Taxis
Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much his Department spent on taxis for (a) Ministers and (b) civil servants between August 2011 and January 2012. [101416]
Norman Lamb: The core Department has significantly reduced expenditure on taxis over the last two financial years and total staff expenditure on taxis has fallen from £38,058 between August 2009 and January 2010 to £26,249 between August 2011 and January 2012. In the same period ministerial expenditure on taxis has fallen from £11,477 to £2,939—a reduction of nearly 75%.
BIS has taken strong action to tighten controls on business travel policy, reduce expenditure on travel and encourages the use of the most cost-effective modes of transport. Staff are only allowed to use taxis in exceptional circumstances, for example when public transport is not available, or when the line manager agrees that taking a taxi will help keep a staff member safe when overseas or during unsocial hours, or where sharing the use of a taxi with other colleagues is more cost-effective.
Trading Standards: Scotland
Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what mechanisms he has established to (a) exchange information on infringements of trading standards regulations and (b) co-ordinate cross-border enforcement action between the National Trading Standards Board and trading standards offices in Scotland. [103565]
Norman Lamb:
Following the Government's decision to establish a National Trading Standards Board (NTSB) for England and Wales, we welcome the proposal from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) to co-ordinate enforcement in Scotland. There will be Scottish attendance at NTSB meetings to ensure effective
23 Apr 2012 : Column 747W
cross-border co-operation and exchange of intelligence and information. COSLA has set up a task group to look at how best to deliver the landscape changes in Scotland in both the short and long term.
On 11 April, the Government published their response to the consultation on Empowering and Protecting Consumers, which set out the NTSB's responsibility for prioritising national and cross-local authority boundary enforcement in England and Wales, including:
an integrated national intelligence system;
the co-ordination of Trading Standards enforcement activity across local authority boundaries and nationally including management of enforcement databases; and
the analysis of intelligence and setting of priorities for cross-boundary enforcement.
Funding has been made available for similar activity in Scotland.
UK Trade and Industry Defence and Security Organisation: Human Rights
Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what human rights due diligence processes the (a) Export Control Organisation and (b) UK Trade and Industry Defence and Security Organisation (i) has in place and (ii) plans to implement. [103342]
Mr Prisk: All export licence applications for military equipment are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Export Control Organisation (ECO) within the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, which require the Government to assess the recipient country's attitude towards relevant principles established by international human rights instruments. The Government will not issue an export licence if there is a clear risk that the proposed export might be used for internal repression.
The UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation (UKTI DSO) maintains close dialogue with the rest of Government to ensure it is aware of nations of concern, including those where human rights considerations may apply. DSO also keeps Government informed about changes in export control regulation and reminds companies about the requirement for export licences under the Export Control Act 2002. UKTI DSO is entirely separate from the ECO, and DSO is not involved in assessing export licence applications.
Vodafone Group
Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) how many contracts Vodafone has been awarded by his Department in the last 12 months; [103186]
(2) what contracts his Department has with Vodafone. [103187]
Norman Lamb: The Core Department has let only one contract with Vodafone. This was let in June 2011 via the GPS Agreement called Mobile Solutions II Catalogue Central Government Proposition and will run for four years.
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International Development
Burma
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment his Department has made of the human rights and working conditions of workers in Burma; and what steps he is taking to persuade the Burmese Government to allow workers to form trades unions. [104110]
Mr Duncan: In recent months there has been progress made with regards to labour rights in Burma, such as the Labour Organisations Bill that came into force on 9 March which allows the free formation of workers organisations. However, the human rights and working conditions of workers in Burma, particularly the use of forced labour, remains a serious concern.
Department for International Development and Foreign Office officials are in close contact with international and civil society organisations, including the International Labour Organisation and Trades Union Congress, and local bodies on these important issues.
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking to persuade the Burmese Government to release political prisoners. [104111]
Mr Duncan: During their recent visits to Burma my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and the Secretary of State for International Development have all pressed President Thein Sein, and other senior Ministers, for the release of all political prisoners. UK officials also regularly raise the issue of political prisoners with the Burmese authorities.
Developing Countries: Biofuels
Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the Government's policies on biofuels and the effects on developing countries. [103860]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: There are frequent discussions on these matters between our two Departments.
Legal Costs
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department spent on fees for legal work in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if he will make a statement. [104574]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development spending on legal work was £754,563 in 2010-11 and £985,375 in 2011-12.
Nike Girl Hub
Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the findings of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact report on the Nike Girl Hub joint initiative with his Department. [104648]
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Mr Andrew Mitchell: I welcome the Independent Commission for Aid Impact report on the Girl Hub. The report acknowledged the significant and effective contribution to the Girl Hub. We have looked carefully at its findings and recommendations and we are working closely with the Girl Hub to improve management processes.
