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Written Answers to Questions
Wednesday 12 October 2011
Northern Ireland
Entry Clearances
Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on security and the common travel area since May 2010. [72171]
Mr Swire: Neither the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, my right hon. Friend the Member for North Shropshire (Mr Paterson), nor I have had such discussions with Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive. We maintain close contacts on these issues with other UK authorities. I met the Minister for Immigration, my hon. Friend the Member for Ashford (Damian Green), in March to discuss the common travel area and Northern Ireland Office officials remain in close contact with their counterparts in the UK Border Agency and Home Office, and we will be alert to any aspects of these issues that affect the Executive's responsibilities.
Women and Equalities
Consultants
David Simpson: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what procedures her Department uses when engaging external consultants. [73113]
Lynne Featherstone: The Government Equalities Office is now part of the Home Office. The information requested will be provided by the Minister for Immigration, the hon. Member for Ashford (Damian Green).
Departmental Public Expenditure
David Simpson: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities how much the Government Equalities Office spent on new furnishings in the last year. [72943]
Lynne Featherstone: The Government Equalities Office is now part of the Home Office. The information requested will be provided by the Minister for Immigration, the hon. Member for Ashford (Damian Green).
Transport
Airports: Security
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of his letter to the European institutions regarding the searching of religious headgear at airports. [72085]
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Mrs Villiers: I will place in the Library a copy of the letter I sent to my European Union counterparts and the European Commission explaining the UK approach to the screening of religious headgear.
Blue Badge Scheme
Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent estimate has been made of the number of blue badges in circulation. [72949]
Norman Baker: The number of blue badges in circulation in England at 31 March 2010 was estimated at 2.55 million.
Bus Services
Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration he has given to allowing delegated driving examiners to provide tests for multiple bus companies where there is no conflict of interest. [73740]
Mike Penning: The appointment of ‘delegated driving examiners' is provided for in legislation. This requires the company appointing the examiner to be approved by the Secretary of State and provides for the Secretary of State to impose conditions on that approval.
Under the approvals given to bus companies allowance can be made for testing of candidates employed or potentially employed by those companies or ‘sister companies' i.e. another company within the same holding company. These companies have a vested interest in ensuring tests conducted are of a high quality. There is no provision for multiple companies to be approved and no such change has been proposed.
Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what estimate he has made of the costs incurred by municipal bus companies as a result of being restricted to borrowing only from local authorities; [73741]
(2) what consideration he has give to bringing forward legislative proposals to amend the Transport Act 1985 to allow municipal bus companies to borrow on the open market; and if he will make a statement. [73742]
Norman Baker: Bus companies have been restricted to borrowing only from local authorities since 1986, following deregulation and privatisation of bus operators in Great Britain outside London. I currently have no plans to bring forward legislative proposals to amend the Transport Act 1985 to allow municipal bus companies to borrow on the open market. I have therefore made no estimate of any costs incurred by municipal bus companies as a result of being restricted to borrowing only from their controlling local authorities.
Coastguard Agency: Liverpool
Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the proposal by staff at Liverpool Maritime and Coastguard Agency to create a Maritime Operations Centre at Liverpool. [73744]
Mike Penning: No assessment has been made of the proposal referred to above.
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On 14 July the Government set out revised proposals for the modernisation of Her Majesty's Coastguard. These provide for a single Maritime Operations Centre (MOC) to be located in the Southampton/Portsmouth area. The first consultation sought views about the proposal to base the MOC in the Southampton/Portsmouth area. The responses were used to inform the decision which was included as a settled matter in the revised proposal. Accordingly, the second consultation did not invite alternative proposals about the location of the MOC.
Great Western Railway Line
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to electrify the Great Western Main Line between London and Swansea. [70769]
Mrs Villiers: The Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), has confirmed funding for the electrification of the Great Western Main Line between London and Cardiff.
The Government currently have no plans for further electrification between Cardiff and Swansea because we believe that all the benefits that would result from electrification to Swansea can be delivered using a combination of electrification to Cardiff and deployment of new intercity express programme bi-mode trains, switching seamlessly from electric to diesel traction at Cardiff.
We expect the new electric and bi-mode train fleet to be deployed on the Great Western by 2017. This will increase capacity and cut journey times between Swansea and London by 20 minutes. The new trains will thus give passengers the same benefits as a fully electric fleet.
Motorways: Speed Limits
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 19 July 2011, Official Report, column 959W, on motorways: speed limits, whether his Department plans to review default speed limits on classes of road other than motorways. [72255]
Mike Penning: The Department's review of default speed limits is focused on the national motorway speed limit. It is not actively reviewing the national 30 mph speed limit for built up (lit) roads, the 60 mph limit for non-built up single carriageway roads or the 70 mph limit for non-built up dual carriageway all-purpose roads.
In the course of considering the national motorway speed limit, the case for parallel changes on sections of high standard dual carriageway all-purpose trunk roads is being considered.
A consultation on these issues will be published in due course.
Railways: Fares
Jonathan Reynolds:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will review the decision to allow the inflation linked cap on rail fares to rise from retail
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prices index plus 1 per cent. to RPI plus 3 per cent. from January 2012; and if he will make a statement. [71421]
Mrs Villiers: The pressing need to tackle the deficit has forced the Government to take difficult decisions on fares. The average cap on regulated rail fares will increase by retail prices index (RPI)+3% for three years from 2012 in order to protect planned rail investment.
Sir Roy McNulty recently completed an extensive review on value for money on the UK's railways. He made a number of recommendations which he believes could deliver major cost savings and we will be considering these in depth. Our aim is to deliver savings benefiting both taxpayers and passengers.
Railways: Heathrow Airport
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what recent discussions he has had with Network Rail regarding a railway transport hub at Heathrow airport; [70763]
(2) when he plans to make an announcement of the outcomes of discussions on a transport connection between Heathrow airport, the proposed High Speed Rail 2 and the Great Western Mainline; [70764]
(3) what assessment he has made of the effects on the economy of an improved rail connection between south Wales and Heathrow airport; [70765]
(4) what estimate he has made of the change in average travel time between south Wales and Heathrow airport which would result from a railway transport hub at Heathrow airport; [70766]
(5) what discussions he has had with the owners of Cardiff airport about the likely effects of a railway transport hub at Heathrow airport; [70767]
(6) what recent estimate he has made of the cost of creating a railway transport hub at Heathrow airport. [70768]
Mrs Villiers: Following publication by Network Rail of its London and South East Route Utilisation Strategy in July 2011, the Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), and officials from the Department for Transport have, separately, had discussions with Network Rail and BAA regarding taking forward the recommendations in the strategy for improvements in rail access to Heathrow airport. Network Rail is now progressing further work to determine in more detail the case for a rail connection from the Great Western Main Line to Heathrow airport including an assessment of costs and the economic benefits arising from the effect on travel times. No wider stakeholder consultation has yet been undertaken. The Department for Transport expects to make a further announcement in due course.
Rescue Services
Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what responses he has received to his Department's consultation on the future of the coastguard; and what assessment he has made of those submissions. [73745]
Mike Penning:
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) received just under 780 formal responses, together with a number of petitions and campaign letters on
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specific issues. The independent review team that was formed to review the proposals associated with the first consultation has reconvened and are categorising the responses to the second consultation.
An analysis report will be prepared as soon as possible, on the basis of which the MCA will put forward recommendations for consideration by Ministers.
As with the first consultation all of these responses, it will be published as soon as possible.
