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3 Nov 2010 : Column 833W—continued
Justice
Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003: Prosecutions
Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many prosecutions have been brought under the provisions of the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 in each year since its entry into force; and if he will make a statement. [21378]
Mr Blunt: There have been no prosecutions under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 reported to the Ministry of Justice for England and Wales, from its introduction in March 2004, up to the end of 2009 (latest available).
The Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 is intended to help to prevent this unacceptable practice from happening in the first place. Research suggests a number of barriers to prosecution, including pressure from the family or wider community, lead to cases going unreported. Despite the lack of prosecutions to date, the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 provides a clear message that female genital mutilation is an unacceptable practice and illegal in England and Wales.
A range of guidance has been issued to heighten awareness among all relevant professionals. The Home Office issued guidance to all chief officers of police in England and Wales on the investigation of cases of female genital mutilation when the Act came into force in 2004. The Association of Chief Police Officers incorporated female genital mutilation in guidance for police forces which was revised and reissued in 2008. The Crown Prosecution Service included female genital mutilation in its Policy for Prosecuting Cases of Domestic Violence, which was disseminated to all prosecutors by the end of 2008. This was accompanied by a modular training package which has been rolled out to all CPS areas.
The Government appointed a cross government female genital mutilation coordinator in September 2009 and a number of initiatives have been implemented to improve the Government response to tackling female genital mutilation. Most recently, the Home Office, in partnership with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Department of Health and Department for Education, have developed draft Multi-Agency Practice Guidelines to assist practitioners handling cases of female genital mutilation. These guidelines are open for consultation at:
Following consideration of responses, we hope to publish these guidelines in spring 2011.
Court proceedings data for 2010 are planned for publication in 2011.
Mercy Killing
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will hold a public inquiry on the merits of establishing an offence of mercy killing. [21067]
Mr Kenneth Clarke: The Government have no plans to hold such an inquiry.
Remand In Custody: Young People
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 13 September 2010, Official Report, columns 862-3W, on remand in custody: young people, how many and what proportion of juveniles remanded in custody were subsequently (a) acquitted and (b) given a non-custodial sentence in (i) magistrates and (ii) Crown courts in 2009. [20985]
Mr Blunt: The estimated number and proportion of juveniles remanded in custody at magistrates courts and the Crown court in England and Wales in 2009 (latest currently available), who were subsequently acquitted or given a non-custodial sentence, is shown in the following table.
| The estimated number and proportion of juveniles( 1) remanded in custody( 2) who were subsequently acquitted, received a non-custodial sentence( 3) or a custodial sentence at magistrates courts and the Crown court, England and Wales 2009( 4) | ||
| 2009( 5) | ||
| Juveniles | Percentage of juveniles( 4) | |
| (1) Defined as being aged 10-17 at the date of appearance in court. (2) Includes those remanded in custody at any stage of proceedings at magistrates and Crown courts who may also have been given bail at some stage of those proceedings. (3) Magistrates courts figures exclude those committed for trial or sentence at the Crown court and those who failed to appear. Non-custodial sentences include discharges, fines, community sentences, and a number of other sentences that do not involve incarceration. Acquitted includes proceedings discontinued, discharged, withdrawn and dismissed. (4) Percentages here represent the proportions of all juveniles who were remanded in custody, excluding those where the outcome resulted in committal for trial or sentence by magistrates courts to the Crown court. (5) Data are estimates. Notes: 1. Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. It is known that in some police force areas, information on remand decisions is not always readily available to those coding court proceedings returns. In certain cases, the return may be mistakenly coded as if no remand had taken place. For magistrates court proceedings, the number of remands and more importantly, the number which are in custody, are believed to be under-recorded in total. As the breakdown of remands into bail and custody cases for a number of forces is not accurate for a number of forces, estimates have to be made to provide national figures. 2. Some percentages may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Source: Prepared by Justice Statistics Analytical Services. | ||
Squatting
Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what plans he has to bring forward legislative proposals to amend legislation on squatting; and if he will make a statement. [20911]
Mr Blunt: We are considering whether the law in relation to squatting and the way it is enforced, should be strengthened, but we have not yet reached any firm conclusions.
Squatting: Evictions
Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will bring forward legislative proposals to extend the rights of property owners and local authorities to evict squatters from private property. [21247]
Mr Blunt: We are reviewing with other Government Departments whether the law in relation to squatting and the way it is enforced, should be strengthened, but we have yet to reach a conclusion.
Education
Academies: Finance
Ed Balls: To ask the Secretary of State for Education with reference to his announcement of 1 September 2010, whether he plans to publish the academy school funding agreements he has signed with schools which are converting from outstanding maintained school status. [15417]
Mr Gibb [holding answer 14 September 2010]: All funding agreements are being published on the Department for Education's website:
Libraries: Finance
Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has for the future of library services following the outcome of the comprehensive spending review. [20618]
Mr Vaizey: I have been asked to reply.
Local authorities in England fund and deliver library services. Policy responsibility rests with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. To help councils adapt to the current economic challenge and in anticipation of a tight spending review settlement for local government (distributed by the Department for Communities and Local Government), in the summer we announced a Future Libraries Programme that will help maximise the impact of available library budgets.
The Museums Libraries and Archive Council (MLA) and the Local Government Association Group (LGA) are jointly leading the Future Libraries Programme. The programme is finding new ways to deliver library services without cutting the front line services that communities want and need. It provides the chance to
try new and innovative methods like shared resources, different governance models and co-locating with other services. The latest information about this programme is available on the MLA website at
Schools: Bristol
Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent representations he has received on capital and revenue funding for St Ursula's School in Bristol. [16972]
Mr Gibb [holding answer 13 October 2010]: We have received a number of representations about proposals for the future of the former St Ursula's Independent School. However, we have not received any representations on capital and revenue funding.
