Television: Advertising
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent representations he has received on the advertisement of abortion services on television channels. [74222]
17 Oct 2011 : Column 597W
Mr Vaizey: The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), has received 232 representations on the advertisement of post-conception advice services on television over the course of the last six months (since 1 April 2011).
Television: Local Broadcasting
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps his Department is taking to remove barriers to market entry experienced by local television producers. [74221]
Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps he plans to take to ensure sufficient locally generated television content in programming in England. [74180]
Mr Vaizey: The steps the Government plan to take are set out in the two recent publications released by the Department: The new framework for local TV in the UK and the Local TV Pioneer locations document.
The Government expect to publish their response and confirm the proposals in the near future. This will include the steps the Government propose to take to address market barriers for local TV, including reservation of local spectrum, electronic programme guide prominence and a fit-for-purpose regulatory regime.
Third Sector
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport 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. [73986]
John Penrose: We have received 1,441 pieces of correspondence relating to funding since 1 June 2010. Some of these letters concern funding for civil sector organisations but also funding for areas such as community clubs, sports, arts and leisure projects and libraries. We are unable to determine the number of letters that are solely related to civil sector organisations, as we do not record the information in this way.
A breakdown by month can be found in the following table:
| Date | Volume |
17 Oct 2011 : Column 598W
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much direct funding his Department provided to each civil society organisation it funded in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; how much it expects to provide in (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15; and if he will make a statement. [74834]
John Penrose: The Department provides direct funding to its arm's length bodies through grant in aid. It also provides funding, specific grants, strategic commissioning and the procurement of services to a range of bodies. However, it does not record the status of the bodies that it makes payments to, and identifying those which class themselves as civil society organisations could be done only at disproportionate cost.
Tourism
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent assessment the Government have made of the effect on levels of inbound tourism of the cost of a visa to visit the UK compared to the cost of a visa to visit a country in the Schengen zone. [74037]
John Penrose: The cost of a visit visa for the UK is significantly below the cost of processing an application. These costs are associated with securing the border and the Home Office only recover just over half of those. The fee charged helps to support the investment we make to ensure visas are issued safely, securely and quickly. Very few people choose their holiday purely on the basis of the cost of a visa, but rather on whether the overall cost of the trip (including much bigger items such as travel or accommodation) represents good overall value. That is why econometric analysis of available data undertaken by the Home Office has indicated that visa fee levels have a minimal impact on application volumes. None the less it would be wrong to ignore the issue, which is why the Government’s Tourism Policy (published in March) aims to improve productivity across the entire visitor economy and, of course, the cost and convenience of visas are part of this.
As a result, improving the pre-entry visa experience is a key part of the Government’s new Tourism Policy. I am working closely with the Home Office and the UK Border Agency (UKBA) to look at simplifying and improving the process of arranging a visa. For example, from the end of this year, the UKBA is moving to online visa processing and has already published visa application guidance in five key foreign languages.
Tourism: Finance
Mr Weir:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether (a) VisitBritain, (b) VisitEngland, (c) VisitScotland and (d) VisitWales has been allocated any additional budget for front-line
17 Oct 2011 : Column 599W
marketing to develop the tourism potential of (i) the London 2012 Olympics and (ii) the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth games. [75051]
John Penrose: We are making available up to £4 million from the public sector funding package for the Olympic and Paralympic games to support a domestic tourism campaign to maximise the economic benefits from the Torch Relay and the Cultural Olympiad. This is an investment in a key objective of the Olympic programme: to ensure that the benefits from the games are felt throughout the UK. The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), has invited the devolved nations to participate in this campaign, which has been discussed with ministerial colleagues. VisitEngland are working with the tourist boards of the devolved nations to take this forward.
VisitBritain have already launched a four-year international marketing campaign (“You're Invited”), aimed at core and emerging markets, based on investment of almost £50 million from their funds, and matched by equivalent support from the private sector. This will cover the period of not only the Olympic and Paralympic games, but also other significant sporting events such as the Commonwealth games and Rugby League World cup too.
We are also examining options for a complementary tourism marketing effort, supporting the Prime Minister’s “GREAT” initiative, to promote Britain abroad. Allocations for this have not been finalised yet.
Defence
Armoured Fighting Vehicles
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the preferred bidder for the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme will be announced. [74113]
Peter Luff: An announcement concerning the main investment decision for the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme will be made shortly.
Astute Class Submarines
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his most recent estimate is of the (a) completion date and (b) cost to the public purse of the Valiant Jetty programme. [74128]
Peter Luff: The latest forecast completion date for the Valiant Jetty project is September 2012, which puts the in-service date out to December 2012. This is nearly four years after the contracted completion date of October 2008.
The current contractual maximum price of the project is £134 million. However, the contractor, AMEC, is forecasting an out-turn of around £92 million over this figure. Under the terms of the contract AMEC is responsible for the first £50 million of this cost overrun. The Ministry of Defence may be liable for a proportion of any cost overrun beyond £50 million over the maximum
17 Oct 2011 : Column 600W
price, but only insofar as AMEC is able to show that the additional costs in question have been reasonably and properly incurred.
Departmental Billing
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of invoices from suppliers his Department paid within 10 days of receipt in July and August 2010. [74323]
Peter Luff: The percentage of UK supplier invoices paid by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) within 10 working days for July 2010 was 98.9%, and for August 2010 was 98.7%. These invoices were for UK suppliers only. Information for overseas suppliers is not held in the format requested.
The MOD now reports the percentage of invoices paid within five working days. The requirement for the Department to report the percentage of invoices paid within 10 working days was changed in May 2010. The percentage of UK supplier invoices paid within five working days for July 2010 was 95.7% and for August was 96.8%.
The monthly MOD prompt payment statistics can be found on the following website:
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/What WeDo/FinanceandProcurement/FMSSC/MinistryOfDefence PaymentPerformance.htm
European Fighter Aircraft
Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what discussions (a) he and (b) his officials have had with their counterparts in (i) HM Treasury and (ii) the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills on a slow down in orders for tranche 3A of the Eurofighter; and when such discussions took place; [73795]
(2) what discussions (a) he and (b) his officials have had with BAE Systems on a slow down in orders for tranche 3A of the Eurofighter; and when such discussions took place; [73796]
(3) what discussions (a) he and (b) his have had with their counterparts from partner core nations on a slow down in tranche 3A of the Eurofighter; and when such discussions took place; [73797]
(4) whether his Department has (a) undertaken and (b) evaluated any impact assessment on the potential effects on (i) levels of employment and (ii) the economy of a slow down in orders for tranche 3A of the Eurofighter; and when any such assessment was made; [73798]
(5) when the meeting took place which decided to slow down production of tranche 3A of the Eurofighter; and who represented his Department at that meeting. [73799]
Peter Luff: A proposal was made in May 2010 by the Eurofighter GmbH consortium to slow down rate of production of Typhoon Tranche 3A aircraft for all four partner nations. The Typhoon partner nations agreed to this proposal in July 2011.
The agreement on production slowdown aims to protect the industrial capacity of the Eurofighter partner companies to service export orders for Typhoon while meeting the requirements of the partner nations. The
17 Oct 2011 : Column 601W
UK Government are fully committed to the Typhoon programme and potential exports, and recognise the wider benefits that these bring to the UK economy in revenue and jobs for both the short and long term.
The proposal was agreed by Ministers and by officials, both within the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and with our Typhoon international partners. Officials from UK Trade and Investment's Defence and Security Organisation provided some input to the issue, but were not involved in this decision as it falls within the MOD's delegated authority. HM Treasury was also not involved in this decision for the same reason. The Eurofighter partner companies, which include BAE Systems, were instrumental in negotiating acceptable arrangements with the partner nations from the outset.
Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability Programme
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when he expects the final downselection in the Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability tanker contract to occur; [74131]
(2) what the total cost to the public purse is of the Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability tanker contract; [74275]
(3) on what date he expects the (a) first and (b) last Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability tankers to be delivered to the Royal Navy. [74276]
Peter Luff: Final bids have been requested from the bidders in the ongoing international competition for the Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) tanker contract. We anticipate announcing the winning bidder early next year.
