Reading
Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what resources his Department has provided to encourage reading of books by pre-school children. [33171]
Sarah Teather: The Government recognise the importance of reading and language development in the early years. The Early Years Foundations Stage (EYFS) framework requires providers (unless exempt) who care for children from birth to five to support and extend their reading, writing and communication skills. By the end of the EYFS, children are expected to link sounds to letters, name and sound the letters of the alphabet and read independently a range of familiar and common words and simple sentences.
All three and four-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours per week of free early education. We also announced in the spending review that this will also be extended, subject to legislation, to every disadvantaged two-year-old. This investment will ensure that all young children—particularly the most disadvantaged—reap the benefits of early education in terms of their cognitive and social development, readiness for school and later educational attainment.
Early learning also takes place within the family. Since 2004 my Department has funded the Booktrust.
School Capital Funding
Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the selection criteria were for the position of Chair of the review of school capital funding. [39668]
Mr Gibb: The chair of the capital review was selected for the depth and range of his experience and expertise relevant to the terms of reference for the review as follows.
8 Mar 2011 : Column 1022W
Sebastian James has a great deal of experience in driving out inefficiency and maximising value for money in the retail sector, making him a good choice to chair the capital review. He is currently the Group Operations Director of DSG International plc leading both the Retail and Services teams, as well as being responsible for the supply chain. Previously, as Group Development Director, Sebastian managed the Currys store building and transformation programme. In both roles he has been responsible for significantly improving quality and customer experience while reducing costs by over 25%. As Strategy Director for Mothercare plc Sebastian had responsibility for developing and implementing the turnaround strategy at Mothercare plc. He was also involved, as operating partner, in the foundation of eGS, a leading e-Government procurement platform.
Terms of reference for the review of capital
1. To review, in the context of the Government’s fiscal consolidation plans and emerging policy, the Department’s existing capital expenditure and make recommendations on the future delivery models for capital investment for 2011-12 onwards.
2. The overall aim of the review is to ensure that future capital investment represents good value for money and strongly supports the Government’s ambitions to reduce the deficit, raise standards and tackle disadvantage.
3. The review will consider how all DfE capital expenditure within any spending constraint and PFI policy could be distributed more effectively over the next spending review period (2011-12 to 2014-15).
The review will be broken down into four main strands:
To evaluate the extent to which value for money has been achieved in capital expenditure to date;
to consider how to generate sufficient places to allow new providers to enter the state school system in response to parental demand;
to review current methods of allocating capital (for example, by formula to local authorities);
to consider options for reflecting Government policies on carbon reduction; and
to enable the establishment of new schools.
Distribution of capital investment
To assess the scope and make recommendations for how to distribute capital more efficiently and less expensively, including simplification of procurement, and increased use of standard and modular design;
to develop a clear understanding of current approach, waste and issues associated;
to consider the relationship between schools, local government and central Government;
to increase choice locally determined by parental demand;
to review the current procurement/delivery models, including:
the use of frameworks to deliver capital (currently used for academies and a third of BSF projects); and
the BSF Investments (BSFI) investment vehicle
to review the roles of bodies involved, specifically DfE, Partnerships for Schools (PfS), local authorities, the local education partnerships (LEPs) and National Framework; and
to provide recommendations for central structure required to manage the distribution of capital investment.
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School Meals
Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has to ensure that every child receives a balanced and healthy school lunch. [35558]
Sarah Teather: It is absolutely vital that schools continue to serve healthy food and make sure their pupils are eating well. That is why we have committed to retain the school food standards and continue to fund the School Food Trust to provide support and advice to schools on the standards and on improving their school meals services.
In 2011-12, the School Lunch Grant is being rolled into the Dedicated Schools Grant to enable the continued provision of healthy lunches, which will also support the increase of school lunch take up.
Decisions about taking a school lunch are ultimately for families to make, taking the costs and benefits into account.
Schools: Discipline
Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what powers are available to head teachers in respect of controlling the behaviour of pupils on their way to and from school. [38089]
Mr Gibb: Under section 89 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006, schools can discipline their pupils for bad behaviour that occurs on their journey to and from school and any bad behaviour that happens off the school premises if it is reported to them.
Schools: Holocaust Memorial Day
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps the Government took to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2011 in schools and colleges; and if he will make a statement. [38113]
Mr Gibb: Holocaust Memorial Day reminds us of the lessons of the holocaust and the consequences of allowing prejudice to grow. The Department funds the Holocaust Educational Trust's Lessons from Auschwitz project, which provides for two students (aged 16-18) from every school/sixth form college in England to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau. Many of the students who participate on the project will have marked Holocaust Memorial Day in their schools and local communities across the country.
Schools: Laboratories
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent assessment he has made of health and safety requirements in school laboratories in England; and what information his Department holds on the safety record of such laboratories in the North East. [36825]
Mr Gibb: The Department does not assess health and safety requirements in individual school laboratories or collect data on regional safety records. Advice about the law relating to risk management, and about the good practice that assists compliance, may be obtained from the Health and Safety Executive, whose website, at:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/index.htm
8 Mar 2011 : Column 1024W
carries guidance issued by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Such advice can also be obtained from CLEAPSS (a subscription-based source of expertise in science safety) at:
http://www.cleapss.org.uk/
Data about safety records may be available from the local authorities within a region since local authorities, as employers, are ultimately responsible for health and safety in their schools.
Schools: Vetting
Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether school caretakers will be subject to vetting under the Government's proposed new arrangements for child protection. [43271]
Tim Loughton [holding answer 2 March 2011]: Yes, under the Government's proposed new arrangements for the vetting and barring scheme (VBS) school caretakers will still fall within the new definition of ‘regulated activity’, and will have to be vetted.
Schools: Vocational Guidance
Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will bring forward proposals to improve schools careers advice in North Swindon constituency. [36140]
Mr Gibb: We intend to restore a focus on specialist expertise in careers guidance for young people and adults based on the core principles of independence and professionalism. Schools will take responsibility for securing access to independent and impartial careers guidance. They will have freedom to fulfil this requirement in ways that best suit the needs of their students.
Special Educational Needs
Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether he has plans to collect and publish data on pupil achievement by type of disability. [37900]
Sarah Teather: The 2011 School Census enabled schools in England to provide information on the disability of children on a voluntary basis. This is in addition to the mandatory provision of information by primary type of SEN. Future collection and publication arrangements for data on disability will be considered in the light of data and feedback collected in response to January 2011 School Census returns which will become available in the spring.
Similarly, a decision on whether to publish information on pupil achievement by type of disability will be made following analysis of the completeness of data received through the School Census.
Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether he plans to provide funding for the post of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Co-ordinator beyond March 2011. [38002]
Sarah Teather:
We are taking decisions about funding for activities to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, including those relating to augmentative and alternative communication,
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in the context of our Green Paper on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to be published shortly.
