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9 Nov 2010 : Column WA45
9 Nov 2010 : Column WA45
9 Nov 2010 : Column WA45
Tuesday 9 November 2010
Afghanistan
Question
Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the proposed agreement between NATO and Russia on enhancing their co-operation in Afghanistan.[HL3386]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and Russia have a shared interest in a secure and stable Afghanistan. The NATO-Russia Council summit on 20 November 2010 will be an opportunity to agree to enhance practical co-operation towards this goal. In particular, there is scope for enhancing co-operation on transit arrangements, on the maintenance and supply of helicopters and on efforts to tackle the production and distribution of illegal drugs. We would welcome such co-operation. Negotiation between NATO and Russia on these issues is ongoing.
Airports: Security
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government when Department for Transport officials last spoke with a European Commission transport official about developing a single unified airport passenger security regime.[HL3354]
To ask Her Majesty's Government when was the latest occasion that a Minister spoke with a member of the Government of the United States about developing a single unified airport passenger security regime.[HL3355]
To ask Her Majesty's Government when was the latest occasion that a Department for Transport official spoke with an official of the Government of the United States about developing a single unified airport passenger security regime.[HL3356]
Earl Attlee: The International Civil Aviation Organisation has agreed minimum international standards and practices concerning aviation security, which are documented in Annexe 17 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (also known as the Chicago Convention). In addition, within Europe, common rules on civil aviation security are set out in legislation (EC 300/2008 and associated legislation). States can and do require measures to be put in place on top of international baseline requirements, depending on the threat environment. We maintain close and regular contact at all levels with the European Commission and the United States authorities on all aspects of airport passenger security regimes.
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Armed Forces: A400M
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government with which countries the Royal Air Force will lose its interoperability as a result of the forthcoming replacement of the C130 by the A400M.[HL3190]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): The Royal Air Force will not lose interoperability with any countries as a result of the drawdown of the C-130J Hercules and entry into service of the A400M. The A400M will continue to interoperate with NATO and allied countries in very much the same manner as the C-130J Hercules.
Armed Forces: Aircraft
Questions
Asked by Lord West of Spithead
To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the savings from deleting the Harrier GR9 from the order of battle.[HL3171]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): By retiring Harrier early we expect to make savings in the region of £900 million between now and 2018, the Harrier's previous out-of-service date. This figure is subject to commercial considerations and we expect it to be refined during implementation of the strategic defence and security review. Furthermore, final savings figures will depend on detailed implementation, which will generally be subject to full consultation with all relevant parties, including the trades unions and the devolved Administrations, as well as the results of mandatory assessments on the impact that the measures will have on sustainability, equality and diversity, and health and safety.
Asked by Lord West of Spithead
To ask Her Majesty's Government from which NATO countries' aircraft carriers the United Kingdom's Harrier force have ever flown.[HL3172]
Lord Astor of Hever: Since September 2004 Harrier GR7/9 aircraft of the Joint Force Harrier have only operated from Royal Navy aircraft carriers. Information as to whether Harrier GR variants have ever operated from other nations' aircraft carriers prior to September 2004 could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
Asked by Lord West of Spithead
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Tornado aircraft of all types are held by the United Kingdom Armed Forces.[HL3173]
9 Nov 2010 : Column WA47
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Harrier aircraft of all types are held by the United Kingdom Armed Forces.[HL3174]
Lord Astor of Hever: The information requested is shown in the following table and relates to the effective fleet which includes those aircraft available for operations and training and those undergoing repairs, trials or modification.
| Aircraft By Type | Number in Service |
Asked by Lord West of Spithead
To ask Her Majesty's Government what would the savings have been over this spending round if the Tornado GR4 force had been deleted from the order of battle.[HL3170]
To ask Her Majesty's Government what savings would be made by removing all marks of Tornado from service.[HL3335]
Lord Astor of Hever: The Ministry of Defence made estimates of the cost savings accrued from measures considered in the strategic defence and security review for the purposes of formulating policy. Some of these have been published to help to inform the public debate. Release of further detail may prejudice the MoD's negotiating position with its commercial suppliers. The MoD is therefore not prepared to release more detailed figures at this time.
Armed Forces: Medals
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government what were the grounds on which the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals advised the Queen that British ex-servicemen should accept but not wear the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal.[HL3235]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The recommendation of the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals on the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal reflected long-standing policy on foreign medals including:
the double medalling rule, which states that medals will not be awarded if a British award has been given for the same service; andthe "five-year rule", which is a long-standing policy that commemorative awards, or those for service which took place more than five years ago, will not be approved.An exception was made to these rules to allow the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal to be accepted but not for it to be worn.
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More information on the decision can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website. The link is: http://www.fco.gov.uk/resources/en/pdf/pdf21/fco_pingatjasamalaysiamedal
To ask Her Majesty's Government who are the members of the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals who advised the Queen to allow British ex-servicemen to accept but not wear the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal in 2005.[HL3236]
Lord Howell of Guildford: The Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary. Members of the committee are:
Private Secretary to the right honourable Prime Minister-Private Secretary to HM the Queen;the Defence Services Secretary;Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence;Permanent Secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office-Permanent Secretary at the Home Office; andSecretary to the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood.To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals met on the two occasions since 2005 when they reviewed their advice to the Queen that British ex-servicemen should accept but not wear the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal; and whether they will publish the minutes in full.[HL3238]
Lord Howell of Guildford: The Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals (HD committee) met to consider the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal on 7 December 2005.
