Sign Language
Simon Kirby: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps his Department is taking to ensure the services it offers are accessible to British Sign Language users. [157924]
Mr Maude: I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave to the right hon. Member for Gordon (Sir Malcolm Bruce), on 20 May 2013, Official Report, column 475W.
Social Enterprises
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what assessment he has made of the role of women in social enterprises. [158600]
Mr Hurd: Social enterprises contribute £55 billion to the UK economy, and employ over 2 million people. Women play an important role in the sector. A recent Cabinet Office report showed that 43% of social enterprises were either majority led by women, or women made up half of the management team.
Telephone Services
John Healey: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office whether his Department receives any financial or non-financial benefit from its telephone providers for telephone lines that (a) his Department and (b) the agencies for which he is responsible operate, including but not limited to (i) a share of call revenue, (ii) a reduction in the Department's telephone bill or tariff and (iii) telephony services for free or at a reduced price. [157731]
Mr Hurd: The Cabinet Office and its agencies do not receive any financial or non-financial benefit from their telephone lines.
Unemployment: Older People
Jim Sheridan: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) what estimate he has made of the number of people over the age of 64 years in (a) Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK who were unemployed in each year since 2007; [158721]
(2) what estimate he has made of the number of people between 55 and 64 years in (a) Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK who were unemployed in each year since 2007. [158722]
Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
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Letter from Glen Watson, dated June 2013:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Questions asking for the number of people over the age of 64 years in (a) Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK who were unemployed in each year since 2007 (158721) and the number of people between 55 and 64 years in (a) Paisley and Renfrewshire constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK who were unemployed in each year since 2007 (158722).
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles unemployment statistics for local areas from the Annual Population Survey (APS) following International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions. However, estimates of unemployment for the requested age bands in Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency are not available due to small sample sizes.
In Table 1, I have provided the number of people who were unemployed according to survey responses, for the requested age bands for the 12 month period ending December 2012, the latest available period, and the 12 month periods ending December from 2007 to 2011 from the APS for Scotland and the UK.
As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject to a margin of uncertainty. A guide to the quality of the estimates is given in the tables based on survey results.
National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant count are available on the NOMIS website at:
http://www.nomisweb.co.uk
| Table 1: Number of unemployed people aged 55 to 64 and 65 and over | ||||
| Scotland | United Kingdom | |||
| Aged 55-64 | Aged 65 and over | Aged 55-64 | Aged 65 and over | |
| ‘—’ not available. (1) Coefficients of Variation have been calculated for the latest period as an indication of the quality of the estimates. See Guide to Quality. Guide to Quality: The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV - for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5% we would expect the population total to be within the range 180-220. Key: * 0 ≤ CV <5%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered precise ** 5 ≤ CV <10%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered reasonably precise *** 10 ≤ CV <20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered acceptable **** CV ≥ 20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered too unreliable for practical purposes Source: Annual Population Survey | ||||
Voluntary Work: Young People
Mr Thomas:
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what evaluation he has made of the participation rates, according to quintile of Index of Multiple
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Deprivation, of participants in the National Citizen Service; and if he will make a statement. [157272]
Mr Hurd: The 2011 National Citizen Service (NCS) pilot evaluation showed that those from more deprived socio-economic backgrounds were well represented in NCS, with 23% of participants being in receipt of free school meals, compared with 14% per cent of the general population of 16-year-olds. Participants were also more likely to be non-white and to have a disability or long-term health problem.
The evaluation of NCS 2012 programmes is due for publication shortly. Early indications are that the success of 2011 in ensuring a diverse intake of young people for NCS has been repeated, with participants in both summer and autumn programmes in 2012 more diverse than the social mix found in the general population, including recipients of free school meals.
NCS is available to young people in all areas of England for summer and autumn 2013 and throughout 2014.
Home Department
Domestic Violence
18. Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress her Department has made on improving the detection and reporting of incidents of domestic violence. [158506]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government have introduced new initiatives to improve the reporting of domestic violence. These include piloting the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme and Domestic Violence Protection Orders to provide better protection for victims. Detections are, of course, a matter for the police.
Dangerous Criminals
19. Mark Menzies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she is taking to target dangerous criminals who use firearms. [158507]
Damian Green: The Government have introduced in the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill tougher penalties for criminals who supply illegal firearms.
They are as guilty as those who pull the trigger and they should also face the possibility of a life sentence.
Gun Laws
20. Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of existing gun laws. [158508]
Damian Green: Firearms control in the UK is among the toughest in the world. This shows clearly that neither this Government nor wider society will tolerate gun crime.
We keep these laws under review to ensure they remain appropriate, proportionate and properly implemented. This includes strengthening the guidance
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to police to reflect recommendations of recent reviews including the HASC report on Firearms Control.
Immigration
21. Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she is taking to reduce immigration. [158509]
Mr Harper: The most recent statistics show another significant fall in net migration—down by more than a third since June 2010. Immigration has fallen by 100,000 in the last two years and is now at its lowest level since 2003.
Our tough policies continue to bring immigration back under control and the latest figures mark a further step towards bringing net migration down from the hundreds of thousands to the tens of thousands by the end of this Parliament.
Net Migration
25. Mr Robin Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps her Department is taking to ensure that net migration continues to fall. [158513]
Mr Harper: The most recent statistics show another significant fall in net migration—down by more than a third since June 2010. Immigration has fallen by 100,000 in the last two years and is now at its lowest level since 2003.
Our tough policies continue to bring immigration back under control and the latest figures mark a further step towards bringing net migration down from the hundreds of thousands to the tens of thousands by the end of this Parliament.
Policing
Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she next expects to discuss policing with the Police Federation. [158489]
Damian Green: Both I and the Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), regularly meet representatives of the Police Federation and other policing partners to discuss a wide range of issues, and we greatly value these meetings. We will continue to engage with police officers and staff to ensure that their opinions help to shape the future of policing.
Community Resolutions
Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the use of community resolutions for offences of serious violence. [158510]
Mr Jeremy Browne: Community resolutions empower police officers to deliver swift and effective justice taking into account the needs of the victim.
This Government are clear that community resolutions should only be used for less serious,
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primarily first time offences. They should not be used to divert suitable cases from court, particularly in cases of serious violence.
Asylum
Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers have been granted permission to remain in the UK in each of the last three years. [158478]
Mr Harper: There were 5,195 grants to main applicants at initial decision in 2010; 5,649 in 2011 and 6,065 in 2012. Grants consist of asylum, humanitarian protection, discretionary leave and indefinite leave to remain under private and family life rules.
The Home Office publishes quarterly and annual statistics on asylum decisions within the Immigration Statistics release. A copy of the latest release, Immigration Statistics January-March 2013 is available from:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office/series/immigration-statistics-quarterly-release
and will be placed in the Library of the House.
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the results were of the cohort analysis of asylum in respect of the proportion of asylum applicants who were (a) granted asylum or humanitarian protection and (b) unsuccessful, including after appeal. [159100]
Mr Harper: I refer my right hon. Friend to my answer of 16 May 2013, Official Report, columns 341-42W.
