Surgery: Greater London
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many finished admission episodes there were and what the (a) mean and (b) median time waited was in days for (i) hip replacement, (ii) hysterectomy and (iii) cataract removal procedures at (A) North West London Hospitals NHS Trust and (B) all London hospitals in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12; and if he will make a statement. [133671]
Dr Poulter: The number of finished admission episodes (FAEs) and mean and median time waited for hip replacement, hysterectomy and cataract removal procedures during 2010-11 and 2011-12 for North West London Hospitals NHS Trust and London Strategic Health Authority is shown in the following table.
| Number of finished admission episodes (FAEs)(1) and mean and median time waited(2) (days) for North West London Hospitals NHS Trust and for London Strategic Health Authority of Treatment for (i) hip replacement, (ii) hysterectomy and (Hi) cataract removal procedures(3) for 2010-11 and 2011-12 | |||||||
| Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector | |||||||
| 2010-11 | 2011-12 | ||||||
| Procedure | Provider | Total FAEs | Mean time waited | Median time waited | Total FAEs | Mean time waited | Median time waited |
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| (1)Finished admission episodes A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of in-patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FAEs are counted against the year in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of in-patients, as a person may have more than one admission within the year. (2)Time waited (days) Time waited (days) statistics from Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) are not the same as published Referral to Treatment (RTT) time waited statistics. HES provides counts and time waited for all patients between decision to admit and admission to hospital within a given period. Published RTT waiting statistics measure the time waited between referral and start of treatment. (3)Duration to departure The total amount of time spent in the Accident and Emergency department. This calculated as the difference in time from arrival at A and E to the time when the patient is discharged from A and E care. This includes being admitted to hospital, died in the department, discharged with no follow up or discharged—referred to another specialist department. Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre | |||||||
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many finished admissions episodes there were and what the (a) mean and (b) median time waited was in days for cholecystectomy procedures in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12 at (A) North West London Hospitals NHS Trust and (B) all other London hospitals; and if he will make a statement. [133672]
Dr Poulter: The number of finished admission episodes (FAEs) and mean and median time waited for cholecystectomy procedures during 2010-11 and 2011-12 for North West London Hospitals NHS Trust and London Strategic Health Authority is shown in the following table.
| Number of finished admission episodes (FAEs)(1) and the mean and median time waited(2) (days) for North West London Hospitals NHS Trust and London Strategic Health Authority (SHA) of treatment for cholecystectomy procedures(3) for 2010-11 and 2011-12 | |||||||
| Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector | |||||||
| 2010-11 | 2011-12 | ||||||
| Procedure | Provider | Total FAEs | Mean time waited | Median time waited | Total FAEs | Mean time waited | Median time waited |
| (1)Finished admission episodes A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of in-patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FAEs are counted against the year in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of in-patients, as a person may have more than one admission within the year. (2)Time waited (days) Time waited (days) statistics from Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) are not the same as published Referral to Treatment (RTT) time waited statistics. HES provides counts and time waited for all patients between decision to admit and admission to hospital within a given period. Published RTT waiting statistics measure the time waited between referral and start of treatment. (3)Duration to departure The total amount of time spent in the Accident and Emergency (A and E) department. This calculated as the difference in time from arrival at A&E to the time when the patient is discharged from A and E care. This includes being admitted to hospital, died in the department, discharged with no follow up or discharged—referred to another specialist department. Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre | |||||||
Visual Impairment: Devon
Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average age was of people diagnosed with (a) diabetic retinopathy, (b) cataracts and (c) age-related macular degeneration in (i) Plymouth and (ii) Devon in 2011. [134376]
Dr Poulter: The Health and Social Care Information Centre has provided the mean age for finished consultant episodes (FCEs) with a primary or secondary diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration for Plymouth Teaching Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Devon PCT of residence for 2011-12.
It should be noted that these figures only include those people admitted to hospital for the above conditions. It should also be noted that since the same patient may be treated more than once in the year, their age will be counted more than once in the calculation of mean age.
No ICD-10 coding exists specifically for age related macular degeneration—only ‘degeneration of macula and posterior pole’.
