Atlantic Ocean Islands
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many commercial fishing licences were sold in (a) Ascension, (b) St Helena and (c) South Georgia in each of the last five years; and what the monetary value was of such licences. [100381]
Mr Bellingham: Details of commercial fishing licences sold by Ascension Island Government and the Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands are set out as follows. No commercial fishing licences have been sold by the Government of St Helena.
No licences were sold between 2007 and 2009.
47 licences were sold in 2010. The total monetary value of licences sold in 2010 was £705,000.
58 licences were sold in 2011. The total monetary value of licences sold in 2011 was £946,500.
22 licences have so far been sold in 2012. The total monetary value of licences sold to date in 2012 is £363,000.
( c ) South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
19 licences were sold in 2007. The total monetary value of licences sold in 2007 was £3,775,135.
25 licences were sold in 2008. The total monetary value of licences sold in 2008 was £4,190,701.
24 licences were sold in 2009. The total monetary value of licences sold in 2009 was £3,965,051.
18 licences were sold in 2010. The total monetary value of licences sold in 2010 was £3,179,000.
18 licences were sold in 2011. The total monetary value of licences sold in 2011 was £2,935,742.
Nine licences have been allocated to date in 2012 but details of the financial value have vet to be determined.
Bahrain
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the progress made by the Government of Bahrain in implementing the findings of the Independent Commission into violence in that country in February and March 2011. [99669]
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Mr Hague: We welcome the progress being made by the Bahraini Government in implementing reforms based on the recommendations of the Independent Commission of Inquiry.
As I said in my statement on publication of the report, some of the findings were deeply worrying and the report offers an important opportunity to rebuild trust and promote reform and reconciliation.
Progress has been made and we encourage the Government to take positive steps to demonstrate national unity and to do more to effectively implement the reforms needed.
Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial assistance his Department has provided for the training of Bahraini security forces in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012; and what estimate he has made of the level of such assistance provided. [100004]
Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not provided any training to the Bahraini security forces in 2010, 2011 or 2012.
Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on harassment of staff of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Bahrain; and what assessment he has made of the level of support that the Government provides to NGOs in Bahrain. [100005]
Alistair Burt: We are aware that some international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have experienced difficulties on entering Bahrain, and restrictions on the time they are allowed to visit. We encourage the Bahraini authorities to allow international NGOs free entry and access in the country, in the same spirit that they established and accepted the Independent Commission of Inquiry. It is important that the Bahraini Government work with international partners and are transparent in their efforts to implement reform.
Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his Bahraini counterpart on UK assistance to the Bahraini security forces. [100006]
Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), and I have had several discussions with members of the Bahraini Government on how the UK can help the authorities on their path of reform, including reconciliation, judicial reform and strengthening Parliament. We had not had any formal discussions with the Bahrainis on the UK providing assistance to the security forces. As the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry report highlighted, this is a sector that urgently needs reforming and we welcome the appointment of John Yates and John Timoney to help the Bahrainis to achieve this.
Burma
Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what account he is taking of the use of forced labour in Burma in his negotiations over the revision of the EU Common Decision on Burma. [100315]
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Mr Jeremy Browne: In recent months there has been significant progress made with regards to labour rights in Burma, not least the Labour Organisations Bill that came into force on 9 March which allows the free formation of workers organisations. However the use of forced labour, particularly in conflict areas, remains a serious concern.
The International Labour Organisation and Burmese Government are planning to increase their level of co-operation and plan to put in place a comprehensive strategy that aims to tackle forced labour—both civilian and military—by 2015.
This will involve setting up a joint working group with Burmese authorities to deepen co-operation on several issues, including forced recruitment, under-aged recruitment, human trafficking, forced child labour, forced labour in the private sector, use of conflict porters, and forced labour associated with land confiscation.
The resolution of these issues forms part of a broader agenda of reconciliation with ethnic groups on which the UK expects the Burmese authorities to have made progress before we can consider lifting EU restrictive measures. However, we are cautiously encouraged by the developments we are now seeing. We hope this process will continue to address what are extremely serious issues, and make a positive difference to the people of Burma. We shall stay in close contact with international bodies and local contacts to keep updated on how these policies are implemented.
Council of Europe
Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what steps he has taken in support of the Secretary General's programme of reform through the Council of Europe since November 2011; [100803]
(2) what progress he has made on strengthening the rule of law through the Council of Europe since November 2011; [100804]
(3) what progress he has made on (a) internet governance and (b) freedom of expression on the internet through the Council of Europe since November 2011; [100805]
(4) what steps he has taken to streamline the Council of Europe's activities in support of local and regional democracy since November 2011. [100806]
Mr Lidington: I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave on these subjects to the hon. Member for Foyle (Mark Durkan) on 8 March 2012, Official Report columns 897-98W and 13 March 2012, Official Report, column 203W.
Internet
Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what steps he has taken to use multilateral and bilateral channels to discuss how to apply the framework of international human rights law in cyberspace and new challenges in guaranteeing such rights; [100314]
(2) what steps he has taken to fulfil the Government's undertaking to promote fundamental freedoms and rights in cyberspace. [100322]
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Mr Jeremy Browne: The UK Government are committed to promoting fundamental freedoms and rights in cyberspace and believe that the existing framework of international human rights law is, in principle, as applicable online as it is offline. We are committed to furthering this debate internationally through multilateral and bilateral discussions, as well as through wider multi-stakeholder engagement.
The UK Government have actively participated in a wide range of international events to discuss human rights in cyberspace. This has included the attendance by the Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, my hon. Friend the Member for Wantage (Mr Vaizey), at the Council of Europe/Austrian internet freedom conference in October 2011. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the right hon. Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), initiated an interactive panel discussion on freedom of expression on the internet during the London Conference on Cyberspace in November 2011. The UK attended the Dutch Ministerial Conference on internet freedoms in December 2011 and also participated in the Swedish-inspired panel discussion on freedom of expression in the margins of the Human Rights Council in March 2012.
The UK has joined a coalition of like-minded states that will work together to promote and protect online freedoms. We welcomed the adoption of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recommendation on internet policy-making principles in December 2011 and are actively supporting the Council of Europe, as part of our chairmanship, in their efforts to advance the protection and respect for human rights on the internet.
We also encourage states that restrict freedoms online to uphold their international human rights commitments. We lobby governments for change on the ground, including by raising individual cases and publicly supporting those who seek to exercise their rights.
Iran
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect on the UK economy of the Iranian Government’s decision to stop exporting oil to Europe. [99670]
Mr Hague: The Iranian Government has said that it will no longer export oil to the UK and France, and threatened to cut off oil supplies to other EU member states. The effect on the UK and France of this step is insignificant, because the UK and France obtain less than 1% and less than 3% respectively of their total oil needs from Iran.
The EU as a whole decided on 23 January to impose a ban on imports of Iranian oil, to take effect on 1 July. EU member states are currently arranging alternative supplies to those they receive from Iran.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the likely effect of the recent Iranian elections on the prospects for a resolution to the Iranian nuclear situation. [99671]
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Mr Hague: As I said in a statement on 2 March, the day of the Iranian parliamentary elections, it was clear some time before polling day that the elections would not be free and fair. This was an exercise dominated by regime hard liners to prevent any radical change of direction in Iranian politics. Nevertheless, the agreement of the members of the E3 plus 3—comprising the UK, US, Russia, China, France and Germany—to offer a new round of talks with Iran on the nuclear issue represents an opportunity for Iran to engage seriously with the international community. I call on the Iranian Government to seize this opportunity.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the likely effect of the recent Iranian elections on Iran’s foreign policy. [99672]
Mr Hague: As I said in a statement on 2 March, the day of the Iranian parliamentary elections, it was clear some time before polling day that the elections would not be free and fair. This was an exercise conducted largely among regime hard liners, designed to prevent any radical change of direction in Iranian politics. There has been no improvement in the regime’s current foreign policy; therefore we remain deeply concerned about Iranian intentions in a number of areas of its foreign policy, above all on the nuclear issue, and call on Iran to engage seriously with the international community.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the extent and nature of the Iranian Government’s support for the Government of Syria. [99673]
Mr Hague: Iran’s complicity in the Assad regime’s brutal suppression of the Syrian people is well documented. It includes provision of riot control equipment and technical advice from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on how to quash dissent, as well as support for the Syrian regime’s intelligence-gathering capabilities and help to monitor protestors’ use of the internet and mobile phones. We have made it clear that such support is unacceptable and must stop. It is in stark contrast to the will of the Syrian people and a reminder of Iran’s blatant hypocrisy in claiming to support freedom in the Arab world.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on military action to prevent Iran (a) possessing a nuclear weapon and (b) developing the capacity to develop a nuclear weapon. [99674]
Mr Hague: As I outlined to the House on 20 February 2012, Official Report, column 651, we are not calling for, or advocating, military action against Iran. We want a negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, which we are trying to achieve through a combination of pressure, in the form of robust sanctions, and engagement led by E3+3 (made up of the UK, US, Frances, Germany, China and Russia). However, we have also made it clear that all options should be kept on the table.