The HD committee also reviewed the decision by correspondence between November 2006 and January 2007.
Minutes of the HD committee are not published but information on the decision and review can be found at the following link on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website: http://www.fco.gov.uk/resources/en/pdf/pdf21/fco_pingatjasamalaysiamedal
To ask Her Majesty's Government why the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals advised the Queen to lift the ban on veterans wearing the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal for one week during the 50th anniversary of Malaysian independence.[HL3239]
Lord Howell of Guildford: The Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals recommended that veterans should be able to wear the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal for one week during
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To ask Her Majesty's Government how many predominantly Muslim countries have made a request to present medals to British servicemen in the last ten years; and what has been the decision of the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals in each case.[HL3240]
Lord Howell of Guildford: There have been no other cases since 2000 where the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals has been asked to make an exception to the rules concerning the acceptance and wearing of medals offered by foreign nations.
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they were consulted when the Governments of Australia and New Zealand advised the Queen that their veterans of the Malaysia campaign should accept and wear the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal.[HL3273]
Lord Howell of Guildford: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office was not consulted by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand on their recommendations to HM the Queen on the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal. This was a matter for the Governments of the countries concerned.
Arms Trade: Global Treaty
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking towards agreement of an arms trade treaty, in particular for reporting, monitoring, verification and inter-state co-operation.[HL3163]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The UK Government continue to support efforts to secure a robust and effective international arms trade treaty, which has the widest possible scope. A cross-Whitehall team, including representatives from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Ministry of Defence, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department for International Development, are developing the UK position on all aspects of the arms trade treaty, including its implementation and application. This work is undertaken in consultation with UK defence industry and non-governmental organisations, and includes issues relating to reporting, monitoring, verification and interstate co-operation.
There remain two preparatory committee meetings in 2011, ahead of the UN Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty in 2012. Although this remains a challenging timescale, it is achievable if we can maintain the positive momentum generated during the first UN meeting in July, at which the UK played a full and constructive role.
9 Nov 2010 : Column WA50
Bahrain
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made, or intend to make, representations to the Government of Bahrain concerning the whereabouts and welfare of the academic Dr Abdul Jalil al-Singace who was arrested at Bahrain International Airport on 13 August on his return from addressing a meeting at the House of Lords.[HL3232]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): Our ambassador to Bahrain has stressed to the Bahraini Minister of Interior the importance of following due process in Mr al-Singace's and other cases currently before the Bahraini courts, and of investigating fully and transparently allegations of abuse of detainees. Our ambassador has also expressed concern to a number of Bahraini Ministers at reports that Mr al-Singace's arrest may have been connected with statements he made in the House of Lords in August 2010.
British Indian Ocean Territory
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will place in the Library of the House a copy of any documentation of the Government of the United States' confirmation earlier this month that they are concerned over the implications of any resettlement of the outer islands of the British Indian Ocean Territory.[HL3366]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): Confirmation from the US was received in October during the annual UK/US political military talks on the British Indian Ocean Territory. Records of the talks are drafted and agreed by both UK and US officials. The records are considered to be owned jointly by both Governments. The record for the 2010 meeting held in October is still in draft.
Companies: Executive Remuneration
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Wilcox on 21 October (WA 188), whether the timetable for the proposed comprehensive review into corporate governance will preclude them from requiring investment institutions to disclose how they voted shares under their control in respect of 2010 annual report and accounts and remuneration committee votes. [HL3437]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): The Government published a call for evidence entitled A Long-Term Focus for Corporate Britain on 25 October 2010. The call for evidence asks about the costs and benefits of institutional shareholders and
9 Nov 2010 : Column WA51
Educational Maintenance Allowance
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number of people in each of the 10 districts of Greater Manchester who will no longer be eligible for an educational maintenance allowance.[HL3520]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Hill of Oareford): Information on the number of young people in each of the 10 districts of Greater Manchester who currently receive an education maintenance allowance (EMA), and who received it in 2009-10, is set out in the table below:
| Greater Manchester | EMA take-up as at 31/10/10-33,718 | EMA take-up for 2009-10 as at 31/8/10-40,960 |
The EMA scheme will close at the end of the current academic year. Neither the Department for Education nor the Young People's Learning Agency has made any assessment of the number of young people who might have received EMA beyond this point. The EMA scheme will be replaced by an enhanced learner support fund, managed locally, which will target support more closely to those young people facing the most significant financial barriers to participation.
Employment: Graduates
Question
Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to encourage the employment of graduates. [HL3515]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): The Government are committed to increasing employment (including that of graduates) by cutting the burden of national insurance on companies employing new staff, cutting taxes on business each year for the next three years and easing the burden of regulation.
