Overseas Travel
Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information his Department publishes on foreign visits to be undertaken by Ministers of his Department; how much prior notification is provided to external bodies of such visits; and how such information is publicised. [68558]
Mr Lidington: For security and operational reasons, we do not generally comment on or announce visits significantly in advance. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) works closely with foreign governments and, where relevant, external organisations in planning visits. Information about visits is provided through press releases and the FCO publishes a retrospective quarterly list of ministerial visits on its website.
Environment Protection: International Co-operation
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has held with his international counterparts on the development of low-carbon technologies. [67940]
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Mr Bellingham: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), has had discussions with counterparts on a range of issues including the transition to low carbon. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is working hard to help create the political conditions in key countries for a rapid and efficient global low carbon transition. Alongside UK Trade and Investment, the FCO is also championing British companies that develop and export innovative green technologies around the world.
European External Action Service
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on whether climate change and energy security should be a priority for the European External Action Service. [68115]
Mr Lidington: On 18 July 2011 the Foreign Affairs Council adopted Conclusions which set out the need for climate and energy security to be included as part of the European External Action Service's role. This was a direct result of a joint request by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), and his German counterpart. I reinforced this during ongoing discussions with European Union counterparts covering the role of the European External Action Service. Progress made by the European External Action Service on these issues will be reviewed at a future Foreign Affairs Council.
Food: Prices
Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the likely effects of recent trends in food prices on the development of popular uprisings in North Africa and the middle east. [68093]
Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office monitors and conducts analysis on the impact of commodity prices to the world economy including in the North Africa and the middle east region.
North Africa is particularly vulnerable to food price volatility, with poor domestic conditions and significant exposure to international markets. The region is a substantial net importer of wheat and heavily subsidises consumption. Food price inflation was one contributory factor to the Tunisian and Egyptian unrest, and fuelled discontent across the region. Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt have all reassured citizens that food and commodity subsidies will be maintained amidst the recent unrest. Although allowing Governments to quell immediate discontent, this brings significant fiscal constraints, shoring up problems for the future. We believe Governments need to adopt sustainable economic and targeted social protection policies which deliver long-term benefits for the development of their societies and prospects for their people. Putting these policies in place will need to be carefully sequenced over time especially given the very high expectations of people to see tangible benefits from reforms.
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The major oil exporters in the middle east are well guarded against the fiscal pressures of rising food prices. Food insecurity continues in Yemen, and recent droughts have turned Iran from a significant wheat exporter to a wheat importer.
As part of the Government’s new ‘'Building Stability Overseas Strategy’ (BSOS), an early warning system is being developed to anticipate instability and potential triggers for conflict. This will allow for early preventive action as well as rapid response to any incidents. BSOS also seeks to invest in upstream prevention on instability by helping to build legitimate institutions in fragile countries.
Greece: Shipping
Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will request from his Greek counterpart an explanation of the basis in international law for the actions of the Greek authorities in preventing British-registered civilian vessels from departing ports in Greece in early July 2011. [67981]
Mr Lidington: We are not aware that any British-registered civilian ships were prevented from departing ports in Greece in July 2011. The Greek Government have publicly stated that their decision to ban the departure of Greek or foreign vessels from Greek ports to the Gaza naval blockade zone was based on their own maritime laws, as well as concerns about security and the protection of human life. We do not intend to request any further explanations.
Human Rights: Business
Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what account the Overseas Business Risk Service will take of the human rights situation in countries upon which the service advises UK businesses on risk. [68130]
Mr Bellingham: Our Overseas Business Risk website, which is run jointly by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and UK Trade and Investment, offers country specific advice to British companies to help them manage political and reputational risks when operating overseas. We intend to develop the website further in order that it provides context on some of the key issues that business may want to consider, such as complying with UK legislation on Bribery or the potential impact their business activity can have on human rights and how to avoid adverse impacts as a part of their political and reputational risk management.
We believe that free trade and economic growth promote development and respect for human rights. We encourage British businesses to be aware of their potential impacts on human rights. Not only is there a moral imperative to ensure that human rights are respected, we think there is also a strong business case for doing so as an important contribution to stable, healthy and sustainable markets.
Iran: Higher Education
Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has made representations to the Iranian Government on recent raids on the Baha'i Institute for Higher Education. [68167]
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Alistair Burt: We are concerned by Iranian action to shut down the Baha’i Institute of Higher Education. We have raised this issue with the Iranian Chargé d'Affaires a number of times, including most recently when I met the Charge on 2 August 2011, requesting an official response to the issue in writing. We will continue to call on Iran to respect the full and equal rights of its people regardless of their faith or ethnicity in line with its international obligations, and to cease the harassment of the Baha'i community.
Jerusalem: Religious Freedom
Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on the status of Jerusalem as a holy city for all faiths. [68664]
Alistair Burt: Jerusalem has unique religious significance to many different faith groups. Our goal is a secure and universally recognised Israel living alongside a sovereign and viable Palestinian state, based on the borders of 1967, with Jerusalem the future capital of both states. It is important that all religions can enjoy the religious sites and practice their religious beliefs in a safe and secure environment with mutual respect.
The UK attaches great importance to ensuring freedom of worship for those of all faiths. The Government condemns all instances of violence and discrimination against individuals and groups because of their faith or belief. 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 United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of all Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief.
Libya: British Nationals Abroad
Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate his Department has made of the number of British nationals in Libya. [68493]
Alistair Burt: On the basis of the number of calls we are currently receiving, we estimate that there are fewer than 100 British nationals in Libya.
We continue to advise against all travel to Libya. We also advise any British nationals currently there to leave. Since the crisis began, British missions in Tunis and Alexandria have assisted over 200 British nationals who have been able to leave Libya.
Libya: Females
Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how he will prioritise the participation of women in any discussion on the future of Libya; and if he will make a statement. [68455]
Alistair Burt: We will continue to discuss the participation of women with the National Transitional Council. We underline the need to protect their equal rights in law, politics, freedom of movement and education in the future constitution.
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Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures his Department is taking to identify women's groups and individuals who should participate in any discussion on the future of Libya; and if he will make a statement. [68456]
Alistair Burt: We are actively seeking to identify women's groups and individuals and to engage with them on the future of Libya and their involvement in its development. I chaired a Foreign and Commonwealth Office Eye Witness event on 1 July 2011 with non-governmental organisations and women from both Libya and Tunisia, at which there was discussion of specific issues faced by women in those countries and consideration of the future. We are following up on that event.
Libya: UN Resolutions
Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had on developing a country-specific action plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 for Libya; and if he will make a statement. [68454]
Alistair Burt: We have regular discussions on a wide range of issues with the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC), both bilaterally and through the Libya Contact Group. These discussions include their ‘road map’ and stabilisation plan for the future of Libya. We are discussing the role of women with the NTC Executive representative for women, Dr Salwa al-Daghaili, focussing particularly on how that role is defined in the NTC stabilisation plan, and how women’s rights are protected in the NTC’s Constitutional Declaration.
The UK Government National Action Plan (NAP) on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 Women, Peace and Security was revised in November 2010 and contains three pilot bilateral country plans for the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan and Nepal. The NAP is a changing document and will be reviewed in October. A report will be produced and presented to Parliament through a ministerial statement.
Members: Correspondence
Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to answer the letter from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton of 14 June 2011 regarding Mr S. Singh. [68915]
Mr Lidington: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) replied to the right hon. Member's letter of 14 June on 21 July.
Middle East: Armed Conflict
Caroline Nokes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government is taking to secure negotiations for a two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. [69019]
Alistair Burt:
We continue to push hard for a return to negotiations on the basis agreed by the Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Mr Cameron)
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and President Obama: borders based on 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps; security for Israel; and the right for Palestinians to govern themselves in a sovereign and contiguous state. We are working hard with our international partners for a return to negotiations on this basis.
