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8 July 2009 : Column 857W—continued
Our embassy in Kathmandu has played an active part in the production of a local strategy to tackle impunity, of which addressing disappearances is a central theme. The embassy also financially supports victims groups, such as those in Bardiya District, in filing cases and advocating for justice.
We will continue to engage with the Government of Nepal to urge it to meet the commitments it has made to uphold and promote human rights, and to address past abuses.
Lembit Öpik: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department has had discussions with the Nepalese authorities in the last 12 months on those still missing following the country's armed conflict; and if he will make a statement. [285345]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: We regularly raise our concerns about human rights abuses with the Government of Nepal, both bilaterally and with the EU, at both official and ministerial level. This includes the issue of enforced and involuntary disappearances.
My noble Friend the Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN, Lord Malloch-Brown, raised our concerns about the human rights situation, including the need to make progress on investigations into the disappeared, with the then Nepalese Foreign Minister, Upendra Yadav, on 4 March 2009 in the margins of the 10th Human Rights Council Ministerial in Geneva. Lord Malloch-Brown specifically raised the case of Maina Sunuwar, the handling of which will be emblematic of many conflict-era disappearances. The UK also ensured mat Nepal was specifically mentioned in the EU statement in the plenary of the 10th Human Rights Council.
Lord Malloch-Brown raised our concerns about the disappeared with Nepalese Foreign Secretary Acharya during his visit to Nepal in July 2008. He also raised the importance of transitional justice mechanisms with the National Human Rights Commission.
In Kathmandu, the EU missions have voiced their concerns on the draft Disappearances Bill prepared by the Government of Nepal, through press statements and high-level meetings. EU ambassadors also raised, in detail, the question of dealing with disappearances and the proposed Disappearances Commission with the Prime Minister and leaders of the four largest parties, in a series of discussions in January and February 2009.
Our embassy in Kathmandu has played an active part in the production of a local strategy to tackle impunity, of which addressing disappearances is a central theme. The embassy also financially supports victims groups, such as those in Bardiya District, in filing cases and advocating for justice.
We will continue to engage with the Government of Nepal to urge it to meet the commitments it has made to uphold and promote human rights, and to address past abuses.
Orissa
Mr. Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he expects a second EU delegation to visit Orissa. [284451]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: An EU delegation, which included a representative from our high commission in New Delhi, visited Orissa between 9-12 December 2008 to assess the latest situation. A second visit was planned for spring 2009, but was then postponed. We have not yet been informed of the new dates.
Mr. Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department has had discussions with the Indian government on the protection of Christians called as witnesses in trials relating to the recent violence in Orissa. [284452]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: We have not discussed the protection of Christians called as witnesses in trials relating to the recent violence in Orissa with the Indian Government. The EU maintains a constructive dialogue with the Indian authorities about human rights and minority rights issues, which includes the situation in Orissa and its neighbouring states following the violence in 2008. Officials from our high commission have had an active part in these discussions.
Mr. Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on the UN’s role in Orissa since the publication of the UN’s recent report on Orissa; and if he will make a statement. [284575]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: We are aware of a report issued by the UN Special Rapporteur for freedom of religion or belief following a UN mission to India in 2008. However, we have not been involved in discussions with international partners about the UN’s role in Orissa, beyond noting the conclusions and recommendations contained in that report. The UK already works multilaterally through the ongoing EU dialogue with the Indian authorities on minority rights, which includes the situation in Orissa.
Pakistan
Mr. Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps his Department has taken to assist the government of Pakistan develop a counter-insurgency strategy for (a) Pakistan and (b) the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas. [284182]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: I last discussed the security situation in Pakistan and the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with President Zardari on 11 May 2009. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials based at our high commission in Islamabad also continue to hold frequent discussions with a wide range of Pakistani Ministers, politicians and officials. We continue to encourage Pakistan to ensure that military gains in the border areas are underpinned by a comprehensive strategy that brings lasting security through reconstruction, development and improved governance. We have shared expertise and best practice with the Government of Pakistan, and as part of our wider programme of defence engagement we have helped to build the capacity of the Pakistani security services to conduct effective operations.