BIS continues to encourage employers to offer work experience and internships to help graduates to develop valuable skills and boost their employment chances.
9 Nov 2010 : Column WA52
In addition, the Government are committed to helping to prepare graduates for the world of work and that is why we are working to improve the information available to prospective students. As part of this process, all universities have now published an employability statement, detailing how they work with their students to prepare them for employment.
Energy: Gas
Question
Asked by Lord Jenkin of Roding
To ask Her Majesty's Government what will be the impact of targets for onshore and offshore wind generators on the role of gas in ensuring security of United Kingdom energy supplies.[HL3260]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Lord Marland): There are no targets for onshore or offshore wind generation. However, the Government expect that onshore and offshore wind will make a significant contribution to meeting our 2020 renewable energy target. The central scenario in the UK renewable energy strategy estimated that onshore and offshore wind together could provide 20 per cent of UK electricity generating capacity in 2020. Gas is a clean and reliable fossil fuel and is likely to continue to be a central part of the UK energy mix.
Energy: Tariffs
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Lord Marland on 19 October (Official Report, col. 762) about increases in electricity bills, what assessment they have made of the effect of the European Carbon Reduction programme and energy feed-in tariffs on household electricity bills in France, Germany and Italy.[HL3365]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Lord Marland): The Government have made no such assessment of the impact on household electricity bills in France, Germany and Italy of the European carbon reduction programme and energy feed-in tariffs.
EU: Budget
Questions
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty's Government what will be the cost to the United Kingdom of implementing the decision by the European Parliament to increase the 2011 European Union budget by 5.9 per cent from £108 billion to £114.5 billion.[HL3102]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The overall cost to the United Kingdom of implementing the decision by the European Parliament to increase the budget by 5.9 percent (compared with the 2.9 percent adopted by the Council on 29th June 2010) would be around £350 million.
9 Nov 2010 : Column WA53
The increase would be spread across the UK budget 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13. This is due to the one-year lag in the UK abatement (the 2011 abatement will be paid by 2012).
The UK Government were very concerned about this proposed increase. The Prime Minister therefore led efforts to build an alliance among member states before and at last week's European Council, to block any increase above that already agreed by Council.
As a result, 13 Heads of Government issued a joint letter on 29 October, stating that a 6 per cent budget increase is "especially unacceptable at a time when we are having to take difficult decisions at national level to control public expenditure"; and that those Heads of Government "are clear that they cannot accept" any more than the Council's proposed increase.
This means that, either Council and the European Parliament will have to agree to this level of increase; or no agreement will be reached, in which case the 2010 budget will be rolled over into 2011 unless and until a final budget for 2011 can be agreed.
The latest projections for the EU's gross and net contribution to the EU budget for the fiscal years 2008-09 (outturn) to 2015-16 (forecasts) are provided in Table 2.9 of the supplementary material to the June 2010 Budget (see p. 27).
Updated projections will be available as part of the end-November autumn forecasts.
Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the European Union's budget for 2011.[HL3385]
Lord Sassoon: The Government have been absolutely clear that we cannot accept the 6 per cent budget increase from 2010 levels proposed by the European Commission at the start of negotiations on the 2011 budget. This is completely out of step with the very tough fiscal consolidation measures being taken not just in the UK but also by Governments across the European Union (EU).
The Government pressed for a freeze in the 2011 budget. In August, the Council adopted a position by qualified majority, limiting the budget increase to 2.9 per cent, although the UK and six other member states voted against this. On 20 October, the European Parliament adopted a position calling for a 6 per cent increase in the budget from 2010 levels.
On 29 October, the Prime Minister and 12 other EU leaders signed a joint letter saying that the European Parliament's proposals "are especially unacceptable at a time when we are having to take difficult decisions at national level to control public expenditure. The Council has proposed an increase in EU budget spending of 2.91 per cent for 2011. We are clear that we cannot accept any more than this".
EU: Referendum
Question
Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to hold a referendum on the European Union.[HL2920]
9 Nov 2010 : Column WA54
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Government have no plans to hold a referendum on the EU. However the Government will introduce a Bill to Parliament later this year to put into place a "referendum lock". This will apply to any future treaty which involves a transfer of competence or power from the UK to the EU.
This Government firmly believe that UK membership of the EU is in our national interest. Over the next five years we intend vigorously to champion the interests of the UK and play an active role in the EU. We believe that the EU needs to change and that the EU can do things better. We are confident in Britain's ability to move the EU in the right direction. The Government are clear in their objective to improve the democratic accountability of the EU and ensure that the British public are engaged and active participants in the UK's future within Europe.
Financial Reporting Council
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Wilcox on 1 November (WA 351), what are the areas in which they believe the Financial Reporting Council is inefficient. [HL3510]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): The Government do not believe that the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is inefficient and will be publishing in due course proposals aimed at giving the FRC greater autonomy in how it structures itself in order to meet future regulatory challenges.