Failure to return to negotiations now puts at risk the long-term prospects for a solution and, in the short term, will leave the international community facing difficult choices come September in the UN. Neither Israel nor the Palestinians can afford to let the opportunity for peace slip further from their grasp.
Palestinians: British Nationals Abroad
Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with Israeli Government officials concerning the passage of UK citizens to and from Palestine. [68168]
Alistair Burt: The Government extend consular assistance to British nationals whenever appropriate.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) does not make general representations on another country’s immigration policies or procedures. The Israeli immigration officials are under no obligation to explain their decisions to us and, as mentioned in our travel advice, they have the right to refuse entry to anyone they wish. The UK’s immigration authority is similarly protected.
We are aware of one case in which a British national was asked to sign an undertaking on arrival in Tel Aviv that he would not travel to the west bank without the express permission of the Israeli military commander. In this instance, we determined it was not appropriate to raise this incident with the Israeli authorities at the time. We have not had any further reports of British nationals being asked to sign such an undertaking. Were this to become a common occurrence, we would discuss such a policy with the appropriate Israeli authorities.
If British nations plan to travel to Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories, we advise them to read through the travel advice on the FCO’s website, which is available at the follow link;
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/middle-east-north-africa/israel-occupied
Those travelling to the Occupied Palestinian Territories may also obtain further information from the British Consulate-General in Jerusalem before travel.
Palestinians: Detainees
Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Israeli Government to ensure that its treatment of Palestinian children in detention in Israeli jails complies with UN guidelines and international standards. [68596]
Alistair Burt: The UK remains concerned about the number of children currently being held in Israeli prisons. We raise our concerns with the Israeli Government about the application of due process and the treatment of Palestinian detainees, including where children are involved, on a frequent basis.
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Most recently our ambassador to Israel has raised this issue with the Israeli Ministry of Justice and I raised this during my visit to the region. Our ambassador has also raised the issue of Israel's treatment of Palestinian children with Education Minister Saar and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Principal Legal Adviser Daniel Taub.
The hon. Member may be interested to hear that alongside our existing projects, our consulate general in Jerusalem has recently secured funding to fund the UK Bar Committee for Human Rights to come to the Occupied Palestinian Territories in September 2011 to research a report about the treatment of children arrested and detained in the Israeli military court system.
We shall continue to raise our concerns with the Israeli authorities and issue statements when appropriate.
Palestinians: United Nations
Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made on discussions with his European counterparts on reaching a common European position on UN membership for a Palestinian state. [68008]
Alistair Burt: We discuss the Middle East Peace Process regularly at ministerial and official level with EU Partners. We continue to believe that the best way to achieve a lasting solution that delivers a sovereign, independent and contiguous Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel at peace with its neighbours is through a negotiated solution. The EU Foreign Affairs Council conclusions of July 2011 set out the European policy on the Occupied Palestinian Territories and its hopes for a future Palestinian state.
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/123910.pdf
As the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the right hon. Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), said to the house on 19 July 2011, Official Report, columns 781-83, whatever happens in September, we must remember that to have a truly viable Palestinian state in control of its own territory, it is necessary to arrive at that by negotiation. We have reserved our position on the question of recognition. The Secretary of State discussed it again with European Union colleagues in Brussels recently, and have all agreed that we will reserve our position, partly because it gives us some leverage over both Israelis and the Palestinians as we urge them back into talks in the coming weeks and months. That is our focus at the moment.
Religious Freedom
Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the conclusions were of the recent Wilton Park conference on religious freedoms across the world. [68665]
Mr Jeremy Browne:
The conference, entitled “Promoting Religious Freedom Around the World”, was attended by a range of national and international religious leaders, non-governmental organisations, academics, parliamentarians and members of the Foreign Secretary's Advisory Group on Human Rights. The conference looked at the main theological, cultural, societal and political drivers behind religious intolerance and
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persecution. Separate working groups looked at the issues of legal recognition of religions; public manifestation of religions; apostasy and conversion; and blasphemy.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials are currently looking at how to strengthen our freedom of religion or belief policy. The conference identified a number of ideas that will now be taken forward in this review, including strengthening the right to freedom of religion or belief in bilateral human rights strategies and developing our engagement with a range of religious leaders. Wilton Park will separately be issuing a summary of the conference, which will be published shortly at:
http://www.wiltonpark.org.uk
Saudi Arabia: Armed Forces
Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has made any representations to the government of Saudi Arabia on (a) the deployment in Bahrain of its military forces and (b) the date by which such forces will be removed. [68593]
Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), and the Saudi Foreign Minister met in London on 22 March 2011 and had a constructive discussion on Bahrain. The Secretary of State and Prince Saud agreed that the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) forces, which are in Bahrain at the legitimate invitation of the Bahraini Government, should work to create the right conditions for a successful dialogue.
We have made it clear to the Bahraini Government that the civil rights of peaceful opposition figures, the legitimate exercise of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly must be respected. We also expect it to meet all its human rights obligations by ensuring its citizens can exercise the universal human rights and freedoms to which they are entitled and to which it has committed.
I have not discussed a timetable for withdrawal of the GCC Peninsula Shield Forces from Bahrain with Prince Saud or the Bahraini Government. However, the vast majority of the Saudi Arabian National Guard contribution has now withdrawn from Bahrain, without incident.
South Sudan
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance his Department is providing to the UN mission in South Sudan. [68276]
Mr Bellingham: We worked closely with partners in the UN Security Council to ensure that the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was given a Chapter VII mandate and that an adequate number of troops were authorised. UNMISS will consist of up to 7,000 troops and 900 civilian police, as recommended by the UN Secretary-General. We will actively work to support the mandate and have encouraged the Government of South Sudan to do the same. The budget for UNMISS has yet to be agreed. When it is, the UK will contribute just over 8% of the total, as it does for all UN peacekeeping missions.
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Sri Lanka
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on judicial independence in Sri Lanka. [68813]
Alistair Burt: We are aware of reports of increasing politicisation of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies. There are persistent allegations that prominent politicians are able to influence the judicial process.
Our high commission in Sri Lanka continue to monitor police and judicial action on high-profile cases, and raise our concerns with the Sri Lankan Government. We regularly encourage the Sri Lankan Government to strengthen democratic checks and balances, including with respect to the judiciary.
Our high commission funded a local civil society organisation to support the Sri Lankan Ministry of Justice's running of mediation boards at a local level throughout 2010. These boards provided an alternative method of resolving minor local disagreements without requiring complainants to go through an expensive legal process. Some 60% of cases referred to the mediation boards were resolved successfully.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has any plans to visit Sri Lanka. [68814]
Alistair Burt: There are no current plans for ministerial visits to Sri Lanka. The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox) most recently visited Sri Lanka in July 2011, and I visited Colombo and Jaffna in February 2011.
Sri Lanka: Arrests
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the arrest of a British citizen in July 2011 in Sri Lanka in relation to a Channel 4 programme. [68815]
Alistair Burt: Officials at our high commission in Sri Lanka provided consular assistance to the British national referred to by my hon. Friend, following notification on 5 July 2011 of his detention in Sri Lanka. This included visiting him to ensure that his welfare needs were being met and that he was being treated in line with internationally accepted standards. Consular officials also maintained regular contact with his family in the UK. He was released without charge on 2 August 2011.
Surveillance
Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) voice, (b) e-mail and (c) web interceptions were carried out by agencies for which he is responsible in each month of the year to June 2011. [68188]
Alistair Burt: It is the policy of successive Governments not to comment on security and intelligence matters.
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Taiwan: EU External Relations
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on an economic co-operation agreement between the EU and Taiwan. [68154]
Mr Lidington: We value the strong trade links we have with Taiwan and are keen to enhance them. The Government support active consideration of practical measures to strengthen trade between the EU and Taiwan.