Mr. Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps his Department has taken to assist the government of Pakistan in seeking alternatives to militant control in the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan. [284183]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary last discussed the security situation in Pakistan and the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with President Zardari on 11 May 2009. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials based at our high commission in Islamabad also continue to hold frequent discussions with a wide range of Pakistani Ministers, politicians and officials. We are pressing the Government of Pakistan to design and implement a long-term comprehensive strategy for improving governance, justice and services in the FATA. We continue to support Pakistan’s efforts to reform the judicial system, build effective policing services and address the drivers of radicalisation. The Department for International Development’s programme of £665 million over the next four years will include programmes focussed on the border areas, and will help to addressing the underlying causes of conflict and insecurity. During the EU-Pakistan summit on 17 June 2009, we and our EU partners made a commitment to enhance our support of Pakistan’s efforts to counter violent extremism. We will encourage the EU Commission to deliver its commitments to build police capacity, help counter radicalisation and to promote judicial reform.
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he made to the government of Pakistan on the reported murder of five women in Baluchistan province in July 2008. [284796]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: The UK, together with our EU partners, condemned the murder of five women in Baluchistan in July 2008, and called on the Government of Pakistan to bring those responsible to justice. We welcomed the resolution adopted by Pakistan's Senate for strong action to be taken against the perpetrators.
Through both multilateral and bilateral representation, we continue to encourage the Government of Pakistan to promote and protect women's rights in accordance with international standards such as the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women which Pakistan has signed. The UK delegation to the UN Human Rights Council also raised this during the Universal Periodic Review of Pakistan's human rights record in May 2008.
Through our high commission in Islamabad we support projects which promote women's rights and help obtain better access to justice, for example by supporting community-based lawyer-activists who represent women in cases of forced marriage, domestic violence and other crimes; encouraging the creation of a lawyers' network of human rights advocates with prominent women advocates; improving investigative journalism in Pakistan to encourage impartial reporting on political, electoral and human rights issues; and raising awareness and teaching of human rights, including women's rights, in schools.
Pakistan: Overseas Aid
Mr. Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what funds the Government has made available to (a) the government of Pakistan and (b) others to help combat extremism and militant control in the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan in the last two years; on what initiatives such funds have been spent; and if he will make a statement. [284184]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: As part of our CONTEST counter-terrorism strategy, we continue to help build Pakistani capacity to tackle violent extremism. We have a £10 million programme of counter-terrorism support, which helps build the capacity of Pakistani law enforcement agencies and also helps to address some of the drivers of radicalisation. Through our bilateral programmes and conflict prevention funding we are also working to support Pakistan’s efforts to bring long-term peace and security to the border areas, including through capacity-building support to the North West Frontier Province police. As part of our wider programme of defence engagement we have helped to build the capacity of the Pakistani security services to conduct effective operations. More broadly, the Department for International Development is providing £665 million over the next four years, which will be key to addressing the underlying causes of conflict and insecurity.
Russia: Georgia
Ms Keeble: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Russian government on its decision to veto the renewal of the UN observer mission in Georgia. [283920]
Chris Bryant: We deeply regret Russia's decision to veto the renewal of the UN Observer Mission in Georgia. We and our partners worked hard to come up with a compromise text that was acceptable to all, including Russia. Since Russia's veto, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has spoken to Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, making clear the UK's disappointment, our demand that Russia complies with the 12 August 2008 and 8 September 2008 peace agreements, and encouraging Russia to participate constructively in the Geneva process. We also continue to urge EU partners to raise these concerns with Russia.
South Ossetia: Abkhazia
Ms Keeble: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on monitoring the security situation in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. [284268]
Chris Bryant: We discuss Georgia frequently with our EU partners. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed international monitoring with his EU counterparts at the June European Council. My noble Friend the Minister for Europe, Baroness Kinnock, went on patrol with the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) on 24 June 2009.
