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Written Answers to Questions
Monday 29 October 2012
Wales
Billing
John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what the average time taken by his Department to settle invoices to external suppliers or contractors was in each of the last three financial years. [125303]
Stephen Crabb: The Wales Office policy is to pay suppliers in accordance with the prime ministerial commitment of May 2010 that Government Departments should pay suppliers within five days of receipt of a valid invoice at the correct billing address. The percentage of invoices paid within these terms for the last three financial years is shown in the following table.
| Financial year | Percentage invoices paid within five days |
Cleaning Services
Dan Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy to require all cleaning contracts held by his Department to stipulate that the cleaning products used and their ingredients should not have been tested on animals. [125024]
Stephen Crabb: The Wales Office makes use of contracts supplied and negotiated by the Ministry of Justice. We do not negotiate our own cleaning contracts.
Press: Subscriptions
Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales to which magazines, journals and newspapers his Department subscribes. [125348]
Stephen Crabb: The Wales Office has a subscription with a Welsh language newspaper called Golwg.
Northern Ireland
Official Visits
Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the total cost of officials from her Department travelling to and from Northern Ireland and London was in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012 to date. [124687]
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Mike Penning: The total cost of officials from my Department travelling to and from Northern Ireland and London was as follows:
| £ | |
Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) on what dates (a) she and (b) the Minister of State for Northern Ireland have visited Northern Ireland since being appointed; [124840]
(2) what visits she has made to Northern Ireland since being appointed. [124841]
Mrs Villiers: Since being appointed I have been in Northern Ireland on official business on six occasions, and the Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Hemel Hempstead (Mike Penning) on five occasions.
Details of meetings with external organisations and individuals are published on a quarterly basis. These can be found at:
http://www.nio.gov.uk/index/nio-publication/stats-and-research-publications.htm
Prime Minister
Chequers
Mr Watson: To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish the guest list for each party held at Chequers to celebrate New Year's Eve since 1982. [124952]
The Prime Minister: A list of guests who have received official hospitality at Chequers is published on an annual basis.
Attorney-General
Offences against Children
Ann Coffey: To ask the Attorney-General how many prosecutions were brought under section 58 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for internal trafficking of children in each year since its introduction. [124685]
The Solicitor-General: The numbers of offences charged under section 58 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 since its introduction is as follows:
| Number of offences charged | |
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It should be noted that these figures show the number of offences in which a prosecution commenced and reached a first hearing in the magistrates courts. They relate to the number of offences and not the number of individual defendants as an individual defendant may be charged with more than one offence. Data on offences are not held by victim, defendant or outcome, and consequently it is not possible to provide figures for offences that specifically involve the trafficking of children within England and Wales.
Unsolicited Goods and Services
David Mowat: To ask the Attorney-General (1) what steps he is taking to increase the number of successful prosecutions of individuals or companies involved in cold calling regarding accident claims; [124371]
(2) how many motor insurance companies have been successfully prosecuted for the selling of personal information in each of the last five years. [124372]
Mrs Grant: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.
The Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR) are the most relevant pieces of legislation in relation to unsolicited calls and texts, and they are administered and enforced by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
Cold calling is not in itself illegal. It only becomes a breach of PECR if the call is made to someone who has signed up to the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) and who has not otherwise given their consent to the call. This is not a criminal offence and hence would not lead to a prosecution. However, under PECR the ICO has powers to serve a Civil Monetary Penalty Notice (CMP) up to £500,000 against those who breach the DPA or PECR.
The ICO is actively pursuing the problem of unsolicited marketing text messages and phone calls. To date, the ICO has issued two notices of intent (the precursor to a monetary penalty) in relation to unsolicited texts and is pursuing other lines of inquiry.
The selling of personal information by motor insurance companies may breach the DPA but is unlikely be a
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criminal offence as the companies are classified as the data controller and the offence, under section 55 of the DPA, relates to the knowing or reckless obtaining, disclosing or procuring of the disclosure of personal data without the consent of the data controller. There have therefore been no such prosecutions by the ICO in the past five years.
Transport
Aviation: Security
Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what aviation security options were considered prior to the introduction of full-body scanners at airports. [125469]
Mr Simon Burns: The deployment of security scanners was undertaken in response to the attack on Northwest flight 253 to Detroit on Christmas day 2009. The device used in this attack had been constructed with the aim of making detection by existing screening methods extremely difficult. Security scanners are a further measure that helps to detect concealed devices such as that used in the Detroit incident. We believe they provide the best assistance to aviation security staff in response to this threat. For security reasons it is not possible to provide more detail about the alternatives considered.
Blue Badge Scheme
Mr Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 2 October 2012, Official Report, column 652W, on the blue badge scheme, how many letters he has received from hon. Members on individual cases related to the renewal of blue badges for each local authority for which such an application relates, since 1 January 2012. [125103]
Norman Baker: The total number of ministerial letters related to renewals of Blue Badges received since 1 January 2012 is 52. The following table provides a breakdown of this information. We do not hold full information relating to the name of the local authority for each individual case. The name of the parliamentary constituency has therefore been included for all cases.
| Local authority | Constituency | Number of letters |
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Bus Services
Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will publish the minutes of the Bus Service Operator's Grant Better Bus Area working groups. [124535]
Norman Baker [holding answer 24 October 2012]:There are no plans to publish papers from the meetings of the Bus Service Operator's Grant working groups. However, they are available on request from buses@dft.gsi. gov.uk as stated on the department's web-site. No such requests have been received. A copy of the minutes has been sent to the Honourable Member.
Driving under Influence: Drugs
Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the potential effect of his Department's proposed drug driving legislation on the quality of life of patients taking long-term prescription medication to manage chronic pain; what discussions he has had with (a) other Government Departments and (b) external stakeholders on this matter; and if he will make a statement. [125410]
Stephen Hammond: Studies show that drivers who are under the influence of drugs are more likely to have an accident. Under section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, it is already an offence to drive while unfit through drink or drugs, irrespective of whether the drug consumed was illicit or prescription medication. There is no defence available for the section 4 offence.
Clause 27 of the Crime and Courts Bill creates a new offence of driving with a specified controlled drug in the body in excess of the specified limit for that drug. This is required in order to make it easier for the police to take action against drug driving. The clause includes a defence which is available where a specified controlled drug is prescribed or supplied (in accordance with the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971) and taken in line with medical advice.
The following additional safeguards are also in place:
Police cannot test drivers for drugs at random.
Roadside drug screeners will be rigorously tested during type approval to ensure reliability of results.
The expert panel which is advising on specified limits will take account of normal therapeutic ranges and expected drug concentrations in blood when recommending limits for those drugs that may also be used for medicinal purposes.
The prosecution for a case where the medical defence was raised would need to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defence could not be relied on.
The Code for Crown Prosecutors states that prosecutors:
“should swiftly stop cases...where the public interest clearly does not require a prosecution”.