Food: Pork and Bacon
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what percentage of (a) pork, (b) bacon, and (c) sausages, used by each government department comes from British animals.[HL3362]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Henley): According to the third report on the proportion of domestically produced food procured by government, published in February this year and referring to the financial year 2008-09, the proportion of bacon of UK origin procured by the public sector was on average 36 per cent and the proportion of pork was 62 per cent. Information on reported percentage for individual departments is set out in the table below.
| Department | Pork | Bacon |
Separate figures for sausages are not available. In the main, they will be included in the figures for pork.
In support of the Government's commitment to democratic accountability, it has been agreed that the Government should expose their performance for public scrutiny. Consequently, in future, it is intended that departments and public bodies will publish performance reports in respect of food procurement on their own websites. The first reports are expected to be published in June 2011 and will relate to the 2010-11 financial year.
Gaza
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the ability of Palestinians in Gaza to travel to Israel to receive medical treatment; and what representations they have made to the government of Israel on this matter.[HL3094]
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The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We, along with our international allies, believe it is not only imperative for goods and exports to leave Gaza, but it should also be possible for people, particularly those needing medical treatment, and others to move freely in and out of Gaza.
The UK raises a number of human rights issues, on a regular basis, with the Israeli authorities at ministerial and official level. We will continue to follow up on these issues.
Government Departments: Cars
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Shutt of Greetland on 27 July (WA 328), on how many occasions staff have used the car pool on official business; and at what cost.[HL3309]
Lord Shutt of Greetland: Further to the Answer given on 27 July (Official Report, col. WA 328), since 12 April 2010 staff at the Northern Ireland Office have used the Government Car and Despatch Agency for official business 31 times at a cost of £1,047.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the manufacturer, model and year of registration for each of the government cars allocated (a) to Ministers and permanent secretaries in the current Government, and (b) to their immediate predecessors.[HL2413]
Earl Attlee: Details of the manufacturer, model and year of registration for each of the government cars provided by the Government Car and Despatch Agency and allocated to Ministers in the current Government are as follows:
| Current Government:*1 | |||
| a) Ministers with allocated cars | Manufacturer | Model | Year |
*1 This represents the current list of Government Car and Despatch Agency cars allocated to Ministers. It should be noted, however, that immediately after the coalition Government was announced, the Government Car and Despatch Agency utilised all cars available for service in order to accommodate the new coalition Government's immediate requirements. This was prior to a process of fleet realignment whereby allocations were clarified and finalised with each office by 6 September 2010.
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There are currently no Permanent Secretaries allocated a government car by the Government Car and Despatch Agency.
Details of the manufacturer, model and year of
9 Nov 2010 : Column WA58
| Immediate Predecessors (as at 30 April 2010): | |||
| b) Ministers with allocated cars | Manufacturer | Model | Year |
Government Departments: Salaries
Questions
Asked by Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay
To ask Her Majesty's Government what would be the estimated net saving to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in each of the next four years if no bonuses were paid and all salaries and increments were frozen.[HL3331]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): Following the spending review settlement, detailed workforce plans and pay bill allocations, on which such estimates would be based, are being developed and finalised. We are therefore currently unable to provide estimates of savings for the years in question.
Asked by Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay
To ask Her Majesty's Government what would be the estimated net saving to the Department of Health in each of the next four years if no bonuses were paid and all salaries and increments were frozen.[HL3332]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): Following the spending review settlement for the department, detailed workforce plans and pay bill allocations, on which pay bill estimates would be based, are currently being developed and finalised. We are therefore currently unable to provide estimates of savings from the freezing of salaries and pay progression for the years in question.
For the current financial year, the department paid £1,639,680 in non-consolidated performance- related pay and £118,674 as in-year non-consolidated performance-related pay up to and including October.
From these figures, a very simple estimate of savings for the next four years would be £7,373,000. This figure does not include employer's national insurance contribution, which would be in addition to that figure. A figure for the cost of that contribution would be available only at disproportionate cost. This simple estimate assumes constant staff numbers in the department, which is contrary to current plans and so not likely to be the case.
Government: Big Society
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the views of local government about the concept of the Big Society.[HL3529]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Hanham): DCLG Ministers and officials engage regularly with local government elected members and officers on a range of policy issues in support of the big society agenda.
Government: Ministerial Duties
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to designate a Minister with responsibility for tackling violence against women overseas, to fulfil the role previously carried out by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead.[HL3097]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Government are committed to tackling violence against women, both domestically and internationally. This is a priority.
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The Government are committed to appointing a "champion" to drive forward UK objectives in this area internationally. We will make an announcement on this soon.
Health and Social Care
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to finance a move to a more integrated mode of health and social care.[HL3405]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The Government's intention for health and social care is to create a system that achieves better outcomes and delivers truly personalised services focused around individuals and not organisations. Partnership working across the National Health Service and local government is critical to delivering this vision. We think it important that current flexibilities that support integrated working are made applicable and strengthened where possible within the reformed system.
The spending review settlement represents an excellent opportunity to support integration between social care and health services at the local level. In order to support social care, the NHS will transfer some funding from the health capital budget to health revenue, to be spent on measures that support social care, which also benefits health. This funding will be up to £1 billion in 2014-15 and will help to improve joint working between health and social care.
