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19 July 2010 : Column WA153
19 July 2010 : Column WA153
19 July 2010 : Column WA153
Monday 19 July 2010
Abortion
Questions
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 6 July (WA 32), what assessment they have made of the effect increased information and advice will have on (a) the number of abortions, and (b) the reasons why women have abortions.[HL1214]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The reasons why women have abortions are complex. But access to increased information, advice and contraception will help to reduce abortion rates and give women the necessary tools to make responsible and informed decisions about sexual activity.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 6 July (WA 32-3), what proposals they have for reducing the number of unintended conceptions; and whether they have plans for a public consultation on that issue.[HL1215]
Earl Howe: Action to reduce the number of unintended conceptions is ongoing. Contraception is free for everyone on the National Health Service to assist this. However, more needs to be done. Details of future work will be available in due course.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 6 July (WA 32-3), why they think that reducing the number of abortions is important.[HL1216]
Earl Howe: Reducing the number of unintended conceptions that lead to abortions is important for personal, social and economic reasons.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 6 July (WA 33), how many abortions were performed under each ground in Section 1(1) of the Abortion Act 1967.[HL1217]
Earl Howe: The information we can provide is shown in the following table.
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| Legal abortions-by statutory grounds under the Abortion Act 1967, as amended, residents, England and Wales, 1968-2009 | ||||||
| Year | Section 1(1)(a) | Section 1(1)(b) | Section 1(1)(c ) | Section 1(1)(d) | Section 1(4) | Total |
- The grounds for an abortion changed slightly from 01/04/91. In order to enable year by year comparison, cases prior to 01/04/91 are shown under the nearest equivalent from among the grounds that applied from 01/04/91 onwards. The following text sets out what the grounds were before and after the change.
- Section 1(1)(a)-that the continuance of the pregnancy would involve risk to the life of the pregnant woman or of injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman or any existing children of her family, greater than if the pregnancy were terminated; or (became 1(1)(a) & 1(1)(c ) in 1991)
- Section 1(1)(b)-that there is a substantial risk that if the child were born it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped. (became 1(1)(d) in 1991)
- Section 1(4)-that the termination is immediately necessary to save the life or to prevent grave permanent injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman. (no change)
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- Section 1(1)(a)-that the pregnancy has not exceeded its 24th week and that the continuance of the pregnancy would involve risk, greater than if the pregnancy were terminated, of injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman or any existing children of her family; or (was part of 1(1)(a) prior to 1991)
- Section 1(1)(b)-that the termination is necessary to prevent grave permanent injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman; or (this ground did not exist prior to 1991)
- Section 1(1)(c)-that the continuance of the pregnancy would involve risk to the life of the pregnant woman, greater than if the pregnancy were terminated; or (was part of 1(1)(a) prior to 1991)
- Section 1(1)(d)-that there is a substantial risk that if the child were born it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped
- Section 1(4)-that the termination is immediately necessary to save the life or to prevent grave permanent injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman (no change)
- .. Suppressed value less than 10 (0-9 cases). Data suppressed for reasons of confidentiality, in line with the Office for National Statistics guidance on the disclosure of abortion statistics (2005)
Airports: Holding Rooms
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government why airside passes to enable the Independent Monitoring Board to monitor the holding room at Liverpool John Lennon Airport were not issued until August 2009.[HL541]
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to ensure that hot food and medical care are available at the Liverpool John Lennon Airport holding room.[HL542]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Neville-Jones): UK Border Agency officials were first made aware of the Independent Monitoring Board's difficulties in acquiring airside passes for Liverpool John Lennon Airport in February 2009. Officials pursued the matter with the IMB Secretariat, who could not confirm that the clearance application forms had been progressed since the appointments were made in July 2008.
New forms were submitted in February 2009. Security clearance ordinarily takes a minimum of eight weeks to process due to the range of agencies approached and can take considerably longer. The IMB Secretariat confirmed successful clearance for each member in May 2009, July 2009 and August 2009. Board members were then able to apply for airside passes to the Peel Group, responsible for John Lennon Airport. The airport's pass office has advised that passes were issued on the same day as they received the applications in two cases and within 10 days in the third.
There are no plans to introduce cooking facilities for the provision of hot meals within the airport holding room. The UK Border Agency has reviewed the logistics and the use of the accommodation and is satisfied that the existing provision is adequate. Individuals are routinely offered food, which includes a hot and
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Detention custody officers, who operate the holding rooms on behalf of the UK Border Agency, have access to an all-hours medical advice line. In the event of an emergency, paramedics are called. This provision of medical care is consistent across the agency's holding rooms and there are no plans to change the current arrangements.
Association of Chief Police Officers
Question
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty's Government from what sources the Association of Chief Police Officers obtains its income; how much is derived from public sources; and how often they review their relationship with the Association.[HL904]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Neville-Jones): The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) derives its main public source of income from Home Office funding. In addition to an annual grant-in-aid payment (£836,232 in 2009-10), the Home Office makes regular payments to ACPO to fund a number of specific projects or initiatives (totalling at least £41 million in 2009-10) and these grants are prescribed for the purposes specified and the use is closely monitored. Police authorities contributed £829,510 to ACPO in 2009-10. Some £30,000 was contributed from non-Home Office police authorities (such as British Transport Police and Ministry of Defence Police) in 2009-10.
ACPO, as a private limited company, receives income from other activity which it undertakes as a private company, the details of which can be requested from ACPO itself.
