Written Answers to Questions
Monday 5 July 2010
House of Commons Commission
Access
Mr Anderson: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, answering for the House of Commons Commission, when the security entrance between the Victoria Embankment and Norman Shaw buildings will be reopened. [6472]
Sir Stuart Bell: Security audits in 2004 and 2009 both recommended that the Embankment entrance by the Norman Shaw South building should be closed. This recommendation was endorsed by Members of both Houses on the Joint Committee on Security (JCOS). A significant amount of upgrade work would be needed to make the entrance safe-both for the occupants of the adjacent Norman Shaw buildings and for the security staff on duty at the post. The entrance was therefore closed in May 2010.
Departmental Security
Mr Amess: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, answering for the House of Commons Commission, how much the House of Commons Commission has (a) budgeted and (b) spent on security for the Palace of Westminster since April 2009; and if he will make a statement. [5515]
Sir Stuart Bell: The 2009-10 budget for security was set out in the House of Commons Corporate Business Plan 2009-10 at £22.786 million. The outturn against this budget was £21.279 million. The difference between budget and outturn was, in the main, due to effective contract management and the efficient management of the security personnel.
The House of Commons Corporate Business Plan 2010-11 provides for a security budget of £22.8 million. For the first two months of this financial year, the actual spend against this budget was £3.753 million, close to the planned rate of spending.
Mr Amess: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, answering for the House of Commons Commission, what access is granted to staff of Government departments who hold parliamentary passes to the (a) Palace of Westminster and (b) House of Commons part of the parliamentary estate; and if he will make a statement. [5642]
Sir Stuart Bell: Government department passes allow access to the Palace of Westminster. Within the House of Commons part of the parliamentary estate, they also allow access to Portcullis House, Canon Row, 2 The Abbey Garden, 1 Parliament Street, Norman Shaw North, Norman Shaw South and 7 Millbank.
Mr Amess: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, answering for the House of Commons Commission, under what circumstances a Palace of Westminster pass may be (a) suspended and (b) revoked; and if he will make a statement. [5643]
Sir Stuart Bell: The parliamentary photo-identity pass may be revoked or suspended by the Serjeant at Arms (House of Commons) or Black Rod (House of Lords):
(a) at the request of the sponsor of the pass;
(b) during a disciplinary investigation;
(c) due to the failure of the individual to attain or retain the required security clearance.
Parliamentary Estate
Mr Amess: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, answering for the House of Commons Commission, on what date each property on the Commons part of the Parliamentary Estate was opened for occupation by Departments of the House; and what the estimated monetary value is of each such property. [5450]
Sir Stuart Bell: The following table lists the office buildings occupied by Departments of the House of Commons, a number of which are also used for the accommodation of Members. They comprise a combination of freehold and leasehold properties. Net Book Values (NBV) are held for freehold buildings only.
| Premises | Tenure | Approximate date of occupation | Net book value at March 2010 (£ million) |
| (1) Not known. | |||
The House has a leasehold for 14 Tothill Street, which is currently partly occupied by the House of Lords. It is due to be fully occupied in the autumn. The House has recently acquired the freehold of 53 Parliament Street, which is at present unoccupied.
Parliamentary Network
Diana R. Johnson: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, answering for the House of Commons Commission, if the House of Commons Commission will consider the merits of providing access to BBC and ITV regional television news services via the Parliamentary network. [4754]
Sir Stuart Bell: The Parliamentary ICT network is not configured to stream TV services. The annunciators do carry national and international television and radio but the number of channels is limited, and they have all been allocated as determined by the Administration Committee. The House Service is in the process of developing a strategy for upgrading our network services, and will take account of the desirability of providing regional TV news services as they do so.
Publications: Internet
Mr Amess: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, answering for the House of Commons Commission, by what time on each sitting day the text of (a) the previous day's Official Report, (b) the Summary Agenda and Order of Business, (c) Future Business, (d) the previous day's Votes and Proceedings, (e) Early Day Motions and (f) the Questions Book is scheduled for publication on the parliamentary (i) intranet and (ii) external website; on what occasions in the last three months each has been late; and if he will make a statement. [5523]
Sir Stuart Bell: Target upload times are the same for intranet and internet versions of parliamentary publications. Target upload times are as follows:
| Publication | Target upload times |
|
Three to four hours after delivery of speeches in the Chamber or Westminster Hall, reducing to two to three hours on the rising of the House | |
In the period April to June 2010, all items were uploaded at the times required by the House. The Vote bundle for Tuesday 1 June was published online at approximately 12.30 pm on Friday 28 May (a non-sitting Friday).
Service levels are being revised and uploading times brought forward; from 12 July 2010 the Order Paper will be uploaded as soon as possible after the necessary processing has taken place. This will mean that in most cases the Order Paper for the next day will be available from soon after midnight.
In addition to the publications listed, frequent updates are made to other parliamentary intranet and internet pages. These include announcements of ministerial statements, forthcoming business, Adjournment debates, Select Committee evidence sessions and General Committees.
Standing Committees: Internet
Mr Amess:
To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, answering for the House of Commons Commission, with reference to the answer of 20 July 2009, Official
Report, columns 747-8W, on Standing Committees: internet, what progress has been made on placing on the Parliament website the transcripts of Standing Committee debates held prior to 1997; and if he will make a statement. [5522]
Sir Stuart Bell: The aim of placing on the Parliament website the digitised transcripts of Standing Committee debates held prior to 1997 by January 2010 was not met because of a lack of the resources necessary to complete this work. This work will be completed as soon as the necessary resources can be made available.