Asylum: Finance
Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people claimed section 4 support in (a) Gloucester constituency, (b) the South West and (c) England in each of the last five years. [157700]
Mr Harper: The Home Office publishes data on section 4 support on a quarterly basis and annual basis. Table 'as_18_q' contains figures on the total number of asylum seekers supported, as well as the total grants of section 4 support during each quarter.
Although these figures are not disaggregated by constituent country down to constituency level, they do provide the requested data on a national level.
The latest quarter's publication provides quarterly data from 1 July 2005 to 31 March 2013 and can be found in the Library of the House, and on the following website:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/tables-for-immigration-statistics-january-to-march-2013
The next release is scheduled for 29 August 2013 and will include data covering the period from 1 April to 30 June 2013.
Asylum: Syria
Lindsay Roy:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individuals of Syrian
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nationality have been granted asylum in the UK since March 2011. [158480]
Mr Harper: There have been 1,030 grants of asylum, 27 grants of humanitarian protection, 17 grants of discretionary leave and no grants of indefinite leave to remain under private and family life rules to main applicants of Syrian nationality between 1 March 2011 and 31 March 2013 at initial decision.
The Home Office publishes quarterly and annual statistics on asylum decisions within the Immigration Statistics release. A copy of the latest release, Immigration Statistics January to March 2013, is available from:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office/series/immigration-statistics-quarterly-release
and will be placed in the Library of the House.
In order to provide figures for the time period requested a subset of the published quarterly National Statistics has been included for the month of March 2011.
DNA: Databases
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost to the public purse was of the removal of 1,136,000 DNA profiles from the national DNA database. [158774]
James Brokenshire: The costs of profile destruction cannot be disaggregated from the other costs of operating the National DNA Database.
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate she has made of the number of DNA profiles that have been removed from the national DNA database that will be put back on the database in the next three years; and what the total cost to the public purse will be of such a process. [158775]
James Brokenshire: No such estimate has been made.
Firearms
Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the implications of 3D printers in the UK producing plastic firearms. [158566]
Damian Green: The manufacture and possession of firearms in Great Britain is subject to control under the Firearms Act 1968 (as amended). Within the Act, a range of offences exist covering the illegal possession of firearms. Anyone found to be in possession of a firearm in this country without legal authority will be liable to prosecution under the Act. In terms of the 3D printed gun, we are working closely with our partners, including the police and experts, to assess other implications.
Human Trafficking
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of European cooperation through SIENA protocols in combating human trafficking into the UK. [156450]
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Mr Harper: Secure Information Exchange Network Application (SIENA) is the Europol IT system used to exchange crime-related information and intelligence between Europol, EU member states and third parties that have an operational agreement with Europol. Europol support efforts to tackle human trafficking across Europe.
The UK must decide, no later than 31 May 2014, whether to accept full European Court of Justice jurisdiction over those EU police and criminal justice measures adopted before 1 December 2009 which have not been amended or replaced. Europol falls within the scope of that decision and its value to the UK is being reviewed accordingly.
The UK must also decide by 30 July 2013 whether to opt into a new proposal for a Regulation to replace the current Europol legal base. As with all opt-in decisions we will put the national interest at the heart of our decision making, considering the impact on security, civil liberties, the integrity of the UK common law systems and control of immigration.
Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she is taking to improve knowledge of human trafficking amongst social workers in (a) Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK. [158726]
Mr Harper: Law enforcement and social services are matters devolved in Scotland. The Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill, is a member of the UK Government's Inter-Departmental Ministerial Group for Human Trafficking. The Group co-ordinates and influences anti-trafficking activities throughout the UK.
In January 2013 the Home Office provided funding, totalling £74,274, to three non-governmental organisations in England and Wales to provide awareness-raising activities for front-line professionals including social workers, criminal justice workers, youth offending teams and local authority personnel.
Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions she has had with the Minister for Children and Young People in the Scottish Government on improving knowledge of human trafficking amongst social workers in (a) Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency and (b) Scotland. [158727]
Mr Harper: Law enforcement and social services are matters devolved in Scotland. The Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill, is a member of the UK Government's Inter-Departmental Ministerial Group for Human Trafficking. The Group co-ordinates and influences anti-trafficking activities throughout the UK.
Members: Correspondence
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she intends to reply to the letters from the hon. Member for Harrow West of 3 April 2013 and 20 May 2013 to the UK Border Agency regarding Ms Alpa Odedra of Harrow. [158588]
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Mr Harper: A Home Office senior official wrote to the hon. Member on 5 June 2013.
Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what target her Department sets for answering letters from hon. Members. [158765]
Mr Harper: The target for responding to letters on immigration and border related issues is to answer 95% within 20 working days.
The target for all other letters is 95% within 15 working days.
Police: Freedom of Information
Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she has received representations from (a) West Yorkshire Police and (b) South Yorkshire Police that they require more resources to deal with freedom of information requests. [159098]
Damian Green: South Yorkshire has indicated that they are considering making an application for a Special Grant in relation to the work they are undertaking on the Hillsborough investigations. This work includes maintaining the archive and responding to requests for information.
No representations have been received from West Yorkshire.
Police: Recruitment
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will collect data on police recruitment levels in deprived areas. [157912]
Damian Green: The Government have no plans to collect data on police recruitment from deprived communities. To do so would put an unjustifiable additional bureaucratic burden on police forces.
Police: Training
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent changes there have been to the charging policy in respect of training of police constable recruits in police training colleges. [157898]
Damian Green: There have been no changes to the charging policy in respect of training of police constable recruits in police training colleges.
Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012
Chris White: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps her Department has taken to implement the provisions of the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012. [158304]
James Brokenshire: The Home Department has implemented the provisions of the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 via the issue of the Cabinet Office Procurement Policy Information Note “The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012—advice for commissioners and procurers” to its entire procurement community.
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Telephone Services
Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what payment has been received by (a) her Department and (b) each police force in England for paid-for mobile telephone calls to the emergency 111 telephone number since the inception of that service. [158432]
Anna Soubry: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department of Health.
No payment has been received by the Department of Health or any police force in England for paid-for mobile telephone calls to the NHS 111 telephone number since the inception of the service.
NHS 111 is free to the caller from landlines, mobiles and payphones. The cost of this is picked up by NHS England.
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Animal Welfare: Circuses
Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the timetable is for the introduction of the bill to ban wild animals in circuses; and if he will make a statement. [158693]
Mr Heath: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Glasgow North East (Mr Bain) on 16 May 2013, Official Report, column 784.
Beaches: North-East
Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions he has had with Northumbrian Water about improving water quality on (a) Saltburn beach and (b) other beaches in the north-east of England. [157996]
Richard Benyon: The Secretary of State has had no discussions with Northumbrian Water about the water quality of Saltburn beach or other beaches in the north- east of England. The Environment Agency is working closely with Northumbrian Water to identify improvements to be made in the next round of water company expenditure.