Intercept Communications
Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is in relation to the interception of voicemail by agencies for which he is responsible. [68187]
Alistair Burt: Intercept of communications, including voicemail, is governed in accordance with relevant legislation (predominantly the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000) and oversight is provided by the Rt. Hon. Sir Paul Kennedy, the Interception of Communications Commissioner (IoCC), who reports annually to Parliament. The most recent annual report by the IoCC was laid before Parliament on 30 June this year.
Western Sahara: Politics and Government
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the (a) Government of Morocco, (b) Government of Algeria and (c) United Nations on the future governance and security of the Western Sahara; and if he will make a statement. [69084]
Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) met his Moroccan counterpart, Taieb Fassi Fihri, on 10 March 2011, when they discussed a range of issues including the future of Western Sahara. I visited both Morocco and Algeria in April this year where I raised the need for a political solution to the disputed territory's status in the context of April's United Nations Security Council negotiations on MINURSO's operations. Our ambassadors to Morocco and Algeria also discuss Western Sahara at a senior level with Moroccan and Algerian authorities.
UK officials at the UN meet regularly with other members of the Group of Friends of Western Sahara to discuss the future of Western Sahara. They are also in contact with the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, Ambassador Christopher Ross and the UN's Department of Peacekeeping Operations. Ambassador Ross last briefed the Group of Friends on 27 July 2011. There are no plans to make a statement at this time.
Zimbabwe: Politics and Government
Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the economic and political situation in Zimbabwe. [67374]
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Mr Bellingham: There has been relatively little further progress on the ground since the last assessment I provided on this matter to my hon. Friend on 9 February 2011, Official Report, column 261W.
However, I am encouraged that South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have continued to work with the Zimbabwean parties to ensure the necessary reforms are completed so that elections, when held, do not see a repeat of the violence of 2008. So far, an agreed roadmap towards such elections has not appeared. But as confirmed at last week's SADC summit in Luanda, it remains the intended outcome of this work.
Until the conditions have been created for credible and properly monitored elections, the Inclusive Government continue to offer the most credible means of transforming Zimbabwe and we continue to encourage the whole Government to show a clear commitment to the reforms that the Zimbabwean people demanded in March 2008.
Women and Equalities
Consultants
Austin Mitchell: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities how many senior civil servants in the Government Equalities Office at each grade had worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, Deloitte or KPMG immediately prior to taking up their appointment in each year since the Office's inception; what consultancy agreements the office had with those firms in each such year; and how many consultants from those firms have advised the Office in each such year. [68963]
Lynne Featherstone: The Government Equalities Office has neither employed any senior civil servants who worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, Deloitte or KPMG immediately prior to taking up their appointment, nor contracted any consultancy agreements with those firms, since its creation as a separate Department in October 2007.
Departmental Responsibilities
Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities how many meetings she has had with hon. Members of each political party since May 2010. [67165]
Lynne Featherstone: The Minister for Women and Equalities meets with hon. Members on a regular basis, as part of the ongoing commitment to the work of the coalition Government. The Government Equalities Office is part of the Home Office and, as such, we have provided the figures for ministerial meetings across the whole Home Office.
Conservative: 41
Labour: 9
Liberal Democrats: 4.
Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities if she will consider keeping data on the number of times (a) she and (b) officials of the Government Equalities Office have declined a request for a meeting from an hon. Member of each political party. [67188]
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Lynne Featherstone: No records are held of meeting requests that have been declined by either a Minister directly or by the Department on their behalf. There is currently no intention to keep such records.
Equality and Human Rights Commission: Trade Unions
Mr Raab: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities how many staff at the Equality and Human Rights Commission were entitled to work (a) full-time as trade union representatives and (b) part-time on trade union activities in the latest period for which figures are available; how many such staff received a salary greater than £25,900 per year; and what the total cost to the public purse was of employing such staff on such duties. [65984]
Lynne Featherstone [holding answer 13 July 2011]: The Equality and Human Rights Commission (The Commission) is an arm's length body; the following is based on information it has provided:
(a) One member of staff currently working as a full-time trade union representative, funded by the Commission for three days per week and by the relevant trade union for two days per week; and
(b) No staff working part-time on trade union activities.
No member of staff working as a trade union representative receives a salary greater than £25,900.
The cost of employing the full-time member of staff on trade union duties is £24,960 annual salary plus £7,558 on costs comprising pension payments and national insurance contributions.
The total cost to the public purse is therefore £32,518.
Government Equalities Office
Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities on how many occasions a request for a meeting by an hon. Member of each political party has been refused by (a) a Minister in the Government Equalities Office (GEO) directly and (b) the GEO on behalf of a Minister since May 2010. [64429]
Lynne Featherstone: No records are held of meeting requests that have been declined by either a Minister directly or by the Government Equalities Office on their behalf.
Third Sector
Steve McCabe: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what the name is of each charity and voluntary organisation visited by Ministers in the Government Equalities Office since 12 May 2010. [67672]
Lynne Featherstone [holding answer 19 July 2011]: Since May 2010 the Minister for Women and Equalities, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), has visited the following charitable or voluntary organisations:
Croydon Rape Crisis Centre
Haven Sexual Assault Referral Centre based at the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel
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I have visited the following organisations:
Action Aid
Anawim Women's Community Project
Lesbian and Gay Foundation
Link (British transport lesbian gay and transgender support network)
Manchester Action on Street Health
National Stalking Helpline
Solace
Sparkle
Stop Hate
Survivors Manchester
Women for Women
Women's Business Forum
Working Mums.
Defence
3 Commando Brigade
Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the oral answer of 4 July 2011, Official Report, column 1215, on French and UK armed forces, what plans he has for the future of 3 Commando Brigade. [68503]
Nick Harvey: Decisions taken in the Strategic Defence and Security Review will reduce the Royal Marines' headcount by around 650 posts from its existing level of around 7,200 (a lower percentage cut than the Army, Navy or RAF are now facing) but these posts are not being taken from the 3 Commando Brigade headcount. The Brigade will certainly continue to exist and it will continue to contain the Brigade Headquarters and three commando groups plus supporting elements.
What has changed is the planned scale of advanced theatre entry, where we no longer plan to be able to land the full Brigade ashore early and sustain it from the sea, but rather to restrict this advanced capability to one commando group—around 1,800 personnel, which will be maintained at high readiness.
Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 6 July 2011, Official Report, column 52W, on unmanned air vehicles, what information his Department provided to (a) the Prime Minister and (b) the Cabinet Office in advance of the Prime Minister's statement in December 2010 that over the previous 29 months the UK's drone fleet had killed 124 insurgents in Afghanistan. [67903]
Dr Fox [holding answer 19 July 2011]: I am not aware that during the Prime Minister's visit to Afghanistan in December 2010 he made any reference to the number of insurgents killed by UK drones. Comprehensive figures are not recorded because of the immense difficulty and risks that would be involved in collecting robust data. Prior to the visit the Ministry of Defence briefed on the agreement to double the UK's Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft System capability and the state of the military campaign.
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Air Force: Military Bases
Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Ministers from other Government departments (a) he and (b) other Ministers in his Department met in relation to the RAF basing review; and what the date was of each such meeting. [68584]
Dr Fox: I meet with fellow Ministers from other Government Departments on a regular basis, including weekly at Cabinet, and I have discussed the Defence basing review with a number of them. I also discussed the basing review on a number of occasions with ministerial colleagues in the Ministry of Defence, and the Scottish Government including the First Minister for Scotland.
Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the training value per flying hour of aircraft stationed at (a) RAF Leuchars and (b) RAF Lossiemouth; and if he will make a statement. [68589]
Nick Harvey: All RAF flying sorties in the UK can provide a number of training opportunities such as aircraft handling or combat capability. The point of origin does not therefore determine the training value of the sortie.