Special Educational Needs: Hearing Impairment
Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will estimate the number of deaf pupils who are not recorded as having a special educational need. [37899]
Sarah Teather: It is not possible for the Department to reliably estimate the number of deaf pupils who are not recorded as having a special educational need.
Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans his Department has to require local authorities to collect data on the (a) achievement and (b) attainment of deaf children. [39561]
Sarah Teather: The Department does not require local authorities to provide specific information on deaf children.
The Special Educational Needs Information Act (2008) requires the annual publication of information about children in England with special educational needs. The information published includes local authority data on outcomes for these children by SEN type, including hearing impairment, at key stages 2 and 4 in English, maths and science.
The Schools White Paper “The Importance of Teaching” set out our intention to publish easy to understand data about how well pupils achieve so that schools and local authority areas are more accountable to parents. The Green Paper on special educational needs and disabilities will explore how to increase transparency so that parents know how their child is to be supported and how their child is progressing.
Sure Start Programme
Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether he plans to revise the core universal offer set by his Department for Sure Start children’s centres. [39466]
Sarah Teather: Sure Start children’s centres have a critical role to play in their communities and remain at the heart of the Government’s vision for early intervention. We aim to retain a national network of Sure Start children’s centres with a core universal offer but with a greater emphasis on delivering proven early intervention programmes to support families in greatest need. We are exploring ways to move beyond the current core offer to give children’s centres greater flexibility to respond to the needs of families in their area. We are exploring, with experts from the sector, how we can focus more clearly on the core purpose of children’s centres and the outcomes we want to see, particularly for the most disadvantaged groups.
Sure Start Programme: Liverpool
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the average administration costs of Sure Start children’s centres were in Liverpool in the latest period for which figures are available. [41081]
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Sarah Teather [holding answer 15 February 2011]: The Department for Education does not currently collect data on the administration costs of Sure Start Children’s Centres nationally.
We have consulted on changes to data which local authorities are required to report on their expenditure on children’s services. From 2011-12, local authority expenditure on Sure Start Children’s Centres will be published, including how much funding is held back for local authority central administration costs, and how much is spent on front line services.
Teachers: Registration
Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has for the future of the registered teacher programme. [25801]
Mr Gibb: We have stated our intention in the Schools White Paper 2010 “The Importance of Teaching” to reform the way in which initial teacher training (ITT) is performed and funded to improve the quality of teachers and teaching. The document sets out a number of steps which will be taken to achieve this including reforming ITT so that more training is in the classroom. We are therefore currently reviewing all the routes into teaching, including the Registered Teacher Programme. We will publish for consultation a discussion document early in 2011 on our detailed proposals for ITT from academic year 2012/13.
Teachers: Rights of Accused
Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether staff working in (a) sixth form colleges and (b) further education colleges will be given anonymity when accused of an offence by students aged 18 and under, on the same basis as is proposed for school teachers in paragraph 3.6 of the White Paper, The Importance of Teaching. [34986]
Mr Gibb: The commitment in the Schools White Paper, “The Importance of Teaching”, currently applies only to teachers in schools. This is because teachers are particularly vulnerable to the damage that maliciously intended or false allegations can have on their careers and personal lives. School teachers are responsible for the discipline of pupils in their classrooms and as such may on occasion need to use reasonable force to prevent pupils committing a criminal offence, injuring themselves or others, damaging property or to maintain good order and discipline. There is a perception that some children feel they can make allegations without any thought to the consequences for the teacher concerned, because they know it is unlikely they will be punished for making a false allegation. Where allegations are found to have been made maliciously the clearing of the teacher’s name may be scant consolation for the trauma suffered through the social stigma attached to having been suspected of abusing or hurting a child. There may be arguments that the wider children’s workforce, including those working in sixth form or further education colleges, can also be vulnerable to such allegations and I intend to keep under consideration the possibility of widening the scope of the anonymity protection.
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Teachers: Vocational Guidance
Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether his Department undertook an impact assessment in respect of the changes to the number of Training Development Agency staff who provide specialist careers advice to people wishing to train as teachers. [35198]
Mr Gibb: As part of the Government's spending efficiencies in this financial year, all current programmes offering information, advice and guidance to those interested in a teaching career were reviewed by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA), in discussion with the Department.
The regional careers advisers programme was one of a range of activities that TDA offered. The careers advisers had been contracted by the TDA and were not full-time TDA employees. Their role was to offer independent specialist careers advice to career changers. With the availability of independent careers advice from other sources offered nationally, TDA concluded that this programme was no longer a priority.
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what mechanisms exist for the co-ordination of the implementation in the UK of the Government’s obligations under the UN convention on the rights of the child. [18583]
Sarah Teather: Since ratification in 1991, Governments have implemented the UN convention on the rights of the child through a mixture of legislation and policy initiatives. This Government take their obligations to the implementation of the convention very seriously. In line with devolved powers, each of the devolved Administrations implements the UN Committee’s concluding observations within the context of their own national requirements.
As state party, the Westminster Government are responsible for overall compliance with and co-ordination of the convention across the UK. The Department for Education leads the implementation of the convention in England, and works with children’s organisations, the devolved Administrations, and other Government Departments to co-ordinate UK-wide progress and report on the convention.
Vocational Education: GCSE
Ms Gisela Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Education by what date he expects BTEC or equivalent qualifications to be included as part of the school attainment measure of five GCSE grades at A* to C including English and mathematics. [32585]
Mr Gibb: BTEC or equivalent qualifications are included in the school attainment measures of five GCSEs at A*-C including English and mathematics that were published in the Performance Tables on 12 January 2011. These equivalent qualifications have been included in school attainment measures since 2004 and in the five GCSE grades at A*-C including English and maths measure since it was introduced into performance tables in 2006.
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Written Questions: Government Responses
Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he plans to answer question 37370, on regulations removed by his Department, tabled on 26 January 2011 for answer on 31 January. [42698]
Tim Loughton: A response was issued to the hon. Member on 28 February, Official Report, columns 259-260W.
Youth Services: Finance
Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what statutory duties local authorities are required to meet in respect of the early intervention grant. [38782]
Sarah Teather [holding answer 7 February 2011]: The Government have committed to investment and reform in early intervention at a time of financial constraint—intervening early makes sense socially, morally and financially. The Early intervention Grant is intended to fund universal programmes and activities available to all children, young people and families, as well as specialist services where intensive support is needed. However, it is up to local authorities in consultation with their local communities to prioritise the type and distribution of services subject to their statutory duties.
There are no statutory duties specifically attached to the funding in the Early Intervention Grant, due to the un-ringfenced nature of the grant. The Early Intervention Grant may be used to fulfil statutory duties such as Sure Start and Short Break services but local authorities can meet the requirements of their statutory duties through a combination of all their funding, subject to local priorities. As the Early Intervention Grant is un-ringfenced, it provides the freedom and flexibility local authorities need to make savings while protecting the services that are most important to their residents.