Bovine Tuberculosis
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many TB breakdowns there were in England in each of the last three years; how many multiple reactor breakdowns there were in each year; how many TB herd breakdowns there were in each county; and how many multiple reactor breakdowns there were in each county. [157667]
Mr Heath: Statistics are not routinely produced on multiple reactor breakdowns. Statistics are produced on new herd incidents, and these are recorded irrespective of the number of reactors.
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| Total number of new herd TB incidents in England in each of the last three years | |
| Number of new TB Incidents in the north region in each of the last three years | |||
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | |
| Number of new TB incidents in the east region in each of the last three years | |||
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | |
| Number of new TB incidents in the west region in each of the last three years | |||
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | |
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Bovine Tuberculosis: Northern Ireland
Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions he has held with the Northern Ireland Executive on bovine tuberculosis. [158965]
Mr Heath: The Government's policy on bovine TB relates to England only. The devolved Administrations are taking forward their own strategies to tackle bovine TB in cattle. However, we work very closely together and liaise regularly with Northern Ireland and the other UK administrations on bovine TB.
Cattle: Accidents
Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if he will make it his policy to keep and publish records of the breeds of cattle involved in attacks on people; [157668]
(2) if he will make it his policy to keep and publish records of the breeds of cattle which are involved in accidents; [157669]
(3) if he will make it his policy to keep and publish records of the breeds of cattle involved in fatal and non-fatal accidents. [157674]
Mr Hoban: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) keeps records of all incidents (accidents and complaints) that are reported to it. Certain incidents (accidents) are reportable under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (as amended) (RIDDOR).
There is no requirement under RIDDOR or other health and safety legislation for breeds of cattle involved in incidents to be reported to HSE. The breed of the cattle will only be recorded by HSE where it is relevant to the investigation of a specific incident.
Common Agricultural Policy
Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what assessment he has made of the potential costs for British farmers of the greening of the common agricultural policy; [156851]
(2) what consideration he has given to negotiating an opt-out for British farmers to the greening of the common agricultural policy; [156852]
(3) what assessment he has made of progress in negotiations for the greening of the common agricultural policy; and what his priorities are for British farmers in this respect. [156854]
Mr Heath [holding answer 3 June 2013]:Common agricultural policy (CAP) reform negotiations are ongoing. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and I have argued for the greening of Pillar 1 that delivers meaningful environmental outcomes across the EU and for the strengthening of Pillar 2 outcomes without bringing undue administrative burden and cost. These remain the UK objectives and we will consider how the agreed greening provisions line up in the final CAP reform package of measures.
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Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations he has made to the European Commission regarding the reform of the common agricultural policy to achieve flexibility within the policy to reflect the agricultural diversity of the different regions of the UK. [157286]
Mr Heath [holding answer 3 June 2013]:Securing greater clarity on the regional implementation of the common agricultural policy (CAP) has been a key priority for the UK and the devolved Administrations in discussions with other member states and the European Commission throughout the current round of CAP reform negotiations.
At the EU Agriculture Council in March 2013, the UK secured a new article in the legislation to give greater clarity on the regional application of the CAP.
Environment Agency: North-East
Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many staff were employed by the Environment Agency in the north-east in each year since 2008. [157708]
Richard Benyon: The number of staff employed by the Environment Agency on permanent and temporary contracts in the north-east region as at 31 March is as follows:
| Financial year | Full-time equivalent |
Fisheries
Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans he has to bring forward an aid package for fishermen to cover expenses incurred by them as a result of poor weather conditions and recent gear requirement changes. [158828]
Richard Benyon: The UK Government have no plans to provide an aid package for fishermen to cover any expenses incurred as a result of poor weather conditions or to replace existing gear.
As fisheries are a devolved issue it would be a decision for Northern Irish Ministers whether to offer such incentives for Northern Irish fishermen. I understand that the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development has recently announced that financial resources will be made available to Northern Irish fishermen under the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) should they decide to replace existing gear.
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Flood Control: Greater London
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much funding his Department made available to (a) London boroughs, (b) the Mayor of London and (c) other agencies for flood prevention within London in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12 and (iii) 2012-13; what funding for these purposes has been made available in 2013-14; and if he will make a statement. [158427]
Richard Benyon: The Flood and Water Management Act (2010) designated local-authorities as Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) with responsibility for managing flood risk from surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses. The London boroughs and the Environment Agency work together as risk management authorities to reduce the risk of flooding in London. The Mayor of London is not a flood risk management authority and does not receive funding.
Revenue funding has been made available for local authorities to carry out their duties under the Act, for example to investigate and address flood risk problems, maintain a public register of Flood Risk Management assets and conduct routine maintenance. Funding was allocated according to the flood risk in each LLFA area and full details of the allocation for each one over this spending period (April 2011 to March 2015) can be found on the following website:
www.gov.uk
In the previous spending period, following the Pitt Review of 2008, funding was also provided to London boroughs via the London Consortium for Early Actions work. This funding totalled £3.286 million and was spent between August 2009 and March 2011.
In 2010-11, DEFRA provided a grant to the London borough of Sutton for property level protection and resilience measures to 47 properties, costing a total of £221,000.
Risk Management Authorities bid for grant capital funding to implement measures to reduce the risk of flooding. The funding (for new and improved flood risk management schemes) is allocated to individual schemes on a prioritised basis rather than by borough. The capital funding for London boroughs and the Environment Agency in each year between 2010-11 and 2013-14 is outlined in the following table:
| £ million | |
Funding sources include Government funding (referred to as Flood Defence Grant in Aid), Local Levy (which is raised by the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee), and in 2012-13 and 2013-14, partnership funding contributions which may be raised locally.
We are on course to spend £2.3 billion on reducing the risk from flooding and coastal erosion over the four years to 2015. Partnership Funding has so far brought forward up to £148 million of contributions over the four years to 2015. This extra funding is helping to deliver better protection to more communities than was previously thought possible.
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Floods: Insurance
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress has been made in talks with the insurance industry about access to insurance against flood damage for homes in the most at-risk areas; and if he will make a statement. [158428]
Richard Benyon: We have made significant progress in discussions with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) on how its “Flood Re” proposal could be made to work. This is a complex issue and so far no deal has been reached, but we aim to conclude negotiations as soon as possible. Members of the ABI will continue to abide by the Statement of Principles (SoP) for a further month, until 31 July, to allow more time for an agreement to be reached.
Please be assured that we are working hard across Government to secure a solution in advance of the deadline, and that we will be making an announcement as soon as it is possible to do so.
Food: Industry
Mr Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what meetings (a) he, (b) Ministers in his Department and (c) officials in his Department have held with directors or staff of the top 15 food producers in the UK in the last 15 months; and what subjects were discussed at those meetings. [158414]
Mr Heath: The Department does not categorise the top 15 food producers. However, we do identify separately the five largest food manufacturing companies, for which DEFRA has a co-ordinating role across Government in managing relations at a strategic level. Ministers or senior officials have met directors or staff of these five companies (Associated British Foods, Nestle, Unilever, Diageo and Mondelez) individually and as part of wider forums such as the Exports Forum. Ministers and senior officials also regularly meet trade associations representing food producers such as the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and others, as well as organisations that bring together businesses from the whole food chain such as the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD).
