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Olympics
Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress she is making in her discussions with the Home Office on granting an exemption from firearms legislation for target pistol shooting training for the Olympics; and if she will make a statement. [81006]
Mr. Caborn: I have written to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to draw his attention to the impact that the current firearms legislation places upon our elite shooters' ability to train for major international shooting competitions in Great Britain. I have asked ask him to consider how this situation could be improved within the parameters of the existing firearms legislation. To date I have not received a response.
Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of23 May 2006, Official Report, columns 1640-1W, on the London Olympics, when discussions with the English Institute of Sport (EIS) and the Summer Olympic Sports are expected to be finalised; and when a decision is expected to be made on the amount of funding allocated to each sport for use on EIS Services within the World Class Pathway Summer Olympic programme 2006-09. [81198]
Mr. Caborn: In line with its investment model UK Sport has confirmed the indicative value of existing EIS services for each funded summer Olympic sport through to 2009. In addition, these sports now have a guideline figure to be spent on Sports Science and Sports Medicine within their total World Class Performance Pathway funding.
Those sports that already have a relationship with the EIS are in the process of determining how best to allocate the additional financial resource they have received for Sport Science/Sports Medicine services for the period 2006-09. These decisions are likely to be finalised after the summer competition season, in September or October this year.
The new sports with no existing relationship are at the very early stages of planning their performance activity and are unlikely to finalise their Institute service requirements until later in the year.
UK Sport, the EIS and the Summer Olympic Sports will continue to discuss the role of the Institute network in supporting athletes throughout the build up to the Beijing Olympic games and beyond.
Rowing Safety
Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions she has had about rowing safety; and if she will make a statement. [81005]
Mr. Caborn: Since the adjournment debate on rowing safety in March, I have met with my hon. Friend the Member for Ashton-under-Lyne (David Heyes) and his constituents Stephen and Jane Blockley to hear their concerns on the issue. I have also written to the Amateur Rowing Association to ask them to clarify the matter of boat buoyancy and to the international rowing governing body FISA to better understand its position on that issue.
Safety in any water sport is paramount and given that there is divided opinion on the issue I consider that it would be helpful to have an objective view of the current guidance and evidence available. I have therefore asked Sport England to identify an appropriate organisation to undertake an independent review of rowing safety.
Shrewsbury
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will visit Shrewsbury (a) to see the plans for a new theatre and (b) to discuss Shropshire's role in the 2012 Olympic games. [80337]
Mr. Caborn: I am aware of plans to build a new theatre in Shrewsbury and understand that Arts Council England's West Midlands office is in contact with the council over the project.
I do not have plans to visit Shrewsbury at the current time. However, representatives from the DCMS and the London Organising Committee for the Olympic games (LOCOG) will be visiting Much Wenlock in Shropshire as part of the forthcoming 2012 Regional Roadshow on 10 July.
The Roadshow aims to ensure that local communities and businesses are fully engaged with the cultural, sporting, economic and social aspects of the games. It forms a valuable part of the work currently being taken forward by the Nations and Regions Group, chaired by Charles Alien and supported by LOCOG, to maximise benefits in every nation and region of the UK.
Special Advisers
Mr. Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what role is played by special advisers in answering parliamentary questions asked of her Department. [80646]
Mr. Lammy: Special advisers conduct themselves in accordance with the requirements of the code of conduct for special advisers.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
32 (The Royal) Squadron
Dr. Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in respect of what official duties the Minister for Europe used 32 (The Royal) Squadron for flights on (a) 29 September 2003 and (b) 30 September 2002; what the take-off and landing times were of each flight; whether the carbon emissions were offset in respect of each flight; which other transport options were considered on each occasion; why other transport options were not used; and if he will make a statement. [66159]
Mr. Hoon: The then Ministers for Europe used 32 (The Royal) Squadron to fly to Brussels to attend the General Affairs and External Relations Council, on behalf of my right hon. Friend the then Foreign Secretary (Mr. Jack Straw) on both 29 September 2003 (Dr. Denis MacShane) and 30 September 2002 (Mr. Peter Hain). The flight details on each occasion were as follows:
| 29 September 2003 | 30 September 2002 | ||||||
| Departed | Time | Arrived | Time | Departed | Time | Arrived | Time |
Carbon dioxide emissions arising from 32 Squadron flights are included in the Government's carbon offsetting commitment. Carbon emissions arising from the use of these flights have been recorded and offset in the same way as the use of scheduled flights since April 2005.