We are currently reviewing ACPO's role and status as part of a wider review of the policing landscape in England and Wales. Future funding will be decided by the spending review, reporting in October this year.
Banking
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether their representatives on the Basel Committee are promoting the interests of contingent capital bonds and investors in such instruments; and whether they plan to encourage further issuance of such bonds.[HL872]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The UK is represented on the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) by the Bank of England and the Financial Services Authority (FSA). In December 2009, the BCBS put out proposals for consultation, which included a commitment to continue to review
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Bolivia
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Verma on 28 June (WA 217), whether they will provide a detailed breakdown of the amount of aid given to Bolivia.[HL975]
Baroness Verma: A sectoral breakdown of aid given to Bolivia for 2005-06 to 2008-09 is provided in the table below (£ Thousands). Figures for 2009-10 will be available later this year.
| Sector | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 |
- * Includes debt relief payments, funds for small grants scheme and local strategic impact funds. Negative amounts reflect accounting adjustments after DfID's office in Bolivia was closed.
Broadband Industry Day
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government how the invitation list for Broadband Delivery UK Industry Day on 15 July at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, 1 Victoria Street, was created; and by whom.[HL1224]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK), the BIS team responsible for delivering the Government's universal service commitment and superfast broadband objectives, was responsible for managing the expressions of interest and invitations to the BDUK industry day.
BDUK published a prior information notice on 14 June 2010, which stated that the industry day was aimed at organisations with broadband delivery capability
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To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Broadband Delivery UK Industry Day on 15 July at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, 1 Victoria Street, will be broadcast using live and interactive video conference streaming.[HL1225]
Baroness Wilcox: No. Video clips of the event, the speeches and presentations will be available on the BDUK web pages of the BIS website after the event.
Broadcasting: Digital Switchover
Question
Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they will take to explain the reasons for switching from analogue to digital radio.[HL1073]
Lord Shutt of Greetland: Government are committed to securing a digital future for radio. However, we have not yet made the decision to switch from analogue to digital radio, nor set a date.
The Digital Radio Action Plan, published on 8 July 2010, sets out the work that needs to be carried out in order to provide the Government with the information they need to make a well informed decision on whether to proceed with a radio switchover.
Buses: Luton Dunstable Busway
Question
Asked by Baroness Scott of Needham Market
Earl Attlee: The previous Government granted full funding approval to the Luton Dunstable Busway scheme in March and this was reconfirmed by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 17 June following a review of all spending approvals made since 1 January. The contract between Luton Borough Council and the contractor was signed on the same day (17 May) that the Chief Secretary announced the review of spending approvals.
Some advance works have already taken place to clear vegetation on the site and additional topographical and ground investigation works are currently under way. The contractor is due to begin lifting the disused railway track in early August and the main works are due to begin towards the end of September. The scheme is forecast to complete in autumn 2012.
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Business Travel: Private Car Allowance
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government when the HM Revenue and Customs tax deductibility rate of 40p per mile for reimbursement for business use of private cars was last updated; and what the rate would be on comparable motoring costs today.[HL1209]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The approved mileage allowance payments system was introduced in April 2002 and the rate has remained unchanged since that date.
The Government keep rates under regular review. The Government consider that the mileage rates are sufficiently high to cover the business motoring expenses of most drivers.
Care Services: Malnutrition
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps are being taken to reduce the incidence of malnutrition in (a) communities, (b) acute settings, and (c) care homes.[HL1180]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The issue of inadequate diet and nutrition requires action nationally and locally through partnerships with other organisations. There has been a great deal of progress recently, which includes the introduction of new registration requirements for care providers, with a strong focus on nutritional care, as well as the publication of a range of resources and support for commissioners and staff in all care settings.
Climate Change
Question
Asked by Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Answer by Lord Marland on 6 July (Official Report, col. 101) saying "the Government believe climate change is one of the most serious threats the world faces", whether that Answer took account of the cut in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's spending on its low-carbon high-growth programme of around £3 million this financial year.[HL1187]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Lord Marland): The Government have made clear their commitment to tackling global climate change. The UK will provide £1.5 billion fast-start finance for developing countries between now and 2012-13 to support early action to limit emissions and adapt
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All departments need to play their part in tackling the budget deficit. But as the Foreign Secretary has made clear, the announcement in respect of the low-carbon high-growth programme does not mean the FCO is ending work on these issues: our diplomats will remain fully engaged in the UK's international efforts to promote a low-carbon high-growth economy.
Climate Change Act 2008
Question
Asked by Lord Pearson of Rannoch
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Answer by Lord Marland on 5 July (Official Report, col. 3), what is their assessment of the likely impact of the Climate Change Act 2008 and European Union initiatives to reduce carbon dioxide emissions on the number of people in fuel poverty in the United Kingdom.[HL1067]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Lord Marland): An assessment of the fuel poverty impacts of the UK's carbon budgets (set in line with the UK's commitments under the EU Climate and Energy Package) can be found on my department's website at http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/77_20090423091800_e_@@_euclimateenergypackage.pdf.
The precise scale of such impacts will depend, among other things, on the precise mix of policies that are implemented to allow us to meet our emissions and renewable energy targets.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Question
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether their aid to the Democratic Republic of Congo will be conditional on it addressing alleged violations of human rights.[HL967]
Baroness Verma: The UK Government are monitoring the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) very closely. The Department for International Development (DfID) does not provide aid directly to the Government of DRC but works through partner organisations and civil society. In taking decisions on the provision of aid DfID takes into consideration the country Government's commitment to human rights, as well as their commitment to poverty reduction, accountability and combating corruption, and the level of development and humanitarian needs in the country.
