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29 Nov 2010 : Column 544W—continued
Specialised Diplomas
Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what his Department's policy is on the 14 to 19 diploma. [24761]
Mr Gibb: We are firmly committed to freeing schools and colleges from centralised control and reducing bureaucratic burdens. We have already made a number of changes to make it easier to offer the diploma-removing the entitlement, removing the requirement for schools and colleges to be in consortia and removing the need for schools and colleges to go through the time-consuming diploma Gateway process.
Working with Ofqual and the awarding organisations, we are now planning to reform the diploma further to make it simpler to teach and award so that it can take its place alongside other qualifications, without the need for additional support. This is part of our commitment to improve vocational education, and we will consider
any decision on the reform of the diploma in the light of Professor Wolf's review of vocational education, which we expect in the spring.
Specialist Schools
Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans his Department has for future funding of specialist schools. [22235]
Mr Gibb: Funding for specialist schools, including for High Performing Specialist Schools (HPSS), will be mainstreamed from April 2011. This funding, approximately £450 million for 2010-11, is not being removed from the schools system and will continue to be routed to schools through the Dedicated Schools Grant. All schools will be free to decide how to develop specialisms in the light of the total resources available to them.
Technology: Teachers
Dr Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps his Department is taking to increase the number of (a) specialist technology teachers and (b) primary class teachers with technology training. [24172]
Mr Gibb: The Department has several strategies in place to increase the number of specialist design and technology teachers. Training bursaries of £9,000 are available to people taking up postgraduate Initial Teacher Training (ITT) places for design and technology as this is one of the shortage subjects. In addition, the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT) are funded to train 400 existing teachers by March 2011 in teaching practical cooking within the design and technology curriculum. Many of these teachers are not existing design and technology teachers.
The Department also funds continuing professional development for secondary design and technology teachers to improve their subject specific knowledge and keep them up to date with latest developments.
The latest vacancy rate for design and technology posts (at 0.4%) is slightly below the rate for all subjects (at 0.5%) in 2010. A snapshot in 2010 showed that there were 50 advertised vacancies for full-time design and technology permanent appointments or appointments of at least one term's duration.
We do not collect information centrally on the number of primary class teachers with technology training.
Travellers: Education
Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what estimate his Department has of the number of children in Gypsy, Roma and Traveller of Irish Heritage communities who are not in full-time education; and what steps his Department plans to take to ensure that all children in such communities receive full-time education. [25395]
Mr Gibb [holding answer 19 November 2010]: We do not have information about the number of children who are not in full-time education.
Local authorities in England and Wales have had, since February 2007, a statutory duty to make arrangements to identify all children missing from education in their
area. The duty applies in relation to children of compulsory school age who are not on a school roll, and who are not receiving a suitable education otherwise than being at school (for example, being educated at home, privately educated or in alternative provision).
It is important that schools and local authorities implement the systems and regulations and follow the guidance in place around keeping registers, excluding pupils and removing pupils from the school roll. Schools must fulfil their requirement to inform local authorities when pupils are deleted from the school roll or have disappeared following 10 days unauthorised absence from the school. Notifying the local authority is important because the local authority can then attempt to trace the children and ensure that any pupils that are removed from the roll of a school are receiving a suitable education.
Wines
Matthew Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much his Department and its predecessors spent on wine in each year since 1997. [12829]
Tim Loughton: The accounting systems of the Department and its predecessors do not record information separately on this type of expenditure and it could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Any expenditure on wine is made in accordance with published departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on principles set out in Managing Public Money and the Treasury handbook on Regularity and Propriety.
Work Experience
Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether his Department plans to review its policy on work experience provision for secondary school students. [25064]
Mr Gibb: We currently have no plans to review the policy on work experience provision for secondary school students.
Youth Services: Manpower
Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many Joint Negotiating Committee-qualified full-time youth workers are employed in each local authority. [21379]
Tim Loughton: The Department for Education does not collect this data. However, the Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC) published an audit of the workforce in December 2009 and this includes some national level estimates of the numbers of youth and community workers. The report is available on CWDC's website at:
Energy and Climate Change
EU Emissions Trading Scheme
John Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the rules in the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme which make provision for allowances to be retained during temporary closure or pending rationalisation in taking account of changes in the economic situation in respect of (a) trading and (b) availability of finance. [25408]
Gregory Barker: The temporary closure and rationalisation rules of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) are intended to incentivise industry to maintain production at their most efficient installations. The provision to retain full allocation during periods where a company is rationalising production or temporally shutting down production provides flexibility for companies to move their allocation to the sites that are still at full production in order to meet their compliance needs. Companies can also sell their allowances in order to raise finance in response to the economic situation.
The EU ETS Directive was amended in 2009 for phase III (which runs from 2013-20). The rules for closures are currently being discussed in Europe, but there will be rules which cover significant capacity reductions, partial and full cessation of activities to ensure that installations do not benefit from continued free allocation when they are not carrying out an EU ETS activity.
Renewable Energy: Heating
Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent assessment he has made of the effects of sustainable bioliquids in providing renewable heat under the Renewable Heat Incentive. [26467]
Charles Hendry: As part of the spending review process we have looked at the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme to target the scheme more effectively. The details of the scheme, including decisions on sustainable waste derived bioliquids, will be announced shortly.
Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will assess methods by which sustainable waste derived bioliquids could be included in (a) the renewable heat incentive scheme and (b) feed-in tariffs grandfathered under the renewables obligation. [26468]
Charles Hendry: The Department is responsible for three renewable financial incentives: the renewable heat incentive (RHI), the feed-in tariff (FIT) for small scale electricity and the renewables obligation (RO) for large scale electricity. Taking each of these incentives in turn, the position of sustainable waste derived bioliquids is as follows:
The details of the renewable heat incentive (RHI) scheme, including decisions on sustainable waste derived bioliquids, will be announced shortly.