Northern Ireland
Departmental Internet
Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the URL is of each website managed by (a) his Department and (b) each non-departmental public body for which his Department is responsible. [2372]
Mr Paterson: The information requested is as follows:
The Northern Ireland Office (NIO)
Consultative Group on the Past
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
The Civil Service Commissioners for Northern Ireland
The Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland is an Advisory NDPB. Its website is:
Transport
A5: Lighting
Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the cost to the public purse was of the replacement of the streetlights on the A5 between junction 9 of the M1 and Flamstead. [4378]
Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 28 June 2010]: The section of A5 between M1 junction 9 and Flamstead, formed part of the A5 Beech Road Dunstable to M1 junction 9 Lighting Replacement Scheme. The scheme included the replacement of existing street lighting, installation of safety barriers, kerbing, footways, fencing, earthworks, road markings and renewal of some traffic signs. The overall cost of the whole scheme when final accounts are agreed will be approximately £2,440,000.
The Highways Agency does not have a breakdown of costs of specific sections of the A5 included in the scheme, but it estimates that the cost of replacing the street lighting and associated works on the section between M1 junction 9 and Flamstead was around £810,000.
Apperley Bridge Railway Station
Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made on plans for development at Apperley Bridge Railway Station since planning permission was granted. [6069]
Mrs Villiers: The Government's key priority at present is to tackle the budget deficit. The Department for Transport will consider the funding for local authority and Passenger Transport Executive major transport schemes as part of the Government's spending review. Until then, the Department is not in a position to give any commitments on projects such as a new railway station at Apperley Bridge.
Association of Chief Police Officers
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his meeting with the Association of Chief Police Officers last week. [6242]
Mr Philip Hammond: I did not meet with the Association of Chief Police Officers last week. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Hemel Hempstead (Mike Penning) met with them on 16 June to discuss road safety issues.
Biofuels
Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the global environmental impact of biofuels sourced from palm oil and jatropha oil. [3710]
Norman Baker: The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) requires biofuel suppliers to report to the Renewable Fuels Agency (RFA) both the greenhouse gas emissions reductions provided by, and the sustainability of, the biofuels they supply.
Jatropha is not currently used in the UK and is not expected to be widely used in the future, as there are significant barriers towards its sustainable commercialisation.
Around 10% of UK biofuel reported under the RTFO last year came from palm oil. The RFA's 2008-09 report, "Year One of the RTFO", showed that only around 5% of the palm biodiesel supplied had sustainability certification but assessed that there was potential to increase this to 100% at small additional cost to suppliers.
As there has been much controversy surrounding the use of palm oil, both the RFA and the Department for Transport have carried out further assessments. The RFA published a short case study of the impacts of Malaysian palm oil in its 2008-09 report to Parliament. This study looked at issues such as carbon emissions and social impacts. The Department for Transport is currently reviewing the indirect sustainability impacts of a number of feedstocks, including palm oil. The results of this study will be published shortly.
Bus Services: Luton
Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what cancellation fee for the Luton Dunstable busway project was agreed with his Department. [5876]
Norman Baker: No cancellation fee for the Luton Dunstable busway project was agreed with the Department.
Carbon Emissions: West Midlands
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to assist the West Midlands to move towards low-carbon forms of transport. [5741]
Norman Baker: The Government's first priority is tackling the country's unsustainable level of debt. As part of the comprehensive spending review, the Department for Transport is considering how best to ensure that the transport sector, in the west midlands and elsewhere, contributes both to future economic growth and to the achievement of the Government's climate change targets. The Government are committed to supporting sustainable travel initiatives, and to reforming the way decisions are made on which transport projects to prioritise, so that the benefits of low-carbon proposals are fully recognised.
Departmental Manpower
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his estimate is of the cost to the public purse of proposed reductions in numbers of non-frontline staff in his Department and its agencies. [497]
Mr Philip Hammond: Possible reductions in numbers of non-frontline staff in this Department and the potential resulting costs will be considered, alongside all other departmental functions, in the context of the review of all Government spending now under way.
Like any good employer, the Department seeks to manage downsizing through natural wastage, redeployment and voluntary departures.
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) front line and (b) other staff were employed by (i) his Department and (ii) each of its agencies in the latest year for which figures are available; and what his most recent estimate is of the annual cost to the public purse of employing staff of each type at each of those bodies. [542]
Mr Philip Hammond: Typically, front-line services in the Department for Transport are provided by the Department's Executive agencies. The 2008-09 Annual Report and Resource Accounts (tables A5 and A6 in Appendix A, pages 227-28, copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House) identify 16,613 full-time equivalents (FTEs) working in the Department's Executive agencies and 1,932 FTE's working within the central Department.
As stipulated in the 2010 Spending Review Departmental Guidance, costings will come with greater clarity where our Executive agencies are concerned:
"In order to control the administration costs of ALB's (Arm's Length Bodies) the Treasury is proposing to bring the administration costs of ALB's within the overall administration budget regime. To do this, departments will need to determine 10/11 administration spending within each of their ALBs."
Departmental Pay
Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 3 June 2010, Official Report, column 68W, on departmental manpower, what the salary range is of staff employed at each grade in the private office of each Minister in his Department. [3245]
Mr Philip Hammond: The salary range of staff employed at each grade in the private office of each Minister is shown in the following table:
| Minister | Staff grades | Salary range |
Departmental Reviews
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what reviews he has commissioned since taking up his post. [4437]
Mr Philip Hammond: The Coalition Agreement sets out in detail the Government's future plans, including the key reviews it will be undertaking in my Department in due course.
Driving Offences
Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department has considered the merits of introducing legislation to make compulsory the display of (a) MOT and (b) insurance information on vehicle windscreens. [4132]
Mike Penning: I do not consider that such legislation is necessary. The police have access to the MOT and insured vehicle databases and often use them when carrying out roadside enforcement.
We also intend to introduce regulations later this year to strengthen measures against uninsured driving. From early 2011, DVLA will make frequent comparisons of their taxed vehicles database with the Motor Insurers
Bureau's database of insured vehicles. Enforcement action will be taken against keepers of vehicles that are on the road without insurance.