Mr Douglas Alexander:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on sanctions against Iran;
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what reports he has received on the effect of sanctions on the Government of Iran's capacity to develop a nuclear weapon; and whether he plans to change his policy on sanctions. [99738]
Mr Hague: The Government wish to see a negotiated diplomatic settlement to the Iranian nuclear issue by which Iran gives the world confidence that it is not developing, and will not develop, nuclear weapons. The Government's strategy to achieve this has two elements: first, diplomacy and engagement with Iran; and secondly, pressure on Iran in the form of peaceful and legitimate sanctions.
Sanctions are designed to show the Iranian Government that there is a considerable price attached to their current policies and to urge them to change course. The sanctions have a practical impact, slowing Iran's progress towards a nuclear weapons capability.
Sanctions are a means to an end, not an end in themselves. The goal is a return to negotiations that addresses all the issues of concern about Iran's nuclear programme and the successful conclusion of those negotiations.
Iraq
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Prime Minister of Iraq on the arrest warrant for Tariq al-Hashimi. [99704]
Mr Hague: I have had no discussions with the Prime Minister of Iraq on the subject of the arrest warrant or allegations made against Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi. We are not able to comment on the substance of the allegations which are properly for the Iraqi courts to address. Our expectation, and that of our EU and international colleagues, is that any judicial process must be transparent and be in accordance with Iraqi law and the Constitution.
We remain concerned about the fragile security situation in Iraq and note with sadness recent terrorist attacks in that country. The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), condemned the attacks on Shia pilgrims in January and the more recent attacks on Iraqi security forces. We look to Iraq's political leaders to ensure the political process delivers real improvements in security for all of Iraq's people, and to bring the perpetrators of terrorist attacks to justice.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on Iraq's judicial panel accusations against Tariq al-Hashimi on attacks on security officials and Shia pilgrims. [99705]
Mr Hague: I have had no discussions with the Prime Minister of Iraq on the subject of the arrest warrant or allegations made against Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi. We are not able to comment on the substance of the allegations which are properly for the Iraqi courts to address. Our expectation, and that of our EU and international colleagues, is that any judicial process must be transparent and be in accordance with Iraqi law and the Constitution.
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Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the (a) political situation in Iraq and (b) likelihood of continuing conflict between Shia and Sunni political groups. [99706]
Mr Hague: We remain concerned about the political situation in Iraq, against the background of allegations of involvement in terrorism against Vice President Tareq Al-Hashimi and tensions between Prime Minister Al-Maliki and Deputy Prime Minister Saleh Al-Mutlaq. We support the aims of the initiative by President Talabani to convene a dialogue among all blocs to resolve their political differences. We welcome the return to government and parliament by members of the Iraqiyya bloc, and urge political leaders representing all Iraq's communities to unite to deliver solutions to the many urgent and pressing issues faced by all Iraqis.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of the withdrawal of US troops in December on levels of violence in Iraq. [99707]
Mr Hague: It is difficult to say what the overall impact of US military withdrawal will be on the security situation in Iraq. Iraq continues to experience high levels of violence; most recently 22 co-ordinated bomb attacks on 23 February. The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), condemned the attacks, calling on Iraq's political leaders to unite to ensure political progress delivers real improvements in security for all of Iraq's people, and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Recent political unrest may also be linked to heightened divisions across Iraq in recent months. We also continue to support the Iraqi Government in its tight against terrorism, including through the training of Iraqi police and security forces, and strengthening the rule of law.
Israel
Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the number of nuclear weapons possessed by Israel. [100539]
Alistair Burt: We have regular discussions with the Government of Israel on a wide range of nuclear-related issues. Israel has not declared a nuclear weapons programme. We consistently encourage Israel, as a non-signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), to sign up to the NPT and call on them to agree a full scope Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Libya
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether all international and bilateral British sanctions against (a) Libya and (b) Libyan state institutions have been lifted. [99606]
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Mr Hague: The UN and EU implemented sanctions establishing an arms embargo as well as an asset freeze and travel ban on a number of entities and individuals during the Libya conflict.
The UN has amended the arms embargo to allow support to the new Libyan Government. The UK led the way in working with the Libyan authorities to determine which key Libyan state institutions to remove from sanctions, most notably the Central Bank of Libya, which was delisted by the UN Sanctions Committee in December 2011. At present some Libyan entities remain subject to EU and UN sanctions. Travel bans also remain in force against certain members of the Gaddafi regime at Libya's request.
The UK will continue to be guided by the Libyan authorities in lifting remaining sanctions.
There are no bilateral British sanctions in place against either Libya or any Libyan state institutions.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the likely (a) motives and (b) perpetrators of attacks on graves in the Benghazi British Military Cemetery and Benghazi War Cemetery. [99683]
Mr Hague: These attacks appear to have been carried out by extremist individuals whose motives are unknown. Other religious sites have also been attacked, including Islamic sites. The Libyan Transitional Government, religious leaders and members of the public have all condemned the attacks and called for prosecutions of those responsible. Public demonstrations against the attacks have been taken place in Benghazi and Tripoli.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission on restoring graves in the Benghazi British Military Cemetery and Benghazi War Cemetery. [99684]
Mr Hague: Our ambassador in Tripoli discussed the attacks with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) as soon as we were made aware of the damage. Officials in Libya and the UK have remained in close contact with CWGC and are offering all possible assistance. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has confirmed that restoring the damaged headstones to their original state is a top priority and it will begin work on this as soon as possible. In the interim, temporary grave markers will be placed on the damaged graves and the cemeteries will be tidied. We are working with the Commission to put together a full list of all the graves which have been damaged. A member of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's staff from the UK will travel to Libya to make a formal inspection and begin the process of restoring the graves.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the authorities in Libya on attacks on graves in the Benghazi British Military Cemetery and Benghazi War Cemetery. [99685]
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Mr Hague: British embassy officials immediately visited the sites on 25 February and raised this issue with the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Benghazi Chief of Police, making clear our concern, and the need to provide security to the sites and conduct thorough investigations into the attacks. I discussed this with the Libyan Foreign Minister in New York on 12 March. Our ambassador also raised our concerns with the Deputy Foreign Minister, the Minister of Interior and the offices of National Transitional Council Chairman Abdul Jalil and Prime Minister al-Kib. In response to these incidents, Foreign Minister Khayyal and Chairman Abdul-Jalil made statements condemning the attacks, and the Transitional Government published a statement on 28 February, describing the damage as
“unethical, irresponsible and criminal”
and making it clear that the Libyan Government
“severely denounces such shameful acts and vows to find and prosecute the perpetrators according to Libyan Law”.