The FITs scheme will be subject to periodic review which will include consideration of the eligibility of different technologies. We are continually collecting data which, as we learn more, will be fed into the review process.
(c) Renewables obligation (RO)
Bioliquids are currently supported in the RO but are not grandfathered. We recognise there are potential benefits from grandfathering some waste derived bioliquids and are considering how we might do this. This is being fed into the work currently under way on the RO banding review.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Afghanistan: Children
Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the NATO Civilian Representative in Afghanistan on the Representative's assessment of the safety of children in (a) Kabul and (b) London. [26888]
Alistair Burt: I have not discussed the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) senior civilian representative's assessment of the situation of children in Kabul and London with him. The situations in London and Kabul are very different. While we are making progress in Afghanistan and Kabul has seen a reduction in crime and violent incidents, clearly there is more work to be done to ensure progress continues in improving the security environment for all Afghans, including children.
Afghanistan: Christianity
Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the treatment of Christians in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. [26367]
Alistair Burt: We are aware of recent reports concerning Christian converts from Islam. Our embassy in Kabul is monitoring these events closely.
The Government strongly support the right to freedom of religion or belief. We are working to support all individuals who face discrimination and persecution on the basis of religion, including Christians, wherever they are in the world. Article Two of the Afghan constitution provides for freedom of religion, and we expect the Afghan Government to fully implement this. The international community have a regular dialogue with the Afghan Government on human rights, including on the need to ensure the security of all Afghans, regardless of religion.
Afghanistan: Police
Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) how many Afghan National Police officers have been recruited in 2010; [27447]
(2) how many Afghan National Police officers recruited in 2010 have left that police force; [27448]
(3) what his most recent estimate is of the number of officers in the Afghan National Police. [27449]
Mr Hague: An estimated 31,343 Afghan National Police (ANP) officers have been recruited by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Training Mission Afghanistan (NTM-A) between January and October 2010. ANP attrition has been decreasing over time and is currently at approximately 18% per annum, with monthly attrition at 1.5%. There are no specific data available on the number of ANP officers who were recruited in 2010 and have subsequently left the force. The total strength of the Afghan National Police (ANP) stood at 116,367 in October 2010. The growth target of 109,000 by October 2010 has been exceeded, and a number of initiatives to encourage more effective recruitment have been implemented, including tripling the number of recruiters, setting up a Recruiting Command and setting up mobile sub-recruiting stations.
Auschwitz Restoration Project
Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to provide funding to the Auschwitz restoration project. [25640]
Mr Bellingham: The Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation has been speaking to a number of countries and a significant amount has already been pledged. The Government support the long term preservation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and other historic sites. Ministers are currently considering how support might be offered and intend to make a decision shortly.
Bahrain: Foreign Relations
Conor Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to mark the 40th anniversary of the UK-Bahrain Treaty of Friendship. [26381]
Alistair Burt: The 40th anniversary of the 1971 Treaty of Friendship will be an important milestone in our bilateral relationship with Bahrain. We look forward to celebrating the anniversary together, both in the UK and in Bahrain. In the context of the Gulf Initiative and the launch of the UK-Bahrain Joint Steering Committee, our Ministers will be keen to contribute to celebrations.
Cayman Islands: Genetically Modified Organisms
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department (a) had discussions with Oxitec prior to and (b) holds information on the (i) consent procedures in place for and (ii) environmental impact assessment of the experimental release of genetically-modified mosquitoes in Grand Cayman in 2009 and 2010. [26347]
Mr Bellingham: Responsibility for environmental affairs is devolved to the Government of the Cayman Islands. My Department did not therefore have discussions with the parties concerned.
However, the Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) in Grand Cayman has confirmed that it is working in collaboration with Oxitec; that it provided a risk analysis and an environmental impact assessment; and that it complied with regulatory procedures provided for in local legislation.
Further information can be obtained from the Director of the MRCU, Dr William D Petrie, who can be contacted at:
william.petrie@gov.ky.
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department was notified prior to (a) shipments by Oxitec of genetically-modified mosquito eggs to Grand Cayman for use and (b) the release of such mosquitos in experimental trials in 2009 and 2010. [26348]
Mr Bellingham: Responsibility for environmental matters is devolved to the Government of the Cayman Islands. My Department was not therefore notified in advance of the shipments of genetically-modified mosquito eggs nor the release of such mosquitoes in experimental trials in the Cayman Islands.
Further information about this subject can be obtained from Dr William D Petrie, Director of the Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU), at:
william.petrie@gov.ky.
Colombia: Homicide
Jim McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 8 November 2010, Official Report, column 85W, what information his Department holds on the number of trade unionists assassinated in Colombia in 2010. [26324]
Mr Lidington: The only figures the Department holds on the number of trade unionists killed in 2010 are the official figures referred to in the answer given by the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the hon.Member for Taunton Deane (Mr Browne) to the hon. Member for Dundee West (Jim McGovern) on 8 November 2010, Official Report, column 85W. Since that answer we have received an update from the Colombian authorities to cover the period from January to October which suggests 25 trade unionists were killed.
Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Colombian government on the recent killing of Elizabeth Silva Aguilar. [27377]
Mr Lidington: We have not to date made any representations to the Colombian Government over the killing of Elizabeth Silva Aguilar since there remains some uncertainty about the facts.
Our embassy in Bogota is aware of this case and will raise the matter with the Colombian authorities should it prove necessary.
Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received of military involvement in the deaths of children in Caqueta province, Colombia. [27378]
Mr Lidington: On 5 November 2010 a three-year-old boy was allegedly shot dead during a confrontation between the Colombian Army and guerrillas from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The Colombian Minister for Defence, Rodrigo Rivera, issued a statement regretting the child's death and confirmed that the incident was being investigated by both the Attorney-General's Office and the armed forces.