Driving Under Influence
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when his Department plans to publish its response to the North Committee report on road safety and the drink-driving limit. [5059]
Mike Penning: The report of Sir Peter North's review of drink and drug-driving legislation covers a wide range of issues, including the legal alcohol limit for drivers, and contains 51 detailed recommendations. The Department for Transport is giving careful consideration to its conclusions in conjunction with colleagues in other Departments. We will respond to the report in due course.
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he plans to bring forward proposals to change the maximum blood alcohol limit for driving. [3912]
Mike Penning: Sir Peter North has recently published the report of his review of drink and drug-driving legislation commissioned by the previous Government. His report covers a wide range of issues, including the legal alcohol limit for drivers, and contains 51 detailed recommendations. The Department for Transport is giving careful consideration to its conclusions in conjunction with colleagues in other Departments and we will respond to Sir Peter's recommendations in due course.
Driving: Licensing
Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what evaluation has been made of the effectiveness of the operation of the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995; how many new drivers have had their licences revoked under the provisions of the Act in each year since the Act came into effect; what information his Department holds on the number of such new drivers who have continued to drive despite revocation of their licence; and if he will make a statement. [4298]
Mike Penning: The most recent evaluation of the effectiveness of the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995 was included in the Road Safety Compliance Consultation document published in November 2008, a copy of which is in the Libraries of the House.
The numbers of driving licence revocations under the 1995 Act from June 1997 to May 2009 are shown in the table. More recent figures are not yet available.
| Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995-Total licence revocations 1 June 1997 to 31 May 2009 | |
| Total | |
Figures are not available in respect of drivers who have continued to drive in spite of having had their licence revoked under the 1995 Act.
We are considering whether further measures are needed in relation to newly qualified drivers.
Electric Vehicles
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) undertaken on the development of battery technology for electric-powered vehicles. [5072]
Norman Baker: The Department for Transport has access to a wide range of research on battery technology through well established links with industrial, academic and international organisations and experts in this field.
Where necessary, the Department has commissioned specific research to supplement this. This has included a 2010 report by Oakdene Hollins(1) into rare earth supply and alternatives and a 2008 report by Cenex and Arup(1) on the potential market for electric vehicles which included an analysis of battery technology.
(1) Website addresses at:
Furthermore, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills launched a £3 million competition on 24 June targeted at, among other priorities, advanced batteries.
Invalid Vehicles
Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he plans to regulate further the usage of mobility scooters; and if he will make a statement. [3598]
Norman Baker: On 3 March 2010 the Department for Transport published a consultation on proposed changes to the laws governing powered mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs. The consultation covered issues such as compulsory insurance, training and assessment to use mobility vehicles, a more comprehensive registration scheme and the design and safety standards for mobility vehicles. The consultation is now closed and the responses are being analysed. It is available on the Department's website at:
We will study the results of the consultation and consider how they may inform future policy options.
Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what studies his Department has (a) conducted and (b) evaluated on injuries caused to pedestrians by mobility scooters in the last five years. [3599]
Norman Baker: The Department for Transport published research in 2006 into the use of Class 2 and Class 3 mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs which can be viewed on the Department's website at:
The research did not suggest that mobility vehicles have a significant impact on road safety.
We are however aware that the number of mobility vehicles is on the increase. The Department has initiated a survey to help assess the number of mobility vehicles users and the extent to which their use may have injured people and I will be considering its conclusions at the appropriate time.
Local Government Finance
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for which major local authority projects within his Department's responsibility funding has been suspended until the completion of the Government's review of public expenditure. [4049]
Norman Baker: We have not suspended funding for any local authority major transport scheme currently under construction and in receipt of grant. We have suspended, until the completion of the spending review, the approvals process for all schemes with Conditional Approval and Programme Entry, and those for which bids for approval have been submitted.
London-Birmingham Railway Line
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he plans to take to consult residents in the West Midlands on the proposed high speed rail link between London and Birmingham. [4286]
Mr Philip Hammond: [holding answer 28 June 2010]: I have asked HS2 Ltd to be in a position to consult on the route between London and the West Midlands early in the New Year. The Government will also consult on its overall strategy for high speed rail. Further consultation will be undertaken as part of the process of seeking powers.
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his most recent assessment is of the environmental effects in the West Midlands of the proposed high speed rail link between London and Birmingham; and when an environmental impact assessment will be published. [4287]
Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 28 June 2010]: HS2 Ltd published an Appraisal of Sustainability: Non Technical Summary, available at:
for its recommended route alongside its report in March 2010. It is currently examining possible revisions to its route, notably to incorporate a link to Heathrow, and will publish a full appraisal of sustainability as part of the proposed consultation on the line of route.
M1: Speed Limits
Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether fixed speed cameras are still to be installed on the M1 between junctions 25 and 28. [4069]
Mike Penning [holding answer 28 June 2010]: The scheme to widen the M1 between junctions 25 to 28 includes technology to allow the use of mandatory variable speed limits.
Use of these limits helps to manage traffic flows and provide more reliable journeys for motorists at times when the road is particularly busy. The technology which supports these limits includes:
loops in the road to monitor traffic speeds and provide alerts when congestion is starting to occur,
CCTV cameras to allow the traffic conditions and any incidents to be monitored,
electronic variable speed limit signs, and
speed enforcement cameras to ensure that motorists do not exceed the variable limits in force.
The cameras are not, therefore, standalone installations on roads with permanent speed limits. They are part of an overall package of technology measures to support variable speed limits, improving journey reliability as well as safety. In these limited circumstances I am content for speed cameras to be used as part of the overall solution.
Railway Stations
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) whether he has plans for improvements at Warrington Bank Quay railway station; [4038]
(2) whether he has plans for improvements at Preston railway station; [4039]
(3) whether he has plans for improvements at Wigan North Western railway station. [4040]
Mrs Villiers: The Government recognise the importance of investing in station improvements and are committed to facilitating this investment through reforms to the way the railways are run.