Work and Pensions
Council Tax Benefits
Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the likely budget for council tax benefit in each year to 2014-15. [45172]
Steve Webb: The nominal figures for estimated council tax benefit expenditure are as follows:
|
|
Forecasted nominal CTB expenditure (£ million) as of autumn 2010 |
Departmental Carbon Emissions
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much his Department spent on carbon offsetting in each of the last three years; and to which companies payments for carbon offsetting were made in each such year. [40524]
8 Mar 2011 : Column 1029W
Chris Grayling: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change, my hon. Friend the Member for Bexhill and Battle (Gregory Barker) on 16 February 2011, Official Report, column 853W.
Departmental Conditions of Employment
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of his Department's adherence to each of the principles of good employment practice set out in the Cabinet Office publication Principles of Good Employment Practice. [42623]
Chris Grayling: Since the publication of the Principles of Good Employment Practice in December 2010, the Department for Work and Pensions has reviewed its procurement policy and practice to confirm they comply with the six principles. These complement the DWP Supplier Charter and guide the Department's discussions and relationships with its suppliers on contracting arrangements.
Departmental Responsibilities
Mr McFadden: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will publish details of all new units or teams established within his Department since May 2010, including the (a) name, (b) purpose, (c) staffing levels and (d) total annual operational costs in each such case. [38407]
Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions is currently going through a period of organisational review. As part of this, teams and units will naturally merge and reform in order to ensure it provides efficient and effective services.
An exception to this is the Universal Credit Directorate, formed in November 2010 to replace six income replacement benefits with a simple, efficient universal credit, designed to make work pay. In 2011-12, a budget of £6.6 million has been allocated for 99 existing staff, who are working to develop and implement universal credit in a way that offers our customers a fast, modern and seamless service. This team will be responsible for the management of the programme including liaison with local authorities and other Government Departments, designing and developing business processes, communications and planning for the delivery of the new universal credit. As the programme progresses, there will be a need for more teams to administrate it, but the details on that have still to be decided.
Disability Living Allowance
Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in (a) London, (b) Harrow East constituency and (c) the UK will be affected by the changes in the mobility component of disability living allowance. [41394]
Maria Miller:
As was announced at publication of the Welfare Reform Bill on 17 February, the Government’s intention is to bring in any change to the mobility component as part of the wider reform of disability living allowance (DLA). Consultation on wider reform of DLA with the key proposal of a new benefit to be known as personal independence payment concluded
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on 18 February. All working age recipients of disability living allowance will be reassessed against the conditions of entitlement to personal independence payment over a three-year period beginning in 2013.
As the new assessment for personal independence payment and the process for reassessing the existing DLA case load are still being developed, I am unable, at this stage, to provide a precise estimate for the number of people affected.
Employment Schemes: Disability
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to support disabled people seeking work. [44182]
Maria Miller: We are committed to ensuring that disabled people have the same employment opportunities and chances as everyone else to find and stay in work, regardless of their disability or benefit status.
As part of this commitment, the Department for Work and Pensions is responsible for a range of employment provision specifically aimed at disabled people.
Work Choice, which was launched in October last year, provides tailored support to help disabled people who face the most complex barriers to employment find and stay in work and ultimately help them progress into unsupported employment, where it is appropriate for the individual. Work Choice is voluntary and available regardless of any benefits being claimed.
Access to Work—provides practical advice and financial support to employed disabled people above and beyond what the employer could reasonably provide, to help them overcome obstacles resulting from disability and thus stay in work.
In addition, Remploy is an Executive Non Departmental Public Body sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions. It delivers a range of employment and development opportunities for disabled people under the Work Choice programme.
The Department for Work and Pensions also funds residential training for unemployed disabled adults whose needs cannot be met through any other Government funded programmes.
Later this year, the Work programme will be introduced which will provide more personalised back-to-work support for unemployed people, including disabled people. Contributory ESA customers will be able to volunteer for the Work programme, and if they wish, remain on the programme after their benefit has come to an end, ensuring that they receive all the support they need to help them return to work.
The Work programme will be complemented by a new Jobcentre Plus offer which will allow more flexibility to Jobcentre Plus managers and advisers to judge which interventions will help individual customers, including disabled customers, most cost effectively and meet local need. Jobcentre Plus will continue to work closely with local health services, supported by disability employment advisers and work psychologists.
I also commissioned an independent review of the support the Government provides to disabled people who want to work. This review is being conducted by Liz Sayce, chief executive of the disability organisation RADAR and will report in the summer 2011, with recommendations on how existing specialist employment support for disabled people can better serve the Department's wide ranging customer base.
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Future Jobs Fund: Coventry
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people were placed in employment in Coventry through the Future Jobs Fund, in each of the last three years. [44180]
Chris Grayling: The Future Jobs Fund (FJF) at up to £6,500 per person is expensive; creates temporary, short term jobs; and the grants do not include any incentives to move people into permanent employment.
The most recent Young Person's Guarantee statistics were published on 19 January 2011. Statistics are available on the Future Jobs Fund which covers the period from October 2009 to the end of October 2010.
The information requested is in the table.
| The number of people in the Coventry South, Coventry North East and Coventry North West constituencies that have started FJF funded employment since October 2009 | |
|
|
Starts |
| Notes: 1. Data Source—DWP LMS opportunities evaluation database November 2010. 2. Due to Data Protection protocols, values less than 10 are suppressed and marked with a dash to avoid unnecessary disclosure. Additionally, any figures above 10 are rounded to the nearest 10. Due to rounding, totals may not be the sum of the individual cells. Months are calendar months. Source: Department for Work and Pensions, Jobseekers and Work Programme Division | |
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions into what industries in Coventry those in Coventry who had previously been supported through the Future Jobs Fund have been placed in during 2010-11. [44181]
Chris Grayling: We do not keep records of where people have been employed through the future jobs fund. This information is only held by the bodies who receive grants from the fund. Grants were awarded to the following bodies to deliver future jobs fund opportunities in Coventry.
3SC
Barnardo’s
Community Service Volunteers
Community Transport
Coventry City Council
Football League Trust
Groundwork UK and National Housing Association
National Skills Academy
The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts
The Salvation Army
v-Russell Commission Implementation Body
Warwickshire County Council
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Housing Benefit
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the proportion of tenants (a) in the West Midlands and (b) nationally whose monthly rent payments are higher than their housing benefit payment. [44183]
Steve Webb: The two year review of the local housing allowance (LHA), which was published in February 2011, contained information on the proportion of LHA cases experiencing excesses and shortfalls. It showed that in the West Midlands 53% of LHA cases had contractual rents higher than their applicable LHA rates. Across Great Britain, 49% of customers had contractual rents higher than their applicable LHA rates.
Levels of income higher than the claimant's applicable amount or deductions for non-dependants would make the HB award lower than the LHA rate and increase the proportions with shortfalls beyond what is shown here.
Source:
Analysis of February 2010 single housing benefit extract data.