Department for International Development's response to the report was published on 16 April 2012, viewable at:
http://www.dfid.gov.uk/What-we-do/How-UK-aid-is-spent/Evaluation
Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the child protection policy introduced at the Nike Girl Hub compared to UK standards of child protection provision. [104656]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Girl Hub has a child protection policy informed by global best practice that is intended to safeguard children and protect its staff from false allegation of improper conduct.
Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he has taken to ensure that the Nike Girl Hub puts in place adequate anti-corruption and anti-bribery policies. [104657]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Girl Hub has in place appropriate policies on anti-bribery, whistle-blowing and conflict of interest, in addition to the UK and US legislation that covers DFID and Nike Foundation employees respectively, e.g. the UK Bribery Act and the US Foreign Corruption Act.
Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what systems are in place to ensure good budgeting and financial monitoring of the Nike Girl Hub project. [104658]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: Robust and comprehensive risk and financial management policies for the Girl Hub are being tightened, as set out in the Department for International Development response to the Independent Commission for Aid Impact report, published on 16 April, viewable at:
http://www.dfid.gov.uk/What-we-do/How-UK-aid-is-spent/Evaluation
Palestinians
Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the cost to the public purse was of UK aid spent on Palestinian schoolteachers; and what proportion of UK aid this figure represents. [105032]
Mr Duncan: In 2010, UK funding represented 1.55% of the Palestinian Authority's recurrent budget. The UK's imputed share of spend on Palestinian schoolteachers for this year (the latest year in which figures are available) was £2.84 million. This represented 0.03% of the UK's overseas aid budget for the same year.
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Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what recent assessment he has made of (a) the mission statement and (b) the composition of the Assessment and Evaluation Centre for Palestinian school textbooks; and if he will make a statement; [105030]
(2) what recent assessment he has made of (a) the mission statement and (b) the composition of the Palestinian teachers workshops evaluating draft textbooks; and if he will make a statement; [105029]
(3) how the syllabus of each school grade and subject is evaluated under the process set out by the Palestinian Curriculum Plan 1998 and implemented by the Palestinian Curriculum Development Centre; [105033]
(4) what recent assessment he has made of (a) the mission statement and (b) the composition of the Palestinian Curriculum Development Centre; and if he will make a statement. [105031]
Mr Duncan: The UK has not made an independent assessment of the mission statement or composition of the Palestinian Curriculum Development Centre, the Assessment and Evaluation Centre for Palestinian school textbooks or of the Palestinian teachers workshops which evaluate draft textbooks. Further details of the process for evaluating Palestinian school textbooks under the Palestinian Curriculum Plan 1998 can be obtained by contacting the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
As DFID has made clear, the UK Government's position is that both Palestinian and Israeli textbooks could do better and include more positive and balanced messages on issues relating to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Having considered the balance of the evidence available, we do not believe that current Palestinian textbooks incite violence or hatred. The US State Department has commissioned a full independent investigation into the content of Palestinian and Israeli school textbooks. This is due to report in 2012 and we will be reviewing their findings and recommendations in detail with our EU counterparts.
Private Sector
Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will take steps to ensure that his Department's private sector team engages with (a) co-operatives and (b) young people. [103345]
Mr O'Brien: The Department for International Development (DFID) works with co-operatives as part of our private sector activities. For example, DFID's Food Retail Industry Challenge Fund (FRICH) works with several co-operatives in African countries to bring more African products on to supermarket shelves in the UK.
DFID understands the importance of the private sector in providing young people with jobs and economic opportunities, and supports a number of innovative interventions to provide education and skills for employment. In Pakistan, the DFID-funded Punjab Skills Development Fund provides vocational training to improve job prospects, encourage entrepreneurship, and up-skill workers in low skill, low wage jobs. DFID is also supporting Nigeria's Youth Enterprise and
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Innovation Programme where young entrepreneurs are given business management training and compete for start-up/expansion grants.
Public Consultation
Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether his Department collects the IP addresses of respondents to its consultations. [104074]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development does not collect the IP addresses of respondents to consultations.
Retirement
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many (a) civil servants and (b) senior civil servants have retired from his Department since May 2010; and if he will make a statement. [104148]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) removed the mandatory retirement age for all home civil servants and senior civil servants on 1 April 2010.
From May 2010 until 31 March 2012, 143 civil servants have resigned from the DFID. Of these, 27 civil servants and three senior civil servants were at or above pension age.
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many staff of his Department retired in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; how many of such staff were taking early retirement in each such year; and if he will make a statement. [104572]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development removed the mandatory retirement age for all staff on 1 April 2010.
In 2010-11, 85 staff resigned, of whom 20 were at or above pension age. In 2011-12, 66 staff resigned, of whom 11 were at or above pension age.
Southern Sudan
Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on steps to restart oil production in South Sudan. [104653]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: I am in continued discussions on this matter with Foreign Office Ministers.