This £1 billion includes up to £300 million per annum for reablement to help to avoid demand on social care, while the remainder will be used to support other social care services, which benefit health. Investment in social care will both improve people's outcomes and benefit the NHS. By ensuring that people remain independent, we can support them to be active in their communities, while at the same time reducing unnecessary hospital admissions and speeding discharge after a crisis.
Further details about this support will be published alongside the 2011-12 NHS operating framework.
Health: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the annual cost to the National Health Service, for each of the past five years, of treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.[HL3401]
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome in the general population.[HL3402]
9 Nov 2010 : Column WA60
To ask Her Majesty's Government what treatments are currently used for carpal tunnel syndrome in the National Health Service.[HL3403]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): In mild to moderate cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, the symptoms should pass within six months, without the need for surgical treatment or the use of medication. This is particularly likely in people who are under 30 years of age and in pregnant women.
Wrist splints can help for mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, while for more severe cases corticosteroids or surgery may be required.
Information on the incidence, and the cost to the National Health Service, of carpal tunnel syndrome is not collected.
Health: Drugs
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government, given that the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence will no longer have the power to ban the use of drugs it considers too expensive, what steps they will take to ensure fairness of drug administration in the proposed devolution of cost control.[HL3446]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has no power to ban the use of drugs in the National Health Service. Our plans to introduce value-based drug pricing from 2014 will ensure that licensed and effective drugs are available to NHS clinicians and patients at a price that reflects the value that they bring to the NHS.
Health: Incontinence
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many universities run pre- and post-registration courses on continence education and training for nurses. [HL3414]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): Sixty-nine universities in the UK run pre-registration courses. The Nursing and Midwifery Council standards for pre-registration nursing education identify essential skills and continence education is included. Information on post-registration courses is not held centrally.
Healthcare: Agencies
Question
Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to review the care provided by nursing agencies.[HL3185]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The Government have no plans to do so. Nurses agencies do not provide
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It is for the organisations to which these nurses are provided to satisfy themselves that they are suitably qualified, to decide whether or not to employ them, to assign them duties and to monitor the care they provide to patients and service users.
Higher Education: Accreditation
Question
Asked by Lord Willis of Knaresborough
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to allow colleges of further education to accredit their own undergraduate courses.[HL3420]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): Colleges of further education have been able to apply to the Privy Council for powers to award their own taught degrees since the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 came into force. The Further Education and Training Act 2007 amended the Further and Higher Education Act 1992, enabling colleges of further education to apply to the Privy Council for powers to award foundation degrees only.
No colleges of further education have been granted either full taught degree-awarding powers or foundation degree-awarding powers. However, several applications are currently being considered.
Further education colleges are a vital component of the higher education landscape, providing accessible learning for approximately 10 per cent of students in the sector. We will consider the provision of higher education in further education colleges in the forthcoming higher education White Paper. The White Paper will make detailed proposals, to which experts from the sector can react, and will lead, subject to parliamentary time, to a higher education Bill.
Higher Education: Funding
Question
Asked by Lord Willis of Knaresborough
To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the total resources allocated to providers of undergraduate education through the block teaching grant in 2010-11.[HL3674]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): In the Secretary of State's grant letter to the Higher Education Funding Council for England of 24 June 2010, the level of teaching grant was £5,107 million for 2010-11.
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House of Lords: Reform
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there have been any changes to the composition of the Committee on Lords Reform; and, if so, what is the present composition of the committee.[HL3357]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): The original composition of the cross-party committee was announced on 7 June by the Deputy Prime Minister and reported to this House by the Leader of the House in a Written Ministerial Statement (Official Report, col. WS 35). Following the announcement of the new shadow Cabinet, the right honourable Sadiq Khan MP, shadow Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, replaced the right honourable Jack Straw MP, and the right honourable Hilary Benn MP, shadow Leader of the House of Commons, replaced the right honourable Rosie Winterton MP.
Human Rights
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights concerning the voting rights of prisoners in Hirst v United Kingdom is legally binding in the United Kingdom.[HL3224]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): The UK's blanket ban on sentenced prisoners voting was declared unlawful by the European Court of Human Rights in October 2005, as a result of a successful challenge by a prisoner, John Hirst. The Government are obliged under the terms of the European Convention on Human Rights to abide by final judgments of the Strasbourg court to which they are a party.
Iraq
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will provide to the Parliament of Iraq details of effective current or recent coalition governments throughout the world.[HL3320]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We have shared the UK's recent experience in coalition forming informally with various Iraqi political interlocutors in response to interested questions from them. The Iraq Council of Representatives (CoR) is currently adjourned, but we would be happy to consider any formal request from its members were they to approach us, individually or collectively, for more information on coalition building.