Key issues discussed include: competiveness and the sector's contribution to growth; export promotion; the skills needs of the sector and apprenticeships; sustainability and healthy eating initiatives undertaken by the sector; food waste; food security; the Government's planned Agri-Tech Strategy; innovation and new technology, including GM; reform of the Common Agricultural Policy sugar regime; changes to food labelling legislation and the response to the horsemeat fraud incident. In addition there will have been a significant number of routine meetings at official level with a range of trade associations representing food producers and individual businesses.
Forests
Michael Ellis: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his policy is on measures to increase the area of accessible woodland created close to towns and cities. [155659]
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Mr Heath: The Government Forestry and Woodlands Policy Statement made it clear that we want more trees and woodlands in and around our towns and cities, where they can provide important public benefits such as access and recreation.
The Forestry Commission has a track record of developing new woodlands close to where people live, for example in Thames Chase and Manchester, and is making good progress in supporting the creation of more woodland access close to the most disadvantaged communities. Planting trees close to where people live is also a key objective of the Big Tree Plant which will provide 1 million new trees in and around our towns and cities by 2015.
The Government also continue to support the creation of the National Forest by the National Forest Company which is transforming an area covering 200 square miles in the Midlands in which 200,000 people live and over 8 million trees have now been planted.
Mr Tom Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he will make his decision on the future of the Forest Services. [155904]
Mr Heath: A review is being run jointly with the Forestry Commission of the way the Government's forestry functions, such as providing advice to landowners and regulating the forestry sector, are carried out. The review is expected to report shortly and we will announce the outcome as soon as is practical thereafter.
Horses
Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many thoroughbred racehorses registered with each passport issuing authority and previously (a) in training, (b) out of training, (c) in breeding or (d) formerly used for breeding were killed in UK abattoirs in each of the last three years; and how many such animals entered the human food chain. [157334]
Mr Heath: DEFRA does not hold the data requested; it only holds data on the total number of horses slaughtered for human consumption. The number of horses slaughtered in the last three full calendar years is as follows:
| Of which: | |||
| UK total | England | Northern Ireland | |
Horses: Death
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many horses died and were subsequently reported to the National Equine Database (NED) for each of the last three years the NED was operational. [156604]
Mr Heath: As of 2 July 2012, 114,961 horses whose passports had been issued by UK Passport Issuing Organisations had been reported as having died. It is not possible to break this total down by year.
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Marine Conservation Zones
Mr Tom Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the principles of good practice, set out in the Government chief scientific adviser's guidelines on the use of scientific and engineering advice in policy making, were applied within his Department and by his Department's Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies when preparing and submitting evidence in support of the proposed marine conservation zones. [158039]
Richard Benyon: DEFRA has implemented a number of measures to ensure the Government chief scientific adviser's principles of good practice have been applied when utilising evidence in support of marine conservation zones (MCZs).
DEFRA established independent expert groups to challenge, support and provide advice on the different phases of the process. It also established peer review processes to challenge and examine information. These included:
The Marine Protected Areas Science Advisory Panel review of evidence cited by the Regional MCZ Projects and advice on the MCZ site recommendations;
The Independent Expert Review Group (IERG) review of protocols and advice produced by Natural England (NE) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC); and
The external peer review of the Impact Assessment.
Following recommendations from the Science Advisory Panel DEFRA also commissioned an independent expert review of the MCZ evidence base to deliver a comprehensive review of the regional MCZ project's evidence and any additional information.
NE and JNCC also developed their advice so as to be consistent with the Government chief scientific adviser's guidelines for preparing scientific advice, and the recommendations of the independent report that reviewed the evidence process for selecting marine special areas of conservation. The independent review has been published online.
NE and JNCC's advice, following published peer reviewed protocols, used the best available evidence and was subject to internal peer review by the organisations' non-executive boards and an independent external review by the IERG. NE and JNCC are currently preparing advice on the proposed MCZs post-public consultation using the same protocols and approaches described in their previous advice, thus continuing to follow the Government chief scientific adviser's guidelines.
Mr Tom Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when his Department received the first draft of the published report on the in-depth review of evidence supporting the recommended marine conservation zones; and for what reason the final report was not released earlier during the marine consultation zone consultation process which concluded on 31 March 2013. [158040]
Richard Benyon:
The in-depth review undertook a complex assessment of the data used by the regional marine conservation zone (MCZ) projects, Natural England (NE) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) for all recommended MCZs and Reference Areas. The timetable for submission of the report to
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DEFRA was extended to ensure that NE and JNCC could supply the information they used in a suitable format so that this could be taken into account in the final report.
The first draft of the final published report was received on 19 February 2013.
Nitrogen Dioxide: Pollution
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress his Department is making in reducing nitrogen dioxide pollution levels; and if he will make a statement. [155927]
Richard Benyon: While the UK is compliant with most EU air quality standards, meeting the limits for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in cities and towns is challenging. This is a situation shared by most other member states. Underperformance of diesel vehicles against EU emissions standards for oxides of nitrogen is a key part of the problem. In 2011, the UK submitted air quality plans to the European Commission for the zones where NO2 exceedances were reported. These plans set out the action being taken at national and local level to reduce nitrogen dioxide pollution.
Evidence suggests that targeted action to accelerate the introduction of cleaner vehicles is the most effective way of reducing nitrogen dioxide levels in our towns and cities. We have therefore invested in incentives to improve heavy duty vehicle standards over many years through Reduced Pollution Certificates and a Green Bus fund of nearly £100 million. There has also been significant investment in incentives for ultra low emission electric and hybrid vehicles. We continue to explore these and other measures to achieve further reductions in air pollution.
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the (a) Secretary of State for Health and (b) devolved Administrations about the consequences to human health of nitrogen dioxide pollution. [155928]
Richard Benyon: DEFRA and the Department of Health have had extensive discussions to raise awareness of the health effects of air pollution, including nitrogen dioxide. Air quality was included as an indicator in the Public Health Outcomes Framework for local authorities. DEFRA, the Department of Health and Public Health England also work together to keep the evidence on the health effects of air pollution, including nitrogen dioxide, under review.
DEFRA works closely with the devolved Administrations on our shared air pollution evidence programme and on ensuring that health impacts from air pollution are properly reflected in the EU review of air quality policy.
Plants: EU Action
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his policy is on the European Commission's proposal for a regulation on marketing of plant reproductive material. [155629]
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Mr Heath: We welcome, in principle, the European Commission's aim to simplify, modernise and reduce the costs associated with the current EU regulatory framework on marketing plant reproductive material. We are considering the proposal and its potential impacts with stakeholders and will be negotiating for a proportionate, flexible and simplified approach to legislation. Rules to mitigate biosecurity risks from import and movement of plant reproductive material are in the existing EU plant health legislation and in the recently published proposals which are part of a wider package covering plant health, animal heath, and controls for production of food and animal feed.