We will grant longer franchises in order to give train operators the incentive to invest in the improvements passengers want including better stations. We are also considering options to alter the balance of responsibility for stations between Network Rail and the train operators.
Network Rail is responsible for delivering the majority of investment in rail infrastructure across the UK rail network, and does so in accordance with the High Level Output Specification (HLOS) developed by the Department for Transport, which formed the basis on which Network Rail's income was set by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) for the current regulatory control period (CP4) in 2008.
The Government's priority is reducing the deficit. As part of the £683 million savings in departmental spending in 2010-11, Network Rail is reducing the amount that had been provisionally allocated to improving 10 stations by £50 million. Concerns around the poor state of these
stations during the tenure of the previous Government had been highlighted in the Station Champions' 'Better Rail Stations' report.
It is understood that Network Rail is continuing to work with local partners to assess what improvements can be delivered at Warrington Bank Quay, Preston and Wigan North Western Stations. In the longer term, improvements to these stations may also form part of the new West Coast franchise which is due to be renewed in 2012.
The right hon. Member should contact Network Rail's Chief Executive at the following address for specific detail on Network Rail's plans for Warrington Bank Quay, Preston and Wigan North Western stations:
Iain Coucher
Chief Executive
Network Rail
King's Place
90 York Way
London N1 9AG.
Railway Stations: Barking
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has plans for improvements at Barking railway station. [4036]
Mrs Villiers: The Government recognise the importance of investing in station improvements and are committed to facilitating this investment through reforms to the way the railways are run.
We will grant longer franchises in order to give operators the incentive to invest in the improvements passengers want including better stations. We are also considering options to alter the balance of responsibility for stations between Network Rail and the train operators.
Network Rail is responsible for delivering the majority of investment in rail infrastructure across the UK rail network, and does so in accordance with the High Level Output Specification (HLOS) developed by the Department for Transport, which formed the basis on which Network Rail's income was set by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) for the current regulatory control period (CP4) in 2008.
The Government's priority is reducing the deficit. As part of the £683 million savings in departmental spending in 2010-11, Network Rail is reducing the amount that had been provisionally allocated to improving ten stations by £50 million. Concerns around the poor state of these stations during the tenure of the previous Government had been highlighted in the Station Champions' "Better Rail Stations" report.
It is understood that Network Rail is continuing to work with local partners to assess what improvements can be delivered at Barking station. The right hon. Member should contact Network Rail's chief executive at the following address for specific detail on Network Rail's plans for Barking station:
Iain Coucher
Chief Executive
Network Rail
King's Place
90 York Way
London N1 9AG.
Railway Stations: Birmingham
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he plans to undertake major structural upgrades to Birmingham New Street railway station. [4044]
Mrs Villiers: As announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Budget, the Government are committed to the redevelopment of Birmingham New Street station. Construction has now commenced and the project is expected to be completed by 2015.
Railway Stations: Liverpool
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has plans for improvements at Liverpool Central railway station. [4041]
Mrs Villiers: The Government recognise the importance of investing in station improvements and are committed to facilitating this investment through reforms to the way the railways are run.
We will grant longer franchises in order to give train operators the incentive to invest in the improvements passengers want including better stations. We are also considering options to alter the balance of responsibility for stations between Network Rail and the train operators.
Network Rail is responsible for delivering the majority of investment in rail infrastructure across the UK rail network, and does so in accordance with the High Level Output Specification (HLOS) developed by the Department for Transport, which formed the basis on which Network Rail's income was set by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) for the current regulatory control period (CP4) in 2008.
The Government's priority is reducing the deficit. As part of the £683 million savings in departmental spending in 2010-11, Network Rail is reducing the amount that had been provisionally allocated to improving 10 stations by £50 million. Concerns around the poor state of these stations during the tenure of the previous Government had been highlighted in the Station Champions' 'Better Rail Stations' report.
It is understood that Network Rail is continuing to work with local partners to assess what improvements can be delivered at Liverpool Central station. The right hon. Member should contact Network Rail's chief executive at the following address for specific detail on Network Rail's plans for Liverpool Central station:
Iain Coucher
Chief Executive
Network Rail
King's Place
90 York Way
London N1 9AG.
Railway Stations: Luton
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has plans for improvements at Luton railway station. [4037]
Mrs Villiers: The Government recognise the importance of investing in station improvements and are committed to facilitating this investment through reforms to the way the railways are run.
We will grant longer franchises in order to give operators the incentive to invest in the improvements passengers want including better stations. We are also considering options to alter the balance of responsibility for stations between Network Rail and the train operators.
Network Rail is responsible for delivering the majority of investment in rail infrastructure across the UK rail network, and does so in accordance with the High Level Output Specification (HLOS) developed by the Department for Transport, which formed the basis on which Network Rail's income was set by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) for the current regulatory control period (CP4) in 2008.
The Government's priority is reducing the deficit. As part of the £683 million savings in departmental spending in 2010-11, Network Rail is reducing the amount that had been provisionally allocated to improving ten stations by £50 million. Concerns around the poor state of these stations during the tenure of the previous Government had been highlighted in the Station Champions' "Better Rail Stations" report.
It is understood that Network Rail is continuing to work with local partners to assess what improvements can be delivered at Luton station. The right hon. Member should contact Network Rail's chief executive at the following address for specific detail on Network Rail's plans for Luton station:
Iain Coucher
Chief Executive
Network Rail
King's Place
90 York Way
London N1 9AG.
Railway Stations: Reading
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he plans to undertake a major structural upgrade at Reading railway station. [4045]
Mrs Villiers: Reading is a significant station on the Great Western route and an important junction on the nation's railway network. Network Rail is proceeding with a major scheme to provide additional platform capacity and remove the present "bottlenecks" which constrain growth in both freight and passenger business.
In order to ensure that this is delivered in the most efficient manner and at a cost which represents the best value for money, I have asked Network Rail to review all aspects of its plans for the scheme and to seek out the most cost-effective construction approach and report to me at the earliest opportunity.