I am withholding information on the cost of the contract and the planned delivery schedule as their disclosure would prejudice commercial interests.
Military Aircraft
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the purchase cost was of the Sentinel R1; and if he will make a statement. [73699]
Peter Luff: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, my noble Friend, Lord Astor of Hever, to the noble Lord, Lord Moonie in the other place, on 18 November 2010, Official Report, House of Lords, columns WA219-220.
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which aircraft have been identified as potential replacements for the Sentinel R1; and if he will make a statement. [73700]
Peter Luff: There is currently no plan to replace the Sentinel R1. The withdrawal of this capability will be mitigated by utilising a number of other platforms and assets, including unmanned air systems such as Watchkeeper.
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the Sentinel R1 to be retired from service; and if he will make a statement. [73701]
17 Oct 2011 : Column 602W
Peter Luff: As announced in the strategic defence and security review, our current plan is to withdraw the Sentinel system from service when it is no longer required to support operations in Afghanistan.
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of (a) retaining, (b) upgrading and (c) replacing the Sentinel R1; and if he will make a statement. [73702]
Peter Luff: As announced in the strategic defence and security review, our current plan is to withdraw the Sentinel system from service when it is no longer required to support operations in Afghanistan. There are, therefore, no estimates of the cost to retain, upgrade or replace the platform.
Military Bases
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the monetary value was of contracts awarded to local firms by (a) Craigiehall, (b) Redford and (c) Dreghorn Barracks in each of the last five years. [73352]
Peter Luff: This information is not held in the format requested.
Scout Specialist Vehicle
Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what obligations his Department has placed on General Dynamics to manufacture and assemble the Scout Specialist Vehicle in the UK. [72961]
Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence has placed no contractual obligations on General Dynamics UK (GDUK) to manufacture the Scout Specialist Vehicles (Scout SV) platforms in the UK. GDUK has, however, indicated that a significant proportion of the activity may be conducted in the UK.
In addition, the contract allows for the transfer of the assembly integration and test work on the platforms from off-shore facilities to the Defence Support Group in the UK. A value-for-money decision on whether to transfer this work will be taken later in the programme, closer to production. An enabling arrangement for industrial participation has also been put in place with General Dynamics that will see work being carried out in the UK, or assistance being provided to UK exporters to Spain (assembly of ASCOD, the base vehicle for Scout SV is currently conducted in Spain).
Victims of Crime
Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the likely effects of adopting in its present form the proposed EU directive establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime on matters for which his Department is responsible; and whether his Department was consulted on the decision to opt in to that proposed directive. [73430]
17 Oct 2011 : Column 603W
Mr Gerald Howarth: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) was involved in the Government’s consideration of whether the UK should opt in to the proposed EU victims directive and made an assessment of the likely effects.
While in many respects a number of the requirements of the directive are consistent with the MOD's existing non-statutory Service code of practice (Joint Service Publication 839), there were found to be a number of provisions where the intended effect was unclear, and where it was assessed there was potential negative impact on the Service Justice System. These included the areas of:
Application of the directive outside the EU
Application outside the UK but inside the EU
Directly enforceable rights.
These points have accordingly been reflected in the UK negotiating mandate for the directive.
Prime Minister
Jack Dromey: To ask the Prime Minister whether (a) he, (b) his officials and (c) his special advisers use private e-mail accounts for the conduct of Government business. [73204]
The Prime Minister: The Ministerial Code, the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers and the Civil Service Code set out how Ministers, officials and special advisers should conduct Government business.
Environment Protection
Luciana Berger: To ask the Prime Minister whether he plans to attend the Global Green Growth Forum in Denmark. [74885]
The Prime Minister: Officials from the Department of Energy and Climate Change attended the Global Green Growth Forum on 11 October.
Hillsborough Disaster
Steve Rotheram: To ask the Prime Minister (1) what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues since his appointment on the unredacted release of the Hillsborough cabinet minutes; [74301]
(2) when he last discussed with the Deputy Prime Minister the release of unredacted Government files relating to the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. [74767]
The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), on 13 October 2011, Official Report, column 506W. I have regular discussions with the Deputy Prime Minister and others on a range of subjects.
Special Advisers
Angus Robertson: To ask the Prime Minister (1) what the pay band is of the special adviser in his Office for liaison between 10 Downing street and the Scotland Office; [74279]
17 Oct 2011 : Column 604W
(2) what the pay band is of the civil servant in 10 Downing street who is to manage Scottish matters at an official level; [74280]
(3) whether he has appointed any other special advisers or civil servants to advise or assist 10 Downing street on Scottish matters since September 2011; and at what (a) salary and (b) other set up or relocation cost. [74281]
The Prime Minister: An updated list of special advisers, and their pay bands, is published quarterly. Information about the pay bands of civil servants working in the Cabinet Office can be found on the Cabinet Office website:
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/structure-charts-cabinet-office
Taxation
Keith Vaz: To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with (a) ministerial colleagues and (b) others on the introduction of a tax to discourage people from eating fattening foods and drinks. [73803]
The Prime Minister: I have discussions with ministerial colleagues and others on a range of subjects.
Visits Abroad
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Prime Minister (1) which human rights cases he raised with his Russian counterpart during his recent visit to the Russian Federation; [73283]
(2) what discussions he had on freedom of expression online and in print during his recent visit to the Russian Federation; [73284]
(3) which (a) business people and (b) special advisers accompanied him on his recent visit to the Russian Federation; [73285]
(4) what discussions he had on cyber security during his recent visit to the Russian Federation. [73286]
The Prime Minister: I refer the right hon. Member to the articles on the No. 10 website about my visit to Russia:
http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/pm-visits-russia-to-boost-trade/
and to the answer I gave on 14 September 2011, Official Report, column 1027.
During my visit I had a meeting with a number of Russian human rights activists. We discussed a broad range of issues, including the importance of debate online and in print.
There was no substantive discussion on the issue of cyber security during my visit. However, we continue to engage with Russia on this subject in the run-up to the London Conference on Cyberspace in November, most recently through an expert level visit to Moscow in September.
As set out in the Ministerial Code, details of my overseas travel will be published at least quarterly. I have placed in the Libraries of both Houses a list of the business delegates who accompanied me.
17 Oct 2011 : Column 605W
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Badgers
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received from the scientific community on her plans to pilot the free shooting of badgers. [73894]
Mr Paice: We have received a large number of representations, including from members of the scientific community. DEFRA’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Bob Watson, has also discussed the evidence with a group of leading scientists, who were able to agree on a number of key points. Their conclusions have been published on the DEFRA website.
Biofuels: Timber
Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of wood combusted at each biomass generating plant was (a) virgin and (b) waste wood in the last year for which figures are available. [73876]
Gregory Barker [holding answer 13 October 2011]:I have been asked to reply.
Figures are not currently available on a per-plant basis. Based on returns submitted to Ofgem for the renewables obligation period April 2010 to March 2011, a total of 1,818,326 metric tonnes of wood were reported to be combusted, of which 28% comprised waste wood and 72% virgin material in biomass generating plant comprising co-firing, dedicated biomass and dedicated biomass with CHP. The following table provides a breakdown by generating type.
| Metric tonnes | ||
|
|
Waste wood | Virgin wood |
Bovine Tuberculosis
Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the cost to her Department was of measures to combat bovine TB in cattle in each of the last 10 years. [69409]
Mr Paice: The following table shows the costs of combating bovine TB over the last 10 years(1).
| Year (2) | Costs (£ million) (3) |
17 Oct 2011 : Column 606W
| (1) Data have been extracted from DEFRA's financial records system. (2) Expenditure figures from 2009-10 onwards have been calculated on a different basis to previous years as a result of the full absorption of the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) costs including Estates, IT, Travel and Subsistence, Shared Services and overheads. (3) Expenditure figures include: cattle testing, other surveillance activity, cattle compensation (England only), and Research and Development. | |
TB is a serious animal health problem. Tens of thousands of cattle are slaughtered every year. It can be devastating for affected farmers. The cost to the taxpayer is huge—it is set to exceed £1 billion over the next 10 years in England alone. That is why this Government are committed to ensuring we have a comprehensive and balanced package of measures to tackle TB, with eradication as our ultimate long-term goal.