The following table shows mean age (in years) for FCEs(1) with a named primary or secondary diagnosis(2) of diabetic retinopathy(3), cataracts(4) and age-related macular degeneration(5) for Plymouth Teaching PCT and Devon PCT of residence(6), for 2011-12.
| Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector | ||
| 5QQ: Devon PCT | 5F1: Plymouth Teaching PCT | |
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| (1 )Finished Consultant Episode (FCE) A finished consultant episode (FCE) is a continuous period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FCEs are counted against the year in which they end. Figures do not represent the number of different patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the same stay in hospital or in different stays in the same year. (2 )Number of episodes in which the patient had a (named) primary or secondary diagnosis The number of episodes where this diagnosis was recorded in any of the 20 (14 from 2002-03 to 2006-07 and seven prior to 2002-03) primary and secondary diagnosis fields in a Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) record. Each episode is only counted once, even if the diagnosis is recorded in more than one diagnosis field of the record. (3 )Diabetic Retinopathy CD-10 codes used to identify diabetic retinopathy. Each of the following codes must be immediately followed by H36.0 (H36.0 A Diabetic retinopathy): E10.3 D Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with ophthalmic complications E11.3 D Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with ophthalmic complications E12.3 D Malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus with ophthalmic complications E13.3 D Other specified diabetes mellitus with ophthalmic complications E14.3 D Unspecified diabetes mellitus with ophthalmic complications (4 )Cataracts ICD-10 codes used to identify cataracts: H25 Senile cataract H26 Other cataract H28.0A Diabetic cataract (must be preceded by one of the following codes E10.3, E11.3, E12.3, E13.3 or E14.3 in order to be included). In order to be included, the following two codes should only appear in a secondary diagnosis position: H28.1A Cataract in other endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases H28.2A Cataract in other diseases classified elsewhere Q12.0 Congenital cataract (5 )Macular Degeneration It is not possible to identify age-related macular degeneration using HES data. The ICD-10 code used to identify macular degeneration is: H35.3 Degeneration of macula and posterior pole (6 )PCT of residence The strategic health authority (SHA) or PCT containing the patient's normal home address. This does not necessarily reflect where the patient was treated as they may have travelled to another SHA/PCT for treatment. A change in methodology in 2011-12 resulted in an increase in the number of records where the PCT or SHA of residence was unknown. From 2006-07 to 2010-11 the current PCT and SHA of residence fields were populated from the recorded patient postcode. In order to improve data completeness, if the postcode was unknown the PCT, SHA and country of residence were populated from the PCT/SHA value supplied by the provider. From April 2011-12 onwards if the patient postcode is unknown the PCT, SHA and country of residence are listed as unknown. Data quality: HES are compiled from data sent by more than 300 NHS trusts and PCTs in England and from some independent sector organisations for activity commissioned by the English NHS. Health and Social Care Information Centre liaises closely with these organisations to encourage submission of complete and valid data and seeks to minimise inaccuracies. While this brings about improvement over time, some shortcomings remain. Source: Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre | ||
Justice
Rehabilitation of Offenders
21. Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment he has made of the potential role of charities and voluntary organisations in the rehabilitation of offenders. [133887]
Jeremy Wright: My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has announced reforms aimed at improving the way that rehabilitation services are delivered to provide better outcomes and increased value for money. We will be announcing detailed proposals shortly. Following this announcement we will engage with key stakeholders across all sectors, including the voluntary and community sector, to help further develop our plans for reform.
Hate Crime
22. Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps he is taking to tackle hate crime through the justice system. [133888]
Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice hosts the Government’s hate crime programme, which brings all Departments together with criminal justice agencies and key partners. It is advised by a standing Independent Advisory Group and ensures that a co-ordinated approach is taken to reducing the harm caused by hate crime. Our intentions are set out in “Challenge it, Report it, Stop it: The Government's Plan to Tackle Hate Crime” published in March 2012.
Family Courts
23. Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what progress he is making in promoting greater transparency in the family courts. [133889]
Mrs Grant: While a great deal more information on the operation of the family courts is now available through published data, we accept that there is a need for greater openness. We are currently considering how best to take forward options for releasing more information in certain types of family proceedings.