Railway Stations: Repairs and Maintenance
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has plans for improvements at Crewe railway station. [3916]
Mrs Villiers: The Government recognise the importance of investing in station improvements and are committed to facilitating this investment through reforms to the way the railways are run.
We will grant longer franchises in order to give operators the incentive to invest in the improvements passengers want including better stations. We are also considering options to alter the balance of responsibility for stations between Network Rail and the train operators.
Network Rail is responsible for delivering the majority of investment in rail infrastructure across the UK rail network, and does so in accordance with the High Level Output Specification (HLOS) developed by the Department for Transport, which formed the basis on which Network Rail's income was set by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) for the current regulatory control period (CP4) in 2008.
The Government's priority is reducing the deficit. As part of the £683 million savings in departmental spending in 2010-11, Network Rail is reducing the amount that had been provisionally allocated to improving 10 stations by £50 million. Concerns around the poor state of these stations during the tenure of the previous Government had been highlighted in the Station Champions' 'Better Rail Stations' report.
Network Rail will continue with roof improvement works at Crewe and remains committed to developing a longer term strategy for the station that better reflects the needs of its users, Crewe and the railway network. The right hon. Member should contact Network Rail's Chief Executive at the following address for specific detail on Network Rail's plans for Crewe station:
Iain Coucher
Chief Executive
Network Rail
King's Place
90 York Way
London N1 9AG.
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has plans for improvements at Manchester Victoria railway station. [3917]
Mrs Villiers: The Government recognise the importance of investing in station improvements and are committed to facilitating this investment through reforms to the way the railways are run.
We will grant longer franchises in order to give operators the incentive to invest in the improvements passengers want including better stations. We are also considering options to alter the balance of responsibility for stations between Network Rail and the train operators.
Network Rail is responsible for delivering the majority of investment in rail infrastructure across the UK rail network, and does so in accordance with the High Level Output Specification (HLOS) developed by the Department for Transport, which formed the basis on which Network Rail's income was set by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) for the current regulatory control period (CP4) in 2008.
The Government's priority is reducing the deficit. As part of the £683 million savings in Departmental spending in 2010-11, Network Rail is reducing the amount that had been provisionally allocated to improving 10 stations
by £50 million. Concerns around the poor state of these stations during the tenure of the previous Government had been highlighted in the Station Champions' 'Better Rail Stations' report.
It is understood that Network Rail has already started upgrade work at Manchester Victoria and is striving to find a way to take forward improvement plans. The right hon. Member should contact Network Rail's Chief Executive at the following address for specific detail on Network Rail's plans for Manchester Victoria station:
Iain Coucher
Chief Executive
Network Rail
King's Place
90 York Way
London N1 9AG.
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for the future of the Better Rail Stations programme; and if he will make a statement. [3918]
Mrs Villiers: The Government recognise the importance of investing in station improvements and are committed to making it easier for this investment to take place in future.
We will grant longer franchises in order to give operators the incentive to invest in the improvements passengers want including better stations. We are also considering options to alter the balance of responsibility for stations between Network Rail and the train operators.
The 'Better Rail Stations' report highlighted the concerns about the state of a number of stations during the tenure of the previous Government. It made a number of recommendations which will be considered as part of our programme for reform of the railways, though the need to address the deficit may have an impact on decisions.
The Government's current priority is reducing the deficit. As part of the £683 million savings in departmental spending in 2010-11, Network Rail is reducing the amount that had been provisionally allocated to improving 10 stations by £50 million.
Ministers will be considering the recommendations around consistent minimum facilities and standards in the coming months.
Railways
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what assessment he has made of the merits of the future high speed rail project including a line linking Birmingham with the East Midlands and Sheffield; [4435]
(2) what assessment he has made of the proposals for a high speed rail network set out in the previous Government's White Paper of March 2010. [4436]
Mr Philip Hammond: The coalition programme for Government reiterates our commitment to a national high speed rail network.
I have asked HS2 Ltd to develop proposals for a connection to Heathrow and to HS1 for services to the Channel Tunnel, and to provide a high-level assessment
of the comparative business cases of two network options for connecting London, the West Midlands, Manchester and Leeds. I expect to receive the results of this work in early July to inform my consideration of the Government's overall strategy and timetable for the establishment of a high speed rail network. Following this I expect to make a statement to Parliament.
Railways Stations: Standards
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the recommendations in the Better Rail Stations report on guaranteed minimum standards at railway stations. [4047]
Mrs Villiers: The Government recognise the importance of investing in station improvements and are committed to facilitating this investment through reforms to the way the railways are run.
We will grant longer franchises in order to give train operators the incentive to invest in the improvements passengers want including better stations. We are also considering options to alter the balance of responsibility for stations between Network Rail and the train operators.
The 'Better Rail Stations' report highlighted the concerns about the state of a number of stations during the tenure of the previous Government. It made a number of recommendations which will be considered as part of our programme for reform of the railways, though the need to address the deficit may have an impact on decisions.
Railways: Construction
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects construction of phase one of the proposed north-south high speed rail network to commence. [4438]
Mr Philip Hammond: I refer the right hon. Member to my answer given to the hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington (John McDonnell) on 10 June 2010, Official Report, column 206W.
Road Traffic: Greater Manchester
Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations his Department has received on the use by heavy goods vehicles of the A628 Woodhead Pass in the last 10 years. [3701]
Mike Penning: According to the Highways Agency's correspondence recording system, there have been no representations received about the use of heavy goods vehicles of the A628 Woodhead Pass in the last two years, other than in relation to the public inquiry.
A search of records beyond two years could be undertaken only at disproportionate cost.
In January 2006 the Highways Agency published draft Orders for the A57/A628 Mottram, Hollingworth, Tintwistle Bypass and progressed the scheme to inquiry. The inquiry was formally closed in July 2009 when it was announced that the scheme would be withdrawn because the Regional Transport Board determined that the increased costs for the scheme could not be supported.