The closure of the UN and Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe missions in Georgia makes monitoring of the security and humanitarian situation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia more difficult. Our EU partners have agreed with the UK that the extension of the mandate of the EUMM is even more important in these changed circumstances. We continue to lobby Russia to use its influence to help EUMM gain access to the separatist regions.
Taking Chess to the Townships Project
Mr. Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received on the Taking Chess to the Townships project; if he will meet representatives of the organisers of the project and other stakeholders to discuss the project’s future; and if he will make a statement. [284129]
Mr. Ivan Lewis [holding answer 3 July 2009]: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not received any representations on the Taking Chess to the Townships project.
USA: Africa
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the US administration on its policy priorities for Africa. [284792]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discusses African issues on a regular basis with his US counterpart, including most recently during his visit to Washington on 11-12 May 2009. My noble Friend the Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN, Lord Malloch-Brown met with senior US officials in Washington on 22 June 2009, and again at the African Union summit in Libya on 30 June-1 July 2009.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials also have regular dialogue with the US Administration on Africa, including at a senior level. These discussions have ranged across priority countries and issues, including on promoting human security and functioning government in Somalia, reform in Zimbabwe, action in Kenya to address issues underlying the violence following the 2007 elections, support for the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Sudan, relations with Nigeria, and tackling drug trafficking in West Africa.
Uzbekistan
Lembit Öpik: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contribution his Department made to the recent UK-Uzbekistan human rights dialogue in relation to religious minorities in Uzbekistan; and if he will make a statement. [284014]
Chris Bryant:
Our ambassador in Tashkent makes a significant contribution to regular reporting by EU Heads of Mission on human rights in Uzbekistan. These reports, including in respect of religious freedom and supported as necessary through interventions by the UK Representation in Brussels, play a key role in driving the agenda for the annual EU-Uzbekistan Human Rights Dialogue. Our embassy worked closely with the
Czech presidency in Tashkent in the run-up to the most recent dialogue, which took place on 9 June 2009. Our aim is to continue to draw attention to our concerns on religious freedom and other human rights issues in constructive contacts with the Uzbek authorities.
Health
Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse
Mr. Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what treatments NHS hospitals provide for patients who have consumed excessive amounts of alcohol. [283930]
Gillian Merron: There are a wide range of diseases and health problems associated with both short-term and long-term excessive consumption of alcohol, which can range from injuries sustained from accidents while under the influence of alcohol, which may be treated by accident and emergency departments, through to alcohol-related liver failure and diseases such as hypertension and certain types of cancer, for which alcohol consumption may be a cause.
It is, therefore, not possible to provide an exhaustive list of the treatments that national health service hospitals provide for patients with diseases caused by consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.
In relation to treatments for alcohol dependence:
in 2006, the Department commissioned the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse to review the published international research literature on alcohol interventions and treatment. The “Review of the effectiveness of treatment for alcohol problems”, was published in November 2006 and describes a wide range of treatments and interventions.
the Department and the National treatment Agency for Substance Misuse jointly published, in June 2006, best practice guidance to aid commissioners and providers in delivering effective interventions and treatment, “Models of care for alcohol misusers (MoCAM)”.
A copy of both documents has been placed in the Library and are also available on the National Treatment Agency website
Ambulances
Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) ambulances and (b) rapid response vehicles per head of population there are in each ambulance trust. [285078]
Mr. Mike O'Brien: This information is not held centrally. The purchasing of ambulance vehicles is a matter for national health service ambulance trusts to manage in order to provide appropriate resources to meet local demand.
Dental Health: Children
Mike Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the average number of teeth a child aged five years had which (a) were actively decayed, (b) were filled and (c) had extracted in each of the last five years. [284768]
Ann Keen: The information available centrally is from national health service dental health surveys of five-year-old children which are normally conducted every other year under the auspices of the British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry. The data in the following table relate to decayed, missing (not necessarily extracted) and filled (at point of examination) teeth.
| Five year old children | |||
| Average decayed teeth | Average missing teeth | Average filled teeth | |
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