Controlled drugs with medical uses are not excluded from the scope of the new offence because some drugs which have medical uses can significantly impair driving, and there is evidence that such drugs are widely misused. While it is important to consider carefully the quality of life of those who are legitimately taking long-term pain medication, to protect other people's lives it is also necessary to ensure that effective action can be taken against any drivers who are impaired by drugs.
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In developing the new offence, officials at the Department for Transport meet regularly with the Department of Health, the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Members of the expert panel on drug driving include representatives of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs and the Commission on Human Medicines.
Department for Transport officials and the expert panel have already had some discussions with interested stakeholders. Officials and the expert panel will continue to work with stakeholders informally and through the formal consultation process and will work closely with the pharmaceutical industry, regulators, pharmacists and clinicians to clarify the information given to patients about driving while taking prescription medication.
Furthermore, the secondary legislation setting out the specific limits for specific controlled drugs will be subject to public consultation and must be approved by both Houses under the affirmative resolution procedure.
Driving: Licensing
Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has had any discussions regarding the potential introduction of graduated driver licensing; and if he will make a statement. [125355]
Stephen Hammond: The Department has considered the issue of graduated driver licensing in the wider context of improving the safety of young drivers. We will keep this policy under constant review.
Improving the safety and ability of young drivers is a key priority for the Government. This is why we have made the driving test more realistic and are also considering how to improve post-test training.
We are already working with young people, the insurance industry and other key stakeholders to identify what else can be done to ensure newly qualified drivers are properly prepared and drive safely. We will carefully consider any ideas that reduce the risk of young drivers being involved in road traffic accidents.
High Speed 2 Railway Line
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his latest estimate is for the cost of the proposed HS2 spur to Heathrow. [124960]
Mr Simon Burns: Work undertaken by HS2 Ltd indicates a base construction cost of £1.8 billion to £1.9 billion. The Government have not yet published the output of HS2 Ltd's most recent work and any associated revised costings. However, it is unlikely that the cost quoted above will be altered significantly.
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what allowance was made in HS2's demand forecasts for abstraction of passengers from HS2 services by franchised and open-access operators making use of spare capacity on the existing network once HS2 is in operation. [125152]
Mr Simon Burns:
HS2 Ltd's analysis of the economic case for HS2 is based on an illustrative service specification that takes account of expected changes in demand across both the new and existing networks. This analysis
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assumes that a significant proportion of long-distance inter-city demand will move from the existing railway on to the new HS2 lines, creating capacity on the classic network for additional commuter, regional and freight services. However, it would clearly be inappropriate in 2012 to take specific decisions on what the timetable of the rail network should look like in the 2030s.
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assumptions his Department has made as to route and terminus locations and passenger and baggage connections between the High Speed 2 terminus station and the existing airport when calculating the latest cost estimate of the proposed High Speed 2 spur to Heathrow. [125293]
Mr Simon Burns: As stated in the Department for Transport's business plan, the Secretary of State for Transport intends to publish his initial preferred route and station options for Phase 2 of HS2 by the end of the year. The basis of the latest cost estimate will be made clear at that point.
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what alternatives to the proposed western connection to Heathrow Airport were examined by his Department in advance of the commitment to allocate £500 million to that project; [125294]
(2) what estimate he has made of the cost of the proposed western connection to Heathrow Airport; and what assessment he has made of the likely availability of private funding to cover project costs in excess of £500 million. [125296]
Mr Simon Burns: Detailed consideration of a western heavy rail connection to Heathrow Airport was recommended by the rail industry in its 2011 Initial Industry Plan. The High Level Output Specification for rail, published in July 2012, asks the rail industry to develop and, subject to a satisfactory business case and agreement with the Heathrow aviation industry, commence construction of such a link in the 2014-19 period. The cost of the link and availability of private funding will be considered in detail as the rail industry develops the proposal.
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what definition his Department uses for on-airport station in respect of High Speed 2. [125357]
Mr Simon Burns: In respect of Heathrow, this means within or immediately alongside the airport perimeter.
Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will provide the salaries, pensions arrangements, remuneration packages and expenses claimed by (a) the board members of High Speed 2 Ltd and (b) members of the external review groups in respect of High Speed 2 to date. [125393]
Mr Simon Burns: The information is as follows:
(a) The salaries, fees and expenses paid by High Speed 2 Ltd to the members of its board are set out in the HS2 Ltd annual accounts. The latest set of accounts is available on the HS2 Ltd website at:
http://www.hs2.org.uk/accounts
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Alison Munro, chief executive officer, is a member of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme. No other board members of High Speed 2 Ltd are or have been in receipt of pensions in connection with their role as board members of the company.
(b) HS2 Ltd has paid fees and expenses to members of Challenge and Advisory Panels totalling approximately £95,000 from the date the company started to the end of September 2012.
Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what meetings took place (a) between his Department and (b) High Speed 2 Ltd personnel and staff of the Office of the Rail Regulator in the last two years; and what subjects were discussed at each of those meetings. [125566]
Mr Simon Burns: Ministers and officials met their ORR counterparts on a regular basis over the last two years to discuss a wide range of issues. There have been no meetings between HS2 Ltd officials and ORR in the last two years.
Network Rail
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the cost of establishing each of Network Rail's six models for forming alliances with train operating companies. [125177]
Mr Simon Burns: The Department for Transport made no assessment of the cost of establishing alliances.
The framework for alliancing has been developed by Network Rail, which is a private sector company limited by guarantee, in order to secure maximum benefits from partnership working with train operating companies, reducing costs and securing benefits for rail users.
Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on allowing Network Rail to borrow in foreign currencies. [125546]
Mr Simon Burns: Network Rail is a private company operating as a commercial business. Network Rail is directly responsible to its members and is regulated by the independent Office of Rail Regulation (ORR). The issue of Network Rail's foreign currency borrowings is therefore a matter for the company and the ORR.
Pedestrian Crossings: Schools
Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the role of school crossing patrols in promoting (a) road safety and (b) awareness of road safety for school children; and if his Department will provide additional ring-fenced funding to local authorities to ensure their full provision. [125522]
Stephen Hammond: We take the safety of children and all road users very seriously.
It is for the local authorities to decide whether a school crossing patrol is appropriate at any site. Road Safety GB, which represents local government road safety teams across the UK, produces “School Crossing
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Patrol Service Guidelines”, which contains guidance on how to assess where a school crossing patrol may be beneficial.
The Departments for Transport's Think! campaigns and road safety education resources are available free online to the public to help teach children about all aspects of road safety. Our Tales of the Road Highway Code booklet for young road users is a useful guide to road safety and lays emphasis on the green cross code.
The Department has no plans to provide additional ring-fenced funding to local authorities for school crossing patrols.
Rail Delivery Group
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many officials in his Department have been assigned to provide administrative support to the Rail Delivery Group since June 2011; and how many will be assigned to such work in 2013-14; [125178]
(2) what (a) advisory and (b) communications support his Department will provide the Rail Delivery Group; [125180]
(3) whether officials in his Department assisted in the drafting of the articles of association (RDG Articles) governing the membership and work of the Rail Delivery Group; and whether (a) ministers and (b) officials in his Department can propose amendments to RDG Articles to the Office of Rail Regulation. [125181]
Mr Simon Burns: The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) was established by, and is fully funded by, Network Rail, the owning groups that operate the rail industry's passenger franchises, and the leading rail freight companies. The Department for Transport does not provide administrative support to the group.