The Libyan authorities have instructed the police to make regular patrols and station police outside the cemeteries to ensure no further attacks occur. We will continue to reiterate to the Libyan authorities the importance of a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many civilians were killed during the conflict in Libya in 2011. [99686]
Mr Hague: The Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) estimated in September 2011 that up to 30,000 people, including both civilians and armed combatants, may have been killed in the conflict as a result of the actions of the Gaddafi regime. However there has been no independent verification of this figure or systematic assessment of the number of civilian casualties during the conflict.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the progress made by the Libyan Transitional National Council on (a) protecting the rights of women in Libya and (b) passing laws to provide a legal basis for such protection. [99687]
Mr Hague: The National Transitional Council (NTC) has confirmed its commitment to the protection of the rights of women in its Draft Constitutional Declaration in which it states: “All Libyans are equal before the law...and are not discriminated against because of... gender”. NTC Chairman Abdul-Jalil and Prime Minister al-Kib attended the first Women's Conference held in Tripoli in November, which was co-funded by the UK. Abdul-Jalil asked those women present to suggest to the NTC any laws they thought violate women's rights and need changing. We expect that further reforms to the legislative framework to ensure discrimination against women is removed will be a central question for the constitutional process which follows elections to the National Congress, scheduled for June 2012.
The inclusion of two female Ministers and three female Deputy Ministers in the Transitional Government are encouraging. The Election Law, which was finalised on 7 February, includes a mechanism which requires
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parties to list their candidates alternately by gender, which should allow for at least 10-15% of seats to go to women.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of recent efforts by the Libyan authorities to bring under control various armed rebel groups operating in Libya. [99688]
Mr Hague: The Libyan Transitional Government (TG) understands fully the importance of bringing armed groups under central control. There are encouraging signs that progress is now being made. The TG has drawn up plans to integrate many of these fighters into the police and Libyan armed forces. A large-scale registration process of militia members began in January with the first salaries paid in February. Disarming and reintegrating all the militia groups in Libya is a considerable challenge for the TG, and much work remains if its plans are to be successfully implemented. We continue to emphasise to the TG the importance of strong cross-government coordination of the reintegration process, a clear long term plan, and the willingness of the UN and of other bilateral partners including the UK to provide support where required.
Mckinsey and Company
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department paid to McKinsey and Company in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if he will make a statement. [100579]
Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has made no payments to McKinsey in financial year 2010-11 or 2011-12.
NATO
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's strategic priorities are for the NATO summit in Chicago; and if he will make a statement. [99608]
Mr Hague: The NATO Chicago summit will provide an important marker for NATO progress in implementing the Strategic Concept adopted at the 2010 Lisbon summit. UK strategic priorities include:
agreeing with our NATO allies and partners the shape of long-term partnership activities, in Afghanistan, once the transition of security is complete and combat troops are withdrawn post 2014.
agreement on NATO's ‘Smart Defence’ approach, focusing on more efficient delivery and co-ordination of capabilities over the longer term.
engaging partners, and in particular key operational partners, more effectively, including Arab states.
achievement of interim capability for NATO's territorial Missile Defence mission.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy that the Government's strategic priorities for the NATO summit in Chicago should be debated by the House before the summit starts. [99682]
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Mr Hague: The NATO Chicago summit will take place on 20-21 May. It will provide an important marker for NATO progress in implementing the strategic concept adopted at the 2010 Lisbon summit. The Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Defence and I will be attending.
The Government will keep the House updated on the summit and its outcomes. Hon. and right hon. Members will also have opportunities to raise these issues and question Ministers at oral questions.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many times he has spoken to the NATO Secretary-General in the last six months; and on what dates each such discussion took place. [99696]
Mr Hague: The NATO Secretary-General and I last met at the NATO Foreign Ministerial meeting in Brussels on 7-8 December 2011.
Nigeria
Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his oral statement of 13 March 2012, Official Report, columns 141-3, on the hostage rescue operation (Nigeria), if he will state the time at which the British Ambassador informed the Italian authorities that an operation was underway. [100394]
Alistair Burt: Our ambassador in Italy advised Prime Minister Monti's office at 1030 GMT on 8 March that a hostage rescue operation had been authorised and was imminent.
Procurement
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of contracts issued by (a) his Department and (b) agencies for which he is responsible were rewarded to small and medium-sized enterprises in the latest period for which figures are available. [100375]
Mr Lidington: For the period April to December 2011, 20% of Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) procurement was awarded to businesses that we can classify as small or medium-enterprises (SME). The FCO's agencies do not hold records distinguishing SME suppliers but the FCO works to ensure there is no barrier for SMEs wishing to compete for their contracts.
Russia
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the extent to which the recent presidential elections in Russia were carried out in a manner that was free and fair. [99668]
Mr Hague:
The election monitors deployed by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights provide the most reliable assessment of the conduct of the Russian presidential elections. As I made clear in my
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statement of 6 March 2012, while their preliminary report gave a positive assessment of voting on election day, it identifies problems with counting at some polling stations, unequal campaign conditions, and limitations on voter choice. A Russia with greater political freedoms, including the registration of political parties, freedom of assembly, and freedom of the media is in the interests of Russians and of the wider world. All allegations of electoral violations should now be thoroughly investigated.
Somalia
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many human rights monitors are operating in Somalia; and what plans there are to increase this number. [99710]
Mr Hague: There are currently seven members of staff from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Somalia, attached to the UN Political Office for Somalia. The international community agreed at the London conference to work with the Somali authorities to help them meet their international obligations on human rights and tackle impunity. We would expect that effort to include rigorous human rights monitoring and reporting by the UN, alongside technical assistance and capacity building.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect Kenyan and Ethiopian troops in Somalia have had on the security situation in that country. [99711]
Mr Hague: Kenyan and Ethiopian troops are deployed in Somalia in support of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG). Military action has provided greater peace and stability in areas where progress has been made. Suitable governance arrangements now need to be agreed to provide long-term stability. This is important as we approach the end of the transition in August and look for broader representation of Somali society in the political process.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of (a) Kenya and (b) Ethiopia on the nature, role and conduct of troops from that country in Somalia. [99712]
Mr Hague: We have repeatedly raised with both the Kenya and Ethiopia Governments their responsibility to ensure that the nature, role and conduct of their troops are fully compliant with international law. We will continue to do so.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure foreign troops operating in Somalia abide by international law. [99713]
Mr Hague:
We continue to encourage all troops operating in Somalia to comply fully with international law. We have been working with the African Union Mission in Somalia to reduce the risk of civilian casualties, the numbers of which are now falling. We have also
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repeatedly urged the Ethiopian and Kenyan authorities to ensure that their action in Somalia complies with international law and ensures the protection of civilians.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to report on the progress made on delivering the goals agreed at the London conference on Somalia. [99714]
Mr Hague: We are working with international partners to ensure delivery of the agreements made at the London conference. The Istanbul conference in June will provide an opportunity to review progress and agree next steps, particularly ahead of the end of the transition in August.
I will update the House on progress ahead of the summer recess.
Sudan
Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reason the Sudan conference due to be held in March was cancelled. [100782]
Mr Bellingham: The Government of Sudan has informed us that the Istanbul conference has been postponed at their request. We look forward to taking part in the conference when it is re-scheduled.
Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government plans to support a programme of debt relief for Sudan; and if he will ensure that any such economic assistance is accompanied by reform and the protection of human rights. [100783]
Mr Bellingham: Britain has played a leading role in international work towards debt relief for Sudan. But, with other participants in the multilateral debt process, we have been clear that this is subject to political circumstances including progress towards inclusive peace and justice in Darfur and resolution of outstanding issues from the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the bombings of citizens in Darfur and the border with south Sudan; what representations he is making to the Sudanese government; and if he will make a statement. [100784]
Mr Bellingham: We are deeply concerned by reports of bombing, close to and across the border between Sudan and South Sudan. We call for the speedy implementation of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism, which will help to address this issue. We have received no recent reports of bombing in Darfur, but we remain concerned by fighting between Sudanese armed forces and armed rebel groups.
