| Previous Section | Back to Table of Contents | Lords Hansard Home Page |
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA365
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA365
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA365
Thursday 25 November 2010
Armed Forces: Aircraft
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government what long-term maintenance contracts have been entered into in respect of Tornado aircraft; what is the total financial commitment under those contracts; and what penalty clauses for early termination they include.[HL3481]
To ask Her Majesty's Government what upgrades are required during the forecast life of the Tornado GR4 aircraft; when those upgrades are required; and at what approximate cost.[HL3482]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): In the interests of long-term financial affordability, the strategic defence and security review (SDSR) determined that we would transition to a two-platform fast jet fleet consisting of the highly capable multi-role aircraft, Typhoon and Joint Strike Fighter. In the transition period the difficult decision has been taken to remove Harrier from service in 2011.
The overriding factor in deciding between removing either the Tornado GR4 or Harrier was the ability to support operations in Afghanistan. The Harrier fleet would have been too small to support Afghanistan operations at current levels, notwithstanding Carrier Strike and other contingent operations. Conversely, the Tornado GR4 force-even at its reduced size-will be significantly larger than the current Harrier force and would allow continuous UK fast jet close air support to forces in Afghanistan and the ability to support concurrent operations. It also has a number of key capability advantages over the Harrier GR9 including: greater payload and range and integration of capabilities such as Storm Shadow; fully integrated dual mode Brimstone; the Raptor reconnaissance pod; and a cannon.
We will retain a reduced Tornado GR4 fleet that will draw down gradually to ensure there is no effect on operations in Afghanistan as we transition to Typhoon and Joint Strike Fighter, from which we will also regenerate our Carrier Strike capability. In line with these transitions, we currently plan to take the Tornado GR4 out of service in 2021. This updates the out-of-service date and associated costs in the reply I gave to the noble Lord, Lord West of Spithead, on 16 November (Official Report, col. WA 178) which were based on pre-SDSR plans. The Prime Minister received full advice on the options regarding our fast jet fleet as part of the SDSR process.
The MoD made estimates of cost savings accrued from measures considered in the SDSR for the purpose of formulating policy. Some of these have been published to help inform the public debate. Release of further detail may prejudice the MoD's negotiating position with its commercial suppliers. Furthermore, final savings
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA366
The MoD calculates the full cost of aircraft per flying hour; the current rates for our fast jets are shown below. These figures include forward and depth servicing, fuel costs, crew costs, training costs, cost of capital charge, depreciation and amortisation. The Typhoon cost per flying hour reflects the build-up of the fleet with small numbers of aircraft currently in service. This cost will comparatively reduce as the fleet builds and is expected to be similar to our other fast jet fleets when we reach a steady state position.
| Aircraft | Financial Year 2010-11 Cost Per Hour |
These costs will need to be reviewed once we have finalised the SDSR decisions and how they will be implemented.
The Tornado aircraft fleet, consisting of the GR4 ground attack and F3 air defence variants, is supported by two availability-based maintenance contracts. The Availability Transformation: Tornado Aircraft Contract (ATTAC), for which BAE Systems is the prime contractor, provides depth support until 2016 and has a total value of £1.5 billion. The Turbo-Union RB 199 engine which powers the Tornado aircraft is supported by the RB 199 Operational Contract for Engine Transformation 2 (ROCET 2) awarded to Rolls-Royce until 2025. The contract has a total value of £690 million. There are no penalty clauses in either contract. However, both contracts include a number of conditions that allow for early termination. Any costs associated with the implementation of these conditions following the SDSR outcome are being negotiated with the contractor.
Under the Capability Upgrade Strategy (Pilot) programme approved in December 2007, 96 Tornado GR4 aircraft will receive capability upgrades between 2011 and 2014 at an estimated cost of around £300 million. This number of aircraft is sufficient to maintain the operational capability of the Tornado GR4 Forward Available Fleet until OSD. There are currently no plans for the aircraft to receive any further capability upgrades after 2014.
For the number of Tornado GR4 modified for operations in Afghanistan, I refer the noble Lord to the reply I gave to the noble Lord, Lord West of Spithead, on 4 November (Official Report, col. WA 427). To optimise the further 17 Tornado aircraft required for operations in Afghanistan will cost around £0.5 million. The 15 Harrier GR9 aircraft that have returned from Afghanistan would require refitting of equipment to be made ready for operations.
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA367
Asked by Lord West of Spithead
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Astor of Hever on 4 November (WA 427), how much the upgrade to the further 17 Tornado GR4 aircraft will cost; and whether this upgrade is the engine upgrade package already costed at £1.1 billion or an additional funding requirement.[HL3807]
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the cost for the continuation of Harrier aircraft in service until at least 2018; and what is the cost for the continuation of Tornado GR4 aircraft in service including the planned upgrade programme.[HL3808]
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, prior to his announcement on 19 October, the Prime Minister had been informed of the extra costs that would accrue to the defence budget from retaining Tornado GR4 aircraft in service in Afghanistan rather than retaining the Harrier GR9.[HL3809]
To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the average annual running costs, when not on operations, of (a) Harrier GR7, (b) Tornado F-3, (c) Tornado GR-4 and (d) Typhoon aircraft.[HL3982]
Lord Astor of Hever: In the interests of long-term financial affordability, the strategic defence and security review (SDSR) determined that we would transition to a two-platform fast jet fleet consisting of the highly capable multi-role aircraft, Typhoon and Joint Strike Fighter. In the transition period, the difficult decision has been taken to remove Harrier from service in 2011.
The overriding factor in deciding between removing either the Tornado GR4 or Harrier was the ability to support operations in Afghanistan. The Harrier fleet would have been too small to support Afghanistan operations at current levels, notwithstanding carrier strike and other contingent operations. Conversely, the Tornado GR4 force-even at its reduced size-will be significantly larger than the current Harrier force and would allow continuous UK fast jet close air support to forces in Afghanistan and the ability to support concurrent operations. It also has a number of key capability advantages over the Harrier GR9 including: greater payload and range and integration of capabilities such as Storm Shadow; fully integrated dual-mode Brimstone; the Raptor reconnaissance pod; and a cannon.
