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26 Apr 2011 : Column WA39

Energy: Prices

Questions

Asked by Lord Reay

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Lord Marland): The carbon price floor is expected to reduce energy bills compared to what they otherwise would have been in the late 2020s because the policy is expected to reduce wholesale electricity prices in the same period. An explanation of the impact of the carbon price floor on wholesale electricity prices is given in the economic impact section of HMRC's Tax Impact and Information Note (available online at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2011/tiin6111.pdf):

"The price floor increases the wholesale electricity price above the baseline forecast price until the late 2020s. Wholesale electricity prices are expected to flatten out in the 2020s as more low-carbon generation capacity lowers the marginal cost of electricity generation. As a result, wholesale electricity prices are lower by 2030".

The analysis assumes the impact of the policy on wholesale electricity prices is fully passed on to retail electricity prices faced by end-consumers of electricity.

Asked by Lord Reay

Lord Marland: DECC published Estimated impacts of energy and climate change policies on energy prices and bills in July 2010, available online at http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/uk_supply/aes/impacts/impacts.aspx, alongside the annual energy statement, with a commitment to publish updated analysis annually alongside future annual energy statements.

This analysis considered the impact of energy and climate change policies (Annexe A details all policies considered in the analysis) on the gas and electricity prices and bills of an average household and a medium-sized non-domestic energy user (based on quantity of energy consumed, not number of employees).

A detailed breakdown of the contribution of each individual policy on the average gas and electricity bill of these users in 2010, 2015 and 2020 is presented in Annexe E.



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Since July 2010, there have been a number of policy announcements which will mean the estimated impact of policies on the average energy bill in 2015 and 2020 will have changed. These include announcements that the renewable heat incentive and carbon capture and storage demonstrations will be funded through general taxation, the introduction of a carbon price floor and proposals for electricity market reform. In addition, a number of policies are still under development and funding options for these policies are still under consideration.

DECC will be publishing updated estimates to reflect changes since July 2010 alongside the next annual energy statement.

Enterprise Zones

Question

Asked by Lord Empey

The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The Government are establishing 21 enterprise zones in England. All of these enterprise zones will benefit from a business rate discount worth up to £275,000 per business over a five-year period. All business rates growth within the zone for a period of at least 25 years will be retained by the local area, to support local economic priorities. The Government will also consider the scope for enhanced capital allowances for plant and machinery, subject to state aid approval, where there is a strong focus on manufacturing.

Economic development policy is a devolved matter in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The UK Government will work with the devolved Administrations in establishing enterprise zones if they so wish. The Government have made funding available in the Budget to support enterprise zones in the devolved Administrations through the Barnett formula.

Equality

Questions

Asked by Lord Dykes

Baroness Garden of Frognal: Equality is at the heart of this coalition Government. It is fundamental to building a strong economy and a fair society. In these challenging economic times, equality is more, not less important. As we take difficult decisions necessary to tackle the UK's record deficit, we are determined to do so fairly, protecting the most vulnerable and promoting equal opportunities for all.



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The Government published their strategy on equality, Building a Fairer Britain, in December last year. A copy of the strategy was placed in the Libraries of both Houses and it has been published online at www.equalities.gov.uk.

The strategy focuses on five key areas:

tackling deprivation and inequality relating to family background to improve social mobility by helping children and their families to get the best start in life;building a fair and flexible labour market that draws on the talents of all and builds a strong economy;devolving power to citizens and local communities and promoting greater participation and inclusion in public, political and community life;building respect for all and tackling discrimination, hate crime and violence; andputting equality at the heart of government and ensuring more accountable and transparent public services.

Delivery of the strategy is overseen by an inter-ministerial group on equalities, chaired by the Home Secretary as Minister for Women and Equalities.

Asked by Lord Ouseley

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Hill of Oareford): There have been four sets of legal proceedings issued against the department in the past year in which allegations relating to the Department for Education's compliance with the equality legislation have been made. Three of these claims were public law claims (judicial review), and one was a private law claim (disability discrimination).

In relation to the outcome of the judicial review claims, one has only recently been issued and no decision has yet been made by the court on whether permission should be granted to allow it to proceed. In relation to the second judicial review claim, which was brought jointly against the Department for Education and the Ministry of Justice, the claimant was refused permission to proceed by the court. In the remaining judicial review claim, which concerned the cancellation of the Building Schools for the Future programme, the claimants were unsuccessful with their main allegations relating to irrationality and substantive legitimate expectation but were successful in relation to allegations of a lack of consultation and that there had been inadequate regard paid to the general equality duties contained in the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, Race Relations Act 1976 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995. In order to remedy this, the Secretary of State is currently involved in further consultation with the six local authorities involved in that litigation and

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in further assessing the equality impact, following which the decision about funding for their BSF projects will be retaken.

The private law claim alleging disability discrimination was struck out by the court because it had been issued outside the statutory limitation period and the judge did not feel it would be appropriate to exercise discretion to disapply the limitation period, given the facts.

Asked by Lord Ouseley

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The department has not received any legal challenges regarding its compliance with the race, gender or disability equality duties in the past year.

Equality Act 2010

Questions

Asked by Lord Ouseley

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: The decision to review the draft specific equality duties regulations, published on 12 January, reflects the coalition Government's commitment to cutting bureaucracy and increasing transparency. We believe there is room to do more to focus public bodies on providing equal treatment and equal opportunities for all, and not the performance of bureaucratic processes.

Asked by Lord Ouseley

Lord De Mauley: The public sector Equality Duty at Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 came into force on 5 April 2011. The Government are currently seeking views on new specific duties to support this, which will reduce bureaucracy and increase transparency.

Equality Act 2010 (Statutory Duties) Regulations 2011

Questions

Asked by Lord Laird

Lord De Mauley: The Equality and Human Rights Commission's guidance is non-statutory, and compliance with it is therefore not compulsory. The draft referred to is currently being revised to take account of the proposals set out in the Government's policy review paper on these duties, published on 17 March 2011.

Asked by Lord Laird

Baroness Northover: The existing equality duties on race, disability and gender are underpinned by a number of specific requirements (known as the specific duties). The specific duties for each of the three existing duties require public bodies to publish detailed equality schemes, action plans and annual reports.

The new draft regulations, published on 17 March, cover a wider range of protected characteristics than did previous regulations, applying not only to race, disability and gender, but also to age, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief and sexual orientation. However, the regulations are a single instrument setting out uniform requirements in all areas, replacing three different sets of regulations each with different requirements.

They also cut out the unnecessarily prescriptive and bureaucratic requirements imposed by the existing specific duties. They require public bodies simply to set equality objectives, and be transparent about how they are complying with the duty. This harmonisation and change in approach is expected to result in the reduced compliance costs mentioned in the question.

Asked by Lord Laird

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: The general duty to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations is set out in Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, rather than in the draft regulations referred to. It will apply to around 27,000 public bodies.



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The Government are currently seeking views on the draft regulations, which will enable public authorities listed in Schedule 19 to the Act to carry out the general duty more effectively. We are proposing that the specific requirement to publish workforce information will apply only to public authorities with 150 or more staff.