Thameslink: Rolling Stock
Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will place in the Library a copy of the note of each meeting held by (a) the Secretary of State and (b) Ministers of State on (i) Thameslink and (ii) train rolling stock where Thameslink was discussed between the date of his appointment and 16 June 2011; [71623]
(2) if he will place in the Library a copy of each (a) internal meeting with his Department and (b) meeting between his Department and other departments in respect of the Thameslink rolling stock contract in (i) May, (ii) June and (iii) July 2011; [71624]
(3) if he will place in the Library a copy of each risk assessment or risk register held by his Department which contains assessments of the risk associated with the assessment and award of the Thameslink Rolling Stock Project contract; [71625]
(4) if he will place in the Library a copy of each risk assessment or risk register held by his Department which contains assessments of the risk associated with the implementation of the Thameslink Programme. [71626]
Mrs Villiers [holding answer 15 September 2011]: Details of bids for the Thameslink Rolling Stock Project are confidential to Siemens, Bombardier and the Department. To release this information could compromise their and the Department's commercial positions.
Wales
Private Sector Job Creation
9. Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions she has had with her ministerial colleagues and others on job creation in the private sector in Wales. [72892]
11. Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions she has had with her ministerial colleagues and others on job creation in the private sector in Wales. [72895]
Mrs Gillan: I have regular discussions with ministerial colleagues and other interested parties on ways in which we can stimulate job creation in the private sector in Wales.
We must create the environment where the private sector is able to grow and to prosper, in order for businesses to create much needed jobs in Wales and we will continue to work with the Welsh Government to achieve that aim.
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Higher Education
12. Stephen Mosley: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions she has had with (a) her ministerial colleagues and (b) university vice-chancellors on cross-border issues in higher education. [72896]
Mr David Jones: The Secretary of State for Wales, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan), and I have regular discussions with ministerial colleagues on a range of issues including higher education.
While higher education is devolved in Wales, my right hon. Friend and I take a close interest in this area and we are in the process of meeting with the vice chancellors of Wales' universities to hear their views on this and other matters.
Pensioner Poverty
13. Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent assessment she has made of the extent of pensioner poverty in Wales; and if she will make a statement. [72897]
Mr David Jones: The Government are determined that all pensioners in Wales and throughout the UK should have a decent and secure income in retirement.
Swansea Coastguard Station
14. Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the future of Swansea coastguard station. [72898]
Mr David Jones: The Secretary of State for Wales, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan), has regular meetings with ministerial colleagues on a range of issues that affect Wales including the proposals to modernise the coastguard service.
As hon. Members will be aware, the consultation on the Government's revised proposals ended last week (6 October), and the Department for Transport are currently examining the responses.
Home Department
Pre-departure Accommodation Centre
Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department who she expects to undertake the independent inspection of the pre-departure accommodation centre for families and children detained for immigration purposes at Pease Pottage opened on 5 September 2011. [73553]
Damian Green:
Cedars, the pre-departure accommodation for families with children at Pease Pottage, which I opened on 17 August, fulfils the Government's commitment to end the detention of children. It will be subject to independent inspection by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons, who already has statutory responsibility for the UK Border Agency's short-term holding facilities as well as its immigration removal centres. An Independent
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Monitoring Board will also be appointed for the facility and the Children's Commissioner for England will have a statutory right of access.
Anti-slavery Day
Claire Perry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans her Department has to mark Anti-slavery day 2011. [73447]
Damian Green: The Government are planning to mark Anti-slavery day 2011 by supporting a range of events, including the launch of a training and referral process for the airline industry with a major UK airline.
Asylum
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much section 4 asylum support was granted in the 12 months to 1 September 2011. [73056]
Damian Green: Expenditure on Section 4 asylum support incurred by UK Border Agency in the 12 months to 1 September 2011 was £38.2 million. This figure has been taken from the financial records of the UK Border Agency and is unaudited and subject to possible future amendment and revision.
Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for asylum were granted in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010. [73624]
Damian Green: The number of asylum applications that were granted in the UK in 2009 and 2010 were 4,188 and 3,488 respectively. A further 2,554 in 2009 and 1,707 in 2010 were also granted discretionary leave and humanitarian protection.
Further information on asylum is available from the Immigration Statistics release available in the Library of the House and the Home Office Science website at:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/research-statistics/migration/migration-statistics1/
Consultants
David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedures her Department uses when engaging external consultants. [73106]
Damian Green: The Home Department has a robust governance process in place to ensure that control is applied to all requests to appoint external consultants for both new engagements and extensions to existing arrangements.
The Department's approvals procedure is implemented through the Departmental Consultancy and Contingent Labour Approvals Board, chaired by the Director General of Financial and Commercial Group. The Board thoroughly scrutinises each business case for the engagement of external consultants and decides whether to approve the request or not, on the strengths of each case.
All new consulting engagements with an anticipated value greater than £20,000 require the approval of the Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May).
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Our procedures comply with the Cabinet Office requirement to submit the following three types of request to the Efficiency and Reform Group:
Where consulting engagements are expected to go beyond nine months;
Where the engagement is for procurement services and will cost £20,000 or more and;
To prolong an existing engagement beyond nine months.
Approved consulting engagements are competitively tendered through an appropriate Government Procurement Service framework or, in exceptional circumstances, through an open competition advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Procurement
Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress her Department has made in eliminating pre-qualification questionnaires for procurements with a value of under £100,000. [73833]
Damian Green: The Home Department has made good progress and has eliminated the use of pre-qualification questionnaires for procurements with a value of under £100,000.
Domestic Violence
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations she has received on the removal of protection under the Immigration Rules for victims of domestic violence with unspent criminal convictions. [73242]
Damian Green: We received comments from 48 corporate partners on the criminality requirement for settlement guidance. We will be making minor alterations to our guidance in response to some of the suggestions from corporate partners.
The Government do not accept that the requirement to have no unspent convictions for settlement applications is incompatible with the commitment given to provide protection to victims of domestic violence. Where an applicant does have an unspent conviction and the offence is minor and where there are compelling and compassionate circumstances and the offence is related to the domestic violence, the UK Border Agency has discretion to disregard it and grant settlement outside the rules or grant temporary leave, including with access to benefits, if that is more appropriate.
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what the objectives are for the domestic abuse, stalking and honour-based violence risk identification training for police forces; [73509]
(2) what potential benefits she has identified for the participation of criminal justice professionals in the domestic abuse, stalking and honour-based violence risk identification training courses. [73510]
Lynne Featherstone:
The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) accredited the domestic abuse, stalking and honour based violence (DASH) risk identification, assessment and management model to be implemented
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across all police services in the UK from March 2009. Although we understand that the majority of forces currently use DASH it is for individual forces and organisations to decide which risk assessment models to use, what training their officers and staff receive, and the specific objectives and benefits of such training.
Entry Clearances
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many appeals relating to visa applications under the asylum category have been (a) upheld and (b) refused in the last 12 months. [73055]
Damian Green: It has been assumed that the request is for figures on determinations of appeals on applications for asylum. In the last 12 months for which data are available (July 2010 to June 2011), there were 12,503 asylum appeals determined at the First-tier Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber.
Of these 12,503 appeal determinations, 3,364 appeals were allowed (upheld) and 8,474 appeals were dismissed (refused). The remaining 665 appeals were withdrawn.
These data were published in Table as.14.q of Immigration Statistics: April to June 2011. Further information on asylum is available from the immigration Statistics releases available in the Library of the House and the Home Office Science website at:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/research-statistics/migration/migration-statistics1/
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many appeals for visa applications in the Family Migrant category have (a) been upheld and (b) failed in the last 12 months. [73435]
Damian Green: The number of appeals against visa applications allowed and dismissed for the settlement category in the year ending June 2011 (the latest date for which figures are available) were 6,610 allowed and 5,440 dismissed. The number of appeals against visa applications allowed and dismissed for the family visit category for the year ending June 2011 (the latest date for which figures are available) were 16,961 allowed and 18,421 dismissed.