Schools: Finance
Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) how much funding his Department has allocated to faith free schools; [17464]
(2) how much funding his Department has allocated to (a) Anglican, (b) Roman Catholic, (c) Presbyterian and (d) Methodist faith free schools. [17465]
Mr Gibb [holding answer 14 October 2010]: The Department has not yet allocated any funding available under the Free Schools programme to faith schools but I can confirm that my Department's remit only covers England.
Schools: Travel Advisers
Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what funding he plans to allocate to school travel advisers in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12. [15469]
Mr Gibb: School travel advisers in local authorities are jointly funded by the Departments for Education and Transport. The Department for Education's allocation in 2010-11 is £3,357,000. This funding is delivered to local authorities through the Area Based Grant mechanism, which was subject to a reduction of 23.96% following a departmental wide £670 million savings exercise earlier in this financial year. The Department's funding commitments for 2011-12 will be subject to the outcome of the comprehensive spending review.
Specialist Schools: Finance
Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what sum his Department pays in capital grant to specialist schools following initial designation. [17325]
Mr Gibb [ holding answer 18 October 2010]: Following this year's initial designation round, the Department paid £20,000 to each of the newly designated specialist schools, representing a total of £2.32 million for the 2010-11 financial year. This excludes the 23 middle schools which joined the programme in partnership with an established upper school and which were not eligible to receive the capital grant.
Business, Innovation and Skills
Apprentices: Kingston upon Hull
Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many and what proportion of the new apprenticeships announced in the comprehensive spending review 2010 will be located in Hull. [21825]
Mr Hayes: The comprehensive spending review confirmed that we will increase annual funding for adult apprenticeships by up to £250 million a year before the end of the spending review period. This is above the £398 million annual funding for adult apprenticeships inherited from the last Government. By 2014-15, this Government will have in place sufficient funding for 75,000 more adult apprenticeship places than the previous Government were providing.
Apprenticeships are funded on a national basis through the Skills Funding Agency (SFA). There are no regional or local allocations. We do expect the SFA, working through the National Apprenticeships Service, to support employers, colleges and training organisations in Hull and across the country to make these additional apprenticeship places available where there is local demand.
We will publish our plans for apprenticeships in our Skills Strategy and Skills Investment Strategy later this month.
Defence Equipment: Exhibitions
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what support his Department plans to give to companies attending the LIBDEX 2010 event in Tripoli in November 2010; and what estimate he has made of the likely cost to the public purse of such support; [21476]
(2) at which overseas exhibitions the UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation plans to offer support to exporting companies in the period to 31 March 2011. [21477]
Mr Prisk: UKTI DSO will send a small team to LIBDEX 2010 to support UK industry as has been done at previous exhibitions in Libya. Attendance by staff from UKTI is aimed at providing continued support to UK defence and security companies seeking to win business in Libya following the lifting of the EU arms embargo in 2004. UK Government and industrial participation at LIBDEX 2010 will continue this policy as well as contributing to our desire to further develop the UK's bilateral relationship with Libya. The net cost of this attendance is estimated to be £55,000.
UKTI DSO will also be providing support to UK companies in varying degrees at the following exhibitions:
| Exhibition | Country | Dates |
Financial Regulation
John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) on what date his Department consulted (a) organisations representing the financial sector and (b) the Financial Reporting Council on the Government's proposal to transfer the UK Listing Authority away from the Financial Services Authority; [20893]
(2) what representations he received from organisations representing the financial sector on the Government's proposals to transfer the UK Listing Authority away from the Financial Services Authority; and when those representations were received. [20896]
Mr Davey: In the period from 5 May to 26 July BIS Ministers and officials met with a wide range of organisations including the London Stock Exchange Group and the Financial Reporting Council as part of the usual policy making process. I have also met both bodies since HM Treasury issued the consultation "A new approach to financial regulation: judgment, focus and stability" on 26 July. While I have had no other meetings specifically on the consultation, I and my officials would have encouraged all interested parties to respond to the consultation.
Financial Reporting Council
John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills on what date his Department received representations from the Financial Reporting Council on the Government's proposals to transfer the UK Listing Authority away from the Financial Services Authority. [20895]
Mr Davey: In the light of my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary's Statement to Parliament on 17 June 2010, Official Report, columns 1056-58 and in preparation for a meeting between them on 30 June, the chair of the Financial Reporting Council wrote to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 28 June on a wide range of issues, including potential synergies between the UK Listing Authority and the Financial Reporting Council. BIS Ministers were informed on 15 July of the FRC Board discussion that day. I also discussed the issues with the FRC when I saw them on 8 September.
Foreign Students
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many 18 to 30 year olds with UK nationality were estimated to be studying in universities in each country outside the United Kingdom in each of the last 20 years. [19766]
Mr Willetts:
The UK, in common with other countries, does not collect data on outward-bound students but does collect them on inward-bound students. Hence, there is reliance on the figures reported by other countries
to the main international agencies (OECD, Eurostat and UNESCO) for information about UK students studying abroad.
The international agency databases go back as far as 1998, therefore earlier figures are not available. As
countries compile data on foreign and/or international students in different ways, figures are not strictly comparable. The figures in the table cover all ages, as information by age group is not available.
| Estimated number of UK students in higher education studying abroad | |||||||||||
| Country | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
| (1) Indicates that no data were supplied. (2) Figures adjusted for missing data and for methodological changes in reporting by individual countries. Source: OECD on-line database | |||||||||||
Higher Education: Cheshire
Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many people resident in Warrington North constituency entered higher education in the last 10 years for which figures are available, broken down by (a) age, (b) income decile of the student or their parents and (c) council ward. [21176]
Mr Willetts: Information relating to the income decile of the student or their parents and council ward is not available. The latest available information from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) broken down by age is provided as follows. Figures for the 2009/10 academic year will be available in January 2011. Comparable figures for HE level courses in Further Education Colleges are not available.