Officials from the Department for Transport have not been involved in drafting the Rail Delivery Group's articles of association.
The Department responded to the recent Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) consultation on the formalisation of the RDG. The response can be viewed on the ORR's website at:
http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.10968
The Department will continue to work alongside the RDG to ensure that the group's work delivers the maximum long-term benefits for taxpayers and farepayers.
Railways: Franchises
Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport to what extent consultants have been used by his Department to advise on the (a) West Coast Mainline, (b) Great Western, (c) Essex Thameside and (d) Thameslink franchise decision to date; what fees have been paid to each consultant; and whether any conflicts of interest have been declared in respect of each such contract. [124851]
Mr Simon Burns: A table listing the consultants involved in these franchise competitions, including the fees paid up until 23 October 2012, is provided as follows:
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| £ | ||||
| Technical Advice | Legal Advice | |||
| Franchise | Leigh Fisher | Steer Davies Gleave | WS Atkins | Eversheds |
With respect to declarations of conflicts of interest:
In a letter to the Department dated 3 July 2012, WS Atkins notified the Department of their sister company (Faithful & Gould)'s support to Siemens PLC during the Thameslink Rolling Stock Project. This letter provided multiple levels of reassurance to ensure that no conflicts of interest arose from this relationship.
In a letter to the Department dated 5 December 2011, Leigh Fisher notified the Department of their involvement in other franchising work, but provided assurances that this work did not involve any bidder participating in the Essex Thameside franchise competition.
All other consultants engaged on these projects declared that they had no conflicts of interest.
Rescue Services: Northern Ireland
Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with the Irish Government on future arrangements for Irish Coast Guard stations and their role in supporting HM Coastguard in Northern Ireland. [125384]
Stephen Hammond: No recent discussions have been held at a ministerial level. However, officials, including the Chief Coastguard, maintain close liaison with the Irish Coast Guard on search and rescue co-operation matters and implementation of the coastguard modernisation programme.
Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many incidents required a joint response from the Irish Coast Guard and HM Coastguard, by coastguard station, in each of the last five years. [125385]
Stephen Hammond: The number of incidents that required a joint response from the Irish Coast Guard and HM Coastguard, by Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC), in each of the last five years, is shown in the following table:
| MRCC | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 (to date) |
Roads
John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what support his Department provides to local highway authorities whose road networks are disproportionately affected by disused mine and quarry workings; and whether he has considered reviewing the adequacy of the support provided. [125505]
Norman Baker: Many of the disused mines and quarries on the local road network are in private ownership and those companies will be responsible for their maintenance and upkeep. Local highway authorities can, however, require any disused mines or quarries to be made safe or not cause an obstruction or danger to other highway users.
The Department for Transport is allocating over £3 billion to local highway authorities over the four year period from 2011/12 for highways maintenance. It is for the local authorities, who are responsible for the roads in their areas, to decide how to allocate these funds.
Shipping
Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether a ship sailing on routes between UK ports and (a) the Channel Islands and (b) France is classified by his Department as working (i) wholly or (ii) largely within UK territorial waters. [125549]
Stephen Hammond: It is not possible for a ship to travel from a UK port to either the Channel Islands or France while wholly within the UK territorial sea. The proportion of its voyage which was conducted in the UK territorial sea would vary substantially depending on the route taken.
Shipping: Fuels
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he will take to minimise the effect on seafarers' jobs of the introduction of the 0.1% sulphur content in fuels used by the shipping industry in the Emission Control Area covering UK waters from 1 January 2015; and if he will make a statement. [125184]
Stephen Hammond: Pollutant emissions from ships are regulated by Annex VI to the MARPOL Convention. The UK supports the limits in Annex VI which are designed to improve air quality, resulting in consequential benefits for public health and for the environment. Emissions from land-based sources are already tightly controlled. Road transport fuel, for example, is subject to a stricter sulphur limit of 0.001%—a hundred times less sulphur than the limit for the Emission Control Areas (ECA).
During recent European negotiations, the Department was successful in curbing any gold-plating of the international standard in the new European directive for vessels operating in an ECA to a minimum. We also ensured that the exceptions and exemptions in Annex VI were replicated in the text of the new directive.
The Government are working with industry stakeholders to identify the potential effects of introducing low-sulphur fuels. The Government held a round table discussion on
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22 October with a range of industry stakeholders about the cost-effective technical means of meeting the new requirements. The Government concluded that further work to assess the cost of the new sulphur limit on ships operating in ECAs is needed and further engagement between shipowners, equipment manufacturers and regulatory authorities on exhaust gas cleaning systems would be beneficial. The Department will work with other Government Departments, industry stakeholders and other regulatory bodies to achieve this.
Shipping: Safety
Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether ships flying a flag of convenience that are sailing on routes between UK ports and (a) the Channel Islands and (b) France are subject to the maritime safety framework enforced by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. [125431]
Stephen Hammond: UK merchant shipping regulations, which implement international conventions, apply to all ships operating in UK waters, including those travelling either to the Channel Islands or France, regardless of their flag. In addition, any foreign-registered ships entering UK ports or waters are subject to unannounced inspection visits by Maritime and Coastguard Agency surveyors to provide assurance that standards of safety, pollution prevention and conditions for seafarers meet international standards. In the case of roll-on/roll-off passenger ships, we also operate joint inspection programmes with our European counterparts.
West Coast Railway Line
Mr Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether Directly Operated Railways would be able to take over the operation of the West Coast Main Line in the event that it is not possible to reach an agreement with another operator. [125242]
Mr Simon Burns: Following the Secretary of State for Transport's announcement on 15 October 2012, Official Report, columns 46-47, Directly Operated Railways has stepped back from full contingency planning. However, it continues to remain on standby to assist the Secretary of State should this be necessary under his duties under s30 of the Railways Act 1993.
West Coast Railway Line: Franchises
Mr Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department had discussions with the EU on his decision to (a) discuss with Virgin its operating the West Coast Mainline on a temporary basis and (b) to invite bids for an interim franchise. [124848]
Mr Simon Burns: The Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire Dales (Mr McLoughlin), carried out his duties and obligations within the Railways Act 1993 and within domestic and European procurement law.
The UK Government do not normally comment on our dealings with the European Commission or other European institutions. Any such discussions or dealings, whenever they do take place, are confidential.
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Mr Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which organisations provided legal advice to his Department on his decision to discuss with Virgin its operating the West Coast Mainline on a temporary basis and to invite bids for an interim franchise. [124849]
Mr Simon Burns: The Department is currently sourcing legal advice on this matter from Eversheds LLP.