Sign Language
Sir Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what specific measures his Department has in place to ensure that deaf people have the opportunity to communicate in British Sign Language with (a) officials of his Department and (b) the agencies and public bodies for which he is responsible; [157585]
(2) what assessment he has made of the equality of access available for deaf people whose first language is British Sign Language in communicating with (a) officials of his Department and (b) the agencies and public bodies which support his Department; and if he will make a statement. [157409]
Richard Benyon [holding answer 3 June 2013]: Core DEFRA, its Executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) assess communication needs on a case-by-case basis, with a view to meeting individual requirements. This may be by providing a British Sign Language interpreter or by using alternative communication formats for meetings with officials.
Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to ensure the services it offers are accessible to British Sign Language users. [157930]
Richard Benyon: Core DEFRA assesses communication needs on a case by case basis, with a view to meeting individual requirements. This may be by providing a British Sign Language interpreter or by using alternative communication formats.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest
Steve Brine: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what level of public consultation Natural England must undertake when proposing changes to a Site of Special Scientific Interest; and under what statutory authority such consultation is conducted. [158913]
Richard Benyon: If Natural England proposes to enlarge an existing Site of Special Scientific Interest then it is required by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to notify:
“(a) the local planning authority (if any) in whose area the land (including the SSSI) is situated;
(b) every owner and occupier of any of that land (including the SSSI); and
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(c) the Secretary of State”. (Section 28C (2))
“shall specify the time (not being less than three months from the date of the giving of the notification) within which, and the manner in which, representations or objections with respect to it may be made; and Natural England shall consider any representation or objection duly made.” (Sections 28C (3) and 28 (3))
If Natural England proposes to denotify an existing SSSI then the same Act requires it to notify:
“(a) the local planning authority (if any) in whose area the land mentioned in subsection (1) is situated;
(b) every owner and occupier of any of that land;
(c) the Secretary of State;
(d) the Environment Agency; and
(e) every relevant undertaker (within the meaning of section 4(1) of the Water Industry Act 1991) and every internal drainage board (within the meaning of section 61C(1) of the Land Drainage Act 1991) whose works, operations or activities may affect the land.” (Section 28D (2))
Telephone Services
John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether his Department receives any financial or non-financial benefit from its telephone providers for telephone lines that (a) his Department and (b) the agencies for which he is responsible operate, including but not limited to (i) a share of call revenue, (ii) a reduction in the Department's telephone bill or tariff and (iii) telephony services for free or at a reduced price. [157737]
Richard Benyon: Core DEFRA and its Executive agencies do not receive any share of call revenue or a reduction in telephone bill or tariff from its telephone providers.
Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations 2010
Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations 2010; and if he will make a statement. [155978]
Mr Heath: The Greyhound Regulations are due to be reviewed in 2015.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Afghanistan
Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in assisting the Afghan Government to implement fully the law on the elimination of violence against women. [158557]
Alistair Burt:
Tackling violence against women is fundamental to upholding basic human rights and to support women playing a full part in the development of a stable and secure Afghanistan and we regularly raise this issue with the Government of Afghanistan. For example, during her visit to Afghanistan in March the Senior Minister of State, my noble Friend the right hon. Baroness Warsi discussed women's rights with the
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Afghan Foreign Minister Rassoul, leading female parliamentarians and other Government and civil society representatives.
Implementation of the Afghan Elimination of Violence Against Women Law (EVAW) was specifically included in the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework (TMAF), the partnership between the Afghan Government and the international community. We, along with our international partners, will hold the Afghan Government to account for the commitments they have made. In Kabul, the Gender Donor Coordination Group (led by UN Women) and the Civil Society Support Group (led by UNAMA) are considering how the TMAF recommendations should be taken forward. The UK is represented on both groups.
We also encourage the Afghan Government to monitor the use of the EVAW law by police and prosecutors across the country to ensure it is used in all applicable cases. Our £7.1 million Assistance to the Ministry of Interior includes a strong focus on developing Afghan policy on promoting human rights in the security sector and protecting women from violence. We provide significant funding to the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission to ensure it can act to protect women human rights defenders, investigate and catalogue violence against women, and support those seeking justice.
Through the Tawanmandi project the UK provides grants for Afghan women's organisations to advocate for full implementation of EVAW law among judges, prosecutors and police; to provide support for victims of violence; and engage with the Government of Afghanistan and hold it to account. UK funding for this project will continue into 2016.
Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what priority has been given by his Department to women's rights in Afghanistan. [158564]
Alistair Burt: Human rights, including women's rights, are essential to and indivisible from the UK's foreign policy priorities. Tackling violence and discrimination against women is an important part of our work in Afghanistan and is fundamental to upholding basic human rights and to supporting the role of women in securing a stable and prosperous future Afghanistan. We regularly raise this issue with the Government of Afghanistan and wider Afghan Authorities and will continue to do so. For example, during her visit to Helmand and Kabul in March the Senior Foreign Office Minister Baroness Warsi discussed the vital role of women in Afghanistan with Foreign Minister Rassoul, leading female parliamentarians and other Government and civil society representatives.
We will continue to work closely with the Government of Afghanistan and wider Afghan authorities, international partners and local and international civil society organisations to improve the status of women in Afghanistan, so that they can play a full role in a future, peaceful Afghanistan.
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Air Travel
Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what amount was spent by his Department on (a) business, (b) first and (c) economy class airline tickets in each of the last three years. [158003]
Mr Lidington: The following costs are for air travel bookings made through the FCO travel management company (Hogg Robinson Group plc) and do not include bookings made through local travel agencies, which would be available only at disproportionate cost.
| £ | |
FCO policy does not allow for first class travel. The only possible exception might be in cases where we are required to evacuate staff or dependants urgently (including in a medical emergency) and no other seats were available.
Where possible and appropriate, we encourage secure video-conferencing around the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) network to reduce the number of flights needed. However, face-to-face meetings are a vital part of diplomatic work and this necessarily involves travel.
Argentina
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his counterpart in Argentina on freedom of expression. [158364]
Mr Swire: I have not personally raised this issue with my Argentine counterpart. However, I have taken note of the concerns expressed by a number of civil society groups. Freedom of expression is fundamental in any fully functioning democracy.
Bahrain
Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received about the case of Redha al Gasra in Bahrain; and what assessment he has made of the legal proceedings being taken against him in that country. [158540]
Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not received any representations about the case of Redha al Gasra, and has had no reason to follow the legal proceedings of this case.
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Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to secure the release of Mahdi 'Issa Mahdi Abu Dheeb in Bahrain. [158544]
Alistair Burt: I raised the case of Mr Mahdi Abu Dheeb with the Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Mubarak, during a telephone call last month. We respect the sovereignty of the Bahraini judiciary but continue to urge the Government to ensure that due process is followed carefully and transparently in all cases, and that liberties are protected—particularly where severe penalties are imposed.
Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the trial and detention of Mahdi 'Issa Mahdi Abu Dheeb in Bahrain. [158546]
Alistair Burt: Mr Mahdi Abu Dheeb had his sentence reduced to five years following a civilian retrial in October. We understand that he is appealing this verdict in the Cassation Court. We will continue to monitor this case closely—as we do with a number of other trials—including through the attendance by a member of our embassy staff at hearings.
Bangladesh
Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment UK Trade and Investment has made of whether the Phulbari open cast coal mine project in Bangladesh is environmentally, technically, socially and financially viable. [157844]
Michael Fallon: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
The UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) team in Dhaka provides support to UK companies seeking to do business in Bangladesh. It is for individual companies to make an assessment of the viability of any potential projects. UKTI does not have the remit or resources to undertake an assessment for a company of whether an individual project is environmentally, technically, socially or financially viable.
We want to help British business succeed in a way that is consistent with our values. The promotion of business and the protection of human rights should go hand in hand. The Government intend to launch an action plan on business and human rights—based on the UN Guiding Principles—which will underpin business success by helping UK companies understand and manage human rights risk.
Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Bangladesh Government regarding the establishment of an independent inquiry into the recent violence in that country. [158590]
Alistair Burt: We are concerned following the recent violence and deaths in Bangladesh. The Senior Minister of State, my noble Friend the right hon. Baroness Warsi, issued a statement on 13 March which called on the Government of Bangladesh to investigate reports of deaths and use of excessive force by the police.
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We continue to call on the Bangladesh Government to ensure that investigations into all criminal incidents are conducted promptly, transparently, and impartially, irrespective of the identity of either victim or alleged perpetrator. Anyone arrested should be treated in full accordance with due process and Bangladeshi law.
We have been clear that all citizens have a right to hold their Government to account but violence and vandalism have no place in legitimate protests. We continue to encourage all parties to resolve their differences through dialogue and discussion. On 25 April Baroness Warsi raised our concerns directly with the Bangladesh Foreign Minister, Dr Dipu Moni. Our high commission in Dhaka also regularly raises these issues, both bilaterally and with EU partners.
Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to his Bangladeshi counterpart in support of the rule of law and the abolition of the death penalty in that country. [158593]
Alistair Burt: The Senior Minister of State, my noble Friend the right hon. Baroness Warsi, raised our support for the rule of law and our strong opposition to the death penalty with the Bangladesh Foreign Minister, Dr Dipu Moni, on 25 April. She also issued a statement on 13 March calling for respect for rule of law in Bangladesh.
Our high commission in Dhaka also regularly raises both these issues, both bilaterally and with EU partners.
Burma
Mr Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of whether ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity have been committed against Rohingya people in Burma. [158037]
Mr Swire: The reports from Human Rights Watch in April, and the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in Burma following his visit to Burma in February, contain a number of disturbing and specific allegations. We continue to make clear to the Burmese Government that where serious crimes have been committed, those who have perpetrated them must be held accountable for their actions. This should be done through a clear and transparent investigative and prosecutorial process that meets international standards.
Further independent investigative work to fully establish the facts would be required for an informed assessment as to whether ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity have been committed.
Ministers most recently met senior Burmese Ministers to press them on the need for accountability, when the Senior Minister of State, my noble Friend, the right hon. Baroness Warsi, on 15 April, and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, on 16 April, met the lead Minister for Rakhine State and Minister for the President's Office, during their visit to London. The Minister of State for International Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for Rutland and Melton (Mr Duncan), will visit Burma and Rakhine State later in June to raise our concerns again. Officials in Rangoon continue to work with other like-minded
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countries to lobby the Burmese Government to act on the statement by President Thei'n Sein on 6 May, in which he stressed the need to ensure accountability for those guilty of human rights violations.
Colombia
Mr Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will assess the strength of the evidence base for the accusations made by the Colombian Government that the March for Peace, held across Colombia on 9 April 2013, had been partly organised with money from FARC; and if he will make a statement on the implications for human rights in that country, particularly freedom of association. [158535]
Mr Swire: We are aware of the Colombian Defence Minister's comments about the march that took place in Colombia on 9 April, but do not plan to carry out an assessment of the basis for these comments. We believe that the attendance of President Santos and large numbers of the armed forces at the event, alongside over one million Colombians, demonstrated the Colombian Government's belief in the legitimacy of civil society groups and the contribution such groups can make towards achieving a lasting peace settlement for Colombia.
As part of Colombia's Universal Periodic Review in April 2013, we strongly welcomed President Santos's decision to undertake peace negotiations with the FARC. The process has significant potential to improve respect for human rights in Colombia. We support the Colombian Government's consultations with civil society over the agenda items in the peace negotiations. We believe the biggest threat to freedom of association and expression comes from threats and violence by illegal armed groups. We have recommended that the Colombian Government increase efforts to investigate and prosecute those responsible for threats or violence against human rights defenders, trade unionists, community leaders and journalists.
Falkland Islands
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has any plans to increase the number of officials in his Department that are based in the Falkland Islands. [158343]
Mr Swire: Staffing levels in all our Posts are reviewed regularly. There are currently no plans to increase the number of Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials based in the Falkland Islands given the broad range of responsibilities that are devolved to the Falkland Islands Government. We did, however, increase by half the size of the Falklands team in London during 2012.
Iraq: Iran
Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) with reference to the answer to Lord Maginnis of Drumglass of 18 March 2013, Official Report, House of Lords, column WA117, on Iraq: Camp Liberty, what steps the Government are taking to support the UN's efforts to relocate residents of Camp Liberty in third countries; [157307]
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(2) with reference to the answer of 24 April 2013, Official Report, column 933W, on Iraq, what assessment officials of the British embassy in Iraq made of (a) Camp Ashraf and (b) Camp Liberty after their visits in September 2012; and whether further such visits have been planned; [157308]
(3) with reference to the answer of 22 April 2013, Official Report, column 636W, on Iraq, what the outcome was of his discussions with his Iraqi counterpart in Baghdad in February 2013 on humanitarian standards at Camp Liberty; and what discussions he had on that occasion on attacks carried out on (a) Camp Ashraf in April 2011 and (b) Camp Liberty in February 2013; [157309]
(4) what representations he has made to the US and UN regarding the alleged unlawful and forced relocation of residents from Camp Ashraf to Camp Liberty. [157313]
Alistair Burt: The Memorandum of Understanding which the Government of Iraq agreed with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq in December 2011 allowed only for the voluntary relocation of residents from Camp Ashraf to Camp Liberty. We have seen no evidence that residents were forced to relocate to Camp Liberty, and have therefore made no representations to the US or UN about such allegations. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is responsible for the process of resettlement of residents to third countries. We are considering, on an exceptional and case by case basis, the readmission of 52 residents who have had previous residence in the UK as refugees.
The UN is responsible for monitoring conditions at Camps Ashraf and Liberty. British embassy officials therefore would not make an independent assessment, though we continue to raise issues with the UN and Government of Iraq when appropriate. We do not currently have plans to visit the camps again, given the UN's role. I raised my concerns about the 9 February 2013 attack on Camp Liberty and discussed residents' access to medical care with the Iraqi Foreign Minister when we met in February.
