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We currently have no plans to ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. The Government believe that migrants are entitled to the
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Northern Ireland Office: Efficiency
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Baroness Royall of Blaisdon on 6 July (WA 111-12) concerning 170 efficiency initiatives identified by the Northern Ireland Office in 2004, what was the original list of 170 efficiency initiatives. [HL5131]
Baroness Royall of Blaisdon: A list of the 174 initiatives which were initially identified in late 2003 has been placed in the Library.
To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Baroness Royall of Blaisdon on 6 July (WA 111-12) concerning the identification of 170 efficiency initiatives by the Northern Ireland Office in 2004, whether a record was kept in 2004 of those 170 efficiency initiatives. [HL5132]
Baroness Royall of Blaisdon: A list of the 174 initiatives which were initially identified in late 2003 has been placed in the Library. Over time, as the SR04 period progressed, these initiatives were modified as plans were firmed up and new information became available.
Pakistan: Christians
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made this year to the Government of Pakistan concerning alleged use of the blasphemy laws against Christian minorities in that country. [HL5142]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Malloch-Brown): Bilaterally, and with EU partners, the UK continues to urge the Government of Pakistan to protect the human rights of all its citizens and repeal laws that can be used to discriminate against minority communities.
The most recent EU demarche, 16 December 2008, called upon the Government of Pakistan to promote tolerance, to protect effectively freedom of belief and freedom of expression and to reform discriminatory legislation, in particular blasphemy laws. The EU also called on the Minister for Minority Affairs, Shahbaz Bhatti, to find opportunities and means to raise awareness about abuses against minorities and to increase their political representation at all levels.
My honourable friend the former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Gillian Merron, met Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan's Minister for Minority Affairs, during her visit to Pakistan in February 2009. She raised concerns about the difficulties faced by religious minorities in Pakistan and the misuse of blasphemy legislation.
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To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to make representations to the Government of Pakistan concerning the attacks on the Christian settlement in Taiser Town (Khuda ni Basti), Karachi, that took place on 22 April. [HL5143]
Lord Malloch-Brown: We have not made representations about the incident in Taiser Town but the most recent EU démarche on 16 December 2008 called on the Government of Pakistan to promote tolerance, to protect effectively freedom of belief and freedom of expression and to reform discriminatory legislation, in particular blasphemy laws. This démarche also called on the Minister for Minority Affairs, Shahbaz Bhatti, to find opportunities and means to raise awareness about abuses against minorities and to increase their representation at all levels.
Bilaterally, both in London and through our high commission in Islamabad, officials regularly raise the treatment of minorities with their Pakistani interlocutors and will continue to do so. My honourable friend the former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Gillian Merron, met Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan's Minister for Minority Affairs, during her visit to Pakistan in February 2009. She raised concerns about the difficulties faced by religious minorities in Pakistan and the misuse of blasphemy legislation.
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether representatives of Her Majesty's high commissioner in Pakistan have made or will make a fact-finding visit to the Christian village of Bahmani Wala, District of Kasur, that was attacked on 30 June by those alleging blasphemy against the prophet Mohammed. [HL5144]
Lord Malloch-Brown: We are concerned about reports that members of the Christian community in Bahmani Wala, Pakistan, have been attacked. The UK supports freedom of religion and condemns persecution because of faith or beliefs. Incidents such as the attack in Bahmani Wala are an example of the discrimination and violent extremism faced by religious minorities in Pakistan.
We regularly raise our concerns with the Government of Pakistan about the situation of religious minorities, both with our EU partners and bilaterally in London and through our high commission in Islamabad, and will continue to do so. The most recent EU démarche called upon the Government of Pakistan to promote tolerance, to protect effectively freedom of belief and freedom of expression and to reform discriminatory legislation, in particular blasphemy laws.
Although there are no plans to visit Bahmani Wala, officials from the high commission in Islamabad will continue to monitor developments closely. We note that a compensation package has been announced for those affected by the attack.
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Pensions
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission asked them to make provision for pensions for all or any of commissioners; if so, when; and whether they will place a copy of the letter making the request in the Library of the House. [HL5016]
Baroness Royall of Blaisdon: The Northern Ireland Office received no written request on this matter from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, although the question of pension provision for commissioners was raised by the staff at the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in discussions with Northern Ireland Office officials.