Colombia: Military Aid
Jim McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) pursuant to the answer of 4 November 2010, Official Report, column 913W, whether the dismissed military personnel had previously participated in British military or counternarcotics assistance programmes in Colombia; [26323]
(2) pursuant to the answer of 8 November 2010, Official Report, column 84W, whether those Colombian soldiers accused of involvement in drug trafficking, extrajudicial killings and working with illegal paramilitary groups had previously participated in British military or counternarcotics assistance programmes to Colombia. [26325]
Mr Jeremy Browne: Our counter-narcotics work in Colombia is scrupulously monitored to ensure it cannot contribute to any human rights abuses. We do not discuss the detail of this narcotics work publicly as doing so risks putting UK and Colombian lives in danger.
Departmental Allowances
Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how long on average he spends managing expenses and allowances claims; and if he will make a statement. [24519]
Alistair Burt: The Parliamentary Office manage the expenses of the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. Management of these expenses does not require a significant amount of the Foreign Secretary's time.
Departmental Grants
Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what grants his Department has awarded in 2010-11 to date; what grants he plans to award in each of the next two years; what the monetary value is of each such grant; and to which organisations such grants are to be made; [26582]
(2) what the monetary value was of grants awarded by his Department in 2009-10; and how much his Department plans to award in such grants in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12. [26584]
Mr Bellingham: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has provided the following grant in aid funding to the BBC World Service, British Council, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), the Great Britain China Centre (GBCC) and the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission (MACC).
| £ million | ||
| 2009-10 | 2010-11 | |
These are by far the greatest beneficiaries of FCO grants. Smaller grants have also been made to project implementers and other organisations around the world to help deliver UK foreign policy objectives. Budgets in the FCO are devolved to over 260 posts and details of these payments are not held centrally. As a result, this information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
In 2011-12, the FCO will be making the following grant in aid funding to the BBC World Service and British Council:
| 2011-12 | £ million |
Other allocations for 2011-12 and beyond are still to be decided in the light of the recent spending round settlement.
Departmental Lobbying
Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department's agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent from the public purse on influencing public policy through (a) employing external (i) public affairs companies, (ii) strategic consultancies and (iii) corporate communications firms, (b) external marketing and (c) other activities in each of the last 10 years. [23760]
Alistair Burt: We have no record of any expenditure by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's agencies and non-departmental public bodies on influencing UK public policy, which we understand to mean lobbying.
Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which of his Department's non-departmental public bodies have undertaken activities to influence public policy for which they engaged (a) public affairs and (b) public relations consultants in each year since 1997; and at what monetary cost in each such year. [23785]
Alistair Burt: We have no record of any of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's non-departmental public bodies having engaged public affairs or public relations consultants to influence public policy, which we understand to mean lobbying.
Government Hospitality: Wines
Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the cost to the public purse has been of (a) red wine, (b) white wine, (c) champagne and (d) fortified wine purchased for the Government wine cellar since his appointment. [26874]
Mr Bellingham: Government Hospitality buys wines when they are relatively less expensive, and stores them until they are ready to use. Government Hospitality has spent £25,043 on new stock for the cellar since May 2010, all of which has been on white wine only.
Guatemala
Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Minister of State with responsibilities for Latin America plans to meet representatives of Peace Brigades International during his visit to Guatemala. [26849]
Mr Jeremy Browne: One of the UK's top priorities in Guatemala is to support good governance and human rights which are essential to improving the deteriorating security situation in the country. During my visit to Guatemala I met with civil society organisations and young leaders-including young indigenous women-during an event to promote a national campaign against domestic violence which the UK is actively supporting.
I did not have a separate meeting with representatives of Peace Brigades International in Guatemala on this occasion, but I did raise human rights issues with the Guatemalan Government and I am aware of the work Peace Brigades International does in Guatemala and around the world.
Guatemala: Ethnic Groups
Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) whether the Minister of State with responsibilities for Latin America plans to raise the matter of consultation with indigenous communities on major development projects during his visit to Guatemala; [26847]
(2) whether the Minister of State with responsibilities for Latin America plans to raise the matter of the effects of major development projects on indigenous communities during his visit to Guatemala. [26848]
Mr Jeremy Browne: One of the UK's top priorities in Guatemala is to support good governance and human rights which are essential to improving the deteriorating security situation in the country. During my short visit to Guatemala I raised human rights and our concern about the death penalty, the importance of tacking violence and organised crime as well as the impact of climate change with the Guatemalan Government. I also met civil society organisations and young leaders-including young indigenous women-during an event to promote a national campaign against domestic violence which the UK is actively supporting.
Our embassy in Guatemala City and officials in London will continue to maintain a dialogue with both the Guatemalan Government and civil society groups on the human rights of the indigenous communities of Guatemala.
Israel: Borders
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the effectiveness of the Security Fence in Israel in reducing the number of (a) suicide bombings and (b) other terrorist incidences in the State of Israel; and if he will make a statement. [26611]
Alistair Burt:
There are no reliable statistics on the effectiveness of Israel's security barrier, which was commissioned following the 2nd intifada of 2000. Although
we believe Israel has every right to defend itself, we believe that barriers are not the best way to achieve this in the 21st century. Where it is constructed outside of Green Line Israel, the Israeli separation barrier is illegal both according to international and Israeli law. It is worth noting that the barrier on some 40% of the intended route remains unbuilt. We judge that Prime Minister Fayyad's reform of the Palestinian security sector has played the most significant part in reducing the violence committed by Palestinian groups against targets in Israel. The best way of ensuring Israel's security is to come to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace agreement with its neighbours.
Israel: Foreign Relations
Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what bilateral (a) agreements and (b) programmes exist between the UK and Israeli governments. [25636]
Alistair Burt: The UK-Israel bilateral relationship is based on deep connections between our two countries. From the Balfour Declaration to the recent bilateral film treaty, our relationship has a rich heritage, embracing a wide range of activities over many years. The UK and Israel share a long history of agreement and cooperation across political, economic, scientific, commercial and cultural areas both bilaterally and multilaterally. You can find details of UK Israel-agreements at the website of our embassy in Israel
The underlying objective of any of our programmes in Israel is to enrich the friendship between our two nations and to support efforts to achieve a two-state solution, that will see a viable Palestinian state existing in peace and security alongside Israel.