Prisoners: Drug Addiction
Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps he is taking to prevent drug addiction among prisoners. [133886]
Jeremy Wright: The Government are committed to stopping drugs entering prisons and to getting offenders off drugs. Fewer prisoners are testing positive for drugs than any time since 1996, but there is more to do, so we are working closely with the Department of Health and other service providers to create integrated, recovery orientated and outcome focused services.
Human Trafficking
Andrew Selous:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many victims of trafficking referred to the trafficking victim support scheme operated by the
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Salvation Army in the last 12 months failed to receive a conclusive grounds decision; and if he will make a statement. [134089]
Mrs Grant: Information produced by the UK Human Trafficking Centre indicates that there were 17 negative Conclusive Grounds decisions in the period October 2011 to October 2012 on victims who have been referred to the Government-funded support service for adult victims of human trafficking in England and Wales administered by the Salvation Army.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
China
Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) whether he has any plans to make representations to the new leadership of the Chinese Communist Party regarding the treatment of the ethnic Uyghur population in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region; [133464]
(2) if he will make representations to his counterpart in China on the ongoing harassment of the family of exiled Uyghur rights activist Ms Rebiya Kadeer, including the imprisonment of Ablikim and Alim Kadeer, who have been detained since 2006; [133465]
(3) if he will make representations to the Government of China on the repression of religion in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region prior to, during and after Ramadan this year. [133471]
Mr Swire: We are concerned about the treatment of the Uyghur community in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, particularly in relation to cultural and religious freedoms. We will continue to make representations to the Chinese Government, and plan on doing so during the next UK-China Human Rights Dialogue, which is due to take place in spring 2013.
The agenda for the last UK-China Human Rights Dialogue included the situation in Xinjiang, ethnic minority rights, freedom of religion, as well as the rights of detainees and a number of individual cases—including those of Ablikim and Alim Kadeer.
Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will hold discussions with his counterpart in China on providing reparation and medical assistance to the victims of nuclear tests at Lop Nor in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. [133466]
Mr Swire: We are encouraged that in October this year, the Chinese Government announced plans to spend 6 million yuan (approximately £600,000) to clean up the former nuclear testing site at Lop Nur. We still have concerns around the long-term health effects of the tests on the local populace.
Our embassy in Beijing regularly raises issues of concern with the Chinese Government, including access to health care. We welcome recent increases in health care funding and sector reforms announced by the Chinese Government.
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
Mike Gapes:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the Canadian Government's decision
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not to attend the 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo unless certain benchmarks on human rights and accountability are met; and if he will make a statement. [133467]
Mr Swire: Decisions on Canadian representation at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) are a matter for the Canadian Government. We are liaising closely with Canada ahead of CHOGM in Colombo in 2013. The UK looks to Sri Lanka, as with any other CHOGM host, to demonstrate its commitment to upholding the Commonwealth values of good governance and respect for human rights ahead of CHOGM.
Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on attending the 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement. [133468]
Mr Swire: It is too early to confirm UK attendance at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Colombo in 2013. Ahead of the meeting, we will look to Sri Lanka, as with any other CHOGM host, to demonstrate its commitment to upholding the Commonwealth values of good governance and respect for human rights.
EU Law
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which EU directives his Department transposed in (a) 2011 and (b) 2012 to date; which EU directives his Department expects to transpose in (i) 2013 and (ii) the next two years; and what estimate he has made of the cost of each such directive to the (A) public purse and (B) private sector. [133681]
Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not transposed any directives.
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which regulations his Department introduced as a result of EU legislation in (a) 2011 and (b) 2012 to date; which regulations his Department expects to implement as a result of EU legislation in (i) 2013 and (ii) the next two years; and what estimate he has made of the cost of each such regulation to the (A) public purse and (B) private sector. [133682]
Mr Lidington: Regulations are a specific type of statutory instrument. These are rarely sponsored by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). The most usual type of statutory instrument sponsored by the FCO is an Order in Council.