Paternity Leave
Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 13 October 2010, Official Report, column 335W, on paternity leave, what the future timetable is for his Department's consultation on long-term options for shared paternity leave. [19787]
Mr Davey: The Government are committed to encouraging shared parenting and making the workplace more family friendly. We will launch a consultation in due course on the design of a new system of flexible shared parental leave.
Royal Mail: Reorganisation
Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether his Department has discussed with the Communications Workers Union or other employee representatives (a) conversion of Royal Mail to a mutual society or co-operative and (b) an employee-led buy-out of the business. [21362]
Mr Davey: I have met with both the CWU and Unite to discuss Royal Mail matters. Government have been clear that their policy for ownership of Royal Mail is to enable a sale of shares in the company in order to secure the future of both Royal Mail and the universal postal service, and as part of this to make available 10% of the equity for employees as part of the privatisation process. This was set out in the policy statement that we published alongside introduction of the Postal Services Bill on 13 October "Delivering for the future-a universal mail service and community post offices in the digital age". It can be viewed in the House Libraries or online at:
Neither the CWU nor Unite have raised with Government the possibility of either a mutualisation or employee buy out for Royal Mail. However, a mutualisation or employee-led buy out of Royal Mail is unlikely to give it the access to the commercial confidence and disciplines of private investors that it needs to allow the company to modernise faster and keep pace with the changes in the market.
Technology Strategy Board: Finance
Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much of its budget for 2008 to 2011 the Technology Strategy Board allocated to (a) new and (b) ongoing long-term projects. [20874]
Mr Willetts: The Technology Strategy Board will spend around £328 million on new projects and £302 million on ongoing legacy projects in the period 2008-11. These costs are largely in the area of collaborative R&D projects which are typically of three years duration.
The Technology Strategy Board also funds Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, which are of one to three years duration, and Knowledge Transfer Networks at a cost of £87 million and £55 million respectively for the period 2008-11.
Tobacco Industry
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the effects on independent retailers of the implementation of provisions of the Health Act 2009 in respect of the prohibition of tobacco displays since his Department's initial consultation and impact assessment; and if he will make a statement. [20617]
Mr Prisk: BIS has worked closely with all the leading retail trade associations (the Association of Convenience Stores, the National Federation of Retail Newsagents and the British Retail Consortium) to ensure that the effects on retail businesses of the implementation of the tobacco display provisions in the Health Act 2009 are well understood. These retail trade organisations have provided information and evidence in respect of the estimated one-off costs of compliance and the annual costs as well as the wider impact of tobacco retail practices. This information has been routinely shared with the Department of Health which of course leads in this policy area.
UK Listing Authority
John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on proposals to transfer the UK Listing Authority away from the Financial Services Authority; and on what dates those discussions took place. [20894]
Mr Davey: My right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Vince Cable) and the Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr Osborne) have such frequent discussions on a wide range of issues that it would not be practical to provide details.
Working Conditions: Public Sector
Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for the future of rules on (a) transfer of undertakings and (b) two-tier working in respect of employees leaving public sector employment. [20031]
Mr Davey:
The Government currently have no plans to revise the transfer of undertakings regulations (protection of employment) regulations (TUPE). However my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General (Mr Maude) who has responsibility for to the Code of Practice on Workforce Matters in Public Sector Service Contracts, often referred to as the Two Tier Code has sought the views of interested
parties including trade unions and employers groups with a view to abolishing the code. A decision will be made by the Government in due course.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Colombia
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received of investigations into the conduct of the Vice-President of Colombia during his tenure as governor of Valle del Cauca. [21495]
Mr Jeremy Browne: On 13 October 2010 the Colombian Public Ministry asked the Attorney-General's Office to re-open an investigation into the conduct of Vice-President Angelino Garzón during his time as governor of Valle del Cauca. A previous investigation was opened and then closed in 2005 because the denouncing prosecutor, according to Colombian law, did not have the competence required to carry out an investigation against a governor. The Attorney-General's Office has yet to respond to the request.
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the killing of Edgar Bohorquez in Colombia; and whether his Department has made representations to the Colombian government on this matter. [21496]
Mr Jeremy Browne: Our embassy in Bogota has received reports that Mr Bohorquez was murdered on 24 September 2010 while driving a motorcycle with his son, who was also shot and remains in a critical condition. On 29 September Colombia's human rights ombudsman called on the authorities to conduct a full investigation. On 2 November 2010 the embassy wrote to the Presidential Programme for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law to raise Mr Bohorquez's case. We will continue to monitor the investigation and raise the matter with the Colombian authorities again should it prove necessary.
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice he has received on representations to the Colombian authorities in the case of the imprisonment of Liliany Obando. [21497]
Mr Jeremy Browne: We have made several representations to the Colombian Government in the case of Liliany Obando. Staff at our embassy in Bogota wrote to Carlos Franco, Director of the Human Rights Presidential programme in Colombia on her behalf on 5 March. On 24 March the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombia informed officials at our embassy in Bogota that Mrs Obando continues to be imprisoned at El Buen Pastor. We have also been informed that the Public Ministry Office (Procuraduria) is involved in her case to guarantee the impartiality and independence of her legal process.