Mr Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what external consultants have been used by his Department to advise the Department on the West Coast Mainline franchise since 2010; and what fees have been paid to those consultants to date. [124857]
Mr Simon Burns: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answers I gave to the hon. Member for Garston and Halewood (Maria Eagle) on 19 October 2012, Official Report, column 532.
Mr Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what (a) UK and (b) EU legislation and regulations were considered in respect of his decision to negotiate with Virgin to operate the West Coast Mainline on a temporary basis and to invite bids for an interim franchise. [124882]
Mr Simon Burns: The Secretary of State for Transport carried out his duties and obligations within the Railways Act 1993 and within domestic and European procurement law.
Wheels to Work Schemes
Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what financial support his Department provided to Wheels to Work schemes in each financial year from 2008-09 to 2011-12. [125325]
Norman Baker: The Department is providing financial support to a number of Wheels to Work schemes through its £600 million Local Sustainable Transport Fund. Of the successful local authority bids allocated funds in 2011-12, six included Wheels to Work schemes (Devon, Plymouth, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, South Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority, Transport for Greater Manchester). The schemes are just getting under way so it is not possible at this stage to identify the precise amount of financial support.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
British Council
Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many complaints of child abuse involving British Council (a) employees, (b) temporary staff and (c) contractors were (i) received by his Department and (ii) investigated in each year since 1982. [124951]
Mr Swire:
As a charity and executive non-departmental public body, the British Council is responsible itself for ensuring it has robust policies in place for addressing allegations of child abuse. As a consequence, the Foreign
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and Commonwealth Office does not record allegations of child abuse involving British Council staff. The British Council has, however, provided the following information:
Since the establishment of its specialist child protection team in January 2010, the British Council has received and investigated three allegations of child abuse. All three involved employees. Two of the cases were unsubstantiated. The third case resulted in the staff member being dismissed and referred to the Independent Safeguarding Authority.
Prior to 2010, allegations of child abuse were dealt with in country by Country Directors, in line with corporate policies and child protection legislation and with the support of and guidance of the British Council's headquarters. In addition, British Council employees had a duty to report concerns through a corporate whistleblowing/speaking-up policy. A check of centrally-held records identifies two additional cases against employees for the time period in question, which, while not specifically complaints, were causes for concern and dismissal.
The British Council always stands ready to investigate any allegations, including historical ones, in the event of any new concerns or information coming to light. The British Council has a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and robust vetting procedures in place for all employees, temporary staff and contractors whose jobs involve working with children, both in the UK and overseas. Its child protection policy places a duty on all staff to report any allegation of child abuse or expressions of concern. This duty is articulated in policy and procedures and reinforced in staff induction and mandatory child protection awareness training. All British Council employees, temporary staff and contractors are required to adhere to this policy. A copy of the British Council's child protection policy has been placed in the Libraries of the House.
British Indian Ocean Territory
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many permits his Department has issued to allow merchant vessels access to the British Indian Ocean Territory Marine Protected Area in each of the last five years. [124793]
Mark Simmonds: The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Marine Protected Area (MPA) was proclaimed on 1 April 2010.
The BIOT Administration issues permits to private yachts for short-term moorings. We have not issued any permits to merchant vessels transiting BIOT as such ships do not require a permit.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department has spent on the maintenance of the Marine Protected Area around the British Indian Ocean Territory since 31 March 2011. [124798]
Mark Simmonds:
The British Indian Ocean Territory Administration has spent just over £3.3 million on maintaining the marine protected area in the British Indian Ocean Territory since 31 March last year. This funding comes from a variety of sources and includes
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funding for the patrol vessel the Pacific Marlin, the fuel for the vessel, and the fisheries protection officer.
British Overseas Territories
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department has spent on biodiversity conservation in the UK Overseas Territories in each of the last five years. [124787]
Mark Simmonds: In each of the past five years the Department has dedicated £500,000 through its Overseas Territories Environment Programme (OTEP) to support environment, biodiversity and conservation work in the Territories. This commitment of £500,000 now continues through the Darwin Plus: Overseas Territories Environment and Climate Fund.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff in his Department have worked full time on environmental issues in the UK Overseas Territories in each of the last five years. [124788]
Mark Simmonds: In each of the past five years the Department has had one full-time staff member dedicated to environmental issues in the UK Overseas Territories. This staff member is supported in the Territories by a network of Staff Officers who are based in Governors’ Offices.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Department for Energy and Climate Change and the Department for International Development also have UK-based staff who work directly on UK Overseas Territories environment and climate change issues. The White Paper committed each Department to lead in their respective areas of responsibility.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the economic risks posed to the UK by environmental degradation and climate change in the UK Overseas Territories. [124789]
Mark Simmonds: The Department contributed to the Foresight report, “International Dimensions of Climate Change”, which was published in 2011. The report provides an overview of the evidence of threats and opportunities to the UK from international climate change and includes a section on the Overseas Territories. The report is available from:
http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/foresight/docs/international-dimensions/11-1042-international-dimensions-of-climate-change.pdf
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much funding his Department has given to the UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum in each of the last seven years. [124821]
Mark Simmonds: The Department has provided the UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum with multi-year funding to support its work in the Territories. I will write to you with a breakdown of the funding as this information is not immediately available.
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Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much funding his Department has given to the Overseas Territories Environment Programme in each of the last 10 years. [124822]
Mark Simmonds: Since 2007-08 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has allocated approximately £500,000 each year to the Overseas Territories Environment Programme. Prior to this date records could be obtained only at a disproportionate cost.
The Territories are home to many species and environments found nowhere else in the world, including an estimated 90% of the biodiversity found within the UK and Territories combined. Funding from the Overseas Territories Environment Programme plays a crucial role in ensuring that these highly valuable natural resources are protected for the future.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the future of the Overseas Territories Environment Programme; and if he will make a statement. [124823]
Mark Simmonds: In the White Paper on the Overseas Territories, the Government committed to delivering co-ordinated support on Overseas Territories natural environment issues and to developing with the Territories a more strategic approach to managing their rich environmental assets.
In response to these commitments, on 17 October the Minister for the Environment launched the new ‘Darwin Plus' Fund, see following link:
http://darwin.defra.gov.uk/news/2012-10/darwin-plus/
For the current round of funding approximately £2 million is available.
In addition to the new Fund, and in line with the more strategic approach, the Department is also rolling out its stakeholder-led Environmental Mainstreaming initiative. The initiative (which builds on existing structures such as the Environment Charters) has already been successfully deployed in the British Virgin Islands and in the Falkland Islands.
Burma
Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the treatment of the Rohingya peoples in Burma. [124686]
Mr Swire: I have received disturbing reports of further outbreaks of clashes in Rakhine State in western Burma between Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims.
The latest outbreaks of inter-communal violence in Rakhine State seem to be the most serious since the initial violence in June and, according to reports, have left several thousand people homeless and resulted in an unverified number of casualties.
I issued a statement on 24 October which called for an immediate end to the violence. I further urged the Government to take all necessary action to protect civilians and to grant full humanitarian access to the areas affected as soon as possible. In a subsequent statement of 28 October, the Secretary of State for
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Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), again called on all parties to cease the violence and for the Burmese authorities to take all necessary measures to guarantee security in the region.