In 2011 the FCO adopted the following orders as a result of EU legislation:
S.I. 2011/742 The European Union (Definition of Treaties) (Stabilisation and Association Agreement) (Republic of Serbia) Order 2011
S.I. 2011/743 The European Union (Definition of Treaties ) (Partnership and Cooperation Agreement) (Republic of Indonesia); and
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S.I. 2011/1043 The Treaty of Lisbon (Changes in Terminology) Order 2011.
In 2012 the FCO has adopted the following regulations:
S.I. 2012/358 The European Union (Definition of Treaties) (Republic of Korea Framework agreement) Order 2012;
S.I. 2012/797 The European Union (Definition of Treaties) (Second Agreement amending the Cotonou Agreement) order 2012; and
S.I. 2012/1809 The Treaty of Lisbon (Changes of Terminology or Numbering) Order 2012.
The FCO is aware of three other measures that will need to be given effect by secondary legislation in the new year relating to the EU/Mongolia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, the EU/Singapore Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and the conferring of privileges and immunities on Athena (an EU body).
These measures are either technical in nature or relate to international agreements. As set out in explanatory memorandandums for each of the regulations in 2011 and 2012, costs to the public purse are negligible, and they are not estimated to incur significant costs to business.
Gibraltar: Spain
Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the movements of a Spanish warship in the territorial waters of Gibraltar; and what steps he is taking to address this issue. [134419]
Mr Lidington: There were two incursions by a Spanish naval vessel into British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW) on 10 December. Radio warnings were issued and the vessel departed BGTW. We have protested to Spain via diplomatic channels at a very high level.
The Royal Navy challenges Guardia Civil and other Spanish state vessels whenever they make unlawful maritime incursions into BGTW. We back this up by making formal diplomatic protests to the Spanish Government about all unlawful incursions. Our challenges and protests make clear that such incursions are an unacceptable violation of British sovereignty.
We are confident of UK sovereignty over BGTW under international law. We make our position clear to the Spanish Government whenever appropriate and we will continue to uphold British sovereignty over the waters.
Israel
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure that Israeli settlements are excluded from all EU and UK agreements with Israel. [134163]
Alistair Burt: Our position on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is clear: they are illegal under international law, an obstacle to peace and make a two-state solution, with Jerusalem as a shared capital, harder to achieve. We consistently urge the Israeli authorities to cease all settlement activity.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) follows UK and EU guidelines when purchasing goods and services from suppliers. The grounds for exclusion of a supplier under UK and EU procurement law are set out in the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 (as amended),
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which in turn reflect EU directives on public procurement and it would have to be considered whether, on the facts of a particular case, any of these grounds applied. Since these guidelines do not currently differentiate between products emanating from Israel or from the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the FCO has not taken any steps in this regard. There is currently no specific proposal for excluding goods, services and products from settlements from EU and member state procurement.
The issue of settlement produce is actively discussed with our EU partners. EU Foreign Ministers, at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 14 May, agreed that
“the EU and its member states reaffirm their commitment to fully and effectively implement existing EU legislation and the bilateral arrangements applicable to settlement products. The Council underlines the importance of the work being carried out together with the Commission in this regard.”
This ongoing work includes measures to ensure that settlement produce does not enter the EU duty-free, under the EU-Israel Association Agreement, and steps to ensure that EU-wide guidelines are issued to make sure that settlement products are not incorrectly labelled as Israeli produce, in violation of EU consumer protection regulations. There are, however, currently no plans for EU or domestic legislation on this issue.
Mediterranean Sea: Environment Protection
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government plan to ratify the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution. [133997]
Mr Lidington: We have had initial discussions with the Government of Gibraltar on this matter and are considering how best to engage in various multilateral forums which concern the marine environment in the Mediterranean. Ratifying the Barcelona Convention so that it applies to Gibraltar is one option.
Middle East
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the effect of the Israeli blockade of Gaza on the humanitarian situation in that territory following the recent conflict with Israel. [133416]
Mr Hague: The Minister of State, Department for International Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for Rutland and Melton (Mr Duncan), visited Gaza on 11 December to assess the humanitarian situation following the recent conflict. We continue to be concerned by the humanitarian impact of the Israeli restrictions on Gaza. These restrictions do tremendous damage to the economy and living standards of ordinary people in Gaza without achieving Israel's security objectives.