Finance
Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans she has to promote the use of participatory budgeting in future resource allocation decisions for which her Department is responsible. [73125]
Nick Herbert:
Local engagement is particularly important in crime and policing and it is up to the relevant authorities in a local area to determine how to allocate resources, including whether to adopt participatory budgeting. Through the introduction of elected Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs), the Home Office is strengthening local accountability over how resources are used to tackle crime reduction and policing. PCCs will determine local policing priorities, publish a five-year police and crime plan, set a local precept and set the
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annual force budget in discussion with chief constables. PCCs will be required to seek the views of local people before deciding how resources are allocated.
Members: Correspondence
Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when she plans to reply to the letter of 3 June 2011 from the hon. Member for Walsall North (Mr Winnick) regarding constituents, ref: M10597; [64344]
(2) further to the interim reply of 7 July 2011, ref M10597, when she plans to provide a substantive reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Walsall North of 3 June 2011. [66854]
Nick Herbert: A reply was sent on 18 July 2011.
Police: Ashfield
Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information her Department holds on the average number of years in employment for a police constable in (a) Ashfield constituency, (b) Nottinghamshire and (c) England. [73693]
Nick Herbert: Information on the average number of years in employment for a police constable is not collected centrally. The Home Office collects figures for the number of currently serving officers, broken down by rank and length of service. However, length of service is grouped by size-bands, some of which span five years (eg 10 years to 15 years length of service), therefore any calculation of current average length of service would be an approximation.
Police: e-mail
Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance her Department provides to police forces on provision of contact e-mail addresses for chief constables. [70665]
Nick Herbert [holding answer 8 September 2011]: The Home Office does not issue any guidance to police forces on the provision of contact e-mail addresses for chief constables.
Police: Termination of Employment
Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 17 June 2011, Official Report, column 1009W, on police: termination of employment, what action a police officer leaving a police force can take if a police force refuses to issue them with a certificate showing (a) final rank and (b) period of service. [72947]
Nick Herbert: Failure to provide a person who ceases to be a member of a police force with a certificate showing his rank and period of service would be a breach of the Police Regulations. The regulations do not prescribe any sanction for a breach of this kind, but any unlawful act by a public authority is potentially susceptible to challenge by way of judicial review.
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Research Records
Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of recommendation 14 of the Review of research using non-human primates chaired by Professor Sir Patrick Bateson FRS; when she proposes that new advice will be given to research workers on the destruction of records; and how such advice would be communicated. [73612]
Lynne Featherstone: Recommendation 14 of the Review of research using non-human primates chaired by Professor Sir Patrick Bateson FRS stated that the Home Office should reconsider their advice to research workers to destroy records after five years.
The recommendation appears to be based on a misunderstanding as the Home Office does not give any such advice. For the avoidance of doubt, we require researchers and establishments to keep records for at least five years; when those records are destroyed after that is a matter for decision locally.
This has been communicated to researchers in a certificate holders circular and an e-newsletter.
Sojourner Project
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations she has received from women's groups on the Sojourner Project. [73083]
Damian Green: No specific representations have recently been received from women's groups regarding the Sojourner Project by the Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May).
Discussions have taken place between UK Border Agency officials and women's organisations on the long-term replacement of the Sojourner Project which is scheduled to be introduced in April 2012.
UK Border Agency: Armed Forces
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the accessibility and clarity of UK Border Agency guidance for Commonwealth military personnel and foreign national families of military personnel moving to the UK. [73823]
Damian Green: Those Foreign and Commonwealth nationals serving with the armed forces are considered exempt from immigration control throughout their service. The actions required relating to the immigration status of their families coming to live in the United Kingdom are clearly set out in the immigration rules and in guidance on the UK Border Agency website.
The UK Border Agency works closely with the Ministry of Defence to ensure guidance and briefing notes issued by both Departments are amended when necessary and easily available to all service personnel.
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UK Border Agency: Translation Services
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much the UK Border Agency spent on translation services in each of the last five years. [73341]
Damian Green: The UK Border Agency (UKBA) employs freelance interpreters to provide translation services when interviewing asylum seekers whose English is insufficient for the interview to be conducted in that language.
Expenditure on interpreters incurred by the UK Border Agency in the last five years has been as follows:
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Defence
Armed Forces: Recruitment
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent on recruitment advertising for the (a) Army, (b) Royal Navy and Royal Marines and (c) Royal Air Force since May 2010. [71068]
Mr Robathan [holding answer 9 September 2011]: It is a key requirement for each of the armed forces to maintain a satisfactory balance of skills, experience, ability and seniority in rank to enable delivery of operational requirements. Despite the reduction in overall numbers of service personnel, and the associated need for a redundancy programme, the armed forces must still recruit and train personnel to replace those who leave the services at the end of their current engagements. In order to maintain that balance each service continues to recruit where personnel are required, including those trades/branches which are historically difficult to fill due to the requirement of specialist qualifications or experience.
The Ministry of Defence has spent £5.19 million for the Army, £2.20 million for the Royal Navy, and £1.85 million for the Royal Air Force on recruitment advertising since May 2010. These figures include current television advertising and short notice opportunity low value advertising in magazines in newspapers.
EU Defence Policy
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in which European Defence Agency projects the UK is taking part. [72348]
Mr Gerald Howarth:
The only European Defence Agency (EDA) project to which we have a specific financial commitment, in addition to our annual membership fees, is the helicopter training project. However, as part of our membership we are also involved in
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several EDA initiatives. Our contribution to these initiatives takes a variety of forms including equipment and systems testing and the sharing of knowledge, expertise and experience.
EU Defence Policy: Offices
Mr Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role Permanent Structural Cooperation will have in the creation of an EU Permanent Operational Headquarters. [72312]
Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role Permanent Structural Cooperation will have in the creation of an EU Permanent Operational Headquarters; and whether the UK will have a veto. [72740]
Mr Gerald Howarth: NATO remains the cornerstone of UK defence. We see no justification for a permanent EU military Operational Headquarters (OHQ) and would oppose it, whether there is an attempt to create it by Permanent Structural Cooperation (PESCO) or other means. We have been clear that establishment of a permanent OHQ would be a duplication of existing capability provided by NATO, would permanently disassociate the EU from NATO and would be an unnecessary use of resources.
Under the Lisbon treaty, signed by the previous Government, PESCO could be established by qualified majority voting in the European Council following notification from member states wishing to participate in it. However, all decisions made within PESCO are made by unanimity. Therefore, individual member states do not have the ability to veto the establishment of PESCO, but those who participate would have the right to veto any decisions made within it. Regardless of whether PESCO were to be established, the UK retains the ability to veto the launch of any EU operation.
Health
Health and Social Care Bill 2010-12
Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will bring forward legislative proposals to amend the Health and Social Care Bill to require joint working between health and education services in respect of children. [73634]
Anne Milton: The Health and Social Care Bill establishes health and well-being boards, to join up commissioning across the national health service, public health, adult social care and other services, such as education, that the local health and well-being board agrees will contribute to health and well-being.
There is broad support for our proposals for health and well-being boards, which will include Directors of Children's Services as core members, as well as Clinical Commissioning Groups. The boards will have an interest in encouraging the involvement of schools and colleges. Schools will want a voice in the provision of health services for children and young people. These arrangements will be determined locally, in a way that is proportionate and appropriate, both to the capacity of local schools and wider local arrangements to promote children's well-being under the Children's Act 2004.