Aircraft Carriers
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the jet blast deflectors for the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers have been redesigned for the Joint Strike Fighter C variant. [68440]
Peter Luff: The design of jet blast deflectors is one of the factors being considered as part of our carrier variant (CV) conversion investigations, which are expected to conclude in late 2012.
The US is currently trialling their jet blast deflector design with the CV Joint Strike Fighter to ensure compatibility; we will learn from their results.
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Queen Elizabeth Class carriers will be equipped with electro-magnetic catapults and traps. [68441]
Peter Luff: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 10 March 2011, Official Report, column 1247W to the right hon. Member for Coventry North East (Mr Ainsworth).
Armed Forces: Alcoholic Drinks
Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken to address alcohol abuse among members and ex-members of the armed forces. [69147]
Mr Robathan: The armed forces run robust programmes designed to raise awareness and promote the message of sensible drinking. These programmes address all serving personnel; there are also additional measures in place to advise Commanding Officers of the potential danger to their people.
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Individual consumption limits and the sale of alcohol are regulated, particularly, but not only, when personnel are serving operationally. These controls are supported by disciplinary measures.
Individuals identified as being at risk receive counselling and welfare support. More serious cases are treated through specialist medical and psychological treatment and rehabilitation, including where appropriate as in-patients.
The services are developing holistic programmes as part of an overarching healthy lifestyle strategy, including firm guidance on avoiding alcohol abuse and the encouragement of sensible drinking.
When a serviceman or woman leaves the armed forces they are given a range of literature including material on alcohol and drug awareness and are able to draw on the support of the Veterans Welfare Service for the rest of their lives.
Armed Forces: Deployment
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) regular and (b) volunteer reserves of each rank in each of the armed forces were stationed in (i) Scotland, (ii) England, (iii) Wales, (iv) Northern Ireland and (v) overseas in each of the last 10 years. [68676]
Mr Robathan: Information for regular armed forces personnel, by service, rank, and geographical area will be placed in the Library of the House. This information is not available before 2007, as prior to the introduction of the Joint Personnel Administration such data were not held. The information for reserve personnel is not held in the format requested.
Armed Forces: Food
Mr Scott: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department is taking to encourage greater use of UK-based food suppliers to provide supplies for the armed forces. [67310]
Peter Luff: European Union procurement legislation precludes public bodies from discriminating in favour of domestic food suppliers. However, Ministry of Defence officials are involved in a number of initiatives to support the British farming community and increase the volume of British produce purchased, by working with, for example, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, the Red Meat Industry Forum and British farming industry representatives.
The percentage of UK-produced goods fluctuates as a result of seasonality and value for money incentives. Some products are manufactured using a number of ingredients from various countries including the UK while others, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, are sourced seasonally from a variety of countries.
Armed Forces: Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the Joint Air Strike Fighter to be available for use by the armed forces. [66906]
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Peter Luff: While no specific in-service date has been set for the UK Joint Combat Aircraft, we will be able to deploy the aircraft from the carrier by 2020.
Armed Forces: Suicide
Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many suicides among service personnel there have been in each year since 2000. [69151]
Mr Robathan: The following table lists those deaths between 2000 and 2010 (the latest date for which data are available) for coroner confirmed suicides or open verdict deaths.
| Confirmed suicides or open verdict | |
BAE Systems
Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department paid to BAE Systems in each financial year since 2005-06. [67957]
Peter Luff: Payments made by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to BAE Systems since 2005-06 are shown in the following table:
| Payments to BAE Systems | |
| £ billion | |
| Note: Figures are at current prices and exclude VAT. | |
The figure for 2010-11 is provisional and will be finalised in time for the publication of UK Defence Statistics in late September.
The payments reported have been extracted from the MOD's central contracts database on which is recorded the majority (about 95%) of all MOD payments. Payments not processed centrally are not included and may have been made on behalf of other Government Departments, by the MOD's Trading Funds and Executive non-departmental bodies (which lie outside the MOD's accounting boundary), locally by the Department, through third parties such as prime contractors or other Government Departments and in relation to collaborative projects where the payments are made through international procurement agencies or overseas Governments.
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From 2005-06, the individual subsidiaries and joint ventures relating to BAE Systems have been reproduced from the corporate structures as published in Table 1.17a of UK Defence Statistics.
Cadet Forces: Finance
Gordon Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how much his Department allocated to the Air Training Corps in 2009-10; and how much he plans to allocate to it in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13; [68569]
(2) how much his Department allocated to the Army Cadet Force in 2009-10; and how much he plans to allocate to it in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13; [68570]
(3) how much his Department allocated to the Sea Cadets in 2009-10; and how much he plans to allocate to it in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13. [68571]
Mr Robathan: The funding allocated to the Cadet forces in each of the years requested is shown in the following table:
| £ million | |||
| FY 2009-10 | FY 2011-12 | FY 2012-13 | |
The figures for the Army and Air Cadet forces for financial years 2011-12 and 2012-13 are the latest forecasts for planning purposes and may alter in future financial planning rounds. The Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) is not part of the Royal Navy or the Ministry of Defence, although funding support is given in the form of a grant in aid to the Marine Society and Sea Cadets (MSSC). Each SCC unit is an independent charity but becomes a member of the Sea Cadet Corps by an act of affiliation with the MSSC, itself a charitable body.
Chief of the Defence Staff: Travel
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to the public purse was of travel by the (a) Chief of the Defence Staff and (b) Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff in the last 12 months. [66913]
Dr Fox: Since 1 July 2010, £50,390.91 and £9,581.94 has been spent on official travel by the Chief of the Defence Staff and the Vice-Chief of Defence Staff respectively.
Courts Martial
Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the utilisation rate was of the No. 2 courts at the courts martial centres at (a) Bulford and (b) Catterick garrison in the latest period for which figures are available. [68445]
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Nick Harvey: The utilisation rate, as a proportion of court time available, of the No. 2 courts at the military court centres at Bulford and Catterick during the period 11 January to 17 December 2010 was 4% and 9.2% respectively.
It should be noted that the No. 2 courts are smaller than the primary courts at each site. They were designed to be used when the primary courts reach full capacity and generally only for shorter proceedings such as preliminary or sentencing hearings.
Cyprus: Military Bases
Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to develop facilities for members of the armed forces at the Sovereign base areas on Cyprus. [69152]
Mr Robathan: A £42 million project to build 628 new single living spaces and refurbish two single living blocks at Episkopi and Akrotiri was completed last month. Construction of 269 replacement service families' accommodation, costing £75 million, is due to be completed at Akrotiri by 2016. Decompression facilities are kept under constant review, with the most recent developments being a welfare facility providing accommodation, a briefing area, gym, wi-fi, bar and stage. We are considering further areas where amenities can be enhanced for troops returning from operations. As with all projects these plans are subject to funding. There are also a number of non-publicly funded amenities available for the use of members of the armed forces in Cyprus.
Departmental Assets
Mr Arbuthnot: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the monetary value of material assets ordered by his Department but which could not be delivered to the end user because of inadequate labelling in the latest period for which figures are available. [68524]
Peter Luff: In July 2011 assets to the value of £795,000 were received by the Ministry of Defence that will require corrections to the labelling before delivery to the end user. £123,000 worth had already been resolved as at 17 August 2011.
Mr Arbuthnot: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence by what means his Department identifies the location of its assets; and whether he plans to change the way his Department manages information on the location of its assets. [68525]
Peter Luff: Assets recorded on the Ministry of Defence (MOD)'s non-current (fixed) asset register or on departmental inventory supply systems have an indicator which provides location information.
The MOD has a number of processes in place to confirm the location of its assets including: an annual physical verification of assets with a value in excess of £100,000; an annual census of land managed equipment and engineering assets; and a rolling four-year stocktaking programme.
The Department is currently halfway through an extensive improvement programme which aims to implement recommendations made by the Comptroller
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and Auditor General, regarding the management of certain asset and inventory items. This includes significant investment in IT systems which will help the Department to manage information on asset location more effectively.
Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what (a) land, (b) property and (c) other assets his Department has sold since 2010; and how much it received for each sale. [69150]
Mr Robathan: A list detailing the land and property sold by the Ministry of Defence in the United Kingdom between January 2010 and July 2011, achieving gross sale proceeds in excess of £70 million, will be placed in the Library of the House. The list does not give details of individual recent site sales receipts, as their disclosure would prejudice commercial interests.
The Disposal Services Authority (DSA) achieved £84 million in gross sales during 2010-11. This includes £4 million of repayment sales generated through the sale of stock items to other Governments holding the same type of equipment. Information of all the sales is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Departmental Buildings
Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent on repairs and maintenance of its properties in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09 and (c) 2009-10. [69148]
Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence spend on repair and maintenance is shown in the following table:
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| Financial year | Amount spent (£ million) |
These figures include expenditure on housing, other living accommodation, office accommodation, grounds maintenance and the technical estate. This does not include expenditure on the maintenance of property provided through private finance initiatives where amounts cannot be separately identified from other elements of the service charge.
Consultants
Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many senior civil servants in his Department at each grade had worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, Deloitte or KPMG immediately prior to taking up their appointment in each of the last four years; what consultancy agreements his Department had with those firms in each such year; and how many consultants from those firms have advised his Department in each such year. [68960]
Mr Robathan: Only one member of the senior civil service was recruited from these companies in the period for which information is requested. The individual joined the Department in 2007 from KPMG as an SCS Pay Band 1 on a fixed-term appointment following an open competition. All appointments to the civil service are made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition in accordance with the Recruitment Principles laid down by the Civil Service Commission.
Central records show that over the past four years the Department has let consultancy contracts with these companies as follows:
| Number of contracts let—financial year | ||||
| 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | |
Contracts were for external assistance and covered a wide range of subject matter reflecting the breadth of defence business. Areas included: Assistance with the Head Office Streamlining programme, the Logistics Sub-strategy for Defence, refinancing of Strategic Sea Lift and Information Systems Security.
The number of consultants deployed on contracts for external assistance is a commercial judgment for the contractor as we contract with consultancy companies to deliver a specific output at an agreed price rather than for a set number of personnel.
Contracts
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which suppliers have maintenance contracts with his Department; and what the monetary value is of each such contract. [66916]
Peter Luff: The information is not held in a format which allows for distinction between maintenance suppliers and other suppliers; nor, therefore, is the value of each maintenance contract held.
Departmental Correspondence
Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many letters his Department received from hon. Members in June 2011. [68760]
Mr Robathan: During June 2011, the Ministry of Defence received 458 pieces of parliamentary correspondence from hon. Members, excluding requests submitted under the Freedom of Information Act.
Departmental Land
Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) name, (b) location and (c) current market value is of all land his Department owns. [69149]
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Mr Robathan: Details of all Ministry of Defence land holdings with asset valuation over £1 million, including sites in disposal, can be found in Chapter Seven of the National Asset Register, last published by HM Treasury in 2007:
http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm70/7022/7022.pdf
The National Asset Register is on a historic replacement cost basis, not market value. Details of all property with asset valuation below £1 million could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
We do not routinely assess the current market value of all our estate because the estimated receipts will depend on market conditions and other factors at the time of sale. Where pre-sale valuations have been obtained, these are regarded as commercially confidential and are thus not released ahead of the sale in case they influence the market.
Procurement
Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of procurement contracts offered by his Department have been advertised on the Contracts Finder website since the website's inception. [67244]
Peter Luff: Since 1 April 2011 all of the Ministry of Defence's eligible contract opportunities have been advertised on Contracts Finder.
Expenditure: Equipment
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what expenditure on equipment his Department is committed over the next 15 years; and with whom the commitments have been entered into. [66904]
Peter Luff: The Department has calculated its contractual commitments in respect of defence equipment procurement (excluding contracts for equipment support) at some £23 billion over the next 10 years (2012-13 to 2021-22). The information beyond 10 years and a detailed breakdown of the contractors with whom commitments have been entered into could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Information on MOD contracts let after 1 January 2011 is available online via the pan-Government Contracts Finder website at:
http://www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk/
Security
Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for future security provision for his Department's sites. [68720]
Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence keeps its policies and requirements for guarding and civil policing under regular review. We continue to attach very high importance to safeguarding our people, information and assets’ and we will therefore continue to maintain effective and proportionate levels of security at all of our sites.
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Diamond Jubilee 2012: Medals
Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assessment he has made of the potential effect on morale of members of the armed forces ineligible to receive a Diamond Jubilee Medal because they will have served for less than five full calendar years on 6 February 2012; [69141]
(2) for what reason members of the armed forces who will have served for less than five full calendar years on 6 February 2012 are not eligible for the award of the Diamond Jubilee Medal. [69142]
Mr Robathan: No assessment has been made on the potential effect on morale of members of the armed forces ineligible to receive the commemorative Diamond Jubilee Medal.
The Department for Culture, Olympics, Media, and Sport announced that the criterion of five years service on 6 February 2012 had been approved by Her Majesty the Queen. This requirement is consistent with the approach used in 2002 when determining eligibility for the Golden Jubilee Medal, and with other key front line services such as the prison service, the police, and fire and rescue services.
European Fighter Aircraft
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost implications of the change in timetable of the development programme for the Typhoon aircraft to enable weapons capabilities. [66896]
Peter Luff: The Typhoon future capabilities programme is planned to provide enhancements to Typhoon in the air-to-air and air-to-ground roles. The first stage in the development programme for Typhoon's new weapons capabilities is the future capability programme contract, which was signed in 2007. Further weapons upgrades are under consideration to enable Typhoon to employ a greater variety of air-to-ground munitions in future. Project information about Typhoon, including cost and time, is available in the Major Projects Report. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House.
Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what estimate his Department has made of the cost to the public purse of transferring the Typhoon force from RAF Leuchars to RAF Lossiemouth; [68585]
(2) what estimate his Department has made of the cost to the public purse of operating the Typhoon force from (a) RAF Lossiemouth and (b) RAF Leuchars over a 25-year period; whether his Department revised its estimate of such costs during the basing review process; and if he will make a statement. [68590]
Nick Harvey: The estimated relative cost of operating the Typhoon force from RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Leuchars over a 25-year period, including the costs of transferring from Leuchars to Lossiemouth, is approximately £604 million and £565 million respectively. The costs were refined and updated during the course of the basing review, as is usual in such a process. They will be refined further during detailed planning for the implementation of the Defence basing decisions.
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In taking these decisions, the balance of financial advantage between Leuchars or Lossiemouth as RAF bases was outweighed by wider Defence considerations. These included the necessity to establish a coherent plan for basing the Army following its return from Germany and the need to realise receipts by disposing of high-value estate, including in Edinburgh, while ensuring the build-up of the Typhoon force.
European Union: Medals
Ms Gisela Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many UK military service personnel have received EU service medals to date. [68784]
Mr Robathan: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Ex-servicemen: Prisoners
Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many ex-services personnel are in prison custody; and what proportion of the total prison population that figure represents. [69156]
Mr Robathan: We currently estimate that there are around 3,000 former service personnel in prison custody, representing some 3.5% of the total prison population. I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my noble Friend, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, Lord Astor of Hever, to the noble Baroness, Baroness Gibson of Market Rasen, in another place on 14 July 2011, Official Report, column WA 214, regarding the Howard League's Independent Inquiry into Former Armed Service Personnel in Prison.
Germany: Armed Forces
Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the armed forces who are based in Germany are family units; and how many live in accommodation outside their base. [68504]
Nick Harvey: As of 31 March 2011, 9,122 service family accommodation properties in Germany were occupied.
