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24 Oct 2006 : Column 1768W—continued
Departmental Expenditure
Mr. Pope: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the cost was of paying fees at independent schools for the children of staff employed by her Department in the last year for which figures are available. [95987]
Mr. Hoon: The amount the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has spent on education at independent schools for children whose parents have a world-wide mobility obligation for the financial year 2005-06 is £11,779,021. This figure includes tax and national insurance contributions.
It is a condition of employment that members of the Diplomatic Service must be prepared to serve anywhere in the world at any time during their career, sometimes at very short notice. Those with children also have the legal obligation as parents to ensure that their children receive a full-time education from the age of five years. The FCO's provisions for children's education are intended to help staff meet these potentially conflicting obligations.
Children who accompany their parents on postings overseas are expected to use free state schooling if it is available locally and suitable. If suitable schooling is not available free of charge locally but is available at fee-charging schools, fees are refunded to enable children to receive the education they would be entitled to in the UK.
With staff and their families having to move at regular intervals, sometimes at short notice and at times which may disrupt schooling for their children, continuity of education can be problematic particularly
during the important exam years. The FCO's provisions address this problem by enabling children to board in the UK while their parents remain subject to the world-wide mobility obligation.
Departmental Travel
David T.C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much has been spent by her Department on (a) chartering aircraft and (b) non-scheduled air travel in each of the last five years. [96218]
Mr. Hoon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) uses chartered aircraft and non-scheduled flights for some ministerial travel. Aircraft are also chartered in times of consular emergency. This expenditure is not held centrally in a form where it can be easily isolated from other travel expenditure, and it is not possible to provide a full answer to the question without incurring disproportionate cost.
However, details of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary's travel costs, and a breakdown of the type of travel used, are passed to the Cabinet Office for publication in the annual report on the cost of ministerial travel. The travel costs for other Ministers are also included, although this is not broken down by type of travel.
The FCO has also chartered a number of aircraft during various consular emergencies. Identified costs of these charters for recent emergencies are shown in the following table.
| Amount (£) | |
European Union
Mr. Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to her statements in Prospects for the European Union in 2006 (Cm 6896), what discussions she and colleagues have held with the Finnish presidency on (a) the place of freedom, security and justice in the treaties, (b) the use of passarelle clauses and (c) changes to the decision-making procedures in this policy area; what assessment she has made of the likelihood of the Finnish Government bringing forward proposals in this area during their presidency; and if she will make a statement. [90004]
Margaret Beckett:
There have been a number of discussions with the Finnish presidency, both formal and informal, of EU co-operation in the field of Justice and Home Affairs (JHA). Among the issues being discussed is the proposed use of the Article 42 Treaty on European Union (TEU) passerelle clause, which provides for the Council to decide, under unanimity, to transfer elements of the field of JHA from the third pillar (TEU) to the first pillar (Treaty on European
Community). One consequence of the use of the passerelle could be the application of qualified majority voting to some parts of EU police and judicial co-operation.
The Commission proposed the use of the passerelle in its Communication “Implementing the Hague Programme: the Way Forward”, and the Finnish Government are taking forward discussion of the proposal during their presidency. Most recently, the passerelle was discussed by EU Interior and Justice Ministries at the JHA Informal Council in Tampere on 20-22 September, and the JHA Council of 5-6 October. A broad exchange of views took place. It is as yet unclear whether the Finnish presidency will bring forward formal proposals in this area during their presidency. We will keep Parliament informed of developments in this area.
Mr. Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to her statement in Prospects for the European Union in 2006 (Cm 6896), in what ways the common agricultural policy was simplified (a) during the UK presidency and (b) as a result of decisions made during the UK presidency; what changes to the common fisheries policy have been made in response to the UK's views; and if she will make a statement. [90005]
Margaret Beckett: The UK was instrumental in getting agreement at the December 2006 Agriculture Council for the Commission’s communication on the simplification and better regulation for the common agricultural policy. It sets out a strategy for reducing administrative burdens in the agriculture sector. Agreement was reached on the simplification objective and the Commission was asked to produce an action plan with options to measure administrative burdens and targets for reduction by the end of 2006. The draft action plan was discussed at an international conference of stakeholders on 3 and 4 October.