Cayman Islands
Mr Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department has had any discussions with the Government of the Cayman Islands on the Cayman Turtle Farm since 2007. [125391]
Mark Simmonds: Responsibility for the Cayman Turtle Farm rests with the Cayman Islands Government. According to our records, we have not had formal discussions with the Cayman Islands Government about the Turtle Farm during the period referenced.
We are aware that the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) has conducted an investigation into the Turtle Farm and that it has recently made its findings public. The British Government place great importance on conserving the biodiversity of the Overseas Territories and take seriously reports of animal cruelty throughout the world. We therefore welcome the work that non-governmental organisations such as WSPA undertake in support of international animal welfare issues.
We understand the farm has carried out a review of its operations and found no basis for WSPA's allegations. The farm itself has ordered that an independent assessment take place in December. We encourage WSPA, the management of the farm and the Cayman Islands Government to continue to engage constructively.
Mr Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the capacity of the Cayman Islands Government to implement the measures set out in the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility signed by the UK and Cayman Islands Governments for improving the performance of (a) the Cayman Turtle Farm and (b) its other government companies and statutory authorities. [125516]
Mark Simmonds: The Framework for Fiscal Responsibility was signed by the UK Government and the Government of the Cayman Islands in November 2011. The framework includes commitments by the Cayman Islands Government to put value for money considerations at the heart of the management of the public sector and deliver improved financial management and planning across the Caymanian public sector. This includes government companies and statutory authorities such as the Cayman Turtle Farm.
Premier Bush has committed to taking forward the implementation of the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility and the UK Government are committed to ensuring it continues to be rolled out effectively.
Cleaning Services
Dan Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to require all cleaning contracts held by his Department to stipulate that the cleaning products used and their ingredients should not have been tested on animals. [125017]
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Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office policy in relation to cleaning products or ingredients of cleaning products is to avoid animal testing unless it is mandated by legal requirement. Products tested on animals would be used only within the definition of the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances (REACH) set up to protect human health and the environment.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the recent UN report by Navanethem Pillay, UN Commissioner on Human Rights, on the M23 movement in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement. [124783]
Mark Simmonds: We welcomed the report from the UN Commissioner on Human Rights. We agree with Ms Pillay that every effort must be made to hold perpetrators of human rights violations accountable. To that end we will consider which of those named could be listed under the Democratic Republic of Congo sanctions regime, in addition to those already on the list. We condemn all human rights abuses wherever and by whoever they are committed.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his Rwandan counterpart on the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [124784]
Mark Simmonds: The situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and the reports of Rwandan support for the M23 rebels remain matters of serious concern for the UK. We continue to raise our concerns with the Rwandan Government at the highest level. I did so when I met the Foreign Minister, Louise Mushikiwabo, at the United Nations General Assembly on 26 September. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), also did so when he spoke to Ms Mushikiwabo on 29 September. Our high commissioner in Kigali continues to raise the UK's concerns about the conflict with a range of senior Rwandan Government figures.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his American counterpart on the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [124786]
Mark Simmonds: I discussed the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo with US Assistant Secretary Carson in the margin of the UN General Assembly at the end of September. In addition, senior Foreign Office officials and our Posts in Kinshasa, Washington and UKMIS New York are in regular contact with their US colleagues in order to exchange information and co-ordinate our efforts in resolving the current crisis.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on recent attacks on civilians committed by the M23 movement in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement. [124790]
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Mark Simmonds: There has been a lull in fighting since August but we continue to receive reports from the UN and non-governmental organisations on the ground that M23 has attacked civilians. It is clearly unacceptable that the ordinary people of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, who have already suffered so much, should have to experience yet more threats to their safety.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on recent civil unrest in the town of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement. [124791]
Mark Simmonds: We are deeply concerned by reports of civil unrest and attacks on civilians in Goma, particularly given its importance as a key town in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The problems peaked in late September. Since then the DRC army and police and MONUSCO have stepped up patrols. We will continue to monitor the situation.
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what meetings he has held with the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo concerning human rights abuses in the east of that country; and if he will make a statement. [124946]
Mark Simmonds: I am concerned about cases in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and am quite clear that they must stop and that perpetrators must be brought to justice. We want to work for a long-term resolution to the insecurity in the eastern DRC as a key step towards addressing human rights abuses there. I set out my position clearly at the High- Level Meeting on DRC at the UN General Assembly on 27 September, and in a meeting with Foreign Minister Tshibanda on 26 September in New York. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), met the DRC Foreign Minister in London on 4 September. Our embassy in Kinshasa has regular meetings and discussions with the DRC Government.
As part of our efforts to tackle the causes of human rights abuses, the Foreign Secretary has recently launched an initiative on the prevention of sexual violence in conflict. The initiative will support the UN and civil society and will help other countries develop their capabilities to prevent and investigate these terrible crimes. The UK will use our presidency of the G8 to secure commitments from others to tackling this issue.
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Rwanda concerning the operation of Rwandan armed and irregular forces in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. [124948]
Mark Simmonds:
The situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and the reports of Rwandan support for the M23 rebels remain matters of serious concern for the UK. We continue to raise these concerns with the Rwandan Government at the highest level. I did so when I met the Foreign Minister, Louise Mushikiwabo, at the United Nations General Assembly on 26 September.
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The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), also did so when he spoke to Ms Mushikiwabo on 29 September. Our high commissioner in Kigali continues to raise the UK's concerns about the conflict with a range of senior Rwandan Government figures.
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Uganda concerning their relations with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and military activity around the DRC-Uganda border. [124949]
Mark Simmonds: Britain is working with regional and international partners to break the cycle of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. We recognise Uganda's leadership of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) in seeking a resolution. We also support UN efforts to investigate allegations of outside interference and support for the M23 militia. I raised these points with the Ugandan Foreign and Defence Ministers on 26 September in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly.
Ethiopia
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his Ethiopian counterpart on the human rights situation in Ethiopia. [124816]
Mark Simmonds: We have consistently raised our concerns about human rights and the closing of the political space with the Ethiopian Government, including most recently during my meeting with Acting Foreign Minister Berhane on 28 September. We will continue to pursue an open and honest dialogue with Ethiopia on these issues.
EU Budget
Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on negotiations on the EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-20. [125558]
Mr Lidington: I have discussed the Multiannual Financial Framework with EU counterparts at regular General Affairs Council meetings in Brussels, most recently on 16 October. I am in regular contact with all of my EU counterparts and the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) is raised regularly in the course of my bilateral meetings, including my recent visits to Berlin (16-17 October), Rome (22-23 October), Warsaw (23-24 October) and Madrid (26-28 October). On 16 October, as well as reiterating the case for the UK rebate, I re-emphasised the position of the UK, which is shared by other like-minded budget disciplined member states: that the MFF needs to reflect the tough consolidation efforts being made by member states; that there needs to be substantial reductions to administrative costs; and that the effectiveness and value for money of all EU spending must be improved.