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Health Professions: Qualifications
Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on the European Commission's review of the Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive 2005/36/EC, with regard to (a) midwives and (b) other health care professionals. [73597]
Anne Milton: The Government's position on the European Commission's Green Paper on Modernising the Professional Qualifications Directive, is set out in the UK Government response to the Commission's consultation which was issued by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) on 20 September 2011. A copy of the Government response is available on the BIS website at:
www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/europe/docs/e/11-1297-ec-green-paper-professional-qualifications-directive-uk-response
We will give consideration in due course to any specific legislative proposals put forward by the European Commission, which impact on midwives and/or other health professions and we will engage with the relevant health professions regulatory bodies on these proposals.
Health Services: Overseas Visitors
Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 5 July 2011, Official Report, column 1179W, on health services: overseas visitors (a) how much was owed to the NHS in unpaid bills incurred by foreign nationals and (b) what the sum was of NHS bills incurred by foreign nationals in each year between 1997 and 2011 by primary care trust. [73562]
Anne Milton: The sum of national health service bills incurred by overseas visitors is made up of: income received; total losses, bad debt and claims abandoned; and income which is still in the process of being recovered (not all figures will fall in the same year in which charges incurred).
I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 19 January 2011, Official Report, column 850W, which gave total audited income from overseas patients under non-reciprocal arrangements as well as total losses, bad debt and claims abandoned for overseas visitors for years for which figures are available for England. The Department does not have these data attributable to primary care trust areas.
The Department has not made an estimate of the total amount of monies owed by overseas visitors that the NHS is in the process of recovering.
Health Services: Reciprocal Arrangements
Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 15 September 2011, Official Report, columns 1263-4W, on health services: reciprocal arrangements, what steps he is taking to ensure the timely recovery of outstanding payments; and what the level of outstanding payments is from the UK to each country listed. [73561]
Anne Milton:
European Union regulations 883/2004 and 987/2009, which entered into force on 1 May 2010, introduce new deadlines for the payment of claims
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between member states, which means that a member state must pay an undisputed claim within 18 months of receipt of the claim. If the claim is not paid within the deadlines as set out in the regulations, then the creditor member state can charge interest on the claim.
The following table shows the outstanding amounts, as at 10 October 2011, to be paid by the United Kingdom to each member state of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, for actual cost claims submitted up to and including the financial year 2010-11. The amounts relate to combined claims for temporary visitors (via European Health Insurance Cards), workers temporarily posted abroad by their employer and referrals for treatment in other EEA countries. Due to the nature of the claims system between member states, it is not currently possible to disaggregate the data consistently for all member states by either type of claim or type of treatment.
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| Notes: 1. Country totals are rounded to the nearest 1,000. Overall totals are rounded to the nearest 100,000. Sub-totals may not add up to totals due to rounding. 2. Equivalent totals based on latest EU quarterly exchange rates for conversion of currencies 3. Denmark—Full waiver 4. Estonia and Norway—Waiver, excepting Article 22.1c (patient referral) and Article 55.1c (industrial injury) claims. 5. Finland, Hungary and Malta—Waiver, excepting Article 22.1c (patient referral) claims. 6. Netherlands—Netherlands claim amounts are determined and settled on an annual basis in arrears. There are no outstanding amounts for claims determined in 2010-11 and in prior years. 7. The position shown relates to the position for claims submitted up to and including the financial year 2010-11 as at 30 September 2011. Outstanding amounts are subject to constant change as part of the normal process of claims verification and settlement. 8. Negative amounts relate to the withdrawal or rejection of elements of claims subsequent to a payment. | |
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Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust
John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) whether a requirement will be placed on the franchise holder for Hinchingbrooke NHS Trust to reduce the trust's legacy debt; and whether it will be permitted to (a) sell any of the trust's assets, (b) discontinue services and (c) build new facilities on the trust site for use by private patients; [72958]
(2) whether staff employed at Hinchingbrooke NHS Trust will become employees of the franchise holder under the terms of the franchise; and whether they will retain their existing terms and conditions of employment; [72959]
(3) what plans he has for the future of the debt held by Hinchingbrooke NHS Trust; [73578]
(4) on what basis the clinical and financial performance of Hinchingbrooke NHS Trust will be assessed under its operating franchise; and what benchmarks he plans to set to assess the performance of the franchise; [73579]
(5) whether the board of Hinchingbrooke NHS Trust will continue to meet in public and publish agendas and minutes of its meetings under the terms of its operating franchise; [73580]
(6) if he will publish the contract with Circle Heath for the franchise of Hinchingbrooke NHS Trust. [73581]
Mr Simon Burns: Based on advice from the NHS East of England strategic health authority, we can confirm the following:
The Hinchingbrooke Next Steps project was devised to establish a solution to Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust's historic debt and secure its long term sustainability. The trust's board recognised that it was unlikely to reach foundation trust status as a standalone organisation or pay back its debt to the taxpayer so, after a public consultation in 2007, a procurement took place to find a suitable partner, using a unique franchise arrangement. On 25 November 2010, following considerable stakeholder engagement, Circle was announced as the recommended bidder to take on the management of Hinchingbrooke and the full business case was sent to the Department and HM Treasury for scrutiny. It is anticipated that a decision regarding the business case will be made very soon.
Circle will manage the hospital but the hospital will trade and provide services as a national health service trust. The trust will therefore be subject to the same quality and standards regulations as all other NHS hospitals.
The board of Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust will continue to meet in public and publish its agendas and minutes.
Currently, there is no contract between Circle and Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust. The contract will be signed only when approvals have been received from the Department and HM Treasury. The contract may be made publicly available, subject to commercial confidentiality.
Circle has made a commitment to address the hospital's historic debt. The trust, under Circle's management, may be permitted, subject to normal NHS procedures, to sell its assets. However, any revenue gained would be
12 Oct 2011 : Column 385W
reinvested within the hospital. As part of the franchise, Circle is committed to maintain the current level of services, as long as commissioners continue to purchase them. This includes accident and emergency and maternity services, a commitment to which was made following the 2007 public consultation, led by the lead commissioner, NHS Cambridgeshire. In the future, if there are proposals to change the services provided at the hospital, they will be subject to public consultation, as they would with any NHS hospital. Circle's plans for the hospital as defined in their bid do not include plans to construct any new facilities.
Under the Hinchingbrooke hospital franchise arrangement, staff will remain employees of the NHS, retaining their terms and conditions. The hospital's assets will remain within the NHS, and patients will continue to receive NHS services.
John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health with reference to his letter to the right hon. Member for Wentworth and Dearne of 7 December 2010, what the reason is for the time taken to commence the franchise of Hinchingbrooke NHS Trust. [73582]
Mr Simon Burns: The business case for the appointment of the proposed preferred bidder for the management franchise at Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust is currently with the Government for consideration. This has taken longer then expected to review, but it is important to emphasise the significance of this business case in terms of the new model of contract and financial transaction involved, requiring a full and considered analysis.
A decision is now expected very shortly.
Hospitals: Greater London
Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information his Department holds on the number of non-disclosure clauses signed by doctors in each London hospital in the last five years; and what information his Department holds on the reasons for the clause in each case. [73739]
Mr Simon Burns: The Department does not hold this information. Each national health service employer would hold information in relation to the use of non-disclosure clauses for its own employees including doctors.