Progress continues to be made on the simplification of the common fisheries policy. The Commission, in response to UK concerns, has recently produced a strategy paper giving an early indication of its thinking on the appropriate catch limits and related measures for 2007. Additionally, it has asked the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea to consider providing scientific input much earlier in the process. We welcome these developments but look forward to seeing further streamlining of arrangements in the future.
Gibraltar
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will compensate Gibraltarian workers who continued to pay into the Gibraltar Social Insurance Fund after 1969 on the same terms as Spanish workers who stopped paying into the fund in 1969. [95257]
Mr. Hoon:
The Trilateral Agreement reached in Cordoba on 18 September provides a settlement to the long running issue of pensions paid to Spanish workers affected by the 1969 border closure. The Government already pay pensions to this group under a 1996 agreement. As part of the Cordoba settlement the
Government will offer a lump sum payment to these pensioners as an incentive for them to leave the Gibraltar Social Insurance Fund (GSIF). The Government will then make uprated payments to those who leave the GSIF.
Future payments to Gibraltarian pensioners are a matter for the Government of Gibraltar, who pay their current pensions. To this end, the Chief Minister has already announced that the Government will uprate the pensions of all those in the GSIF from April 2007.
Hampton Review
Mr. Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what input (a) her Department and (b) its (i) agencies and (ii) non-departmental public bodies had into the Hampton Review and its report, “Reducing Administrative Burdens: Effective Inspection and Enforcement”. [89478]
Margaret Beckett: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given on 9 October 2006, Official Report, column 280W by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
Human Rights
Dr. Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the final date was for amending the text of the Department’s Human Rights and Annual Report 2006 prior to publication. [95376]
Mr. McCartney: The deadline for substantive contributions to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Annual Report on Human Rights was 1 June. A further deadline of 17 August was set for final updates, however, some substantive information received up to 27 August was included. Minor editorial amendments were possible until the final proofs were sent to the printers on 28 September.
International Arms Embargo
Mr. Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of progress towards the implementation of the international arms embargo provided for in UN Security Council Resolution 1701. [93216]
Margaret Beckett: The UK remains committed to the full implementation of all elements of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701. This resolution included a call on the Government of Lebanon to secure their borders and other entry points to prevent unauthorised entry of arms; and that all states should take measures to prevent the supply to Lebanon of arms by their nationals or from their territory, other than those authorised by the Government of Lebanon or UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
In response to Resolution 1701 the Council of the EU on 15 September adopted a Common Position to give effect to the arms embargo within the EU. We have urged other countries to take comparable measures. The UN Secretary-General has reported that he has received assurances from the Syrian President that
Syria will undertake all necessary measures to implement this requirement; and that Syria is willing to assist Lebanon in setting up an effective interdiction regime, and where possible to establish joint border patrols with the Lebanese authorities. Meanwhile, the Lebanese armed forces have advised the UN that some 8,000 Lebanese troops have been deployed along Lebanon’s land border with Syria.
The UK and EU partners are examining what assistance we might provide to the Government of Lebanon in their efforts to secure their borders. Germany has sent a team of experts to Lebanon to advise on possible measures. In September, the Government of Lebanon asked the UN for assistance in securing Lebanon's maritime border. Several countries, including the UK with HMS York, have contributed naval assets to enable an interim naval task force to be deployed. A German naval deployment is currently replacing this interim arrangement.
Lebanon
Mr. Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment has been made of the (a) scale and (b) nature of arms transfers from (i) Syria and (ii) Iran to Lebanese-based militias; and if she will make a statement. [88127]
Margaret Beckett: We are very concerned about the role of Syria and Iran. Iran supplies Hezbollah with financing and weapons and has personnel in Lebanon assisting Hezbollah. As well as supplying arms to Hezbollah, Syria also facilitates the supply of arms and finance from Iran to Hezbollah. For reasons of operational sensitivity it would be inappropriate to comment in more detail.
Through their support for Hezbollah, Iran and Syria are encouraging extremism, threatening the stability of the region and putting peace in the Middle East further out of reach.
We call on Syria and Iran to stop their support for Hezbollah and end their interference in Lebanese internal affairs in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions 1559, 1680 and 1701.