Ethiopia and Kenya

Question

Asked by Lord Hylton

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): In Kenya, our high commissioner in Nairobi has discussed with the Kenyan Government the implications for Lake Turkana of the building of the Gibe III hydro-electric dam. The Kenyan Government advised that environmental and economic studies had been carried out.

We are also following the issue closely in Ethiopia. We support the Ethiopian Government's right to use their resources to support their economic development, but ensuring that the environment and rural livelihoods are not negatively affected is also an important element of our ongoing engagement in Ethiopia.

We have also discussed the project with the African Development Bank, the European Investment Bank and the World Bank. There is a possibility that multilateral banks will no longer be directly involved in the project, however, and in light of this we are considering other options for engagement. We will continue to monitor the implications of the completion of the dam.

EU: Budget

Question

Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon

The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The Government regret the European Parliament's decision to seek to increase its budget by 2.3 per cent in 2012.

Member states in the Council of Ministers have, however, only limited influence over the budget of the European Parliament. Nevertheless, the Government believe the European Parliament should make every effort to deliver efficiency savings in its budget. The UK believes that the EU should deliver more for less, and is opposed to all wasteful spending.



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EU: Legislation

Question

Asked by Lord Bowness

The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Neville-Jones): The notification under Article 10(4) of the Protocol on Transitional Provisions (Protocol 36) applies to any measure adopted before l December 2009 under a police and criminal judicial co-operation legal base (Title VI of the Treaty on the European Union). The notification does not apply to measures which have subsequently been repealed, annulled or amended by the adoption of a new measure. In making the notification, all such measures would cease to apply to the UK from 1 December 2014.

EU: Membership

Question

Asked by Lord Hylton

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Government have not made such an assessment. The UK Government and the EU Commission regularly discuss with Turkey the political reforms required for the EU accession process. However, the UK Government believe that it is for Turkey to decide on amendments to their constitution.

EU: Solvency II Directive

Question

Asked by Baroness Noakes

The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The details of the Solvency II rules have not yet been finalised, and it is therefore not possible at this stage to assess the likely impact on the ability of businesses to raise money through corporate bonds.



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The Government continue to work closely with the Financial Services Authority and with the insurance industry to ensure a full understanding of the potential impact of the detailed measures proposed by the European Commission. It is recognised that savings products offered by insurance companies can be partly underpinned by corporate bonds held by those insurance companies and the Solvency II regime needs appropriately to reflect this.

EU: UK Members

Question

Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) receive allowances for annual travel, subsistence and general expenditure to run their offices. These cover specific expenses and should not be used for other purposes. While the allowance system has become more transparent as a result of recent reforms, this Government remain committed to making sure that the British people have the same level of oversight over British MEPs as they now do over MPs.

MEPs may belong to political parties at a European level. The regulations governing political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding do not allow these parties to participate in national campaigns.

In addition, there are domestic restrictions on who can make donations to candidates and political parties contesting general, devolved or local elections in the UK and permitted participants in national referendum campaigns. These, together with specific limits on expenditure, are set out primarily in the Representation of the People Act 1983 and the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. MEPs and their staff are subject to these rules.

Fluoridation

Questions

Asked by Earl Baldwin of Bewdley



26 Apr 2011 : Column WA47

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): Although the department used to fund the National Fluoride Information Centre (NFIC), it did not have editorial control over its website. We understand that NFIC considered that the Newcastle study corroborated the study conducted by the Water Research Consultancy and decided not to reference it. Had NFIC enquired into (a) why only 20 subjects were included in the study, the department would have let it know that, in tendering for the study, the School of Dental Sciences at Newcastle University proposed a sample size of 20 subjects. Accordingly, the answer to point (b) is that the university completed the study to its chosen specifications. The caveats about sample size are available in the full report, together with the other details of the study, for anyone who wishes to enquire.

Asked by Baroness Gardner of Parkes

Earl Howe: Levels of dental decay in the fluoridated West Midlands are less than half those of areas of a similar socio-economic profile in Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Yorkshire, where there are no schemes to add fluoride to the water.

Asked by Baroness Gardner of Parkes

Earl Howe: The Chief Dental Officer has advised primary care trusts with high levels of tooth decay to consider requesting their strategic health authority to undertake public consultation on the fluoridation of their water supplies. The Government's policy is that decisions on fluoridation should be taken locally.

Asked by Earl Baldwin of Bewdley

Earl Howe: We understand that this is because many of the 88 studies included by York in their main analyses were conducted on populations in developing countries consuming naturally fluoridated water. The environment in some of these countries is likely to be

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substantially different from that in the United Kingdom. For example, other factors may be present such as malnutrition, a known cause of enamel defects, and a hotter climate, resulting in higher consumption of water. For these reasons, in its report Water Fluoridation and Health, published in 2002, the Medical Research Council suggested that the prevalence of dental fluorosis of aesthetic concern in populations in the UK drinking artificially fluoridated water was probably lower than the estimates presented by the York report.

Asked by Earl Baldwin of Bewdley

Earl Howe: Although the department funded the National Fluoride Centre (NFIC) until 31 March 2011, it did not have editorial control of its website. However, we understand that NFIC was referring to McColl v Strathclyde Regional Council. We agree that the phrase "no clear association" is a more accurate reflection of the findings of the York report. We also understand that NFIC did not refer to the qualifications expressed in the York report because of the large body of evidence showing that water fluoridation helps people protect their teeth, including the results of the epidemiological surveys of child dental health.

Food: Chicken

Question

Asked by Lord Laird



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The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Henley): The Office International des Epizooties (OIE) develops animal health standards that serve as reference for international trade in live animals and their products. The OIE also sets guidelines for animal welfare. The OIE's standards and guidelines are voluntary and the OIE cannot intervene in how its member countries apply these standards.

Therefore the Chief Veterinary Officer, as UK delegate to the OIE, would be unable to carry out an assessment of welfare standards in Thailand.

Food: Prices

Question

Asked by Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Henley): Over the last six months, rice, maize, wheat and soyabean international nominal prices increased by 7, 28, 9 and 22 per cent respectively.

Cereal prices largely reflect the supply and demand situation on the world market. The increase in cereal prices over the last six months is a reaction to the lower wheat production in Russia and other Black Sea countries, and the subsequent implementation of grain export restrictions by Russia and Ukraine. Lower than expected maize yields in the United States and in Argentina due to adverse weather conditions, coupled with robust demand and tightening stocks, have also had an impact. Additional factors affecting all agricultural commodities are higher energy prices, which have pushed up farm input costs such as fuel and fertiliser, and US dollar depreciation.

After the large increases experienced in the second half of 2010, prices for grains dropped due to more favourable weather conditions and external events such as the social and political unrest in the Middle East and North Africa, and the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Rice prices rose at the end of 2010 due to robust demand and some perceived tightening of supply in Vietnam, Thailand and the US, and dropped more recently because of improved prospects for Thailand and Vietnam.

Soyabean prices increased because of strong demand coupled with adverse weather conditions in Argentina and low global stock levels.

Forced Marriage

Questions

Asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: While there are no formal agreements in place between the UK and Pakistan, India or Bangladesh for the mutual recognition of forced marriage protection orders, we are aware of incidences where judicial authorities have taken into consideration UK court orders, particularly forced marriage protection orders, in their deliberations. While this may not provide legal certainty for victims or perpetrators, the Forced Marriage Unit and our high commissions continue to work closely with the Pakistani, Indian and Bangladeshi authorities on a case by case basis to maximise the safety and repatriation of victims.