We will retain a reduced Tornado GR4 fleet, which will draw down gradually to ensure that there is no effect on operations in Afghanistan as we transition to Typhoon and Joint Strike Fighter, from which we will also regenerate our carrier strike capability. In line with these transitions, we currently plan to take the Tornado GR4 out of service in 2021. This updates the out-of-service date and associated costs in the reply that I gave the noble Lord on 16 November (Official Report, col. WA 178), which were based on pre-SDSR plans. The Prime Minister received full advice on the options regarding our fast jet fleet as part of the SDSR process.
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA368
The MoD made estimates of cost savings accrued from measures considered in the SDSR for the purpose 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. 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. The MoD is therefore not prepared to release more detailed savings or updated in-service cost figures at this time.
The MoD calculates the full cost of aircraft per flying hour. The current rates for our fast jets are shown below. These figures include forward and depth servicing, fuel costs, crew costs, training costs, cost of capital charge, depreciation and amortisation. The Typhoon cost per flying hour reflects the build-up of the fleet with small numbers of aircraft currently in service. This cost will comparatively reduce as the fleet builds and is expected to be similar to our other fast jet fleets when we reach a steady-state position.
| Aircraft | Financial Year 2010-11 Cost Per Hour |
These costs will need to be reviewed once we have finalised the SDSR decisions and how they will be implemented.
The Tornado aircraft fleet, consisting of the GR4 ground attack and F3 air defence variants, is supported by two availability-based maintenance contracts. The Availability Transformation Tornado Aircraft Contract (ATTAC), for which BAE Systems is the prime contractor, provides depth support until 2016 and has a total value of £1.5 billion. The Turbo-Union RB 199 engine that powers the Tornado aircraft is supported by the RB 199 Operational Contract for Engine Transformation 2 (ROCET 2) awarded to Rolls-Royce until 2025. The contract has a total value of £690 million. There are no penalty clauses in either contract. However, both contracts include a number of conditions that allow for early termination. Any costs associated with the implementation of these conditions following the SDSR outcome are being negotiated with the contractor.
Under the Capability Upgrade Strategy (Pilot) Programme approved in December 2007, 96 Tornado GR4 aircraft will receive capability upgrades between 2011 and 2014 at an estimated cost of around £300 million. This number of aircraft is sufficient to maintain the operational capability of the Tornado GR4 forward available fleet until OSD. There are currently no plans for the aircraft to receive any further capability upgrades after 2014.
For the number of Tornado GR4 modified for operations in Afghanistan, I refer the noble Lord to the reply that I gave him on 4 November (Official
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA369
Armed Forces: Vehicles
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many unprotected support vehicles in the Army inventory it is planned to replace with protected vehicles. [HL4250]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): There are a number of future planned programmes for both protected and unprotected support vehicles. The type of protection used on any given vehicle is very much driven by the capability the vehicle is designed to meet and the threat level it is expected to face. The number of vehicles to be procured and their specific protection levels, which cannot be publicly announced, will be set out at their main investment decision points.
Bahrain
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Howell of Guildford on 9 November (WA 50), what information they now have concerning the whereabouts and welfare of Dr Al Singace; and whether or not charges against him have been made under the criminal code of Bahrain.[HL4239]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We understand that Dr Al Singace, currently on trial before the Bahraini courts, is being detained in a Ministry of Interior prison facility and that he has been charged with a number of offences related to undermining national security. We have stressed to the Government of Bahrain the importance of following due process in Dr Al Singace's and other cases currently before the Bahraini courts, and of investigating fully and transparently allegations of abuse of detainees. Our embassy in Bahrain is closely monitoring the proceedings, and outcome, of the trial.
Banking: Bonuses
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to make representations to banks ahead of decisions on the payment of bonuses to traders and senior executives in respect of 2010.[HL4046]
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA370
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The Government maintain continual dialogue with the key sectors of the economy that will be affected by government decisions. The Government have made it clear that they will take action to tackle unacceptable bank bonuses and expect the support of the banking industry in delivering this.
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Baroness Wilcox on 21 October (WA 189) and 9 November (WA 50-1) and notwithstanding the review into corporate governance and economic short-termism, whether they intend to implement Sir David Walker's recommendation for a higher standard of disclosure on bonuses paid to bank executives and traders ahead of the completion of 2010 annual reports and the tabling of resolutions for shareholder approval of remuneration reports.[HL4106]
Lord Sassoon: The Government are committed to a robust remuneration disclosure regime and the principles set out in Sir David Walker's report, and will make an announcement in due course.
Barnett Formula
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will amend the Barnett formula so that it is based on need.[HL4345]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The Government recognise the concerns expressed on the system of devolved funding. However, at the present time the priority must be to reduce the budget deficit and therefore any decisions to change the current system must await the consolidation of the public finances.
BBC: Accounts
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Rawlings on 26 October (WA 249), whether the BBC will be able to deny the National Audit Office the ability to audit its accounts in full by not appointing the National Audit Office as its auditor.[HL3528]
Baroness Rawlings: This is a matter for the BBC and the National Audit Office (NAO). The Government do not consider the appointment of the NAO as the BBC's auditor to be central to delivering the government commitment to give the NAO full access to the BBC's accounts.
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA371
Burma
Question
Asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have plans to encourage the Secretary-General of the United Nations to visit Burma in the near future to promote reconciliation between the military junta, and Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy party, and the restoration of democracy and freedom to the people of Burma. [HL4224]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We look to the UN, the Secretary-General's Good Offices Mission, and the Group of Friends to help reinvigorate the stalled political process in Burma, bring about dialogue and national reconciliation in Burma and press for the release of over 2,200 political prisoners. We will continue to discuss Burma with the UN Secretary-General and encourage him in this work.
