Previous Section Back to Table of Contents Lords Hansard Home Page

The latest assessment from the United Nations (UN) Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs is that over 400,000 civilians have been severely affected by the ongoing conflicts in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile. We are greatly concerned by this and continue to work closely with our international partners to push for an immediate cessation of hostilities, establishment of an agreed process to address the root causes of violence, and humanitarian access in these two states. The latest UN estimate is that 110,000 people have been displaced from Abyei. We continue to call for the Sudanese armed forces and the Sudan People's Liberation Army to fully withdraw from Abyei following the deployment of the UN Interim Security Force in Abyei and the agreement of the Abyei protocol to allow these people to return home.

Asked by The Earl of Sandwich

Lord Howell of Guildford: The closure of crossing points along the border between Sudan and South Sudan has had a significant impact on supply chains for food and other goods to South Sudan, particularly impacting the northern regions which border Sudan. This is an important contributory factor in the high inflation rate in South Sudan, currently 79 per cent. Closures also have a significant impact on the livelihoods of those in both Sudan and South Sudan who depend on cross-border trade. In the longer term, the closures and resultant restriction of trade and movements of goods will have a damaging effect on both economies. We continue to support the African Union high level panel's efforts to facilitate negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan on the management, monitoring and demarcation of their shared border.

Syria

Questions

Asked by Lord Janner of Braunstone

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The United Nations estimates that the number of those killed in Syria is many more than 4,000 people, including 307 children. It has reported human rights violations which are widespread and systematic, including murder, summary executions, rape, tens of thousands of detentions, many of whom are tortured, and repression. Despite

19 Dec 2011 : Column WA333

this protestors continue to take to the streets to pursue greater freedom, dignity and a more open political system.

The Government have made clear their deep concerns about the brutal repression by the Syrian regime. The international community united in its condemnation of the human rights abuses in Syria when they voted in favour of the United Nations resolution in the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee on the human rights situation in Syria on 22 November.

The UK has led efforts to secure three Special Sessions of the UN Human Rights Council, which established independent, international investigations into the human rights situation in Syria. On 28 November, the commission of inquiry investigating human rights published its interim report on abuses in Syria, which highlighted the widespread human rights violations carried out by the Assad regime against the civilian population.

We support the commission of the inquiry's recommendations and will continue to work with our international partners to increase pressure on the Assad regime to bring an end to the violence and bloodshed.

Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon

Lord Howell of Guildford: In our contacts with members of the Syrian Government we make clear that the Syrian security forces should stop the violent repression and withdraw from towns which they have besieged. We believe reducing the cycle of violence is vital.

Asked by Lord Hylton

Lord Howell of Guildford: The UK has been at the forefront of international action in the European Union, and the United Nations, to increase the pressure on President Assad and his regime to bring an end to the brutal violence which has been going on since March 2011. We commend the Arab League's efforts including its decision to impose sanctions on the Syrian regime. We will continue to work with countries in the region and our international partners, to achieve a peaceful and democratic transition.

We have heightened our engagement with a wide range of Syrian opposition groups and oppositionists. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) appointed an ambassador-level official to contribute to this. We have emphasised to all those involved in the opposition movement the importance

19 Dec 2011 : Column WA334

of an inclusive process that meets the legitimate demands of all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity or religious background. The Foreign Secretary saw members of the Syrian Opposition on 21 November where he stressed the importance of respecting the rights of minorities, so that Syria's citizens are protected and have a stake in the future of the country.

Taiwan

Question

Asked by Lord Laird

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The UK's longstanding position on Taiwan has not changed.

The UK acknowledges the position of the Chinese Government that Taiwan is a province of the People's Republic of China, and recognises the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China.

Transport: Certificates of Professional Competence

Question

Asked by Lord Willoughby de Broke

Earl Attlee: The current one-off cost of taking the International Certificate of Professional Competence examination for road haulage and road passenger transport operations is £125.80.