Information on family units and how many members of the armed forces live in accommodation outside the base is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the oral statement of 18 July 2011, Official Report, column 643, on defence transformation, what type of accommodation service personnel based in Germany will be moved into by 2015. [68505]
Nick Harvey: Service personnel are provided with accommodation in accordance with the entitlements set out in the Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations, published as Joint Service Publication 464, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.
It is too early to say at this time exactly which bases personnel currently based in Germany may be moved to, or what type of accommodation may be required.
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Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the (a) expenditure made and (b) further expenditure required from the public purse to enable the Joint Strike Fighter to become available. [66907]
Peter Luff: The total expenditure undertaken on the Joint Strike Fighter is £1,825 million. The Ministry of Defence does not publish estimates of the costs of programmes as to do so would prejudice commercial interests.
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of the costs of the Joint Strike Fighter project has been provided by his Department. [66908]
Peter Luff: The United Kingdom has spent £1,825 million to date on the Joint Strike Fighter. All of this spend has come from the Ministry of Defence budget.
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether non-US companies will be eligible to tender for maintenance contracts for the Joint Strike Fighter following its delivery. [66909]
Peter Luff: The terms of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development Memorandum of Understanding are very clear in that all JSF industrial work, whether production or maintenance and support, will be awarded to companies providing a competitive best-value bid, regardless of nationality. UK companies have already won JSF production contracts worth 15% by value of the work on each aircraft and are therefore well placed to win future maintenance and support work.
Libya: Armed Conflict
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he plans to send (a) a Type 45 destroyer and (b) HMS Illustrious to aid in Operation Ellamy. [68438]
Nick Harvey: The Ministry of Defence regularly reviews the plans for our continuing naval support to Operation Ellamy. We are considering a number of options and nothing has been finalised at this time.
Libya: Military Aircrafts
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many fast jet aircraft deployed in Libya are unusable due to a lack of parts or supplies. [66895]
Peter Luff: There are currently six Typhoons and 16 Tornados deployed to Italy in support of operations in Libya. Since current operations commenced and up to 15 August 2011, our fast jets have not had to cancel any of their planned sorties due to a lack of parts or supplies.
At any given time, it may be necessary to withdraw aircraft from operations in order to carry out routine maintenance and mandated flight checks. However, we continue to conduct operations at a high tempo, consistent
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with our commitment to meeting NATO's mission objectives. Typhoon aircraft have exceeded expectations of serviceability allowing the UK to play a key part in the NATO operations protecting the civilian population of Libya. Our ability to maintain aircraft availability is attributable to the professionalism of our service personnel and civilian support staff, together with robust air and road supply lines from the UK.
Libya: UN Resolutions
Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 in Libya; and if he will make a statement. [68457]
Dr Fox: I have regular discussions with the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and other ministerial colleagues on a range of issues.
The United Kingdom has a National Action Plan (NAP), owned jointly by the Ministry of Defence, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and Department for International Development, for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR1325).
The NAP on UNSCR1325 Women, Peace and Security was revised in November 2010.
The UK has regular discussions with the Libyan National Transitional Council both bilaterally and through the Libya Contact Group. This includes their stabilisation plan and draft constitution for the future of all Libyan people.
Military Aircraft: Training
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will issue the Request for Proposals for the UK Military Flying Training Systems; what estimate he has made of the monetary value of the contract; and where the training will take place for each aircraft type. [69087]
Peter Luff: Ascent Flight Training, the Ministry of Defence's training system partner, is due to issue the detailed request for proposals to continue the aircraft service provision competition, as part of the UK Military Flying Training System programme, in December 2011. I am withholding the information on the estimated value of the contract as its disclosure would prejudice commercial interests. Until the competition is complete, I cannot confirm where the training for each aircraft type will take place.
Military Bases: Crime
Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criminal injuries compensation is available to British citizens who are the victims of crime committed by other British citizens at UK military bases overseas. [68978]
Mr Robathan:
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), an agency of the Ministry of Justice, assists UK residents to apply for compensation if they were injured because of a criminal injury in another European Union country on or after 1 July 2005. This assistance includes the provision of information about
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the system of compensation in the country where they were injured; application forms; help with any other documents they might have to provide; help sending completed forms to the right place; and advice if they are asked for further information.
The Ministry of Defence operates a non-statutory scheme, the Criminal Injuries Compensation (Overseas) Scheme (CIC(O)), which pays compensation to service personnel and their accompanying dependants who are based overseas who are the innocent victims of crimes of violence. CIC(O) is a scheme of last resort and as such claimants are eligible only if no other scheme offers compensation.
Military Bases: Edinburgh
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the monetary value of (a) Craigiehall, (b) Dreghorn and (c) Redford barracks in Edinburgh. [69090]
Mr Robathan: The estimated receipts for these sites will depend on market conditions and other factors at the time of sale (by 2014-15 at the latest). Where pre-sale valuations are obtained, these are regarded as commercially confidential and are not released ahead of the sale as they could influence the market.
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the likelihood of achieving a favourable sale price for Craigiehall Camp. [69165]
Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence must sell its surplus estate in accordance with Treasury guidelines which require it to get the best price reasonably obtainable (i.e. market value) normally through open competition—unless it is required by other public bodies (e.g. Scottish Government) or there are former owner (Crichel Down) considerations.
The actual value will be determined by the market at the time of sale which is not due until 2014-15.
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the likely effect on local businesses of the closure of (a) Craigiehall, (b) Dreghorn and (c) Redford bases. [69167]
Mr Robathan: As the Secretary of State said in his written ministerial statement on basing on 18 July 2011, Official Report, columns 66-70WS, we:
“recognised that Defence decisions have broader regional, economic and social consequences”.
However, we have been very clear and consistent throughout the basing review that the paramount criteria must be what makes overall sense for Defence. We will make more efficient use of the existing Defence estate by using bases that are otherwise underused, such as Kirknewton, and realising receipts from high-value sites, such as Dreghorn, Craigiehall and Redford Barracks. It makes military and financial sense to consolidate on fewer, larger sites. But our rebasing plan may, regrettably, mean a reduction in Defence-related economic activity for some communities and local businesses. We will continue to consult with the Scottish Secretary, the
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Scottish Government and other partners to see how any harmful socio-economic impacts that may result might be minimised, including in Edinburgh.
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans his Department has made for the redeployment of army personnel from (a) Craigiehall, (b) Dreghorn and (c) Redford bases; [69168]
(2) how many of the army personnel at (a) Craigiehall, (b) Dreghorn and (c) Redford he expects to be made redundant; [69169]
(3) when his Department notified army personnel at (a) Craigiehall, (b) Dreghorn and (c) Redford of its intention to close each base. [69172]
Mr Robathan: There will be no military redundancies as a direct result of the closure of Craigiehall, Dreghorn and Redford Barracks. However, it is possible that some military personnel currently stationed at these locations may be made redundant under the Army Redundancy Programme, which concludes in 2015. Military personnel serving in Craigiehall, Dreghorn and Redford will be posted to other units in accordance with the usual military postings procedure.
The Ministry of Defence notified Army personnel at each of the three bases of its intention to close each base as soon as was practicably possible following the announcement to the House on 18 July 2011, Official Report, columns 643-45, by the Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox).
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of army personnel housing at (a) Dreghorn and (b) Redford his Department (i) owns and (ii) rents. [69170]
Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) currently holds 546 service family accommodation properties in Edinburgh to accommodate personnel and their families based at various units. Of this total, 244 properties are located at Dreghorn, 224 at Redford, and 78 at South Queensferry.
The MOD owns all but 103 of the properties in Edinburgh. These are provided under a private finance initiative agreement with Bannockburn Homes Ltd with 43 at Dreghorn and 60 at Redford.
There is currently no substitute service families accommodation (that is, privately rented accommodation) in Edinburgh.