The two year review is available at:
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/lha-review-feb-2011.pdf
Housing Benefit: Coventry
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of housing benefit claimants in Coventry were (a) pensioners, (b) in work and (c) out of work in each of the last three years. [44184]
Steve Webb: As requested, the following table presents the proportion of housing benefit recipients by employment status and those aged 65 and over—Coventry local authority.
| HB recipients in Coventry LA | ||||
|
|
All recipients | Proportion over 65 | Proportion not in employment | Proportion in employment |
| Notes: 1. The data refers to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple. 2. Recipients are as at second Thursday of the month. 3. SHBE is a monthly electronic scan of claimant level data direct from local authority computer systems. It replaces quarterly aggregate clerical returns. The data is available monthly from November 2008 and November 2010 is the most recent available, 4. The data for November 2009 does not contain all of the variables required to answer this question, October 2009 has been used in this instance. 5. The figures have been rounded to the nearest ten, proportions to one decimal place. 6. Age groups are based on the age on the count date (second Thursday in the month), of either: (a) the recipient if they are single, or (b) the elder of the recipient or partner if claiming as a couple 7. The data for “in employment” refers to people receiving housing benefit not in receipt of a passported benefit and are recorded as being in employment if their local authority has recorded employment income from either the main claimant, or partner of claimant (if applicable), in calculating the housing benefit award. People receiving passported benefits who are working part-time cannot be identified and therefore not included in this analysis. Source: Single Housing Benefit Extract (SHBE). | ||||
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Jobcentre Plus: Temporary Employment
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many Jobcentre Plus employees on successive fixed-term contracts of between three and four years in duration in (a) Glasgow, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK were released in each of the last four years; and how many employees on successive fixed-term contracts of between three and four years he expects to be released in each of the next four years; [43300]
(2) how many Jobcentre Plus employees engaged on fixed-term contracts had their contracts made permanent under the Fixed-term Employees (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2002 in (a) Glasgow, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK in each of the last four years; [43301]
(3) how many Jobcentre Plus staff in (a) Glasgow, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK in each of the last four years were employed on fixed-term contracts; and what the average duration of such contracts was in each such year; [43302]
(4) how many Jobcentre Plus staff he expects to be engaged on fixed-term contracts in (a) Glasgow, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK in each of the next four years; and what the average duration of such contracts will be in each such year. [43303]
Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions asking:
1. How many Jobcentre Plus employees on successive fixed term contracts of between three and four years in duration in a) Glasgow; b) Scotland; and c) the UK were released in each of the last four years; and how many employees on successive fixed term contracts of between three and four years he expects to be released in each of the next four years.
2. How many Jobcentre Plus employees engaged on fixed-term contracts had their contracts made permanent under the Fixed-term Employees (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2002 in (a) Glasgow, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK in each of the last four years.
3. How many Jobcentre Plus staff in (a) Glasgow (b) Scotland and (c) the UK in each of the last four years were employed on fixed-term contracts; and what the average duration of such contracts was in each such year.
4. How many Jobcentre Plus staff he expects to be engaged on fixed-term contracts in (a) Glasgow, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK in each of the next four years; and what the average duration of such contracts will be in each such year.
These are issues that fall within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
In response to Question 1, the information in the following table concerning employees released is set out on a staff in post basis, i.e. employees are counted as a single unit irrespective of the hours they work. The table shows employees released in the last four years with contracts of between three and four years duration. It covers the latest period for which data is available. When we report against Glasgow, it is on the basis of the Jobcentre Plus operational district.
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|
|
October 2006 to September 2007 | October 2007 to September 2008 | October 2008 to September 2009 | October 20 09 to September 2010 |
In response to the second part of Question 1, as at September 10, we had around 9,500 people employed on Fixed Term Appointments (FTAs). Most people have contracts of up to two years and will be expected to leave during the course of 2011/12. We are considering extending the contracts of some of these people where required.
The data being reported is drawn from internal Departmental systems used to record and monitor staffing details.
In response to Question 2, local clerical records held in Glasgow indicate that no people were made permanent under the Fixed Term Employees (Prevention of less favourable treatment) regulations. It is not possible to consolidate clerical records for all areas of Scotland or for Jobcentre Plus nationally without disproportionate cost.
In response to Question 3, the following table shows the number of staff employed on FTA contracts in each of the last four years. This is taken from our internal systems and the numbers based on the latest information we hold on FTAs. The numbers shown are the people who worked as FTAs during each of the periods in question. Some people will have worked in more than one period and will be counted in both.
| Number of FTAs | ||||
|
|
October 2006 to September 2007 | October 2007 to September 2008 | October 2008 to September 2009 | October 2009 to September 2010 |
The following table shows the average duration of FTA contracts over the last four years. This represents the average of the length of contract between the start and end dates of employment for individuals leaving Jobcentre Plus within each of the years in question. The figures have been rounded to one decimal place:
| Average duration (years) | ||||
|
|
October 2006 to September 2007 | October 2007 to September 2008 | October 2008 to September 2009 | October 2009 to September 2010 |
In response to Question 4, Jobcentre Plus recruited extra people on fixed term contracts to address the impact of the economic downturn. It was anticipated that increased workloads would be temporary and it was always planned to reduce numbers as the growth in unemployment slowed. Jobcentre Plus continues to keep its workloads and staffing levels under close scrutiny. That includes the need to extend FTAs. At this point, Jobcentre Plus does not plan to recruit further FTAs and will release the majority of existing FTAs during 2011/12. This will be kept under review.
Older People: Employment
Mr Davidson:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the number of workers aged 65 years (a) in Glasgow South West constituency
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and
(b)
nationally who are likely to remain in the workforce for an additional year in 2011 following the end of the default retirement age. [41476]
Mr Davey: I have been asked to reply.
The impact assessment estimates that around 6,000 additional workers are likely to remain in the workforce across the UK in the first year. We do not have data from which to produce robust statistics on the proportion likely to remain in the workforce at the sub-regional level. The full impact assessment was published on 13 January 2011 and is available at:
http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/employment-matters/docs/p/11-634-phasing-out-default-retirement-age-impact-assessment.pdf
Social Security Benefits: EU Nationals
Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many migrants from other EU member states claimed social security benefits in the UK in the latest period for which figures are available; what estimate he has made of the likely change in this number in each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement. [44989]
Chris Grayling: People from other EU member states who have worked in the UK and paid national insurance contributions may claim contributory benefits such as contribution-based jobseeker's allowance if they satisfy the contributions and other conditions for the benefit.
EU migrants cannot normally claim income-related benefits(1) unless they satisfy the habitual residence test.
The specific information sought about the number claiming benefits is not available. The UK's benefit payment systems do not record the nationality of people receiving benefits and no forecasts have been made.
(1) Income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance, income-related employment and support allowance, pension credit, housing benefit and council tax benefit.
Social Security Benefits: Internet
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the proportion of benefit enquiries and applications made by those without home access to the internet in the latest period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [43128]
Chris Grayling: This information does not exist in the format that has been requested.