Historically, the examinations were run by only one examining body. However, the department has changed its policy, to allow other properly qualified bodies to also hold their own examination. Hopefully, increasing competition in this way will put further downward pressure on costs.

Transport: Vehicles over 3.5 Tonnes

Question

Asked by Lord Willoughby de Broke



19 Dec 2011 : Column WA335

Earl Attlee: The Department for Transport does not apply operator licensing to all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.

The Goods Vehicle (Licensing of Operators) Regulations 1995 lists 29 types of goods vehicle or operation (both hire and reward and own account) that are exempt from the requirements of operator licensing.

However, the law allowing an exemption to a class of goods hire or reward operation is at Article 1(5) of the regulation. This requires the exemption to be for national operations only and have only a minor impact on the transport market because of:

The nature of the goods carried; orThe short distances involved.

Blanket exemptions to particular classes of vehicle are not permitted unless there is sufficient evidence that it fully satisfies all these requirements.

United States: Air Force

Question

Asked by Lord Laird

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): All military aircraft are restricted from over flying towns with a population of more than 10,000 people when operating in the UK military low-flying system, defined as airspace up to 2,000 feet above ground level. Above 2,000 feet there are no restrictions. If United States Air Force (USAF) aircraft based in the UK wish to over fly towns with a population greater than 10,000 people at heights of less than 2,000 feet, approval must be sought from the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Any USAF aircraft not based in the UK must have approval from the MOD before operating anywhere within the UK military low flying system.

Visas

Question

Asked by Lord Laird

The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Henley): The details of the current privately funded Tier 4 B rated sponsors as at 7 December are included in the following table. The number of B rated sponsors changes on a daily basis as action is taken on licences which could include re-rating from a B to an A rating, suspension or revocation.

Sponsors can continue to issue confirmations of acceptance for studies (CAS) until they reach their individual CAS limit or until they cease holding a

19 Dec 2011 : Column WA336

Tier 4 sponsor licence. The UK Border Agency will review each college's CAS limit on their allocation expiry date, as stated in the following table.

Licensed and Fully Active Tier 4 B-rated Privately Funded Sponsors @ 7 December 2011



19 Dec 2011 : Column WA337



19 Dec 2011 : Column WA338

Sponsor NameCurrent CAS Allocation Expiry Date @ 7 Dec 2011CAS Assigned 1 Dec 2010 - 30 Nov 2011

14 Stars (London) Ltd t/a EUROPEAN COLLEGE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

22/09/2012

0

4N ACADEMY LIMITED

15/03/2012

12

ALEXANDER COLLEGE

05/10/2012

187

Alexander Cromwell College Ltd

01/08/2012

0

ALPHA COLLEGE

22/09/2012

174

Ashley School of Management

No Current Allocation

44

Beckett College London

13/09/2012

78

Boardhouse College

20/06/2012

0

Bradford Metropolitan College

28/09/2012

121

Brit College

21/11/2012

391

Britannic International College

18/03/2012

524

British School of Business and Management

08/03/2012

45

Business Management Training School Ltd

21/07/2012

0

Central Cranbrook College

27/07/2012

0

Charminster UK School of English Limited

21/03/2012

30

City Business Academy

22/06/2012

65

College Of Central England

14/01/2012

32

Crown College London

15/08/2012

0

Edwards College Ltd

05/05/2012

0

Elizabethan College Ltd

21/07/2012

0

European College London LTD

27/01/2012

13

FOCUS INSIGHT UK LIMITED T/A NOVA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