We have repeatedly urged Israel to ease those restrictions. We support the ongoing talks in Cairo, brokered by Egypt, which provide an important opportunity to resolve the fundamental problems of Gaza, including achieving more open access to and from Gaza for people and goods, and an end to the smuggling of weapons.
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Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the use of UK-manufactured weapons or components by Israeli forces in Operation Pillar of Defence in November 2012. [133423]
Alistair Burt: The UK maintains a rigorous and transparent arms export control system, whereby all applications are assessed on a case by case basis, against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria. The Criteria make clear our commitment to assess the risk of exports being used for internal repression or to provoke or prolong armed conflicts or aggravate existing tensions or conflict in the country of final destination. We apply these Criteria rigorously, including with respect to Israel. We refuse licences for any arms exports to Israel which we assess would be inconsistent with the Criteria or other relevant commitments.
Throughout the recent conflict, the British embassy in Tel Aviv monitored the security situation in and around Gaza closely and the effect of the use of Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) weaponry. We called on the Israeli authorities throughout the conflict to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law and to avoid civilian casualties. We also urged all sides to co-operate with Egyptian-led efforts to reach a ceasefire. We have no assessment to date of whether any UK weapons or components were used during the recent conflict by the IDF.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department has requested the Government of Israel to take to effectively ease the terms of the current blockade on Gaza. [133515]
Mr Hague: We have repeatedly urged Israel to ease its restrictions on Gaza, including during the recent visit to the region by the Minister of State for International Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for Rutland and Melton (Mr Duncan).
We have put forward suggestions for discussion in the ongoing talks in Cairo, brokered by Egypt, which provide an important opportunity to resolve the fundamental problems of Gaza, including achieving more open access to and from Gaza for people and goods, and an end to the smuggling of weapons. We have also suggested concrete steps that we urge Israel to take in the interim. These include, for example, further expanding the fishing limit; significantly reducing the ‘no-go’ zone up to the border fence; allowing containerised imports to Gaza; and permitting goods from Gaza to access markets in Israel and the west bank, as well as international markets.
Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the extent of UK compliance with paragraph seven of UN Security Council Resolution 465 (1980) on Israel and the occupied territories. [133630]
Alistair Burt:
The UK complies with this resolution calling upon states not to provide Israel with any assistance to be used specifically in connection with settlements in the occupied territories. The UK, together with the general international community, is clear on the status of settlements: they constitute a clear violation of international law, are an obstacle to peace, and a threat
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to the viability of the two-state solution. The UK routinely condemns decisions taken to build settlement units, calling for these decisions to be reversed, and for Israel to cease all settlement activity.
Occupied Territories
Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to encourage the Government of Israel to end the construction of settlements. [133939]
Alistair Burt: We continue to urge the Israeli authorities to cease all settlement building, revoke previous announcements and to remove illegal outposts, as required under international law and in fulfilment of Israel's obligations under the Roadmap.
We have condemned the Israeli decision on 30 November to build 3,000 new housing units in East Jerusalem and the west bank and to unfreeze planning in the area known as E1. We have called on the Israeli Government to reverse these decisions. I formally summoned the Israeli ambassador to the UK to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 3 December, to underline the depth of our concerns.
Our position on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is clear: they are illegal under international law, an obstacle to peace and make a two-state solution, with Jerusalem as a shared capital, harder to achieve.
Palestinians
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the effect that the vote in favour of recognising Palestine as a non-member observer state at the UN has had on the prospects for re-starting negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. [133415]
Mr Hague: I released the following statement on the UK vote on the Palestinian resolution at the UN General Assembly on 29 November setting out our position:
“We respect the course of action chosen by President Abbas and the result at the UN General Assembly tonight.
We continue to believe that the prospects for a swift return to negotiations on a two-state solution—the only way to create a Palestinian state on the ground—would be greater today if President Abbas had been able to give the assurances we suggested, and without which we were unable to vote in favour of the resolution.
In particular, we called on President Abbas to set out a willingness to return to negotiations without preconditions, and to signal that the Palestinians would not immediately seek action in the International Criminal Court, which would be likely to make a return to negotiations impossible.