St Helena: Airports
Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) whether (a) he, (b) his officials and (c) his special advisers have had any discussions with Lord Ashcroft on the construction of an airport on St Helena; [104646]
(2) whether the changes to his Department's budget following the October 2011 spending review will affect plans to construct an airport on St Helena. [104649]
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Vacancies
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many job vacancies there were for (a) staff posts and (b) senior Civil Service posts in his Department on 31 March (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012; and if he will make a statement. [104573]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development had job vacancies for the dates requested as detailed in the following table:
| As at 31 March each year | Senior civil service | Below senior civil service |
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Arab Partnership Fund
Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what projects and programmes are being funded under the Arab partnership fund in (a) Mauritania, (b) the Palestinian Territories, (c) Lebanon, (d) Iraq, (e) Kuwait, (f) Qatar, (g) Saudi Arabia, (h) Oman, (i) Bahrain, (j) United Arab Emirates, (k) Yemen and (l) Iran. [103563]
Alistair Burt: The UK has committed £110 million over four years to the Department for International Development (DFID)-Foreign and Commonwealth Office Arab Partnership Fund to support political and economic reform across the middle east and north Africa region. This includes a £70 million Arab Partnership Economic Facility and a £40 million Arab Partnership Participation Fund. Based on our assessment of need, potential for UK added value, and UK Government capacity to deliver, the Arab Partnership Fund focuses in particular on support for Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, Jordan, Algeria, and Syria. However, the fund also operates across the region, including in many of the countries specified where we are funding a range of projects to encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth, political participation, public voice and good governance. In addition, some of the Arab Partnership's regional projects, including a £1 million contribution to a regional anti-corruption project led by Transparency International, cover the specified countries.
(a) Mauritania: To date, the Arab Partnership has not provided funding in Mauritania. However, some projects are being considered, including to support upcoming elections.
(b) The Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs): Complementing DFID's programme and Conflict Pool funding in the OPTs, the Arab Partnership funded a project run by the UK Ministry of Justice to help make provision for community-based penalties in the new Palestinian penal code. Further work is being considered for this financial year.
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(c) Lebanon: The Arab Partnership is funding the ADYAN Foundation to work towards reforming Lebanese education policies in order to promote co-existence and inclusive citizenship.
(d) Iraq: The Arab Partnership has funded two projects to strengthen a free and balanced media, and parliamentary capacity.
Government funding for (k) Yemen is primarily provided through the Conflict Pool and DFID—not the Arab Partnership—although this is being considered as Yemen's transition progresses. Given the political situation in (l) Iran and the closure of the British embassy it has not been possible to undertake Arab Partnership programme work.
The majority of Arab Partnership funding is subject to Official Development Assistance eligibility criteria and thus cannot be spent in the Gulf. Last year, the Arab Partnership had a £50,000 allocation to support partners in the Gulf, which this year has expanded to £250,000.
Arab Partnership funding is primarily demand-driven. This year, no requests for funding were received from partners in (f) Qatar, (g) Saudi Arabia, and (j) United Arab Emirates. The Arab Partnership is supporting activity in other parts of the Gulf.
(e) Kuwait: Arab Partnership funding for a Parliamentary Ethics conference with the Kuwait Transparency Society.
(h) Oman: The Arab Partnership funded a scoping visit undertaken by the Chair of the Bar Council's Human Rights Committee and a Gulf expert from Chatham House to pave the ground for increased activity this year.
(i) Bahrain: The Arab Partnership has funded human rights training of Bahraini senior officials. Further work is underway for projects supporting reform in the Bahraini system.
Mr Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much was spent by his Department's Arab Partnership programme in 2011; how much is planned to be spent in 2012; and in which countries in each case. [104408]
Alistair Burt: The final spend figure for the Department's Arab Partnership Participation Fund in 2011 is expected to be between £5.2 million and £5.3 million. These figures will be finalised once accounts for 2011-12 are complete. Project funds were spent in the following countries: Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Algeria, Iraq, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Lebanon, Oman, Libya, and Bahrain.
For 2012, a total value of £6.74 million has been approved to date. These are in the following countries: Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Algeria, Lebanon, Libya, and Yemen. Further projects will be identified in some of these countries, as well as other middle east and north Africa countries through the course of the year, reaching an expected total value of at least £10 million.
Mr Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many projects are funded by his Department's Arab Partnership Programme; and in which countries. [104409]
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Alistair Burt: In 2011-12, the Department's Arab Partnership Participation Fund (APPF) funded 46 projects. Projects took place in the following countries: Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Algeria, Iraq, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Lebanon, Oman, Libya, and Bahrain. A list of these projects can be found on the FCO's website:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/resources/en/pdf/global-issues/mena/uk-arab-partnership-project-list
For 2012-13, 41 projects with a total value of £6.74 million have been approved to date. These are in the following countries: Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, Lebanon, Morocco, Jordan and Yemen. Further projects will be identified in some of these countries, as well as other middle east and north Africa countries through the course of the year, raising our expected spend to at least £10 million.