During the life of the scheme, over five thousand representations were received by the agency. It is likely that a number of these representations included elements relating to HGV issues on the Woodhead Pass but the information is no longer readily available.
Roads: Construction
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received on construction of new roads using private sector funding. [5061]
Mike Penning: There have been no such representations; however, I would welcome proposals from the private sector or local authority sponsors for provision of new road capacity via private funding.
Roadworks
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish a roadworks programme setting out the latest cost estimates and dates for the start and end of major works on motorways and trunk roads. [4981]
Mike Penning: As part of the spending review, we are reviewing the whole range of capital investment across Government. Once the spending review is complete, we will be able to determine the likely timing and costs of future road improvements.
Rolling Stock
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has made a recent estimate of the average age of the rolling stock of each rail franchise. [3915]
Mrs Villiers: Average age data are published by the Office of Rail Regulation on a quarterly basis and can be found on the following website:
Shipping: Piracy
Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will hold discussions with the International Maritime Organisation about measures to increase anti-piracy security for cruise ships. [5594]
Mike Penning: The Department for Transport fully supports the important work that the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) undertakes in respect of counter-piracy. The IMO's Maritime Security Circulars together with the Department's Marine Guidance Note on measures to counter piracy armed robbery and other acts of violence against merchant shipping (MGN 298), and the industry's own Best Management Practices to counter piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia (BMP) represent a sound body of advice that is developed and supported collectively by the IMO, government and industry bodies including the International and UK Chambers of Shipping. In particular the BMP has significantly reduced the risk of successful pirate hijack, especially in the critical Gulf of Aden trade artery.
The Department has regular discussions on counter piracy with the IMO and the shipping industry directly, including through the IMO's Maritime Security Committee and through the counter-piracy sub committee of the Department's National Maritime Security Committee. As a result of work in our counter-piracy sub committee we will soon be issuing an update of our MGN 298 that complements, and has more general applicability, than the geographically specific advice contained in the BMP. Finally, I can confirm that counter-piracy is on the agenda for the next meeting of the IMO's MSC, scheduled for December this year, at which my Department will play an active part.
South East Airports Task Force
Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when he expects the South East Airports Task Force to publish its findings; [4017]
(2) whether the terms of reference of the South East Airports Task Force will include (a) the travel needs of passengers, (b) the interests of airline and airport employees and (c) the current and future economic effects on local areas of the airports under review; and if he will make a statement. [4030]
Mrs Villiers: The terms of reference for the South East Airports Task Force will be agreed following the first meeting of the group. The primary focus of the task force will be on addressing operational matters that will help improve the passenger experience.
The Air Transport Users Council will specifically represent passenger interests and we will look to airport operators to engage with local communities over any emerging actions that may affect them.
We expect the task force to complete its work by summer 2011 and I am hopeful that it can identify some actions for early implementation.
Speed Limits
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what plans he has for use of variable speed limits on trunk roads and dual carriageways; [4979]
(2) whether he plans to extend the use of variable speed limits. [4980]
Mike Penning: The Department for Transport acknowledges the potential benefits of variable speed limits in terms of achieving smooth traffic flows, easing congestion and improving road safety. We are currently considering the options for extension of the use of variable speeds limits on trunk roads, dual carriageways and other roads that may benefit from their use.
Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans his Department has to introduce a 20 mph speed limit on all urban roads; and if he will make a statement. [5191]
Mike Penning: The Department for Transport keeps all speed limits under review to ensure they remain appropriate. There are no current plans to change the 30 mph default speed limit. To do so would have significant resource implications and place additional burdens on local authorities. Local authorities already have the power to implement 20 mph limits and zones where they decide they are appropriate.
Speed Limits: Cameras
Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport from what date he expects fixed-speed cameras to be in operation on the M1 in Hertfordshire. [3600]
Mike Penning: The M1 Junctions 6a-10 scheme will allow the use of mandatory variable speed limits to manage traffic flows.
Speed enforcement cameras to support compliance with the operation of the variable speed limits are expected to come into operation in November 2010.
Tolls
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy not to introduce tolls on existing roads or motorways in (a) 2010-11 and (b) the period covered by the next Comprehensive Spending Review. [5064]
Mike Penning: I refer the hon. Member to my answers of 15 June to the hon. Member for Vauxhall (Kate Hoey), Official Report, column 379W.
Trade Unions
Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will consult trade unions on departmental cost reduction plans. [5148]
Mr Philip Hammond: We are determined that this spending review process will be open, responsible and fair.
Various events will be organised over the summer for interested parties (including trade unions) to discuss and debate various aspects of public spending. Further detail of these events will be made available in due course. Trade unions will also have the opportunity to feed into the cross-Government online consultation. Departmental cost reduction plans will be a part of business as usual discussions between trade unions and my Department officials.
Transport: Safety
Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much his Department has allocated in area-based grants to transport safety partnerships in each year since 2007. [4186]
Mike Penning: Area-based grants are the resource, rather than the capital, side of the specific road safety grant.
The money is distributed to local highways authorities which then decide how much (if any) should be allocated to road safety partnerships.
Budgets were allocated as follows:
| £ | |
The area-based grant for road safety was reduced to £56,842,152 as part of local government's contribution to the £6 billion of in-year savings in 2010-11. This grant was chosen for reduction because it was evenly spread across local authorities and thus provides equal incentive to local authorities to make efficiencies to compensate for the reduction in road safety grant. At the same time, a substantial tranche of local authority grant was de-ring-fenced, allowing local authorities greater flexibility in spending. The reduction in road safety grant is not intended to signal that local authorities are expected to reduce spending on road safety disproportionately.