Israel
Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to the answer of 17 December 2012, Official Report, column 573W, on Israel, if he will direct the British ambassador to make urgent representations to the Israeli Government regarding the Prawer Plan. [157900]
Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs visited Khan Al Ahmar, a Bedouin community located in the "El" area during his visit to the region on 23 to 24 May, where he heard from vulnerable Palestinian communities facing the threat of house demolitions and forced displacement.
Our embassy is in regular contact with Bedouin leaders and activists and our ambassador to Tel Aviv has discussed the Prawer Plan with the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Knesset.
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Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to the answer of 17 December 2012, Official Report, column 573W, on Israel, what recent representations he has made to the Israeli Government to make clear the UK Government's concerns about forced evictions. [157901]
Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs raised our concerns over evictions and demolitions in East Jerusalem and the west bank with the Israeli authorities during his visit to the region on 23 to 24 May.
Mexico
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Mexico on participation in the planned humanitarian effects of war conference; and if he will make a statement. [157675]
Alistair Burt: Officials from our embassy in Mexico City held discussions on this subject with Mexican officials on 31 May 2013. We were informed that the Mexican Government planned to host a conference in early 2014, with a focus on the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons. Officials will continue to meet with their Mexican counterparts to discuss their plans as they develop.
Occupied Territories
Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps he has taken to halt the transfer of population and demolition of Palestinian housing and infrastructure by the Israeli Government. [158190]
Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs raised our concerns over evictions and demolitions in East Jerusalem and the West Bank with the Israeli authorities during his visit to the region on 23-24 May. We will continue to press on these issues, together with key partners.
Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on how many Palestinian homes are currently at risk of demolition in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in (a) East Jerusalem, (b) Areas A and B and (c) Area C. [158533]
Alistair Burt: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 3 June 2013, Official Report, column 862W.
Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 3 June 2013, Official Report, columns 859-60W, on Occupied Territories, and with reference to the five International Peace and Co-operation Centre master plans approved in December 2012, what the scope of the period for public objection is; and whether objections can be made by (a) settlement residents, (b) settlement businesses and (c) only those legally resident under international law. [158858]
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Alistair Burt: Following the International Peace and Cooperation Centre’s submission of detailed planning proposals for new road networks, and new water and sanitation networks for the five planned Palestinian communities in Area C, the plans are currently awaiting approvals from the Israeli road and water departments. This is in preparation for the plans to be deposited for the 60 day period for public objections. We understand that settlement residents and settlement businesses are able to make objections during this period.
Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 21 May 2013, Official Report, columns 679-80W, on Palestinians, what assessment his Department has made of the risk of the Government aiding and abetting breaches of international law by Israel in Area C through funding of master plans which amount to de facto recognition of the Wall and settlements. [158923]
Alistair Burt: The UK position on settlements and the separation barrier is clear. Settlements are illegal under international law. If Israel wished to build the barrier, it should have been built on the 1967 border—and where it is constructed on the Palestinian side of that border, it is illegal under international law. We do not consider that supporting the development of masterplans for Palestinian communities constitutes de facto recognition of either settlements or the barrier.
Pakistan and Afghanistan
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department has undertaken an assessment of the effects of unmanned aerial strikes in Pakistan and Afghanistan on (a) the livelihoods of the affected communities and (b) the ability of the affected communities to access education. [157728]
Alistair Burt: Her Majesty's Government have not undertaken a specific assessment of the effects of unmanned aerial strikes in Pakistan and Afghanistan on (a) the livelihoods of the affected communities and (b) the ability of the affected communities to access education. However, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has supported opinion surveys in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas which in 2010 and 2011 included a question related to drone strikes. I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 16 May 2013, Official Report, column 392W, to my right hon. Friend the Member for Mid Sussex (Nicholas Soames).
Palestinians
Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with representatives of Israel on payments made to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails in the last 12 months. [157897]
Alistair Burt: The Palestinian Authority (PA) makes payments to meet the living expenses of prisoners in Israeli jails at the request of the Israeli authorities. These payments are managed by an Israeli company. Separately, the PA makes social assistance payments to families of prisoners.
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Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Elkin raised the first issue with British officials in Tel Aviv on 28 May 2013 expressing concern as to whether payments are higher for prisoners serving longer sentences.
Qatar
Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Qatari Government about improving labour standards and rights for migrant workers in Qatar. [158021]
Alistair Burt: I have not discussed this issue with the Government of Qatar. But I welcome moves such as the Qatar Foundation's recent Migrant Workers' Welfare Initiative which sets out for contractors and subcontractors the minimum mandatory requirements with respect to recruitment, living and working conditions, and general treatment of workers engaged in construction and other projects at the Foundation. I will encourage the Qatari authorities and other interested parties to make further progress in these areas.
Sign Language
Sir Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what specific measures his Department has in place to ensure that deaf people have the opportunity to communicate in British Sign Language with (a) British diplomatic posts and (b) the agencies and public bodies for which he is responsible. [157368]
Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and its arm’s length bodies are strongly committed to promoting equal opportunity and diversity, including promoting disability equality across all aspects of our work. While there is no specific policy to promote the use of British Sign Language (BSL) the FCO and its arm’s length bodies support deaf clients to access its services on a case by case basis. For example:
FCO Services supply BSL interpreters, lip speakers and palentypists to assist communication, on demand and in keeping with the requestor's wishes. However, as far as we are aware, they have not been asked to do this overseas.
The British Council provides assistance for deaf students both to learn English and take exams, and through the use of subtitles and local sign language interpreters at its events. The British Council also promotes disability equality around the world through its programmes, for example through support to the Annual European Deaf Arts and Culture Festival and the Hong Kong International Deaf Film Festival.
Sir Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the equality of access available for deaf people whose first language is British Sign Language in communicating with (a) UK embassies and consulates and (b) the agencies and public bodies which support his Department; and if he will make a statement. [157373]
Alistair Burt:
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and its arm’s length bodies are strongly committed to promoting equal opportunity and diversity, including promoting disability equality across all aspects of our work. While there is no specific policy to promote the
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use of British Sign Language (BSL) the FCO and its arm’s length bodies support deaf clients to access its services on a case by case basis. For example:
FCO Services supply BSL interpreters, lip speakers and palentypists to assist communication, on demand and in keeping with the requestor's wishes. However, as far as we are aware, they have not been asked to do this overseas.
The British Council provides assistance for deaf students both to learn English and take exams, and through the use of subtitles and local sign language interpreters at its events. The British Council also promotes disability equality around the world through its programmes, for example through support to the Annual European Deaf Arts and Culture Festival and the Hong Kong International Deaf Film Festival.
Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to ensure the services it offers are accessible to British Sign Language users. [157931]
Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and its arm’s length bodies are strongly committed to promoting equal opportunity and diversity, including promoting disability equality across all aspects of our work. While there is no specific policy to promote the use of British Sign Language (BSL) the FCO and its arm’s length bodies support deaf clients to access its services on a case-by-case basis. For example:
FCO Services supply BSL interpreters, lip speakers and palentypists to assist communication, on demand and in keeping with the requestor's wishes. However, as far as we are aware, they have not been asked to do this overseas.