The UN Security Council, under the UK presidency, considered the situation in Burma on 18 November, including a briefing from the Secretary-General's special adviser.
Caucasus: Conflict Prevention
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what initiatives they plan to take to help improve civil security measures through friendly countries in the Caucasus and west Asian areas.[HL3913]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): Conflict prevention work in the Caucasus and Central Asian region is funded by the Russia/Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Conflict Pool. This programme supports efforts to prevent and resolve conflict in this region and countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The programme supports a variety of organisations and activities, including international and local non-governmental organisations working with civil society and government institutions and Ministry of Defence-led work on security sector reform. There is over £3.5 million allocated to these projects for the period 2010-11.
Corruption Prevention Unit
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord McNally on 19 October (WA 164), why the Corruption Prevention Unit has been abolished.[HL4326]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): The Corruption Prevention Unit (CPU) has not been abolished. It continues to act as a dedicated central point for co-ordination and development of policy and operational activity. It works with local,
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA372
Council Tax
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the size of grant to local authorities required to achieve the freeze in council tax; and, given the differential dependence of authorities on council tax income, by how much individual authorities will benefit.[HL4272]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Hanham): The Government announced in the spending review that they are making an extra £650 million available to deliver on their promise to help local authorities (including police and fire authorities) to deliver a council tax freeze in England in 2011-12.
The broad intention is to provide authorities that freeze their band D council tax in 2011-12 with a grant equivalent to their having set a 2.5 per cent increase from their 2010-11 level.
I have placed in the Library of the House a letter that was sent to local authorities setting out the full technical details of how the scheme will operate and an estimate of how much each individual authority may benefit from the scheme.
Culture and Arts: Funding
Question
Asked by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions have been held between the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Communities and Local Government regarding the impact on arts and culture funding of cuts to local authority grants.[HL4328]
Baroness Rawlings: The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport regularly meets with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to discuss cross-departmental issues.
Devolved Administrations: Deficit Reduction
Question
Asked by Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale
To ask Her Majesty's Government what arrangements are in place for discussions with Ministers in the devolved Administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to take forward the Government's objectives in relation to deficit reduction.[HL4221]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The UK Government are always willing to engage with Ministers from the devolved Administrations to discuss the Government's objectives in relation to deficit reduction. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury will continue to have regular bilateral and quadrilateral
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA373
Devolved Administrations: Spending Review 2010
Question
Asked by Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions took place with Ministers in the devolved Administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in advance of the spending review 2010. [HL4220]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): Ministers discussed the 2010 spending review several times with Ministers from the devolved Administrations through bilateral and quadrilateral discussions in advance of the spending review announcement on 20 October 2010.
Elections: Unregistered Electors
Questions
Asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton
To ask Her Majesty's Government what, in descending order, is the estimated number of unregistered electors in each parliamentary constituency.[HL4246]
Lord Taylor of Holbeach: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Stephen Penneck, Director-General for the ONS, to Lord Bassam of Brighton, dated November 2010.
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your question asking what, in descending order, is the estimated number of unregistered electors in each parliamentary constituency (HL4246).
ONS does not have the data required to answer your question. Data are collected on the number of people who are registered to vote in each parliamentary constituency, but no data are collected on the number of people who are eligible to vote but who choose not to register.
The ONS population estimates are of the resident population and will include some people who are not eligible to vote. Therefore the number of unregistered electors cannot be calculated as the difference between the population estimate and the number of registered electors.
Asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton
To ask Her Majesty's Government what, in descending order, is the estimated percentage of unregistered electors in each parliamentary constituency.[HL4247]
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA374
Lord Taylor of Holbeach: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Stephen Penneck, Director-General for the ONS, to Lord Bassam of Brighton, dated November 2010.
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your question asking what, in descending order, is the estimated percentage of unregistered electors in each parliamentary constituency (HL4247).
ONS does not have the data required to answer your question. Data are collected on the number of people who are registered to vote in each parliamentary constituency, but no data are collected on the number of people who are eligible to vote but who choose not to register.
The ONS population estimates are of the resident population and will include some people who are not eligible to vote. Therefore the percentage of unregistered electors cannot be calculated as the difference between the population estimate and the number of registered electors.
Equality Act 2010
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government why the Home Office media centre website has reproduced the 5 November speech of the Home Secretary and Minister for Women and Equality on the Equality Act 2010 with the remark that "content considered political has been removed"; who removed the political content; what criteria are applied to decide what is political content; why the full speech is not available on the website for record purposes; and whether they will desist from this practice.[HL4458]
Baroness Verma: There are clear guidelines set out in the Civil Service and Ministerial Codes, policed by the Cabinet Office, which strictly prohibit civil servants from engaging in, or being seen to advocate or promote, messages to the public which are overtly political as to promote one party over another or to denigrate other political parties' views or policies.
European Single Market
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what support they are giving to the European Commission's current programme of enhancing the functioning of, and increased commercial activity in, the European single market.[HL4143]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Government believe that the effective functioning of the single market should be a priority for the European Commission,
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA375
European Union
Question
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the speech by European Union Council President, Mr Van Rompuy, on 9 November concerning euro-scepticism and member states' ability to survive as independent entities.[HL4155]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): In his Berlin speech, Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, gave his view of the challenges facing the EU over the next decade.
My honourable friend, David Lidington, the Minister for Europe, expressed the Government's position in his speech on 12 July, stating that this Government believe that:
"Our common interests are served when the nations of the EU use their collective weight in the world to promote our shared interests and shared value. The Government have made clear in the coalition agreement that they will not consent to the transfer of further competences or powers from the United Kingdom to the EU".
Finance: Debt
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of whether the deductibility of interest against profits is an inducement to debt rather than equity finance and can contribute to systemic instability.[HL4041]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): Companies' decisions on financing their business depend on a number of key factors including interest rates, tax, the availability of credit and of equity, and the prevailing economic conditions.