Transport: West Midlands
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what steps he plans to take to improve transport infrastructure in (a) the West Midlands and (b) Coventry; [5737]
(2) what steps he plans to take to improve transport capacity in (a) the West Midlands and (b) Coventry. [5739]
Norman Baker: The Government have made it clear that their most urgent priority is to tackle the UK's record budget deficit, in order to restore confidence in the economy and support the recovery. The Department for Transport is playing a full part in the spending review which will be reporting in the autumn.
Only once the Government's spending review has been concluded will the Department for Transport be in a position to identify those major investments in infrastructure and capacity that can be supported.
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received on the transport infrastructure in the West Midlands. [5738]
Norman Baker: The Department for Transport has received representations from a range of interested parties on the future of West Midlands transport infrastructure, including business groups, local and regional government and environmental groups. Once the Government's spending review has been concluded, the Department for Transport will be in a position to identify those major investments that can be supported.
Wales
Cabinet Committees
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions she has had with the Prime Minister on her appointments to Cabinet committees. [6209]
Mrs Gillan: I have regular discussions with my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on a wide range of issues.
I am a member of the Ministerial Committee on Home Affairs which deals with issues relating to constitutional and political reform, and home affairs, including migration and welfare.
The number of Cabinet committees has been reduced to 11, less than half the number under the previous Government. The new committees meet on a regular basis.
Departmental Lost Property
Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what property has been recorded as (a) lost and (b) stolen from her Department in the last 12 months; and what estimate has been made of the cost of the replacement of that property. [5977]
Mr David Jones: In the last 12 months, one BlackBerry has been lost and one mobile telephone stolen. The replacement cost for the telephone is estimated to be £40. The BlackBerry has not been replaced.
Devolution
Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what quasi-judicial functions (a) the Secretary of State, (b) the Minister of State, (c) the Secretary of State and the Minister of State together will carry out in relation to a referendum on the question of whether to transfer primary law-making powers to the National Assembly for Wales. [5731]
Mrs Gillan: The proposed referendum Order is currently being drafted and will contain the rules for the conduct of the campaign and the referendum. The Secretary of State will be making decisions, for example on spending limits, the referendum date, the referendum question. When the draft Order is laid it will be subject to the affirmative procedure. Members in both Houses of Parliament will have the opportunity of scrutinising its provision when it is debated.
Hotels
Mr David: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what the average cost to the public purse of the Secretary of State's overnight accommodation on visits to Cardiff has been in the latest period for which figures are available. [5423]
Mrs Gillan: Since my appointment, I have been required to stay overnight in Cardiff on official business on six occasions, at an average cost of around £93 per stay. That compares favourably with the average cost to the public purse of hotel accommodation in Wales for my predecessor.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Afghanistan: Elections
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the safety of Afghan women who are parliamentary candidates and wish to visit their proposed constituencies to campaign; and if he will make a statement. [5076]
Alistair Burt:
Parliamentary elections in September are a key step in the development of Afghan democracy. Alongside the rest of the international community, we have been working closely with the Afghan Government
to ensure that the elections are credible and inclusive. The security situation remains challenging in parts of the country and this will impact on campaigning opportunities for many candidates.
The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) is working to support the Afghan Independent Election Commission (IEC) and the Afghan National Security Forces in providing security for the elections. The UK, with the UN and other international donors, is in close contact with ISAF partners and the IEC to encourage them to work closely together to provide as secure an environment as possible for the elections and for candidates. Adequate security needs to be provided to enable candidates to campaign in as many areas as possible, particularly for female candidates who may face increased levels of intimidation and attacks as a result of standing for election. Work on this is already ongoing; the Afghan Ministry of Interior will provide two bodyguards for each female candidate, and a number of international and state-run programmes aimed at providing extra support for female candidates are being co-ordinated by the IEC's Gender Unit.
Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations
David Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in planning for undertaking the Kandahar operation; what contribution the Afghan Government will make to the operation; and if he will make a statement. [5085]
Mr Hague [holding answer 1 July 2010]: The Afghan Government and provincial governor of Kandahar are jointly leading plans to improve governance and development in Kandahar province. They have convened a number of shuras, including that of 13 June, attended by President Karzai, and the Hamkari conference on 21 June, involving line ministries from Kabul and the provincial governor to build broader political public support within Kandahar for this endeavour. The Afghan police and army are similarly playing a strong role, alongside the International Security Assistance Force, in planning to improve security in Kandahar city and its neighbouring districts. Both President Karzai and Governor Wesa have been overseeing these plans.
Chechnya: Human Rights
Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his most recent assessment is of the human rights situation in Chechnya; and if he will make a statement. [4997]
Mr Lidington:
Human rights in Chechnya and the North Caucasus remain a serious concern. The recent comparative stability in Chechnya has been at the expense of freedom of expression and democratic space, with civil society and media freedom facing tough restrictions. Corruption is endemic, and 2009 saw the murders of human rights defenders and journalists. There is still a low success rate in investigating and prosecuting such crimes, perpetuating a climate of impunity. The 2009 Foreign and Commonwealth Office Annual Human Rights Report, the June report of the All-Party Parliamentary Human Rights Group visit to Chechnya, and the June Council of Europe resolution on the
North Caucasus highlight these concerns and call on the Russian Government to act.
The Government welcome President Medvedev's recognition of the need to address the underlying socio-economic conditions which can lead to extremism and on the need to strengthen the rule of law in Russia. Equally, it is important that the Russian Government recognise that security measures that do not respect international human rights law are counter-productive, and that putting an end to human rights violations is a vital element in the achievement of a long-term solution to the region's problems.
China: Foreign Relations
Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has for a long-term strategic dialogue between China and the UK. [4994]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government have a well-developed set of bilateral structures with the Chinese Government, which we use to take forward areas of mutual strategic interest. These are among the most comprehensive bilateral structures any western country has with China.
Planning for our high-level bilateral dialogues this year is well-advanced. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister agreed during his meeting with President Hu on 26 June that he would visit Beijing for the next UK-China Summit in November. My right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer is taking forward our economic and financial dialogue. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary plans to make an early visit to China for the next round of our strategic dialogue.