Kashmir
Julie Hilling: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in India and Pakistan on the future of Kashmir; and what recent reports he has received on progress towards self-determination for the people of Kashmir. [27171]
Alistair Burt: Officials in our high commissions in Islamabad and New Delhi regularly discuss India-Pakistan relations, including Kashmir, with their counterparts. However the long standing position of the UK is that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting resolution to the situation in Kashmir, one which takes into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people. It is not for the UK to prescribe a solution or to mediate in finding one. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary reiterated this in the Foreign Affairs debate on 27 May 2010 and during his visit to Pakistan in June.
We continue to call for an improvement in the human rights situation on both sides of the line of control and for an end to external support for violence in Kashmir. UK funding supports human rights, conflict prevention and peace building efforts on both sides of the line of control.
MI6: Finance
Mr Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the budget was of the Secret Intelligence Service in (a) 2005-06, (b) 2008-09 and (c) 2009-10; and what his latest estimate is of that budget for 2010-11. [25165]
Alistair Burt [holding answer 19 November 2020]: For national security reasons, details of individual intelligence agency budgets are not disclosed. The Secret Intelligence Service is funded through the Single Intelligence Account (SIA), along with the Security Service and Government Communications Headquarters.
The SIA actual spend (as per the published financial statements) for 2005-06 was £1.2 billion resource and £0.2 billion capital, for 2008-09 it was £1.6 billion resource and £0.3 billion capital and for 2009-10 it was £1.8 billion resource and £0.3 billion capital.
The SIA budget for 2010-11 is £1.7 billion resource and £0.3 billion capital as set out in the spending review 2010.
Middle East: Armed Conflict
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the extent of arms smuggling into Gaza; what discussions he has had with the government of (a) Israel and (b) Egypt on this issue since September 2010; and if he will make a statement. [25053]
Alistair Burt: Despite the efforts of Israel, Egypt and the international community, weapons continue to be smuggled into Gaza, which is a cause of great concern. We continue to work with the international community to support all efforts to implement the steps set out in UN Security Council Resolution 1860 of January 2009, including the prevention and interdiction of illicitly trafficked arms into Gaza and the alleviation of the humanitarian and economic situation.
Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps he has taken to bring about the release of Gilad Shalit; and if he will make a statement. [27339]
Alistair Burt: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary recently met with Gilad Shalit's family while on his visit to the region, making clear that we continue to call for Hamas to unconditionally release Gilad Shalit and that we consider it utterly unacceptable that he is denied International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) access.
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made the following statement on 25 June, the fourth anniversary of Shalit's capture:
"Today marks the fourth anniversary of the abduction of Israeli soldier, Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit. My thoughts are with Gilad's parents today. I sincerely hope that they will soon be able to welcome their son home.
The UK has long called for Gilad Shalit's immediate and unconditional release and we reiterate that call today. It is also vital that Hamas allows the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit Gilad immediately and ensure that he is in good health. His continued captivity without any ICRC access and with only very occasional, minimal contact with his family is utterly unacceptable. We continue to call on Hamas to renounce violence and take immediate and concrete steps towards the Quartet principles and to free Gilad Shalit without delay."
Religious Freedom
Angie Bray: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people have used his Department's toolkit advising on the promotion and protection of religion or belief internationally; and what assessment he has made of its effectiveness. [26377]
Mr Bellingham: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's freedom of religion or belief toolkit has been circulated to all the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's overseas missions. Our posts have been encouraged to use it in their work to promote freedom of religion or belief. The toolkit has also been distributed within the EU and was presented at a public hearing on 'Freedom of religion or belief in the EU's external relations' held in the European Parliament in March this year.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's overseas missions have a responsibility to monitor and raise human rights in their host countries. They do so on a case by case basis and we do not hold this information centrally. In order to answer your question a Foreign and Commonwealth Office wide search would be required and this search would incur disproportionate cost.
Shaker Aamer
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the US Secretary of State on a possible timetable for the return of Shaker Aamer to the UK; and if he will make a statement. [26563]
Alistair Burt: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary reiterated the Government's request for the release and return to the UK of Shaker Aamer when he met the US Secretary of State in Washington on 17 November 2010. The decision on Mr Aamer's future lies solely with the US Government. The outcome of our government-to-government discussions is not certain.
Sherif Hassan Abdelwahab
Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the government of Egypt on the detention at Cairo airport on 9 November 2010 of Sherif Hassan Abdelwahab Muhammad and the deportation of his wife Emma Hassan. [27446]
Alistair Burt: We have been in touch with the EU delegation in Egypt on this issue. The EU delegation intends to raise the case of Mr Sherif Hassan Abdelwahab Muhammad with the Egyptian authorities.
We are determined to uphold British values abroad and condemn all instances of discrimination, arbitrary detention or persecution against individuals and groups because of their religion or belief. The protection of human rights, including freedom of religion, is a central component of Egypt's ongoing dialogue with the European Union.
Spain: Deaths
Robert Flello:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Tenerife on the
death of Jordan Walchester; what consular assistance has been provided to Mr Walchester's family; and if he will make a statement. [26817]
Mr Lidington: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has made no representations to the Government of Tenerife on the tragic death of Jordan Walchester in Arona, Tenerife. I was very sorry to learn of Jordan's death and would like to extend my sincere condolences to the Walchester family.
Consular officials have maintained regular contact with the Walchester family, providing bereavement guidance and information and advice about local procedures and regulations. Consular officials have also been in contact with the local authorities and will continue to monitor the ongoing judicial proceedings into the death of Mr Walchester.