Influenza: Vaccination
Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the availability of influenza vaccine for winter 2011-12. [73470]
Anne Milton: Departmental officials are in regular contact with influenza vaccine suppliers; who have reported no problems with the production or distribution of the vaccine for this flu season. Vaccine suppliers are making available 16.7 million doses of vaccine in the United Kingdom this winter. This figure is about one million doses higher than the equivalent figure last year. In addition, the Department has procured a strategic reserve of 400,000 doses of vaccine for use if shortages occur.
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Vaccine suppliers report that by week ending 30 September, 8.4 million doses of seasonal flu vaccine have been distributed to the national health service and private sector in the UK. This is 1.3 million doses higher than the equivalent figure last year.
Medical Records: Databases
Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the safeguards in the Personal Demographics Service to prevent illegal access to personal information. [73738]
Mr Simon Burns: The Personal Demographics Service (PDS) resides within a fully private network known as N3. The service can only be accessed from within this private network or through centrally managed and assured gateways such as the secure Government network (GCSX). If an attacker manages to gain access to the national health service private N3 network they would then have to break through many separate layers of tiered architecture with each tier being protected by industry grade firewalls of different manufacture to access the database. The firewalls are supported by intrusion detection systems, and other multiple security measures which routinely monitor network traffic and alert upon detection of suspicious activity.
Local access to the PDS is controlled by local organisations and each organisation is legally responsible for compliance with the Data Protection Act and other relevant legislation. This requires that they put in place appropriate technical and organisational measures to prevent unauthorised or unlawful processing of personal data such as that held by the PDS. Organisations with access to the PDS are expected to complete and publish an annual assessment of the adequacy of their safeguards through the NHS Information Governance Toolkit.
Members: Correspondence
Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Leeds West (Rachel Reeves) of 2 September 2011. [73706]
Mr Simon Burns: I responded to the hon. Member's letter of 2 September 2011 on 11 October 2011.
NHS: Psychology
Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many psychologists employed by the NHS specialised in (a) cancer, (b) dermatology, (c) burns, (d) plastics, (e) ophthalmology, (f) craniofacial conditions, (g) maxillofacial conditions and (h) neurological conditions in the latest period for which figures are available. [73560]
Mr Simon Burns: The annual national health service work force census does not collect the number of psychologists who work in each of the specialist areas. The number of clinical psychologists employed by the NHS in England at 30 September 2010 was 6,901 full-time equivalent staff.
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NHS: Reform
Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how commissioners will obtain specialist advice on speech, language and communication needs under his proposals for NHS reform. [73635]
Mr Simon Burns: A full range of health and care professionals will be involved in the new commissioning arrangements, supporting the NHS Commissioning Board and clinical commissioning groups to design pathways of care and shape services including those services providing specialist advice on speech, language and communication. Clinical commissioning groups will be under a duty to secure professional advice and to ensure this advice is from a full range of health professionals where relevant.
Clinical commissioning groups will receive expert support and advice from clinical networks and senates on the design and delivery of services. Clinical networks and senates will have a wide range of multi-disciplinary input, including allied health professionals, to support the better integration of services.
Orthopaedics: Footwear
Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many complaints the NHS received in relation to orthopaedic shoes in each of the last five years. [72948]
Mr Simon Burns: This information is not collected centrally. It is for local national health service organisations to determine how best to use their funds to meet national and local priorities for improving health and to commission services accordingly including the provision of orthopaedic footwear. They are free to determine their own criteria for the provision of orthopaedic footwear and should ensure the quality of services is appropriate.
Waiting Lists: Birmingham
Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people waited over six months for NHS treatment in Birmingham in each year since 1997. [72407]
Mr Simon Burns: The information is not collected in the form requested.
| Number of finished consultant episodes with a wait of over (1,2) six months (182 days or more), for all Birmingham primary care trusts (3) , from 1997-98 to 2009-10 (4) | |
|
|
Finished consultant episodes |
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| (1) A finished consultant episode (FCE) is a continuous period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FCEs are counted against the year in which they end. Figures do not represent the number of different patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the same stay in hospital or in different stays in the same year. (2) Time waited statistics from Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) are not the same as the published waiting list statistics. HES provides counts and time waited for all patients admitted to hospital within a given period, whereas the published waiting list statistics count those waiting for treatment on a specific date and how long they have been on the waiting list. Also, HES calculates the time waited as the difference between the admission and decision to admit dates. Unlike published waiting list statistics, this is not adjusted for self-deferrals or periods of medical/social suspension. In order to calculate those who waited more than six months, we have used waits of 182 days or longer. (3) In July 2006, the national health service reorganised strategic health authorities (SHAs) and primary care trusts (PCTs) in England from 28 SHAs into 10, and from 303 PCTs into 152. As a result data from 2006-07 onwards are not directly comparable with previous years. Data have been presented for those SHA/PCTs which have valid data for the breakdown presented here. As a result some SHA/PCTs may be missing from the list provided. 2006-07 onwards: PCTs used: 5M1—South Birmingham 5MX—Heart of Birmingham 5PG—Birmingham East and North Pre 2006-07: 5MX—Heart of Birmingham 5M1—South Birmingham 5MW—North Birmingham PCT 5MY—Eastern Birmingham PCT (4) HES figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. Changes to the figures over time need to be interpreted in the context of improvements in data quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years), improvements in coverage of independent sector activity (particularly from 2006-07) and changes in NHS practice. For example, apparent reductions in activity may be due to a number of procedures which may now be undertaken in out-patient settings and so no longer include in admitted patient HES data. Source: Hospital Episode Statistics, The Information Centre for health and social care | |
Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average waiting time for (a) inpatient and (b) outpatient treatments was for patients in Birmingham on (i) May 1997 and (ii) May of each subsequent year. [72408]
Mr Simon Burns: The information requested is as follows:
| Average time waited for in-patients and out-patients (1) in Birmingham primary care trusts of residence (2) , from May 1997-98 to May 2009-10 for the months of May (3) | ||
|
|
In-patients | Out-patients |
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| n/a = Not available. (1) Time waited statistics from Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) are not the same as the published waiting list statistics. HES provides counts and time waited for all patients admitted to hospital within a given period, whereas the published waiting list statistics count those waiting for treatment on a specific date and how long they have been on the waiting list. Also, HES calculates the time waited as the difference between the admission and decision to admit dates. Unlike published waiting list statistics, this is not adjusted for self-deferrals or periods of medical/social suspension. (2) In July 2006, the national health service reorganised strategic health authorities (SHAs) and primary care trusts (PCTs) in England from 28 SHAs into 10, and from 303 PCTs into 152. As a result data from 2006-07 onwards are not directly comparable with previous years. Data have been presented for those SHA/PCTs which have valid data for the breakdown presented here. As a result some SHA/PCTs may be missing from the list provided. 2006-07 onwards: PCTs used: 5M1—South Birmingham 5MX—Heart of Birmingham 5PG—Birmingham East and North Pre 2006-07: 5MX—Heart of Birmingham 5M1—South Birmingham 5MW—North Birmingham PCT 5MY—Eastern Birmingham PCT (3) HES figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. Changes to the figures over time need to be interpreted in the context of improvements in data quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years), improvements in coverage of independent sector activity (particularly from 2006-07) and changes in NHS practice. For example, apparent reductions in activity may be due to a number of procedures which may now be undertaken in out-patient settings and so no longer include in admitted patient HES data. Source: Hospital Episode Statistics, The Information Centre for health and social care | ||
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Afghanistan: British Council
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the British Council's work in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. [73287]
Mr Hague: The British Council carries out important work in Afghanistan in dangerous circumstances. The attack on their compound on 19 August is a reminder of the difficult circumstances in which they work, and I pay tribute to their staff. The Council is currently operating from a temporary office in our embassy compound and has sustained all its major programmes.
