| Previous Section | Back to Table of Contents | Lords Hansard Home Page |
The Earl of Sandwich asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have statistical evidence to demonstrate whether or not in-country asylum applications are less likely to have a genuine claim to asylum than those who apply at the point of entry. [HL2729]
Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The table shows the percentage of grants of asylum made on initial
17 May 2004 : Column WA67
decisions, for port and in-country applications for the past five years. The table provides no evidence to suggest that the proportion granted refugee status is significantly different between port and in-country cases. Cases are decided on their individual merits not
17 May 2004 : Column WA68
on the location at which a claim is made, and any differences may reflect other factors such as a different mix of nationalities applying at port or in country.
17 May 2004 : Column WA67
1 Figures rounded to nearest 5, with '*' = 1 or 2.
2 Information is of initial determination decisions, excluding the outcome of appeals or other subsequent decisions.
(P)Provisional figures.
(R)Revised figures.
17 May 2004 : Column WA67
Information on asylum applications and initial decisions is published quarterly. The next publication covering the second quarter of 2004 will be available on 25 May 2004 on the Home Office Research Development and Statistics Directorate website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1.html.
Motorcycle Braking Systems
Viscount Simon asked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress is being made with the introduction and training of motorcyclists in the use of anti-skid braking systems. [HL2767]
Lord Davies of Oldham: Many manufacturers already fit anti-lock braking systems to motorcycles, although there is no legal requirement to do so. Systems have been fitted to larger and more expensive machines for several years and are now appearing on some smaller and cheaper machines. Some manufacturers also fit a combined braking system, which may include an anti-lock function.
The Vehicle Safety and Security Task Force of the Advisory Group on Motorcycling has discussed advanced braking systems. The task force's report is expected to encourage the fitment of advanced braking systems (including ABS) and that manufacturers and retailers provide advice to purchasers on the operation and use of the systems.
The Driving Standards Agency's publication for learner and qualified motorcyclists, Motorcycle riding—the essential skills, advises riders to refer to the owner's handbook for details of the manufacturer's recommended method of using ABS, because operating modes vary from one manufacturer or machine to another.
Training in the use of ABS is available through various motorcycle training organisations, as well as road safety organisations such as the Royal Society for
17 May 2004 : Column WA68
the Prevention of Accidents and the Institute of Advanced Motorists.
Bus Services: Quality Control Schemes
Lord Morris of Manchester asked Her Majesty's Government:
Given the current consultation on the time taken to implement bus service quality contract schemes, what plans they have to consult on the removal of the "practicable" test currently required by Section 124(1)(a) of the Transport Act 2000; and what plans they have to introduce a provision for pilot schemes for quality contract schemes in passenger transport executive areas. [HL2725]
Lord Davies of Oldham: The Government have no plans to consult on removing the requirement under the Transport Act 2000 that a quality contract scheme may only be implemented where it represents "the only practicable way" for a local authority to implement its bus strategy.
The Government are taking steps to improve the potential effectiveness of the bus quality contract provisions in the Transport Act 2000. We have consulted on a proposal to reduce the 21-month implementation period. We are currently considering responses. We are also preparing guidance on preparing quality contract schemes.
If a passenger transport executive wishes to introduce a quality contract and believes it meets the criteria, it may apply to do so.
Government Departments: Annual Reports
Baroness Noakes asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are content that annual reports by government departments are issued more than 12 months after the last complete financial year to which they relate. [HL2677]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Lord McIntosh of Haringey): Annual departmental reports are issued in spring and soon after the Budget, and bring together recent outturn data, alongside estimated outturn for the year just ending. Departmental accounts, providing audited information on financial performance, are published separately within 10 months after the financial year to which they relate.
International Cricket: Zimbabwe Tour
Lord Hoyle asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will arrange to meet the International Cricket Council to discuss the proposed cricket tour by England of Zimbabwe. [HL2799]
Lord McIntosh of Haringey: The Government have no plans to talk to the International Cricket Council about the proposed cricket tour by England of Zimbabwe. This is a matter between the ICC and the England and Wales Cricket Board.
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
The Earl of Sandwich asked Her Majesty's Government:
What will be their contribution this year to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan for security during the elections and registration process. [HL2638]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean): The death of two British nationals working to support the election registration process underlines the importance of security for the registration and election processes. We are working with the UN, coalition partners and NATO to consider how the international community can best support the Afghan Government in delivering this.
In addition, the UK has supported election security through our contribution to European Commission (EC) funding of the UN-administered Law and Order Trust Fund (LOFTA). Last year the EC provided 50 million euros to LOTFA, of which the UK contributed 19 per cent; and LOTFA provided £12.3 million towards security for voter registration and the elections themselves.
More generally, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is leading international support for preparations for elections. So far this financial year the Department for International Development has pledged £2.8 million to UNAMA for the elections. Last financial year the UK contributed over £10.4 million to electoral registration in Afghanistan. The UK is currently considering the
17 May 2004 : Column WA70
budget submitted by UNAMA for the cost of the elections themselves.
Cyprus: Green Line
Lord Monson asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, from 1 May onwards, United Kingdom passport holders have the unrestricted right to cross and re-cross the Cyprus "green line" in either direction at approved crossing points, provided they are carrying a valid passport. [HL2666]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: On 28 April, the EU agreed a new regulation to govern the green line in Cyprus. The regulation established special rules concerning the crossing of goods, services and persons, in order to take account of the fact that the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control in the whole of the island.
The regulation states "it is necessary to enable EU citizens to exercise their rights of free movement within the EU and set the minimum rules for carrying out checks on persons at the line and to ensure the effective surveillance of it."
Since 1 May, the Government of Cyprus have allowed the free movement of EU citizens across the green line, in either direction. I urge them to do so unhindered.
| Next Section | Back to Table of Contents | Lords Hansard Home Page |