Colombia
Mr Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next expects to meet the President-elect of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos. [5817]
Mr Jeremy Browne: My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will be meeting the President-elect of Colombia during his current visit to the UK.
Mr Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the issue of an arrest warrant for murder against the President-elect of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, by the Ecuadorian authorities. [5818]
Mr Jeremy Browne: I am aware that the arrest warrant for President-elect of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos was made by a regional judge in Ecuador in 2008, when Mr Santos was Colombian Defence Minister.
Departmental Postal Services
John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department spent on postage in 2009. [3342]
Alistair Burt: Expenditure on franking at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)'s UK mail rooms was £131,700 during 2009. In 2005 the amount spent by the FCO with the Royal Mail was £233,788. We have achieved savings partly by sending more documents electronically.
Eastern Europe: Equality
Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what events in Eastern Europe for the promotion of equality UK embassies (a) have participated in and (b) expect to participate in in 2010. [4993]
Mr Lidington: In line with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's human rights agenda, our overseas missions, including those in eastern Europe, have a responsibility to promote human rights in their host countries. This work includes organising and participating in events to promote particular human rights issues, including during 2010 events to support a range of equality and non-discrimination issues. Individual Heads of Mission are free to decide what events to organise and what events organised by others to attend according to the local situation. We do not keep a central record of all events.
Western Balkans
Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to promote stability in the Western Balkans. [5196]
Mr Lidington: The Government attaches great importance to promotion of stability in the Western Balkans. It sees a strategy of pursuing membership of Euro Atlantic structures for all the countries of the region as the best means to create stability, security and prosperity on a firm foundation of democracy, the rule of law and shared values.
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made clear, at the 2 June Sarajevo High Level Meeting of EU and Western Balkan Foreign Ministers, that EU integration of the Western Balkans will require a clear, determined, firm and active approach by the EU as well as concrete steps by the countries of the region to fulfil the criteria for membership of the EU. As I set out during my recent visit to Macedonia and Kosovo, the Government will continue to engage closely with countries in the region to this end. The Government will also continue to work closely with EU and international partners, and will give its full support to Baroness Ashton and Commissioner Fule in their efforts to promote reform and embed stability in the region.
European Court of Justice
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in how many cases before the European Court of Justice (a) the UK and (b) a UK-based company is a party; and how many such cases relate to the implementation of EU legislation. [5366]
Mr Lidington: There are three cases before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) where the UK is a party in a direct action (i.e. is the applicant or defendant). There is one case before the General Court where the UK is a party in a direct action. Of the four cases in total, one of them (a case before the ECJ) involves the implementation of EU legislation; the other three do not.
We do not hold data on cases before the Court of Justice of the EU that involve a UK-based company and it would be available only at a disproportionate cost.
European External Action Service
Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his most recent estimate is of the number of his Department's staff who will be seconded to the European External Action Service. [5416]
Mr Lidington: Once the European External Action Service (EEAS) is up and running, we will seek to second top-quality staff from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to good positions. It is difficult to put a number to this as it will depend on what positions become available and the candidates being successful in the selection procedures, for the European External Action Service is merit-based.
Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs where each EU embassy of the European External Action Service is located; and what UK diplomatic representation is available at each such location. [5418]
Mr Lidington: The list of EU Delegations/Offices under the responsibility of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy is set out in the following table with the UK diplomatic representations at each location alongside them.
| Delegations/offices | |
|
None (covered by embassy in Paris as Dependant Territory of France) | |
European Union Bill
John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of his Department's officials are working on preparations for the European Union Bill. [5024]
Mr Jeremy Browne: There are four officials working on preparations for the forthcoming European Union Bill full-time. In addition, a number of other officials have contributed to the ongoing work in this area.
Iran: Nuclear Power
Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of Iran's uranium enrichment programme; and if he will make a statement. [4996]
Alistair Burt: The Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued his latest report on Iran on 31 May 2010. The report makes it clear that Iran has shown no sign of suspending its enrichment- related activities as required by six UN Security Council Resolutions, and continues to stockpile enriched uranium. Iran is enriching uranium up to nearly 20%, a significant step towards weapons grade enrichment, despite having no credible civilian purpose for the fuel. We continue to share IAEA concerns about the possible existence in Iran of activities related to the development of a nuclear payload for a missile.
New Zealand: Shechita
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received of the prohibition on the practice of shechita in New Zealand; and if he will make a statement. [5516]
Mr Jeremy Browne: I am aware of the prohibition on shechita in New Zealand. This is a matter for the Government of New Zealand and its citizens.
Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe
Mr MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he plans to attend this year's ministerial conference of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. [5410]
Mr Lidington: I will attend the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe informal ministerial meeting in Almaty.
Pope Benedict XVI
Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the likely cost to the public purse of the forthcoming visit to the UK by Pope Benedict. [5507]
Mr Bellingham: Pope Benedict XVI will visit the UK not only as the leader of the Catholic Church but as a Head of State, and at the invitation of Her Majesty the Queen. Part of the costs of the visit will therefore fall to the Government.
The total costs can be divided into two categories: policing costs, which will be met by the state from existing policing budgets, and non-policing costs, which will be split between the Catholic Church and the Government. Discussions are under way to finalise these costs and to agree the appropriate levels of contribution from the Government and the Catholic Bishops' Conferences of England and Wales, and of Scotland.
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made on the visit to the UK of Pope Benedict XVI; what recent discussions he has had with his Vatican counterpart on the visit; and if he will make a statement. [5518]
Mr Bellingham: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not met his Vatican counterpart to discuss the Papal visit. However, a delegation from the Holy See visited the UK from 21 to 24 June and held discussions with Government officials and representatives of the Catholic Church on preparations for the visit. These included details of the programme and organisation of the various events involved, in addition to accommodation, travel and practical arrangements for the Papal delegation. Our embassy to the Holy See is in close touch with the Vatican over arrangements for the visit.
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