Argentina
Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to ensure the safety of British embassy staff in Buenos Aires. [103341]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office takes the security of its staff very seriously. Security at our embassy in Buenos Aires was reviewed in March this year and as a result a number of additional security measures were put in place.
In addition, we have made clear to the Argentine Government that we expect it to fulfil its obligations under the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations to provide appropriate protection for foreign diplomatic missions. Most recently, we raised this and other security measures with the Argentine Government on 2 February.
British Nationals Abroad: Death
Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what guidance his Department issues to diplomatic staff on the processes to be followed after the death of a UK citizen abroad. [103801]
Mr Jeremy Browne: Following the death of a British national abroad, the role of consular staff is to provide information and practical support to the next of kin. The support we provide is set out in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) publications “Support for British Nationals Abroad: A Guide”, which can be found at:
www.fco.gov.uk/resources/en/pdf/2855621/support-for-british-nationals-abroad.pdf
and “Guide for Bereaved Families”, which can be found at:
www.fco.gov.uk/resources/en/pdf/2855621/bereaved-families-pdf
Internal guidance is provided for consular staff on the processes to be followed after the death of a British national, aimed at ensuring that consular staff meet the standards of support set out in these publications. This guidance is regularly reviewed and a further review will be conducted as announced by the Secretary of State
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for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in his written ministerial statement of 17 April 2012,
Official Report
, columns 17-18WS.
British Overseas Territories
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to ensure a sustainable approach to fishing in the Overseas Territories. [104255]
Mr Bellingham: We are committed to working together with Overseas Territory governments to preserve the territories' rich environmental heritage and, where fishing activities take place, encourage these to happen in a sustainable manner. Several territories already operate fisheries certified by the Marine Stewardship Council. We welcome this and intend to work with the territories on this shared agenda to continue to strengthen existing fisheries policies, where appropriate, and support the development of any new fishery in an informed and sustainable way.
China
Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date and at what time the UK embassy in China was informed of the death of Neil Heywood. [103296]
Mr Jeremy Browne: On 16 November 2011 at approximately 12 noon consular officials from our Consulate-General Chongqing were notified by fax by the Public Security Bureau of the Chongqing municipality of China of Mr Heywood's death.
Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has had discussions with the US Government on the death of Neil Heywood in China and the meeting between Chinese authorities and the US embassy in China to discuss Mr Heywood's death. [103297]
Mr Jeremy Browne: British embassy staff in Beijing discussed the case with US officials in Beijing following Wang Lijun's visit to the US Consulate in Chengdu. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials have also had regular discussions with US officials in Washington and London.
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has discussed the case with the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the name is of the UK official who attended the mortuary in Chongqing following the death of Neil Heywood in November 2011. [103798]
Mr Jeremy Browne: In line with usual procedure, and at the family's request, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) officials accompanied the family when they visited the mortuary in Chongqing. For security and operational reasons we do not give personal details of FCO officials.
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Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consular support his Department has provided to the family of Neil Heywood since his death in Chongqing, China in November 2011. [103799]
Mr Jeremy Browne: Since the death of Mr Neil Heywood, consular officials have offered full consular support to his family in China and in the UK.
The family were also notified when we took the decision to formally request an investigation into the death by the Chinese authorities. Officials have subsequently maintained regular contact with the family, informing them of our actions in relation to the case. This will continue.
Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Chinese Government on investigating the events leading up to and following the death of Neil Heywood in Chongqing in November 2011. [103812]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The British Government's policy is to seek a full investigation of the circumstances surrounding Mr Heywood's death.
As the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs set out in his written ministerial statement of 17 April 2012, Official Report, columns 17-18WS, we welcome the fact that the Chinese authorities have now committed themselves to undertake the investigation into Mr Heywood's death that we sought. We will continue to engage with the Chinese authorities on the progress of this investigation and we stand ready to provide any assistance necessary.
Further to this announcement, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary raised Mr Heywood's case with Mr Li Changchun, Politburo Standing Committee member, on 17 April 2012 during his visit to the UK.
The Deputy Prime Minister also raised Mr Heywood's case with Madame Liu Yandong, First State Councillor of the People's Republic of China, on 16 April 2012.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on pressing for a moratorium on drilling for oil in the Virunga National Park and UNESCO World Heritage site in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [103912]
Mr Bellingham: The issuance of licences for oil exploration and exploitation within its territory is a matter for the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, we have expressed to them our concerns about exploration in Virunga National Park and we call on all parties involved to ensure that transparent plans are in place to protect the environment.