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Israel and Palestine
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of Israel's adherence to international law and respect for human rights for Palestinians following discussions on the European Union-Israel Association Agreement.[HL3092]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We are very clear that Israel's actions must adhere to international law. The Government and the EU make frequent representations and statements where we see actions by either party that cause us concern. In particular, we have consistently made it clear that settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the human rights implications for non-Jews living in Israel of the proposed policy of the government of Israel to implement an obligatory oath of loyalty to the Jewish state of Israel; and what representations they have made to the government of Israel on this matter.[HL3093]
Lord Howell of Guildford: The UK attaches the highest importance to the values set out in Israel's Declaration of Independence and basic laws.
We are concerned by anything that detracts from these and will be watching this debate carefully. Nothing should be done to prejudice Israel's non-Jewish citizens or to discriminate against people on the basis of their religion.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they will make to the Government of Israel regarding the damage caused by fire to a Palestinian girls' school near Nablus on 21 October. [HL3319]
Lord Howell of Guildford: We are concerned by press reports of an attack on a girls' school near Nablus, reportedly by Israeli settlers. We condemn all acts of violence and call on all sides to refrain from provocative actions.
Kenya
Questions
Asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead
To ask Her Majesty's Government how they propose to contribute to an open debate on the Kenya emergency.[HL3268]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Government are aware that the events surrounding the period of the Kenyan emergency give rise to strong feelings in
9 Nov 2010 : Column WA64
It is important to have an open debate about the past. The UK is prepared to contribute to this. Any debate should help to address Kenya's current challenges, particularly the importance of reconciliation towards building a stable and prosperous nation.
Asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will arrange a meeting with a delegation from Kenya to address the grievances of Kenyans who were ill-treated by officials during the British colonial administration.[HL3269]
Lord Howell of Guildford: The delegation from Kenya met with officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 3 December 2009 and subsequently with the former Foreign Secretary, the right honourable David Miliband, on 25 February 2010. There have been no requests for a further meeting.
Asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead
To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration they are giving to the resolution of the ongoing grievances of Kenyans who were ill-treated by officials during the British colonial administration. [HL3270]
Lord Howell of Guildford: I am aware of these grievances, which have resulted in a claim, brought by elderly Kenyans, against the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for compensation for alleged acts of torture committed by the British colonial administration during the Kenyan emergency in the 1950s and early 1960s. In light of the ongoing legal proceedings, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on any details of the case.
Lisbon Treaty
Question
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Statement by Lord Henley on 26 October (WS 102) regarding the European Union Agriculture and Fisheries Council, what the effect of the Lisbon treaty alignment will be.[HL3322]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Henley): The Lisbon treaty introduces changes to the way in which powers are delegated to the Commission in EU legislation. The new rules make a distinction between "delegated acts" and "implementing measures". Delegated acts are non-legislative acts of general application, which amend or add to non-essential elements of the legislation. Implementing measures set uniform conditions for the implementation of the legislation.
9 Nov 2010 : Column WA65
All new EU legislation will apply these new procedures wherever powers are delegated to the Commission. In addition, existing legislation that includes delegated powers is being updated to align it with these new procedures.
Local Enterprise Partnerships
Question
Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the impact of the local enterprise partnerships on regional economic growth.[HL3425]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Hanham): As set out in the Local Growth White Paper, the Government believe that communities and businesses are in the best position to understand and respond to the opportunities and needs of their own economies. That is why we are committed to supporting local enterprise partnerships that are directly accountable to local people and businesses, to determine their local economic priorities and to tackle the barriers to economic growth.
Monetary Policy Committee
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government on how many occasions in the last 36 months the rate of inflation has exceeded the target set for the Monetary Policy Committee.[HL3298]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): According to the Office for National Statistics, inflation as measured by the 12-month increase in consumer price index has been above the 2 per cent target set for the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England for 29 months of the last 36 months.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what options are open to HM Treasury if the Treasury or markets lose confidence in the Monetary Policy Committee. [HL3300]
Lord Sassoon: The UK's institutional framework for monetary policy, in particular the independence of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), is a critical feature of the committee's credibility. Credibility enables the MPC to anchor inflation expectations, which is vital for the effectiveness of monetary policy.
Mountain Rescue
Question
9 Nov 2010 : Column WA66
Baroness Verma: Ministers in a number of departments engage with mountain rescue in relation to their specific responsibilities. However the Home Office has the role of central government co-ordination for mountain rescue organisations.
NHS: Primary Care Trusts
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government to whom the shareholdings of primary care trusts (PCTs) in local improvement finance trusts will be transferred following the abolition of PCTs.[HL2851]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): I refer the noble Lord to the Answer I provided Lord Mawson on 26 October (Official Report, col. WA 269).
Office for Budget Responsibility
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government how often the Chairman of the Office for Budget Responsibility has spoken to the Chancellor of the Exchequer since his appointment.[HL3220]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). I have asked the OBR to reply.
Letter from Robert Chote, Chairman, Office for Budget Responsibility, to Lord Barnett, dated 5 November 2010.
As Chair of the Budget Responsibility Committee of the Office for Budget Responsibility I have been asked to reply to your recent question:
To ask Her Majesty's Government how often the Chairman of the Office for Budget Responsibility has spoken to the Chancellor of the Exchequer since his appointment. [HL3220]
We will be publishing a list of contacts between the OBR and Ministers, special advisers and their private offices shortly after each autumn and Budget forecast, beginning with our forthcoming forecast on November 29.