No evaluation of the efficacy of these informal arrangements has been undertaken. The development of a legal handbook, which will outline the legal remedies available in these countries in relation to forced marriage, will be a first step in setting out these informal arrangements with greater clarity.

The legal remedies available to those in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh who are protected by forced marriage protection orders made by UK courts will be specific to each country. They may include constitutional remedies such as habeas corpus, most often used to secure an individual's release or recovery from a threatened or actual forced marriage and ensuring that they are produced before the court; civil remedies under family laws and tort actions; and criminal law remedies, such as prosecution of those responsible for contracting, attempting to or actually forcing an individual into marriage.

In each of these countries the discretion afforded to the judiciary is wide. Hence, we continue to work with the Governments of Pakistan, India and Bangladesh to tackle forced marriage and encourage them to take steps to prevent forced marriages taking place. We also continue to work closely with these Governments to provide effective consular assistance to British nationals affected by forced marriage.

Asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: While there are no formal agreements in place between the UK and Pakistan, India or Bangladesh for the mutual recognition of forced marriage protection orders, we are aware of incidences where judicial authorities have taken into consideration UK court orders, particularly forced marriage protection orders, in their deliberations. While this may not provide legal certainty for victims or perpetrators, the Forced Marriage Unit and our high

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commissions continue to work closely with the Pakistani, Indian and Bangladeshi authorities on a case by case basis to maximise the safety and repatriation of victims.

No evaluation of the efficacy of these informal arrangements has been undertaken. The development of a legal handbook, which will outline the legal remedies available in these countries in relation to forced marriage, will be a first step in setting out these informal arrangements with greater clarity.

The legal remedies available to those in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh who are protected by forced marriage protection orders made by UK courts will be specific to each country. They may include constitutional remedies such as habeas corpus, most often used to secure an individual's release or recovery from a threatened or actual forced marriage and ensuring that they are produced before the court; civil remedies under family laws and tort actions; and criminal law remedies, such as prosecution of those responsible for contracting, attempting to or actually forcing an individual into marriage.

In each of these countries the discretion afforded to the judiciary is wide. Hence, we continue to work with the Governments of Pakistan. India and Bangladesh to tackle forced marriage and encourage them to take steps to prevent forced marriages taking place. We also continue to work closely with these Governments to provide effective consular assistance to British nationals affected by forced marriage.

Asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: Whilst there are no formal agreements in place between the UK and Pakistan, India or Bangladesh for the mutual recognition of forced marriage protection orders, we are aware of incidences where judicial authorities have taken into consideration UK court orders, particularly forced marriage protection orders, in their deliberations. Whilst this may not provide legal certainty for victims or perpetrators, the Forced Marriage Unit and our high commissions continue to work closely with the Pakistani, Indian and Bangladeshi authorities on a case by case basis to maximise the safety and repatriation of victims.

No evaluation of the efficacy of these informal arrangements has been undertaken. The development of a legal handbook, which will outline the legal remedies available in these countries in relation to forced marriage, will be a first step in setting out these informal arrangements with greater clarity.

The legal remedies available to those in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh who are protected by forced marriage protection orders made by UK courts will be specific to each country. They may include constitutional remedies such as habeas corpus, most often used to secure an individual's release or recovery from a threatened

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or actual forced marriage and ensuring that they are produced before the court; civil remedies under family laws and tort actions; and criminal law remedies, such as prosecution of those responsible for contracting, attempting to or actually forcing an individual into marriage.

In each of these countries the discretion afforded to the judiciary is wide. Hence we continue to work with the Governments of Pakistan, India and Bangladesh to tackle forced marriage and encourage them to take steps to prevent forced marriages taking place. We also continue to work closely with these Governments to provide effective consular assistance to British nationals affected by forced marriage.

Asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: Whilst there are no formal agreements in place between the UK and Pakistan, India, or Bangladesh for the mutual recognition of forced marriage protection orders, we are aware of incidences where judicial authorities have taken into consideration UK court orders, particularly forced marriage protection orders, in their deliberations. Whilst this may not provide legal certainty for victims or perpetrators, the Forced Marriage Unit and our high commissions continue to work closely with the Pakistani, Indian and Bangladeshi authorities on a case by case basis to maximise the safety and repatriation of victims.

No evaluation of the efficacy of these informal arrangements has been undertaken. The development of a legal handbook, which will outline the legal remedies available in these countries in relation to forced marriage, will be a first step in setting out these informal arrangements with greater clarity.

The legal remedies available to those in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh who are protected by forced marriage protection orders made by UK courts will be specific to each country. They may include constitutional remedies such as habeas corpus, most often used to secure an individual's release or recovery from a threatened or actual forced marriage and ensuring that they are produced before the court; civil remedies under family laws and tort actions; and criminal law remedies, such as prosecution of those responsible for contracting, attempting to or actually forcing an individual into marriage.

In each of these countries the discretion afforded to the judiciary is wide. Hence we continue to work with the Governments of Pakistan, India and Bangladesh to tackle forced marriage and encourage them to take steps to prevent forced marriages taking place. We also continue to work closely with these Governments to provide effective consular assistance to British nationals affected by forced marriage.



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Gaza

Questions

Asked by Baroness Tonge

Baroness Northover: The recent Israeli decision to close completely the crossing at Karni, due to security concerns, has had an impact on the amount of goods which can enter or leave Gaza. Although capacity at Kerem Shalom, now the only permanent crossing into Gaza, has been increased broadly in line with commitments made in June 2010, the overall potential capacity for transporting goods into and out of Gaza has been reduced.

According to a recent UN report on Gaza, the easing of restrictions announced by Israel in June 2010 has resulted in the increased availability of consumer goods and some raw materials for manufacturers. Although this is welcome, it falls short of what is needed. Only international organisations are allowed to import construction materials which are subject to protracted and complex entry permit procedures. We continue to press the Israeli Government for full and unhindered access for all humanitarian aid, and to meet their recent promises to facilitate exports from Gaza.

The UN OCHA report Easing the Blockade: assessing the humanitarian impact on the population of the Gaza Strip was published in March 2011 and can be found at www.ocha-opt.org

Asked by Baroness Tonge

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: As the noble Baroness is aware, we do not have any direct contact with Hamas. Hamas must make credible movement towards the Quartet Principles, which remain the benchmark against which its intentions should be judged. We have no plans to hold talks with Hamas leaders in Gaza and Damascus until Hamas has accepted these principles.

Government Departments: Official Entertainment

Question

Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark

The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): Specific detail of ministerial expenditure on entertainment is not currently provided, due to disproportionate administrative costs. However, under

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the revised Ministerial Code, published in May 2010, the Government have committed to publish quarterly details of ministerial expenditure on overseas travel; gifts received and given by Ministers valued at more than £140; hospitality received by Ministers in a ministerial capacity; and details of Ministers' external meetings. These details are available on departmental websites.

Government Departments: Regulations

Questions

Asked by Lord Ryder of Wensum

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): The Stationery Office provides a list of all UK statutory instruments published each year. The information can be found at the following link: www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010.

Asked by Lord Ryder of Wensum

Baroness Wilcox: Since May 2010 the Government have taken a number of important steps to reduce regulation.