Online customer feedback collected by the Department to evaluate the use of the job seekers allowance (JSA) internet service asked customers where they made their online application. This indicates that 87% of these customers accessed the internet at home when making their online JSA application.
State Retirement Pensions
Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will take steps to ensure that the basic state pension is claimable by each recipient with effect from the birthday at which they reach the state pension age; and if he will make a statement. [44905]
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Steve Webb: Prior to April 2010, state pension was paid in advance and only for full benefit weeks (seven days), from the first Monday on or after the date on which the person reached state pension age. In April 2010, for people moving from a working age benefit to a pension age benefit, state pension became payable for less than a week to cover any gap caused by benefit pay days being different, to ensure continuity of payment.
In all other circumstances (for instance, for those in work or not in receipt of benefit) state pension continues to be paid only for full benefit weeks, and is now paid in arrears with the pay day determined by the person's national insurance number.
There are no plans to change this approach.
Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the average reduction in income for (a) men and (b) women currently aged (i) 50, (ii) 51, (iii) 52, (iv) 53, (v) 54, (vi) 55, (vii) 56 and (viii) 57 who would receive (1) guarantee credit, (2) housing benefit and (3) council tax benefit on retirement as a result of the proposed change in the timetable for increasing the state pension age. [44980]
Steve Webb: The information is not available.
The outcome will vary greatly among individuals depending on factors such as: other sources of income, household income and savings eligibility for working age benefits.
Universal Credit
Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many and what proportion of households who will have lower entitlements under universal credit fall into each £10,000 income band. [45167]
Chris Grayling: Transitional protection will ensure that there are no cash losers from universal credit, at the point of transition.
Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he plans to publish an impact assessment on the operation of (a) universal credit and (b) the localised system of council tax benefit. [45169]
Steve Webb: We are currently considering when will be most appropriate to conduct an impact assessment on the operation of universal credit.
The Department for Communities and Local Government are leading the work on the localisation of council tax support in relation to England. They will publish a draft impact assessment alongside a consultation in due course. This will be updated when legislation on the new scheme is introduced.
Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of providing transitional protection for benefit recipients in households in each £10,000 income band. [45170]
Chris Grayling: This information is not available and to provide it would incur a disproportionate cost.
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Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Afghanistan: Peace Negotiations
David Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the composition is of the Afghan High Peace Council. [44512]
Alistair Burt: The High Peace Council comprises seventy members drawn from all of Afghanistan's major ethnic groups, and includes representatives of the government and opposition, women, civil society and former insurgents. It is chaired by former President Burhanuddin Rabbani.
Burma: Asylum
Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has made representations to the government of Thailand on reports of forced deportation of Rohingya refugees. [44926]
Mr Jeremy Browne: We are deeply concerned over allegations that at the beginning of 2011 Thailand forcibly deported Rohingya refugees. Our ambassador to Thailand reiterated our concern over their treatment with the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 9 February 2011. During this discussion he stressed the importance of ensuring that Thailand treats all refugees according to international standards and pressed for unhindered access for the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. We deplore the targeted persecution of ethnic groups in Burma and will continue to underline regularly to international partners that the cause of refugee flows out of Burma is the regime's appalling human rights record.
Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has made representations to the government of Thailand on provision to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees of unhindered access to Rohingya asylum seekers detained in Thailand. [44963]
Mr Jeremy Browne: We are deeply concerned by the recent influx to Thailand of Rohingya refugees who have fled Burma to escape human rights abuses. Our embassy in Thailand is in regular contact with the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and has made representations to the Thai Government to press for full access by the UNHCR to the Rohingya. Most recently on 9 February 2011, our ambassador to Thailand raised the issue with the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Our embassy is also working with EU partners to continue to press the Thai authorities on this matter.
Climate Change Convention
Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last discussed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change with his (a) German, (b) US, (c) Indian, (d) Chinese, (e) Malawian, (f) Gambian, (g) Bolivian and (h) Malaysian counterparts. [44112]
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Mr Bellingham: Engagement by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, is only one way in which the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) engages on climate change. As the Secretary of State said at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York in September 2010,
“the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, under my leadership, is a vocal advocate for climate diplomacy. British Ambassadors carry the argument for a global low carbon transition in their breast pocket or their handbag. Climate change is part of their daily vocabulary, alongside the traditional themes of foreign policy.”
I myself regularly raise these issues with foreign partners.
The Secretary of State has discussed climate change issues with his German counterpart and the Chinese Vice Premier, Li Keqiang (who visited the UK from 9-12 January 2011). He has not done so with his counterparts from the other countries listed, not all of whom he has met.
Most recently, the Secretary of State has focused on reinforcing European climate diplomacy, writing on 24 February 2011 with his German counterpart to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy suggesting that EU Foreign Ministers meet to agree how the EU can play a more effective role on climate change.
Departmental Food
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects his Department to meet the Government's commitment to source food that meets British or equivalent standards of production. [43319]
Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in the UK currently meets the Government's commitment, as detailed in the coalition agreement, to “ensure that food procured by government departments, and eventually the whole public sector, meets British standards of production wherever this can be achieved without increasing overall cost.”
We will formally report progress against this requirement in June 2011.
A response for the FCO's global network could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Departmental Manpower
Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff in his Department were in the civil service redeployment pool on the latest date for which figures are available; and how many of these had been in the redeployment pool for more than six months at that date. [44343]
Alistair Burt:
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) does not have staff in a civil service redeployment pool. The FCO’s corporate pool is for staff who, because of the pattern of careers in the FCO, with a mixture of home and overseas postings, and fixed posting cycles, have unavoidable gaps between substantive jobs. In the vast majority of cases we are able to deploy these officers into temporary roles to meet short-term priority needs and to deal with unexpected crises. For example,
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we have deployed more than 50 staff from the corporate pool to help provide additional cover for the Libya crisis.
The number in the corporate pool change on a daily basis. On 28 February 2011 there were 227 people in the corporate pool of which 78 had been in it for more than six months. All but 12 members of the pool are currently fully deployed.
Departmental Official Residences
Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of residences used by Ministers in his Department in the latest period for which figures are available. [43217]
Alistair Burt: Chevening House in Sevenoaks is owned and administered by a private trust. Some residual costs are met by the public purse. These total £3,694.62 per annum.
The flat that constitutes the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs’ official residence at 1 Carlton Gardens is estimated to cost a total of £65,448 for the financial year 2010-11, a saving of £1,406 on the previous financial year.
Since my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary’s occupation of 1 Carlton Gardens on 28 June 2010, council tax and utility costs have been met by him personally.
Electoral Reform Services
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the monetary value was of contracts his Department placed with Electoral Reform Services in each year since 2005. [44218]
Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has no record of contracts placed with Electoral Reform Services (ERS) in each year since 2005. The FCO does have contracts with Electoral Reform International Services, established by ERS in 1992. Information on the value of these contracts is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction
Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to encourage other countries to sign the Hague Convention on Child Abduction. [44757]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government actively lobby countries where we have a significant number of abduction cases, or where we have encountered specific problems, to sign the 1980 Hague convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction.