Carbon Emissions
Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what information her Department holds on the (a) level and (b) sources of black carbon emissions in the UK. [72303]
Mr Paice: The Department measures black carbon concentrations in air at a number of locations across the UK and data are made publically available through the UK Air Information resource:
http://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/
Measurements are available for 2009 and 2010 and no clear trend has yet emerged. Annual average concentrations in 2010 ranged from 0.5 microgrames/m(3) at Harwell in Oxfordshire, a rural site, to 8.8 microgrames/m(3) at the Marylebone Road in central London, a roadside site.
UK specific inventories for the sources of black carbon are not produced by DEFRA at present. However, analysis carried out by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) estimates that in 2005 the major source categories making up 93% of UK black carbon emissions were: diesel vehicles for both on and off-road use (77%); flaring of oil and gas industry wastes (6.8%); domestic solid fuel burning (6.4%); and barbeque use (2.1%). As a result of existing measures to reduce emissions of particulate matter from these sectors, IIASA estimates that UK emissions will reduce significantly between 2005 and 2020, from 29.1 kilo tonnes to 8.3 kilo tonnes.
Chemicals
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she has considered the merits of regulating the use of flame-retardant chemicals. [72355]
Mr Paice: The control and use of all chemicals in the EU, including flame retardants, is regulated by the EU REACH (registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals) regulation. There are many different flame retardant chemicals with varying properties, hazard profiles, uses and modes of exposure. For this reason, it is appropriate to take a risk-based approach to regulation for each chemical and, where there is evidence of particular risk, to consider controls to minimise those risks to human health and the environment.
17 Oct 2011 : Column 607W
Coastal Areas: Access
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had with Natural England on the implementation of the coastal access provisions under Part 9 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 beyond the initial coastal stretches set out by Natural England in March 2011. [73893]
Richard Benyon: We will introduce the new right of coastal access on a stretch of the English coast at Weymouth in time for the start of the Olympic games. Natural England is also working on proposals to implement coastal access in a further five areas around the coast.
We are reviewing the costs and lessons learnt from the current implementation with Natural England so we can ensure that coastal access is delivered as cost effectively as possible.
Fish Discards
Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress she has made on reform of fisheries policy to reduce fish discards; and if she will make a statement. [73896]
Richard Benyon: Reform of the common fisheries policy must tackle discards; I therefore support the EU Commission in its ambition to eliminate discards. We need a flexible framework that enables fishermen to minimise discards in ways that suit different fisheries. I will continue to argue for change drawing on the work in the UK with the fishing industry, for example our trials of catch quotas and use of more selective fishing gear.
Food Labelling
Mary Macleod: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with her EU counterparts on food labelling legislation. [73890]
Mr Paice: Improving food labels is a priority for the coalition. I am pleased that the EU Regulation on the provision of food information to consumers was agreed on 29 September. We successfully negotiated mandatory origin labelling for fresh meat and a commitment to extend origin labelling to other foods, if practical. This is a significant step forward in the provision of better labelling for consumers.
Inland Waterways
Claire Perry: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to ensure the future prosperity of inland waterways; and if she will make a statement. [73892]
Richard Benyon: In April 2012 and subject to parliamentary approval, we plan to move British Waterways in England and Wales to civil society. The new Canal and River Trust will be endowed with a valuable property portfolio, and supported by a long-term Government funding agreement. As a charity, it will generate new commercial and charitable income, ensuring the sustainability of the waterways into the future.
17 Oct 2011 : Column 608W
Livestock: Animal Welfare
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department is taking to prevent attacks on horses and other livestock. [74219]
Mr Paice: There are already laws in place that make it an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to an animal. It is also an offence to allow a dog to attack livestock. If anyone has any information about such incidents they should report the matter to the police.
Mobile Spectrum: Auction
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the potential effects on rural communities of the timetable for the auction of mobile spectrum. [73891]
Richard Benyon: Ofcom has announced that it expects the 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz auction will take place in the last quarter of 2012.
The timing is entirely a matter for Ofcom, but we share its view that this new timetable is unlikely to have a significant impact on the availability of services to consumers in rural areas, as the spectrum will not be available for its new use until 2013.
National Planning Policy Framework
Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many officials in her Department worked on the draft of the national planning policy framework produced by the Department for Communities and Local Government. [71885]
Richard Benyon: One official led DEFRA's engagement with the Department for Communities and Local Government on the draft National Planning Policy Framework, consulting a wide range of colleagues as necessary.
Retailing Sustainable Local Produce
Chris White: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to promote the use of sustainable local produce by retailers. [73895]
Mr Paice: This Government are determined to support British food and farming. I strongly agree that retailers and the catering industry should give people the opportunity to buy food that is from their local area. To do this we need to provide consumers with honest information on the provenance of the food they buy. This is why clearer origin labelling is a key commitment in the Government's programme.
Wildlife: Medicine
Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what requirements there are on veterinary practices to provide to the customer information on the prices of widely used veterinary medicines. [74153]
17 Oct 2011 : Column 609W
Mr Paice: The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' guide to professional conduct requires veterinary surgeons and practices to inform clients of the price of veterinary medicines when requested.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Afghanistan: Females
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to encourage the Government of Afghanistan to protect women's rights to (a) employment, (b) education, (c) freedom of movement, (d) political participation and (e) political representation. [73865]
Alistair Burt: We continue to work closely with the Afghan Government, Afghan civil society organisations, international partners and organisations to improve the status of women in Afghanistan, so they can play as full a part as possible in a future, peaceful Afghanistan.
We provide support to the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission and the Ministry of Justice's Human Rights Support Unit. Both institutions are vital for the progress of women's rights in Afghanistan. In addition, UK aid is creating opportunities for economic growth and social well-being, for example by supporting women's technical and vocational education and training.
Afghanistan: Human Rights
Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Afghanistan on the human rights of women in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. [75101]
Alistair Burt: Embassy officials in Kabul continue to press the Afghan Government to implement their national and international human rights commitments, including the elimination of violence against women law and the UN convention of the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women. We have made clear that any political settlement should be inclusive and address the concerns of all Afghan citizens.
We continue to provide support to the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission and the Ministry of Justice's Human Rights Support Unit. Both institutions are vital for the progress of women's rights in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan: Pakistan
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reason his Department did not produce a long-term soft power strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan in May 2011 as previously planned; and when he expects such a strategy to be published. [73289]
Mr Hague: A long-term soft power strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan was developed during the first half of 2011 and was finalised in August 2011. To protect the Government's ability to promote these interests overseas, we do not intend to publish this detailed strategy.
17 Oct 2011 : Column 610W
Afghanistan: Peace Negotiations
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Government of Afghanistan on the adoption of benchmarks on (a) school attendance by girls, (b) women's access to health care, (c) maternal mortality and infant health and (d) operation by aid workers, civil society activists and women's human rights campaigners in areas under the control of the respective parties arising from reconciliation talks with insurgent groups. [73136]
Alistair Burt: We have made it clear that any political settlement should be inclusive and address the concerns of all Afghan citizens. We welcome the work of the Government of Afghanistan to take forward a political process of reconciliation and reintegration for Afghans who meet its end-state conditions of renouncing violence, breaking ties with al-Qaeda and abiding by the Afghan constitution, including its protection for all Afghan women and men.
We continue to follow developments on this situation closely.
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations his Department has made to the Government of Afghanistan on the adoption of benchmarks in respect of the joint implementation of human rights obligations arising from reconciliation talks with insurgent groups; [73137]
(2) what representations his Department has made to the Government of Afghanistan on the human rights obligations of parties involved in reconciliation talks with insurgent groups. [73138]
Alistair Burt: We have made it clear that any political settlement should be inclusive and address the concerns of all Afghan citizens. We welcome the work of the Government of Afghanistan to take forward a political process of reconciliation and reintegration for Afghans who meet its end-state conditions of renouncing violence, breaking ties with al-Qaeda and abiding by the Afghan Constitution, including its protection for all Afghan men and women.
We continue to remind the Afghan Government to uphold its commitments to protect the human rights of all Afghans.