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Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his German counterpart on negotiations on the EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-20. [125565]
Mr Lidington: I visited Berlin on 16-17 October and held constructive discussions on the Multiannual Financial Framework with Foreign Ministry Minister of State Link and with senior members of the Chancellery and the Finance Ministry. I set out the UK's position, that the next Multiannual Financial Framework must see a real freeze in payments. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), likewise recently met with Foreign Minister Westerwelle, on 23 October. I look forward to further discussions in due course and to reaching an agreement soon on the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
Henderson Island
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent progress has been made with the Henderson Island rat eradication programme. [124820]
Mark Simmonds: A team from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds visited Henderson Island in May and confirmed that a population of rats unfortunately persists on the island following last year's eradication exercise. A thorough review of the project is ongoing, with the report due soon, but there are a number of factors which can affect the success of an operation and, unfortunately, no island eradication operation can be guaranteed to succeed. The UK Government will continue working with the Territory and partner organisations to protect the environment and biodiversity of these internationally important islands.
Horn of Africa
Stephen Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to work with multilateral organisations to combat terrorism and violent extremism in the Horn of Africa. [125249]
Alistair Burt: The UK is committed to working with a range of multilateral organisations in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism in the Horn of Africa. In particular, the UK has worked closely with the EU and member states to develop a comprehensive EU Horn of Africa Security Strategy, which aims to strengthen respect for the rule of law and human rights in work to counter terrorism in the region and support capacity building work with law enforcement agencies on counter terrorist financing and on counter radicalisation. The UK also supports work by the Global Counter Terrorism Forum, specifically through the Horn of Africa Working Group (which is co-Chaired by the EU and Turkey). More widely, through its chairmanship of the London Conference on Somalia in February this year, the UK has played a leading role in placing the fight against terrorism and violent extremism in the Horn of Africa at the heart of the international agenda.
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Ilois: Resettlement
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps his Department has taken to facilitate the return of former Chagos Islanders to the British Indian Ocean Territory. [124794]
Mark Simmonds: No steps have been taken to facilitate the permanent return of Chagossians. The British Government believe the arguments against resettlement, including in relation to feasibility and defence security, are clear and compelling.
We continue to organise visits by Chagossians to the British Indian Ocean Territory; 18 will visit from 30 October to 7 November this year. Chagossians arc also taking part in scientific and environmental visits.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department spent on legal advice relating to the Chagos Islands in the last 12 months. [124795]
Mark Simmonds: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has spent a total of £164,470.18 on legal advice relating to the British Indian Ocean Territory between November 2011 and October 2012.
Iraq
Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made on the effect of the decision to close the British consulate in Basra on the UK's commercial interests in the region. [125390]
Alistair Burt: The British Government have reviewed our network in Iraq and believe that the changes announced by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), and set out in the written ministerial statement, 16 October 2012, Official Report, columns 17-19WS, are the best way to support British commercial interests in Basra and southern Iraq.
Middle East
Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the security situation in the Sinai peninsula. [125386]
Alistair Burt: We are concerned about the security situation in the Sinai. The Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), have discussed this with President Mursi. We welcome his commitment to address the situation by asserting greater control over the peninsula, and we have offered the UK's support to examine how the underlying causes of instability might be tackled.
I issued a statement on 7 August condemning attacks at the Rafah border on 5 August, welcoming President Mursi's commitment to addressing security in the Sinai, and urging Egypt and Israel to work together to find solutions to the threats that affect them both.
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Piracy
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what steps he is taking to reduce the levels of maritime piracy off the coast of Eritrea; [124805]
(2) what steps he is taking to reduce the levels of maritime piracy off the coast of Yemen. [124806]
Alistair Burt: Piracy is an affront to the rule of international law. Britain and regional partners are committed to breaking the piracy business cycle and we speak regularly with our international partners about this.
Piracy off the coast of both Yemen and Eritrea originates in Somalia. The Government continue to provide support to the multi-national naval operations off the coast of Somalia, for example the Operational Commander and Headquarters for the EU’s counter-piracy operation; and an asset to the Combined Maritime Forces throughout 2012, for counter-piracy tasking as part of the force's wider operation.
These measures are having an impact. Piracy attacks are down by 65% over the last 12 months and, whereas there were 47 hijackings in 2010, there have been only five so far this year.
The Government also continue to support regional maritime capacity building projects in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.
For a more detailed response on all that the UK is doing to reduce the levels of maritime piracy off the Somali coast, I refer my hon. Friend to our response to the Foreign Affairs Committee report into piracy off the coast of Somalia, published on 19 March 2012.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to reduce the levels of maritime piracy off the Somali coast. [124808]
Alistair Burt: Piracy is an affront to the rule of international law. Britain and regional partners are committed to breaking the piracy business cycle and we speak regularly with our international partners about this.
The Government continue to provide support to the multi-national naval operations off the coast of Somalia, for example the Operational Commander and Headquarters for the EU's counter-piracy operation; and an asset to the Combined Maritime Forces throughout 2012, for counter-piracy tasking as part of the force's wider operation.
These measures are having an impact. Piracy attacks are down by 65% over the last 12 months and, whereas there were 47 hijackings in 2010, there have been only five so far this year.
The Government also continue to support regional maritime capacity building projects in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.
For a more detailed response on all that the UK is doing to reduce the levels of maritime piracy off the Somali coast, I refer my hon. Friend to our response to the Foreign Affairs Committee report into piracy off the coast of Somalia, published on 19 March 2012.
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Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many UK citizens have been captured by pirates in the last five years. [124809]
Alistair Burt: Five British nationals have been captured by pirates in the last five years:
two in 2008;
two in 2009, and
one in 2012.
Pitcairn Islands
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to improve access and transport to Pitcairn Island. [124814]
Mark Simmonds: Since 2009 we have improved access to Pitcairn by providing a regular shipping service with the charter of the MV Claymore II. The service is subsidised by the British Government and provides for eight sailings a year between Pitcairn and Mangareva carrying passengers and four journeys carrying cargo and supplies direct to and from New Zealand. Work is also progressing on a project to enhance access through construction of an alternate harbour which would make the landing of passengers and supplies easier and safer in times of poor sea conditions.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many officials from his Department have visited Pitcairn Island in each of the last five years. [124818]
Mark Simmonds: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office maintains a permanent presence on Pitcairn in the form of the Governor's Representative. In addition, officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office regularly travel to Pitcairn and the New Zealand-based Governor and Deputy Governor normally visit on an annual basis. The Deputy Governor visited Pitcairn in August (2012) and officials from Overseas Territories Directorate travelled to Pitcairn in 2007 and 2011. The Governor was last on the island in September 2010 and plans to visit again in February/March 2013.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to promote sustainable tourism in Pitcairn Island. [124819]
Mark Simmonds: The British Government are working with the Pitcairn authorities to increase tourism by funding the Pitcairn Tourism Co-ordinator position, and the work that she is doing to promote the island to visitors. The Governor hosts Pitcairn promotional events in New Zealand (and more recently in the Cook Islands) and UK Government funding also provides the regular shipping service to the island, which is used by visitors. In addition, work is progressing on a project to provide an alternate harbour to make the landing of tourists (particularly from cruise ships), as well as islanders and supplies, easier and safer. All Pitcairn tourism-related work is based on the principle of sustainability.