Hezbollah
David Cairns:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with (a) his Israeli counterpart,
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(b)
his Lebanese counterpart and
(c)
his Syrian counterpart on Hezbollah’s military capabilities in southern Lebanon. [43196]
Alistair Burt: Both my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and the Prime Minister have raised the issue of Hezballah weapons recently; my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary with President Assad and Foreign Minister Muallem during his visit to Damascus in January 2011 and the Prime Minister in discussions with Prime Minister Hariri in November 2010.
Our embassies in Tel Aviv, Beirut and Damascus also raise the issue of Hezballah’s weapons with the Israeli, Lebanese and Syrian Governments on a regular basis.
Hosni Mubarak
Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to freeze the assets of former President Mubarak held in the UK. [43915]
Alistair Burt [holding answer 3 March 2011]: The Egyptian authorities have provided us, and other countries, with a list of names in relation to freezing the assets of several members of the former regime. However, it is our policy not to disclose the names of such people to avoid assets being moved. If evidence of illegality or misuse of state assets is shown to exist and provided to us, we will take firm and prompt action. The EU is also considering the options available to respond to the Egyptian authorities.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps (a) the Government and (b) the Serious Organised Crime Agency have taken in respect of the assets of Hosni Mubarak and his associates. [44404]
Mr Hague [holding answer 4 March 2011]: The Egyptian authorities have provided us, and other countries, with a list of names in relation to freezing the assets of several members of the former regime. However, it is our policy not to disclose the names of such people to avoid assets being moved. If evidence of illegality or misuse of state assets is shown to exist and provided to us, we will take firm and prompt action. The EU is also considering the options available to respond to the Egyptian authorities.
Financial institutions are required under the money laundering regulations to do enhanced due diligence with individuals who hold prominent public functions and to report suspicious activity to the Serious Organised Crime Agency. These obligations have been stressed over the course of recent events by both Her Majesty’s Treasury and the Financial Services Authority with the banks and others.
Iraq: Christianity
Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received on the treatment of Christians in Iraq in the last 12 months. [43184]
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Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has received and continues to receive regular representations from parliamentarians and members of the public about the situation for Christians in Iraq. The number of representations rose sharply after the tragic attacks against Christian groups in October and November 2010.
We continue to urge the Iraqi Government to protect and ensure the security of all Iraqis, including Christians. Other EU countries, including Italy and France, have also co-ordinated their responses with the UK.
Iraq: Minority Groups
Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the government of Iraq on the human rights of Iraqi Turkmen; and if he will make a statement. [43072]
Alistair Burt: We continue to encourage the Iraqi Government to promote and protect the rights and freedoms of all Iraqi citizens, including the Turkmen community. In recent months we have urged the Iraqi Government to ensure the security of all its communities and deal appropriately with those responsible for any acts of violence and intimidation due to political, ethnic or religious affiliation.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials meet regularly with representatives from different Iraqi communities, including the Turkmen community. We will continue to listen to their concerns and do what we can to help improve the human rights situation in Iraq.
Lebanon: Capital Punishment
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on persons sentenced to death in Lebanon for intelligence gathering for Israel; and if he will make a statement. [43818]
Alistair Burt: We are currently aware of seven individuals who have been sentenced to death for Israeli related spying activities, the most recent being on 17 February 2011.
We oppose the death penalty in all circumstances as a matter of principle because we believe it undermines human dignity; there is no conclusive evidence of its deterrent value; and any miscarriage of justice leading to its imposition is irreversible and irreparable.
There is no reliable evidence to support the argument that the death penalty is a deterrent to serious crime; numerous academic studies have failed to establish that execution deters more than the prospect of a long sentence.
Libya: Politics and Government
Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on the political situation in Libya. [44906]
Alistair Burt:
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and the Minister for Europe continue to be in regular contact with EU counterparts
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on the situation in Libya. In particular, the Secretary of State had detailed discussions with the new French Foreign Minister in Paris on 3 March 2011.
We have succeeded in pushing the EU to adopt a tough package of sanctions against Libya, including an asset freeze, visa ban, arms embargo and embargo on equipment used for internal repression.
The next high-level meeting will be an emergency European Council meeting convened for 11 March 2011 to discuss developments in Libya, as well as other countries in north Africa and the middle east.
Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whom the Government recognises as the de jure government of Libya. [44957]
Alistair Burt: We have called for the end of Colonel Gaddafi’s regime and to that end we are taking every step possible to isolate the Gaddafi regime, deprive it of money, shrink its power and ensure that anyone responsible for abuses in Libya will be held to account.
Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whom the Government recognises as the de jure government of Libya under the Vienna Convention. [44958]
Alistair Burt: The Vienna convention on diplomatic relations does not contain any provisions on recognition of governments.
Middle East: Armed Conflict
Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the blockade in Gaza. [44466]
Alistair Burt: Although we no longer assess that there is a humanitarian crisis in Gaza we have long been clear that the status quo is a tragedy, unsustainable and counterproductive.
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, raised the situation in Gaza with Prime Minister Netanyahu when he visited Israel in November 2010. The Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa discussed Gaza at length with the Israeli Coordinator for Government Activity in the Territories (COGAT), General Dangot, when he visited the region on 16-19 January 2011. Officials at our embassy in Tel Aviv raise Gaza access with the Government of Israel on a regular basis.
There has been an increase in the quantity and variety of goods entering Gaza. But we continue to call on Israel to ensure the unconditional opening of crossing for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons. We also look to Israel to speed up the approvals process for dual-use items and accelerate key imports for UN led reconstruction.
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We welcome steps such as Israel's approval of the 20 projects in Gaza including the seven UN Relief and Works Agency schools they announced on 4 February 2011. We continue to press for further such steps.
Middle East: EU External Relations
David Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answers of 10 February 2011, Official Report, columns 434-5W, on the Middle East: peace negotiations, when the European Commission next plans to review its association agreements with (a) Lebanon, (b) Tunisia, (c) Morocco and (d) Algeria. [43395]
Alistair Burt: The European External Action Service and European Commission publish annual European Neighbourhood Policy reports covering all partner countries, including Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. While we do not have a fixed date for publication in 2011, last year's reports were published in May 2010.
The latest assessments by country are at:
http://eeas.europa.eu/countries/index_en.htm
Until the annual European Neighbourhood Policy report is published we are unable to make an assessment on the progress made.
Middle East: Peace Negotiations
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Palestinian Authority to encourage it to recognise the religious and historical significance of the Western Wall to Jewish people; and if he will make a statement. [42063]
Alistair Burt: We strongly support the right to freedom of religion or belief as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as well as the full implementation of the 1981 UN Declaration on the Elimination of all Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief.
Jerusalem holds particular significance for many people worldwide especially the three Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Islam and Christianity. It is crucial that the parties come to an agreement whereby Jerusalem can be a shared capital of both an Israeli and a Palestinian state.