Our embassy in Bogota will continue to monitor the proceedings of this case and raise it again with the Colombian authorities should it prove necessary.
Departmental Manpower
Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many officials his Department has appointed on fixed-term contracts since 7 May 2010. [16792]
Alistair Burt: Since 7 May 2010 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has appointed six people on fixed-term contracts, in accordance with the rules set out by the Civil Service Commissioners.
Departmental Public Expenditure
Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 29 June 2010, Official Report, columns 37-8WS, on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office: programmes, what further reductions in expenditure his Department plans to make to achieve the in-year reductions he proposes. [16206]
Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is determined to deliver the best possible service to the UK taxpayer at the lowest possible cost, while contributing to the Government's goal of reducing the budget deficit. Where there is scope for further cuts, efficiencies and reforms to deliver better for Britain we will make them.
These efficiencies and reforms include:
reduced spend on consultancy and other support functions;
more collaborative procurement with other Departments who have a presence overseas, such as the Department for International Development; and
where circumstances permit, further asset sales in parts of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's overseas estates.
The money saved will help sustain the UK's front-line diplomatic work and our global network of posts, and contribute to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's £55 million in-year cuts.
Hamas
Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aims and objectives his Department has set for its policy on Hamas. [21309]
Alistair Burt: The UK, along with its international allies, continue to call on all parties in the region including Hamas to refrain from any activity that could undermine the search for a just and lasting settlement.
We call on Hamas to take immediate and concrete steps towards the Quartet principles and to end its interference with the operations of non-governmental organisations and UN agencies in Gaza. We also call for the unconditional release of Gilad Shalit, who has been held in captivity for four years.
Iran: Politics and Government
Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aims and objectives his Department has set for its policy on Iran. [21311]
Alistair Burt: The central objective of our policy is to stop Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon. To this end, my Department is playing a leading diplomatic role in an internationally-agreed strategy of pressure in the form of sanctions, and engagement, to persuade Iran to resolve the concerns over its nuclear programme.
Iran: Sanctions
Michael Ellis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will consider the merits of introducing unilateral economic sanctions against Iran. [20924]
Alistair Burt: We are fully committed to using engagement and targeted pressure to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue, and have supported UN and EU sanctions as part of this approach. Our clear preference is for multilateral sanctions which have the widest impact. We will consider additional national measures where we assess these will be effective.
Middle East: Armed Conflict
Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in Israel and the Palestinian National Council on the situation of members of the Palestinian legislature; and if he will make a statement. [18851]
Alistair Burt: The UK continues to follow Israeli detention operations closely and monitor the situation of Palestinian prisoners. We continue to urge the Government of Israel to take immediate action to ensure all cases are reviewed by a court in accordance with fair procedures and that their rights, particularly the rights to a fair trial and family visit, should be upheld.
Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the number of (a) rockets and (b) mortar bombs launched into Israeli territory from (i) Lebanon and (ii) Gaza since 1 January 2010; and if he will make a statement. [21141]
Alistair Burt [holding answer 2 November 2010]: According to the Israeli Defence Force there have been 122 rockets and 87 mortars fired from Gaza at the state of Israel and zero mortars and rockets from Lebanon.
Middle East: Peace Negotiations
Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aims and objectives his Department has set for its policy on the Middle East peace process. [21310]
Alistair Burt: As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary (Mr Hague) has made clear, we will do all that we can to support progress towards a two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This conflict matters to British national security and we will take every opportunity to help promote peace.
We want to see a sovereign, viable and contiguous Palestinian state living in peace and security alongside a safe and secure Israel and their other neighbours in the
region, based on the borders of 1967, with Jerusalem the future capital of both states and a fair settlement for refugees.
Direct talks are a vital opportunity to make progress. We look to Israel to renew the settlement moratorium so that talks can continue.
Palestinians: International Assistance
Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the UN Relief and Works Agency on the (a) education of school children in and (b) importation of building materials into Gaza; and if he will make a statement. [20675]
Alistair Burt: Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials have regular contact, in London and in the region, with the UN Relief and Works Agency regarding a number of issues related to Gaza, including reconstruction of schools and import of key materials. We welcome the steps that Israel announced in June to improve access to Gaza. But we want to see further progress to speed up reconstruction and secure real change on the ground.
Tariq Aziz
Kris Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Iraqi Government on commuting the death sentence on Tariq Aziz; and if he will make a statement. [21123]
Alistair Burt: The UK is opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances as a matter of principle. Together with EU partners, we promote the abolition of capital punishment around the world.
We repeatedly make our opposition known to the Iraqi authorities at senior levels. The Charge d'Affaires at our embassy in Baghdad wrote to the Iraqi Prime Minister's office on 21 October 2010 outlining our opposition. Along with 22 other countries the UK raised concerns over the use of the death penalty in Iraq during Iraq's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the UN Human Rights Council in February 2010. On three occasions in 2009, we joined other EU member states in delivering demarches to the Iraqi Government against the death penalty.
However, trials are held in accordance with Iraqi law and we support Iraq's sovereign right to bring to justice those accused of crimes against the Iraqi people.
Yemen: Visits Abroad
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Ambassador of Yemen on plans for a Ministerial visit to Yemen. [21494]
Alistair Burt:
The travel plans of Ministers are not for public disclosure for security reasons. I can, however, tell you that I visited Yemen in June and intend to follow up this very productive visit with a further trip. You will be aware of the terrorist attacks on British embassy vehicles on 26 April and 6 October and more recently heightened international concerns about the threat posed by al-Qaeda in the Arabian peninsula in
Yemen and to the west. This threat will be taken into consideration when planning any future visits. I have met His Excellency Abdulla Ali Al-Radhi, the newly appointed Yemeni ambassador to the Court of St James, and have restated my intention to further develop the UK-Yemen bilateral relationship.