The British Council returned to Afghanistan in 2002 and runs programmes supporting the professional aspirations of the next generation of Afghan leaders and in support of the Afghan people as they take control of their own development, governance, stability and cultural determination. This includes programmes in education, civil society, English and cultural development.
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In 2010-11 they engaged with 13,000 Afghans face to face and reached over two million through digital means, broadcast and publications. For example, their schools programme has involved over 11,000 students and teachers who worked on joint curriculum projects with UK schools.
They continue to provide Afghan military staff with English training and Ministry of Education English supervisors with training in modern methods of English teaching.
The British Council measures the impact and effectiveness of all its work using indicators measuring customer satisfaction, reputation and advocacy. There is a standard evaluation framework used to evaluate the impact of every programme.
Algeria: Religious Freedom
Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Government of Algeria on religious freedom for Christians in that country. [73567]
Alistair Burt: The Government raise human rights, including freedom of religion and belief, with the Government of Algeria regularly, both in bilateral discussions and through the EU. Following a recent visit by Stefan Füle, the European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, the EU and the Algerian Government have increased dialogue on these issues, by establishing a sub-committee on security and human rights.
We continue to monitor religious freedom in the middle east and North African region closely and will raise this issue as part of our discussions with the Algerian Government.
Belarus
John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department last had direct discussions with the government of Belarus. [73617]
Mr Lidington: There have been no direct ministerial discussions between the UK and Belarus since the last general election. I did however see the Belarusian ambassador to London on 22 December 2010 to express condemnation on behalf of the British Government of the abuse of political freedom by the Belarusian authorities which followed the presidential elections on 19 December 2010.
B'Tselem
Sir John Stanley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much (a) financial and (b) other support his Department provided to B'Tselem—The Israeli Information Centre for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories in each of the last five years. [73543]
Alistair Burt: During the last five years the Middle East and North Africa Conflict programme have provided £185,000 to B’Tselem.
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This is broken down as follows:
|
|
£ |
| (1) Project jointly administered by B’Tselem and Hamoked | |
The project in 2010-11 was designed to bring about an improvement in the human rights situation in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem using film and video documentation as both a deterrent and tool for accountability.
In 2006-7 the project was to help the facilitation of freedom of movement for Palestinians in the Occupied Territories through legal and administrative action, advocacy and public education.
China
John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many meetings (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have had with the government of China in 2011. [73618]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The UK Government has held three high-level dialogues and a wide range of ministerial-level dialogues and other meetings with the Chinese Government in 2011. The high level dialogues and visits in the UK have included the Prime Ministerial Summit in June, the Strategic Dialogue in late September, the Economic and Financial Dialogue in early September and the visit of Vice Premier Li Keqiang in January. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Ministers and officials were involved in all of these visits, each of which involved several meetings with several Chinese Ministers and officials.
FCO Ministers have also been involved in ministerial-level dialogues and meetings including a meeting between the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York in September, the first Growth Dialogue with the National Development and Reform Commission hosted by the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, my noble Friend the right hon. Lord Green in London in September, and visits to London by Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying and Assistant Ministry of Commerce Minister Qiu Hong.
In addition, Lord Green in March, and I in May/June both visited China where we met our ministerial counterparts and other representatives of the Chinese Government.
We have also held a number of official-level dialogues with the Chinese Government including the Human Rights Dialogue in the UK in January, the Counter Proliferation and Security Dialogue in China in June, an Africa Dialogue in the UK in June, and a South Asia Dialogue in China in September. FCO officials responsible for a wide range of policy areas have also visited China for expert-level discussions in 2011.
FCO officials regularly meet Chinese embassy officials in London, as well as visiting delegations from China covering a range of subjects. FCO officials based in our diplomatic network in China also meet Chinese Government representatives on a very frequent basis.
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John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many hon. Members his Department assisted in arranging visas for or meetings in China in (a) 2010 and (b) 2011. [73620]
Mr Jeremy Browne: Applications for visas for China are dealt with by the Chinese embassy. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) does not assist hon. Members with their visa applications. However the FCO Travel Centre will provide practical assistance to FCO and other Ministers with their applications for a visa.
The China Department of the FCO and our embassy and consulates general in China may assist visiting Members of Parliament and parliamentary delegations with setting up their programmes and by providing factual briefings where necessary. The Department provided logistical assistance and/or factual briefings for 12 non-ministerial visits to China by hon. Members in 2010 and 16 in 2011.
China: Human Rights
John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last discussed in person human rights and democracy with the Chinese Ambassador. [73143]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) last discussed human rights and democracy with the Chinese ambassador in person at the UK-China strategic dialogue on 26 September. Chinese State Councillor Dai Bingguo was also in attendance.
Colombia: Human Rights
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what human rights issues he raised during his meeting with the Colombian foreign minister on 13 July 2011. [73301]
Mr Hague: I refer the right hon. Member to my answer of 6 September 2011, Official Report, column 448W.
Chief Scientific Adviser
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the resource budget allocation was for the office of his Department's Chief Scientific Adviser in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [72471]
Mr Bellingham: The Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) role and CSA Office were created on 5 August 2009.
Resource budget allocations for the CSA Office in relevant financial years were as follows:
|
|
£ |
The CSA Office is staffed by one full-time D6/Grade 7 officer and 50% of one A2/AO PA. Average salaries for these grades in relevant years were:
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| £ | ||
| Grades | ||
|
|
A2 | D6 |
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the salary, including benefits, was of his Department's Chief Scientific Adviser in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and how many individuals have held the post in the last five years. [72472]
Mr Bellingham: Professor David Clary FRS was appointed as the first Foreign and Commonwealth Office Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) on 5 August 2009.
Working 40% full-time equivalent at SMS3/SCS3 level, Professor Clary's total FCO salary paid for relevant years was as follows:
|
|
£ |
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many full-time equivalent staff were employed in the office of his Department's Chief Scientific Adviser in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and on what date the office was established. [72473]
Mr Bellingham: The Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) Office was established on 5 August 2009, the same date that Professor David Clary FRS took up his role as Foreign and Commonwealth Office CSA.
The CSA himself is 40% full-time equivalent at SMS3/SCS3 level, and is supported by one full-time D6/Grade 7 officer and 50% of an A2/AO PA. This staffing level has remained unchanged since the CSA Office was established.
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on requiring his Department's (a) agencies and non-departmental public bodies and (b) contractors to have a written code of practice or protocol relating to the provision, conduct and quality assurance of scientific evidence and advice. [72474]
Mr Bellingham: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not have any agencies, non department public bodies or contractors dedicated to the provision of scientific advice. It requires all its contractors and service providers to meet appropriate standards as regards qualifications, best practice and quality assurance. An appropriate standard for scientific advice would be the Government Chief Scientific Adviser's “Guidelines on the use of science and engineering advice in policy making”.
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Ministerial Visits
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions Ministers in his Department have visited the institutions of the (a) European Union, (b) World Trade Organisation, (c) United Nations, (d) International Monetary Fund and (e) Commonwealth in each year since 2005. [72946]
Mr Lidington: The previous Government published an annual list of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing £500 or more during each financial year. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office publishes information on ministerial travel at:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/publications-and-documents/transparency-and-data1/hospitality/
Departmental Public Expenditure
David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department spent on new furnishings in the last year. [72934]
Mr Lidington: This information is not held centrally and is only available at disproportionate cost.