Diplomatic Service
Andrew Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what professional advice is available to diplomats dealing with human resources issues affecting locally engaged staff. [103938]
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Mr Bellingham: The Heads of British diplomatic missions overseas are responsible for the overall management of the staff employed locally and Foreign Office staff posted from London. They and staff working for them have access to a range of advice on human resources issues affecting locally engaged staff. Some embassies and high commissions have dedicated human resources managers, others are supported by regional centres. Central management guidance is available on performance, appraisal and disciplinary procedures, via the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) intranet. Small teams of human resources managers based in London also provide ad hoc support and advice on management principles. In addition, all overseas embassies and high commissions have a local legal adviser to advise on compliance with local employment law.
The FCO has a large in-house human resources directorate within which there is a local staff policy section to which posts can turn in order to seek advice. Many of the staff within the human resources directorate have years of experience serving overseas and dealing with issues affecting locally-engaged staff. Equally a large number of FCO staff undertake studies for professional qualifications in human resources, becoming members of the Chartered Institute for Personnel Development. In addition there is a wealth of written guidance on HR issues of particular relevance to locally-engaged staff to which posts can refer
EU Staff
Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had on improving communications between his Department and British nationals working as civil servants for the EU. [103879]
Mr Lidington: Last month the UK's Permanent Representative to the EU, Sir Jon Cunliffe, held a series of meetings with senior British nationals working in the EU Institutions to discuss, inter alia, our engagement and communication with them. Officials at the UK Permanent Representation in Brussels have regular contacts with British nationals in the EU institutions.
Falkland Islands
Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what total estimated income is derived from the Falklands fishing industry. [103282]
Mr Jeremy Browne: Responsibility for the Falklands fishing industry, including the sale of licences, lies with the Falkland Islands Government. Any revenues generated are received by the Falkland Islands Government, not by the British Exchequer. They have advised that licence revenue for 2010-11 was £19.5 million, for 2009-10 was £11.6 million and for 2008-09 was £10.7 million. The value of fish catches during the same period is not known.
Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with British (a) companies and (b) banks on oil exploration near the Falkland Islands. [103340]
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Mr Jeremy Browne: I met last month with the one of the companies currently engaged in Falklands hydrocarbons exploration. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials are also in close and regular contact with all the companies involved in this activity, as well as with some of the banks and other institutions supporting it.
Argentina has recently issued threatening letters to a number of companies linked to hydrocarbons exploration in the Falkland Islands. Argentine authorities have no jurisdiction over the Falklands, as we have made clear to the companies concerned. The Government support absolutely the right of the Falkland Islanders to develop their economy, including through a hydrocarbons industry.
Kris Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements he has made to enable the UK to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the liberation of the Falkland Islands. [104751]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The British Government attach great importance to commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Falklands conflict. Senior representatives from the Government will attend various events organised by the Falklands Islands Government and a number of families and veterans groups. These events will occur both in the UK and the Falkland Islands. I will be attending commemorative events in the Falkland Islands during my forthcoming visit in June.
India
Anna Soubry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to support a moratorium on the death penalty in India. [103573]
Mr Jeremy Browne: It is the longstanding policy of successive British Governments strongly to oppose the death penalty in all circumstances as a matter of principle. We regularly make our position clear on the death penalty, both bilaterally and through the European Union, to the Indian Government and urged them to introduce a formal moratorium on the death penalty. I did so with the then Indian Foreign Secretary, Nirupama Rao, when we met in June 2011, and with Minister of State for External Affairs, Preneet Kaur, in July 2011. Most recently I raised our concerns regarding the case of Balwant Singh Rajoana with the high commissioner on 28 March.
We have supported successive demarches by the European Union on the death penalty, most recently on 11 April. We also intend to raise the issue of the death penalty at the upcoming EU/India Human Rights Dialogue.
Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has had any discussions with the Indian authorities in 2012 on the use of the death penalty in India; and if he will make a statement. [103880]
Mr Jeremy Browne:
It is the longstanding policy of successive British Governments strongly to oppose the death penalty, in all circumstances, as a matter of principle. We regularly make our position clear, both bilaterally and through the European Union, to the Indian Government and urge them to introduce a formal
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moratorium. I raised the Government's concerns regarding the case of Balwant Singh Rajoana when I met the Indian high commissioner on 28 March. We have also supported successive demarches by the European Union, most recently on 11 April, and intend to raise the issue of the death penalty at the upcoming EU/India Human Rights Dialogue. We will continue to press for the universal abolition of the death penalty.
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to encourage improvement in the treatment of (a) the Sikh community and (b) other minority communities in India. [103943]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The British Government maintain a dialogue with the Government of India on human rights issues including the treatment of the Sikh community and other minority groups. Our high commission in New Delhi regularly discusses minority community issues with the Indian National Commission for Minorities and with various state level authorities. Minority rights are also among the issues discussed at the annual EU/India Human Rights Dialogue, the next round of which is due to take place soon.