We have introduced a One-in, One-out rule to stem the flow of new domestic regulation, stopped the so-called "gold plating" of EU directives and launched a consultation on Employment Tribunals. In The Plan for Growth, published alongside Budget 2011, we set out a range of measures to improve the regulatory environment in the UK further, including a three-year moratorium on new domestic regulation for micro businesses (those with fewer than 10 employees).

On 7 April the Prime Minister launched the Red Tape Challenge website-every few weeks regulations affecting a specific sector or industry will be published for public challenge and scrutiny. Departments will have three months to decide which regulations to keep and which to remove.

On 7 April, the Better Regulation Executive also published the One-in, One-out: Statement of New Regulation which identifies the deregulatory steps (OUTs) departments have taken since the One-in, One-out rule came into force. Copies will shortly be laid in the House Library. The report can also be viewed online at:

http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/better-regulation/docs/o/11-p96a-one-in-one-out-new-regulation.pdf



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Government Departments: Staff

Question

Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: I have nothing further to add to my Answers to the noble Lord Kirkwood of 27 January (Official Report, col. WA 195).

Government Departments: Travel Expenses

Questions

Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We have common rules for rail travel for all grades, so where there is an entitlement to first-class travel it is the same for all staff.

All staff travel standard class where the published one-way rail journey time is less than five hours, unless there are exceptional circumstances such as illness, disability or where first-class facilities are essential for working while travelling.

First-class rail travel is otherwise only permitted on rail journeys within the UK that are five hours or longer by the quickest and shortest route. In the past 12 months, 99 per cent of all railway journeys made by staff within the UK were in standard class.

Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark

Baroness Northover: Staff at senior executive officer (SEO) grade and above are entitled, as part of their terms and conditions of employment, to travel first class for business. The need to travel and ticket cost must be given due consideration.

In spring 2010 the permanent secretary issued austerity instructions to senior managers to reduce all travel using alternatives such as video and/or telephone conferencing and to avoid first-class travel as far as possible. The department has significantly reduced first-class travel by removing this option completely from the online travel booking service.



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In principle, we have 4,015 staff (15.5 per cent of total staff employed), across the Home Office and its agencies (UK Border Agency, Identity and Passport Service and Criminal Records Bureau) with a contractual entitlement to travel first class: however, with booking accessibility severely restricted, first-class travel is significantly reduced. For example, first-class rail ticket costs accounted for less than 0.7 per cent of total rail costs in January 2011 compared to 37.8 per cent of total rail cost in January 2010.

Policy on all business travel is currently under review.

Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Hill of Oareford): At present, 1,258 (49 per cent) of staff in my department at the senior executive officer (SEO) grade and above, have a contractual entitlement to first-class rail travel. Despite this entitlement, we have considerably reduced the use of first-class travel, as part of our wider drive to reduce spending and ensure more value for money.

This financial year, we have reduced the level of first-class travel from 33 per cent in April 2010 to 1.5 per cent in March 2011.

Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark

Baroness Garden of Frognal: The detailed information requested is not held centrally. In line with paragraph 10.3 of the Ministerial Code, information on overseas travel by Ministers, including mode of travel and costs, is published on departments' websites on a quarterly basis. Ministerial travel is undertaken in accordance with the Ministerial Code.

Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Lord Marland): No Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) staff are automatically entitled to travel by first-class rail when on official business. All staff are expected to use standard class unless there is a clear need for travelling by first for example:

Where first class is cheaper than standard class.

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Where there are no standard class seats left on the train.Where there are no standard class facilities to accommodate disabled or other specials needs requirements.Any first class rail travel must be approved by the relevant deputy director.

Gypsies and Travellers

Questions

Asked by Baroness Whitaker

Baroness Northover: The previous guidance is being reviewed in order to give a greater focus on operational service delivery and to assist all police officers in their relations with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. A date of publication has yet to be set.

Asked by Baroness Whitaker

The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Neville-Jones): Appropriate revisions are being made to the guidance and publication will follow. The date for publication has yet to be set.

Heads of State: Official Visits

Question

Asked by Lord Laird

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The following heads of state have visited the United Kingdom on state visits (S) or as guests of Her Majesty's Government (G) in the past five years.



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2006

President of Dominican Republic (G) 20-26 March 2006

President of Brazil (S) 7-9 March 2006

President of Estonia (G) 2-4 July 2006

President of Liberia (G) 29 May-1 June 2006

President of Lithuania (G) 3-5 July 2006

President of Latvia (G) 3-13 July 2006

President of Algeria (G) 11-12 July 2006

President of Pakistan (G) 28-29 September 2006

King of Jordan (G) 5-7 November 2006

President of Poland (G) 6-8 November 2006

President of Yemen (G) 14-17 November 2006

President of Kazakhstan (G) 20-23 November 2006

2007

President of Tanzania (G) 15-17 January 2007

President of Mexico (G) 28-30 January 2007

Emir of Kuwait (G) 07-09 May 2007

Emperor of Japan (G) 27-29 May 2007

President of Ghana (S) 13-15 March 2007

President of Namibia (G) 30 May-01 June 2007

President of Afghanistan (G) 14-15 February 2007

President of Somalia (G) 20-23 February2007

President of Mongolia (G) 16-19 April 2007

President of Georgia (G) 24-27 April 2007

President of Ukraine (G) 16-17 May 2007

King of Saudi Arabia (S) 29 October-1 November 2007

President of Panama (G) 14-17 September 2007

President of Afghanistan (G) 1-2 August 2007

President of Czech Republic (G) 6-7 November 2007

President of Afghanistan (G) 24-26 October 2007

2008

President of France (S) 26-28 March 2008

President of Sierra Leone (G) 28-29 January 2008

Prime Minister of Australia (G) 4-8 April 2008

President of Ukraine (G) 14-15 May 2008

President of Indonesia (G) 2-3 June 2008

President of Kenya (G) 23 July 2008

President of Nigeria (G) 16-19 July 2008

President of Costa Rica (G) 1-3 September 2008

President of Israel (G) 13-15 November 2008

2009

President of Mexico (S) 31 March-01 April 2009

Premier of China (G) 1-3 February 2009

President of Lebanon (G) 29-30 April 2009

President of Ghana (G) 6-9 May 2009

President of Azerbaijan (G) 13-14 July 2009

President of India (S) 27-29 October 2009

President of Portugal (G) 22-23 June 2009

2010

President of Kenya (G) 22-23 February 2010

President of Afghanistan (G) 27-28 January 2010

President of South Africa (S) 3-5 March 2010

President of Palestine (G) 28-30 January 2010

President of Somalia (G) 8-12 March 2010

The Pope (S) 16-19 September 2010

President of France (G) 18 June 2010

President of Nigeria (G) 1-2 July 2010

Emir of Qatar (S) 26-28 October 2010

President of Chile (G) 18-19 October 2010

President of Turkey (G) 8-9 November 2010

All visits started in London except for those listed below which began in Edinburgh:

2006-President of Estonia (G)

2006-President of Lithuania (G)

2010-The Papal Visit (S)

Health and Safety

Question

Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): The 2011 Budget confirmed that the Government will implement the proposals from Lord Young's report Common Sense, Common Safety.