Military Bases: Kirknewton
Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will visit Kirknewton to discuss the proposed army base with the hon. Member for Livingston and local residents; [68930]
(2) what recent discussions he has had with (a) West Lothian council and (b) the City of Edinburgh council regarding the proposed army base at Kirknewton. [68937]
Mr Robathan:
The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox), discussed the basing review with Ministers in the Scotland Office and the Scottish Government, including
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the First Minister. These discussions took into account the proposed creation of an Army base at Kirknewton. As he said in his written ministerial statement of 18 July 2011,
Official Report,
columns 66-70WS, we will now begin the process of detailed planning and the appropriate and necessary engagement with the affected local authorities, including the above councils.
While there are no plans at present for the Defence Secretary to visit Kirknewton, we believe it is important that Defence Ministers regularly visit defence sites across the United Kingdom, including in Scotland, and we will continue to look for opportunities to do so.
Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when the proposed army base at Kirknewton is expected to become fully operational; [68932]
(2) how many troops will be stationed at the proposed army base at Kirknewton once it is fully operational; [68933]
(3) when he plans to publish further details of the timetable for establishing an army base at Kirknewton. [68938]
Nick Harvey: The announcement made by the Secretary of State for Defence, the right hon. Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox), on 18 July 2011, Official Report, columns 643-45, set out our strategic long-term direction on the structure of the Army and its basing requirements across the United Kingdom. Comprehensive planning work is now under way to understand and draw up plans for the timing and sequencing of the Army moves.
It is therefore too early to confirm exact details on timelines and the number of personnel who will be based at Kirknewton.
Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of establishing an army base at Kirknewton; [68934]
(2) whether his Department will provide funding to local authorities to upgrade infrastructure around the proposed army base at Kirknewton. [68935]
Mr Robathan: Comprehensive planning work, including a detailed assessment of the investment required to adapt the Kirknewton site is currently under way.
It would therefore be premature at this stage to comment on provision of central Government funding to the local authorities.
Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence by what means the local community will be consulted on plans to establish an army base at Kirknewton. [68936]
Nick Harvey: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend, the Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox) on 18 July 2011, Official Report, columns 643-66, where he announced that we will now begin the process of detailed planning and the appropriate and necessary engagement with the affected local authorities and communities, including Kirknewton.
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The Defence Infrastructure Organisation will prepare a Sustainability Appraisal (including any environmental assessments required) and a Master Plan for the site that will be used as a basis for informal and formal consultation with the officials from the Scottish Government, local authorities and the wider community. This will be followed by formal planning applications and public consultation for the redevelopment of the site. The exact means we will use to consult will be agreed in due course.
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost to his Department of building new barracks at Kirknewton, West Lothian. [69164]
Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence is not able to provide a cost estimate at this time. Occupation of Kirknewton will not begin until 2016-17 and planning will commence later in this financial year.
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the likely effect on the (a) local infrastructure of, (b) requirement of school provision in and (c) requirement for school transport in Kirknewton, West Lothian, of the establishment of an army base. [69166]
Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the potential impact on the (a) local economy and (b) local environment of the proposed army base at Kirknewton. [68931]
Mr Robathan: The Secretary of State's 18 July announcement set out our strategic long-term direction on basing across the United Kingdom. As he said in his written ministerial statement, Official Report, columns 66-70WS), we “recognised that Defence decisions have broader regional, economic and social consequences”.
Comprehensive planning work is now under way to draw up detailed plans for the future of Kirknewton, which will include an assessment of the likely effect on local infrastructure, school provision and school transport, as well as Kirknewton's broader local economy and environment. This will involve the appropriate and necessary engagement with partners such as the Scottish Government, West Lothian council and the relevant other Government Departments and agencies. We have a shared interest in managing local issues, such as schooling and transport, as effectively as we can for the benefit of both the local community and for our own personnel.
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what factors led his Department to select Kirknewton, West Lothian, as a suitable site for a new army base; and if he will place in the Library a copy of each relevant document. [69171]
Mr Robathan:
The announcement made by the Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox), on 18 July 2011, Official Report, columns 643-45, set out our strategic long-term direction on basing across the United Kingdom. The intent of the review was to deliver a basing plan that would accommodate the Army units returning from Germany; a geographical footprint that delivered the operational and personnel requirements of multi-role brigades, that made most efficient use of the existing
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Defence estate by using bases that are otherwise underused such as Kirknewton; and realising receipts from the sale of high-value sites no longer required. Kirknewton is one element of the overall solution we identified that offered best value for money, met these requirements, and will offer the Ministry of Defence flexibility in planning the return of the Army from Germany.
Military Bases: Property Transfer
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any accommodation disposed of by his Department as a result of the basing review will be made available to local authorities for social housing. [69089]
Mr Robathan: It is departmental policy to work closely with the Homes and Communities Agency, local authorities and devolved Administrations (including the Scottish Housing Executive) when identifying the strategy for each disposal. Transfers to other public bodies and registered social landlords are made at market value in accordance with Treasury guidelines.
National Security Council
Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role and responsibilities he has in relation to the National Security Council; and what recent contribution he has made to its work. [67418]
Dr Fox: I am a member of the National Security Council which meets regularly, in some cases several times a week. I contribute fully to the consideration of the wide-ranging domestic and international security questions tackled by the National Security Council.
Nuclear Submarines
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate how much of the contract for the Common Missile Compartment design was spent in (a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland; and how many jobs have resulted from the contract in (i) England, (ii) Scotland, (iii) Wales and (iv) Northern Ireland. [68439]
Peter Luff: The United Kingdom participates in a cost-sharing agreement with the United States for the design and development of the Common Missile Compartment. In 2008, the US Department of Defense, who are managing this work area, awarded a contract to General Dynamics Electric Boat for the design and development work.
I understand the company has sub-contracted work to a number of firms based in the United Kingdom but we do not hold the information requested. It is not Government policy to compile statistics related to defence spend on equipment or employment by UK regions.
Property Transfer
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what property his Department has (a) transferred to a local authority, (b) transferred to the social housing sector and (c) sold privately in each of the last 10 years. [69091]
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Mr Robathan: A copy of the land and property transferred by the Ministry of Defence in the United Kingdom in each of the last 10 financial years to other public bodies, registered social landlords and private purchasers has been placed in the Library of the House. We do not hold records centrally for 2001-02 and this information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carriers
Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason documents supporting the decision to continue the construction of the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers have not been provided to the National Audit Office. [67314]
Peter Luff: The National Audit Office has acknowledged that they had access to all departmental papers on Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers to inform their recent study on the value for money of Carrier Strike.
RAF Buchan
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how his Department disposed of (a) on-base and (b) off-base accommodation following the drawdown and closure of RAF Buchan. [69092]
Mr Robathan: Following the closure of RAF Buchan in 2005, there was an application from a local community group to acquire the domestic site under the Land Reform Act (Scotland) 2003. The group only bought the playing field. Their application for the domestic site was withdrawn before the sale of accommodation took place. As a result, the surplus accommodation was sold on the open market between 2005 and 2008.
RAF Leuchars
Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 18 July 2011, Official Report, column 644WS, on defence transformation, what timetable is in place for (a) the draw-down of the Typhoon force from RAF Leuchars and (b) the arrival of army units and a formation headquarters. [68586]
Nick Harvey: As the Secretary of State for Defence, the right hon. Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox), made clear in his announcement on 18 July 2011, Official Report, columns 66-70WS, further work will be done to draw up individual project plans and determine the timing and sequencing of the Army moves. Therefore, while our aim is to move a headquarters to Leuchars before 2015 with two major units thereafter, in 2015-17, I am unable to provide a more detailed programme for Leuchars at this stage.
Having decided that we will build up the Typhoon force at Lossiemouth, we will start preparing the infrastructure at Lossiemouth to receive the Typhoon force straight away. The build-up will take place over time and Leuchars will remain a working RAF base until 2014. So we hope to ensure continuity of the military presence in Fife, and minimise the impact on the local economy of these changes.