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to UN Security Council Resolution 1325, what representations his Department has made to the Government of Afghanistan on the involvement of women in the planning of and participation in any reconciliation talks with the Taliban and other insurgent groups. [73139]
Alistair Burt: The UK National Action Plan on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 includes a country action plan for Afghanistan. Our activities in the plan include support to the Afghan Peace and Reintegration Programme (APRP) to build awareness of the APRP and the peace process among women; build the capacity of women involved in the peace process; and increase women's participation in the APRP. In addition, there are nine female members of the High Peace Council, who sit on all the committees.
17 Oct 2011 : Column 611W
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Government of Afghanistan on the involvement of civic society, including minorities, women and the business community in any reconciliation talks with the Taliban and other insurgent groups. [73140]
Alistair Burt: We have made it clear that any political settlement should be inclusive and address the concerns of all Afghan citizens. We welcome the work of the Government of Afghanistan to take forward a political process of reconciliation and reintegration for Afghans who meet its end-state conditions of renouncing violence, breaking ties with al-Qaeda and abiding by the Afghan constitution, including its protection for all Afghan women and men. The High Peace Council includes representatives of all the major ethnic groups, civil society, women and former insurgents.
Arms Trade: Treaties
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps he has taken towards the negotiation of an international arms trade treaty. [73290]
Mr Hague: The UK is fully committed to securing a robust and effective arms trade treaty (ATT). The UK delegation played an active and constructive role in the July 2011 Preparatory Committee meeting, at which further progress towards an ATT was made; including a joint P5 statement in support of the UN process. We continue to press with key states ahead of the crucial Negotiating Work Conference in July 2012; while also working closely with civil society and the UK defence industry to build widespread support for the Treaty.
British Indian Ocean Territory
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he plans to change the number of officials in his Department stationed in the British Indian Ocean Territory. [74501]
Mr Bellingham: There are no members of Foreign and Commonwealth staff stationed in the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). The BIOT Administration is located at the FCO in London.
The Ministry of Defence currently has about 40 staff stationed in the BIOT, including the Commissioner's Representative.
British Indian Ocean Territory: Marine Environment
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the designated Marine Protected Area surrounding the Chagos archipelago. [74247]
Mr Bellingham: The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) declared a Marine Protected Area (MPA) on 1 April 2010 to ensure the ongoing protection of the unique environment of the Territory.
A Science Advisory group has been created to draw up a scientific framework for the MPA and to advise on research and other activity to enhance its effectiveness.
17 Oct 2011 : Column 612W
The BIOT Administration is working closely with interested Chagossian groups and non-governmental organisations to work on specific environmental projects in BIOT.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many infringements of the designated Marine Protected Area surrounding the Chagos Archipelago have been reported to his Department since the area's inception. [74248]
Mr Bellingham: There have been 12 infringements of the Marine Protected area in the British Indian Ocean territory since 1 April 2010.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department has spent on enforcement of the British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Islands) Marine Protected Area since the area's inception. [74249]
Mr Bellingham: In the period since the declaration of the British Indian Ocean Territory Marine Protected Area (MPA) on 1 April 2010, a total of £3,089,943.31 has been spent on enforcement of the MPA. This includes the costs of the British Indian Overseas Territories patrol vessel, which performs a range of functions in the Territory.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of his officials have duties associated with enforcing the British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Islands) Marine Protected Area. [74250]
Mr Bellingham: There are a number of officials of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) who have duties associated with the enforcement of the BIOT Marine Protected Area.
The BIOT Commissioner is appointed by Her Majesty the Queen by instructions through a Secretary of State. Mr Colin Roberts (Director of the FCO's Overseas Territories Directorate (OTD)) is the current BIOT Commissioner.
Under section 7 of the BIOT (Constitution) Order 2004, the Commissioner appoints a Commissioner's Representative, a Deputy Commissioner and a BIOT Administrator. There is in addition an Assistant Administrator.
The current Commissioner's representative is a Royal Navy commander appointed by the Ministry of Defence as Commander British Forces at BIOT. The Deputy Commissioner and the BIOT Administrator are currently members of OTD.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has any plans to propose the repeal of the legislation establishing the British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Islands) Marine Protected Area. [74251]
Mr Bellingham: There are no plans to repeal the legislation which established the Marine Protected Area in the British Indian Ocean Territory.
17 Oct 2011 : Column 613W
British Overseas Territories
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he plans to visit any British Overseas Territories in the next 12 months. [74471]
Mr Bellingham: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), and I have plans within the next 12 months to visit the British Overseas Territories. It is not usual practice to announce these visits until they are confirmed.
China: Human Rights
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on human rights in China. [73278]
Mr Hague: I regularly discuss human rights in China with my EU and other international counterparts, most recently at the meeting of EU Foreign Ministers on 10 October. We have liaised closely with EU member states on our concerns about the human rights situation in China over the last nine months, resulting in a number of EU statements and démarches on specific issues and individual cases.
Colombia: Armed Conflict
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on joint steps to identify and where appropriate seek the extradition of those suspected of crimes against humanity and crimes of sexual violence during the armed conflict in Colombia. [73384]
Mr Lidington: We regularly make clear that those responsible for international crimes must be held to account. We work closely with the Colombian Government and with civil society on human rights and justice reform, including addressing impunity. Our embassy in Bogota is supporting a project with the Colombian Attorney-General's office to improve the efficiency of the prosecution system to prioritise the most serious cases.
The UK has a bilateral extradition treaty with Colombia. Any decision on whether to seek a person's extradition is a matter for the prosecuting authorities.
Croatia: EU Enlargement
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has established a timetable for the passage of proposed legislation to ratify Croatia's EU accession treaty. [73532]
Mr Lidington: Croatia's EU accession treaty is due to be signed in December 2011 with a likely target date for actual accession of 1 July 2013, provided all member states have ratified the treaty in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements. Mindful of the likely target date, we will introduce the necessary legislation to ratify the treaty as soon as practicable.
17 Oct 2011 : Column 614W
Departmental Billing
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of invoices from suppliers his Department paid within 10 days of receipt in July and August 2010. [74371]
Mr Lidington: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 7 September 2010, Official Report, column 466W, to the hon. Member for Dundee East (Stewart Hosie).
Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the average cost to his Department was of processing the payment of an invoice in the latest period for which figures are available; and what proportion of invoices settled in that period his Department paid (a) electronically and (b) by cheque. [74981]
Mr Hague: The average cost of processing an invoice for payment at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's (FCO) UK Corporate Service Centre in Milton Keynes is £2.94 for the month of September 2011. The number provided is based on average salary costs, excluding overheads. The Department is unable to provide the average cost of processing invoices for payment across the whole of the FCO's global network. This information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
In the UK, the FCO settles all invoices electronically. Our overseas posts are able to make cheque payments. However, obtaining transactional level information from our overseas network could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Departmental Buildings
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what (a) building and (b) refurbishment projects his Department plans in (i) 2011-12 and (ii) 2012-13; and what the cost of each such project will be. [74370]
Mr Lidington: The information is as follows:
Contracted projects amount to £41 million across the global network. This includes new builds, refurbishments, health and safety and security improvements.
Maintenance projects across the global network to the amount of £l6.3 million across 158 posts. Maintenance projects are works over £3,000 and generally under £250,000. Expenditure is limited to immediate health and safety risk to personal safety or security, legal and statutory compliance, leasehold obligations and maintaining freehold asset, values.
Refurbishment and maintenance of UK Estate at £1,096,323, includes replacement of light fittings, health and safety works to the roof at King Charles street and installation of new lifts. All scheduled work has been prioritised within available funding and constitutes essential health and safety work, or is subject to lease requirements or is part of the scheduled maintenance programme of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
17 Oct 2011 : Column 615W
Smaller projects which our overseas missions manage themselves have not been included. This information is not held centrally and to collate it would incur a disproportionate cost.
Finalised figures for the planned works/refurbishment for the period 2012-13 are not currently available.