Sri Lanka: Administration of Justice
Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has made an assessment of the International Commission of Jurists report on administrative detention in Sri Lanka. [26799]
Alistair Burt: The report reinforces our concerns on the lack of humanitarian access to former combatants and the continued lack of clarity over their legal status. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I raised these concerns with the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister during his visit to the UK on 19/20 October. Our high commissioner in Colombo also regularly raises these issues with the Sri Lankan Government.
Since the publication of the International Commission of Jurists report, several thousand detainees have been released. Sri Lanka's Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission has also called for a speedy resolution of remaining cases and improved transparency over detainees' whereabouts. But we and the international community continue to have concerns. We hope the Sri Lankan Government will take swift action to address these.
Sri Lanka: Human Rights
Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his Sri Lankan counterpart on human rights in Sri Lanka. [26798]
Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and I discussed with the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister on 19 and 20 October 2010 the importance of improving the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. We emphasised in particular the need for Sri Lanka to demonstrate its commitment towards freedom of speech and to ensure a credible and independent process to address allegations of violations of international humanitarian and human rights law during the conflict. Our high commissioner in Colombo also regularly raises these issues with the Sri Lankan Government.
Taiwan: Climate Change Convention
Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the attendance of the Environmental Protection Administration of Taiwan as an observer at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties; and if will he make a statement. [26422]
Mr Bellingham: The Government support Taiwan's practical participation in international organisations where this does not require statehood.
The Government attach importance to engagement with Taiwan on climate change issues and have regular exchanges with the Taiwanese authorities about low carbon development. Taiwan's shift towards a greener economy is gaining momentum and we are actively supporting this transition.
Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on Taiwan's participation in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change; and if he will make a statement. [27397]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government support Taiwan's practical participation in international organisations where this does not require statehood.
The Government attach importance to engagement with Taiwan on climate change issues and has regular exchanges with the Taiwanese authorities about low carbon development. Taiwan's shift towards a greener economy is gaining momentum and we are actively supporting this transition.
Uganda: Prisoners
Jim McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has made recent representations to the Ugandan Government on the arrest and detention of Al Amin Kimathi. [26621]
Mr Bellingham: I refer the hon. Member to the answer my noble Friend Lord Howell of Guildford gave to the noble Lord Chidgey on 15 November 2010, Official Report, House of Lords, column WA172.
Western Sahara: Human Rights
Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to the recent UN Security Council briefing on Western Sahara, what mechanisms will be put into place to monitor human rights in El Aauin, Western Sahara. [26607]
Alistair Burt: We remain committed to using our presidency of the UN Security Council to encourage both the parties and the Group of Friends to consider a range of options for independent verification of the human rights situation in Western Sahara and identify the international actor or body which is best placed to deliver that function. I intend to discuss both recent violence in Western Sahara and human rights monitoring when I visit Morocco later this month.
Western Sahara: Politics and Government
Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of the denial of entry into Morocco of two Spanish MPs and one MEP on a visit to El Aauin, Western Sahara; and if he will make a statement. [26797]
Alistair Burt: We have not received any official reports from either the Spanish or Moroccan Ministries of Foreign Affairs. However, we are aware of media reporting of this matter and officials are monitoring the situation closely.
Western Sahara: Violence
Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to the recent UN Security Council briefing on Western Sahara, what recent assessment he has made of reports of violence in Western Sahara; and if he will make a statement. [26608]
Alistair Burt: We chaired a meeting of the UN Security Council on 16 November 2010 to gather evidence about recent events from Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Atul Khare, and UN envoy to Western Sahara ambassador Christopher Ross. However, due to restrictions on access for international observers, including the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), we are not yet able to make a firm assessment of the situation.
Deputy Prime Minister
Members: Correspondence
Mr Sanders: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he plans to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Torbay of 29 September 2010 on the payment of interns. [27454]
The Deputy Prime Minister: I replied to the correspondence from the hon. Member regarding the payment of interns on 23 November. I apologise for the delay in responding.
Cabinet Office
Departmental Written Questions
Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) how many and what proportion of questions tabled to the Minister for the Cabinet Office for ordinary written answer (a) in Session 2009-10 and (b) since May 2010 were answered within (i) seven days and (ii) 14 days of tabling; how many such questions tabled between May 2010 and 12 November 2010 remained unanswered by 18 November 2010; and what estimate he has made of the average cost to his Department of answering a question for ordinary written answer within seven days of tabling in the latest period for which figures are available; [25986]
(2) how many and what proportion of questions tabled (a) to the Minister for the Cabinet Office and (b) the Prime Minister for written answer on a named day were answered substantively before or on the day
named for answer (i) in Session 2009-10 and (ii) since May 2010; how many such questions tabled between May 2010 and 12 November 2010 had not received a substantive answer by 18 November 2010; and what estimate he has made of the average cost to his Department of answering a question for written answer on a named day on the day named for answer in the latest period for which figures are available. [25985]
Mr Maude: This Session, in the period specified the Cabinet Office has received 585 ordinary written questions. In respect of those questions 501 (86%) were answered within five sitting days; 73 (12%) were answered after five sitting days and 11 remain unanswered.
In the same period the Cabinet Office received 142 named day questions. In respect of those questions 117 (82%) were answered on the specified date, 22 (15%) were answered after the specified date and three questions remain unanswered.
The Government have committed to providing the Procedure Committee with Sessional statistics in a standard format on the time taken to respond to written parliamentary questions for the 2009-10 Session. This information will be submitted to the Procedure Committee shortly.
The Cabinet Office does not hold data relating to the cost of parliamentary questions. However HM Treasury conducts an annual indexation exercise of the cost of written and oral parliamentary questions so as to ensure that these average costs are increased in line with increases in underlying costs. The estimated costs that have applied from 20 January 2010 are:
Written question-£154
Oral question-£425
The disproportionate cost threshold (DCT), the level above which Departments can refuse to answer a written PQ is £800.