Defence
Peacekeeping Operations: Middle East
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his most recent estimate is of the number of civilian deaths in Iraq consequent on actions by (a) coalition forces and (b) insurgents since March 2003. [20592]
Dr Fox: The Ministry of Defence does not collate figures for civilian casualties in Iraq. The prevention of civilian casualties was of paramount concern to force commanders operating in Iraq and the risk of this occurring was minimised at all times by the tactics and training of our forces.
Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on offering incentives to (a) tribal leaders and (b) other individuals or organisations in Afghanistan to secure the safe passage of convoys. [19404]
Dr Fox: Ministry of Defence policy is not to offer incentives to any individual or organisation in Afghanistan in an attempt to secure the safe passage of its convoys.
Aircraft Carriers
Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what methodology his Department used to estimate the relative cost to the public purse of (a) cancelling the order for the proposed second aircraft carrier and (b) building it; and if he will place in the Library a copy of his correspondence with BAE Systems on that matter. [19839]
Peter Luff: The National Security Council received advice on the aircraft carrier construction programme as part of the strategic defence and security review (SDSR) process. BAE Systems separately wrote to the Prime Minister setting out the company's assessment of costs. The Government's conclusions have been fully explained in the SDSR, which was published on 19 October.
Armed Forces: Investigations
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what investigation his Department conducted into an incident on 15 November 2006 in Helmand Province in Afghanistan in which a Royal Marines Commando patrol reportedly fired warning shots at a white Hilux vehicle, resulting in the death of two civilians and two civilians being wounded; when that investigation was conducted, which part of his Department conducted that investigation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of that investigation; [19901]
(2) what investigation his Department conducted into allegations relating to the conduct of Coldstream Guards in Afghanistan in October and November 2007; when the investigation was conducted; which part of his Department conducted this investigation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation; [20787]
(3) what investigation his Department conducted into an incident on 6 November 2007 in Kabul in which a son of an Afghan general was reportedly killed by a warning shot from an unidentified UK company; when this investigation was conducted; which part of his Department conducted the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation; [20788]
(4) what investigation his Department conducted into the incident on 25 October 2007 in Kabul, in which a vehicle reportedly failed to stop for an unidentified patrol and a warning shot was reportedly fired by a British soldier; when the investigation was conducted; which part of his Department conducted the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation; [20789]
(5) what investigation his Department conducted into the incident on 21 October 2007 in Kabul, in which an unidentified British vehicle with a gunner on top reportedly wounded three civilian interpreters; when this investigation was conducted; which part of his Department conducted the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation; [20790]
(6) what investigation his Department conducted into the incident on 4 October 2007 in Kabul, in which British soldiers reportedly wounded a non-combatant with a warning shot; when the investigation was conducted; which part of his Department conducted the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation; [20791]
(7) what investigation his Department conducted into the incident on 10 November 2009 in Helmand province in which a patrol of 1 Company Coldstream Guards reportedly killed a driver who failed to stop; when the investigation was conducted; which part of his Department conducted the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation; [20792]
(8) what investigation his Department conducted into the incident on 14 October 2008 in Helmand province, in which Y Company 45 Commando Royal Marines reportedly hit a motorcyclist at a roadblock; when the investigation was conducted; which part of his Department conducted the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation; [20797]
(9) what investigation his Department conducted into the incident on 12 March 2008 in Helmand province, in which ambushed troops reportedly called in gunships after a soldier was wounded; when the investigation was conducted; which part of his Department conducted the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation; [20798]
(10) what investigation his Department conducted into the incident on 19 November 2008 in Helmand province in which soldiers from J Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines, reportedly fired warning shots at a vehicle approaching a convoy; when the investigation
was conducted; which part of his Department conducted the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation; [20799]
(11) what investigation his Department conducted into the incident on 26 March 2009 in Helmand province in which W Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines, reportedly shot and wounded a motorcyclist observing the patrol; when the investigation was conducted; which part of his Department conducted the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation; [20800]
(12) what investigation his Department conducted into the incident on 3 January 2009 in Helmand province in which British mentors with the Afghan army allegedly fired a warning rifle shot at a suspicious person; when the investigation was conducted; which part of his Department conducted the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation; [20801]
(13) what investigation his Department conducted into the incident on 19 January 2009 in Helmand province in which Y Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines, called in a Reaper drone to launch a missile on alleged Taliban; when the investigation was conducted; which part of his Department conducted the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation; [20802]
(14) what investigation his Department conducted into the incident on 27 January 2009 in Helmand province in which W Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines, reportedly shot at two people watching the patrol; when the investigation was conducted; which part of his Department conducted the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation; [20803]
(15) what investigation his Department has conducted into the incident on 4 December 2008 in Helmand province in which W Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines, reportedly shot and wounded a man; when the investigation was conducted; which part of his Department conducted the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation; [20804]
(16) what investigation his Department conducted into the incident on 24 December 2009 in Helmand province in which L Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines, reportedly shot at an approaching vehicle; when the investigation was conducted; which part of his Department conducted the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation; [20805]
(17) what investigation his Department conducted into the incident on 30 December 2009 in Helmand province in which W Company, 45 Command Royal Marines, reportedly fired a warning shot at a white van; when the investigation was conducted; which part of his Department conducted the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation; [20806]
(18) what investigation his Department conducted into the incident on 29 November 2008 in Helmand province in which a police patrol mentored by UK troops reportedly shot at a vehicle driven by another Afghan policeman; when the investigation was conducted;
which part of his Department conducted the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation. [20860]
Dr Fox [holding answer 27 October 2010]: We deeply regret all civilian casualties. Protecting the Afghan civilian population is a cornerstone of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)'s mission, and all British troops undergo comprehensive training on the strict rules of engagement. Where incidents do occur, procedures are in place to ensure they are promptly reported to the chain of command and follow-up actions take place in accordance with ISAF and UK national procedures. This contrasts directly with the attitude of the insurgents, whose indiscriminate use of suicide bombs, roadside explosive devices and human shields cause the majority of civilian deaths and injuries in Afghanistan. We will continue our efforts to prevent insurgents harming civilians and to develop the capacity of Afghan security forces to protect the population.