Ministers and officials raise these concerns in all contacts with the Government of Sudan. I did so at the African Union summit in January with Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Ahmed Karti. The Under-Secretary of State for International Development, my hon. Friend the Member for Eddisbury (Mr O'Brien), raised the issue during a visit to Sudan in February. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right
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hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), issued a statement on 2 March regarding the build-up of forces along the border with South Sudan and called for a calming of tensions.
Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the International Criminal Court on the issuing of arrest warrants for President Al Bashir of Sudan. [100785]
Mr Bellingham: Britain strongly supports the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC) including its investigation in Darfur, in line with UNSCR 1593 of 2005. We regularly discuss the outstanding warrants for President Bashir, and the other Sudanese ICC indictees, with the ICC.
Sudan: South Sudan
Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the peace agreement between Sudan and South Sudan; and if he will make a statement. [100786]
Mr Bellingham: We welcome news that the two Governments initialled agreements on citizenship and borders on 13 March, and commend the African Union (AU) High-Level Implementation Panel's role in facilitating the process. We encourage both Presidents to sign these agreements as soon as possible and to build on this momentum to settle all their remaining differences from the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, including on oil and Abyei, and to make full use of the AU High-Level Implementation Panel mediation.
Syria
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support his Department is providing to the Syrian National Council. [99666]
Mr Hague: We are working with a range of opposition groups, including the Syrian National Council.
We continue to encourage Syrian opposition groups to develop a united, peaceful vision for the future of their country. We have also emphasised, for example at the recent Friends of Syria meeting, the importance of an inclusive process that meets the legitimate demands of all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity or religious background.
We do not provide equipment or support for any element of the Syrian opposition which is not in line with EU sanctions and our own export regulations. The practical support that we have offered has concentrated on assisting Syrian human rights activists to record, collate and speak out on human rights violations conducted by the regime, so that the perpetrators can be held to account.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to maintain diplomatic pressure on the government of Syria following the closure of the UK embassy in Damascus. [99675]
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Mr Hague: Although we have withdrawn our staff and suspended embassy operations in Damascus, we continue to maintain diplomatic pressure on the Government of Syria.
We are pressing for action in the Security Council, and working to secure a resolution which calls for impartial, unfettered humanitarian access, a political solution, and an end to the violence.
We have welcomed the appointment of Kofi Annan as the UN/AL Joint Special Envoy. We have offered Mr Annan and his team our full support.
We continue to support the Arab League, which has shown unprecedented leadership on the issue of Syria, and as a member of the Friends of Syria, we are part of a wide group of more than 60 nations calling for an end to violence; increased political and economic pressure on the regime; greater support for the opposition; co-ordinated humanitarian support on the ground; and an end to impunity for crimes against humanity committed by the Syrian regime.
The UK has been at the forefront of delivering 12 rounds of EU sanctions, subjecting a total of 114 individuals and 39 entities to asset freezes and travel bans. These sanctions are targeted against those supporting or benefitting from the regime, and those associated with them. We will continue to work closely with our international partners in considering new ways to increase the economic and political pressure on the Assad regime.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the extent to which countries bordering Syria are upholding sanctions against Syria. [99676]
Mr Hague: We welcome the measures Turkey and the Arab League announced against the Syrian regime on 30 November and 3 December respectively, including travel bans and asset freezes against individuals in the Syrian regime, an arms embargo and suspension of links with the Central Bank of Syria. Arab League measures are non-legally binding and so it is up to individual countries to decide how to implement them. We have lobbied Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan to implement fully the restrictive measures announced by the Arab League.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure the effective implementation of the existing sanctions regime on Syria by (a) its neighbouring and (b) other countries. [99677]
Mr Hague: We welcome the measures Turkey and the Arab League announced against the Syrian regime on 30 November and 3 December respectively, including travel bans and asset freezes against individuals in the Syrian regime, an arms embargo and suspension of links with the Central Bank of Syria. Arab League measures are non-legally binding and so it is up to individual countries to decide how to implement them. We have lobbied Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan to implement fully the restrictive measures announced by the Arab League.
We have additionally lobbied our international partners, including countries outside the region, to take all necessary steps to ensure the effective implementation of sanctions
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announced on the Syrian regime. We want to cut off the flow of funding and arms to the Syrian regime. In light of the EU ban on imports of Syrian oil, we have lobbied international partners not to purchase Syrian oil. We have raised with Russia at ministerial level our deep concerns over the supply of weapons to the Syrian regime by Russia.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the readiness of the Syrian National Council to govern Syria in the event that the Government of Syria ceases to hold power. [99678]
Mr Hague: The UK is intensifying its support to the political opposition including, but not exclusively, the Syrian National Council to help them develop and set out their vision for Syria's future. We are encouraging them to work together under the auspices of the Arab League to deliver a credible plan for an orderly transition to a different type of political system. We want to see an end to the violence and a peaceful transition. Syrian opposition groups are making progress towards delivering a coherent and credible transition strategy that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and wins their support. Burhan Ghalioun made clear at the Friends of Syria meeting in Tunis on 24 February that the SNC was working towards equal rights for all, reaching out to Christians, Kurds and Allawites when he said:
“one country, for one people, celebrating diversity and protecting all interests”.
This is despite the level of repression, intimidation and violence directed against them and their family members by an increasingly desperate Assad regime.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the extent to which the Government of Turkey is upholding sanctions against Syria; and what reports he has received on breaches of the sanctions regime by the Government of Turkey. [99699]
Mr Hague: We welcome the announcement by Turkey of the bilateral measures it has implemented against Syria to increase the economic and political pressure on Assad. We are encouraging our international partners to impose robust and tough restrictive measures on Assad's regime, to increase the economic and political pressure on those individuals responsible for the violence against civilians in Syria. Where there is evidence of sanctions breaches, we raise our concerns and we continue to work closely with our international partners to ensure sanctions are upheld.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to secure a UN Security Council resolution on the humanitarian situation in Syria. [99700]
Mr Hague:
On 12 March I chaired a UNSC debate on the middle east and Arab Spring where I called for urgent, essential Security Council action to stem the bloodshed in Syria, call for an immediate end to the brutal repression and violations of human rights, and demand immediate and unhindered humanitarian access. Discussions are continuing in New York. We believe
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that the UN needs to address the humanitarian imperative, and are working to secure a resolution which calls for impartial, unfettered humanitarian access, and for an end to the violence. The resolution should also voice support for the Kofi Annan's work to lead Arab League/UN facilitation of a Syrian-led political transition.
We continue to look for ways to work with Russia and China to end the violence and bloodshed. Ministers and officials speak regularly to their counterparts in Moscow and Beijing. The Prime Minister discussed Syria on 5 March with President-elect Putin and I discussed action in the UN Security Council with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov on 2 March, urging that the Security Council should speak with one voice on Syria.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of Russia and China's opposition to a UN Security Council resolution on the humanitarian situation in Syria on the likelihood of securing such a resolution. [99701]
Mr Hague: We continue to press for agreement on a Security Council resolution which calls for an end to the violence, condemns the human rights violations, calls for humanitarian access, and supports the UN/Arab League facilitation of a Syrian-led political transition. Our efforts to date have been frustrated by Russia and China. Meanwhile violence continues, and access for the humanitarian agencies, who are ready to deliver vital assistance to those affected, continues to be denied.
We continue to look for ways to work with Russia and China to end the violence and bloodshed. The Prime Minister discussed Syria on 5 March with President-elect Putin and I discussed action in the UN Security Council with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov on 2 March, urging that the Security Council should speak with one voice on Syria.
Discussions are continuing in New York.
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of statements made by the Russian Government on support for terrorism in Syria by Saudi Arabia. [100057]
Mr Lidington: The Government of Saudi Arabia along with other Gulf States has expressed support for the Syrian opposition in light of the escalating violence. Saudi Arabia is playing a constructive role within the international community in seeking a solution to the crisis in Syria. The position of the UK Government is clear with regard to arming the Syrian opposition: we have repeatedly said that we will not provide equipment or support for any element of the Syrian opposition that does not comply with EU sanctions and our own export regulations.