26 Apr 2011 : Column WA59

My right honourable friend the Minister for Employment, Chris Grayling, has overall responsibility for the implementation of Lord Young's proposals. A report on the latest progress in delivering the proposals can be found on the Department for Work and Pensions website at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/health-and-safety/.

Health and Social Care Bill

Question

Asked by Baroness Gould of Potternewton

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): There is not a universally accepted definition of public health. There are, however, three broad domains of public health: health improvement (including people's lifestyles as well as inequalities in health and the wider social influences on health), health protection (including infectious diseases, environmental hazards and emergency preparedness) and health services (including service planning, efficiency and audit and evaluation).

The Faculty of Public Health defines public health as:

"The science and art of promoting and protecting health and well-being, preventing ill-health and prolonging life through the organised efforts of society".

The Health and Social Care Bill (2011) proposes that the Secretary of State will broadly take responsibility for health protection (although local authorities have some existing health protection responsibilities) and local authorities will take responsibility for health improvement.

Rather than defining the difference between health protection and health improvement in legislation, the Bill instead outlines examples of the types of steps that could be taken for both health improvement and health protection. There is considerable overlap between the two sets of steps. For example, providing information or advice appears as examples under both health protection and health improvement. Such flexibility is needed to ensure that the Secretary of State can act quickly in future against threats that have yet to be identified.

Health: Assessors

Question

Asked by The Countess of Mar

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): The Government are aware of the article published in the British Medical Journal. They regard the comments as an expression of

26 Apr 2011 : Column WA60

personal opinion and have no plans to review the relationship with Atos Healthcare as a consequence of the article.

Health: Bedsores

Question

Asked by Lord Patel of Blackburn

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): There are a number of initiatives in place to improve and sustain high-quality care of patients in hospital, including the detection and treatment of bedsores. These include the "Essence of Care" benchmarking system which includes the "Prevention and Management of Pressure Ulcers"; the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement's "8 High Impact Actions for Nursing and Midwifery" which includes the action: "Your skin matters: optimising pressure area care aimed at eliminating pressure ulcers in the NHS"; and "Energise for Excellence in Care (E4E)" which aims to support the delivery of safe and effective care.

The first NHS Outcomes Framework 2011-12, published on 20 December 2010, sets out the outcomes and corresponding indicators that will be used to track the success of the National Health Service in delivering improved outcomes. This includes an indicator currently being developed for 2012-13 to measure incidence of newly acquired category 3 and 4 pressure ulcers.

To help local organisations and commissioners understand the productivity and cost elements associated with treating patients who have pressure ulcers, the department has published the "Pressure ulcer productivity calculator". This tool was developed using the results of research into the cost of pressure ulcers in the United Kingdom and will also assist in the long-term reduction of pressure ulcer incidences. The calculator is available on the department's website at: www.dh. gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/@ps/documents/digitalasset/dh_116670.xls.

Health: Contaminated Blood Products

Questions

Asked by Lord Morris of Manchester

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The department does not collate information on the number of deaths of people from HIV/AIDS as a result of receiving National Health

26 Apr 2011 : Column WA61

Service blood and blood products. However, information received by the department from the Macfarlane Trust indicates that five people with haemophilia who were infected with HIV after receiving NHS blood and blood products have died in the 11 months ending 28 February 20111. It is not known whether they died of HIV/AIDS, or other unrelated causes.

Notes:

1The Macfarlane Trust's annual report and accounts for 2009-10 reports that it had 380 infected beneficiaries as at 31 March 2010. The trust has informed the department that as at 28 February 2011, it had 375 infected beneficiaries receiving payments. The trust has not yet published its annual report and accounts for 2010-11.

Asked by Lord Morris of Manchester

Earl Howe: The discretionary fund announced on 10 January 2011, which has been called the Caxton Foundation, was set up on 28 March 2011. The criteria and qualification for application, which are outlined in the trust deed establishing the foundation, are as follows:

5 Objects of the Charity.

5.1. The Objects are to provide financial assistance and other benefits to meet any charitable need of:

5.1.1. (i) individuals who have received blood, blood products or tissues from the National Health Service and in consequence have been infected with the hepatitis C virus; and(ii) an individual who has been so infected by a person in 5.1.1(i); each of whom has received a Stage 1 Payment other than Excluded Persons (together called "Primary Beneficiaries"); and 5.1.2. the partners, parents, carers, children and dependants of Primary Beneficiaries and the partners, parents, carers, children and dependants of Primary Beneficiaries who have died; and5.1.3. the partners, parents, carers, children and dependants of any other individuals who died before 29 August 2003 and whose estates have, for the reasons given in Schedule 5, received a payment under the Skipton Fund Agreement (2).

5.2. For the purposes of this clause:

5.2.1. a "partner" is a husband or wife, a widow or widower, a civil partner or a cohabitee of a Primary Beneficiary (including, where applicable, a partner from whom a Primary Beneficiary is or was divorced, separated or has an order for dissolution); and5.2.2. a "carer" is a relation of a Primary Beneficiary who has provided nursing or similar care on terms otherwise than for full consideration in money or money's worth and in consequence has suffered financially and/or in their health.5.2.3. "children" includes step-children.

26 Apr 2011 : Column WA62

5.3. The Trustees shall have the power, with the consent of the Founder, to add individuals to the class of Primary Beneficiaries and to alter the definition of "Excluded Persons".

Excluded persons are people with HIV (beneficiaries of the Macfarlane Trust and Eileen Trust), and those infected outside England. Following the recent ministerial announcements in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, work is in hand to include people infected with hepatitis C in those areas.

It will be for the trustees of the charity to determine to whom of the beneficiaries payment is made, and how much.

Asked by Lord Morris of Manchester

Earl Howe: The Skipton Fund can approve claims only where claimants can provide the necessary supporting evidence that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria. This must be established on the balance of probabilities. The evidence required to support a claim is outlined in the application form, which can be found on the Skipton Fund's website at: www.skiptonfund.org.

Applications will be dealt with in accordance with the usual Skipton Fund processes, but clearly the fund must consider all evidence before it.

Health: GP Commissioning Groups

Question

Asked by Baroness Gould of Potternewton

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The Health and Social Care Bill sets out that one of the economic regulator, Monitor's, new core functions is to support commissioners' duties with regard to the continuity of certain specified services in the event of provider failure, by means of a special administration regime. Services will be designated when commissioners apply to them to be designated and against criteria set out in the Bill.

Health: Infection Control

Question

Asked by Baroness Masham of Ilton



26 Apr 2011 : Column WA63

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The consultation document, Healthy Lives, Healthy People; Consultation on the Funding and Commissioning Routes for Public Health set out that the prevention and control of infectious disease will be a key function of the new public health service. Public Health England will carry out the functions currently exercised by the Health Protection Agency. This will include surveillance of infections and other indicators of ill health. We propose that at local level, local authorities will need to work closely with Public Health England health protection units to provide health protection as directed by the Secretary of State. We would expect infection prevention and control specialists to work at all levels of the system in the exercise of these functions.

We proposed that the National Health Service would remain responsible for funding and commissioning infectious disease treatment and related public health activity; for example, all NHS organisations will continue to need to have adequate infection control policies and procedures. The consultation asks questions about our proposals, including how best we can ensure that NHS commissioning has access to public health advice. The consultation closed on 31 March 2011, and a government response will be published in the summer.