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Disabled People: UN Convention
Question
Asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill
To ask Her Majesty's Government why they have a reservation exempting them from any provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in respect of immigration. [HL1148]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Neville-Jones): The reservation in respect of immigration for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was intended to ensure that the convention did not inadvertently create new rights in a way that could undermine immigration control or our ability to protect public health. There is an ongoing government review to assess the continued need for this reservation.
Education: Expenditure Cuts
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to compensate local education authorities and education providers who have incurred costs for previously approved capital projects which have now been cancelled.[HL1247]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Hill of Oareford): There are no plans to compensate local authorities and education providers for costs incurred in preparing capital projects that were stopped following the Secretary of State for Education's announcement on 5 July.
Elected Mayors
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government when the referendum on an elected mayor for the City of Manchester will take place.[HL1257]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Hanham): The Structural Reform Plan, published by my department on 8 July, states that we will legislate through the localism Bill for directly elected mayors to enable the largest 12 cities in England to have mayors from 2012, subject to confirmatory referendums and full scrutiny by elected councillors.
Elections: Voting System
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord McNally on 1 July (WA 295-6) stating that Irish citizens can vote in United Kingdom parliamentary elections, which other countries' citizens have such rights.[HL1138]
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The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): Subject to all other registration criteria being met (including, for example, residence), those entitled to register to vote in parliamentary elections are British citizens, qualifying Commonwealth citizens and citizens of the Republic of Ireland.
Section 50 of the British Nationality Act (BNA) 1981 provides that the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are part of the UK for nationality purposes and therefore their citizens are also eligible to vote in UK parliamentary elections if they are resident in the UK.
Section 37 of the BNA 1981 provides that those having the status of a Commonwealth citizen are (a) British citizens, British Overseas Territories citizens, British nationals (overseas), British overseas citizens and British subjects; and (b) citizens of Commonwealth countries.
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will publish an assessment of the experience of the alternative vote system in those countries where it has been used for national and federal elections.[HL1157]
Lord McNally: The Government have no plans to make such an assessment. As my right honourable friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced on 5 July (Official Report, col. 23-25) a Bill will be introduced before the summer to provide for a referendum on the alternative vote system, and for a review of constituency boundaries in order to create fewer and more equally sized constituencies. The Bill will set out further details about the form of alternative vote system to be put in the referendum.
Embryology
Questions
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 30 June (WA 281-2), how deriving stem cells from embryos created using the nuclei from a patient with type 1 diabetes could improve treatment of diabetes.[HL998]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): Embryonic stem cells derived from embryos created using the nuclei from a patient with type 1 diabetes could enable the derivation of insulin producing pancreatic cells (beta cells), which are a genetic match for the patient and can be transplanted back into the patient. This may offer a way of avoiding the current problems of rejection of the transplanted cells and the requirement to take anti-rejection medication in order to avoid this problem.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government to what extent the Human Tissue Authority would be consulted about the use in embryological research of skin
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Earl Howe: There is no legal requirement to consult the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) about specific research proposals. The HTA has published codes of practice on research which are available on its website at: www.hta.gov.uk.
The HTA provides advice and guidance on a case-by-case basis for those involved in research who may have specific questions about consent for the use of human tissue.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 30 June (WA 281-2), how potential applications involving human reproduction would fulfil the original aims of research licence R0152 as pertaining to the use of stem cells.[HL1035]
Earl Howe: In considering an application for a research licence, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) must be satisfied that the conditions for granting a licence, as set out in Schedule 2 to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990, as amended, are satisfied. Beyond that, neither the Government nor the HFEA can speculate on the potential applications of the research authorised by a licence.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government what consultations take place before appointments are made to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.[HL1238]
Earl Howe: Appointments to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) are made by the Appointments Commission on behalf of the Secretary of State for Health.
The department, in consultation with the chair of the HFEA, determines the balance of skills and expertise required for members of the authority.
Vacancies on the HFEA are advertised widely, and members are appointed through open competition or reappointed on merit.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 30 June (WA 280-1), when the Scientific and Clinical Advances Advisory Committee of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) met to discuss the research findings reported in the Sunday Times on 13 June; and to what extent the comments of the HFEA chair that were cited in that article were based on such deliberations.[HL997]
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has yet to approve the revised patient information and consent forms submitted by
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To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Thornton on 6 April (WA 393), whether the activities authorised by Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority research licence R0152 include the use of donor nuclei from (a) patients undergoing a Caesarean section, and (b) children with a serious mitochondrial disease. [HL1001]
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 1 July (WA 296), whether the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) requires a separate form to be completed for each centre and research licence supplying eggs to a licensed project; if so, whether that requirement applies equally to the use of eggs from a human source and eggs from other species; and for what purposes the HFEA has collected and held such information about the use of human eggs in research.[HL1002]
Earl Howe: The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has advised that its Scientific and Clinical Advances Advisory Committee has not met to discuss the research findings reported in the Sunday Times on 13 June.
In respect of patient information and consent forms for research covered by HFEA research licences R0145, R0152 and R0153, I refer the noble Lord to the minutes of the authority's Research Licence Committee on 19 May 2010, which can be found on its website, http://guide.hfea.gov.uk/guide/ShowPDF.aspx?ID=4180. A copy has been placed in the Library. The HFEA has further advised the activities authorised under research licence R0152 are: the storage of eggs, storage of embryos, the creation of embryos in vitro, storage of licensed material, use of donated embryos for research purposes and the derivation of human embryonic stem cell lines.