Uganda
David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received on the Invisible Children campaign on Joseph Kony; and if he will make a statement. [100520]
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Mr Bellingham: We have received representations from Members of Parliament and the public about the Invisible Children campaign.
The British Government condemn in the strongest possible terms the atrocities carried out by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). Although much reduced in numbers, it remains an unprincipled and violent threat to civilians and regional security. Britain is a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC), and reminds all states of their obligations to co-operate with the Court: in particular, on the issue of enforcement of the Court's arrest warrant. Those currently fugitive from the ICC, such as Kony, must be reminded that they will face justice.
Britain is an active member of the International Working Group on the LRA, and has the lead in the UN Security Council on LRA matters. We have used these positions to urge the UN missions in the region to co-ordinate better the international response to the LRA. This includes the production of a regional UN LRA strategy and the closer co-ordination of UN and African Union efforts. This has promoted dialogue among Central African states and their international partners on the best way to tackle the LRA, protect populations affected by their actions and bring Kony to justice.
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Prime Minister has received on the arrest of Joseph Kony on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in 2005; and if he will make a statement. [100614]
Mr Bellingham: I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 12 March 2012, Official Report, column 67W.
Yemen
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of the outcome of the presidential elections in Yemen on efforts to tackle al-Qaeda in that country. [99708]
Mr Hague: I am encouraged by President Hadi's commitment to continue the fight against al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), expressed in his inauguration speech on 25 February. In a meeting on 5 March in Yemen with the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), President Hadi affirmed that the removal from Yemen of AQAP was a priority.
The need for robust action against violent extremism is clear following recent events in Yemen, namely the suicide attack in Al-Mukalla and the recent attack on a
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Yemeni army post outside Zinjibar. I am saddened by the heavy loss of life, but confident that the new Government and its armed forces have the will and capability to tackle this threat. The British Government, along with our international partners, remain committed to supporting Yemen to become a stable state, free from the threat of international terrorism.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi of Yemen. [99709]
Mr Hague: I publicly welcomed President Hadi’s inauguration on 25 February. We met during my visit to Yemen in February 2011 and I look forward to providing him and his government with our full support as he seeks to complete transition in Yemen. The Prime Minister wrote to congratulate President Hadi on 2 March.
On 5 March, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), travelled to Yemen and congratulated President Hadi in person on his election. He emphasised the UK’s commitment to assisting Yemen through its transition and our intention to remain a close partner to Yemen. The forthcoming Friends of Yemen ministerial was discussed and its aims to support Yemeni plans for change over the next two years.
Work and Pensions
Average Earnings: Yorkshire and the Humber
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average household income of households with at least one person of working age was in (a) the City of York, (b) York and North Yorkshire and (c) Yorkshire and the Humber in each of the last five years. [99766]
Chris Grayling: We use households below average income data to provide estimates of average household incomes. However, the sample size of this survey is not sufficient to provide estimates for small areas such as the City of York or York and North Yorkshire. Figures for Yorkshire and the Humber are available as a three-year average.
The following table shows the median equivalised disposable household income for households with at least one person of working age for the Yorkshire and the Humber region of England, before and after housing costs for the periods 2005-06 to 2007-08, 2006-07 to 2008-09, and 2007-08 to 2009-10.
| Table 1: Median equivalised disposable weekly household income for households with at least one person of working age for the Yorkshire and the Humber region of England, before and after housing costs for the periods 2005-06 to 2007-08 to 2007- 08 to 2009-10 | |||
| Median equivalised weekly disposable household income for families (£ per week, 2009-10 prices) | |||
| Income Type | 2005- 06 to 2007-08 | 2006-07 to 2008-09 | 2007- 08 to 2009-10 |
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| Notes: 1. These statistics are based on households below average income (HBAI) data sourced from the Family Resources Survey (FRS). This uses disposable household income, adjusted using modified OECD equivalisation factors for household size and composition, as an income measure as a proxy for standard of living. 2. Net disposable incomes have been used to answer the question. This includes earnings from employment and self-employment, state support, income from occupational and private pensions, investment income and other sources. Income tax, payments, national insurance contributions, council tax/domestic rates and some other payments are deducted from incomes. 3. Figures have been presented on a before-housing cost and an after-housing cost basis. For before-housing costs, housing costs are not deducted from income, while for after-housing costs they are. 4. All estimates are based on survey data and are therefore subject to a degree of uncertainty. Small differences should be treated with caution as these will be affected by sampling error and variability in non-response. 5. The reference period for HBAI figures is the financial year. For countries and regions within the UK, three survey years have been combined because single year estimates are not considered to be sufficiently reliable. 6. Weekly incomes are presented in 2009-10 prices and have been rounded to the nearest pound. Source: Households Below Average Income (HBAI), 2005-06 to 2009-10 | |||
Cold Weather Payments
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in (a) Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency and (b) South Lanarkshire received a cold weather payment in (i) 2008, (ii) 2009, (iii) 2010 and (iv) 2011. [99588]
Steve Webb: The weather station associated with the Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency over the past last three years is Bishopton. The number of benefit units we estimate to have had a payment in the area covered by the weather station is in the following table. Note that Bishopton is linked to postcodes in 23 parliamentary constituencies.
| Table 1: Estimated number of benefit units that received at least one cold weather payment for weather stations linked to postcode districts in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency | |
| Weather station Bishopton | |
| Number | |
| Notes: 1. The information provided is Management Information. Our preference is to answer all parliamentary questions using Official/National Statistics but in this case we only have Management Information available. It is not quality assured to the same extent as Official/National Statistics and there are some issues with the data; for example, figures given are estimates. Actuals are not available. Estimates for 2011-12 may be revised after the end of the cold weather payment season, but will still be estimates not actuals. 2. A cold weather payment is made to an eligible customer when the average temperature has been recorded as, or is forecast to be, 0° C or below over seven consecutive days at the weather station linked to the customer's postcode. (When the temperature criterion is met, the weather station is said to trigger.) 3. The Bishopton weather station is linked both to an area within the Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency, and also to an area outside of the constituency. Estimated numbers given are for the weather station as a whole, not for the part of the Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency linked to the weather station. 4. Cold weather payments are made to benefit units. A benefit unit can be a single person or a couple and can include children. 5. Some benefit units received more than one payment in a year. 6. Estimated numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100. Sources: 1. Postcode district to weather station links: Department for Work and Pensions records 2. Records of triggers and estimates of potential qualifiers by weather station: Department for Work and Pensions record | |
We do not hold cold weather payments data by local authority, so do not have data on the number of benefit units we estimate to have had a payment in the South Lanarkshire local authority.
Contracts for Services
Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many proposals for offshoring he has received in relation to his Department's contracted services since May 2010. [100340]
Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has received 175 proposals from its suppliers to offshore some elements of its contracted services since May 2010.
The DWP has a mandatory policy that requires suppliers to seek formal approval from the Department before any contracted work is permitted to be offshored. This formal approvals process requires suppliers to provide evidence that the proposal is financially beneficial for the Department and the taxpayer; and meets stringent security standards, including those set by Cabinet Office and the Government's Communications Electronics Security Group in Cheltenham.