Health: Microbiology

Question

Asked by Lord Dykes

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The department will increase funding for research over the next four years, from £1,004 million in 2011-12 to £1,089 million in 2014-15. The department's National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including microbial diseases. These applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the scientific quality of the proposals made. In all disease areas, the amount of NIHR funding depends on the volume and quality of scientific activity.

The NIHR Clinical Research Network currently has 112 studies in infectious diseases and microbiology that are in set-up or recruiting patients.

NIHR funding in this field includes support for the Liverpool Specialist Biomedical Research Centre in Microbial Diseases, and a range of research on microbial diseases carried out by the Health Protection Agency.

Health: Wales

Question

Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno



26 Apr 2011 : Column WA64

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The latest available data (for the financial year 2009-10) from Hospital Episode Statistics show that the number of people who received inpatient treatment in England who lived in Wales was 40,100. Of these, 3,400 lived in Wales but were the responsibility of an English commissioner.

There were an additional 4,000 patients who lived in England (or whose residence was unrecorded) but were the responsibility of a Welsh commissioner.

The figures include all patients treated as inpatients by National Health Service providers in England, excluding private patients. The figures do not include patients from Wales who received NHS treatment with private providers in England. Numbers are rounded to the nearest 100 and relate to the number of people, not the number of admissions.

Health: Zoonoses

Question

Asked by Lord Wade of Chorlton

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): Sound national surveillance is in place for the monitoring and detection of zoonotic disease of public health significance, and this surveillance will continue under the new public health structures.

In addition, a number of zoonotic infections are compulsorily notifiable or reportable under veterinary and/or human health legislation in Great Britain, and under the EU Zoonoses Directive 2003/99/EC member states are statutorily required to collect relevant and, where applicable, comparable data on zoonoses, zoonotic agents, antimicrobial resistance and food-borne outbreaks.

With regards to controlling outbreaks of zoonoses, the Health Protection Agency has issued guidelines for the investigation of zoonotic disease, and works closely with the Department of Health, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Food Standards Agency, the Veterinary Laboratories Agency and Animal Health to ensure that outbreaks are controlled.

Higher Education: Costs

Question

Asked by Lord Willis of Knaresborough

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Hill of Oareford): The Young People's Learning Agency reviews the number of teaching hours, and therefore the costs, of qualifications on an annual

26 Apr 2011 : Column WA65

basis. Recommendations are put to an expert external advisory group to decide on any changes needed including those for vocational qualifications.

Higher Education: Funding

Questions

Asked by Lord Willis of Knaresborough

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Henley): No university wishing to charge over £6,000 yet knows for certain how much it will charge from autumn 2012, because no university yet has in place a plan approved by the Director of Fair Access.

BIS has been open in the assumptions it has used to model the future costs of student finance. Our estimates are based on an average tuition fee loan of £7,500 being taken out by around 90 per cent of students.

We know some institutions, such as further education colleges, are keen to provide good-quality higher education without charging anything like the maximum permitted. We are keen to encourage those institutions to do so.

Asked by Lord Willis of Knaresborough

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Hill of Oareford): We are investing £180 million each academic year in the new 16 to 19- bursary fund. The total cost of the transitional support for learner payments will be £124.1 million in financial year 2011-12 and £62.1 million in 2012-13.

We have always had money set aside within the Department for Education budget for 16 to 19 financial support. As part of the budget discussions we agreed a call on Treasury reserves for a minority of the funding for the new 16 to 19 bursary fund.

Higher Education: Student Loans

Questions

Asked by Lord Willis of Knaresborough



26 Apr 2011 : Column WA66

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Henley): The estimated cash expenditure on maintenance loans provided to full-time students in higher education in the 2011-12 academic year is expected to be between £3 billion and £3.2 billion. The maximum maintenance loan available to help with living costs depends on where the student is living and studying during the academic year: full-time students starting courses in the 2011-12 academic year can receive up to £3,838 if they live in the parental home while attending university, up to £4,950 if they are living away from home and studying outside London and up to £6,928 if they are living away from home and studying in London. The maximum amount of loan is reduced for full-time students with household incomes over £50,778 but all full-time students, regardless of income, are eligible for a minimum loan equal to 72 per cent of the maximum amount.

Asked by Lord Willis of Knaresborough

Lord Henley: The minimum rate of maintenance loan is available to all eligible students domiciled in England with incomes above the means-testing thresholds. They are not obliged to provide income information to the Student Loans Company (SLC) to receive this minimum loan, and the SLC does not therefore have complete data on income distributions above these thresholds. The figures below give, where possible, estimates of the underlying costs to the Exchequer of maintenance loans provided to the specified groups of students, who will start in or after the autumn of 2012, over the spending review period of 2012-13 to 2014-15:

less than 1 per cent of applicants to the SLC supply information showing a household income above £100,000. This is an insufficient basis on which to reliably estimate the total costs of providing maintenance loans for students above this threshold;around 10 per cent of applicants to the SLC are estimated to have a household income above £80,000; the total cost of providing maintenance loans for these students may be around £150 million over the spending review period;around 30 per cent of applicants to the SLC are estimated to have a household income above £60,000; the total cost of providing maintenance loans for these students may be around £450 million over the spending review period;the department has data on the total household income of students, rather than the income of individuals within households, as it is the former that determines access to maintenance grants. We cannot, therefore, reliably estimate the total cost of providing maintenance loans to students from households with no individual taxpayer on an income below £44,000.

26 Apr 2011 : Column WA67

Asked by Lord Laird

Lord Henley: I will write to the noble Lord and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Asked by Lord Willis of Knaresborough

Lord Henley: I will write to my noble friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Homelessness

Question

Asked by Lord Tope

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): The information required to carry out this assessment is not available. Within the next month we will publish an equality impact assessment for the shared accommodation rate changes, but it will not contain an estimate of the impact on homelessness.

House of Lords: Internet Access

Question

Asked by Lord Lucas

The Chairman of Committees (Lord Brabazon of Tara): Wireless internet access is already provided in the Lords Chamber and all Lords Committee Rooms, including the Moses Room. In addition, the Library, Peers' Writing Room, Salisbury Room, Royal Gallery and Committee Corridor have wireless internet access. There are no immediate plans to extend wireless internet access across the whole estate, but some extension of wireless access is in the Department of Parliamentary Information and Communications Technology's five-year strategy.



26 Apr 2011 : Column WA68

Houses of Parliament: Scrutiny Override

Question

Asked by Lord Roper

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The effective scrutiny by Parliament of European Union proposals is important and the Government will always seek to avoid breaching the scrutiny reserve resolutions of either House of Parliament where this is possible. Where overrides are required, the Government will continue to account for their actions in writing to the chairmen of the Scrutiny Committees in each House. The figures for the period July-December 2010 represent a return to lower numbers. This followed a difficult period immediately after the dissolution of Parliament in April 2010, when the time taken to establish both parliamentary EU Scrutiny Committees in the new Parliament led to an increase in the number of overrides. The figures requested are set out in the attached table.