We sought these assurances because they would help create the strongest possible foundation for a return to talks, if combined with action by Israel and support from the international community, after a long and painful period for both parties in the absence of negotiations. This was the guiding principle behind our vote.
In the absence of these assurances from President Abbas, the UK abstained on the vote, in accordance with the approach I set out in the House of Commons this week.
Nonetheless, we will redouble our efforts to restart the peace process, and will continue our strong support for President Abbas, the Palestinian Authority, and a two-state solution.
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I again urge Israel to avoid reacting in a way that undermines the peace process and a return to negotiations. We would not support a reaction which sidelined President Abbas or risked collapse of the Palestinian Authority.
The coming year is now an even more important one for peace in the Middle East. We encourage the US, with the strong and active support of the UK, the EU and the international community, to show decisive leadership and do all it can in the coming weeks and months to drive the process forward. If progress on negotiations is not made next year, then the two-state solution could become impossible to achieve.”
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect that the vote in favour of Palestinian recognition at the UN will have on UK relations with the Palestinian Authority. [133458]
Mr Hague: The UK's deep friendship with the Palestinians and strong support for the Palestinian Authority has seen the UK provide £22.5 million over the last year in relation to state-building. Our vote on the recent UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution was guided by a simple principle: how best to support a return to genuine negotiations to secure a two-state solution.
However, we have been clear that we respect the course of action chosen by President Abbas. The Deputy Prime Minister and I both spoke to him prior to the UNGA vote. No one can doubt that President Abbas is a courageous man of peace. We believe that he is the best interlocutor that Israel will have to bring about peace.
Sri Lanka
Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the Government of Sri Lanka's commitment to upholding Commonwealth values of (a) good governance, (b) human rights and (c) the rule of law. [133469]
Alistair Burt: As host of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2013, we look to Sri Lanka to demonstrate its commitment to upholding the Commonwealth values of good governance and respect for human rights. We continue to have concerns about human rights in Sri Lanka, including the rule of law and individual freedoms. The concerns of the UK and the wider international community on human rights are regularly relayed to the Government of Sri Lanka, most recently in the 1 November Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council. I will reiterate these concerns when I next visit Sri Lanka.
The UK, in conjunction with the European Union Heads of Mission, released a statement on 5 December. This statement expressed our concern about recent developments in Sri Lanka surrounding the rule of law and individual freedoms. We continue to press the Sri Lankan Government to ensure the protection of the independence of the judiciary and the fundamental rights of all citizens. The statement can be found at:
http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/sri_lanka/documents/press_corner/20121205_en.pdf
Robert Halfon:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received of attacks on Jaffna university
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students by the military in Sri Lanka; what recent assessment he has made of the exercise of the right to freedom of expression in Sri Lanka; what steps he is taking to promote the demilitarisation of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka; and if he will discuss with his Sri Lankan counterpart the attacks on Jaffna university students by the military and the subsequent arrest and detention of students by the Sri Lankan Terrorist Investigation Department. [133518]
Alistair Burt: We are aware of the recent attacks on students at Jaffna university. Our high commission continues to monitor any developments. We have raised concerns about the continued detention of the four students with the Sri Lankan authorities.
We also regularly urge the Sri Lankan Government to improve the human rights situation for vulnerable groups, to investigate incidents that happen, and prosecute those responsible. The UK, in conjunction with the EU Heads of Mission, released a statement on 5 December. This statement expressed our concern about recent developments in Sri Lanka surrounding the rule of law and individual freedoms. We continue to press the Sri Lankan Government to ensure the protection of the fundamental rights of all citizens, including students. The statement can be found at:
http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/sri_lanka/documents/press_corner/20121205_en.pdf
UK Membership of EU
John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he had with (a) trade associations and (b) trades unions in the UK on UK membership of the EU. [133932]
Mr Lidington: I regularly engage with a range of interested stakeholders as part of my ministerial duties. Among others, I have recently met the Westminster Forum and TheCityUK.
In addition, the Government are engaging with a wide range of interest groups, including the Trades Union Congress and numerous trade and business associations, as part of the Balance of Competences review currently under way.