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to encourage the President of India to grant clemency in the case of Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana. [103944]
Mr Jeremy Browne: It is the longstanding policy of successive British Governments strongly to oppose the death penalty in all circumstances as a matter of principle. The recent announcement that the Indian authorities were to carry out the execution of Balwant Singh Rajoana was deeply concerning and I raised this case with the Indian high commissioner on 28 March 2012. I welcome the stay of execution issued on 28 March 2012 to allow the Indian President to consider an appeal for clemency and will continue to monitor developments closely.
We regularly make clear our position on the death penalty, both bilaterally and through the European Union, to the Indian Government. On 11 April 2012, the EU presented a demarche to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs about the possible resumption of executions. We intend to raise the issue of the death penalty at the upcoming EU/India Human Rights Dialogue.
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has received any response to his letter of November 2011 to the Indian high commissioner on the death penalty; and if he will make a statement. [103945]
Mr Jeremy Browne: I have not yet received a reply to my letter of November 2011, but our dialogue with the Indian Government on the death penalty continues. When the new Indian high commissioner paid an introductory call on me last month we discussed the death penalty and I expressed the Government's concerns at the news that the Indian authorities were to carry out the execution of Balwant Singh Rajoana.
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Israel
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Israeli Government on road closures in operation in the west bank. [104473]
Alistair Burt: Through our embassy in Tel Aviv, we have lobbied the appropriate Israeli authorities on the issue of restrictions on freedom of movement in the west bank and East Jerusalem.
We continue to work closely with the EU and other international partners, including the middle east quartet, to call on Israel to ease restrictions on movement and access.
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Israeli Government on the forced expulsion of Bedouins from parts of the Palestinian territories designated as Area C. [104474]
Alistair Burt: We are monitoring the situation regarding the Bedouin in Area C closely. I raised concerns over plans to move west bank Bedouin communities during my visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories on 7-10 January. I visited the Bedouin community school at Khan al Ahmar and subsequently discussed it with Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon on 18 January. Officials at the British embassy in Tel Aviv also regularly discuss our concerns with the Israeli authorities.
The Israeli authorities state that they are yet to finalise their plans and will consult fully with Bedouin communities before moving ahead. The UK continues to encourage the Israeli Government to carry through on this commitment, to comply fully with their obligations under international law and to ensure that any decision reached on the movement of Bedouin communities should be made with their full consent and not result in a forcible transfer.
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Israeli Government on the erection of a separation barrier encircling the village of Al Walaja. [104475]
Alistair Burt: We continue to monitor the situation in Al Walaja village. I visited Al Walaja during my visit in January 2011 and saw for myself the effects the Israeli occupation has on this village.
We have raised this and other related issues in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including that of the route of the security barrier and illegal Israeli settlement activity with the Israeli authorities.
We have made the UK position on the separation barrier clear: if Israel wished to build the barrier, it should have been built on the 1967 border, and where it is constructed on the Palestinian side of that border, it is illegal under international law.
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Israeli Government on water supply policies in the Jordan Valley. [104476]
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Alistair Burt: The British Government have had detailed discussions with both Israeli and Palestinian authorities on the issue of water supply policies in the Jordan valley.
The UK is funding a project working with Palestinians and Israelis to help improve co-operation on water issues to the benefit of both parties.
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Israeli Government on the reduction in the permitted fishing limit off the coast of Gaza from 20 to three miles. [104477]
Alistair Burt: The UK regularly makes representations at both ministerial and official level to the Government of Israel on the urgent need to ease restrictions on Gaza. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development and I discussed these issues during visits to the region in December 2011 and January 2012.
As part of our engagement with the Israeli authorities, we frequently emphasise the impact restrictions have had on industry in Gaza. Alongside our EU partners, we have urged Israel to extend the fishing zone from three to 20 nautical miles, as stipulated in the Oslo Accords.
Israel: Palestinians
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Israeli Government on the demolition of Palestinian homes since the Oslo agreement. [104413]
Alistair Burt: Since coming to power, this Government have raised the issue of demolitions in the west bank and East Jerusalem on many occasions with the Israeli authorities, both at official and ministerial levels.
Most recently, I raised the issue of demolitions with the Israeli ambassador on 23 February, and again with Deputy Prime Minister of Israel, Mr Meridor, on 19 March.
Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Israeli Government on the practice of holding Palestinian prisoners on administrative detention without charge or trial. [104722]
Alistair Burt: I refer the hon. Member to my answer on 18 April 2012, Official Report, column 378W.
Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Israeli Government on clean water for Palestine. [105204]
Alistair Burt: The British Government have had detailed discussions with both Israeli and Palestinian authorities on the issue of water supply policies.
The UK is funding a project working with Palestinians and Israelis to help improve co-operation on water issues to the benefit of both parties.