Overseas: Fragile and Conflicted Areas
Question
Asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead
To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the criteria for states that are defined as "fragile and conflict-affected"; and which states currently meet those criteria.[HL3272]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The recently published national security strategy sets out the Government's commitment to tackle the causes of conflict and instability overseas. The Government regularly assess countries at risk of instability and departments use a range of assessment criteria when looking at this important issue. As announced in the strategic defence and security review, the Cabinet Office and departments will continue
9 Nov 2010 : Column WA67
Parliaments: Fixed Terms
Question
Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord McNally on 27 October (WA 297), which countries with fixed-term parliaments were examined; and what that examination entailed. [HL3407]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): The Government have examined arrangements for fixed-term parliaments in a number of countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and Sweden, as well as the three devolved legislatures in the United Kingdom. The Government have considered a wide range of issues, including the lengths of parliaments, early election triggers, no confidence motions and mechanisms for dissolution.
Roads: Dartford Crossing
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what has been the effect on emissions of the increase in toll charge at the Dartford Crossing.[HL3295]
Earl Attlee: No specific assessment of the impact on emissions following the November 2008 increase in the road user charge at the Dartford/Thurrock river crossing has been undertaken.
The Highways Agency undertakes workplace exposure surveys to ascertain background concentrations of emissions during the normal working day. The results are measured against Health and Safety Executive workplace exposure limits and other European exposure limits.
Under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995, Dartford Borough Council and Thurrock Council operate air quality management areas on the A282 adjacent to the crossing. These results can be found on the www.dartford.gov.uk and www.thurrock.gov.uk websites.
Schools: Male Teachers
Questions
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the percentages of male teaching assistants in (a) state primary schools, and (b) state secondary schools. [HL3555]
9 Nov 2010 : Column WA68
To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the percentages of male non-teaching staff in (a) state primary schools, and (b) state secondary schools. [HL3556]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Hill of Oareford): At present only partial data exist from a January 2010 exercise that could be used to answer this Question, but they cover only half of local authorities and may not be representative of the country as a whole. The new school workforce census, which is being fully introduced in November 2010, will provide counts of teachers and school support staff by gender in each school. This information will be available in April 2011.
Spending Review 2010
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many train operators have announced plans for the purchase of new rolling stock which is to be funded by raising the cap on regulated rail fares as announced in Spending Review 2010.[HL2980]
To ask Her Majesty's Government how the train operators plan to improve passenger conditions as a result of the increase in the cap on rail fares announced in Spending Review 2010.[HL2981]
Earl Attlee: The Government are committed to investment in Britain's railways and the comprehensive spending review announcement set out plans for the investment of £18 billion in rail. Raising the cap on regulated fares helps to ensure that investment in rail can go forward during a period when the pressing need to tackle the deficit means that resources are constrained.
Further announcements about specific investment in rail projects will be made in due course.
Asked by Baroness Smith of Basildon
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have for the Dartford Tunnel toll discount for local residents in Thurrock and Dartford over the lifetime of the Spending Review 2010.[HL3033]
Earl Attlee: As part of its spending review announcement, the Department for Transport proposed, subject to consultation, increases to the levels of the road user charge at the Dartford/Thurrock river crossing from 2011 and 2012.
The department will set out the detailed proposals for the new charging regime in a consultation document, including the implications for the current local residents discount scheme.
Asked by Baroness Smith of Basildon
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the additional income which will arise from an increase in toll charges for the Dartford crossing in relation to each year of Spending Review 2010.[HL3167]
9 Nov 2010 : Column WA69
Earl Attlee: Initial estimates of the additional revenue from proposals to amend the charging regime are of the order of £15 million in 2011 and £30 million in 2012, and for each of following years in the spending review period.
The estimates allow for predicted decongestion benefits from increased charge levels. Actual traffic flows will be dependent on this and other external factors such as future economic performance.
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the statement by Lord Sassoon on 20 October (HL Deb, col. 831), what is the definition of their phrase "the brink of bankruptcy".[HL3218]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): Public sector net borrowing in 2009-10 was £156 billion or 11.1 per cent of gross domestic product, the highest level in UK post-war history. The Government were borrowing £1 for every £4 they spent.
Asked by Lord Willis of Knaresborough
To ask Her Majesty's Government, for each Research Council, what is their level of commitment to (a) international subscriptions, (b) international contracts, and (c) the provision of research assets for each year covered by the Spending Review 2010. [HL3424]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): In the recent spending review, the Chancellor announced that the Government will spend £4.6 billion on science and research programmes in each of the next four years within a ring-fenced budget. Capital and administration spending on science and research have not yet been decided.
In the coming months, Ministers will make decisions on the balance of funding between the individual research councils, HEFCE's research and knowledge transfer activities, the national academies and other programmes. Detailed decisions on funding for international subscriptions and research assets will be taken by research councils, in line with the Haldane principle.