Police: Northern Ireland
Questions
Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
To ask Her Majesty's Government why it took seven years for the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland to decide not to proceed with the prosecution of Larry Zaitschek for the break-in at Castlereagh police station; and what assessment they have made of any effect of those developments on public confidence in the policing and justice system in Northern Ireland. [HL5052]
Baroness Royall of Blaisdon: The statement issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland gives a full account of the circumstances of this case. The statement made clear that there had been sufficient evidence to prosecute Zaitschek but after the original decision for prosecution had been taken new information came to the attention of the public prosecution service (PPS) through the chief constable, which led the PPS to conclude that the test for prosecution was no longer met.
A decision not to prosecute in any high profile case has the potential negatively to affect public confidence in the administration of justice. The overriding objective in all cases must be to ensure that the rights of all those in contact with the criminal justice system are protected, including the right of a defendant to a fair trial.
Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
To ask Her Majesty's Government when the Police Service of Northern Ireland sent the files to the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland for the prosecution of Larry Zaitschek for the break-in at Castlereagh police station; whether additional evidence was available other than any evidence submitted by another Government; and, if so, why that additional evidence was not used in the prosecution. [HL5054]
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Baroness Royall of Blaisdon: The statement issued by the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland gives a full account of the circumstances of the case. The Government are not able to comment further on this case. Operational matters are the responsibility of the chief constable and I have asked him to reply to your question about the dates on which files were sent to the PPS. A copy of his reply will be placed in the Library of the House.
Russia: Human Rights
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the Government of Russia about the assassination of Natalia Estemirova, in the context of mutual commitments to human rights. [HL5185]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Malloch-Brown): My noble friend Lady Kinnock of Holyhead, the Minister for Europe, made the following statement on 16 July 2009, the day after the murder of Natalia Estemirova.
"I am saddened and troubled to learn of the kidnapping and murder of Russian human rights defender, Natalia Estemirova. I share the indignation expressed by the European Union, President Medvedev and human rights advocates at this shocking crime. I extend my deepest sympathies to her family and colleagues.
Natalia Estemirova's work in the field of human rights was internationally renowned. We welcome the announcement that a criminal investigation will be led by the Russian Prosecutor-General. We stress the need for a full and thorough investigation, and hope that it will bring to justice those responsible for her murder".
Our ambassador in Moscow conveyed personal condolences to the head of the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Memorial, Natalia Estemirova's employer. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will make representations to the Government of the Russian Federation about Natalia Estemirova's murder. We will press the Russian Government for a full, transparent investigation, which should be conducted at the highest level. We will also continue to press the Russian Government to ensure a safe working environment for NGOs in the region.
We continue to raise concerns about the safety of human rights defenders and journalists in Russia at every opportunity, including at the bilateral human rights consultations which were held in Moscow on 16 January 2009, and at the EU-Russia human rights consultations on 26 May 2009.
The EU presidency issued a statement on the murder of Natalia Estemirova on 16 July 2009, which also urged the Russian authorities to investigate the murders of human rights defenders promptly and impartially, and to bring all perpetrators to justice. We will press for the presidency to raise Natalia Estemirova's case during the next EU-Russia human rights dialogue.
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Seeds
Questions
Asked by Lord Taylor of Holbeach
To ask Her Majesty's Government what effect Regulation 12(2A) of the Seeds (National List of Varieties) (Amendment) Regulations (SI 2009/1273) will have on the national collection of seeds and produce grown from seed. [HL5250]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Davies of Oldham): We do not envisage Regulation 12 (2A) affecting any collections of seeds and produce grown from seed. The Seeds (National Lists of Varieties) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 allow varieties of agricultural plant species threatened by genetic erosion to be national-listed in a less prescriptive way to facilitate their marketing. Such varieties will be identified as "conservation varieties" in the national list.