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Rwanda
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the UK's relationship with Rwanda; and if he will make a statement. [124785]
Mark Simmonds: The Prime Minister gave an assessment of the UK's relationship on 17 October during Prime Minister's questions when he said:
“Rwanda has been, and continues to be, a success story of a country that has gone from genocide and disaster to being a role model for development and lifting people out of poverty in Africa. I am proud of the fact that the last Government, and this Government, have continued to invest in that success. But I am equally clear that we should be very frank and firm with President Kagame and the Rwandan regime that we do not accept that they should be supporting militias in the Congo or elsewhere. I have raised that issue personally with the President, but I continue to believe that investing in Rwanda's success, as one of those countries in Africa that is showing that the cycle of poverty can be broken and that conditions for its people can be improved, is something we are right to do”.
Somaliland
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many officials from his Department are currently stationed in Somaliland. [124799]
Mark Simmonds: UK officials visit and stay at the office in Hargeisa for short periods in order to meet officials and business people as well as to implement our objectives in Somaliland. Additionally, we have two locally engaged staff permanently based at the office who work on projects and political work.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the UK's relationship with Somaliland; and if he will make a statement. [124800]
Mark Simmonds: The UK places great value on its relationship with Somaliland. We are able to co-operate on many issues, including governance and piracy. The UK Government have committed up to £95 million in development assistance to Somaliland over the next four years. With our office in Hargeisa now open, we look forward to building on this support. Somaliland has made admirable progress in building relative stability in a troubled region—we believe Somaliland can play an important role in enhancing security, prosperity and development in the Horn of Africa.
South Sudan
Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 7 September 2012, Official Report, column 471W, on South Sudan, on the oil pipeline project in South Sudan, what support the Government are offering to the South Sudan Government to establish an independent pipeline to Port Lamu. [125480]
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Mark Simmonds: We have offered no assistance to the Government of South Sudan in relation to a pipeline to Port Lamu but have advised them to seek expert advice in evaluating the case for such a project.
Syria
Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice he has received from his Department on the legal status of Palestinian refugees entering (a) Jordan and (b) Lebanon in order to seek refuge from the violence in Syria. [124872]
Alistair Burt: An individual's legal status will depend on their particular circumstances. We would expect Jordan and Lebanon to treat Palestinian refugees in accordance with international human rights norms.
We remain committed to supporting the efforts of Lebanon, Jordan and other neighbouring countries in their assistance to those affected by the Syria violence. The UK remains one of the largest donors to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
Tristan da Cunha
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the damage caused by the 2011 Petrel Bay oil slick on Nightingale Island, Tristan da Cunha. [124796]
Mark Simmonds: It is too early to say definitively what the full long-term effects of the MV Oliva sinking will be on marine and terrestrial habitats and biodiversity. The Tristan da Cunha authorities are working with partner environmental organisations on a programme of close monitoring. The indications so far are positive for a return to normality.
Turks and Caicos Islands
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the upcoming national elections in the Turks and Caicos Islands; and if he will make a statement. [124810]
Mark Simmonds: Since the UK Government's announcement on 12 June that elections will be held on 9 November, we have actively supported the interim Government in the Turks and Caicos Islands, led by the Governor, to prepare for elections which are free and fair and which are held to the highest possible international standards.
The UK Government have funded a number of projects to support this and will fund an election observer mission arranged by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (UK), which includes the hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife (Thomas Docherty), my hon. Friend the Member for Rochford and Southend East (James Duddridge), an MP from Gibraltar and five observers from the Caribbean region. I gave details of other projects in my answer of 19 October 2012, Official Report, column 558W.
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Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of progress with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team investigation in the Turks and Caicos Islands. [124811]
Mark Simmonds: Further to the reply from my hon. Friend the Member for North West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham), the former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, on 2 July 2012, Official Report, column 485W, the Supreme Court of the Turks and Caicos Islands has rescheduled the date of the Plea and Directions hearing to 12 November.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the economic situation in the Turks and Caicos Islands. [124813]
Mark Simmonds: In a statement on 12 September, the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands gave an upbeat assessment of the economy of the Turks and Caicos Islands, demonstrated for example by the GDP expansion of 4.1% in 2011, the improved fiscal position and show that the economy will also grow this year.
A new Turks and Caicos Islands investment policy has now launched, designed to underpin this growth and keep the Turks and Caicos Islands on a sustainable path into the future.
On 15 October, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government announced that they had signed a memorandum of understanding with the developers of a new US$70 million hotel, casino and marina complex. Further announcements on other development opportunities are also expected shortly. We believe that the interim Government have thus put the Turks and Caicos Islands on the right path to economic growth in advance of elections on 9 November.
World War II: Military Decorations
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will consider waiving the usual five-year criterion to allow veterans of the Second World War to receive the Ushakov Medal commemorating their contribution to the war effort through participation in Arctic Convoy missions. [124807]
Mark Simmonds: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) cannot waive the five-year rule in this or any other case. Only the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals (HD Committee), advises HM the Queen in all matters relating to honours and awards which can put forward an exception to these rules.
We very much appreciate the Russian Government's wish to recognise the brave and valuable service of the Arctic Convoy veterans. In light of this, in 1994 an exception to the five-year rule was made to allow Arctic Convoy veterans to receive the Russian 40th Anniversary of Victory Medal. When this exception was made, it was intended, and announced, that no further exceptions would be made. Therefore, there are no plans to seek an additional exception to the rules to give permission for the Ushakov medal to be accepted for the same service.
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Mr Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will reconsider the decision by his Department to refuse to allow the remaining Arctic Convoy survivors to receive the Medal of Ushakov. [125244]
Mark Simmonds: An exception to the British rules on the acceptance of foreign awards has already been made to allow these brave veterans permission to accept and wear the Russian 40th Anniversary of Victory medal for their service to Russia during the Arctic Convoys. When this exception was made, it was intended, and announced, that no further exceptions would be made. There are therefore no plans to seek an additional exception to the rules to give permission for the Ushakov medal to be accepted for the same service.
Zimbabwe
Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will hold discussions with the Zimbabwean authorities regarding cases of land belonging to white farmers being seized without compensation payment awards being made. [125470]
Mark Simmonds: I strongly condemn illegal farm and property seizures in Zimbabwe, which contravene the Southern African Development Community (SADC) ruling of November 2008 as well as the terms of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) and demonstrate a lack of respect for the rule of law. The British embassy in Harare is in regular contact with farming organisations in Zimbabwe. The embassy, as well as affected British nationals, continues to bring such issues to the attention of the Zimbabwean Government.