Consultants
David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what procedures his Department uses when engaging external consultants. [73104]
Mr Lidington: The Government introduced spending controls and approval routes for all new proposed spend on consultancy in May 2010 and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office follows these procedures. All requests to procure external consultancy costing in excess of £20,000 must have a business case prior to engaging external consultants, and the following minimum criteria are considered when giving approval:
The requirement is of genuine operational necessity;
The work cannot be undertaken by existing in house resources;
The commercial proposals represent real value for money with a demonstrable return on investment and do not exceed the prices and rates advice provided by Government Procurement Service.
Business case requests to procure external consultancy costing in excess of £20,000 must be approved by the nominated departmental board member. Requests costing in excess of £100,000, or expected to last longer than nine months and/or involve the use of procurement consultants are also subject to additional approval by the Cabinet Office and/or Government Procurement Service.
Transport-related Fines
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many transport-related fines his Department has settled on behalf of its staff in each year since 2007; and at what cost. [74373]
Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) expects staff to pay any transport-related fines without recourse to public funds.
Budgets in the FCO are devolved to individual directorates within the UK and its network of nearly 270 posts overseas. As a result, this information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Legal Opinion
Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the average hourly rate paid was to external (a) solicitors and (b) barristers engaged by his Department in 2010-11; what guidance his Department uses in commissioning external legal advice; and if he will publish (i) the names of each external (A) solicitor and (B) barrister engaged by his Department in 2010-11 and (ii) the sums paid in each case. [72568]
Mr Lidington: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
17 Oct 2011 : Column 616W
Litigation matters in the UK are generally dealt with by the Treasury Solicitors Department, and there is little requirement for recourse to external solicitors. Barristers were engaged during the financial year 2010-11 for a variety of litigation matters. The majority of these barristers were appointed from the Attorney-General's Panel or were First Treasury Counsel. On the minority of occasions where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office required the services of specialist barristers not on the Panel, nominations were sought from the Attorney-General's Office. In these cases agreement of their hourly rates must be reached before a nomination is made. Guidance on the Attorney-General's Panels, including details of hourly rates, can be found at:
http://www.tsol.gov.uk/attorney_generals_panel_of_counsel.htm
In relation to recourse to legal advice and representation on non-contentious matters (for example contracts or property matters) during 2010-11, in cases where the Treasury Solicitors Department was not used, external solicitors were chosen through a tender process in accordance with the Legal Services Framework. Legal firms which took part in the tender process will have competed on the basis of the quality of the service offered and the price. There is also scope for further competition on price before a firm is chosen. This process ensures that Government Departments are able to obtain legal advice cost-effectively.
Official Hospitality
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department spent on hospitality for events hosted by each Minister in his Department in each of the last 12 months. [73665]
Mr Lidington: The total spend by Private Offices for Ministers on Government hospitality was:
|
|
£ |
These figures are based on services used and paid for in the months quoted. Activities funded include working meetings with Ministers in the UK, meetings with senior political and military figures from other countries, and events hosted for political and business delegations (including those in support of UK Trade and Industry). Any expenditure on official hospitality is kept under rigorous scrutiny to ensure value for money and effectiveness and is incurred in accordance with the principles of Managing Public Money and the Treasury handbook on Regularity, Propriety and Value for Money.
17 Oct 2011 : Column 617W
Procurement
Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress his Department has made in eliminating pre-qualification questionnaires for procurements with a value of under £100,000. [73835]
Mr Lidington: In the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, pre-qualification questionnaires are not a mandated part of the procurement process for procurements under £100,000. Our procurement guidance incorporates the Cabinet Office requirement to eliminate pre-qualification questionnaires for procurements under this value unless it involves matters of national security.
Training
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many external training courses staff of his Department attended in the last 12 months; and what the cost to the public purse was of each course. [74372]
Mr Bellingham: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Drugs
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his (a) Brazilian, (b) Russian, (c) Indian and (d) Chinese counterparts on the international trade in illegal narcotics. [73282]
Mr Hague: The UK has ongoing dialogue with these countries on a wide range of bilateral co-operation issues, including the international trade in illegal narcotics. We are committed to cutting the harm from drugs and reducing their supply. We work closely with a wide range of countries on counter narcotics, particularly where drug trafficking from and in those countries poses a threat to the UK.
Egypt: Economic Situation
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment his Department has made of the state of Egypt’s economy. [73293]
Mr Hague: Political transition in Egypt has opened up the potential for long needed reform to stimulate entrepreneurship and greater prosperity. The short-term impact, however, has been a sharp decline in growth due to disrupted economic activity, a weakened investment climate and a significant decline in foreign direct investment and tourism. Egypt will need to navigate through the economic downturn, with limited room for public spending and rising borrowing costs. The immediate challenge for the Government of Egypt is to fulfil public expectations and build social cohesion while preserving macro-economic stability. Restoring fiscal health and more inclusive growth which generates new jobs will be critical over the medium term.
17 Oct 2011 : Column 618W
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps he has taken to provide support to the Egyptian economy; and what such steps he has taken together with his EU counterparts. [73294]
Mr Hague: The UK is working through the G8 to provide short-term economic assistance. Up to $38 billion of support to countries in the region, including Egypt, is available through the Deauville Partnership. We encourage Egypt to turn to international borrowing if the situation requires it. G8 countries have committed to open their markets for trade and investment for countries in the region committed to reform.
We encourage Egypt to respond to the EU offer of short-term assistance, and support the EU's efforts to intensify negotiations on the liberalisation of trade in services and investment. In the longer term, the EU intends to work on a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area that firmly ties Egypt into the EU market.
Bilaterally, as part of the Arab Partnership, we have allocated £70 million to support economic reform in the region. The UK remains the largest foreign direct investor in Egypt, and we will continue to promote trade links between the two countries.
Egypt: Elections
Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he plans to take to help ensure that the outcome of the proposed November 2011 elections in Egypt is implemented in a stable and orderly manner. [73462]
Alistair Burt: The Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), have urged the Egyptian authorities to deliver an open and plural election process, and encouraged them to ensure full transparency and consultation during the transition process.
The Government have made it clear that we stand ready to support Egypt during this challenging time to ensure that the aspirations of the Egyptian people are met. Under the UK's Arab Partnership we have allocated over £1 million to Egypt to help put in place the building blocks of democracy. This includes projects with the Egyptian as well as like-minded Governments to co-ordinate practical assistance to the electoral process. The UK hosted Egyptian Interior Ministry officials during the UK local elections and referendum in May, providing technical advice on electoral management including ensuring access to polling stations and the integrity of the vote. We are also working with non-governmental partners to support inclusive political dialogue and to strengthen the capacity of nascent political parties in areas including policy-making and parliamentary procedure to help facilitate a smooth transition.
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has also encouraged the Government of Egypt to consider international observation of forthcoming elections. We welcome recent indications that the Egyptian authorities will permit an international presence during parliamentary elections, and encourage them to finalise arrangements for this as soon as possible.
17 Oct 2011 : Column 619W
Egypt: Freedom of Expression
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the extent of freedom of speech in Egypt. [73307]
Mr Hague: There is greater space for public debate in Egyptian society since the fall of Mubarak. But we are concerned about limits on freedom of expression in Egypt, including the increase in prosecutions of bloggers and activists, and the closing of satellite television stations. Our embassy in Cairo maintains regular contact with the Egyptian Government on human rights issues.
On 7 October 2011 the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), issued a statement expressing our serious concerns about the treatment of Maikel Nabil Sanad, an Egyptian blogger sentenced to three years imprisonment on 10 April by an Egyptian military court. He also stated the British Government's view that freedom of expression, including freedom of media and the ability for citizens to debate issues and challenge their Governments, is fundamental to building a democratic society, and that we will continue to follow the human rights situation in Egypt closely.
Egypt: Religious Freedom
Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the violence against Coptic Christians in Egypt; and whether he has plans to make representations to the Government of Egypt on the protection of religious minorities. [74303]
Alistair Burt: Tensions between Christians and Muslims had initially eased during the revolution, but there has been a resurgence of violence between the communities. The Coptic community has been calling for greater protection, equality and new legislation. We have raised our concerns about the dangers of extremism and sectarianism in Egypt with the authorities, and urged that respect for human rights be enshrined in the constitution, including guarantees for minority rights.