Department(a) House of Lords Override(b) House of Commons override(c) No. of overrides in both Houses(d) Total no. of overrides

Department of Business, Innovation and Skills

1

0

0

1

Department for Energy and Climate Change

2

0

0

2

Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

0

3

0

3

Department for International Development

0

1

0

1

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

11

19

8

22

HM Treasury

3

3

3

3

17

26

11

32

Human Rights

Question

Asked by Lord Laird

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Government have not found cause to raise human rights issues with the Republic of Ireland in the past five years.

Immigration

Question

Asked by Lord Hylton

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: The majority of the recommendations in this report apply to the judiciary, who are independent from government. We are not, therefore, able to comment on those recommendations.

Ministers have given a commitment that detention will be used only as a last resort, with temporary admission or release being granted wherever possible. However, there will be occasions when temporary admission or release is not considered appropriate. The report raises concerns about bail summaries; in all cases where it is proposed that a detained person's bail application be opposed, the UK Border Agency is committed to completing the bail summary fully and accurately. In some cases, relevant information will include an individual's past immigration history, including any periods where they have failed to comply with the conditions of their restrictions or with the conditions of any recognizance (or bail bond) entered into.

Indonesia

Question

Asked by Lord Harries of Pentregarth

The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint): The Government publish information on export licences in the Annual and Quarterly Reports on Strategic Export Controls. These reports contain detailed information on export licences issued, refused or revoked, by destination, including the overall value, type (e.g. Military, Other) and a summary of the items covered by these licences. They are available to view on the Strategic Export Controls: Reports and Statistics website at www. exportcontroldb.berr.gov.uk/eng/fox.

Injunctions

Question

Asked by Lord Tebbit

The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): In order to protect the interests of justice in an individual case, the courts have power to prohibit disclosure of specific information to anyone other than the defendant's legal advisers. However, the defendant is always at liberty to apply for the order to be made in different terms (if he or she is represented at the hearing), or subsequently for the terms of the order to be amended (for example, to permit disclosure to specific individuals or bodies or for specific purposes).

Isles of Scilly: Sea Link

Question

Asked by Lord Berkeley

Lord De Mauley: The term "lifeline" is in general use to describe vital transport connections between mainland and island communities. It carries no formal or legal status.

The Government recognise that many people regard maritime passenger and freight services to the Isles of Scilly as a lifeline and that is why we have said that we are committed to ensuring that these continue.

Israel

Questions

Asked by Baroness Tonge

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: We remain concerned that Israel's minority Arab population, including Bedouin Arab minorities, are suffering institutional, legal and societal inequality and discrimination. We continue to support calls made by the EU and the UN for a genuine and satisfactory solution to these problems that the Bedouin communities face.

We are aware of the situation in Abu Dis, and as the noble Baroness is aware, we have a strong record of lobbying hard on issues relating to house demolitions and settlement building and we continue to pursue this.

As the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right honourable friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) said on 5 April 2011:

"I condemn Israel's decision to approve more than 900 settlement units in the East Jerusalem suburb of Gilo and the retrospective approval which has been given for construction in five West Bank settlements. This is not disputed territory. It is occupied Palestinian territory and ongoing settlement expansion is illegal

26 Apr 2011 : Column WA71

under international law, an obstacle to peace and a threat to a two state solution. We call on the Israeli authorities to reconsider this decision, which undermines the prospects for peace. All those who support a secure future for Israel and a future Palestinian state should be working urgently to restart peace negotiations, not taking steps which make this more difficult."

Asked by Baroness Tonge

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: In recent weeks we have made clear to Israel that while we recognise its legitimate right to self-defence, it is vital to ensure that responses to attacks are proportionate and avoid civilian casualties and loss of innocent life.

More generally, we are concerned at increasing tensions around Gaza and southern Israel, as the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right honourable friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) said on 7 April:

"I unreservedly condemn today's attack from Gaza on a bus carrying schoolchildren in southern Israel. The initial reports we have received suggest the bus was deliberately targeted and that a 16 year old boy has been critically injured. This is a despicable and cowardly act that stands in stark contrast to people's desire for peaceful reform across the region. Violence will never deliver peace. I reiterate that Hamas must halt these strikes immediately, and rein in other militant factions in Gaza.

This attack further highlights Israel's legitimate security concerns. As I have made clear, Israel has every right to protect its people. But it is also important that in so doing it also shows restraint and makes every effort to avoid causing civilian casualties. I am very concerned about reports that several people in Gaza were killed and others wounded in retaliatory strikes."

Asked by Baroness Tonge

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: We are aware of reports that an ancient well was recently demolished near Bethlehem. We are not able to raise every issue, and focus our lobbying on the highest priority issues. We have a strong record of lobbying hard on issues relating to house demolitions and settlement building and we continue to pursue this.

Israel and Palestine

Questions

Asked by Lord Turnberg



26 Apr 2011 : Column WA72

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: We want to see a return to negotiations. We believe negotiations need to take place on the basis of clear parameters in order to secure progress.

Asked by Baroness Tonge

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: We have not made any recent representations to the Government of Israel. However, our position remains that forcible transfer of people out of the city for political reasons is illegal under international humanitarian law. The EU has previously raised these specific cases with the Israeli Government, making its views clear.

Asked by Baroness Tonge

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: We understand that as at 31 December 2010 there were 15 members of the Palestinian Legislative Council imprisoned by Israeli authorities comprising two Fatah members, one member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and the remaining, members of Hamas.

We will continue to monitor the situation with regard to all Palestinian prisoners, including parliamentarians, in Israeli prisons. We 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 detainees' rights are upheld. All Palestinian prisoners should have access to a fair trial, and Israel should ensure that it acts always in accordance with international law. We shall continue to raise our concerns with the Israeli authorities and issue statements when appropriate.

Asked by Lord Turnberg

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: The Goldstone report outlines serious allegations of breaches of international humanitarian law during the Gaza conflict. Justice Goldstone acknowledges in his recent comments that some aspects of his report would look differently in light of new evidence correcting the allegation in the report that Israel intentionally targeted civilians.

Justice Goldstone has made clear that there is no reason to reconsider the various other serious allegations contained in the report at this time.

This latest insight into the events surrounding the Gaza conflict have come about because of the process that was set in train by his fact-finding mission, and is

26 Apr 2011 : Column WA73

absolutely consistent with our long-standing policy of calling for full, credible and independent investigations by the parties into any and all allegations of breaches of international humanitarian law (IHL).

Allegations of breaches of IHL made against all parties to the Gaza conflict are not limited to the Goldstone report and have arisen from various other credible sources. We firmly believe that any and all such allegations must be met with credible and independent investigations by the parties to the conflict.

Israel: Kidnapping

Question

Asked by Baroness Tonge

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: We are concerned by the alleged kidnapping of Derar Abu Sisi. His case is now before the Israeli courts. We continue to press the Government of Israel to ensure due process and the fair treatment of all Palestinian detainees.

Ivory Coast

Question

Asked by Lord Myners

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: The Government do recognise the current chargé d'affaires of the Ivory Coast and its embassy in London. The current chargé d'affaires was appointed by Alassane Ouattara who is the democratically elected president of the Ivory Coast and who has the legitimacy to appoint a Government as well as ambassadors. In February 2011 President Ouattara appointed Mr Claude Stanislas Bouah-Kamon as the new ambassador to the UK. We await his arrival to take up this post in London.