Finance: Fraud
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance they will issue to Ministers about the action they should take if approached by an individual classed by the Financial Services Authority as "an approved person" or someone "exercising a significant control function" who they have reason to believe is engaged in the promotion of a fraudulent financing scheme. [HL3991]
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA376
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): Ministers are not issued with specific guidance in relation to fraudulent finance schemes. Fraud is a criminal offence. If a Minister were to become aware of evidence that fraud had taken place, they should, like any citizen, report it to the appropriate authorities. Ministers carry out their duties in accordance with the Ministerial Code.
Finance: Tripartite Authorities
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many times the principals committee of the tripartite authorities, comprising HM Treasury, the Bank of England and the Financial Services Authority, has met since 11 May; when those meetings took place; who attended each meeting; what were the main agenda items; and whether they will publish minutes of those meetings.[HL3992]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The Standing Committee on Financial Stability has met at principals level four times since 11 May 2010 and discussed a range of issues relating to UK and international financial stability.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer and the chairman of the Financial Services Authority have attended all four meetings. The Governor of the Bank of England attended three and was represented by the deputy governor for financial stability at one.
It is not the Government's policy to announce the dates of standing committee meetings or to publish their minutes.
Financial Services Authority
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many staff members of the Financial Services Authority resigned in the three months to the end of October. [HL3817]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The following table shows the number of Financial Services Authority (FSA) staff members who resigned in the three months to the end of October 2010.
| August | September | October | Total | |
The FSA's annual staff turnover as at the end of October was 9.5 per cent. (In that month, 77 people accepted jobs with the FSA.) The management and board of the FSA consider turnover rates of up to the financial services industry norm of 15 per cent to be manageable.
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA377
The FSA remains confident that it can continue to staff effectively the FSA at its projected headcount of 4,000 full-time equivalents. The intention is to cap the FSA's headcount at this level until the transition to the new entities in 2012.
Gaza
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made representations to the Government of Israel for the full opening of the Karni crossing, so as to reduce the chance of a shortage of wheat in Gaza and allow in supplies for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.[HL4069]
Baroness Verma: My right honourable friend the Minister of State for International Development raised the issue of Gaza access with Israeli Ministers during his recent visit to the region. He pressed for full implementation of the measures announced in June to ease movement and access restrictions. In August, senior officials from the Department for International Development (DfID) discussed the capacity of crossings into Gaza, including that of Karni, with General Dangot, the Co-ordinator for Government Activities in the Territories. We co-ordinate closely with the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) over Gaza and will continue to support its representations to the Israeli authorities as necessary, while recognising Israel's legitimate security concerns about the Karni crossing.
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will discuss with the Government of Israel the need to increase the number of patients from Gaza who are permitted to go to the West Bank and Israel for urgent major medical treatments.[HL4118]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We, along with our international allies, believe that it is not only imperative for goods and exports to leave Gaza, but that 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.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the Government of Israel regarding the importation of spare parts for the water treatment and supply system in Gaza. [HL4185]
Baroness Verma: The UK has not made any specific representations to the Government of Israel on the importation of spare parts for the water and sanitation
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA378
Government Departments: Staff
Questions
Asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many staff have been employed on temporary or short-term contracts since 12 May to support the Secretary of State for Wales; what are the names of those employed; at what grade and what level of remuneration they were employed; and what selection criteria were used to determine their suitability for the post. [HL3956]
The Advocate-General for Scotland (Lord Wallace of Tankerness): Since 12 May 2010, no staff have been employed on temporary or short-term contracts to support the Secretary of State for Wales.
Asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton
To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the names of all unpaid advisers to Ministers in Communities and Local Government.[HL4079]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Hanham): There are no unpaid advisers to Ministers in the Department for Communities and Local Government.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the total projected staffing costs over a 12-month period of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister; and how much of that expenditure is attributable to work on constitutional reform.[HL4170]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): As part of its commitment to transparency, on 15 October 2010 the Government published the structure chart for each department, including the Cabinet Office. These are available at http://transparency. number10.gov.uk/resources/cabinetoffice-chart.pdf.
Included in the structure charts are the annual salary costs for each team. This includes details of both the Deputy Prime Minister's Office and the constitutional group, which is a separate part of the Cabinet Office. The projected annual salary costs of the Deputy Prime Minister's Office as of 30 June 2010 are in total in the range of £663,837 to £673,637. The constitutional group's projected annual salary costs as of 30 June 2010 are in total in the range of £2,861,487 to £2,871,287. It should, however, be noted that within the constitutional group work is undertaken other than solely that of constitutional reform, so it is
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA379
Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark
To ask Her Majesty's Government what access to ministers and officials Mr Andrew Parsons and Ms Nicky Woodhouse will be given following their return to the Conservative party payroll.[HL4287]
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether Mr Andrew Parsons and Ms Nicky Woodhouse will retain security passes to the Prime Minister's Office. [HL4288]
Lord Taylor of Holbeach: Ministers' and civil servants' contacts with external and party-political organisations are governed by their respective codes of conduct.
It has been the practice of successive Governments not to comment on security matters.
Asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton
To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the names of all unpaid advisers to Ministers in the Wales Office.[HL4305]
Lord Wallace of Tankerness: There are no unpaid advisers to Ministers in the Wales Office.
House of Lords: September Sittings
Question
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask the Leader of the House, further to his Written Answer on 16 November (WA 191) concerning September sittings of the House, whether he will conduct a survey of Members to ascertain their views.[HL4293]
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Lord Strathclyde): I do not intend to conduct such a survey as recess dates are set with a view to the timely consideration of business, but I have noted the noble Lord's views.
