council will take appropriate measures, including sanctions, against the Government of Sudan and all other parties, in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1556 and 1564, if no tangible progress is achieved in this respect. The Council reiterated its readiness to support the African Union in its efforts to stabilise the security situation in Darfur. It noted with urgency the need for additional humanitarian assistance and coordination. Conclusions were agreed.
International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY)
The Council noted with deep concern the presentation by ICTY Chief Prosecutor, Mrs. Carla del Ponte, who emphasised the need for improvement in the level of co-operation with the tribunal. The Council reiterated its call on all states, in particular Serbia and Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and also Croatia to render all necessary assistance to the ICTY. Continued failure to co-operate fully and in a timely manner with the ICTY would seriously jeopardise further movement towards the EU. Conclusions were agreed.
High Representative Solana and Commissioner Patten reported on their visit to Belgrade. The Council expressed its support for the twin-track approach, which would imply a single Stabilisation and Association Agreement with distinct negotiations with the Republics on trade, economic and possibly on other relevant sectoral policies. It urged the country's political leaders to take advantage of this approach with the aim of contributing to a positive outcome of the feasibility report early next year. It recalled that respect for international obligations, including full co-operation with the ICTY, remained crucial for further progress in the process towards EU integration. Conclusions were agreed.
The Council discussed the forthcoming Kosovo Assembly elections on 23 October and looks forward to the elections being conducted in a peaceful and democratic environment and in a free and fair manner, with the widest participation of all communities. The Council welcomed the call by President Tadic encouraging Kosovo Serbs to participate in the forthcoming elections. Conclusions were agreed.
The Council took note of a progress report by the Commission on the state of play of the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plans with the seven countries concerned (Jordan, Palestinian Authority of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Ukraine, Moldova, Israel, Morocco and Tunisia).
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The Council condemned the terrorist attacks in Taba and Ras Satan against innocent Egyptian and Israeli citizens and praised the two Governments for their close co-operation in the rescue and investigation activities.
The Council expressed its grave concern at the unprecedented cycle of retaliatory violence in Israel and the Occupied Territories and reiterated its full and unconditional condemnation of all forms of terrorism. It called upon the Palestinian Authority to take firm action against the planners and perpetrators of such terrorist acts (rocket attacks into Israel). The Council recognised that Israel has the right to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks, it stressed that the exercise of this right should take place within the boundaries of international law. The Council called on Israel to put an immediate end to its operation in Gaza and to fully respect the Fourth Geneva Convention. The Council reminded Israel and the Palestinians to consider the longer-term consequences of their actions. It emphasised that the only way to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East is through the resumption of security co-operation and direct negotiations between the parties, as called for in the Roadmap. Conclusions were agreed.
The Council remained concerned about the overall situation in the region and welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1565, which further strengthens the mandate of MONUC (UN Mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and calls for a significant increase and improvement of MONUC's capabilities. The Council stressed that the European Union and its member states are currently investigating possible contributions to MONUC. Conclusions were agreed.
The EU expressed its profound shock and total condemnation of the barbaric murder of Kenneth Bigley in Iraq. The EU condemned all kidnappings and acts of terrorism in Iraq and demanded the immediate release of all hostages there.
The presidency requested that the condolences of all Council members be passed to Mr. Bigley's family.
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