The records relating to the follow-up actions taken following these incidents are not held centrally by the Department and will take time to identify. I will write to the hon. Member once work has been completed.
Challenger Tanks
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Challenger 2 tanks will remain in service after 2015; and if he will make a statement. [21297]
Peter Luff: The strategic defence and security review has determined that the number of Challenger 2 tanks in service with the army should reduce by around 40% by April 2011. The precise number of tanks which will be taken out of service will be determined by further, more detailed work into the overall fleet requirement, taking into account factors such as the withdrawal from Germany, revised fleet management options and updated training requirements.
Defence Equipment
Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many major military equipment programmes have been cancelled between Initial Gate and Main Gate stages in the last 20 years. [20718]
Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence's current acquisition process, where projects undergo two investment decision points, was introduced in 1998. Initial Gate seeks approval to undertake the detailed development and an assessment of available options to meet a capability gap. Following Initial Gate projects seek Main Gate approval to proceed with the demonstration and manufacture of their recommended option. Main Gate is the major investment decision, whereas Initial Gate ensures that only projects which meet a requirement and are likely to be deliverable are allowed to continue.
Equipment projects are generally categorised by their value with the largest projects, those in 'Category A', usually worth over £400 million through life. No record since 1998 can be found of any Category A equipment project being cancelled between the Initial Gate and Main Gate decision points.
Defence Reform Unit
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the terms of reference are of his Department's Defence Reform Unit. [19632]
Dr Fox: The terms of reference are available from the Ministry of Defence's website at the following link:
Defence Reform Unit: Finance
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the annual cost to the public purse of his Department's Defence Reform Unit. [19633]
Dr Fox: There are no additional costs to the Defence Budget as a result of the Defence Reform Unit. None of the Steering Group, which Secretary of State has appointed under the chairmanship of Lord Levene, to lead the work are being paid for this task. No consultants have been contracted to work on Defence Reform. The team supporting the steering group from within the Ministry of Defence have been temporarily redeployed from other tasks.
Defence: Procurement
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what timescale he has set for the conclusion of the defence reform review. [19656]
Dr Fox: The defence reform unit's review aims to report in July 2011 although implementation will take longer.
Departmental Buildings
Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what (a) surplus land and buildings and (b) telecommunications spectrum and corporate assets his Department plans to sell following the recommendations of the strategic defence and security review. [20419]
Dr Fox: The strategic defence and security review (SDSR) considered the scope for rationalisation of the estate and identified further opportunities: these include the withdrawal of personnel from Germany; closure of some Main Operating Bases; and the creation of tri service Defence communities that will form regional hubs of Defence capability and support activities. No decisions have yet been made regarding the potential sale of any surplus land and buildings.
MOD is currently evaluating its spectrum holdings between 70 MHz and 15 GHz to prepare for an initial release of spectrum in late 2012. This evaluation work will conclude in spring 2011 and a planned timetable of spectrum releases will be published shortly thereafter. In the meantime, MOD will publish a supplementary statement to its Implementation Plan for Spectrum Reform and details regarding a future possible project for industry to assist MOD trade spectrum in the market.
As announced as part of the SDSR findings, the Department intends to sell the Defence Support Group and the Marchwood Sea Mounting Centre.
Departmental Public Expenditure
Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department plans to allocate to (a) the Stabilisation Aid Fund, (b) the Conflict Prevention Pool, (c) the Discretionary Peacekeeping Fund, (d) the Special Reserve and (e) the security and intelligence fund for (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12, (iii) 2012-13, (iv) 2013-14 and (v) 2014-15. [20207]
Dr Fox [holding answer 28 October 2010]: The Conflict Pool was formed by the merger of the Stabilisation Aid Fund and the Conflict Prevention Pool on 1 April 2009.
The Conflict Pool does not routinely draw resources from departmental budgets. The provision is part of a separate HM Treasury settlement on conflict resources which is managed jointly by the Department for International Development, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence (MOD). We expect to announce detailed allocations for Conflict Pool activity for 2011-12 in the coming weeks.
The Peacekeeping Budget provides resources to cover the United Kingdom's legally binding commitments on assessed peacekeeping costs. This is similarly provided as a separate settlement; Departments do not make additional contributions to this budget.
The MOD does not contribute funds to the Reserve, the administration of which is an HM Treasury responsibility. The MOD is a net recipient of the Reserve, which is used for paying the net additional costs of military operations such as those in Afghanistan. The MOD has published its Request for Resources from the Reserve for 2010-11 in the Parliamentary Main Estimates.
There is no security and intelligence fund. There is, however, a Single Intelligence Account which funds the business of the Intelligence and Security Agencies and from which the MOD is reimbursed for some of the services it provides.
Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft
Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what estimate he has made of the cost to his Department of its joint strike fighter order; [19388]
(2) how many joint strike fighters he intends to order; [19389]
(3) what the cost to his Department will be of reducing the number of joint strike fighters ordered; [19392]
(4) what the cost to his Department will be of changing the type of joint strike fighters ordered for the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers. [19393]
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many Joint Strike Fighter jets he intends to order in the next five years; [19552]
(2) which air-launched weapons he intends will complement the joint strike fighter, as referred to in 'Securing Britain in an Age of Uncertainty'. [19558]
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many F-35C joint strike fighters will be purchased; at what unit cost; and what the in-service date will be. [19724]
Peter Luff: We remain absolutely committed to the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) programme, which will provide a world-beating aircraft, able to operate from both the sea and land, ideally suited for our future capability needs.
In the first instance, we intend to buy enough JSF aircraft to build up our carrier strike capability, and to operate a balanced fleet of JSF and Typhoon aircraft in the medium to long term. We will confirm the exact number of aircraft in our initial buy at the time of our main investment decision, in line with usual practice.
The decision to purchase the Carrier Variant offers advantages in terms of interoperability with allies, range, and pay load and through life costs over the Short Take Off and Vertical Landing variant, and we are seeking to minimise any delay resulting from the change of variant. We will bring JSF into service, initially in the land environment, and then to deliver a carrier strike capability from around 2020. The aircraft will be equipped with a range of advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, the exact mix of which will be optimised to reflect the operational requirement.
We have previously committed to purchasing three JSF which will be used for Initial Operational Test and Evaluation. No further orders have been placed. Our changed plans will not therefore incur cancellation costs to the Department. We currently assess that the decision to procure the Carrier Variant will reduce the forecast cost of the JSF programme since the Carrier Variant is likely to be cheaper both to procure and to support through life than the Short Take Off and Vertical Landing variant, which we had previously been planning to buy. The cost of each aircraft depends on when in the overall production programme it is bought and will vary according to a number of factors, such as other partner nations' procurement plans. We do not routinely reveal the forecast cost of future programmes in order to protect the Department's position in commercial negotiations.
Marines
Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will hold discussions with representatives of the Merchant Navy on the potential for deployment of Royal Marines on merchant ships to counter piracy; and if he will make a statement. [20824]
Nick Harvey: The UK Government are in constant dialogue with representatives of the UK shipping industry. The Government continue to encourage the shipping industry to adopt the best management practices (BMP) advice endorsed by the International Maritime Organisation. It provides specific advice to global shipping on how to prevent, deter and delay acts of piracy off the Horn of Africa, notably through inexpensive and simple self-protection measures, as well as through advice on course and speed. We encourage all UK shipping to register with the Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa and transit through the Internationally Recognised Transit Corridor.
The UK Government discourage the carriage and use of firearms on board UK registered ships engaged in routine cargo transport. This position is supported by the UK Chamber of Shipping.
The volume of shipping in higher threat areas would make the provision of sufficient trained and equipped Vessel Protection Detachments prohibitive. Operationally, the Ministry of Defence judges that in most cases the use of Vessel Protection Detachments is not an effective use of military counter piracy resources.
Marines: Manpower
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the likely effects on the Royal Marines of his proposed reduction in the strength of the Royal Navy; and if he will make a statement. [21303]
Nick Harvey: The Royal Marines will bear a share of the reduction in naval manpower of about 5,000 announced in the strategic defence and security review, though the exact numbers have yet to be determined. There will be no impact on 3 Commando Brigade's ability to conduct operations in Afghanistan.
Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of his proposed reduction in Royal Navy personnel will be to Royal Marine personnel; and what assessment he has made of the effect of such reductions in personnel on recruitment into the (a) Special Air Service and (b) Special Boat Squadron. [21314]
Nick Harvey: The Royal Marines will bear a share of the reduction in naval manpower announced in the strategic defence and security review, though the exact numbers have yet to be determined. It is a long standing policy of the Government not to comment on matters concerning special forces.
Merlin Helicopters
Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many AW101 Merlin ASaC helicopters he plans to order; [21270]
(2) what the in-service timetable for the AW101 Merlin ASaC helicopters is. [21275]
Peter Luff: The future Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC) capability is currently in the assessment phase. The Ministry of Defence is continuing to mature its plans for delivering this capability from within the existing Merlin force. The Department will not make a decision on numbers or the in-service date until the Main Gate investment decision point.
Navy: Manpower
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence by what means he plans to reduce the strength of the Royal Navy by 5,000. [21298]
Nick Harvey:
While we expect that part of the reduction will be achieved through natural turnover, we intend to introduce a redundancy scheme to deliver the remaining manpower changes. This will aim to ensure that the
Royal Navy maintains the balance of skill, experience, ability and seniority required to deliver operational capability.
Nuclear Submarines
Mr Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) under what budgetary headings he expects the one billion pounds of savings in infrastructure costs for the strategic nuclear deterrent identified in the strategic defence and security review to arise; [20482]
(2) what assessment he has made of the potential effects of the outcome of the strategic defence and security review on infrastructural improvements to (a) the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston, (b) HM Naval Base Devonport and (c) HM Naval Base Clyde. [20483]
Dr Fox: Within the value for money review's outcomes as set out in the strategic defence and security review (SDSR), it was agreed to defer and potentially to remove over £1 billion of future spending on infrastructure over the next 10 years.
This activity is split into submarine-related work and work related to the command and control of the nuclear deterrent, often referred to as the nuclear firing chain. Infrastructure work at the Atomic Weapons Establishment is part of the Nuclear Weapon Capability Sustainment programme and is outside the scope of the expected £1 Billion savings/deferrals.