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), issued a statement on 10 October expressing his deep concern over the unrest and the loss of life in Cairo on 9 October. He urged all Egyptians to refrain from violence, support the Egyptian Prime Minister's call for calm and for all sides to engage in dialogue. He said that the freedom of religious belief needs to be protected and that the ability to worship in peace is a vital component of a democratic society. On 12 October the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs discussed the situation in Egypt with the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Mohamed Amro.
Egypt: Trade Unions
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment his Department has made of the rights of trade unions in Egypt. [73308]
17 Oct 2011 : Column 620W
Mr Hague: The Egyptian authorities have indicated that they will reform labour laws and have made some progress. However Egypt has seen dramatic changes this year and significant challenges remain. As part of wider reform in Egypt, we support labour law reform and are monitoring the situation. In March 2011, the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), raised our concerns about new Egyptian laws to outlaw protests and strikes with the Egyptian Finance Minister. Staff from the British embassy in Cairo have also discussed the possibility of establishing an independent Trade Union Congress in Egypt with local trade unionists in Cairo.
Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any (a) Ministers, (b) officials and (c) special advisers in his Department use private e-mail accounts for the conduct of Government business. [73211]
Mr Lidington: It is Foreign and Commonwealth Office policy that staff only use official e-mail accounts for official business.
EU General Affairs Council: Climate Change
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what agreements on the EU position for the climate change discussions in Durban were made at the EU General Affairs Council on 12 September 2011. [73010]
Mr Bellingham: The General Affairs Council in September discussed climate change in the context of agreeing the draft agenda for the October European Council.
The EU's position for Durban was agreed at the EU Environment Council on 10 October, at which the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, my right hon. Friend the Member for Eastleigh (Chris Huhne), represented the UK.
The European Council on 23 October will discuss the EU's position.
European Union Bill 2010-12
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 28 February 2011, Official Report, column 166W, on the European Union Bill, what the final cost to his Department was of the preparing and supporting the passage of the European Union Act 2011. [73004]
Mr Hague: The estimated cost to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) of preparing and supporting the passage of the European Union Act 2011 is £420,000. This figure includes the estimate of £195,000 provided in my answer of 28 February 2011 and comprises the estimated staff costs incurred by those officials engaged full-time to prepare and support the passage of the Bill, the costs charged to the FCO by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for the same purpose, and administrative expenditure such as travel costs incurred engaging with the EU institutions on the Bill.
17 Oct 2011 : Column 621W
Both the assembly of a team of officials and the use of the services of the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, for which a charge is made, are standard practice for Whitehall Departments in preparing legislation. However, no additional Government staff have been employed to develop or support the Bill, so there has been no increase in Government spending overall as a result of its development.
Fiji: Trade Unions
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the rights of trade unions in Fiji. [73297]
Mr Hague: The arrest of two trade unionists in Fiji on 4 August for organising meetings is a contravention of the right to peaceful assembly. This is only the latest act by the military against the unions and their rights.
On 12 August, the Minister for Europe, my right hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury (Mr Lidington), issued a statement expressing the Government’s concern over the arrests.
On 12 October, the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton Deane (Mr Browne), raised our concerns with the Fijian high commissioner.
Freedom of Expression: Internet
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from (a) foreign Governments and (b) international non-governmental organisations on online freedom of expression. [73309]
Mr Hague: There is no centrally held information on what representations we have received either from foreign Governments or non-governmental organisation on this issue. Representations in the UK and with our diplomats overseas may be verbal or written; discussed directly with Ministers; or through letters to individual country desks. It is not possible to quantify this without incurring disproportionate cost.
We regularly discuss this important issue with other Governments and human rights organisations and at a sub-group of my Advisory Group on Human Rights which was set up specifically to advise the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on freedom of expression on the internet.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what date has been set for the next meeting of his Department's Freedom of Expression on the Internet Expert Group. [73311]
Mr Hague: The Freedom of Expression on the Internet Expert Group met for the second time on 5 October, as a follow-up to the first meeting on 20 July. The next meeting is scheduled to take place in the new year, although a date has not yet been set.
17 Oct 2011 : Column 622W
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what groups and companies were invited to and (a) did not attend and (b) attended the first meeting of his Department's Freedom of Expression on the Internet Expert Group. [73312]
Mr Hague: Those invited to, but unable to attend, the first meeting of the Freedom of Expression on the Internet Expert Group were Facebook, Global Network Initiative, university of Nottingham, London metropolitan university, Reuters and Oxford Internet Institute. Those who attended were Google, Global Partners, Vodafone, Reporters Without Borders, University college London, Article 19, Amnesty International and Index on Censorship. As a matter of courtesy, all members of the Foreign Secretary's Advisory Group on Human Rights were invited.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a copy of each paper prepared for the first meeting of his Department's Freedom of Expression on the Internet Expert Group. [73313]
Mr Hague: No papers were prepared in advance of this meeting.
The Government strongly support freedom of expression on the internet, and listening to civil society and experts from academia, non-governmental organisations and the private sector is crucial to our understanding of this complex set of issues.
Ghana
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many officials of his Department are posted to Ghana. [74237]
Mr Bellingham: Approximately 170 staff work at the British high commission in Accra. This includes UK-based civil servants and staff employed locally. For operational and security reasons we cannot provide a more detailed breakdown.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he plans to visit Ghana. [74238]
Mr Bellingham: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), has no plans to visit Ghana in the near future. I visited Ghana in February and May this year. Department for International Development and Home Office Ministers visited in July and September this year respectively.
Ghana: Foreign Relations
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the state of relations between the UK and Ghana. [74241]
17 Oct 2011 : Column 623W
Mr Bellingham: The relationship between the UK and Ghana is strong and vibrant. It is rooted in our long-standing economic, political and cultural connections, our shared values, and the deep links between our peoples. The UK has historically played a key role in the country and we continue to work closely with the Ghanaians politically, commercially and through development aid.
Politically, the UK enjoys close working relationships with all parts of the Ghanaian Government, co-operating on a range of issues, including migration, counter-narcotics and maritime security. Commercially, there are a number of large UK investments in the Ghanaian energy and telecommunications sectors.
The UK is the second largest bilateral aid donor to Ghana and fourth largest overall. The UK has committed £85 million in development assistance in the current financial year. This will rise to £100 million in financial year 2014-15.
Gilad Shalit
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps he has taken to assist efforts towards the release of Gilad Shalit. [73306]
Mr Hague: The UK has long called for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit's immediate and unconditional release. We welcome the agreement between Israel and Hamas announced on 11 October to release him as part of a prisoner exchange. Holding him in captivity has been utterly unjustified from the beginning and yet it has gone on for five long years. We are pleased that this long overdue development is finally taking place.
During his visit in June, the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), met the father of Gilad Shalit and conveyed our sympathies and concerns. Baroness Ashton, EU High Representative, met the parents on 19 July and issued a statement confirming that she would continue to raise this issue in all her meetings, on behalf of the EU.
On 22 June, I released the following statement:
“On the fifth anniversary of the kidnap of Israeli Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit, we remember his family and call again for his immediate release. For five years Gilad Shalit's parents, Noam and Aviva, have been waiting for his return and praying that each day should be the last day of his captivity. It is unacceptable that Gilad Shalit is being held by Hamas without any access to the Red Cross.
Hamas must immediately allow a representative of the Red Cross to visit him. The last sign of life was received on 2 October 2009. Gilad Shalit's family have been waiting for almost two years for another such message. It is difficult to imagine the pain and anguish they must feel. My thoughts are very much with Gilad and his family on this day. I call again for Hamas to release Gilad Shalit immediately and unconditionally.”
Mr Shalit's long captivity has been painful for his family and I hope that he will be reunited with them as soon as possible.
Human Trafficking
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his (a) Brazilian, (b) Russian, (c) Indian and (d) Chinese counterparts on international trafficking in human beings. [73281]
17 Oct 2011 : Column 624W
Mr Hague: The UK has ongoing dialogue on a wide range of bilateral co-operation issues with these countries. Recent dialogues with India, China and Brazil have included discussion of international trafficking in human beings.