In respect of the requirement for completion of forms related to the supply of eggs to HFEA-licensed research projects, I refer the noble Lord to my Written Answer of 23 June (Official Report, col. WA184). The HFEA has advised that centres holding research licences authorising the creation of embryos for research are required to submit information on the number of embryos created for use in research. On occasion, this may include information about the use of eggs.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Baroness Thornton on 19 January (WA 224-5) and Earl Howe on 23 June (WA 182-3) regarding regulation of research involving only eggs and research involving embryos, whether the eggs used in all currently licensed research projects at each centre were used in attempts to create embryos; and, if not, how the use of human eggs in a project pertaining to laser biopsied blastocysts relates to the Written Answer by Baroness Thornton on 16 December 2009 (WA 236) regarding the polar body of an egg.[HL1036]
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To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 1 July (WA 296), whether the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) would hold information about the use of eggs in research if the records of a licensed centre are inspected by the HFEA when a licence is reviewed; and, if so, why the number of eggs contributed to research according to HFEA records was less than the number described elsewhere as having been used to generate embryos for research over the corresponding time period.[HL1037]
Earl Howe: In respect to the use of eggs for research, I refer the noble Lord to my Written Answer of 23 June 2010 (Official Report, col. WA184). The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has advised that it has nothing further to add to the information given in that Answer.
Equality Act 2010
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government which sections of the Equality Act 2010 they have decided not to commence.[HL1266]
Baroness Verma: The Government announced on 3 July that the first wave of implementation would go ahead in October. The Government are considering how the rest of the Act can be implemented in the best way for business and will make an announcement in due course.
EU: UK Official Staff
Question
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty's Government who pays the salaries and expenses of British officials working in European Union institutions.[HL1030]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): UK citizens who are employed as permanent officials, temporary agents or contractual agents of EU institutions have their salaries and expenses met by whichever EU institution employs them, which is in turn funded from the EU's budget.
UK officials who are seconded to EU institutions as "Detached National Experts" will have their salaries paid by their home UK employer, and normally will receive expenses from the EU institution which employs them. Full details of the terms for employment of EU officials and detached national experts are found at http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/human-resources/human_resources_en.htm
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Finance: Clearing Houses
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they or the Financial Services Authority (FSA) plan to review the capitalisation of financial clearing houses given the role of such institutions in safeguarding financial stability; and whether they or the FSA plan to review the management of any conflicts of interest between owners and users of financial clearing houses.[HL1006]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The UK supports the G20 conclusions to strengthen financial market infrastructure.
In Europe, the bulk of the G20 policy agenda on post-trade infrastructure will be addressed through the proposed European markets infrastructure legislation.
On 14 June the Commission published a consultation paper that covers issues relating to organisational and risk-management standards for central clearing counterparties (CCPs). Among other issues, it includes provisions regarding CCPs' own financial resources and managing conflicts of interests.
The consultation closes on 9 July and a final proposal from the Commission is expected in September 2010.
The UK authorities are engaging in the consultation process and will feed in views as appropriate.
Finance: Regulation
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to promote the adoption of global accounting standards; and what is their estimate of the timetable.[HL857]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The Government wish to see the adoption of a single high-quality set of global accounting standards and have worked towards this goal in the G20. They actively participate in the EU adoption process for international standards and in EU policy-making on accounting standards. In addition to presenting their own views, the Government also encourage input by UK official and stakeholder bodies into the global standard-setting process.
The Government took part in formulating and support the call in the Toronto declaration for the International Accounting Standards Board and the Financial Accounting Standards Board to complete their current convergence project by the end of 2011, while noting the pressures on the standard setters in meeting this demanding timetable.
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Financial Institutions
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether employees of the Financial Services Authority will be entitled to join the pension schemes offered to employees of the Bank of England.[HL1085]
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether employees of the prudential regulator will be on the same pay scales and remuneration policies as employees of the Bank of England once it becomes a subsidiary of the Bank of England.[HL1086]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The matter raised in these questions will be for the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and the Bank of England to resolve during the transition to the new regime. Day-to-day operations of the FSA and the Bank of England are, and will remain, independent from Government. Should any legislation be needed to facilitate these arrangements, the Government will bring it forward in the forthcoming Bill.
Fluoridation
Question
Asked by Earl Baldwin of Bewdley
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Baroness Thornton on 23 February (WA 282-3) and 6 April (WA 398) about the letter published by Professor Chester Douglass and the non-publication of his study on fluoride and osteosarcoma, whether it is normal scientific practice to cite as evidence studies which have not yet been published, and letters which report the results of those studies, without making clear the status of such documents.[HL1112]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): I refer the noble Earl to the Written Answer I gave him on 23 June 2010 (Official Report, col. WA 187).
Gaza
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the points made in the International Committee of the Red Cross's news release of 14 June concerning Gaza.[HL1012]
Baroness Verma: On 5 July the Government of Israel announced new measures to increase the range and volume of goods entering Gaza. This includes materials for reconstruction projects approved by the Palestinian Authority (PA) and overseen by international organisations. We hope this will enable essential public infrastructure, including sanitation networks, to be built or repaired. The UK Government will continue to press Israel to deliver on commitments it has made.