The Ministry of Defence made estimates of the cost savings accrued from measures in the SDSR for the purposes of formulating policy. Some of these have been published to help inform the public debate. Release of further detail may prejudice the MOD's negotiating position with its commercial suppliers. Furthermore, final savings figures will depend on detailed implementation. The MOD is therefore not prepared to release more detailed figures at this time.
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment has been made of the adequacy of the protective clothing of nuclear submariners to resist the penetration of their clothing by liquid radioactive contaminants arising from incidents on board nuclear-powered submarines. [20845]
Peter Luff: Submariners are not required to wear specialist protective clothing for the day-to-day operation of nuclear powered submarines. Personal protective equipment is provided for use by crew members in the highly unlikely event that they are exposed to liquid radioactive contaminants resulting from an incident on board submarines. This equipment meets the appropriate European Mark and British Standards for Personal protective equipment.
RAF Feltwell: Ballistic Missile Defence
Mr Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether RAF Feltwell (a) forms part of and (b) provides support services to the US Missile Defense system. [21160]
Nick Harvey: RAF Feltwell does not form part of, or provide support services to, the US Missile Defense system.
Strategic Defence and Security Review
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the name is of each (a) individual, group and organisation consulted on and (b) respondent who submitted evidence or comments to the strategic defence and security review. [21002]
Dr Fox [holding answer 1 November 2010]: I invited contributions to the strategic defence and security review (SDSR) in July 2010. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) received over 6,000 responses from MPs, members of the armed forces, public servants within and beyond defence, industry, academics, and the public. The MOD also engaged a wide variety of external organisations during the SDSR including NATO, principal UK and international think tanks and academic institutes, NGOs, industry organisations, and service veterans' and families' organisations.
The Department did not ask those individuals or organisations whether they would be content for their names to be published, and therefore does not intend to release them.
Submarines
Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date he expects to make the Initial Gate decision on the Future Submarine Project. [20720]
Dr Fox: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 12 July 2010, Official Report, column 447W, to the hon. Member for North Ayrshire and Arran (Katy Clark).
Trident
Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his most recent estimate is of the projected (a) discounted and (b) undiscounted nuclear decommissioning costs for Trident replacement. [20625]
Dr Fox: The costs of nuclear decommissioning of the successor submarines are dependent on a number of decisions that have yet to be taken, including decisions outside the successor project. Forecasts for these costs will be included in the project's Whole Life Costs that will be prepared ahead of Main Gate.
Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the running costs of Trident replacement in each of the first five years of its operation. [20626]
Dr Fox: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 3 June 2010, Official Report, column 77W, to the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan (Dr Whiteford).
Warships: Decommissioning
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has decided which Bay-class ship is to be decommissioned; and if he will make a statement. [20445]
Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Bay-class amphibious support ship his Department plans to decommission. [20415]
Peter Luff: No final decisions have been taken. Work is taking place to determine which elements of the surface fleet will be decommissioned or placed at extended readiness, the outcome of which will be announced around the turn of the year.
Home Department
Antisocial Behaviour Orders
Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many antisocial behaviour orders have been (a) made and (b) breached by people resident in St Albans constituency in each of the last three years. [19663]
James Brokenshire: Data collected centrally by the Ministry of Justice on the number of antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) issued and breached are collated at Criminal Justice System (CJS) area level, rather than for residents of specific towns. St Albans is in the Hertfordshire CJS area.
The latest figures cover the period to 31 December 2008, and show that for the Hertfordshire CJS area:
in 2006, 35 ASBOs were issued, and 32 were proved in court to have been breached for the first time;
in 2007, 32 ASBOs were issued, and 24 were proved in court to have been breached for the first time; and
in 2008, 16 ASBOs were issued, and 11 were proved in court to have been breached for the first time.
Entry Clearances
Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many passports submitted with applications for visas to enter the UK her Department held at the consulate in (a) Istanbul and (b) Abu Dhabi in each year since 1997. [21470]
Damian Green: All visa applicants must normally submit a valid passport along with their application. The number of visa applications received at the visa sections in (a) Istanbul and (b) Abu Dhabi in each of the years since 2004 is shown in the following table. Reliable data are not held for previous years. This information reflects the date of receipt of a passport into UKBA offices in Abu Dhabi and Istanbul. It is not appropriate to infer the length of time any passport is held in our offices. However, visa sections always try to return passports and other documents to applicants promptly once a decision has been made.
| Posts | ||
| Applications | Abu Dhabi | Istanbul |
| (1) January to June 2010 | ||
This information is based on management information. It is provisional and subject to change.
EU Council Directive
Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment her Department has made of the implications for her Department's policies of the implementation EU Council Directive 2005/71/EC on immigration rules for researchers and scientists. [21411]
Damian Green: The UK has not opted into EU Council Directive 2005/71/EC and has no plans to do so. Researchers and scientists may apply to study and work in the UK under our points-based system.
Firearms: Licensing
Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what timetable she has set for her Department's review of firearms legislation. [20653]
James Brokenshire: The Government have indicated that they will consider any changes to the firearms laws in the light of the peer reviews commissioned by the chief constable into the force's handling of the shootings in Cumbria and having regard to any issues emerging from the police investigations into the case. The Government have already submitted evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee which is conducting an inquiry into firearms controls. Their findings will also be taken into account and a written response made.
Foreign Workers
Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 20 October 2010, Official Report, column 755W, on foreign workers, how many of the intra-company transfers comprised (a) approvals of new applications, (b) extensions or amendments of an existing permit and (c) applications in respect of which the individual has moved to another job with a different employer. [19745]
Damian Green: The requested information is set out in the following tables:
| By top 3 largest employer user of work permits , e xtension or amendment of an existing permit (in country extension or work permit extension) | |
| Number | |
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