Indonesia: Papua
Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with the Government of Indonesia on West Papua; and if he will make a statement. [73537]
Mr Jeremy Browne: We regularly discuss the situation in the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua with the Indonesian Government.
Our priority for the provinces is to encourage full implementation of special autonomy and to press for increased focus on meaningful economic and social development to address the widespread poverty in the region. We also run a significant climate change programme aimed at reducing carbon emissions in Papua.
Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the prospects for dialogue between the Government of Indonesia and representatives of the people of West Papua; and what steps he is taking to encourage such a process. [73538]
Mr Jeremy Browne: There is no formal dialogue process currently underway between the central Government of Indonesia and representatives of the people of Papua and West Papua. The President has indicated his support for ‘constructive communication’ to resolve differences and the Papua Peace Network has been working hard to build consensus around what issues any dialogue might cover. The UK continues to encourage all sides to explore the use of constructive and peaceful dialogue to resolve differences between the Government of Indonesia and representatives of the Papuan and West Papuan people.
Indonesia: Religious Freedom
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Government of Indonesia on its treatment of Ahmadiyya Muslims in East Java, West Java and South Sumatra. [73044]
Mr Jeremy Browne: We have been following the cases of attacks on members of the Ahmadiyya community closely. This issue was raised bilaterally on 4 August by our embassy in Jakarta with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and by Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials in London with the Indonesian embassy.
The recent rise in violent incidents towards minority faith groups in Indonesia is a concern and we will continue to press for tolerance and respect for all religious minorities at official and ministerial level as appropriate. Tackling discrimination and protecting minority communities was also discussed with the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the EU-Indonesia Human Rights Dialogue in Brussels on 9 March 2011. We will continue to push for freedom of religion to be included
17 Oct 2011 : Column 625W
in discussions at future Human Rights Dialogues, as well as raising the issue bilaterally with the Indonesian authorities.
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Government of Indonesia on the operation of the criminal justice system in that country in respect of crimes of violence committed against Ahmadiyya Muslims. [73045]
Mr Jeremy Browne: We have been following the cases of attacks on members of minority faith communities, including the Ahmadiyya community, closely. The UK fully supported the EU statement of 29 July 2011 which expressed strong concern that “sentences imposed for violent crimes against religious or other minorities should always be commensurate with the gravity of the crimes committed”.
We will continue to stress to the Indonesian Government that hate crimes should be robustly investigated and that those found guilty of involvement should receive sentences commensurate with the severity of the crimes.
This issue was discussed bilaterally on 4 August by our embassy in Jakarta with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and by Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials in London with the Indonesian embassy. Tackling discrimination and protecting minority communities was also discussed with the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the EU-Indonesia Human Rights Dialogue in Brussels on 9 March 2011.
Internet: Conferences
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what (a) companies, (b) non-governmental organisations and (c) representatives of foreign Governments have been invited to his Department's conference on cyberspace on 1 and 2 November 2011. [73310]
Mr Lidington: To date, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has invited approximately 245 companies and non-governmental organisations and over 60 representatives of foreign Governments to the London Conference on cyberspace on 1 to 2 November. We do not yet have a list of confirmed attendees but a complete list of all confirmed participants will be placed in the Library of the House at the start of the conference.
Iran: Nuclear Power
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment his Department has made of the Bushehr nuclear power project in Iran; and if he will make a statement. [73292]
Mr Hague: UN and EU sanctions against Iran have specifically allowed the construction and operation of the Bushehr power reactor. We have always respected Iran’s right to a peaceful civilian nuclear programme as long as it meets its international obligations and responsibilities. The Bushehr project underlines the fact that Iran does not need to pursue illegal activities in order to enjoy the benefits of nuclear power.
17 Oct 2011 : Column 626W
But it should be of serious concern that as Bushehr becomes operational, Iran will be the only country with a significant nuclear programme outside the convention on nuclear safety. Iran’s isolation means its nuclear programme falls short on safety in some key respects. The convention on nuclear safety is a system of mutual oversight that sets international benchmarks on the design, construction and operation of reactors. We are pleased that Russian experts are working to ensure Bushehr is operated safely, but full co-operation with the international community is the key to Iran accessing the best international expertise and realising the full potential of a safe, secure and economically viable nuclear power programme.
Israel: Abortion
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information his Department holds on the abortion rate in Israel in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [R] [74685]
Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not hold information on abortion rates in Israel, but the Israel Central Bureau of statistics publishes data annually. These data cover the period between 2009 to 2011.
Israel: Politics and Government
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent meetings he has had with the Israeli Leader of the Opposition; what issues were discussed; and if he will make a statement. [R] [74693]
Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), most recently met the Leader of the Opposition of Israel, Tzipi Livni, on 6 October 2011. Speaking after the meeting, he issued the following statement:
“I was delighted to welcome Ms Livni to London at a critical moment for the Middle East. It was an appalling situation when political abuse of our legal procedures prevented people like Mrs Livni from travelling legitimately to the UK. We have dealt with this urgently as we promised to on coming to office. The UK will continue to honour our international obligations and make sure that people who have committed some of the most awful crimes—wherever in the world they took place—can be brought to justice in our courts.
Today's meeting showed the warmth and strength of our bilateral relations. Israel is an important ally and we will continue to work together to face common threats such as the Iranian nuclear programme. We discussed the importance of building support for a two state solution that leads to a lasting peace in the Middle East. I made clear my desire to see Israel secure now and in the future, alongside a Palestinian state, and my belief that both Israelis and Palestinians should return to talks in line with the Quartet Statement.”
Libya: Armed Conflict
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Libyan National Transitional Council on the implementation of (a) extradition policy and (b) other new policies for that country. [73474]
17 Oct 2011 : Column 627W
Alistair Burt: The National Transitional Council's (NTC) immediate priorities are ensuring security across the country and dealing with short-term humanitarian needs. In parallel, they are starting to rebuild their country and establish new structures for political dialogue. We are in discussion with the NTC on all these issues.
While we have had a number of discussions with the NTC regarding crimes committed by the Gaddafi regime, we have not as yet discussed Libya's extradition policies in particular. There is a wide range of issues we will want to raise with a new transitional Government and its post-election successors, among which will be their approach to this subject.
Libya: Economic Situation
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the potential contribution of member countries of the Arab League to economic recovery in Libya. [73272]
Mr Hague: Regional states have played an integral role in the international effort to protect civilians in Libya and will also be crucial to Libya’s economic recovery. The UN, in the form of the UN Support Mission in Libya, has been tasked with co-ordinating the international response to the stabilisation agenda in Libya. We anticipate that the countries of the Arab League will play an important part in providing the support the Libyan Government requires to rebuild the Libyan economy, and the Government will continue to work closely with them, the UN, International Monetary Fund and World Bank on this issue.
Libya: Politics and Government
Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the ideological objectives of the National Transitional Council in Libya. [73461]
Alistair Burt: In their draft constitutional declaration, the National Transitional Council (NTC) set out their road map for governance, leading up to elections and achieving democracy. Their stated aims are that Libya works towards
‘a stable, secure and just society that promotes education and culture, provides welfare and healthcare, raising the young generation according to the values of Islam, selflessness and patriotism’.
The NTC have also said that they want to see a Libya that is a democratic, independent state, with its people the source of authority, Islam its religion and Islamic sharia as the main source of legislation while guaranteeing the rights of all sections of Libyan society.
Libya: Terrorism
David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with members of Libya's National Transitional Council on compensation payments for British victims of Libyan state-sponsored terrorism. [73813]
17 Oct 2011 : Column 628W
Alistair Burt: As the Prime Minister, said on 5 September 2011, Official Report, columns 23-26, this will be an important bilateral issue between the UK and the new Libyan authorities. The National Transitional Council's Chairman Abdul Jalil and Prime Minister Jibril have assured the Government that they will work with the UK to resolve bilateral issues arising from the wrongs of the Gaddafi regime. More detailed discussions with Libya on this specific issue will await the establishment of a new Libyan transitional Government.