House of Parliament: Female Members
Question
Asked by Baroness Gardner of Parkes
To ask Her Majesty's Government what was the number and percentage of female members of (a) the House of Commons, and (b) the House of Lords, on 25 November 1985, the date of the first public meeting of the All Party 300 Group to increase the number of women in Parliament; and what are the equivalent figures today.[HL4418]
Baroness Verma: Data are not available on the number and percentage of female Members of the House of Commons on 25 November 1985 because there was no election or by-election in 1985 and so the House of
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA380
Housing Benefit
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people (a) claim Local Housing Allowance, and (b) live in social or council housing, in each of the nine statistical regions of England, and Scotland and Wales.[HL4026]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): The information is shown in the table.
| Housing benefit recipients | |||
| Statistical region | Total | Social rented sector | Local housing allowance |
1. Information based on the Single Housing Benefit Extract for August 2010.
2. The data refer to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple.
3. Local housing allowance (LHA) recipients may include a small number of non-LHA cases making a new claim since 7 April 2008, such as recipients in caravan accommodation.
4. The figures have been rounded to the nearest 10.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what will be the impact of capping local housing allowance on (a) black and minority ethnic, and (b) other, claimants.[HL4027]
Lord Freud: The department published the document Impacts of Housing Benefit Proposals: Changes to the Local Housing Allowance to be Introduced in 2011-12 and a separate equality impact assessment on 23 July. Copies of the documents have been placed in the Library.
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA381
To ask Her Majesty's Government how much will be saved by reducing the cap on housing benefit to the 40th percentile of rents in the broad market rental areas in the financial year 2011-12, then to the 30th percentile of rents in the broad market rental areas in the financial year 2012-13. [HL4030]
Lord Freud: The estimated savings are shown in the table. The policy was modelled to take effect from October 2011, in line with the announced emergency Budget measure.
Notes: Modelling consistent with the assumptions used in the June 2010 Budget costing. Reported figures are for Great Britain.
Inflation
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether the Monetary Policy Committee should ignore "non-core" inflation, that relating to food and fuel, when determining the cost and quantity of money in the economy.[HL4259]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The minutes of the meetings of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) and the Bank of England inflation reports set out the assessment of the MPC in considering the Bank rate and the stock of asset purchases financed by the issuance of central bank reserves.
To ask Her Majesty's Government on how many occasions the Governor of the Bank of England has had to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer explaining failure to keep inflation at or below the 2 per cent target.[HL4260]
Lord Sassoon: Open letters from the Governor to the Chancellor and replies are published on both the Bank of England and HM Treasury websites. The letters are required only when consumer prices index inflation is more than one percentage point above or below the Government's 2 per cent target.
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Sassoon on 16 November (WA 195), (a) what would have been the aggregate increase in the retail prices index if the rate of inflation had matched the 2 per cent per annum
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA382
Lord Sassoon: The Government's inflation target is calculated using the consumer prices index (CPI) and not the retail prices index. Monthly outturns for CPI and inflation can be found on the Office for National Statistics website at the following web link: http://www. statistics.gov.uk/hub/economy/prices-output-and -productivity/price-indices-and-inflation/index.html
Iraq
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of ongoing negotiations in Iraq over the formation of a new Government; and what support the United Kingdom is providing to this process.[HL4187]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): My right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary has welcomed developments in the Iraqi Council of Representatives (CoR) on 11 November that have paved the way for a new Government in Iraq. The main party blocs concluded an agreement that saw Osama al-Nujaifi elected Speaker, and the incumbent President Talabani re-elected. President Talabani indicated that within the constitutionally allotted 15 days, he will invite the incumbent Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to form a Government. Prime Minister Maliki will then have a further 30 days to submit a Cabinet to the CoR for approval. The United Kingdom has supported the process to form an inclusive new Government who are representative of the main ethno-sectarian groups in Iraq. We welcome the fact that this has been achieved peacefully. My right honourable friend the Prime Minister rang Prime Minister al-Maliki to congratulate him on 15 November. It is important for Iraq's stability that momentum is maintained and the new Government begins functioning as soon as possible.
Israel
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the Government of Israel concerning the arrest of Mr Mahmoud Ramhi, the Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Council, on 9 November; and whether they will ascertain his present status and whereabouts. [HL4009]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We are aware of reports regarding the detainment of Mr Mahmoud Ramhi. We continue to call on the Israeli Government to take immediate action to ensure that all cases are
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA383
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Verma on 1 November (WA 358), whether they have obtained assurances from the Government of Israel concerning (a) equitable access to water supplies in the West Bank, (b) water purification in Gaza, and (c) sewage treatment in Gaza; and, if not, what further representations they will make.[HL4362]
Baroness Verma: The Government have received no assurances from the Government of Israel on these matters. UK officials regularly discuss these issues with Israeli counterparts and we continue to call for the full implementation of the relaxation of access restrictions for Gaza that Israel announced in June, and for further easing of restrictions on movement and access in the West Bank.
Israel and Palestine
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the Government of Israel regarding the arrest of the Secretary-General of the Palestinian Legislative Council, Dr Mahmoud al-Ramahi.[HL4186]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We are aware of reports regarding the detainment of Mr Mahmoud al-Ramhi. We continue to call on the Israeli Government to take immediate action to ensure that all cases are reviewed by a court in accordance with fair procedures, and that their rights, particularly the rights to a fair trial and family visitation, are upheld.
Junior Individual Savings Account
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the estimated cost of setting up the Junior Individual Savings Account.[HL4294]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The Financial Secretary to the Treasury announced on 26 October that the Government will introduce a new tax-free savings account for children after the end of eligibility for child trust funds. The working title of this new account is the Junior Individual Savings Account. HM Revenue and Customs currently estimates that its IT costs for establishing the new accounts will be less than £500,000.
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA384
Media: Leaks
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what measures they are considering to reduce the number of unauthorised leaks of confidential information to media organisations.[HL4352]
Lord Taylor of Holbeach: The Cabinet Secretary and departmental Permanent Secretaries have been very clear that the leaking of information will not be tolerated. Anyone who has been found to leak will face disciplinary action.