In accordance with the guidance in “Travel by Ministers”, other transport options were considered on each occasion. On both occasions, the option of the Minister and officials travelling by 32 (The Royal) Squadron to Brussels was chosen to enable Ministers to meet their commitments in an efficient way. The rules on the use of special flights are set out in “Travel by Ministers”. The annual lists of overseas travel by Cabinet Ministers costing over £500 set out when special flights are used, and the purpose of each trip. Copies are available in the Library of the House.
Afghanistan
Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) primary schools, (b) middle schools and (c) high schools there were in the Helmand region in each year since 2003; and how many of these schools have been closed due to (i) security risks and (ii) activities of insurgent groups. [80432]
Dr. Howells: In light of the security situation in Helmand detailed education statistics are difficult to obtain.
According to a 2005 survey by the UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, there were 253 schools in Helmand. Of 117,000 students, approximately 8,900 were girls. According to Helmand provincial Government's Department of Education there are now 224 Government of Afghanistan approved schools in the province. Of those, only 64 are currently operating in dedicated buildings. 66 schools are currently closed due to destroyed facilities or threats against teachers. To date we have been unable to obtain a more detailed breakdown of how many of these schools were closed because of Taliban action.
The UK and other international partners are working closely with the Afghan Government to improve the quality and accessibility of education for all children across Afghanistan, in particular girls who were deprived the opportunity under the Taliban.
Algeria
Mr. Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations she has received regarding the compatibility of the proposed memorandum of understanding with Algeria regarding the deportation of persons with international human rights law; and what steps she is taking to ensure that any eventual agreement will fully meet the requirements of international law. [80995]
Mr. McCartney: The Government have received a range of representations on the deportation of persons to Algeria, including from international human rights institutions and non-governmental organisations such as the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, and Amnesty International.
The Government continue to believe that memoranda of understanding or comparable arrangements provide a framework to deport foreign nationals whom we believe threaten our security, in a manner consistent with our international human rights obligations. Any decision to deport is subject to appeal through the UK court system.
In the case of Algeria, such deportation takes full account of the provisions of the Algerian Charter for Peace and Reconciliation, its accompanying provisions for clemency and the particular circumstances of each case.
Mr. Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what stage negotiations for a memorandum of understanding with Algeria regarding the deportation of persons has reached; and if she will make a statement. [80996]
Mr. McCartney: The deportation of persons who pose a threat to the UK's national security is a subject of discussion between the British and Algerian Governments.
The Government continue to believe that memoranda of understanding or comparable arrangements provide a framework to deport foreign nationals whom we believe threaten our security, in a manner consistent with our international human rights obligations. Any decision to deport is subject to appeal through the UK court system.
In the case of Algeria, such deportation takes full account of the provisions of the Algerian Charter for Peace and Reconciliation, its accompanying provisions for clemency and the particular circumstances of each case.
Belarus
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will adopt a total trade ban on Belarus in response to malpractice in the presidential elections. [80607]
Mr. Hoon: Our trade relations with Belarus are conducted through the EU. All EU restrictions imposed in response to the fraudulent presidential elections are designed to target the regime, not the people of Belarus. As such, a unilateral trade ban in response to the fraudulent elections is not being considered at the moment.
Separately, Belarus faces possible withdrawal of the general system of preferences (GSP)—the system of preferential trading arrangements through which the EU extends preferential access to its markets to developing countries. Eligibility for GSP benefits depends on International Labour Organisation monitoring of labour standards and an investigation last year uncovered serious and systematic violations.
Darfur
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make a statement on the decision of the UN to suspend operations in part of Darfur; and what assessment she has made of the extent to which that decision was a consequence of the Government of Sudan’s reluctance to agree to the handover of security from the African Union to the UN. [81337]
Mr. McCartney: On 25 June, the Government of Sudan suspended all UN activity in Darfur apart from humanitarian assistance provided by the World Food Programme and the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF. They lifted the suspension the following day. There has been some impact on the UN’s humanitarian work in West Darfur, but minimal disruption elsewhere.
This was a provocative act by the Sudanese Government in response to the UN helping a prominent Darfur rebel. The Government of Sudan should allow all UN humanitarian agencies and non-governmental organisations unimpeded access in Darfur.
The Sudanese Government currently oppose an international force for Darfur. However the UN Secretary-General has said he hopes to see a UN force in Darfur, the Security Council has taken a strong line in favour and the African Union wants to see the UN take over in Darfur, as do many prominent African countries. We will continue to press the Government of Sudan to accept it.
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action the UK plans to take through the UN Security Council to put pressure on the Government of Sudan to agree to the introduction of UN troops as part of the Darfur Peace Agreement. [81338]
Mr. McCartney: The UK led the recent UN Security Council mission to Sudan. That visit was important in securing Sudanese Government agreement for a joint UN/African Union Technical Assessment Mission (TAM) to deploy to Darfur. The TAM has now made its visit. It will make detailed technical recommendations shortly to the UN Secretary-General on establishing a UN force for Darfur, who will then report to the Security Council. Once he has done so, the Security Council will debate the mandate of a future UN force. We are continuing to press the Government of Sudan to accept such a force.
