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Lord Skelmersdale asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Answer by the Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 7 November (Official Report, col. 393), which CMS call centres are failing to reach the 84 per cent target referred to for responding to calls. [HL2205]
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The most up to date information available, for the week ending 11 November 2005 indicates that we are now answering an average of 85.7 per cent of calls to CMS contact centres from customers making benefit claims. Out of 22 CMS contact centres, nine contact centres are operating below the 85.7 per cent level. The target is 90 per cent.
These contact centres concerned are listed below along with their opening date.
Date went live with CMS | |
Marton Mere | 24.11.03 |
Garston | 08.12.03 |
Poole | 12.01.04 |
Dundee | 06.02.04 |
Grimsby | 09.02.04 |
Derby | 22.03.05 |
Bridgend | 11.05.05 |
Blackburn | 10.08.05 |
Taunton | 05.09.05 |
Jobcentre Plus is undergoing a massive change programme. Change on this scale does create challenges in maintaining levels of service and it has put the business under some pressure. We acknowledge that, in many cases, there will be a temporary loss in performance in this transitional
29 Nov 2005 : Column WA23
period and it is clear that some customers have experienced difficulties in getting through to the contact centre.
Immediate measures have been put in place to address this, including temporary adjustments to streamline business processes in order to maintain the service Jobcentre Plus provides to customers during this transitional period. Recruitment plans have also been strengthened. Indeed, we increased headcount by 475 people in the past two months and we have future plans to recruit more staff up to our approved headcount. This recruitment is supported by robust staff training programmes.
Lord Garden asked Her Majesty's Government:
On what date they, or their civilian or military officials, first become aware that white phosphorus munitions were being used by coalition forces in an offensive role against Iraqi citizens; and [HL2346]
Whether they have a policy over the use of white phosphorus munitions in an offensive role in coalition operations; and, if so, what that policy is. [HL2350]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Drayson): We are not aware of evidence to suggest that coalition forces have targeted the Iraqi civilian population during operations in Iraq. White phosphorus is used primarily as an obscurant (i.e. for smokescreens) or for illumination. Although white phosphorus does have a recognised anti-personnel effect, coalition forces take care to minimise the impact of operations on civilians.
British forces training in the use of white phosphorus emphasises that it should not be used as an anti-personnel weapon.
Baroness Tonge asked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations they will make to the Israeli Government concerning Bethlehem and the tourist industry; and [HL2385]
What support they are giving to Christians in Bethlehem and the organisation "Open Bethlehem". [HL2386]
Lord Triesman: Bethlehem is of unique religious and cultural significance to Christians. Restrictions on access and freedom of worship there are among the many negative consequences of the Israeli restrictions on access and movement in the West Bank and Jerusalem. We, along with our EU partners, continue to call on Israel to ease restrictions on movement wherever possible. We are not giving any direct support to the organisation "Open Bethlehem".
29 Nov 2005 : Column WA24
We understand that, at this time of year, there will be many people wanting to visit this area and that free movement around Christmas is particularly important.
Baroness Tonge asked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations they have made to the Israeli Government regarding the acquittal of the army captain in connection with the death of 13 year-old Sami al-Hams near Rafah last year. [HL2384]
Lord Triesman: We deplore all civilian casualties, particularly children, which have resulted from this conflict. We recognise Israel's right to defend itself from acts of violence, but call upon the Israeli Government to act with restraint and in accordance with international law including taking every effort to avoid civilian casualties. In this case, we have made no representations following the acquittal. At the time of the trial in 2004 we registered our concern about the killing with the Israeli Government.
Baroness Tonge asked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations they will make to the Israeli Government on the economic future of Gaza and the West Bank. [HL2387]
Lord Triesman: We have stressed to the government of Israel, including at senior levels, the importance of their facilitating efforts to help revitalise the Palestinian economy. These efforts have been led by James Wolfensohn, who has our full support. On 25 November, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, EU Special Representative Javier Solana and James Wolfensohn announced the opening of the Rafah border and agreement on a number of other access issues. We will continue to press the government of Israel to help ensure conditions exist for Palestinian economic development.
Baroness Tonge asked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations they have made to the Israeli Government following the recent raid in Nablus and the killing of a Hamas leader. [HL2383]
Lord Triesman: We have not raised specifically the killing of a Hamas leader in Nablus on 14 November. My honourable friend the Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Kim Howells) and the British Embassy in Tel Aviv have made representations to Israeli officials on several occasions about our concerns regarding Israeli actions in the occupied territories, particularly the West Bank, which threaten to undermine the Tahdi'a ("calm"). We will continue to do so.
29 Nov 2005 : Column WA25
Baroness Tonge asked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they have taken to ensure the Government of Israel's compliance with its international legal requirements in respect of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons. [HL2388]
Lord Triesman: We continue to monitor the situation with regard to Palestinian prisoners and raise our concerns with the Israeli authorities, including with the Israel Prison Service.
Lord Inglewood asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 2 November (WA 23), whether they can confirm that a single Minister has specific responsibility for the Lisbon Agenda. [HL2345]
The Lord President of the Council (Baroness Amos): No single Minister has sole responsibility for the EU's Lisbon Agenda of economic and social reform. The agenda covers a wide range of government activity encompassing economic, social, and environmental policy. The Government have therefore chosen to encourage all relevant departments to contribute directly to the achievement of the Lisbon jobs and growth agenda, with Cabinet and the committee system providing policy oversight and consistency.
Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer asked Her Majesty's Government:
Lord Bach: The Lundy no-take zone was established in 2003 by means of a Devon Sea Fisheries Committee by-law which prohibited fishing in and off the east coast of the island. Monitoring of the area of around 3.3 kilometres 2 impact of the no-take zone is being undertaken with funding provided by English Nature, Defra and WWF.
In July 2005, English Nature reported that this monitoring was demonstrating promising results, with lobsters showing a significant increase in numbers. It is understood that monitoring will need to continue for several years before conclusions can be reached on the impact of the no-take zone on fish stocks and the wider marine environment.
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