Lessons to be learned are taken from each investigation as well as scrutiny of how we handle information and if that could possibly lead to a leak. As recommended by HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary, the Cabinet Office, working with departments, is seeking to enhance internal investigative capabilities to detect leaks, and to promote a culture of information security.
Civil servants are also reminded of the values that they have signed up to in the Civil Service code-leaking is a clear breach of that code.
Minorities in the Middle East
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will adopt a comprehensive approach to the effective protection of religious, ethnic and cultural minorities in the Middle East; and whether they will make representations to members of the Arab League and the Conference of Islamic States to do the same.[HL4201]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Government have a comprehensive policy on the protection of religious, ethnic and cultural minorities, but as both circumstances and contexts differ across the Middle East region and around the world, our embassies and teams apply that policy in ways that will be most effective in and most appropriate to the societies and cultures in which they work.
Our missions overseas are responsible for monitoring, and raising, human rights in their host countries and routinely raise concerns with host Governments, including freedom of religion or belief where this is appropriate. Our embassies take action, where possible, on individual cases where persecution or discrimination occurs and lobby for changes in discriminatory practices and laws where these exist.
We raise these matters, and will continue to do so, in bilateral and EU human rights dialogues and at all other appropriate opportunities. We will also continue our work in the UN, and with other international organisations, to uphold universal standards.
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA385
Monetary Policy
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made about how close United Kingdom monetary policy is to producing a Keynesian liquidity trap.[HL3990]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The assessment of the UK's monetary policy is laid out in the Bank of England's quarterly inflation reports, which are available on the Bank's website at the following link: http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/publications/inflationreport/irlatest.hm.
Monetary Policy Committee
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government what they instructed the HM Treasury representative at the last meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee to say about Government policy on growth and employment.[HL4346]
To ask Her Majesty's Government what they instructed the HM Treasury representative at the last meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee to say regarding interest rates and quantitative easing. [HL4347]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): I have previously explained the role of the HM Treasury representative at the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meetings [HL1892]. It is the MPC that makes decisions on monetary policy. The Government's approach to growth can be found in the spending review, which was announced on 20 October.
Nigeria: Witchcraft
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of recent reports of an increase in intimidation and harassment of non-governmental organisations working to defend the rights of children accused of witchcraft in Nigeria, what steps they are taking to ensure the safety of such non-governmental organisations.[HL4158]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): Non-governmental organisations, such as Stepping Stones Nigeria, continue to carry out important work to protect, and defend the rights of children stigmatised as witches and wizards. Since hearing worrying reports of intimidation of such organisations, our high commissioner in Abuja has written to the governor of Akwa Ibom state to stress the need to ensure protection of non-governmental
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA386
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has in the past worked closely with Stepping Stones Nigeria and other organisations to lobby the Nigerian Government to address the issue of child witchcraft. Our high commission in Abuja has worked in partnership with the UN Children's Fund and the Nigerian National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons to change perceptions about so-called witchcraft and reduce the rate of child abandonment, torture and trafficking.
North Korea
Question
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of levels of malnutrition in North Korea.[HL4342]
Baroness Verma: We have not conducted an independent assessment of the level of malnutrition in North Korea. The World Food Programme has recently assessed that North Korea needs to import around 867,000 tonnes of cereals between November 2010 and October 2011 to feed its population adequately. The Government of North Korea plan to import commercially around 325,000 tonnes, leaving 542,000 tonnes as an uncovered food deficit. Some of this deficit will be made up by donors to World Food Programme activities in North Korea.
Pakistan
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make representations to the Government of Pakistan over the sentences handed down to, and the welfare of, Ruqayya Bibi and her husband Munir Masih, who are Christians sentenced to 25 years in prison for blasphemy.[HL4237]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We are deeply concerned at reports of the long sentence handed to Ruqayya Bibi and Munir Masih on blasphemy charges. Along with our EU partners, our high commission makes regular representations to the Government of Pakistan at a senior level on the importance of the proper implementation of the blasphemy laws in Pakistan.
On 13 October, my honourable friend Alistair Burt raised the importance of reform of the blasphemy laws and justice for those accused of blasphemy with Shahbaz Bhatti, Federal Minister for Minorities.
Since Ruqayya Bibi and Munir Masih are Pakistani nationals, we have not intervened with the Government of Pakistan on their welfare while in prison. However, we regularly lobby the Government at senior levels
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA387
Palestine
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in view of the recent inter-party agreement on the voting system, whether they will press for the earliest possible elections to the Palestinian Legislative Council. [HL4117]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The UK would like to see Palestinian Legislative Council elections taking place as soon as possible. However, we fully understand President Abbas's decision to delay the elections until they can be held throughout the Palestinian territories, including Gaza. Hamas has refused to allow free and fair elections to take place in Gaza. The onus is now clearly on Hamas to support the democratic process.
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will discuss with the Government of Israel the need of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for cement, aggregate, steel and glass; why in mid-September only 1.7 per cent of required imported materials had been approved; and whether they will ask all states that contribute to the budget of the agency to make similar representations to Israel. [HL4119]
Baroness Verma: The Government are concerned that the UN Relief and Works Agency is experiencing difficulties securing approvals and materials for reconstruction projects. My right honourable friend the Minister of State for International Development raised this with Israeli Ministers during his recent visit to the region, and pressed Israel to fully implement measures they announced in June to ease movement and access restrictions on Gaza. The UK is also funding a United Nations team to work with the Government of Israel, the Palestinian Authority, UN agencies and NGOs to facilitate the transfer of humanitarian goods, including construction materials, into Gaza.
Passports
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government when the introduction of electronic scrutiny of passports of those departing from the United Kingdom, in the manner in which it is already in place for those arriving in the United Kingdom, will be completed. [HL4036]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Neville-Jones): Persons leaving the United Kingdom are not required routinely to pass through an immigration control on embarkation. Since March 1998, following a lengthy period of consultation with interested parties,
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA388
Pensions
Question
Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the impact of budget cuts on the pensions and benefits of war widows.[HL4070]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): The Government have announced that all public sector pensions and benefits will change based on the consumer prices index rather than the retail prices index. Ministry of Defence officials are working with the Government Actuary's Department to assess in more detail the impact of this change on service pensions.