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We share the International Committee of the Red Cross's (ICRC's) concerns regarding healthcare, particularly low levels of essential drugs and medical supplies. Intra-Palestinian co-ordination must be improved and delays caused by security screening of drugs and supplies must be reduced. We agree that restrictions on the use of agricultural land and limits on fishing near Gaza affect the economy and livelihoods of ordinary Gazans. The UK continues to press Israel to ease these restrictions. We also agree that the detention of Gilad Shalit, and Hamas's refusal to allow the ICRC to visit him, is unacceptable and continue to call for his immediate release.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the Government of Israel and through the quartet and the European Union about the shortage of electricity in Gaza and its implications for public health in the summer.[HL1014]
Baroness Verma: Shortages of electricity in Gaza have been caused both by Israeli restrictions on the amount of fuel supplied to Gaza, and recent disagreements between the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the Gaza Electricity Distribution Company (GEDCO). We recognise that shortages have implications for the provision of healthcare in Gaza and for the general health of the population.
The UK Government have made clear to the PA and GEDCO that we wish to see a sustainable, long-term arrangement that safeguards electricity provision for ordinary Gazans. We continue to press the Government of Israel over restrictions of goods entering Gaza and welcome the announcement of 5 July to ease restrictions of certain goods. We will monitor carefully the implications of this announcement for the supply of fuel to Gaza.
Health: Cancer
Question
Asked by Baroness Masham of Ilton
To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to provide high-quality services for the prevention, detection and treatment of vulval cancer.[HL1144]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): In 1999, the department published Improving Outcomes in Gynaecological Cancers, which set out recommendations on how services for patients with gynaecological cancers, including vulval cancer, should be organised in order to ensure that patients receive prompt diagnosis and effective treatment. It is for cancer networks in collaboration with the National Health Service and local stakeholders to decide how best to implement the Improving Outcomes guidance. A copy of the guidance has been placed in the Library.
We recognise that more needs to be done to prevent cancer and improve health outcomes for cancer patients. We have therefore asked Professor Sir Mike Richards,
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The review will be undertaken in the context of the wider NHS reforms and consider the best way to ensure high-quality, cost-effective commissioning of patient-centred cancer services.
The Government will be publishing a White Paper on public health later this year. This will set out how to assist people in improving their health and reducing their risk of disease, including cancer.
Health: Diabetes
Question
Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham
To ask Her Majesty's Government what treatments they have recommended to general practitioners to prescribe to diabetes patients in the past five years; and what new treatments they are considering. [HL1391]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has issued guidance to the National Health Service on a number of treatments for diabetes and has further guidance in development. Details of published guidance and guidance in development can be found at: http://guidance.nice.org.uk/Topic/EndocrineNutritionaIMetabolic.
Health: Drugs
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the National Prescribing Centre intends to consult industry, clinicians and patient advocacy groups during its review of the prescription and use of oral nutritional supplements; and, if so, when and how.[HL1197]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The National Prescribing Centre has been commissioned by the department to develop guiding principles and accompanying advice for prescribers and National Health Service organisations on the appropriate use of oral nutritional supplements in primary care. Clinicians have been involved in the expert and focus groups which have helped to develop this work. The National Prescribing Centre will circulate a draft to relevant stakeholders, including industry and patient advocacy groups, later in the summer.
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have received representations about a shortage of the drug Sinemet in the last (a) week, (b) month, and (c) two months.[HL1198]
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To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have received representations about changes in the availability of the drug Sinemet in the last (a) week, (b) month, and (c) two months.[HL1199]
Earl Howe: The department has received representations from noble Lords (including the noble Lady's Questions), honourable Members and members of the public about the availability of Sinemet (co-careldopa) as follows:
| Date received | Number |
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Department of Health has had recent discussions with drugs manufacturers about the availability of the drug Sinemet.[HL1250]
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made a recent assessment of the availability of the drug Sinemet.[HL1251]
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have had recent discussions about the possibility of a global shortage of the drug Sinemet.[HL1252]
Earl Howe: The department has had regular discussions with the manufacturers of Sinemet and its generic alternatives (co-careldopa) since supply problems arose in the autumn of 2009. The situation in the United Kingdom is being kept under review.
We are aware that other countries are also experiencing a shortage of Sinemet.
Health: Malnutrition
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Department of Health will introduce indicators in the national component of the Commissioning for Quality and Innovation scheme to encourage a reduction in levels of malnutrition.[HL1195]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The Commissioning for Quality and Innovation (CQUIN) payment framework is a national framework for locally agreed quality improvement schemes, enabling commissioners to pay a quality increment to providers if they deliver excellent care in line with commissioner priorities.
The majority of CQUIN goals are locally agreed and commissioners can already choose to use the CQUIN framework to reward providers for ambitious improvements in nutritional care, based on best practice-for example, in support of the recently identified high-impact action on "Keeping Patients Nourished".
19 July 2010 : Column WA171
In 2010-11 a proportion of the financial value (one-fifth) of each acute provider's CQUIN scheme is linked to two nationally defined goals-on reducing the incidence of venous thromboembolism and on improving responsiveness to personal needs of patients. We expect to clarify any changes to the CQUIN framework for 2011-12, including whether there will be any nationally defined goals, later this year.
Health: Spinal Cord Injury
Question
Asked by Baroness Masham of Ilton
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the provision of specialists in spinal cord injury (SCI); and whether they plan to re-establish the specialty SCI.[HL1070]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): Spinal cord injury is not a recognised specialty under the General and Specialist Medical Practice (Education, Training and Qualifications) Order 2010. Doctors dealing with spinal cord injury can come from a number of different recognised specialties. Consequently, data are not held centrally on the number of doctors who specialise in this particular area.
There are no current plans to establish a separate specialty in spinal cord injury.