The British Council provides assistance for deaf students both to learn English and take exams, and through the use of subtitles and local sign language interpreters at its events. The British Council also promotes disability equality around the world through its programmes, for example through support to the Annual European Deaf Arts and Culture Festival and the Hong Kong International Deaf Film Festival.
Sri Lanka
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Commonwealth Secretariat on human rights in Sri Lanka ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. [157676]
Alistair Burt: Ministers and officials have regular discussions with the Commonwealth Secretariat, including on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka.
We continue to have serious concerns about reconciliation and accountability processes, as well as respect for human rights in Sri Lanka. We are concerned about attacks on and intimidation of journalists, legal professionals, human rights defenders and others. Sri Lanka is listed as a 'Country of Concern' on human rights in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Human Rights Report for 2012, a copy of which is available online at
http://www.hrdreport.fco.gov.uk
The British Government are strongly committed to strengthening our engagement with, and role within, the Commonwealth. It is because of the importance we attach to the organisation, that the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs have decided to attend this year's Commonwealth
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Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sri Lanka in November 2013. We strongly support the values of the Commonwealth and it is right that the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs are able to drive a strong meeting, and take the opportunity to promote human rights and good governance. Hosting the CHOGM will put Sri Lanka in the spotlight and will provide an opportunity to either highlight progress and respect for Commonwealth values or draw pressure and attention to the absence of such progress. We will continue to encourage Sri Lanka to uphold Commonwealth values ahead of the CHOGM.
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Sri Lanka concerning human rights and Tamil detainees. [157677]
Alistair Burt: The British Government regularly raise their concerns about human rights in Sri Lanka in discussions with Ministers and officials. These include issues relating to the ongoing detention of Tamils.
We continue to have serious concerns about reconciliation and accountability processes, as well as respect for human rights in Sri Lanka, including freedom of expression and judicial independence. During my visit to Sri Lanka earlier this year, I took our human rights concerns directly to the Sri Lankan Government, and urged the full implementation of Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission’s (LLRC) report recommendations and wider measures on accountability. As the Deputy Prime Minister stated on 15 May, too many LLRC recommendations have not yet been implemented. One area on which we have seen little progress is the recommendation to ensure closure for the families of missing persons through easy access to detainee lists. Both during my visit, and since, the British Government have been clear that although some progress has been made, much more work is needed to deliver the path to reconciliation in Sri Lanka.
In light of our concerns, the UK co-sponsored the Sri Lanka resolution passed in the Human Rights Council on 21 March, and we welcome its adoption with the support of a majority of Council members. We urge the Sri Lankan Government to implement the recommendations contained in the resolution and comply with their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.
Syria
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how he plans to ensure that any arms and military equipment licensed to be sold to groups opposing the Syrian Government will not be diverted to terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda or Islamist extremists also opposing the Syrian government in the Syrian civil conflict. [158018]
Alistair Burt:
The United Kingdom has made no decision to send arms to the Syrian Opposition. The lifting of the EU Arms Embargo gives the UK the
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flexibility to respond in the future if the situation continues to deteriorate and if the Assad regime refuses to work towards a political solution to the conflict.
If we were to decide to provide lethal support to the Syrian Opposition it would only be in co-ordination with other nations, in carefully controlled circumstances, and in accordance with our obligations under national and international law. At the Foreign Affairs Committee on 27 May, the UK agreed safeguards to ensure that support would only go to moderate groups.
Travel
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his Department's budget for ministerial travel for (a) the Government Car Service, (b) private hire vehicles, (c) taxis, (d) rail, (e) aviation and (f) other is for (i) 2013-14, (ii) 2014-15 and (iii) 2015-16. [157526]
Mr Lidington: It is not possible to split the ministerial offices' budget into detailed categories. The budget for 2013-14 is £1.6 million. This includes all travel and associated costs for Ministers and accompanying staff.
Budgets for future years have not yet been set at team level.
Turkey
Stephen Mosley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Turkish Government to ensure that (a) excessive force is not used against protestors in Taksim Square and (b) democratic processes are followed in resolving current social and political issues in Turkey. [158949]
Mr Lidington: The British ambassador in Ankara issued a statement on 1 June expressing concern at the violence in Turkey, urging the authorities to exercise restraint, and encouraging them to respect the right to peaceful protest and freedom of assembly which, he underlined, are fundamental human rights in any democratic society.
We welcome statements last week from the Turkish Government apologising for the disproportionate use of force and recognising that some of the concerns raised by the protestors are legitimate. Turkey is a multi-party democracy whose Government have been democratically elected. We hope the issues raised by the protestors are resolved through an inclusive process of constructive engagement and dialogue. We urge all parties to show restraint.
UK Trade & Investment
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure that maintaining and increasing the strength of UK education exports is a top priority in British embassies worldwide. [157908]
Mr Willetts: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
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UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) has a strong programme of support for the UK's education export sector. Much of this is delivered by its network of commercial officers based in embassies, consulates-general and high commissions overseas. UKTI's commercial officers who deal with education are fully aware of the importance of this sector and have a deep understanding of how the UK offers matches local demand. They work closely both with individual providers and with trade associations to promote the UK's offer, and are given regular and appropriate training to ensure that they have an up to date knowledge of the UK's strengths in this field. UKTI's overseas team deals with more inquiries about education than it does for any other sector, underlining the importance of educational exports and its high priority in our overseas posts.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support the UK has offered to non-members of the Missile Technology Control Regime to prevent the proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles. [158807]
Alistair Burt: The UK is a founder member of the Missile Technology Control Regime, and plays a full part in the regime's activities, including supporting outreach work to non-member countries to promote support for the objectives of the regime. Outreach visits help to raise awareness of the regime's technical controls—including controls on unmanned aerial vehicles—as well as promoting their effective implementation. The chair of the regime leads outreach visits, usually with support from member countries. This year the chair is Germany. Germany has conducted outreach visits to the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan. The UK was represented on each of these visits.
Western Sahara
Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will raise with the (a) Moroccan Ambassador and (b) UN Secretary-General reports that the Moroccan authorities in Dakhla, Western Sahara, have banned UN personnel from the harbour. [157692]
Alistair Burt: We are aware of media reports of an incident of this nature. It is important that MINURSO is able to fulfil its role in Western Sahara in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions. We do not plan to raise these allegations with the Moroccan Authorities or the UN Secretary-General but we understand that MINURSO will discuss this as part of their regular dialogue with the Moroccan authorities.
Deputy Prime Minister
Food: Retail Trade
Mr Meacher: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what meetings (a) he and (b) staff in his Office have held with directors or staff of the top 15 food retailers in the UK in the last 15 months; and what subjects were discussed at those meetings. [158413]
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The Deputy Prime Minister: As part of the Government's transparency programme, details of ministerial meetings with external organisations are published on the Cabinet Office website at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/cabinet-office/series/ministers-transparency-publications