Prime Minister
Ministers: Codes of Practice
Mr Chope: To ask the Prime Minister whether he plans to revise the Ministerial Code to reflect changes in practice in respect of collective responsibility since May 2010. [134169]
The Prime Minister: The Ministerial Code is normally revised and reissued after a general election. The current version was published in May 2010. Copies are available in both Libraries of the House.
International Development
Ascension Island
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much financial aid her Department has given to Ascension Island in each of the last three years. [134000]
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Mr Duncan: DFID has given no direct bilateral aid to Ascension Island in the last three years. Ascension along with other British overseas territories, however, has benefited from regional programmes to protect the environment and to help safeguard children.
Developing Countries: Civil Wars
John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of development aid from her Department to countries that have recently experienced a civil war. [133931]
Mr Duncan: DFID programmes in conflict-affected states are having a real impact on the lives of the poor. For example:
In Afghanistan in 2010-11, DFID contributed to 4.7 million children attending primary school and reached 1.4 million people with emergency food assistance.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo DFID reached 153,000 young children and pregnant women through nutrition programmes.
In Nepal DFID supported the creation of 45,000 jobs and lifted 76,000 people out of poverty through our forestry work.
In Nigeria DFID supported 40 million people to vote in elections.
Results in all UK development programmes, including fragile and conflict-affected countries, are driven by country context. For all DFID programmes we measure the impact they have on reducing conflict, as well as the achievement of development results in specific sectors. The UK has also endorsed the New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States (Busan, November 2011) and is committed to implementing its guidance on working more effectively in fragile and conflict-affected countries.
EU Law
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which EU directives her Department transposed in (a) 2011 and (b) 2012 to date; which EU directives her Department expects to transpose in (i) 2013 and (ii) the next two years; and what estimate she has made of the cost of each such directive to the (A) public purse and (B) private sector. [133683]
Mr Duncan: The Department has not transposed any EU directives in this period.
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which regulations her Department introduced as a result of EU legislation in (a) 2011 and (b) 2012 to date; which regulations her Department expects to implement as a result of EU legislation in (i) 2013 and (ii) the next two years; and what estimate she has made of the cost of each such regulation to the (A) public purse and (B) private sector. [133684]
Mr Duncan: The Department has not introduced any such regulations in this period.
G8
Mr Lilley: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will ensure that the setting of post-millennium development goals will be included on the agenda for the G8 Summit in 2013. [134393]
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Justine Greening: The Prime Minister is co-chair of the High Level Panel on the post-2015 development agenda, which will submit independent recommendations to the UN Secretary-General in May 2013. Thereafter, we anticipate that a wide UN-led process will culminate in the agreement of post-2015 development goals in 2015. It is right for this process to be led by the UN and developing countries. The Prime Minister has announced that the G8 summit in 2013 will focus on tax, trade and transparency.
Non-governmental Organisations
Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her policy is on engaging with non-governmental organisations not funded by her Department. [133851]
Mr Duncan: DFID engages with a range of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) not supported through funding schemes.
The main way DFID engages is through work with BOND, the umbrella organisation for UK-based NGOs working in international development. BOND has over 350 members, most of which are not funded by DFID.
DFID also engages with a range of faith based, diaspora and other organisations working both in the UK and overseas on international development through meetings, events and correspondence.
Procurement
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list all contracts signed by her Department with private companies for the provision of services previously provided by the public sector under her departmental responsibility since May 2010; what the (a) length of the contract and (b) financial penalties for opting out early are in each case where possible within the cost constraints of this question; and if she will make a statement. [133919]
Mr Duncan: DFID has not awarded any centrally let contracts since May 2010 that transferred the service provision and staff from the Department to a private sector provider.
Seas and Oceans: Biodiversity
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the case for a sustainable development goal on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity. [134103]
Justine Greening: The Prime Minister believes that a new global development framework should focus on the eradication of poverty. This will mean not only finishing the job on the current millennium development goals (in areas such as health and education), but also helping to put in place the building blocks of sustained prosperity. As part of this, a new framework will need to address the critical challenge of managing natural resources sustainably, fairly and effectively. The High Level Panel on the post-2015 development agenda co-chaired by the Prime Minister will take a leadership role in considering the case for different goals.