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the statement by Lord Sassoon on 20 October (Official Report, col. 831), whether "the missing £9 billion in tax revenues" will be added to the total cuts in the deficit given in Spending Review 2010.[HL3279]
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the statement by Lord Sassoon on 20 October (Official Report, col. 831), whether the estimated saving of £5 billion currently being lost through "fraud in the welfare system" will be included in the total cuts in the deficit given in Spending Review 2010.[HL3281]
Lord Sassoon: Existing deficit reduction plans are not dependent on the realisation of expected savings and revenues from these initiatives, but the Government
9 Nov 2010 : Column WA70
The Government set out their plans for tackling welfare fraud and error in the strategy document published by the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on 18 October, which set an ambition to reduce overall expenditure lost to fraud and error by a quarter by 2014-15.
The Government also announced on 20 September that it will make £900 million available over the spending review period to raise additional revenues from those who undermine the tax system and seek to avoid paying their fair share. This has been estimated to bring in around £7 billion per annum by 2014-15 in additional tax revenues.
Any impact on annually managed expenditure and tax receipts of these announcements will be considered by the Office for Budget Responsibility as part of its twice-yearly forecasts, on the basis of the latest available evidence.
Syria
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Howell of Guildford on 27 September (WA 556), whether the United Kingdom Embassy in Damascus has yet received the information requested on 8 September concerning the whereabouts and welfare of Ms Hassan. [HL3230]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): Our ambassador in Damascus raised the case of Ms Hassan during a call at the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 19 October. He handed over a copy of the Amnesty International case report and stressed the need for Syria to meet its responsibilities under the UN treaties on human rights.
We will continue to underline our wider concerns about the human rights situation in Syria though our dialogue with the Government.
Taxation
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assurances they have from Swiss banks that they will fully disclose income liability to United Kingdom taxation; and whether this information will be subject to audit.[HL3377]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): Following the signing of the agreement with Switzerland on 25 October 2010, these details will be discussed as part of the forthcoming formal negotiations.
Turks and Caicos Islands
Questions
Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people have been charged with firearms offences in the Turks and Caicos Islands; and how many of
9 Nov 2010 : Column WA71
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): Eighteen people in 2008 and 75 people in 2009 were charged with firearm offences. While there has been an increase in gun-related crime this figure also reflects increased police activity to seize/recover firearms. No information is currently available on bail figures.
Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any enquiries are made when people are released on bail in the Turks and Caicos Islands as to how they can afford the costs of bail.[HL3208]
Lord Howell of Guildford: Before bail is granted in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the police first establish if the surety is of good character, has property in excess of the sum of the bail and is in employment. The police object to the application for bail when there is a likelihood that the person may not answer to bail, may interfere with witnesses, or may commit further offences.
Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham
To ask Her Majesty's Government what increase in numbers has occurred in the Turks and Caicos Islands police force since 2000; and what assessment they have made of any shortfall in manpower. [HL3209]
Lord Howell of Guildford: In 2000 the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force had 140 sworn officers. The current strength of the force is 236 sworn officers. The force is understaffed by 47 officers. However, the force has been allocated an additional US$4 million in this financial year to enable it to recruit to its full establishment.
Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham
To ask Her Majesty's Government what measures are in place in the Turks and Caicos Islands (a) to license firearms, and (b) to prosecute those who are found to hold firearms illegally.[HL3210]
Lord Howell of Guildford: The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Firearms Ordinance covers the licensing of firearms and possession of firearms in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The commissioner of police is responsible for issuing firearm licences.
The TCI Government are working to strengthen the legislation. This will provide for tougher penalties for a range of offences relating to the possession and use of firearms. It will also introduce additional measures to combat the increase in violent crime.
Uganda
Question
Asked by Lord Smith of Finsbury
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made, or intend to make, to the government of Uganda in relation to the
9 Nov 2010 : Column WA72
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): I condemn articles such as those recently published in the Ugandan Rolling Stone newspaper. Together with international partners, our high commission raised this issue with the Ugandan Minister of Internal Affairs on 12 October. We are also in close touch with Ugandan civil society organisations campaigning for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, to which we have offered our support. They have petitioned the Ugandan High Court for an injunction against the publication of the Rolling Stone newspaper on the grounds of invasion of privacy. A temporary injunction has been awarded pending a further hearing on 23 November. We will continue to monitor this issue closely.
Union of the Comoros
Questions
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The United Kingdom does not have any bilateral agreements with the Union of the Comoros. However, the Union of the Comoros is party to a number of agreements with the European Union. These can be found on the Council of the European Union's website at http://www.consilium. europa.eu/App/accords/Default.aspx?command= searchResult&id=297&partyId=KM&doclang=EN& lang=EN.
Lord Howell of Guildford: The UK's relations with the Union of the Comoros are managed from the British high commission in Port Louis, Mauritius. Our high commissioner there is concurrently the non-resident ambassador to the Union of the Comoros.
Women: Peace and Security
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they intend to publish their new action plan on women, peace and security.[HL3096]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): Following agreement among Whitehall departments, we are expecting to publish the new National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (Women, Peace and Security) in late November.
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