Disability Living Allowance
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many people in Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency are in receipt of disability living allowance; [99541]
(2) how many people in Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency are in receipt of (a) the care component, (b) the mobility component and (c) both components of disability living allowance; [99542]
(3) how many people in Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency are in receipt of the (a) lower, (b) middle and (c) higher rate of the (i) care component and (ii) mobility component of disability living allowance. [99543]
Maria Miller: The information is contained in the following table:
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| Disability living allowance (DLA) recipients by care and mobility award type in Rutherglen and Hamilton West parliamentary constituency: May 2011 | |
| Number | |
| (1) Represents people in receipt of the mobility component and not the care component. (2) Represents claimants in receipt of the care component and not the mobility component. Notes: 1. Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Figures show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and excludes people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital. 3. DLA care and mobility components can be paid together or on their own. 4. These figures are published on the Departments Tabulation Tool at: http://83.244.183.180/100pc/dla/tabtool_dla.html Source: DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate, 100%WPLS. | |
Employment and Support Allowance
Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his policy is on the work-related activity obligations of those in the employment and support allowance work-related activity group; and if he will make a statement. [99481]
Chris Grayling: Employment and support allowance (ESA) claimants who have been assessed as capable of work-related activity are required to undertake certain activities as a condition of continued entitlement to the full amount of allowance payable to them. Attending work-focused interviews enables the claimant to meet with a personal adviser to discuss the support available to help him or her to take steps towards being able to gain employment in the future. Advisers have the flexibility to decide if a work-related activity requirement applies at a particular time or not.
Claimants placed in this group can also be required to do work-related activity where this is appropriate to their personal circumstances. Work-related activity does not include applying for or doing a job or undergoing medical treatment. Work-related activity encompasses work preparation measures such as attending a training course or updating the claimant's CV.
Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what savings to the public purse have been achieved from the reform of the employment and support allowance since May 2010; and what savings are projected in each of the next five years. [99483]
Chris Grayling: Over the period of interest, the main changes to employment and support allowance (ESA), which were enacted with the Welfare Reform Act 2012, are:
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1. time-limiting contributory ESA for those in the work-related activity group; and
2. abolition of the ESA ‘youth’ provisions.
Latest information on projected savings for these measures is published on the HM Treasury website within tables 2.1 and 2.2 of the Budget 2011 documents.
The website can be accessed at:
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/2011budget_documents.htm
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many people in (a) Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency and (b) South Lanarkshire are in receipt of employment and support allowance; [99538]
(2) how many people in (a) Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency, (b) South Lanarkshire and (c) Scotland are in the employment and support allowance (i) support group and (ii) work-related activity group. [99540]
Chris Grayling: The information requested as at May 2011 is provided in the following table :
| Phase of ESA claim | |||
| All ESA recipients | Work related activity group | Support group | |
| Note: The data are also published on the Department's website at: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=tabtool | |||
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in (a) Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency, (b) South Lanarkshire and (c) Scotland will no longer receive contributory employment and support allowance from 1 May 2012 as a result of changes proposed in the Welfare Reform Bill. [99539]
Chris Grayling: Estimates of the number affected by time-limiting contributory employment and support allowance (ESA) for those in the work-related activity group have been made at a Great Britain level and breakdowns for particular groups or geographical areas are not available.
Employment Schemes
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in how many cases benefit sanctions were applied to benefit claimants relating to their conduct while participating in the work experience programme in (a) the UK, (b) Lambeth local authority and (c) Streatham constituency. [99494]
Chris Grayling: Work experience offers young unemployed people between the ages of 18 and 24 years the opportunity to develop work-related disciplines with host employers as a way of helping them into sustained work.
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The following jobseeker's allowance sanctions were applied to benefit claimants for failing to participate in work experience from January 2011 to October 2011 (this includes any sanctions applied to benefit claimants relating to their conduct while participating in work experience):
(a) 220 in Great Britain;
(b) fewer than five in Lambeth local authority; and
(c) fewer than five in Streatham constituency.
From January 2011 to November 2011, 34,200 people started a work placement. On 29 February 2012, the Government announced that sanctions would no longer apply except where the work experience participant was asked to leave by the host employer for reasons of gross misconduct, such as stealing or racial abuse.
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what (a) proportion and (b) number of those aged 18 to 24 who have participated in the Government’s Work Experience Programme have arranged their placements themselves; and what proportion of placements have been arranged through Jobcentre Plus in (i) the UK, (ii) Lambeth local authority and (iii) Streatham constituency. [99497]
Chris Grayling: The Department does not collect the information requested.
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what proportion of those required to undertake mandatory work activity have done so in (a) small and medium-sized enterprises and (b) other businesses in (i) the UK, (ii) Lambeth local authority and (iii) Streatham constituency; [99499]
(2) what proportion of those required to undertake mandatory work activity have done so with employers in (a) the retail sector, (b) STEM-related industries and (c) the creative industries in (i) the UK, (ii) Lambeth local authority and (iii) Streatham constituency. [99500]
Chris Grayling: The Department does not collect the information requested.
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what number of those required to undertake mandatory work activity since May 2011 (a) have since entered employment and (b) are no longer claiming jobseeker's allowance in (i) the UK, (ii) Lambeth Local Authority and (iii) Streatham constituency. [99503]
Chris Grayling: The information requested is not available.
I have asked statisticians in the Department to look at publishing data for the Mandatory Work Activity scheme on those who leave benefits.
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what number of those who have participated in the work experience programme (a) have since entered employment and (b) are no longer claiming jobseeker's allowance in (i) the UK, (ii) Lambeth local authority and (iii) Streatham constituency. [99504]
Chris Grayling: The information requested is not available.
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Statistics on work experience participant outcomes were published on 9 November 2011. These showed that 51% of the first 1,300 people who started in the programme in Great Britain in January-March 2011 were not in receipt of benefit 13 weeks later. At this stage the cohort is too small to be broken down by geographical area.
I have asked statisticians in the Department to look at publishing further data for the work experience scheme on those who leave benefits.
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what (a) proportion and (b) number of those who have been required to undertake mandatory work activity have since gained employment with the organisations with which they undertook work experience in (i) the UK, (ii) Lambeth local authority and (iii) Streatham constituency. [99508]
Chris Grayling: The Department does not collect the information requested.
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of those who have re-entered the workplace following a period claiming jobseeker's allowance have found employment with employers in (a) the retail sector, (b) science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related industries and (c) the creative industries (i) from 16 May 2011 to date and (ii) in the 12 months preceding 16 May 2011 in (A) the UK, (B) Lambeth Local Authority and (C) Streatham constituency. [99509]
Chris Grayling: This information is not available. The Department for Work and Pensions does not systematically record job outcomes.
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of those who have re-entered the workplace following a period claiming jobseeker's allowance have found employment (a) with small and medium-sized enterprises and (b) other businesses (i) from 16 May 2011 to date and (ii) in the 12 months preceding 16 May 2011 in (A) the UK, (B) Lambeth local authority and (C) Streatham constituency. [99510]
Chris Grayling: The information requested is not available. The Department for Work and Pensions does not systematically record job outcomes.
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what proportion of those aged 18 to 24 who have re-entered the workplace following a period claiming jobseeker's allowance have found employment with employers in (a) the retail sector, (b) STEM-related industries and (c) the creative industries (i) from April 2011 to date and (ii) in the 12 months preceding April 2011 in (A) the UK, (B) Lambeth local authority and (C) Streatham constituency; [99512]
(2) what proportion of those who have re-entered the workplace following a period claiming jobseeker's allowance have found employment in the (a) voluntary sector and (b) private sector (i) from 16 May 2011 to date and (ii) in the 12 months preceding 16 May 2011 in (A) the UK, (B) Lambeth local authority and (C) Streatham constituency. [99511]
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Chris Grayling: The information requested is not available. The Department for Work and Pensions does not systematically record job outcomes.
Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will publish guidance allowing Work programme providers to publish performance data. [100336]
Chris Grayling: The Department is following guidance issued by the national statistician in order to comply with the code of practice for official statistics and to protect the integrity and accuracy of data; as such, we aim to publish official statistics on outcomes from autumn 2012.
However, we propose to allow providers to publish data that do not compromise the official statistics and aim to issue guidance to providers by the end of April.
Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will consider removing gagging clauses from subcontracts under the Work Programme; and if he will consider removing clauses which gag providers which have left the Programme. [100337]
Chris Grayling: There are standard clauses in all Work programme contracts designed to maintain commercial confidentiality and the reputation of the programme. These clauses form part of the terms and conditions which apply to both primes and their sub- contractors.
Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the reasons why no referrals to the Work Programme have been made by (a) Kidderminster Bull Ring, (b) Mansfield Stockwell Gate, (c) Nottingham Watercourt, (d) Stockport Millennium House, (e) Aberdeen Chapel and (f) Shawlands Jobcentre Plus offices. [100338]
Chris Grayling: Due to the recent estates rationalisation the majority of the named offices have closed but some are Contact Centres that do not make WP referrals.
(a) Kidderminster was a non-public facing office which has now closed.
(b) Mansfield Stockwell Gate was a limited service office conducting new claim appointments and closed in November 2011.
(c) Nottingham Watercourt was a limited service office conducting new claim appointments which closed to customers in October 2011. Since that date they have dealt with National Insurance Number allocation only.
(d) Stockport Millennium House is a Contact Centre and this is why no Work Programme referrals are made from that site.
(e) Aberdeen Chapel only takes new claims. Aberdeen Ebury House makes WP referrals for Aberdeen.
(f) Shawlands office closed on 2 March 2012. Prior to this Shawlands did not have a live register and did not make referrals to the WP.
Stephen Timms:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the reasons why 50 or fewer referrals have been made to the Work programme by (a) Derby Becket Street, (b) Leicester Eldon Street, (c) Lincoln Crown House, (d) Hunstanton, (e) Mildenhall, (f) Leiston, (g) Berwick upon Tweed, (h) Grimsby Crown House, (i) Blackpool
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South,
(j)
Bacup,
(k)
Clitheroe,
(l)
Blairgowrie,
(m)
Fort William,
(n)
Portree,
(o)
Lerwick,
(p)
Fraserburgh,
(q)
Girvan,
(r)
Bordon,
(s)
Alton,
(t)
Bridport,
(u)
Machynlleth,
(v)
Pwllheli,
(w)
Porthmadog,
(x)
Dolgellau and
(y)
Porthcawl Jobcentre Plus offices. [100339]
Chris Grayling: I have placed the reasons for low referral rates against each Jobcentre in the following list. The majority of sites do not deliver advisory services as these are provided from a centralised location elsewhere within the district. There are also some sites with very small registers that have the expected levels of referrals to the WP and they are confident that they have referred all eligible claimants.
(a) Derby Becket Street houses a centralised JSA lone parent adviser team which serves Derby city. Since 12 February they have taken on JSA Lone Parents claimants who are eligible and have started making appropriate referrals to the Work programme. Since February there have been approximately 10 referrals.
(b) Leicester Eldon Street—all eligible claimants have been referred to the WP.
(c) Lincoln Crown House offers an advisory service to ESA claimants and the mandatory caseload is small. Referrals are within levels expected.
(d) Hunstanton—a small flexible delivery site with a live JSA register of 220 and their referrals to Work programme are recorded against Kings Lynn which is their parent office.
(e) Mildenhall—a small office with a live JSA register of 314 and have made 25 referrals to Work programme since January.
(f) Leiston—a small office with a live JSA register of 243 and have made 33 referrals to Work programme since January.
(g) Berwick upon Tweed—since August 2011 there have been 86 referrals to the Work programme from Berwick. Referral rates are in keeping with the buoyant labour market position for the area reflected in the JSA off-flow figures.
(h) Grimsby Crown House—this is not a Jobcentre but a contact centre and would not make referrals to the WP.
(i) Blackpool South only takes new claims; all follow-up interviews/referrals to Work programme are made by the sister office in Blackpool North JCP.
(j) Bacup only carries out fortnightly job search interviews. All adviser interviews and Work programme referrals are all made at Rawtenstall JCP.
(k) Clitheroe—There are only 40 eligible claimants on the register currently made up of 15 18 to 24-year-olds (six month+ u/e) and 25 over 25-year-olds claiming for over 52 weeks. This is a small office with a register of just over 300. At the last count 58 referrals have been made—JSA referrals only as ESA referrals are dealt with at another office.
(l) Blairgowrie, (m) Fort William, (n) Portree, (o) Lerwick, (p) Fraserburgh, (q) Girvan—Work programme referrals are low for these offices as they have low claimant counts and customers move into work prior to being referred to, or becoming eligible for the Work programme. Both Fraserburgh and Lerwick have buoyant labour markets and high levels of customers moving off benefit before they reach the Work programme stage—currently a high percentage have gone off benefit within 52 weeks. All customers are referred at the first opportunity as they become eligible. There are no backlogs of Work programme referrals in Girvan, Blairgowrie, Fort William, Portree, Lerwick or Fraserburgh.
(r) Bordon, (s) Alton (very small offices) have both referred to the Work programme but their performance is brigaded with that of Petersfield Jobcentre. The three sites are effectively run as one office.
(t) Bridport is a part-time office with a small register of 132 claimants with only five WP eligible claimants.
(u) Machynlleth—all eligible claimants have been referred—a small register of 152 and 39 have been referred to WP.
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(v) Pwllheli referred 64 claimants to WP from a small register of 307.
(w) Porthmadog referred 86 claimants to WP from a small register of 389.
(x) Dolgellau have referred 77 claimants to WP from a small register of 332.
(y) Porthcawl have referred 85 to WP from a small register of 360 claimants.
Housing
Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made on the impact of the provisions of the Welfare Reform Bill on tenants who live in areas with a low supply of smaller living units for them to move into. [99119]
Steve Webb: It is not possible to predict with any accuracy how claimants might respond to the introduction of size criteria into the social rented sector. Some will not wish to move but make up the shortfall in rent through other means, such as moving into work, increasing working hours, taking in a lodger or using savings. Claimants facing a rent shortfall can also be considered for extra help through discretionary housing payments. We are increasing the discretionary housing payment fund by a further £30 million a year to specifically assist those in adapted properties and foster carers but the fund can also support others in vulnerable circumstances to remain in their home.
Housing Benefit
Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the potential risk of private landlords of one-bedroom houses using the provisions of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 to increase rental prices for such properties. [98848]
Steve Webb: It is absolutely essential that the Government take urgent steps to manage housing benefit expenditure, which left unreformed would have cost £26 billion per year by 2014-15. The housing benefit reforms announced in the emergency Budget and spending review will, by 2014-15, result in annual savings of more than £2 billion. Some of these measures, aimed at making longer term changes, have been taken forward in the Welfare Reform Act 2012.
The measures are intended to exert downward pressure on private sector rents. To support this drive, the Government are temporarily widening local authority discretion to pay housing benefit direct to the landlord if it would help the claimant secure or retain a tenancy at a reduced rent.
Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many households that were in receipt of local housing allowance prior to April 2011 lost transitional protection before the full nine months transitional protection had expired due to a change of circumstances; and in how many cases the change of circumstances was triggered by (a) moving house and (b) a fall in their household size. [100764]
Steve Webb:
This information is not available at this time. The Department has commissioned a consortium of academics and research organisations led by Ian
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Cole, professor of housing studies at Sheffield Hallam University, to undertake an independent review of the impact of the housing benefit measures introduced last year. The work will include the effects of the measures on claimants.
The Department of Communities and Local Government, the Scottish Government and Welsh Assembly Government are working in close partnership with the DWP and contributing to the costs of the review.
Incapacity Benefit
Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the caseload was for incapacity benefit claimants for each year since the introduction of that benefit. [99517]
Chris Grayling: The information requested is shown in the following table.
| Incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance claimants in Great Britain, May 1995 to May 2011 | |
| As at May each year | Case load |
| Notes: 1. 100% figures May 2000 to May 2011 are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Figures for 1995 to 1999 have been derived by applying 5% proportions to 100% WPLS totals and rounding to the nearest 100. 3. Incapacity benefit (IB) replaced sickness benefit and invalidity benefit from 13 April 1995. 4. Incapacity benefit was replaced by employment and support allowance (ESA) for new claims from 27 October 2008. 5. Incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance ‘claimants’ include people in receipt of benefit and also those who fail the contributions conditions but receive a national insurance credit, i.e. ‘credits only cases’. 6. Figures do not include ESA claimants. 7. Data are published at: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=tabtool Source: DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study (WPLS) 5% and 100% data. | |
Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the cost to the public purse in real terms was of incapacity benefit in each year since its introduction. [99518]
Chris Grayling: The information is shown in the following table.