Justice: Interpreting and Translation Services

Questions

Asked by Baroness Thomas of Winchester

The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): We are currently seeking the views of interested parties on our proposals. Their views will help inform Ministers' forthcoming decision whether or not to let a framework agreement. We are satisfied that our proposals meet the requirements of the EU directive.

Maintaining appropriate quality standards is fundamental to our proposals. The proposed requirements for face to face interpretation of foreign languages would include, but would not be limited to, membership of the National Register of Public Service Interpreters.

Kosovo

Question

Asked by Baroness Whitaker

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: In 2010, the UK funded experts from Aberystwyth University to test for lead contamination of soil, dust particles and water in the Roma Mahalla, and surrounding Fidanishte area, in Kosovo. The project was co-funded with Post Telecommunications Kosovo (PTK), with the UK contributing £10,000. The main objective of the project was to ensure that the Roma Mahalla was safe, or could be made safe, for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Osterode and Cesmin Lug camps to be resettled there. The results of this project confirmed that Roma Mahalla was safe for the IDPs to be relocated there. 99 of 146 displaced families have so far been resettled in the Roma Mahalla and have access to medical treatment, with more due to relocate there shortly.

The EC Liasion Office (ECLO) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are providing the funding for the resettlement project itself. The ECLO is running a €5million project to support resettlement of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian families, with the ultimate aim of closing the lead-contaminated camps in both Cesmin Lug (which was successfully closed in 2010) and Osterode (which is due to close in summer 2011). Approximately 15 per cent of ECLO's overall funding is provided by the UK.

Separately, in March 2010 the Department for International Development contributed £1.25 million to the Roma Education Fund, a multi-donor fund intended to scale up education intervention for Roma across the Western Balkan region, including in Kosovo.

The Government continue to follow the situation of displaced Roma children in Kosovo closely.



26 Apr 2011 : Column WA75

Least Developed Countries

Questions

Asked by Lord Chidgey

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: The Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries in Istanbul in May is an important opportunity to remind the world of the commitments made at last September's Millennium Development Goals Summit and to press for there to be clear accountability for these commitments. It is also a global opportunity to talk about an agenda for the future and to agree how to make the most progress possible in reducing poverty in the years remaining to 2015 and beyond. UK representation at the conference has not yet been finalised, but we will be represented at a senior level.

Asked by Lord Chidgey

The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint): The UK continues to be a lead voice in pressing for other developed countries to remove their trade barriers as part of the Doha round of negotiations. We have also successfully pressed for their removal to be part of the G20 agenda. Ministers take every opportunity to press their counterparts on this issue. No EU countries have tariff barriers to trade with Least Developed Countries (LDCs) since the introduction of the Everything But Arms scheme in February 2001.

Asked by Lord Chidgey

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: Neither the World Bank nor the International Monetary Fund (IMF) specifically recognises the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) category used by the United Nations. The equivalent World Bank and IMF grouping are low and lower-middle income countries, of which all LDCs fall in one of these groups (except Equatorial Guinea which is classified as high income).

The UK is one of the highest contributors to International Development Association (IDA)-the part of the World Bank that supports the poorest countries in the world. During the recent IDA 16 negotiations the UK secured a number of concrete actions from the Bank to improve its delivery in the poorest countries, in particular around increasing support

26 Apr 2011 : Column WA76

to fragile and conflict-affected countries, increasing the say of poor countries in how IDA is managed and an improved results framework.

The IMF has an important role to play in supporting the world's poorest countries through its policy advice and financial assistance. The last financial year saw major improvements in IMF conditionality and reforms to the facilities for poor countries, which will enable the IMF to better tailor its facilities to meet the diversity among poor countries. Poverty reduction will continue to be a focus of all the IMF's facilities for poor countries. The UK will continue to work with the IMF to ensure it implements these reforms effectively.

Legal Aid

Question

Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark

The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): The Legal Services Commission (LSC) is responsible for administering the legal aid scheme in England and Wales. The LSC does not separately record the number of grandparents who receive legal aid in guardianship or contact cases. Applications for special guardianship or contact may be made by parents, grandparents or other family members and the LSC does not record the relationship of the individual to the child who is the subject of the proceedings.

Libya

Questions

Asked by Lord Chidgey

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): Restrictions on access to conflict zones in Libya mean that it is difficult to make a full assessment of the damage caused by Libyan Government attacks on towns and cities. But it is clear that the effect has been severe, particularly in those towns where the most intense fighting has taken place, such as Zawiya and Misrata. Reports from these towns indicate that the use of heavy weaponry by the Libyan regime forces has caused extensive damage to infrastructure and buildings, including private housing.

Lack of access by humanitarian agencies makes it difficult to give a comprehensive view of humanitarian needs. In eastern Libya people have access to food, water and electricity, although there remain pockets of specific needs. Disruption to regular supply chains also risks causing shortages of basic items. Medical supplies are reaching eastern Libya and hospitals are

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functioning but stretched, with some staff shortages due to numbers of foreign nurses leaving the country following the start of the fighting and also non-payment of salaries. The situation in western Libya is less clear as access is even more difficult. In the city of Misrata the situation is dire with the city surrounded by pro-Gaddafi forces. Some assistance is reaching Misrata but unfettered access must be allowed immediately.

Throughout Libya we have serious concerns for the protection of civilians and call on all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law. The Department for International Development has maintained teams of humanitarian specialists on the Libyan/Tunisian and Libyan/Egyptian borders since late February. The UK is providing £2 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), enabling it to provide medical teams to treat and provide medical supplies to 3,000 people affected by the ongoing fighting. The ICRC will also provide food and supplies to 100,000 of those most in need.

Asked by Lord Hylton

Baroness Northover: The Department for International Development (DfID) has been in regular contact with the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) since the beginning of the Libya crisis. There are now approximately 15,000 people on the Egyptian and Tunisian borders, the majority of whom are sub-Saharan Africans. We expect that most migrants will return home, leaving a limited number that will seek refugee status in Tunisia or Egypt or resettlement in a third country. Resettlement is the responsibility of UNHCR who have their own criteria for prioritising nationalities for resettlement.

Asked by Lord Hylton

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: The agency mandated to protect and support refugees is the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). We have regular discussions with UNHCR and the International Organisation for Migration, including about persons of concern at the border (such as Eritreans, Ethiopians and Somalis). The Department for International Development has humanitarian advisors at the border camps who are monitoring the situation closely.



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Asked by Baroness Tonge

Lord De Mauley: We are in touch with a range of agencies operating in Misurata. They assess the situation to be dire, with thousands of people stranded without proper shelter or sanitation, and in increasing danger. The UK is very concerned about the plight of civilians affected by hostilities, including an estimated 5,000 vulnerable migrant workers stranded at Misurata port and a further 10,000 inside Misurata without access to the port.

In response, the UK has provided, through UNICEF: medicine for 30,000 people for one month; high energy protein biscuits for 10,000 children and adults; water purification kits for 2,000 families so they have safe water to drink; hygiene kits for 2,000 families to help prevent the spread of germs; obstetric and midwifery kits for 200 births; and books and toys for 3,750 children. Further supplies will be delivered in the coming days. We have also supported other agencies operating in the city that cannot be named to protect the security of their staff.

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