The Treasury, in making its assessment of the cost of answering questions, does not differentiate between the types of written questions.
IPSA: Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration
Sir John Stanley: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will bring the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority within the statutory remit of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration. [25882]
Mr Maude: The remit of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration (the Parliamentary Ombudsman) is updated annually. As part of this exercise, consideration is given to whether bodies established in year should be brought within the Parliamentary Ombudsman's remit.
NDPBs: Finance
Dr Pugh: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps he takes to encourage arms-length bodies and non-departmental public bodies to (a) improve their cash management and (b) increase the level of funds deposited with the Exchequer for the purpose of reducing interest on Government debt. [11647]
Justine Greening: I have been asked to reply.
The Treasury co-ordinates departmental cashflow information so it can provide the Debt Management Office (DMO) with the best possible estimate of the Government's net cash position at the end of the day, so that the DMO can borrow or lend the expected shortfall or surplus. The Treasury works with Departments to improve forecasting performance and to minimise commercial balances.
Government Departments submit cashflow forecasts including data relating to public bodies they are responsible for to the Treasury. The Treasury applies financial charges or rebates at the end of the year depending on departmental performance. Individual Departments are responsible for ensuring all their public bodies provide them with the necessary data so that the Treasury can provide accurate forecasts to the DMO.
Treasury guidance contained in "Managing Public Money" states that all public bodies should minimise commercial balances. Individual Departments are responsible for ensuring the public bodies follow this guidance.
Culture, Media and Sport
London Olympics: Sporting Legacy
16. Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps his Department has taken to secure a sporting legacy from the London 2012 Olympics. [26749]
Hugh Robertson: I asked Sport England to develop their £135 million Places People Play strategy which, along with the investment in the Olympic Park, will mean a new generation of iconic facilities; protection for our local playing fields; and the Gold Challenge will both raise money for charity and get people playing more Olympic sports. The School Olympic style competition will get competitive sport back in our schools. All of this is supported by protecting the Whole Sport Plan and elite athlete funding in the spending review.
Creative Industries: Scotland
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the likely effects on the creative industries in Scotland of his decision not to grant Scottish Television independent producer status. [26744]
Mr Vaizey: The Department undertook an impact assessment as part of the public consultation on the potential reclassification of production companies owned by Channel 3 licence holders. This was published on the departmental website as part of the consultation:
Arts
Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what financial assistance his Department provides to arts organisations visiting the UK; and what UK-based organisations have received assistance from his Department and its agencies for overseas visits under reciprocal arrangements. [26625]
Mr Vaizey: The Department does not provide direct funding for arts organisations visiting the UK or to British based organisations visiting overseas. All arts funding is allocated through Arts Council England (ACE). ACE have supplied the information in the table, showing arts organisations abroad who have been allocated money in 2009-10, where there have been substantial benefits for English artists and audiences:
| Name of applicant/organisation | Amount awarded (£) |
|
International Association for the Biennial of Young Artists of Europe and Mediterranean | |
Additionally, under reciprocal arrangements, ACE funded outside UK-based 'Shademakers' £56,903 in 2009-10. This collaboration and co-organisation works between Germany and London to deliver carnival work to UK audiences at places including the Notting Hill Carnival. They collaborated with artists with an EU remit, their activities mainly focused in London and Liverpool.
Arts Council: Finance
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether his Department has undertaken an impact assessment of the economic effects of the reduction in lending for the arts sector proposed in the comprehensive spending review funding of organisations in Greater London which are funded by the Arts Council. [26420]
Mr Vaizey: Arts Council England (ACE) allocates Government funding as grants, and does not lend funds. As part of the spending review, the Department will be reducing its own administrative budget by 50% and has asked a number of its arm's length bodies, including ACE, to do the same. At a difficult time our aim has been to ensure that the maximum amount of funding is spent at the front line, rather than on bureaucracy. We had regular discussions with those arm's length bodies during the spending review and those discussions continue. We are confident that in cutting administration in order to limit cuts to the front line, arts organisations across the country, including those in Greater London, will continue to thrive.
Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether his Department has undertaken an impact assessment in respect of the economic effects on the arts sector of the reduction in funding resulting from the outcomes of the Comprehensive Spending Review for organisations funded by the Arts Council in the East of England; and if he will make a statement. [26565]
Mr Vaizey: As part of the spending review, the Department will be reducing its own administrative budget by 50% and has asked a number of its arm's length bodies to do the same. At a difficult time our aim has been to ensure that the maximum amount of funding is spent at the front line, rather than on bureaucracy. We had regular discussions with those arm's length bodies during the spending review and those discussions continue. We are confident that in cutting administration in order to limit cuts to the front line, arts organisations across the country, including those in the eastern region, will continue to thrive.
Arts: Finance
Mr Nicholas Brown:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what estimate he
has made of the change in the level of his Department's funding for each arts sector in each region in each of the last five years. [26687]
Mr Vaizey: The Department's funding for the arts is awarded through Arts Council England (ACE) at arm's length from Government. ACE has supplied in the table the estimated change in levels of funding for each artform in each region for the last five years.
Broadcasting: Scotland
Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 22 November 2010, Official Report, column 132W, on broadcasting: Scotland, for what reasons he rejected the recommendations of Ofcom in respect of the award of qualified independent producer status to Scottish Television. [27170]
Mr Vaizey: The recommendation from the Digital Britain White Paper is not being taken forward because, on balance, the potential benefits of implementing the proposal do not outweigh the likely negative effects, particularly on the existing Scottish independent production sector.
Departmental Degrees
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 26 July 2010, Official Report, column 604W, on Departmental degrees, what information his Department records on the qualifications and expertise of its staff. [27130]
John Penrose: At present the Department does not systematically store this information, although recent IT upgrades should enable us to do so in the future. Currently there is no requirement to hold information relating to staff qualifications or expertise on their personal files unless the member of staff has been recruited into a specialist position. Some staff files will contain this information, but to extract the information manually would incur disproportionate cost.
