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Armed Forces Memorial
Lord Burlison asked Her Majesty's Government:
- What progress has been made to the proposed siting of the new national Armed Forces memorial to service personnel killed since the Second World War.[HL3364]
Lord Bach: A project team was appointed early last year to look at potential sites for the memorial and to consider the qualifying criteria for those to be commemorated. Extensive research was carried out on suitable sites both in and outside London. There has been wide consultation with the service and ex-service organisations on both the siting and eligibility criteria. There is general support for the proposals.
We are delighted to be able to confirm that the Armed Forces memorial will be sited at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The names of those commemorated will either be engraved on the memorial or in rolls of honour that will be kept close by in the Millennium Chapel at the arboretum. The design of the memorial will be decided following an architectural competition that will be held later this year.
The qualifying criteria for inclusion on the memorial are:
- "All those Service personnel who were killed on duty whilst performing functions attributable to the special circumstances and requirements of the Armed Forces, or as a result of terrorist attack, and all those who died whilst deployed on designated operations."
- "Those members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the Merchant Navy who were killed in conflict
- zones while in direct support of the Armed Forces will also be included on the memorial."
Trustees of the Armed Forces memorial trust will now be appointed to take this project forward. They will take on the ownership of the memorial and will be responsible for its funding and construction. Funds will be raised by public subscription.
This is a very important national project that will also provide a platform to help educate our younger generations about the value of our Armed Forces.
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, 21 and 22 February
Lord Hylton asked Her Majesty's Government:
- What were the main issues discussed by the Organisation for the Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly held in Vienna from 21 to 22 February.[HL2965]
The Minister for Trade (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean): The United Kingdom was represented at the meeting by a delegation of parliamentarians led by my right honourable friend the Member for Walsall South, with my noble friends Lady Hilton of Eggardon and Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede representing the House of Lords. They were briefed on current issues, including budgetary matters, by the chair in office, Foreign Minister Gama and Secretary General Jan Kubis. The three general committees also discussed reports relating to the upcoming annual session in Berlin.
Irish Government: Discussions
Lord Laird asked Her Majesty's Government:
- What topics the Irish Government have discussed with them since 1 January 2000.[HL3167]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The Government of Ireland have very frequent discussions with Her Majesty's Government. These discussions occur routinely at all levels, include official and ministerial discussions and take place both in international fora (such as the UN and the EU) and bilaterally. The discussions cover a wide range of issues in both domestic and foreign policy.
EU Council Meetings: Scrutiny Arrangement
Lord Stoddart of Swindon asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 7 February (WA 112), at what stage in the preparation of agendas of European Council meetings are the scrutiny committees of both Houses of Parliament apprised of each item of business; and whether, in respect of framework decisions, clearance by Her Majesty's Government is given, or withheld, at the stage of the framework agreement or at the time of the specific proposals for its implementation.[HL3195]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: There is no formal agenda for European Council meetings. However, the committees are informed three weeks before a Council of Ministers meeting of items expected to appear on the agenda. As soon as the agenda becomes clearer, departments provide a detailed assessment to the committees of the main agenda items.
As with all other EU legislation, Framework Directives Decisions and any subsequent secondary legislation are provided to the scrutiny committees in line with agreed guidance.
Lord Stoddart of Swindon asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 7 February (WA 112] concerning matters on the agenda of formal meetings of the European Council, what is their practice in respect of parliamentary scrutiny of proposals which have not so far been scrutinised by any such procedures and which are given political approval for subsequent detailed negotiation or legislative or executive implementation.[HL3196]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The Government have given Parliament an undertaking that Ministers will not agree to proposals in the Council of Ministers unless scrutiny has been completed. In exceptional circumstances, e.g. where the national interest would be damaged by delaying agreement, the Minister responsible will write to the scrutiny committees explaining the special reasons for which scrutiny was overridden.
Cyprus
Lord Kilclooney asked Her Majesty's Government:
- As guarantor power, what representations have they made to the Cyprus Government following their decision to take delivery to southern Cyprus of military helicopters from Russia; and whether this delivery of military equipment will facilitate the present talks between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.[HL3228]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The Government have consistently made it clear to all parties in Cyprus that they deplore weapons acquisition, in line with UN Security Council resolutions which express concern about military build-up on the island. We do not consider such procurement to be conducive to efforts aimed at securing a just and lasting settlement in Cyprus. We have raised the issue with the Republic of Cyprus at the highest level. We have also raised the matter with EU partners.
Lord Kilclooney asked Her Majesty's Government:
- When they gave assurances to the Greek Cypriot leader, Glafcos Clerides, that the present phase of direct talks between the two Cypriot community leaders would be held within the framework of United Nations Security Council resolutions.[HL3229]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The UK has always believed that the UN settlement process, based upon UNSCR 1250, offers the best chance of achieving a just and lasting settlement in Cyprus which respects the vital interests of all concerned. Accordingly, we welcomed the decision by the two leaders in December 2001 to begin direct talks on-island in January under the auspices of the UN. We support this process and continue to urge all involved to engage in the talks in a positive and constructive manner.
Belize and Guatemala
Lord Tomlinson asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether there have been any recent negotiations between Belize and Guatemala to resolve their territorial dispute.[HL3398]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The Governments of Belize and Guatemala are working closely under the auspices of the Organisation of American States (OAS) to negotiate a settlement to their longstanding territorial dispute. Two facilitators appointed by Belize and Guatemala aim to present recommendations for an agreed settlement to both governments shortly.
We firmly support the OAS-facilitated process. We very much hope that Belize and Guatemala will be able to agree a settlement this year. Such an agreement would have great significance for both countries and the region more widely. We are in close touch with both countries and are actively helping the facilitators to secure a final and lasting settlement to the dispute.
Zimbabwe: Suspension
Lord Tomlinson asked Her Majesty's Government:
- What recent developments there have been in relation to the suspension of Zimbabwe from the Councils of the Commonwealth.[HL3440]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: I refer my noble friend to the statement I made to the House on 21 March. Huw
Sound Recording: Copyright Exception
Baroness Anelay of St Johns asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Further to the Written Answer by Lord Sainsbury of Turville on 12 March (WA 74), who are the "key interests" with whom the Government are continuing to have dialogue with regard to the possible repeal of the exception to copyright in Section 72 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.[HL3349]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Sainsbury of Turville): There is an ongoing dialogue with the representatives of right holders who favour a repeal of Section 72. It will be important to engage with those who would have to pay a public performance royalty as a result of any change to Section 72 before any decisions are taken.
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