Mr. Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions she has had with her Lebanese counterpart on the disarmament of armed militias in Lebanon; what the outcome of those discussions was; and what assessment she has made of the prospects for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. [93215]
Margaret Beckett:
I myself have held no discussions with my Lebanese counterpart on the disarmament of militias in Lebanon. However, during his visit to Lebanon in September, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister held discussions with the Prime Minister of Lebanon and other interlocutors about the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701, which includes the disarmament of militias in Lebanon. The result of those discussions was a joint agreement, spelled out at the joint press conference that the Prime Minister gave at the time with Prime Minister Siniora, for the UK to support the Lebanese armed forces with equipment and training, so
that they can extend their authority throughout the whole of Lebanon. Both the Government of Lebanon and the Government of Israel have endorsed UNSCR 1701 and the UK remains committed to its full implementation.
Mr. Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the Lebanese Government’s request to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon to broker a ceasefire; and if she will make a statement. [87554]
Margaret Beckett: The Government worked hard with key partners, including the Government of Lebanon, to secure UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701, adopted unanimously by the Security Council on 11 August 2006, which called for a full cessation of hostilities. The ceasefire came into effect three days later. Since then the ceasefire has largely held. We are now focused on humanitarian and reconstruction efforts and enhancing the Government of Lebanon’s ability to take full control of their territory, a requirement of both UNSCR’s 1559 and 1701.
Urgent work has been undertaken to strengthen the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in order to carry out the range of important new tasks set out in UNSCR 1701. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have withdrawn their troops from South Lebanon except from the general area of Ghajar north of the Blue Line which is still under IDF control. UNIFIL is in close contact with the IDF to facilitate a speedy withdrawal from the area of Ghajar. The Lebanese armed forces have deployed along the Blue Line except from the general area of Ghajar.
Mr. Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what humanitarian support the UK plans to offer to Lebanon. [87557]
Hilary Benn: I have been asked to reply.
The Government have allocated £22.3 million (around US $40 million) for humanitarian relief in Lebanon, including the UK's share of the European Union's humanitarian spending and the US $5 million drawn from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund. Working through international partners and non-governmental organisations, the Department for International Development (DFID) has provided emergency shelter, health care, water and sanitation and munitions clearance and built temporary bridges to allow humanitarian access.
Fortunately the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon is now subsiding. This may allow some saving in the UK funding allocation, which may be used to support longer term reconstruction work.
Mr. Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the ability of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon to help civilians threatened by the current hostilities within its area of operations. [87559]
Margaret Beckett:
Under its previous mandate UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was limited in terms of the assistance it could provide to civilians. UN
Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701 of 11 August explicitly mandates UNIFIL for humanitarian activities. The ceasefire which followed UNSCR 1701 has largely held. Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have withdrawn from Lebanon except from the general area of Ghajar. The Lebanese armed forces (LAP) and UNIFIL have deployed along the Blue Line and recently met with the IDF to finalise the IDF withdrawal from the area of Ghajar. We fully support UNIFIL’s expanded role and reinforced mandate. The force is making, and will continue to make, a significant contribution to the humanitarian effort in southern Lebanon.
As the UN Secretary-General said in his report on the implementation of UNSCR 1701 on 18 August:
“A reinforced UNIFIL, as called for in paragraph 11 of resolution 1701 (2006), is a vital part of the package to enable the full deployment of the LAP to the south and, in parallel, the full withdrawal of the Israeli forces from Lebanon; monitor compliance with the cessation of hostilities; help ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations and the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons; and establish conditions conducive to concluding a permanent ceasefire agreement and help to implement it. In meeting those and related objectives outlined in resolution 1701 (2006), UNIFIL would be making an essential contribution to enable the Government of Lebanon to extend its authority over all of its territory.”
Details of UNIFIL’s reinforced mandate are available on the UN website at: http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unifil/.
Mr. Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what her assessment is of progress made in efforts to secure agreements in principle from the Government of Lebanon and the Government of Israel to the principles and elements for a long-term solution as set out in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. [93194]
Margaret Beckett: Both the Government of Israel and the Government of Lebanon have endorsed UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701. In accordance with the resolution, Israel has now completed its withdrawal from Lebanon with the exception of the divided village of Ghajar and Lebanon has deployed its armed forces in the south of the country for the first time in many years. The UK remains committed to implementing UNSCR 1701. We have held extensive discussions with both the Israelis and the Lebanese about this issue, including during my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's visit to Israel and Lebanon in September.
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