Departmental Written Questions
Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many and what proportion of questions tabled to the Secretary of State for written answer on a named day were answered substantively before or on the day named for answer (a) in Session 2009-10 and (b) since May 2010; how many such questions tabled between May 2010 and 12 November 2010 had not received a substantive answer by 18 November 2010; and what estimate he has made of the average cost to his Department of answering a question for written answer on a named day on the day named for answer in the latest period for which figures are available. [25975]
John Penrose: From May 2010 to 12 November 2010, 79 (73.1%) of the questions tabled to the Department for answer on a named day were answered on time. Named day questions cannot be answered before the named day given by the Member.
All named day questions tabled to the Department for answer by 18 November have received a substantive answer.
The Government have agreed a process with the House (through the Procedure Committee) that detailed information on 2009-10 performance will be provided to the Committee shortly.
The Department do not record the costs incurred by answering a named day parliamentary question. We do however apply a cost limit of £800 when providing each answer.
Sir Paul Beresford:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many and what proportion of questions tabled to the Secretary of State for ordinary written answer (a) in Session 2009-10 and (b) since May 2010 were answered within (i) seven days and (ii) 14 days of tabling; how many such questions tabled between May 2010 and 12 November 2010 remained unanswered by 18 November
2010; and what estimate he has made of the average cost to his Department of answering a question for ordinary written answer within seven days of tabling in the latest period for which figures are available. [25976]
John Penrose: From May 2010 to 12 November 2010, 444 (82.4%) of the questions tabled to the Department for ordinary written answer were answered within seven days of tabling and 95 (17.62%) were answered within 14 days of tabling.
All ordinary written questions tabled to the Department for answer by 18 November have been answered.
The Government have agreed a process with the House (through the Procedure Committee) that detailed information on 2009-10 performance will be provided to the Committee shortly.
The Department do not record the costs incurred by answering an ordinary written parliamentary question. We do however apply a cost limit of £800 when providing each answer.
Olympic Games 2012
Heidi Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent estimate he has made of the likely sale price of a post-conversion (a) one, (b) two and (c) three-bedroom flat in the Olympic Village. [26478]
Hugh Robertson: While assumptions have been made regarding the overall potential income from sales, it is not possible, at this time, to estimate accurately the likely sale price of individual homes in the Olympic Village. The price of residential units will be dependent on the state of the housing market at the time of sale.
Olympic Games 2012: Employment
Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the number of residents of Newham employed as a direct result of the London 2012 Olympics. [26486]
Hugh Robertson: The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) target is for the Olympic Park construction workforce to be comprised of at least 10-15% of people resident in the five host boroughs, including Newham. Employment figures for the Olympic Park workforce since 2008 show that the host borough workforce has ranged between 18-28%, consistently exceeding the set target. The last reported figures show that during September 2010 6,243 people were working on the Olympic Park. Of these, 484 people were resident in the borough of Newham.
The ODA has recorded cumulative figures on the Olympic Park since April 2008 and on the Olympic Village since April 2010. These show that during these periods 26,930 people have worked on the Olympic Park and/or Olympic Village for five days or more. Of these, 1,909 have been resident in the borough of Newham.
Residents of the host boroughs have benefited from priority access to training and vacancies on the Olympic Park, with vacancies offered exclusively and equally to each of the five host borough employment brokerages and Jobcentre Plus (JCP) offices in the area for a period of 48 hours.
Radio Frequencies
Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will re-issue those licences for radio frequencies held by the parent company of Heart Radio where local radio stations have been closed. [25885]
Mr Vaizey: Decisions on radio licensing are a matter for Ofcom. However, we are not aware of any current plans to re-issue the licences of Global Radio, which owns the Heart network, except where any licences are due to expire.
Royal Parks Agency
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what objectives he has set for the Royal Parks Agency for the next five years. [26770]
John Penrose: The Royal Parks' corporate objectives, which the Secretary of State has approved, are:
1. Conserve and enhance the natural and built environment, historic landscape and bio-diversity of the parks for the benefit of current visitors and future generations.
2. Deliver a broad array of activities and amenities for our diverse audiences.
3. Improve organisational effectiveness and deliver better value for money.
He also agrees the agency's key performance targets annually. For 2010-11 these are:
1. Maintain Green Flag status in all parks.
2. Maintain ISO 14001 for environmental quality.
3. Recycle 90% of uncontaminated green waste by volume.
4. Increase cultural offer by delivering a London 2012 Inspire Programme major arts event, to coincide with the London 2012 Open Weekend.
5. Generate an earned income, including donated assets, of £13 million.
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what guidance he has issued to the Royal Parks Agency on the holding of large-scale commercial events in the Royal Parks. [26771]
John Penrose: The Chief Executive has operational responsibility for events in The Royal Parks. The Secretary of State has not issued specific guidance but the Royal Parks has published a Major Events Strategy which is available on its website:
Leader of the House
Members: Allowances
Mr Donaldson: To ask the Leader of the House how much has been paid to each Member representing Sinn Fein under each category of Parliamentary allowance in each financial year since the date of the Resolution of the House authorising payment of allowances to Members who have not taken their seats. [27273]
Sir George Young: The information relating to the years 2001-02 to 2008-09 is available through the parliamentary website at:
The data for 2009-10 will be published online in due course as part of the House's publication scheme. I have also placed this information in the House of Commons Library.