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Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to answer of 20 June 2011, Official Report, column 41W, on RAF Leuchars, if he will place in the Library the assessment of the performance of the RAF Leuchars Quick Reaction Alert Force. [68587]
Nick Harvey: I am withholding the information requested as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability or effectiveness of the armed forces.
Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many private contractors are employed at RAF Leuchars on the delivery of Typhoon operations. [68588]
Nick Harvey: As at 20 July 2011, there were 25 personnel from four contractors employed in direct support of Typhoon operations at RAF Leuchars.
Type 26 Frigates
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent (a) discussions he has had and (b) expressions of interest he has received from other countries on the procurement of the Global Combat Ship. [69088]
Mr Gerald Howarth: I refer the hon. Member to the answer the Under-Secretary of State for Defence, my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Worcestershire (Peter Luff), gave on 19 July 2011, Official Report, column 867W, to the hon. Member for Bridgend (Mrs Moon).
Unmanned Air Vehicles
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment he has made of the performance of current unmanned combat air vehicles; and for what reasons it is proposed to continue with the future unmanned combat air vehicle project. [66910]
Peter Luff: Analysis to date has indicated that unmanned combat air systems (UCAS), in combination with manned systems, could form part of a cost effective solution for future air-to-air and air-to-ground combat roles. Ongoing research is focused on developing concepts and assessing their performance with a view to shaping a future UCAS programme. Such work includes the Taranis technology demonstrator, which the Ministry of Defence is developing in partnership with a BAE Systems-led industry team.
War Memorials
Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to his Department of (a) creating and (b) maintaining war memorials in the UK has been in each year since 2000. [69154]
Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence does not have responsibility for war memorials. This responsibility rests with the owner of the memorial, which is normally a local authority, a private individual or organisation.
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Warships
Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the planned in-service dates are for each of the (a) Astute-class submarines and (b) Type 45 destroyers which have yet to join the fleet. [68307]
Peter Luff: The First of Class, HMS Astute, achieved its in-service date in April 2010 and is currently undertaking a period of extensive and comprehensive sea trials before being handed over to the Royal Navy for operational service, which on current plans will be in late 2012.
The planned in-service dates for the remainder of the Astute class boats are:
| Year | |
The planned in-service dates for the Type 45 destroyers which have yet to join the fleet are:
| Year | |
Warships: Helicopters
Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which vessels will be available to serve as landing platform (helicopter) ships from 2020 onwards. [68309]
Peter Luff: The means for delivering our landing platform helicopter capability after 2020 have not yet been decided, nor has the eventual out-of-service date of HMS Ocean, which provides the current capability. These decisions will be influenced by the evolving plan for the introduction into service of the new Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers.
Warships: Weapons
Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the replacement of existing warship guns by ones of 155mm; and if he will make a statement on his policy, with special reference to (a) the future frigate fleet and (b) Type 45 destroyers. [68308]
Peter Luff: No decision on the calibre of the new Maritime Indirect Fire System (the new naval gun) has yet been made. This will be taken when work to consider the available options under the Future Maritime Fires Concept Phase is complete in around mid-2012.
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Work and Pensions
Benefits Rules
Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many of the individuals in households he estimates will be affected by his proposed cap on welfare benefit entitlements are (a) children and (b) adults. [68699]
Chris Grayling: The introduction of the household benefit cap is intended to achieve long-term positive behavioural effects through changed attitudes to welfare, responsible life choices and strong work incentives.
In the equality impact assessment we published in March 2011, we showed the number of households affected, and the division of those households by number of children. From this, it is estimated that the households affected by the cap will contain fewer than 100,000 adults, and approximately 200,000 children.
We have announced that we are looking at ways of easing the transition for families and providing assistance in hard cases.
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what definition of work will be used when applying the proposed benefit cap. [68296]
Chris Grayling: We are introducing the benefit cap to promote fairness between those in and out of work and to increase incentives for people to move into work or increase their hours of employment. In support of these objectives, households which contain a member who is eligible for working tax credit will be exempt from the cap. We are still considering the precise criteria for a corresponding exemption under universal credit.
Carbon Emissions
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the carbon dioxide emissions from his Department in (a) June 2010 and (b) June 2011. [66746]
Chris Grayling: It is estimated that Department for Work and Pensions non-weather corrected emissions for its office estate and business travel amounted to 14,177,678 kg CO2 for June 2010.
The Department for Work and Pensions is still collating and validating its emission data for June 2011. However it is estimated that its non-weather corrected emissions for June 2011 will amount to some 12,759,910 kg CO2.
Estates information for 2010-11 is based on data collected quarterly. DWP moved to collecting data on a monthly basis from April 2011.
Child Support Agency: Correspondence
Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of queries to the Child Support Agency were responded to within 15 working days in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010. [68235]
Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission is responsible for the child maintenance system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner to write to the hon. Member with the information requested and I have seen the response.
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In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner as the Child Support Agency is now the responsibility of the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission.
You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what percentage of queries to the Child Support Agency were responded to within 15 working days in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010. [68235]
We tried to contact your office to clarify your question as the Child Support Agency does not record the percentage of queries that are responded to within 15 days.
We have instead interpreted your question as what percentage of complaints to the Child Support Agency were either fully resolved or had a resolution plan in place within 15 days. The percentage of complaints that were fully resolved and/or with a resolution plan in place within 15 working days of receipt in the year ending March 2011 was 99.2%. This is an increase from 98.5% in the year ending March 2010 and 97.1% in the year ending March 2009.
I hope you find this answer helpful.
Child: Maintenance
Mr Brine: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 12 July 2011, Official Report, columns 237-38W, on Child Support Agency, when he plans to consult on his proposals to introduce a new variations system as part of the proposed new child maintenance scheme. [68170]
Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission is responsible for the child maintenance system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner to write to the hon. Member with the information requested and I have seen the response.
In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner as the Child Support Agency is now the responsibility of the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission.
You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 12 July 2011, Official Report, columns 237-8W, on Child Support Agency, when he plans to consult on his proposals to introduce a new variations system as part of the proposed new child maintenance scheme. [68170]
Variations rules will be included in a set of draft regulations dealing with maintenance calculations for the new statutory scheme, which we plan to launch in 2012. These regulations will be subject to public consultation, which we are intending to announce in due course. Following that the regulations, which will be affirmative, will be introduced into Parliament for consideration.
I hope you find this answer helpful.
Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the oral answer of 14 June 2010, Official Report, column 586, on Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, for what reasons performance indicators for the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission for 2011-12 do not mention the collection of child maintenance arrears. [68436]
Maria Miller:
It has become clear since the coalition Government took office that we need to understand fully the deep legacy of CSA arrears which have accumulated over 18 years. We have set up an independent panel to look at arrears and provide advice on how arrears of child maintenance might be dealt with most
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effectively in the long term. Once we have considered that advice we will decide what indicator would be appropriate for the collection of arrears.
Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what models for integrating child maintenance into local services are being tested by the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission; what the timetable is for testing such models; and where such models are being tested. [68437]
Maria Miller: The Government's response to their consultation on the future of child maintenance was published on 12 July. This sets out the Government's next steps for taking forward their plans for joining up the existing specialist and local support available to separating and separated families, so that more parents are able to work together to reach agreements for financial support of their children following separation.
The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission is already engaging with local authorities, voluntary and community groups to encourage them to promote messages around child maintenance as part of their own information services.
Since the beginning of 2011, the Commission established local projects to explore how support on child maintenance can be integrated into pre-existing local hubs. In Ashington in Northumberland, support on child maintenance is being delivered in a children's centre where other services are offered. A similar project has started in children's centres in Essex with the key difference that parents of children aged up to 19 use these centres. In Nottingham, we are looking at how our services can be integrated into wider local authority support provision including health, youth and community services.
The results of these projects will be measured and judged by the Commission throughout the year.