Immigration
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Neville-Jones on 29 June (WA 265), by what criteria they judge there to be a shortage of social workers in children's and family services, certain skilled senior care workers, and pre-registration and registered pharmacists in the National Health Service sufficient to include those professions on the shortage occupation list for tier 2 of the points-based system for entry visas to the United Kingdom from non-European Union countries.[HL1096]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Neville-Jones): The previous Government added these occupations to the shortage occupation list on the basis of recommendations made by the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).
The criteria used by the MAC, and its assessment of these occupations against the criteria, are detailed in its published shortage occupation list reports. These reports are available at: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/mac.
19 July 2010 : Column WA172
Independent Networks Co-operative Association
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many organisations or individuals applied for the contract to establish the Independent Networks Co-operative Association which was awarded to Malcolm Corbett by a letter dated 29 June 2009; how the contract was advertised; who carried out the selection; and after what process.[HL1223]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): I have nothing further to add to previous Answers on this subject, provided at Hansard 9 June (col. WA 46-47), 10 June (col. WA 55), 15 June (col. WA 104), 15 June (col. WA 104), 15 June (col. WA 103-04), 15 June (col. WA 105), 15 June (col. WA 105), 15 June (col. WA 104), 15 June (col. WA 103), 15 June (col. WA 103), and 16 June (col. WA 119).
International Military Education and Training
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make representations to the Government of the United States about reviewing the training taught on the International Military Education and Training programme in the light of the international covenants on human rights.[HL1011]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The policies underlying this program are directed by the US Department of State's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs and the constituent projects are administered by the US Department of Defense. As such this is an internal matter for the US Government and we have no plans to make any representations.
Justice: Family Courts
Questions
Asked by Lord Corbett of Castle Vale
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to reduce the number of care and supervision cases awaiting hearing in (a) family proceedings courts, and (b) county courts; and on what timetable.[HL1165]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): To reduce the number of care and supervision cases awaiting hearing, Her Majesty's Court Service (HMCS) provided funding for an additional 4,000 sitting days that have been allocated to HMCS regions for use since April 2010 in the current financial year.
19 July 2010 : Column WA173
In the family proceedings courts, a lead justices clerk has been identified in each HMCS region to raise the profile of family work, and a lead legal advisor has been appointed at a senior management level, to support the justices clerk and area director, and also to be the day-to-day performance manager for family cases. The volume and age of outstanding cases in the family courts is regularly monitored by the HMCS board through its monthly meetings, and resources are allocated appropriately to allow courts to deal with the volume of work awaiting resolution.
The Government are also working with the judiciary to tackle delay in care and supervision cases. The president's interim guidance, which aims to assist with backlogs in the allocation of children's guardians, has been extended until September 2010 to help the family justice system in managing the current high volume of cases. In London, where high volumes are particularly acute, the designated family judge has last month issued a supplement to his earlier published arrangements for the implementation of the interim guidance. This makes provision for the review by CAFCASS of long-standing cases, with the results of that work being reported via children's solicitors to the other parties and the court. It also provides for the appointment of children's guardians to new cases, thus preventing unnecessary delay.
The Government are committed to reducing unnecessary delay in care proceedings, and further steps to achieve this goal are under consideration.
Asked by Lord Corbett of Castle Vale
To ask Her Majesty's Government why there was a rise in outstanding cases in family proceedings courts and county courts between 2008 and 2009.[HL1166]
Lord McNally: Family courts deal with a broad range of cases concerning the welfare of children and families, in both public and private law. During 2008 and 2009 the most significant rise in outstanding case volumes was seen in applications for care and supervision orders. This was observed in both the family proceedings courts, and in the county courts.
This rise is attributed to the publicity in November 2008 surrounding the tragic death of Peter Connelly, which led to an unprecedented level of care order applications being submitted to the family courts from local authorities. The increased level of applications has put pressure on all agencies involved in family proceedings, including the courts, CAFCASS and local authorities, and has also affected the progress of older cases in the system. This is regarded as the principal reason for the increase in the number of outstanding cases in the system.
19 July 2010 : Column WA174
Following the introduction of the Public Law Outline in April 2008 which was intended to tackle delay by moving more work into the pre-proceedings phase, the level of care and supervision applications received by the family courts during May 2008 stood at 702, which was a low number compared to previous years. The publicity surrounding the Baby Peter case in November 2008 and other subsequent high profile cases, reversed the decline in application volumes and the level of applications for care and supervision orders subsequently rose to record levels. In December 2008 the level of applications had risen to 1,495, an increase of over 100 per cent from the May 2008 figure.
The Government are committed to reducing unnecessary delay in proceedings, and in care and supervision cases particularly, considering what further work can be done to reduce the backlog of outstanding cases in the family courts.
Manufacturing
Question
Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they will take to strengthen the United Kingdom's manufacturing industry.[HL1308]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): The recent Budget set out our plans to rebuild the UK economy including tackling the budget deficit, encouraging enterprise and supporting long-term growth. It also set out actions to help rebalance the economy. In taking this forward, we are currently developing our thinking on manufacturing. It is clear we need a fresh approach which addresses the UK's competitive advantage and weaknesses in manufacturing including productivity, skills, R&D and exports. We are keen to ensure that we provide the best long-term environment in which manufacturing can grow, recognising the vital role it plays in the UK economy.
Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2007
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to amend section 94(5C) of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2007 to add sexual orientation to the list of specific descriptions for the purposes of subsection (5A).[HL1133]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Neville-Jones): The Government's view is that sexual orientation is already covered under Section 94(5C)(h) of the Nationality and Immigration Act 2002.