25/11/2012

200

Fortis College London

13/05/2012

0

Gatehouse Educational Trust Ltd

No Current Allocation

0

Glasgow City College

27/05/2012

0

Grey's College Ltd

06/09/2012

0

HARROW INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE LIMITED

11/01/2012

133

Higher Education College Scotland

04/03/2012

86

HOLBROOK COLLEGE OF LONDON

21/04/2012

268

I Business College Limited

11/05/2012

0

Inspire College

22/07/2012

0

International College of Professional Studies Limited

21/04/2012

326

IOMMS

19/07/2012

0

Kaplan Professional Higher Education Ltd

No Current Allocation

0

Learning & Skills Academy Limited

12/10/2012

290

Lichfield Cathedral School

16/06/2012

0

LIGHTHOUSE COLLEGE NORTHAMPTON

No Current Allocation

32

Lincolns College London

28/03/2012

531

Lincolns College Manchester

01/12/2012

394

Liverpool City College

No Current Allocation

11

LONDON BUSINESS & SPORTS COLLEGE

No Current Allocation

84

London College of Accountancy and Management(London CAM)

13/12/2011

211

LONDON COLLEGE OF ACCOUNTANCY, BUSINESS& COMPUTING

05/01/2012

74

London College of Business and Computer Studies

14/11/2012

189

London College of Executives

01/02/2012

32

LONDON COLLEGE OF IT & MANAGEMENT STUDIES

09/03/2012

24

London College of Management & Computer Sciences

01/02/2012

100

London East End College Limited

19/03/2012

103

LONDON GUILDHALL COLLEGE LTD

14/07/2012

160

London Metropolitan College

30/03/2012

0

LONDON RELIANCE COLLEGE

27/05/2012

0

London School of Accountancy & Management

23/09/2012

619

London Tottenham College

13/06/2012

49

Lydbury English Centre Ltd

No Current Allocation

0

Manchester College of Accountancy & Management

11/05/2012

647

Pascals College

17/02/2012

0

PRINCETON COLLEGE

18/11/2012

265

Regal Gate Schools

25/02/2012

0

Renaissance College of Higher Education

No Current Allocation

50

San Michael College

16/11/2012

82

St Nicholas Preparatory School

No Current Allocation

0

St Stephens College (UK) Ltd

02/11/2012

137

St. John's School and College

27/10/2012

0

Sterling College London

11/10/2012

0

TCL College London Limited

09/03/2012

80

The City Of Manchester College

14/11/2012

236

The Lim Ltd, t/as The London Institute of Management

15/08/2012

0

The Lord College

14/06/2012

221

The Lyceum School

No Current Allocation

0

The Management School London

No Current Allocation

0

The Meridian College of London

09/12/2011

88

Trinity College Ltd.

14/09/2012

0

United World School Of English

12/03/2012

52

Universal Legends College

16/02/2012

159

University Tutorial College

06/07/2012

120

Walthamstow Business College

16/02/2012

49

West George College

05/08/2012

238



19 Dec 2011 : Column WA339

Weapons: Unexploded Ordnance

Question

Asked by Lord West of Spithead

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): Her Majesty's Government have responsibility for unexploded ordnance up to 12 nautical miles offshore, and in 500-metre radius security zones around manned offshore energy installations in the UK's exclusive economic zone. Disposal within these areas is normally carried out by defence explosive ordnance disposal teams from the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Disposal outside these areas is normally carried out by commercial enterprises; however MOD subject matter experts are available for consultation.

West Lothian Question

Question

Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon



19 Dec 2011 : Column WA340

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: As I stated on 25 November, the follow-up announcement with further details on the Commission will be made shortly.

Young People: Creative Industries

Questions

Asked by The Earl of Clancarty

Baroness Rawlings: The basis for the UK Government definition of creative industries was the 1998 creative industries mapping document. This defined the creative industries as those industries which have their origin in individual creativity, skill and talent and which have a potential for wealth and job creation through the generation and exploitation of intellectual property. The "Arts" by this definition are a subsector of the creative industries. These terms are not intended to be restrictive, but aid the practicalities of measuring industry activity. The December 2011 Creative Industries Economic Estimates have now been published by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport: http://www.culture.gov. uk/publications/8682.aspx.


Back to Table of Contents Lords Hansard Home Page