Police: Communications
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will consider reviewing the operation of the police communication network contract in the light of recent media reports suggesting that police forces are inhibited, through cost, from making necessary police radio communications.[HL4136]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Neville-Jones): The operation and value of the Airwave contract is kept under constant review, not only in terms of the system charges, but also with regard to the operational benefits that can come from efficient use of Airwave's functions.
The suggestion made in recent media reports that police forces are inhibited on cost grounds from communicating by radio is based on a misunderstanding.
The main reason why forces encourage officers to use Airwave's messaging facility to report electronically to the control room is to avoid overloading the control room staff. Police officers nevertheless remain free to use the system to speak to the control room or to colleagues whenever they need to.
Quantitative Easing
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effect of quantitative easing on (a) borrowers, and (b) savers.[HL4161]
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA389
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): I have nothing further to add to my previous Answers on the effects of quantitative easing. Relevant information can be found in the Bank of England quarterly inflation reports.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the impact of quantitative easing on the value of Sterling.[HL4162]
Lord Sassoon: I have nothing further to add to my previous answers on the effects of quantitative easing. Relevant information can be found in the Bank of England quarterly inflation reports.
Royal Navy: Admiralty Board and Navy Board
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the titles of the present members of (a) the Admiralty Board, and (b) the Navy Board.[HL4338]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): The Admiralty Board is chaired by the Secretary of State for Defence and comprises:
Minister of State for the Armed Forces;Minister of State for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology;Minister of State for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans;Minister of State for International Security Strategy;Under-Secretary of State for Defence;First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff;Second Permanent Under-Secretary of State;Commander-in-Chief Fleet Second Sea Lord;Chief of Fleet Support Controller of the Navy; andAssistant Chief of the Naval Staff.The Navy Board is chaired by the First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff with the composition as above minus Secretary of State for Defence and all Defence Ministers but with the addition of Commandant General Royal Marines and a non-executive director.
Russia: Middle East Peace Process
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will seek a stronger participation by the government of Russia in the efforts of the quartet on the Middle East to secure a two-state solution.[HL3972]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): As one of the four members of the quartet on the Middle East, Russia is already a strong participant in the Middle East peace process (MEPP). My right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary discussed the MEPP with various interlocutors
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA390
Safety: Electrical Fires
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many fires were caused by electric cookers in the last three years; whether they require manufacturers to have backlit switches to indicate that particular parts of cookers are on; and whether there is a standard requirement on visual safety indicators.[HL4084]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): The number of fires caused by electric cookers including ovens and other cooking appliances were 15,610 in 2007/08, 14,296 in 2008/09 and 13,581 in 2009/10. In the 2009/10 figures, data for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service incidents are underrepresented due to incomplete data provided to date. The source of these figures is the fire and rescue incident records, Department for Communities and Local Government.
The safety of electrical appliances such as electric cookers is regulated by the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 (SI 1994/3260), which cover all safety hazards.
European standards, published as British Standards, underpin these regulations to provide detailed safety objectives. The objectives include the requirement that controls provide clear indications. Backlighting is one of many solutions to meeting the objective.
Smoking and Alcohol
Question
Asked by Lord Willis of Knaresborough
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many United Kingdom citizens die each year as a direct result of (a) smoking, and (b) alcohol.[HL4063]
Lord Taylor of Holbeach: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Stephen Penneck, Director General for ONS, to Lord Willis of Knaresborough, dated November 2010.
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many United Kingdom citizens die each year as a direct result of (a) smoking, and (b) alcohol. (HL4063)
Deaths due to smoking-related illness cannot be directly estimated, as smoking status is not included on the death certificate. However, in 2004 the Health Development Agency estimated that between 1998 and 2002 there were an average of 106,100 deaths each year from smoking-attributable causes in the United
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA391
More recent estimates of deaths attributed to smoking are available for the constituent countries of the United Kingdom. It should be noted that these estimates are not directly comparable because they are for different time periods and use different methods:
the NHS Information Centre for Health and Social Care estimated that 81,400 deaths were attributable to smoking in England in 20091;Public Health Wales estimated that there were 5,650 deaths attributable to smoking in Wales in 20072;NHS Health Scotland estimated that there were 13,473 deaths attributable to smoking in Scotland in 20043; andthe Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency provisionally estimated that there were 2,360 smoking-related deaths in Northern Ireland in 20094.There were 9,031 deaths with an alcohol-related underlying cause of death registered in the United Kingdom in 2008 (the latest year available). This figure includes deaths of non-residents who died in the United Kingdom5. Figures for alcohol-related deaths in the United Kingdom, by sex and broad age group, are published annually on the National Statistics website and are available for the years 1991 to 2008 at: www. statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=14496.
1 Figures for England as reported in 'Statistics on Smoking: England' (2010) The NHS Information Centre for Health and Social Care. This report is available at: www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data-collections/health-and-lifestyles/smoking.
2 Figures for Wales as reported in 'Lifestyle and health: Wales and its health boards' (2010) Public Health Wales. This report is available at: www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/888/page/44819.
3 Estimates of smoking-related deaths in Scotland are based on methods developed by Peto et al in 1992, more details can be found in the NHS Health Scotland report 'An atlas of tobacco smoking in Scotland: A report presenting estimated smoking prevalence and smoking-attributable deaths within Scotland', available at: www.scotpho.org.uk/home/Publications/scotpho reports/pub_tobaccoatlas.asp.
4 Estimates of smoking-related deaths in Northern Ireland based on the methods reported in Twigg, L, Moon, G, and Walker, S (2004) 'The smoking epidemic in England', Health Development Agency. This report is available on the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence website: www.nice. org.uk/aboutnice/whoweare/aboutthehda/hdapublications/smoking_epidemic_in_england.jsp.