Defence
Afghanistan
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which armoured vehicles are currently (a) deployed and (b) available to service personnel in Afghanistan. [125452]
Dr Murrison: The following table lists the types of armoured vehicles (those which have armoured troop carrying capacity as one of their primary roles) currently deployed in Afghanistan, all of which are available to service personnel dependent on their role and requirements.
Warrior
Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked)
Warthog
Mastiff
Ridgback
Jackal
Coyote
Husky
Foxhound
Civilian Armoured Vehicles
Wolfhound
Buffalo
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Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many Foxhound vehicles are currently awaiting repair in Afghanistan; [125454]
(2) how many Foxhound vehicles operated by the armed forces have been (a) based and (b) available for operations in Afghanistan in each month of 2012 to date. [125456]
Dr Murrison: We do not comment on the number of vehicles deployed or available for operations in Afghanistan. I am withholding the information as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.
Libya
Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 22 October 2012, Official Report, column 615W, on Libya: military intervention, how many of the Dual Mode Seeker Brimstone missiles fired during Operation Ellamy were deployed from Tornado aircraft. [125381]
Dr Murrison: During Operation Ellamy last year, UK forces employed around 230 Dual Mode Seeker Brimstone missiles. All of these were employed from Tornado aircraft.
Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 22 October 2012, Official Report, column 615W, on Libya: military intervention, what the average cost was of a return sortie from RAF Marham to Libyan airspace; and which aircraft provided the mid-air refuelling. [125382]
Dr Murrison: The cost of an average seven and a half hour Tornado sortie from RAF Marham to Libya was approximately £37,000. This figure is calculated using standard marginal flying hour costs and rounded to the nearest thousand.
The types of air-to-air refuelling aircraft that supported sorties from RAF Marham varied for each individual mission but were made up of a mixture of TriStar and VC10 aircraft either operating from RAF Brize Norton or deployed at Trapani, Italy.
Military Exercises
Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of flights in Operation United Protector were flown from the French carrier Charles de Gaulle. [125283]
Dr Murrison: During Operation Ellamy last year, no UK sorties were flown from the French carrier Charles de Gaulle.
The UK does not comment on the operational details of allied nations' operations, which are a matter for the Governments concerned.
Nuclear Submarines
Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps are in place to prevent fires on nuclear submarines. [122274]
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Mr Dunne: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by the then Minister responsible for defence equipment, support and technology, my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Worcestershire (Peter Luff) on 19 March 2012, Official Report, columns 465-66W, to the hon. Member for Moray (Angus Robertson).
Unmanned Air Vehicles
Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of international state militaries which own unmanned aerial vehicles (a) in total and (b) with missile capacity. [124376]
Mr Robathan:
The Ministry of Defence assesses that there are approximately 80 states whose armed forces
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operate an unmanned air vehicle capability. Of these, less than a dozen operate systems which have the capacity to be armed with missiles or other munitions.
US Airbases
Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the names are of the US Commander and the RAF Liaison Officer at (a) NSA Menwith Hill, (b) USAF Lakenheath, (c) USAF Mildenhall, (d) USAF Feltwell, (e) USAF Molesworth, (f) USAF Fairford, (g) USAF Croughton, (h) USAF Barford St John and (i) USAF St Mawgan. [124110]
Mr Robathan: The names of the US Base Commanders and RAF Commanders based at the stations listed are shown in the following table:
| Name | Position | Base |
| (1) Indicates brace. | ||
RAF St Mawgan is not a US Visiting Force Base.
Veterans: Grace and Favour Housing
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many former military personnel have been provided with grace and favour homes; at what cost to the public purse such accommodation is funded; and which Department funds such accommodation. [123290]
Mr Francois: It is not a requirement for former military personnel to provide the Ministry of Defence (MOD) with information pertaining to their accommodation arrangements, including any ‘grace and favour' homes, and indeed it is a matter between the employer and employee. As such, the MOD does not hold specific information on such arrangements. The MOD does not fund any grace and favour accommodation for former military personnel.
Energy and Climate Change
Billing
John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the average time taken by his Department to settle invoices to external suppliers or contractors was in each of the last three financial years. [125314]
Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Climate Change's policy on prompt payment is advised by the Prompt Payment Code:
http://www.promptpaymentcode.org.uk/
Statistics on the average time taken to settle correctly submitted invoices by external suppliers is published on the DECC website at:
http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/about/procurement/prompt_pay/prompt_pay.aspx
Cleaning Services
Dan Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will make it his policy to require all cleaning contracts held by his Department to stipulate that the cleaning products used and their ingredients should not have been tested on animals. [125015]
Gregory Barker: Cleaning is provided on core DECC's estate through shared facilities management contracts with the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). In the case of the DEFRA contract, all cleaning products used comply with Government Buying Standards for sustainable procurement, although it cannot be confirmed that products tested on animals are excluded. In the case of the BIS contract, the supplier has confirmed that the cleaning products used have not been tested on animals.
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Electricity
Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what consideration he has given to setting a target date to decarbonise electricity in the Energy Bill. [125467]
Gregory Barker: The Government are committed to meeting our statutory carbon budgets, as set out in the 2008 Climate Change Act. Analysis published in the December 2011 Carbon Plan suggests that the most cost-effective paths to deliver the 2050 target require the electricity sector to be largely decarbonised during the 2030s.
The Department is currently undertaking further work on the issue of decarbonisation of the power sector ahead of the progression of the Energy Bill. In particular, careful consideration is being given to all the recommendations received from the Energy and Climate Change Committee, including those related to the level of grid decarbonisation.
We will be providing greater clarity on the direction of travel through the electricity market reforms.
Energy: Conservation
Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what consideration he has given to continuing the (a) Carbon Emissions Reduction Target and (b) Community Energy Saving Programme until Green Deal finance is fully operational. [125544]
Gregory Barker: The Carbon Emissions Reduction Target and the Community Energy Saving Programme both end on 31 December this year. The Government have previously stated that we have no intention of extending the deadline for completion of either scheme.
Green Deal providers will be able to offer Green Deal plans to consumers from 28 January 2013.
Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent assessment his Department has made of its continuing obligations under the Community Energy Saving Programme and the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target scheme. [125552]
Gregory Barker: Ofgem is responsible for the administration of both the Community Energy Saving Programme and the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target and published its most recent updates on delivery of the schemes on 24 September 2012.
Both the schemes will end on 31 December 2012.
Industrial Diseases: Compensation
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent work has been done by the Monitoring Group on Coal Health Claims; and what the remit of the group is. [125892]
Mr Hayes: The terms of reference of the Coal Health Claims Monitoring Groups were:
“to review on a regular and transparent basis progress on the implementation of the Handling Agreement on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Vibration White Finger (VWF) so that the communities concerned can be
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confident that everything possible is being done to ensure the sensitive, rapid and effective delivery of compensation to ex-miners”.
The VWF scheme was formally closed by the presiding judge on 1 May 2009 and the COPD scheme was formally concluded by the presiding judge on 13 December 2010. All compensation claims under the schemes have now been dealt with, and the role of the Monitoring Groups has therefore concluded.