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions she has had with the Government of Sudan on how to disarm the Janjaweed in Darfur. [81339]
Mr. McCartney: We continue to press the Government of Sudan to neutralise and disarm the Janjaweed and expel foreign fighters from Darfur as soon as possible. On Friday 23 June, the Government of Sudan publicly began disarming a small group of Janjaweed in South Darfur. We welcome this step, and call on the Government to continue this work and to present a plan for neutralising and disarming the Janjaweed/armed militias, which they are required to do under the Darfur Peace Agreement.
Ethiopia
Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations her Department has made to the Ethiopian government regarding (a) the detention of prisoners of conscience, (b) freedom of expression and opinion and (c) human rights. [80620]
Mr. McCartney: We remain concerned about the internal situation in Ethiopia. We have made representations to the Government of Ethiopia on numerous occasions both at ministerial and official level. Most recently our ambassador to Ethiopia had discussions with Prime Minister Meles on 24 April.
We have also raised issues of respect for human rights, freedom of expression and the cases of those detained in connection with the political disturbances in 2005. We welcome the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry into the events of last June and November and look forward to its report.
Falkland Islands
Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate she has made of the reserves of oil and gas in Falkland Islands waters. [79611]
Mr. Hoon: Only further exploratory drilling will allow for a dependable estimate on the size of the reserves of oil and gas in Falkland Islands waters. Initial exploratory drilling was unable to ascertain the level of oil and gas reserves and is un-likely to restart before 2007.
Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment the Government have made of the potential contribution of the search for oil and gas in Falkland Islands waters to the provision of energy in the UK; and whether the Government are taking action to support such exploration. [79702]
Mr. Hoon: Only further exploratory drilling will allow for a dependable estimate on the size of the reserves of oil and gas in Falkland Islands waters. It is not therefore possible currently to assess the potential contribution to the provision of energy in the UK. Initial exploratory drilling was unable to ascertain the level of oil and gas reserves and is unlikely to restart before 2007.
The Government are committed to the offshore prospecting policy pursued by the Falkland Islands Government.
Human Rights
Mr. Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions she has had with China on the human rights records of the countries in Africa with which it trades. [79433]
Mr. McCartney: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not had specific discussions with China on human rights in Africa. We continue to develop our dialogue with China on Africa, and to encourage China to engage with Africa in a way that promotes human rights, conflict prevention, sustainable development and democratic and accountable governance. I raised these issues with the Chinese ambassador on 21 June and urged China to develop a wider strategic concept of its engagement in Africa commensurate with its growing economic presence. I also raised China’s engagement in Africa with the Chairman of the UK Friendship Group of the China National People’s Congress during my meeting with him on 13 June.
Iraq
Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what account will be taken of the views of the Iraqi Government when considering troop withdrawal from Iraq; and what assessment she has made of the recent comments by Iraq's (a) Prime Minister and (b) National Security Adviser on this issue. [80430]
Dr. Howells: We are committed to Iraq for as long as the Iraqi Government judge that the coalition is required to provide security and to assist the Iraqi security forces. All decisions on the presence of multinational forces in Iraq reflect regular and intense consultation with the Iraqi authorities. Recommendations on the transfer of security responsibility in each of Iraq's provinces and cities from coalition to Iraqi security forces are made jointly, with the ultimate decision being made by the Iraqi Prime Minister.
This process was reflected in Prime Minister Maliki's 19 June statement announcing the forthcoming transfer of security responsibility in Muthanna province and Mowaffak al-Rabaie's article of 20 June. We remain committed to providing what support we can to help the Iraqi authorities achieve our shared goal of a stable and democratic future for Iraq.
Libya
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions she had with the Libyan Government on bringing those responsible for the death of PC Yvonne Fletcher to justice. [80331]
Dr. Howells: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not had personal discussions with the Libyan Government about WPC Fletcher's case. I raised this with the Libyan authorities during my visit to Libya on 25 to 27 June. We continue to press for progress in our contacts with Libya.
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions she had with her Libyan counterpart on the situation in Darfur. [80332]
Mr. McCartney: My hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Middle East, Kim Howells, raised the situation on Darfur with Abdulrahman Shalgam the Libyan Secretary of Foreign Affairs in Tripoli on 26 June. The UK's Special Envoy for Darfur also visited Libya earlier in June to hold talks about Sudan.
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