5 Cause of death was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10). The specific causes of death categorised as alcohol-related, and their corresponding ICD-10 codes, are shown in box 1 below.
| Box 1. Alcohol-related causes of death-International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) | |
| Cause of death | ICD-10 code(s) |
South Africa: Abortion
Question
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government what reports they have received of the discovery of 446 bodies of foetuses and babies under one year of age in Gauteng province, South Africa; and whether they have made representations to the government of South Africa on the matter.[HL4114]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We are aware of increasing numbers of reports from the media and a number of non-government organisations highlighting what appears to be a growth in the number of abandoned babies and the illegal discarding of foetuses from backstreet abortions. One in three girls in South Africa has had a pregnancy before the age of 20.
The UK Government, through their Department for International Development (DfID) office in Pretoria, are working with the South African Government to help them to address their many social and health challenges. DfID is currently implementing a £25 million programme aimed at improving the quality of health services and access to health care. DfID is also in the process of developing a new programme that will focus on reducing maternal and neonatal deaths in the poorest districts in South Africa. In addition, DfID is implementing a regional programme that is targeting adolescent girls as a vulnerable group. The programme focuses on teenage pregnancies, delaying of sexual debut, sexually transmitted infections, condom use, gender-based violence, intergenerational sex and transactional sex.
Spending Review 2010
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government why in the Spending Review 2010 the cut in formula grant to councils has been front-loaded in the first year. [HL3574]
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA393
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Hanham): We have always been clear that tackling the fiscal deficit is the Government's main priority and that local authorities must make a contribution to reducing the deficit. We have said for some time that this should not be achieved by salami-slicing budgets but that we expect local authorities to start early to make radical changes, so that they can continue to provide key front-line services with less money. The best councils have already been undertaking major restructuring in areas such as shared services, back office and procurement in readiness for the spending review.
The spending review 2010 provides a fair though challenging settlement for local government. It delivers radical reforms with new financial freedoms including the ending of ring-fencing of all revenue grants from 2011-12, except simplified school grants, and a new public health grant from 2013. We have also removed top-down bureaucratic burdens. Local government has the freedom and powers to deliver the key front-line services that people rely on and to make significant savings. The measures that we are taking to deliver transparency about spending decisions and outcomes will help local areas to hold their local authorities to account and ensure that councils cut waste and use funding in the most effective way to deliver local priorities.
Decisions on the level and profile of all settlements took into account the needs of public services and affordability within the overall spending envelope. The spending review set out the decisions necessary to deliver the Government's deficit reduction plan. As a result of the action that the Government are taking, the Office for Budget Responsibility projects that the structural current deficit will be eliminated by 2014-15.
Formula grant is only one element of support for councils. Other funding will be provided through specific grants. The full picture for local government will be available once we are in a position to provide further details on the overall spending plans for local authorities. Our aim is to make available as much of this information as possible at the time of the provisional local government finance settlement 2011-12.
Tax Avoidance and Evasion
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what measures they will take to reduce the scope for tax avoidance and evasion by United Kingdom business personnel. [HL4139]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): This Government are committed to tackling avoidance and evasion wherever they occur. As part of the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) spending review settlement, an additional £900 million has been committed by 2014-15 to combat both avoidance and evasion.
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA394
HMRC will build in sustainable defences against avoidance opportunities when undertaking policy reform and review areas of the tax system in which repeated changes have been necessary to close loopholes. Where we find avoidance, we will challenge it robustly through investigation and, where appropriate, litigation.
HMRC will strengthen efforts to combat tax evasion by increasing the number of criminal prosecutions, by creating a dedicated team to crack down on offshore evasion and by devoting more resources to the prevention of tobacco and alcohol fraud.
UK Trade Deficit
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government why the United Kingdom's trade deficit continues to deteriorate. [HL4105]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The trade deficit narrowed in September to £4.6 billion, with the value of goods and services imported rising by 0.7 per cent and the value of exports by 1.8 per cent.
At the beginning of 1997, the quarterly trade in goods and services balance was in surplus by £2 billion. By the start of the recession in 2008, the trade balance was in deficit by £10.1 billion.
Exports have grown by 4.5 per cent since the start of 2010 but, as domestic demand has recovered, imports have grown more strongly (9.5 per cent).
On 22 June 2010, the Office for Budget Responsibility forecast net trade to subtract 0.5 percentage points from growth this year before making a positive contribution of 0.9 percentage points in 2011 and 2012.
UK-EU Trade
Question
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the accumulated deficits or surpluses in the United Kingdom's trade with the other European Union countries between 2000 and 2009 in (a) manufactured goods, (b) services, and (c) goods and services. [HL4152]
Lord Taylor of Holbeach: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Stephen Penneck, Director General for ONS, to Lord Stoddart of Swindon, dated November 2010.
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question to ask Her Majesty's Government what are the accumulated deficits or surpluses in the United Kingdom's trade with the other European Union countries between 2000 and 2009 in (a) manufactured goods, (b) services, and (c) goods and services. [HL4152]
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA395
The cumulative trade deficit for total goods with the European Union member states over the period 2000 to 2009 was £283.4 billion. Within this, the cumulative trade deficit for total manufactured goods with the European Union member states over the period 2000 to 2009 was £279.7 billion.
The cumulative trade surplus for services with the European Union member states over the period 2000 to 2009 was £23.2 billion.
25 Nov 2010 : Column WA396
The cumulative trade deficit for goods and services with the European Union member states over the period 2000 to 2009 was £260.2 billion.
Attached is a short table showing the respective surpluses/deficits in each of the years 2000 to 2009.
The annual trade data are published in our UK Balance of Payments Pink Book available on the National Statistics website at: http://www.statistics.gov. uk/statbase/product.asp?vlnk=1140.
| Back to Table of Contents | Lords Hansard Home Page |