We make our views on these issues clear to both the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority. We continue to call for restraint and the avoidance of provocative actions from both sides in and around Jerusalem.
Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with governments in the Middle East on the boycott by Hamas of Israeli goods in Gaza. [43097]
Alistair Burt: Given wider changes across the region, our recent contacts with Governments in the Middle East have focused on the challenges and opportunities these changes present. We have not discussed the issue cited.
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Muammar al-Gaddafi
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the decision was taken to publicise reports that Colonel Gaddafi had travelled to Venezuela. [43914]
Mr Hague [holding answer 3 March 2011]: I responded to a question from the media when leaving the European Union Foreign Affairs Council on 21 February 2011. In this, I noted that I had no information that Colonel Gaddafi had travelled to Venezuela, but had seen some information that suggested he may have travelled there.
Palestinians: Elections
Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps he has taken to support the holding of elections in the Palestinian territories; and if he will make a statement. [44563]
Alistair Burt: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my noble Friend, the Minister of State, the right hon. Lord Howell of Guildford, of 9 February 2011, Official Report, House of Lords, column WA70.
Palestinians: Security Forces
David Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 17 February 2011, Official Report, column 1001W, on Palestinians: security forces, what proportion of the Middle East and North Africa Conflict Pool was used to assist the US Security Co-ordinator for Israel and the Palestinian territories in the training of Palestinian security forces in (a) 2008, (b) 2009 and (c) 2010. [44616]
Alistair Burt: The proportion of Middle East and North Africa Conflict Pool (MENA CP) funding provided to assist the US Security Co-ordinator through the deployment of the British support team in Ramallah for each of the years referred to is:
| Financial year | Percentage |
The proportion of the funding out of the MENA CP allocation for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories specifically was:
| Financial year | Percentage |
Final funding for 2010-11 is not confirmed and is based on the provisional allocation.
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Somalia: Piracy
Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the conclusions of the Chair of the Contact Group on Piracy off the coast of Somalia; and what steps he plans to take in response to those conclusions. [45126]
Mr Bellingham: We support fully the conclusions of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) at its November 2010 plenary meeting.
The UK supports the strong leadership role of the CGPCS in co-ordinating the international response to piracy, and is leading the response to current operational and regional maritime capability issues through its chairmanship of CGPCS Working Group 1.
Special Tribunal for Lebanon
David Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government is taking to ensure that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon is able to continue its work in safety. [43198]
Alistair Burt: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and I have both underlined our support for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. We have called for the Tribunal to be allowed to carry out its work without hindrance or impediment and for all sides to co-operate constructively and not interfere with due process. Most recently my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary stated that:
“The UK looks for a government that is formed in accordance with Lebanon’s constitution; that commands the broadest possible support of the people of Lebanon; that upholds its international obligations including the Special Tribunal and an end to impunity for assassinations”.
As the chair, and a member, of the Management Committee of the Special Tribunal, the UK continues to provide active support on all financial and administrative issues, including supporting tribunal efforts to ensure the safety of its staff.
Sri Lanka: Languages
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on attempts by the government of Sri Lanka to ensure language rights of citizens in (a) Tamil-speaking and (b) other areas of that country. [44236]
Alistair Burt: Following my recent visit to Sri Lanka, I am aware of concerns regarding language barriers, including access by Tamil-speaking Sri Lankans to government services. The Sri Lankan Government have recognised this issue and are seeking to ensure more state officials are able to speak Tamil. During 2010 the police force launched recruitment drives to attract 1,500 Tamil civilians into the police force. The UK, with the Sri Lankan Government’s consent, has provided Tamil language training to over 300 police personnel. Through the British Council we have also conducted training of trainers and provided Tamil language learning materials for the security forces.
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One of the interim recommendations for the Sri Lankan Government’s ‘Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission’ is to provide interpreters to assist with overcoming language barriers. We welcome this recommendation and the Sri Lankan Government’s efforts to improve access to government services for all communities.
Sri Lanka: Politics and Government
Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he plans to take to support the national reconciliation process in Sri Lanka. [45110]
Alistair Burt: We believe that the best way to achieve lasting and equitable peace in Sri Lanka is through an inclusive political solution that addresses the underlying causes of the conflict and takes into account the legitimate grievances and aspirations of all Sri Lanka’s communities.
During my visit to Sri Lanka last month I met with senior government officials and raised this issue. We hope the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission can play a role in the post-conflict reconciliation process. Ultimately it is the responsibility of the Sri Lankan Government, and their people, to shape a sustainable national reconciliation process.
Tibet
Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the constitutional status of Tibet. [42821]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government recognise Tibet as part of the People's Republic of China.
Voluntary Work and Charitable Donations
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department has a policy to encourage its employees to (a) volunteer and (b) donate via payroll giving. [43239]
Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has a strong tradition of voluntary work, ranging from individuals getting involved with their local communities to whole departments undertaking voluntary activities in the UK and throughout our overseas network. The amount of time given varies according to the nature of the activity, but all employees are offered up to five days special paid leave a year to volunteer. Examples of some of the voluntary activity undertaken by individual members of staff granted special paid leave are:
Youth Educator, Envision Project;
Participation in reintegration project for young ex-convicts;
Facilitation of Royal Commonwealth Society Commonwealth Youth Summits;
Event promotion for Croydon Community Against Trafficking.
Our special unpaid leave policy (SUPL) allows staff, among other things, to work outside the FCO, for example with a non-governmental organisation for a period of up to five years.
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The FCO has a policy in place where staff can contribute to their chosen charity via a Give as You Earn/Payroll Giving scheme. Each year the FCO provides several reminders to staff how effective contributions via their payroll in either regular or single donations can be, especially for higher rate taxpayers. There are currently over 300 employees in the FCO who have signed up to payroll giving, with around 21 charities represented, including the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Cancer Research, Help for Heroes and the UN Children's Fund. In financial year 2009-10 FCO staff donated over £100,000.
Yemen
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what official visits Ministers from his Department have made to Yemen since 1997; and for what purpose. [43982]
Alistair Burt: Since 1997 the following Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Ministers have visited Yemen to further bilateral relations and discuss mutual areas of concern:
Dr Kim Howells, FCO Minister of State: January 2006
Dr Kim Howells, FCO Minister of State: May 2008
Ivan Lewis, FCO Minister of State: February 2010.
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs visited in February 2011.
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of his recent visit to Yemen; what matters were discussed during his meeting with President Ali Abdullah Saleh; and if he will make a statement. [44260]
Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs met President Saleh in Yemen on 9 February and delivered clear messages to the Government there.
Firstly, we want the Government of Yemen to make progress on national dialogue with the opposition parties, including agreement on implementing much needed political and economic reform and action to address the legitimate grievances of the Yemeni people.
Secondly, we have asked for a prioritised and budgeted Development Plan for Poverty Reduction from the Yemeni Government so that we, and other donors, can establish an appropriate financing mechanism for Yemen and be confident that funds are properly used.