Detainees
Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many requests he received from hon. Members for assistance from his Department to bring to trial constituents detained in other countries in each of the last 10 years. [73559]
Mr Jeremy Browne: This information is not centrally held and can only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Ministers and our consular directorate in London continue to welcome contact from hon. Members in relation to constituents or family members of constituents detained abroad. Supporting British nationals who are detained abroad is a vital part of the work of the FCO. This support is explained in our publication “Support for British nationals abroad: A guide”, which is available on the FCO website at:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/publications
Dubai: Detainees
Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many hon. Members wrote to him about constituents detained and awaiting trial in Dubai in each of the last 10 years. [73558]
Mr Jeremy Browne:
This information is not centrally held and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Ministers and our consular directorate in London continue to welcome contact from hon. Members in relation to constituents or family members of constituents detained in Dubai. Supporting British nationals who are detained
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abroad is a vital part of the work of the FCO. This support is explained in our publication “Support for British nationals abroad: A guide”, which is available on the FCO website at:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/publications
Indian Subcontinent: Human Rights
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he received from (a) the Indian Government, (b) the Pakistani Government, (c) human rights organisations and (d) individuals prior to the debate on Human Rights on the Indian Subcontinent on 15 September 2011. [73571]
Alistair Burt: Prior to the debate on 15 September, I received no representations from the Indian or Pakistani Governments. No representations were received from human rights organisations. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office did however receive inquiries about the nature of the debate from media organisations. No information was passed to such organisations ahead of the debate.
Kashmir: Foreign Relations
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on Kashmir; and if he will make a statement. [73264]
Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) regularly speaks to his United States, Indian and Pakistani counterparts about regional issues including relations between India and Pakistan. With the United States and EU we recognise the importance of finding a lasting solution to the situation in Kashmir but it is not for third parties to prescribe one. It is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting resolution, one which takes into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
Kashmir: Human Rights
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his international counterparts on respect for human rights in Kashmir; and if he will make a statement. [73572]
Alistair Burt: While the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), has not had recent discussions on human rights in Kashmir, the issue of security legislation operating in certain regions of India was raised with the Indian Government during the recent EU-India Human Rights dialogue.
Ian Austin: (1) To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Indian Government on respect for human rights in Indian-administered Kashmir; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the minutes of any such discussions. [73576]
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(2) what discussions he has had with human rights organisations on respect for human rights in Indian-administered Kashmir. [73577]
Alistair Burt: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the response the Minister of State, my noble Friend, the right hon. Lord Howell of Guildford, gave in the other place to an oral question on 12 July 2011, Official Report, House of Lords, column 597.
We recognise there are human rights concerns in both Indian and Pakistan-administered Kashmir and we followed the widely reported violent unrest in Indian-administered Kashmir last year. During a recent visit to Indian administered Kashmir, officials from our high commission in New Delhi discussed the issue of detentions with the Jammu and Kashmir state police and human rights groups. The issue of security legislation operating in certain regions of India, was raised with the Indian Government during the recent EU-India Human Rights dialogue.
We are closely following the work of the three interlocutors to help resolve the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir. We continue to call for an improvement in the human rights situation on both sides of the Line of Control and for an end to external support for violence in Kashmir. Officials in our high commissions in Islamabad and New Delhi regularly discuss India-Pakistan relations, including Kashmir with their counterparts in both countries.
Kashmir: Peacekeeping Operations
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to help achieve a long-term peace in Kashmir. [73570]
Alistair Burt: As I said during the debate on Human Rights on the Indian subcontinent on 15 September 2011, Official Report, columns 1290-91:
"The position of successive British Governments has consistently been that any resolution must be for India and Pakistan to agree, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people. As India and Pakistan are currently making efforts to build confidence in all aspects of their relationship, I believe it is important that they be given space to determine the scope and pace of that dialogue. No matter how well intentioned, any attempts by the UK or other third parties to mediate or prescribe solutions would hinder progress.
Our officials in our high commissions regularly discuss and regularly raise difficult issues in Kashmir with both the Indian and Pakistani Governments and with contacts in those areas. Our resources from the conflict pool also support work promoting human rights, conflict prevention and peace-building efforts".
Libya: UN Resolutions
Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with (a) his counterparts in (i) France and (ii) the US and (b) the Libyan National Transitional Council on the inclusion of women in the Paris conference and follow-up meetings in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. [72609]
Alistair Burt
[holding answer 11 October 2011]: The Prime Minister emphasised the importance the Government attaches to women's rights in his speech to the UN
12 Oct 2011 : Column 397W
General Assembly on the 22 September. The Government have stressed to the National Transitional Council repeatedly the importance of establishing an inclusive interim government that includes women and ensures their full participation in a new Libyan society. The Government are committed to their obligations under UNSCR 1325, and are working to determine what bilateral support the UK can provide the new Libyan Government.
Middle East: Detainees
Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many hon. Members requested assistance from his Department for constituents detained without trial in countries in the middle east in each of the last 10 years. [73557]
Mr Jeremy Browne: This information is not centrally held and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Ministers and our consular directorate in London continue to welcome contact from hon. Members in relation to constituents or family members of constituents detained in the middle east. Supporting British nationals who are detained abroad is a vital part of the work of the FCO. This support is explained in our publication "Support for British nationals abroad: A guide", which is available on the FCO website at:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/publications
North Korea: Detainees
Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will raise with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea the case of the family of Dr Oh Kil-nam, believed to have been detained in Yodok prison camp in North Korea. [73541]
Mr Jeremy Browne: We are aware of the case of Dr Oh Kil-nam's family, which was also recently raised in the South Korean media. If the media reports are correct, such cases are a clear reminder of why North Korea remains a country of concern on the Foreign and Commonwealth's annual Human Rights Report. We use every opportunity to raise our concerns with the North Korean Government directly.
Palestinians: United Nations
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government has taken to support the Palestinian Authority's efforts to be recognised as a sovereign, independent and contiguous state by the United Nations. [72157]
Alistair Burt: The Prime Minister has made the UK's position on recognition of a Palestinian state clear: a Palestinian state is a legitimate goal, and the best way of achieving this is through a comprehensive agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. The UK is fully committed to supporting the Palestinian Authority state building plan and helping build the institutions of a future Palestinian state.
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We do not anticipate an imminent vote in the UN Security Council on the membership application by Palestinian President Abbas. Whether the membership committee returns the issue to the Security Council, or whether President Abbas decides to turn to the General Assembly, the UK will use its vote in a way that increases the likelihood of a return to meaningful negotiations.
Bringing the parties back to negotiations remains our focus. The Quartet statement agreed on 23 September provides a clear timetable. This is a welcome step which we hope provides a basis for the two sides to come back to the table.
Sri Lanka: Armed Conflict
Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the government of Sri Lanka on the independence of the Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission; and what assessment his Department has made of the prospects that the Commission will meet the deadline of November 2011 to produce its final report. [73466]
Alistair Burt: We share international concern about the credibility of the Lessons Learned Reconciliation Commission's (LLRC) process. In my calls with the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister and during the visit of the Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset (Mr Fox), we encouraged the Sri Lankan Government to use the LLRC to address past allegations effectively. The LLRC was originally due to report in November 2010, later extended to May 2011. Now we await its final report on 15 November 2011.
Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Sri Lanka on protection for witnesses and victims appearing before the Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission. [73467]
Alistair Burt: Sri Lanka does not have a functioning witness protection system and the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) did not establish any separate procedures. Unidentified plain-clothed individuals reportedly photographed civilians who testified during its public hearings, which ran from August 2010 to March 2011. Despite this, a number of affected civilians gave evidence. The majority were concerned about locating disappeared and missing relatives.