Malawi: Demonstrations
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Malawi on its response to recent anti-Government protests. [74193]
Mr Bellingham: The UK deplored the violence that marred the demonstrations across Malawi on 20 July 2011. As well as urging restraint on both sides, I publicly condemned the threatening behaviour of elements of President Mutharika’s party, and the violence meted out to protestors and the media by the police resulting in the deaths of 20 people. In discussions with Malawi’s Foreign Minister in London on 12 October, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development, my hon. Friend the Member for Eddisbury (Mr O’Brien), and I made it clear that the rights of free assembly and expression guaranteed under the Malawian constitution must be respected, and the safety of people exercising those rights must be guaranteed.
Malawi: Human Rights
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the human rights situation in Malawi following the death of Robert Chasowa. [74192]
Mr Bellingham: I am deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Malawi. The death of Robert Chasowa, a student activist, comes after a string of arson attacks and death threats against prominent civil society figures and other Malawians who have criticised the behaviour of their President. In discussions with Malawi’s Foreign Minister in London on 12 October, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development, my hon. Friend the Member for Eddisbury (Mr O’Brien), and I called on the Malawian Government to do all it can to protect human rights defenders, investigate these crimes and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. We further underlined our serious concern at the dangerous rhetoric President Mutharika has used against civil society, which has the potential to incite further violence. While Her Majesty’s Government takes no partisan position in Malawian politics, we will continue to put pressure on the Government of Malawi to respect their international human rights commitments, and we intend to step up our support to civil society organisations in Malawi that promote accountability, transparency and respect for human rights.
17 Oct 2011 : Column 629W
Nigeria: Armed Conflict
Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support his Department is providing to the Government of Nigeria to help resolve localised violent conflict in that country. [73928]
Mr Bellingham: During post-election violence in April 2011, the British high commission in Abuja initiated an international community statement urging restraint and worked with Nigerian political leaders to use their influence to calm the inflamed situation, particularly in northern Nigeria.
We remain concerned about inter-communal violence in Plateau State in Nigeria. Over the past year the British high commission in Abuja has regularly met state and federal level authorities including the Chair of the Presidential Committee on the Jos Crisis, Chief Solomon Lar, as well as traditional and religious leaders, and stressed the need to implement a long-term approach combining job opportunities, reconciliation and political settlement. The British high commission also works closely with the Department for International Development on ground-level peace initiatives in Jos which have worked to increase dialogue between communities and to provide vocational skills training.
We welcome the improved levels of peace and security in the Niger delta which have resulted from the Nigerian Government's amnesty process which began in 2009. On my visit to Nigeria in February this year I stressed the importance of economic growth and the provision of employment opportunities for young people in the delta when I met Rotimi Amaechi, the Governor of Rivers State, in Port Harcourt.
Nigeria: Terrorism
Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contribution his Department is making to combating emerging terrorist threats in Nigeria. [73929]
Mr Bellingham: As the Prime Minister made clear on his visit to Nigeria in July, we have a strong counter-terrorism relationship with Nigeria that we want to develop. Following the 26 August attack on the UN building in Abuja, it is clear that the threat from terrorism in Nigeria is evolving. We are working with the Nigerian Government to promote a response that is both proportionate and targeted.
Piracy
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his (a) Brazilian, (b) Russian, (c) Indian and (d) Chinese counterparts on international piracy. [73280]
Mr Hague:
The UK has ongoing dialogue with these countries on a wide range of bilateral co-operation issues, including international piracy. The Government are committed to tackling piracy in the Indian ocean and critical Gulf of Aden trade artery, and UK naval forces work alongside those of China, India and Russia demonstrating unprecedented levels of military co-ordination. The Government works closely with Brazil, China, India and Russia through the UN Security
17 Oct 2011 : Column 630W
Council, which pays close attention to piracy, as well as in the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, to ensure that the international effort to counter-piracy is as co-ordinated and effective as possible in protecting seafarers, safeguarding the freedom of global trade and promoting stability in Somalia and the region. Piracy will be discussed during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Perth this month.
Public Sector
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department has taken to encourage the development of public service mutuals in its area of responsibility; and if he will make a statement. [74825]
Mr Hague: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office supports this policy. It has not identified any opportunities to implement this policy within its own operations, but it will continue to discuss the subject with the Cabinet Office.
Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what evidence he considered in assessing the merits of instituting a Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review. [73305]
Mr Hague: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) departmental business plan contains a commitment to assess the merits of Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR).
FCO officials are currently working with their Department for International Development and Cabinet Office counterparts to provide a single assessment for Ministers on the merits of instituting a QDDR.
The work is due to be completed in December 2011.
Sierra Leone
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many officials of his Department are posted to Sierra Leone. [74232]
Mr Bellingham: Approximately 200 staff work at the British high commission in Freetown. This includes UK-based civil servants and staff employed locally. For operational and security reasons we cannot provide a more detailed breakdown.
Sierra Leone: Foreign Relations
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the state of relations between the UK and Sierra Leone. [74231]
Mr Bellingham: The UK’s bilateral relationship with Sierra Leone is strong. The UK has historically played a key role in bringing stability to the country and we continue to do so politically, commercially, militarily and through development aid.
17 Oct 2011 : Column 631W
Politically, the UK enjoys close working relationships with all parts of the Sierra Leonean Government. Commercially, there are a number of large UK investments in the Sierra Leonean mining and energy sectors. I will address an investment conference in London on 20 October designed to promote UK-Sierra Leone commercial links.
The UK-led international military assistance training team in Freetown has provided training to the Sierra Leone armed forces and continues to provide mentoring and advice at senior levels of the Government. The UK is the largest bilateral aid donor to Sierra Leone, giving approximately £445 million over the past 10 years. Following the outcome of the Department for International Development’s bilateral aid review, UK aid spend in Sierra Leone will increase over the next four years.
South Sudan: Politics and Government
Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of (a) the political development of South Sudan and (b) the state of relations between South Sudan and Sudan. [73463]
Mr Bellingham: President Kiir appointed a new Cabinet in September. The British ambassador and Head of the Department for International Development (DFID), South Sudan, hold regular meetings with South Sudanese Ministers and will continue to engage with them. The UK is also offering support through DFID for capacity building in political institutions.
Long-term peace between Sudan and South Sudan can only be found through negotiation. South Sudanese President Kiir and Sudanese President Bashir met in Khartoum on 9 October, where they committed to peaceful dialogue. We urge them to now deliver on this commitment and resolve their remaining areas of difference, particularly on oil, citizenship and border demarcation and the status of the disputed region of Abyei.
Sudan: Politics and Government
Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the dismissal of the elected governor of Blue Nile state in Sudan; and if he will make a statement. [73807]
Mr Bellingham: We are greatly concerned at the ongoing violence in Blue Nile state following the outbreak of fighting on 2 September, and the dismissal of its elected governor, Malik Agar, and his replacement by a Government nominee. We urge all parties to work towards a ceasefire, and to address the root causes of conflict in the area.
Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the nomination of the (a) Deputy Chief Administrator for the Abyei Area and (b) Speaker of Abyei Area Council; and if he will make a statement. [73808]
Mr Bellingham: We continue to encourage the Government of Sudan and the Government of South Sudan to reach an agreement quickly on arrangements for the administration of Abyei, in line with the Abyei Interim Agreement of 20 June.
17 Oct 2011 : Column 632W
Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on parties that missed the deadline for withdrawal of forces from the Abyei Area. [73809]
Mr Bellingham: We are deeply concerned that the Sudanese armed forces and the Sudan People's Liberation Army have not yet withdrawn from the Abyei area despite the presence of the UN Interim Security Force in Abyei. This contravenes the arrangements set out in the Abyei Interim Agreement of 20 June and of UN Security Council Resolution 1990. We call on both sides to withdraw fully their troops immediately, and for full humanitarian access to be granted.
Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has received reports from the Force Commander of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei on the withdrawal of Sudanese People's Liberation Army forces from the Abyei area. [73857]
Mr Bellingham: UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous said in his briefing on the deployment of the UN Interim Security Force in Abyei to the UN Security Council on 6 October that neither the Sudanese People's Liberation Army nor the Sudanese armed forces had withdrawn from Abyei.
We continue to make it clear to both parties, including through the UN Security Council, that both sides should fully withdraw immediately and allow full humanitarian access to the area.