19 July 2010 : Column WA175
NHS: Car Parking
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Department of Health's report on its consultation on NHS car parking will propose measures to end the differences in hospital car parking charges paid by cancer patients.[HL1175]
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Department of Health's report on its consultation on NHS car parking will include recommendations to hospitals to make information on their car parking charges and concessions transparent and easily accessible to patients.[HL1176]
To ask Her Majesty's Government how the Department of Health plans to measure hospitals' performance against its hospital car parking guidance.[HL1177]
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many hospitals in England have implemented the Department of Health's guidance on hospital car parking charges.[HL1178]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): Greater autonomy for the National Health Service includes trusts being free to decide how they run their car parking, but where parking charges are stopping patients accessing services trusts have a responsibility to look at that.
We will publish a response to the recent car parking consultation in September.
Information about compliance with guidance is not routinely collected. Some information was provided by trusts in response to the consultation. The analysis of this will be included in our response.
Northern Ireland Office: Staff
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with staff and trade unions of the Northern Ireland Office about a possible pay cut similar to that taken by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.[HL1139]
Lord Shutt of Greetland: There have not been any discussions of this nature.
Office for Budget Responsibility
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether members of the Budget Responsibility Committee have been appointed for three months; and whether Mr Geoffrey Dicks and Mr Graham Parker will be standing down at the same time as Sir Alan Budd.[HL1082]
19 July 2010 : Column WA176
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the letters of appointment to the Office for Budget Responsibility of Mr Geoffrey Dicks and Mr Graham Parker refer to the same duration of service as Sir Alan Budd.[HL1123]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The terms under which Mr Geoffrey Dicks and Mr Graham Parker are working for the Treasury are available online at http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/8174.htm.
Geoffrey Dicks and Graham Parker will continue to serve as interim members of the Budget Responsibility Committee until a permanent chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has been appointed.
Parliamentary Constituencies
Question
Asked by Lord Campbell-Savours
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the statement by the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, on 5 July (Official Report, Commons, cols. 23-5), whether the boundary review by the boundary commissions will be based on electoral registers drawn up on the basis of individual registration, as defined under the Political Parties and Elections Act 2009.[HL1078]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): As my right honourable friend Deputy Prime Minister said in another place on 5 July (Official Report, col. 24) calculations for the electoral quota will be derived from the register published on 1 December 2010. The canvass for this register will be carried out under the existing household registration arrangements. The Government have committed to speeding up the implementation of individual electoral registration and will announce their approach with regard to this in due course.
Pensions
Question
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Freud on 30 June (WA 284) concerning the state retirement pension, how much is the disproportionate cost referred to.[HL1115]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): The level at which a response becomes one of disproportionate cost is £750.
19 July 2010 : Column WA177
Police: Ethnic Minorities
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made in the last three years in recruiting
19 July 2010 : Column WA178
The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Neville-Jones): The following tables detail the recruitment levels and strength of ethnic minority police officers and community support officers over the past three years
Police: Funding
Question
Asked by Lord Harris of Haringey
To ask Her Majesty's Government what funds they will provide for the central police e-crime unit in (a) 2010-11, and (b) each subsequent year. [HL1131]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Neville-Jones): The Government will provide £1 million in funding to the central police e-crime unit in 2010-11. A decision on funding for subsequent years will be taken following the outcome of the comprehensive spending review in the autumn.
Railways: Rolling Stock
Question
Asked by Lord Corbett of Castle Vale
To ask Her Majesty's Government which rail rolling stock schemes are to be deferred under cuts made to the Department for Transport budget; and what was the estimated cost of each scheme. [HL1027]
Earl Attlee: The Government have made clear their most urgent priority is to tackle the UK's record budget deficit in order to restore confidence in the economy and support the economy.
The Government are committed to improving conditions for rail passengers. However, there is a clear need to make financial savings across government. Further rolling stock schemes that were being discussed with operators as part of the high-level output specification programme will now be paused and no further contractual commitments will be entered into in financial year 2010-11. This will enable the Government to undertake a review of these schemes pending the outcome of the spending review.
Schools: Primary Schools
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they will announce the capital programme for primary schools in England.[HL1258]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Hill of Oareford): Funding allocations to support local delivery of the primary capital programme have already been confirmed for the current financial
19 July 2010 : Column WA179
In the context of the Government's fiscal consolidation plans and emerging policy, the Department for Education has commissioned a comprehensive independent review of all of the department's existing capital expenditure to inform decisions about future delivery models for capital investment. This will include future investment in primary schools. The review team will report at the end of the year. Its report will guide future spending decisions over the next spending review period (2011-12 to 2014-15). It will also look at how best to meet parental demand; provide new primary places in areas of population growth; and secure the best possible value for money in terms of design and procurement.
Schools: Teachers
Questions
Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they will take to encourage high-performing teachers to relocate to poorer areas of the country.[HL1019]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Hill of Oareford): Recently the Government have announced their plan to fund a considerable expansion in the Teach First programme, which has been very successful in bringing hundreds of high-quality teachers into schools in the most deprived areas. There will now be Teach First teachers working in one-third of all challenging schools right across the country, including some of the most challenging primary schools.
The Government are committed to introducing a pupil premium for disadvantaged children. It will be for head teachers and school governors to decide how to use the premium to meet the needs of disadvantaged children in their schools, and this might include using flexibilities in the pay system to attract the best teachers.
Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they will take to increase the number of science and mathematics teachers in the United Kingdom. [HL1072]
Lord Hill of Oareford: We accept that there is a continuing need to increase the number of teachers in these subjects and it is our intention to attract more top science and mathematics graduates into the profession in England. We are therefore reviewing the routes into teaching and the incentives offered to well qualified people who want to teach science and mathematics. For example, we have already announced plans to double the number of participants in the successful scheme Teach First so that more schools may benefit from the talents of the country's best graduates. Three-quarters of Teach First participants teach the most demanding shortage subjects, including mathematics and science.
19 July 2010 : Column WA180
Severn River Crossing plc
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government on what date Severn River Crossing plc is expected to be taken into public ownership; and what is the financial calculation behind the expected date of transfer.[HL1150]
Earl Attlee: There are no plans for Severn River Crossing plc (SRC), the company which operates the Severn crossing, to be taken into public ownership.
Under the Severn crossings concession agreement, the assets will revert to government ownership when either the SRC has collected a defined sum of money from toll revenue (£995,830,000 in 1989 prices), or 30 years after the start of the concession, if this is sooner. The end date is currently predicted to be in the first half of 2017.
This forecast end date is calculated by using a financial model which is based on actual traffic and revenue to date, together with future forecasts of traffic levels and tolls.
Small Businesses: Finance
Question
Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they will take to improve the support small businesses receive from banks.[HL1159]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): Our coalition agreement makes clear that ensuring the flow of credit to viable SMEs is essential for supporting growth and should be a core priority for a new Government, and we will work together to develop effective proposals to do so.
As such, the Budget announced that a Green Paper will be published before the Summer Recess to consider the broad range of finance options for businesses.
In the mean time, we continue to encourage the banks to lend to credit-worthy businesses. The Budget also announced that the enterprise finance guarantee (EFG) facility for this year is being increased by £200 million to £700 million for small businesses until 31 March 2011. In addition, the Government have in place agreed lending commitments to small and medium enterprise (SME) businesses with RBS and Lloyds Banking Group.
Sport: Motorsport
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to encourage potential new entrants to motorsport to base themselves in "Motorsport Valley".[HL1090]
19 July 2010 : Column WA181
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): The UK Government are doing nothing specific to encourage new, overseas companies to base themselves in Motorsport Valley in the East Midlands.
However, UK Trade and Investment, the government organisation responsible for attracting foreign direct investment to the UK, will work with any overseas company from the automotive sector that is interested in making a high-value investment in any part of the United Kingdom, including Motorsport Valley.
To ask Her Majesty's Government how the commitment to research and development in the United Kingdom motorsport sector is recognised in the tax system; and whether provision is made in the tax system to protect the results of those activities.[HL1203]
Lord Sassoon: The UK provides research and development (R&D) tax relief for companies undertaking qualifying R&D activity, including those in the motorsport sector.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in the Budget Statement that the Government will consult with business in the autumn to review the taxation of intellectual property, the support R&D tax credits provide for innovation, and the proposals made by the Dyson review.
Sri Lanka
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made, or intend to make, representations to the government of Sri Lanka about the welfare of the journalist Pregeeth Ekanaliyagoda, the safety of journalists and freedom of expression.[HL1135]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We regularly urge the Government of Sri Lanka, both bilaterally and with EU partners, to take decisive action to guarantee press freedom and also raise particular cases of concern. Our deputy high commissioner in Colombo raised the disappearance of the Lanka E News journalist Ekneligoda in March 2010 with the then Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Bogollagama. We regret that Ekneligoda has still not been found.
St Helena: Airport
Questions
Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham
To ask Her Majesty's Government what advice they issue to investors wishing to develop tourist facilities on St Helena about the planned opening date of the island's airport.[HL1102]
Baroness Verma: Ministers are currently considering the question of access to St Helena. I will inform the House of any decision that is made.
Prospective investors should contact the St Helena Development Agency, which offers advice to all those seeking to invest or do business on St Helena.
19 July 2010 : Column WA182
Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their forecast of the timescale for St Helena to become financially independent following the opening of the island's airport.[HL1105]
Baroness Verma: We are currently considering the question of access to St Helena. I will inform the House of any decision that is made.
Turkey
Question
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Howell of Guildford on 21 June (WA 145) concerning the proposed accession of Turkey to the European Union, whether their decision not to have a referendum on any accession took account of public opinions about the level of migration.[HL1031]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We believe that the Government are committed to EU enlargement, including to Turkey.
Turkey's dynamic economic growth and the likelihood of a lengthy transition period before allowing free movement of people will address concerns over levels of migration following Turkey's eventual EU accession.
As noted in my Answer to the noble Lord of 8 June, Official Report col. WA 35, the referendum lock is not intended to catch all treaty amendments. It depends on whether the treaty includes the transfer of further powers or competences from the UK to the EU. Accession treaties would not be subject to a referendum as they do not involve such transfers.
Visas
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Neville-Jones on 29 June (WA 265), why it is not possible to distinguish between the numbers of visas issued to those coming to undertake shortage occupations and to those coming to fill other jobs.[HL1095]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Neville-Jones): Management information captured by our entry clearance IT system does not distinguish between the numbers of visas issued to those coming to undertake shortage occupations from those issued to fill other jobs within the tier two category of the points-based system.
This information is recorded on the certificate of sponsorship issued by the sponsor, but is not carried through to the caseworking system.
Our previous response to PQ HR 119, to Lord Laird of Artigarvan confirmed the number of certificates of sponsorship issued to migrants for jobs on the shortage occupations list between June 2009 and May 2010.
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