Our high commission in Colombo raised concerns with the Sri Lankan Government over witness protection for those appearing before the LLRC on a number of occasions and continues to follow closely the Commission's work.
Third Sector
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many letters he has received on funding for civil society organisations within his Department's area of responsibility in each month since 1 June 2010; and if he will make a statement. [73982]
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Mr Lidington: This information is not held centrally and is available only at disproportionate cost.
West Bank: Schools
Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he has made to his Israeli counterpart on the proposed demolition of the school in Khan al Ahmar, west bank; [73585]
(2) what assessment his Department has made of the effects on the Bedouin population in the west bank of demolitions of homes and schools by Israel. [73586]
Alistair Burt: Senior Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development (DFID) officials most recently visited the Khan al Ahmar school for the Bedouin Jahilin community on 6 October. They discussed with Palestinian and UN officials how to respond to this threat of action that would be illegal under international humanitarian law and that would affect the human rights of the children attending the school and their communities.
Our ambassador to Israel raised this issue with the Israeli Defence Minister Barak on 5 October, as well as with the chief aide to Education Minister Saar.
The UK has a long-standing policy of lobbying hard on issues relating to demolitions and settlement building, and we will continue to do so. We view any attempts to change the facts on the ground as a serious provocation likely to prompt tensions between communities and cause unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians. We view such steps as harmful to the peace process and in contravention of international law.
We continue to follow this case actively.
Justice
Bill of Rights Commission: European Court of Human Rights
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) what assessment he has made of the Bill of Rights Commission's interim proposals on the reform of the European Court of Human Rights; and which recommendations from the Commission the Government plans to accept; [72243]
(2) what the Government's plans are for reforming (a) the European Court of Human Rights and (b) the European Convention on Human Rights; and if he will make a statement. [72244]
Mr Kenneth Clarke: The Government welcome the Commission's interim advice on the reform of the European Court of Human Rights.
Our top priority when we take over the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe will be to deliver a key stage of the reform process that has been ongoing for some years. The Court must focus on the most important cases and have proper regard to the judgment of national Parliaments and courts. It must operate more effectively and efficiently as a proper safeguard against human rights abuses.
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The way the Court works is set out in the Convention, so reform could involve changes to the Convention only if all 47 member states of the Council of Europe agree to it. We will be negotiating and seeking to agree a package of reforms with all member states during our chairmanship, and will take into account the recommendations in the Commission's advice.
The Government will inform the House of their full plans for the UK chairmanship of the Council of Europe in due course.
Civil Disorder
Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people aged under-18 years in each ethnic group have been imprisoned (a) on remand and (b) under sentence in connection with the public disorder of August 2011. [73818]
Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice has published frequent updates on people being dealt with by the court system in relation to the disturbances on 6-9 August. These reports can be found on the Ministry of Justice website at:
http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/statistics-and-data/ad-hoc/index.htm
A more detailed release was published on 15 September containing detailed information on age, gender, offence committed, sentence given, and previous criminal history. This can be found on the Ministry of Justice website at:
http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/statistics-and-data/criminal-justice/public-disorder-august-11.htm
A further publication is planned for the last week of October will cover wider socio-economic and demographic characteristics, including ethnicity information.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the (a) number of claims and (b) total value of claims paid to residents of the City of Nottingham through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme was in the latest financial year for which figures are available. [73640]
Mr Djanogly: The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) has defined Nottingham as any street with a postcode in the range NG1 to NG16 for the purposes of gathering the data for this answer. Applicants sometimes do not give CICA their postcode and such applicants do not appear in these data.
CICA received 853 claims from Nottingham residents in the 2010-11 financial year.
CICA paid 851 Nottingham residents a total of £2,268,529 in compensation in the 2010-11 financial year. This reflects claims finalised in 2010-11, a proportion of which will have been lodged in previous years, so does not cover the same cases mentioned at the first part of the answer.
Electoral Register
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice which local authorities are piloting new ways to share data and increase electoral registration; and when the pilots will finish. [72024]
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Mr Harper: I have been asked to reply.
22 data matching pilot schemes are under way, two of which (Lothian Valuation Joint Board and Renfrewshire Valuation Joint Board) include more than one local authority. These local authorities are testing the usefulness of matching their electoral registers against a selection of public databases to identify people missing from the register or entries on the register that may be inaccurate or fraudulent. The ability of a local authority to provide its data for the purposes of the data matching schemes ends on 30 November 2011. The Electoral Commission will evaluate each scheme by 1 March 2012.
The participating local authorities are:
Borough of Blackpool
Borough of Colchester
Lothian Valuation Joint Board (City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian)
District of Forest of Dean
London Borough of Greenwich
London Borough of Newham
Renfrewshire Valuation Joint Board (Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde)
Borough of Rushmoor
London Borough of Southwark
City of Sunderland
Borough of Wigan
County of Wiltshire
London Borough of Camden
District of Forest Heath
City of Glasgow
City of Manchester
City of Peterborough
County of Shropshire
District of Stratford-on-Avon
London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Teignbridge
City of Wolverhampton
Judicial Review: Public Sector
Simon Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what information his Department holds on the number of applications for judicial review that were (a) received, (b) granted and (c) refused on matters relating to the awarding of public sector contracts in each of the last three years. [72254]
Mr Kenneth Clarke: Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service does not keep statistics on judicial reviews according to the nature of the review requested, such as the awarding of public sector contracts.
In order to provide the information requested it would require a trawl through judicial review case files for the period in question to identify those that relate to public sector contracts—which is cost prohibitive.
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Polygamy
Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many polygamous households exist in the UK; and what steps are being taken to reduce the number of such households. [73633]
Mr Djanogly: Polygamous marriages cannot be legally formed in the UK. Nor is it possible for anyone domiciled in the United Kingdom to enter into a polygamous marriage abroad. Where a polygamous marriage is contracted outside the United Kingdom between parties, neither of whom is domiciled in the United Kingdom, it will be recognised.
The Office for National Statistics produces estimates of the population by marital status. These estimates cover single (never married), married, widowed and divorced statuses. No assessment is made of the number of polygamous households.
There is some anecdotal evidence of people entering into polygamous marriage in the UK through religious ceremonies that are not registered by the state and are not recognised under UK law. Due to the fact that these marriages are not legally recognised there is no indication of how many such polygamous relationships exist. Any parties to such relationships do not share the same rights as a legally married couple, such as access to financial remedies available on divorce or inheritance rights on the death of one of the spouses, and are treated as cohabitants. The Government have carried out some work with the Muslim community to encourage mosques to undertake the civil aspects of marriage and to raise awareness of the need for marriages to be legally recognised.
Prison Accommodation
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the (a) certified normal accommodation and (b) operational capacity was of each prison and young offenders establishment on (i) 1 January 2008, (ii) 1 January 2009, (iii) 1 January 2010, (iv) 1 January 2011 and (v) 1 October 2011. [73759]
Mr Blunt: This information is not available in the format requested. The total certified normal accommodation and operational capacity of each establishment in the National Offender Management Service custodial estate is published for the last working Friday of every month. Figures for the last working Friday in December 2007, December 2008, December 2009, December 2010 and September 2011 are set out in the following tables. This information is published monthly on the MOJ website via the attached link:
http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/statistics-and-data/prisons-and-probation/prison-population-figures/index.htm
These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.
| Fri day 28 December 2007 | Fri day 19 December 2008 | |||
| Establishment | Certified normal accommodation | Operational capacity | Certified normal accommodation | Operational capacity |
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