Finally, the Secretary of State called for intensified Yemeni efforts to disrupt the al-Qaeda threat on their territory and further action to resolve internal grievances and conflicts.
We will discuss progress on these issues at the next Friends of Yemen meeting in March.
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Justice
Departmental Billing
Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what proportion of invoices from suppliers his Department paid within 10 days of receipt in January and February 2011. [45071]
Mr Djanogly: The percentage of payments made within 10 days to all suppliers for the month of January and February 2011 are shown in the following table.
|
|
Percentage |
Departmental Leaseback Arrangements
Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assets his Department has sold and leased back over the last 12 months; what the sale price was of each asset so sold; and what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of leasing back each such asset over the period of the lease. [45070]
Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice has not sold and leased back any assets in the last 12 months.
Electoral Reform Services
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the monetary value was of contracts his Department placed with Electoral Reform Services in each year since 2005. [44222]
Mr Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) was created in May 2007 by combining the former Department for Constitutional Affairs and part of the Home Office. All data given are from that date onwards as it would incur disproportionate costs to give data from the DCA and Home Office.
The MoJ has no contracts with the Electoral Reform Service.
The Electoral Reform Services has carried out some consultancy work for the MoJ. The invoice dates and costs are as follows:
|
|
£ |
European Court of Human Rights
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what plans he has to seek reform of the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights. [44151]
Mr Djanogly: The United Kingdom was one of the 11 original signatories to the European Convention on Human Rights on 4 November 1950. The United Kingdom is bound by the European Convention and has recognised the jurisdiction and agreed to abide by the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights since 14 January 1966.
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The Government are committed to supporting and building on the process of court reform already under way in Strasbourg.
As part of the reform process, the Government would wish to see a strengthening of the principle of subsidiarity. That is, that the Convention should principally be implemented at a national level. The Government will work with other member states of the Council of Europe and the Court, including through our Chairmanship of the Council of Europe (November 2011-May 2012), to find ways to give further practical effect to this principle in the Convention system.
Human Rights: EU Action
Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on the timetable for the proposed accession of the European Union to the European Convention on Human Rights. [44467]
Mr Djanogly: No such discussions have taken place to date with EU ministerial counterparts. Discussions are continuing in official working groups to agree the details for accession. The Government will need to be sure that any accession agreement neither enlarges the competences of the Union nor negatively affects the position of the United Kingdom and other member states in relation to the ECHR. The Government will continue to participate fully in discussions about accession with these principles in mind.
Legal Aid Scheme: Payments
Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what payments were made to the 20 (a) firms and (b) barristers who received the highest total level of payments from the (i) criminal defence service scheme and (ii) the community legal service scheme in the latest period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [44882]
Mr Djanogly: It is not possible to provide the information in the time available, I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy in the House of Commons Library.
Legal Aid: Fees and Charges
Bob Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps he plans to take to ensure that legal aid recipients pay their legal fees once they are financially able to do so. [44254]
Mr Djanogly: The statutory charge has been an essential feature since the legal aid scheme was originally established in 1949. Where a legally aided client is wholly or partly successful in recovering or preserving goods or property, the charge converts legal aid from a grant into a loan.
The Ministry of Justice recently conducted a consultation on proposals for the reform of legal aid in England and Wales, which closed on 14 February 2011. We are now carefully considering the responses that we have received, and will publish our response in due course. The consultation proposals can be viewed online at:
http://www.justice.gov.uk/consultations/legal-aid-reform-151110.htm
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Magistrates Courts: Skipton
Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what recent discussions he has had with representatives of HM Court Service on the consultation on the future of administrative provision at Skipton magistrates court. [44691]
Mr Djanogly: The deployment of court staff and resources at a local level is principally a matter for HMCS management rather than Ministers. I am aware however that HMCS is currently consulting on proposals regarding administrative provision at the Skipton courthouse and believe that these proposals, if they proceed, would increase its utilisation and efficiency.
Pleural Plaques Extra-statutory Scheme
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many applications his Department has received under the pleural plaques extra-statutory scheme to date. [44312]
Mr Djanogly: The extra-statutory scheme opened for applications on 2 August 2010 and, as of 25 February, a total of 6,991 applications have been registered.
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the average length of time taken is for an application to be processed under the pleural plaques extra-statutory scheme. [44313]
Mr Djanogly: The average time taken to process an application based on completed cases is currently 42 working days. This includes the time that applicants are given to provide supporting information as well as the time that they are given to consider the offer before advising their acceptance. Separate figures for these stages are not available.
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether there has been any liaison between those responsible for administering the pleural plaques extra-statutory scheme and HM Revenue and Customs National Insurance Contributions Office Special Section A on the provision of employment history schedules for submission by applicants to the scheme. [44391]
Mr Djanogly: For applications under the pleural plaques scheme to be considered, it is important that applicants provide verifiable independent evidence of their employment history. In cases where applicants do not have any other proof of their employment history provision of an HM Revenue and Customs employment schedule is necessary. The onus is on the applicant or their representative to obtain and provide this. My officials have spoken to HM Revenue and Customs and they are aware of the position.
Prisoners
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment he has made of the position of the UK in international comparator tables on levels of imprisonment. [44605]
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Mr Blunt: A table showing the prison population of England and Wales compared with EU and other selected countries was published on 22 July 2010 in Offender Management Caseload Statistics (shown in tables 7.15). This can be found in the House Library and at the following link:
http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/prisonandprobation.htm
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Additionally, the data can be seen in the following table. These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.
| Table 7.15 Prison population (1) international comparisons with other EU countries and selected other countries 2003-09 | |||||||||
| Country | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | Percentage change 2008-09 | Rate (20) per 100,000 population in 2009 |
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| (1) At 1 September: number of prisoners, including pre-trial detainees/remand prisoners. (2 )At 31 August. (3) Annual averages. Countries calculate these on the basis of daily, weekly or monthly figures. (4 )At 1 March. (5) At 1 January. (6) At 1 September (2003-08), August (2009). (7) At 31 December. (8) Metropolitan and overseas departments and territories. (9) At 31 March. (10) At 1 September (2003, 05-06, 08-09), December (2004), November (2007). (11) At 1 September (2003-08), 9 October (2009). (12) At 1 September (2003-06), annual average (2007-08), 22 June (2009). (13) At 1 October. (14) At first Wednesday in September. (15) At 1 September (2003-08), 31 August (2009). (16) At 1 September (2003-07, 09), 31 December (2008). (17) At 30 June. (18) At December. (19) Annual averages by financial year (e.g. 2009 = 1 April 2008 - 31 March 2009). (20) Based on estimates of national population. Note: Data Sources and Quality: These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems. Care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, but the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system, and so although shown to the last individual, the figures may not be accurate to that level. See Technical appendix of report for fuller information. Sources: Ministries responsible for prisons, national prison administrations, national statistical offices, Council of Europe Annual Penal Statistics (SPACE), World Prison Population List (Roy Walmsley) and World Prison Brief (International Centre for Prison Studies) | |||||||||