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| £ million | ||||||
| Nominal | 2011-12 prices | |||||
| Working age | Pensioners | Total | Working age | Pensioners | Total | |
| Notes: 1. Figures include expenditure on sickness benefit and invalidity benefit, the predecessors to incapacity benefit, in 1995-96 only. 2. Figures include both the basic and the earnings-related elements of incapacity benefit. 3. Incapacity benefit was replaced by employment and support allowance for new claims from October 2008. Source: DWP statistical and accounting data. | ||||||
This information has been published at:
http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/autumn_2011.xls
A copy of these tables has also been placed in the Library.
Further benefit expenditure and case load information can be found on the Department for Work and Pensions website at:
http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/index.php? page=medium_term
Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what (a) weekly and (b) monthly targets his Department has set for the migration of incapacity benefit claimants onto (i) employment and support allowance and (ii) jobseeker's allowance. [99520]
Chris Grayling: There are no targets for how many customers move onto which benefit as a result of IB reassessment (IBR).
Industrial Health and Safety
Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many workplace inspections were conducted by the Health and Safety Executive in each of the last 10 years. [99889]
Chris Grayling: This information is not available in the form requested for the last 10 work years up to 2010-11 without disproportionate cost.
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the measures proposed in the Health and Safety (Amendment) Bill. [100396]
Chris Grayling: The proposal that health and safety inspectors should be given the power to freeze a company’s assets could help to ensure that any fine subsequently issued by a court could be paid, even if the company were to go into liquidation or administration.
Processes such as entering administration are provided for in existing company law, and the consequences of doing so affect other areas of regulation, not just health and safety.
I have therefore asked HSE officials to make contact with the hon. Member’s office to explore how the concerns underpinning the Bill may be most effectively addressed.
Job Creation: Greater London
Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many new jobs were created in each parliamentary constituency in London in the latest period for which figures are available. [101151]
Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Cabinet Office.
The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2012:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question how many new jobs were created in each parliamentary constituency in London in the latest period for which figures are available. (101151)
Estimates of new jobs created are not available. Whilst information is available for net changes in level, it is inappropriate. Net changes in level partially reflects jobs lost, partially reflects people who have been recruited into existing jobs that were vacant and consequently does not give any useful information regarding the actual level of new job creation.
Jobseeker's Allowance
Mr Umunna:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what proportion of those aged 18 to 24 who have re-entered the workplace following a period claiming jobseeker's allowance have found employment
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(a)
with small and medium-sized enterprises and
(b)
other business during the period (i) from 16 May 2011 to date and (ii) in the 12 months preceding April 2011 in (1) the UK, (2) Lambeth local authority and (3) Streatham constituency; [99492]
(2) what proportion of those aged 18 to 24 who have re-entered the workplace following a period claiming jobseeker's allowance have found jobs in the (a) voluntary sector and (b) private sector (i) from April 2011 to date and (ii) in the 12 months preceding April 2011 in (1) the UK, (2) Lambeth local authority and (3) Streatham constituency. [99493]
Chris Grayling: The Department does not collect the information requested.
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) claimants and (b) claimants aged 18 to 24 of jobseeker's allowance were required to undertake mandatory work activity in (i) the UK and (ii) Lambeth local authority from 16 May 2011 to date. [99498]
Chris Grayling: From 16 May 2011 up to and including November 2011, the number of referrals to mandatory work activity in Great Britain was 24,010 and, of these, 9,950 were aged 18 to 24. In Lambeth local authority there were 230 referrals of which 50 were aged 18 to 24.
Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many claims for jobseeker's allowance which commenced in each of the last 10 years are still continuing; and how many claims which have finished had a duration of between (a) one and two years, (b) two and three years, (c) three and four years, (d) four and five years and (e) over five years. [100766]
Chris Grayling: The information is not routinely collected at the level of detail requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Jobseeker's Allowance: Employment Schemes
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many jobseeker's allowance claimants aged 18 to 24 have participated in the Government’s work experience programme in (a) the UK, (b) Lambeth local authority and (c) Streatham constituency. [99385]
Chris Grayling: From January 2011 up to and including November 2011, the number of starts aged 18 to 24 in the work experience programme in Great Britain was 31,540. Of these 31,540, 130 were from Lambeth local authority and 50 from Streatham constituency.
Pensions
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many people in Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency are in receipt of pension credit; and how many receive the (a) single rate and (b) couples rate of that credit; [99586]
(2) how many people in Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency are in receipt of the (a) guarantee credit and (b) savings credit element of pension credit; and how many are in receipt of both elements. [99587]
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Steve Webb: The information requested is in the following tables:
| Household recipients of pension credit in Rutherglen and Hamilton West parliamentary constituency | |
| Number | |
| Number of recipients by type of pension credit | |
| Number | |
| Notes: 1. Case load figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Household recipients are those people who claim pension credit either for themselves or on behalf of themselves and a partner. 3. These figures are published on the Department’s Tabulation Tool at: http://83.244.183.180/100pc/dla/tabtool_dla.html 4. Figures provided are as at August 2011. Source: DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate 100% Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study. | |
Procurement
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of contracts issued by (a) his Department and (b) agencies for which he is responsible were awarded to small and medium-sized enterprises in the latest period for which figures are available. [100363]
Chris Grayling: For the period 1 November 2010 to 29 February 2012, DWP and its agencies awarded 27% of all single-supplier contracts to SME businesses.
Remploy: Coventry
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 7 March 2012, Official Report, column 970, on employment support, when he plans to meet hon. Members representing constituencies in Coventry at the Coventry Remploy plant. [100393]
Maria Miller: Following the Government’s announcement, I have held two briefing meetings with MPs on 14 and 19 March to discuss the Government’s announcement effecting Remploy.
I will ask my diary manager to contact the hon. Gentleman’s office to arrange a mutually convenient date and time for a meeting. If he wishes to arrange for other hon. Members who represent constituents working at the Coventry Remploy factory to attend, I will be happy to meet them also.
Remploy: Wales
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what discussions he has had with Ministers in the Welsh Government prior to the written statement on Remploy of 7 March 2012. [99872]
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Maria Miller: The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Mr Duncan Smith), spoke with the First Minister of Wales on the morning of 7 March 2012 before the written ministerial statement on employment support was laid.
I also spoke with Leighton Andrews, Minister for Children, Education and Lifelong Learning in the Welsh Government on the morning of 7 March 2012 before the written ministerial statement on employment support was laid.
I spoke with Leighton Andrews on 22 February 2012 to give him the opportunity to express his concerns about a potential announcement in response to the Sayce review.
Additionally I wrote to Leighton Andrews in November 2011 providing an update on the Inter Ministerial Group on Disability Employment.
Social Security Benefits
Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of variations in the level of expenditure and costs of people in receipt of benefits in each month. [98051]
Chris Grayling: Benefit rates are designed to cover essential living needs only, and the rate of benefit is a decision made by Parliament. Benefits are usually increased in line with the consumer prices index, which measures the changing cost of a basket of goods consumed by a typical household.
Some people may be eligible for additional help, for example, to meet costs associated with disability or caring. There are also payments available to people in particular circumstances via the social fund, including seasonal payments to help with fuel costs via the cold weather payment scheme. Pensioners are also entitled to winter fuel payments.
We have not made an assessment of how expenditure of benefit recipients changes at different points in the year. With the exception of the specific payments for fuel or other needs mentioned above, the Government believe it is for benefit recipients to make the appropriate financial decisions around budgeting to cover their living costs.