Asked by Lord Taylor of Holbeach
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether Regulation 12(2A) of the Seeds (National List of Varieties) (Amendment) Regulations (SI 2009/1273) will mean that companies offering seeds and plants through a catalogue will only be allowed to offer varieties appearing on the National List of (a) the United Kingdom, (b) any other European country, or (c) any country outside the European Union, if they have been propagated in the region of origin. [HL5251]
Lord Davies of Oldham: Regulation 12(2A) of the Seeds (National List of Varieties) (Amendment) Regulations relates specifically to conservation varieties of agricultural plant species on the UK National List. Seeds of such varieties may be produced and marketed only within their prescribed regions of origin. In most cases, the region of origin will be the UK although regions may be drawn more tightly-for example, England and Wales-to maintain genetic integrity. Seed of conservation varieties listed elsewhere in the EU or in third countries would not be eligible for sale in the UK since this would be outside the regions of origin determined under the Seeds (National List of Varieties) (Amendment) Regulations (SI 2009/1273).
Sri Lanka
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number of deaths and diseases among Tamils held in camps organised by the Government of Sri Lanka, and the number of families whose members are separated from each other. [HL5243]
Lord Brett: The latest United Nations (UN) figures indicate that 276,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are held in camps under the control of the Government
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I refer the noble Lord to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 14 July (Official Report, col. WS 75) which sets out our current position on the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka.
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any aid or humanitarian agencies have been given access to the camps in Sri Lanka holding Tamils; and, if so, which agencies. [HL5244]
Lord Brett: The latest assessment from our humanitarian adviser in Colombo is that international agencies including the United Nations (UN), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and NGOs have improved access to the internally displaced person (IDP) camps in Sri Lanka. However, we continue to press the Government of Sri Lanka for full and unrestricted access for UN, ICRC and NGOs.
I refer the noble Lord to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 14 July (Official Report; col. WS 75). This sets out our current position on the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka.
Sudan
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they will take to promote confidence-building measures with the President of the Government of Southern Sudan, Salva Kiir, following the cancellation of a scheduled visit to the United Kingdom. [HL5099]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Malloch-Brown): We regret the cancellation of President Kiir's visit to the UK, planned for 13 to 14 July 2009, which would have been an opportunity to underline UK commitment to Southern Sudan and our support for implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
I spoke to President Kiir on 20 July 2009 to express our disappointment that the visit had not gone ahead and our hope that we would be able to reschedule. We also spoke about the challenges faced in implementation of the CPA and the importance of the Abyei decision later this week.
Transport: Prison Vans
Questions
Asked by Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether all prison vans are allowed to use bus lanes when transporting prisoners to and from court in London; whether there is a restriction for smaller vans; and why. [HL5204]
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The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord Bach): Transport for London has agreed that the 14, 12 and seven-cell prisoner escort vehicles have permission to use these lanes. These vehicles deliver a high priority service to courts and prison. They are also classed as mini buses and are able to use these lanes. Further discussions are taking place with Transport for London and the high sheriff to ascertain whether the prisoner escort contractor's smaller six-cell vehicle can also use the lanes.
Asked by Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many prisoners have escaped while being transported in prison vans in London in each of the past five years for which figures are available. [HL5205]
Lord Bach: Prisoner escort contractors are within target of no more one escape for every 30,000 prisoners handled. Data on escapes from vehicles in the London area for the past five financial years 2004-05 to 2008-09 are shown in the table. These figures are broken down into key performance indicator (KPI) and non-KPI escapes.
A KPI escape is where a prisoner is at liberty for 15 minutes or more before recapture or an offence is committed during an escape that lasts less than 15 minutes. A non-KPI escape is where a prisoner is recaptured within 15 minutes and no offence is committed during the course of the escape. Levels of escapes continue to be at their lowest since escorts were contracted out in 1998.
| KPI Escapes | Non KPI Escapes | |
Asked by Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay
To ask Her Majesty's Government what number or proportion of prison vans transporting prisoners to court in London arrive late on the most recent figures available. [HL5206]
Lord Bach: The department does not collect information on the number of prisoner escort vehicles that are late to court. However, the department does collect data on the late arrival of prisoners to court. Details on these figures are below, showing the percentage of prisoners delivered late to courts in London.
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