Oral Questions
Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Leader of the House if he will ensure that the number of different bodies answering questions for oral answer on the same day does not exceed the number of questions an hon. Member is entitled to submit for oral answer on that day. [26729]
Sir George Young: The current rota for oral questions operates on a five-week cycle of 20 sitting days. On two of these days, the number of bodies answering questions for oral answer exceeds the maximum number of questions which an hon. Member is entitled to submit for answer on the same day:
(a) on one Monday when questions to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport are followed by combined questions to the Leader of the House and the House of Commons Commission; and
(b) on one Tuesday when questions to the Deputy Prime Minister are followed by questions to the Attorney-General, which are in turn followed by combined questions to the Church Commissioners, the Public Accounts Commission and the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission.
The number of different bodies answering questions on the same day could be reduced to two only by reducing the frequency with which oral questions are answered, reducing the total number of bodies on behalf of which questions are answered, or reducing the time available for questions to one or more Departments.
I believe that the current arrangements strike the right balance between these different factors.
Defence
Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the average cost of re-integrating a former hostile soldier in Afghanistan in the latest period for which figures are available; and under what budgetary headings such expenditure is incurred. [21153]
Dr Fox: The Afghan Peace and Reintegration Programme (APRP) has a budget of US$782 million for a five-year period. The APRP is designed to reach 4,000 communities in 22 provinces in Afghanistan, at an estimated average cost of $195,500 per community; it is not possible to provide an average per hostile soldier as requested.
It is open to both insurgents and their communities who meet the Afghan Government's conditions: to cut ties with al-Qaeda; renounce violence; and agree to live within the Afghan constitutional framework. The APRP
is funded by the international Peace and Reintegration Fund, whose donors include Japan, Germany, US, UK, Spain, Australia and the Republic of Korea, and falls under the overall decision-making authority of the Peace and Reintegration Programme's Joint Secretariat.
David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many military personnel injured during operations in Afghanistan were from Northern Ireland. [26674]
Nick Harvey: The Ministry of Defence is unable to identify Service personnel that are from Northern Ireland or that currently reside in Northern Ireland, as for most Service personnel the Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) system (the military personnel database) holds information on individuals' stationed location and not their residential address. This information could be obtained only through a manual search of every personnel record, which would incur disproportionate cost.
Eric Joyce: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many armed forces personnel have been diagnosed with (a) active and (b) latent tuberculosis following a tour of duty in Afghanistan since 2001; [26889]
(2) whether armed forces personnel retiring from tours of duty in Afghanistan are routinely tested for (a) active and (b) latent tuberculosis. [26890]
Mr Robathan: Armed forces personnel returning from tours of duty in Afghanistan are not routinely tested for either active or latent tuberculosis. Our policy is that all new recruits to the UK armed forces are offered the Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) tuberculosis vaccine, if they do not have evidence of previous vaccination (e.g. presence of a BCG scar) and no evidence of current immunity to tuberculosis (indicated by the result of a Mantoux Test).
Our records show that we are aware of 11 service personnel identified as having tuberculosis at some point subsequent to their deployment to Afghanistan. It is not possible specifically to attribute a diagnosis of tuberculosis to an operational deployment.
Air Force: Rescue Services
Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the future of RAF Rescue services. [27139]
Nick Harvey:
The future of UK-based Search and Rescue Helicopter (SAR-H) flights are being considered in the review of the SAR-H private finance initiative project which is due to be completed in the near future.
Other elements of the RAF SAR Force are subject to further work resulting from the outcome of the strategic defence and security review.
Air Forces: Military Bases
Mr McCann: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost to the defence budget of (a) proceeding with the Nimrod MRA4 order and (b) maintaining the support base at RAF Kinloss over the next five years and the period over which figures are based. [20370]
Peter Luff: As previously announced, we expect to save in the region of £2 billion over the next 10 years by not bringing Nimrod MRA4 into service. Release of further detail may prejudice the Ministry of Defence's negotiating position with its commercial suppliers. The future use of RAF Kinloss is subject to further study as Defence examines the overall basing and estate implications of the strategic defence and security and comprehensive spending reviews (including the move back to the UK of the Army in Germany). The outcome of this complex piece of work is not expected until spring 2011.
Armed Forces: Deployment
Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce his plans for the implementation of the re-basing of military personnel in Germany; and whether he has made an estimate of the costs to his Department on such re-basing. [27141]
Nick Harvey: Detailed work on how the re-basing will be implemented is under way as part of a wider analysis of the overall Defence basing and estate implications of the comprehensive spending review and strategic defence and spending review. No decisions are expected before spring 2011.
Armed Forces: Housing
Mr Reid: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many accommodation units of each (a) type and (b) number of bedrooms his Department owns in each location in Argyll and Bute constituency; and whether each such unit is occupied. [27259]
Mr Robathan: There are currently around 2,260 single living accommodation bed spaces at HM Naval Base Clyde. Records do not indicate whether a bed space is occupied at any point in time.
There are a total of 515 service family accommodation properties at HMNB Clyde, broken down as follows:
| Type | Number of bedrooms | Total | Occupied | Not occupied |
In addition, there are a further 80 void maisonettes at Rhu, 48 of which are type D and 32 type V. These are not currently occupied by families.
There are currently around 2,260 single living accommodation bed spaces at HMNB Clyde. Records do not indicate whether a bed space is occupied at any point in time.
There are a total of 515 service family accommodation properties at HMNB Clyde, broken down as follows:
| Type | Number of bedrooms | Total | Occupied | Not occupied |
In addition, there are a further 80 void maisonettes at Rhu, 48 of which are type D and 32 type V. These are not currently occupied by families.
Armed Forces: Manpower
Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel at each rank there were in financial year 2009-10. [26364]
Nick Harvey [holding answer 25 November 2010]: The Defence Analytical Services and Advice (DASA) publish the United Kingdom Defence Statistics each year. This is available in the Library of the House and Chapter 2 contains the number of personnel in each rank as at 1 April since 1997.
In the DASA Publication TSP 09, also available in the Library of the House, the number of personnel in each rank and by service as at 1 April since 2006 is listed on page 6.
The full documents can also be found at:
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