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Japan
Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of progress towards agreement of the Japan-EU Economic Integration Agreement; and if he will make a statement. [103824]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government strongly support the launch of negotiations for an ambitious EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) that would significantly benefit both sides and further strengthen our relationship with a key strategic partner. Overall the EPA scoping study has made good progress in a number of key areas with the most recent round of talks on the scoping study taking place in Tokyo at the end of March. We continue to support the European Commission in its efforts to launch EPA negotiations, as underlined by the Prime Minister in his recent meeting with Prime Minister Noda in Tokyo.
Malta
Andrew Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many industrial tribunal claims were submitted by locally engaged staff at the Maltese High Commission at Ta' Xbiex in each of the last three years; and in how many the applicants were successful. [103939]
Mr Lidington: In the last three years three cases have been submitted to the industrial tribunal, the first in 2011 by a casual employee of the British high commission, and the second in 2012 by two employees of the British pension office in Malta. The first case will be heard by the industrial tribunal on 24 April 2012, and the second combined case will be heard on 28 May 2012.
Andrew Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions are taking place with Maltese trade unions in respect of outstanding grievances affecting locally engaged staff at the High Commission at Ta' Xbiex. [103940]
Mr Lidington: No discussions are currently taking place with Maltese trade unions in respect of outstanding grievances affecting locally engaged staff. The union and the high commission are currently engaged in a verification exercise conducted by the director of the Maltese Department for Employment and Industrial Relations to independently establish the number of staff within the high commission who are union members.
Montserrat
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many officials in his Department are stationed in Montserrat. [104254]
Mr Bellingham: Montserrat is classified as a small Post with five or fewer staff. For operational and security reasons we are unable to provide a further breakdown.
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South Sudan
Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will increase the number of technical advisers his Department provides to the Government of South Sudan. [103804]
Mr Bellingham: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not currently provide technical advisers to the Government of South Sudan. Technical advice is provided under a number of programmes of the Department for International Development, and also through the Africa Conflict Prevention Pool. We do not currently have any plan to increase the number of technical advisers, but we would consider any request from the Government of South Sudan for additional support on a case-by-case basis.
Sri Lanka
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will initiate discussions on an EU-wide travel ban for people accused of serious human rights abuses in Sri Lanka at the end of the recent conflict; and if he will make a statement. [104665]
Alistair Burt: We have consistently called for an independent, thorough and credible investigation into allegations of violations of international humanitarian and human rights law by both sides in the military conflict.
We pressed for and welcome the Sri Lanka resolution agreed at the UN Human Rights Council in March. We urge the Sri Lankan Government to take the necessary steps to implement the recommendations of their lessons learnt and reconciliation commission as soon as possible.
There are currently no plans to initiate discussions with EU counterparts on possible travel restrictions on Sri Lankan nationals accused of human rights abuses at the end of the conflict.
Syria
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the ceasefire in Syria is enforced. [104033]
Alistair Burt: The UK has worked tirelessly in the United Nations Security Council with its international partners to ensure support for the Joint UN/Arab League Special Envoy, Kofi Annan's six-point plan aimed at bringing an end to the violence in Syria. This effort resulted in Security Council Resolutions 2042 and 2043 adopted on 14 and 21 April which endorsed the deployment of monitoring missions to Syria.
We urge the Assad regime to implement fully its undertakings to Kofi Annan, including stopping all troop movements towards population centres; ending the use of heavy weapons in civilian areas; and withdrawing the military to their barracks. It is crucial that they allow UN monitors freedom of movement and access to the use of air assets. The opposition must also ensure that they adhere to the ceasefire.
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Tibet
Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if officials from his Department will hold discussions with the Chinese government in respect of working with local monasteries and communities to resolve the underlying grievances of the Tibetan people. [104766]
Mr Jeremy Browne: Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials raised our concerns in relation to the situation in Tibet with Chinese officials at the latest round of the UK-China human rights dialogue on 10 January 2012.
On 25 January I released a statement regarding the shooting of Tibetan protesters by Chinese security forces, urging the Chinese Government to exercise restraint, to release full details of the incidents, and to work to resolve the underlying grievances.
We will continue to seek appropriate opportunities to raise our concerns and to encourage the Chinese authorities to work with local monasteries and communities to resolve the underlying grievances of the Tibetan people.
Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department will take the lead in organising an international government forum on the issue of Tibet. [104767]
Mr Jeremy Browne: We believe that the issue of Tibet is best addressed through meaningful dialogue between the Dalai Lama's representatives and the Chinese authorities. We work closely in the European Union and with other nations to encourage this.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials raised Tibet at the latest round of the UK-China human rights dialogue on 10 January 2012, and I raised my concerns with the Chinese ambassador on 31 January 2012.
On 7 December 2011, the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the hon. Member for North West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham), made a full statement regarding the Government's human rights concerns in Tibet, in response to a Westminster Hall debate.
Our consistent position has been that long term stability can only be achieved through respect for human rights and genuine autonomy for Tibet within the framework of the Chinese constitution.
Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when officials from his Department last visited the Tibetan region; and what the outcomes were of that visit. [104768]
Mr Jeremy Browne: Officials from our embassy in Beijing and our Consulate General in Chongqing regularly visit Tibetan areas of China. The most recent visit was this month.
In the past 12 months they have visited Tibetan areas of Qinghai and Gansu province (April 2012); Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province (October 2011); Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province (September 2011); and Tibetan areas of Qinghai and the Tibetan Autonomous Region (April 2011).
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Additionally, an official was denied entry to the Aba and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture when he tried to visit in February 2012.
These field visits have found evidence that some Tibetans are benefiting from rapid economic development and subsidies but that tensions and the security presence in many Tibetan areas remain high. We continue to seek opportunities to encourage the Chinese authorities to work for sustainable stability and prosperity in Tibet through respect for human rights and an ongoing and constructive dialogue.
Tunisia
Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support the Government provides to assist Tunisia's transition towards democracy; and if he will make a statement. [103823]
Alistair Burt: Through the Arab Partnership, we are supporting the Tunisian people's efforts to strengthen their political institutions, improve human rights, including freedom of expression, and economic growth. UK support for the election process in Tunisia, including voter education for women and young people in rural areas, was informed by discussions with the Tunisian Government and civil society in Tunisia and we continue to follow that process. In financial year (FY) 2011-12, approximately £1.2 million was spent on 12 projects in Tunisia. This was approximately 24% of the total spend from the Arab Political Participation Fund (APPF) last FY.
Tunisia will remain a key priority for the Arab Partnership and we will increase our spend this financial year with a wider range of partners, and with an additional funding allocation from the Arab Partnership Economic Facility on economic reform initiatives. The UK is continuing to engage with the Tunisian Government on how we can provide further support: my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs hosted a working lunch for the Tunisian Foreign Minister in late March and the Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, my hon. Friend the Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Mr Hayes) and I also met the Tunisian Minister for Vocational Training and Employment during his visit to the UK in January. The areas discussed include supporting economic recovery: trade and investment, vocational training and increasing employability among the young. Development of these areas will have cumulative benefits for the development of democracy of Tunisia.
Turks and Caicos Islands
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the annual salary is of the lead prosecutor in the Turks and Caicos Islands Special Investigation and Prosecutions Team. [104248]
Mr Bellingham: The prosecution Counsel is Andrew Mitchell QC. He is engaged by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government. He is not a salaried employee but is paid a daily rate in line with normal legal practice.
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Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department spent on housing for its officials in the Turks and Caicos Islands in each of the last three years. [104250]
Mr Bellingham: The rent figures for UK-based staff in the Governor's Office for the past three financial years are:
| £ | |
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set a date for elections in the Turks and Caicos Islands. [104251]
Mr Bellingham: The joint written ministerial statement issued with the Minister of State, Department for International Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for Rutland and Melton (Mr Duncan), on 30 January 2012, Official Report, columns 34-36WS, set out our assessment of progress towards meeting the milestones. I still hope that the milestones will be met in time for elections to take place during 2012.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to ensure a smooth transition from direct rule to locally-elected politicians in the Turks and Caicos Islands. [104252]
Mr Bellingham: In the joint written ministerial statement I issued with my right hon. Friend the Member for Rutland and Melton (Mr Duncan), on 9 December 2010, Official Report, columns 40-41WS, we set out the milestones that we judged would have to be met before elections could take place in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our statement on 30 January 2012, Official Report, columns 34-36WS, gave our current assessment of progress made towards achieving the milestones. Good progress has been made, although there is still much to be done.
A new constitution order was laid before Parliament in July 2011. New ordinances on the electoral process and the regulation of political parties are being prepared.
A delegation from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy led by the right hon. Member for Warley (Mr Spellar), and my hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and Goole (Andrew Percy), visited the Turks and Caicos Islands in March to engage with the Turks and Caicos Islands political parties and community representatives on the scope and content of the draft elections ordinances.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government have begun a programme which will enable Turks and Caicos Islanders to both verify their status and register for elections.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of progress by the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team in the Turks and Caicos Islands. [104253]
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Mr Bellingham: The Special Investigation and Prosecution Team continues to make good progress. 13 people have been charged with corruption, conspiracy to defraud and money laundering. Sufficiency hearings are now taking place.
USA
Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the authorities in the US on bail conditions for Christopher Tappin; and in which other cases similar representations have been made by his Department in the last 10 years. [104857]
Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has not made any representations to the US authorities about bail for Mr Tappin.
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Information on when similar representations might have been made by the FCO in the last 10 years is not held centrally.
Yemen
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the objectives are of the Friends of Yemen meeting on 23 May 2012. [105138]
Alistair Burt: The UK is co-chairing the Friends of Yemen meeting in Riyadh on 23 May with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Yemen. The objectives for the meeting are to support Yemen's political transition and to co-ordinate international support for Yemeni plans on political, economic and security reform.