We have been assured that the process was managed fairly and the recommendation by the panel to appoint the chair of Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust was based solely on merit.
Nuclear Weapons
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress has been made towards fulfilling the undertaking given in the context of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that existing nuclear powers would prioritise the reduction and elimination of their own stocks of nuclear weapons.[HL300]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The UK has made particularly strong progress in fulfilling our Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) disarmament obligations, for example announcing in 2010 that we would reduce our overall nuclear weapon stockpile to no more than 180 warheads. The reductions in United States of America and Russian stockpiles of nuclear weapons through the new START treaty (the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) represent important progress towards our shared long-term goal of a world without nuclear weapons. The UK looks forward to discussing further concrete measures towards nuclear disarmament with the other NPT-recognised nuclear-weapon states (the five permanent members of the United National Security Council—the P5) at the third P5 conference in Washington in June.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to promote the case for nuclear weapons-free zones in the world, particularly in the Middle East; and how they view the nuclear potential of Israel in this context.[HL301]
Lord Howell of Guildford: We attach great importance to nuclear weapons-free zones. They make a valuable contribution to reducing the number of nuclear weapons worldwide. The UK has signed and ratified protocols in respect of three nuclear weapons-free zones, granting treaty-based negative security assurances to almost 100 countries. There was also recent agreement between the P5 (the five permanent members of the United Security Council) and the Association of South East Asian Nations on the P5 protocol to the south-east Asia nuclear weapons-free zone.
The proposed Middle East weapons of mass destruction-free zone is more complex than existing nuclear weapons-free zones as it would cover nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their delivery systems. We have offered both practical and political support to assist the Finnish facilitator Jaakko Laajava’s team in its effort to convene a conference on this issue. We have provided funding for Mr Laajava’s outreach visits and arranged events on the Middle East weapons of mass destruction (WMD)-free zone at the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention Review Conference and the Chemical Weapons Convention Review Conference. Neither the conference nor a WMD-free zone can be imposed on the region. Success in this initiative will require the agreement of every state in the region and we hope they will all engage constructively with the facilitator, including Israel.
Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012: Transport
Questions
Asked by Lord Janner of Braunstone
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether extra measures have been put in place to ensure that people in London choosing to commute by bicycle during the Olympic Games are safe, in the light of the restrictions due to the Olympic Route Network and increased congestion.[HL498]
Earl Attlee: Comprehensive information has been published on the Get Ahead of the Games website www.getaheadofthegames.com to assist those planning to cycle during the Games. This includes a route planner, information about the temporary road network changes and predicted hotspots, and links to information about cycling safety, training, and the cycle hire scheme. In addition, secure cycle parking is being provided at all key Games venues.
Transport for London has worked closely with cycling groups in designing the temporary traffic management measures on the Olympic Route Network (ORN), which represents less than 1% of London’s total road network. All the measures have been subject to road safety audits, which consider the safety of all road users in accordance with established national practice. Cyclists will continue to be able to use the roads forming the ORN and, in the limited number of locations where Games Lanes are in the inside lane, they will normally be able to use those Lanes when in operation alongside Games Family vehicles. In addition
there are specific places where cyclists will be exempted from access and turning restrictions for general traffic where it is safe to do so.
Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimate they have made of the number of people with mobility disabilities who will use the rail network during the 2012 Paralympic Games; and what advice they have given to train operating companies on assisting those passengers in accessing platforms and train compartments.[HL558]
Earl Attlee: The London 2012 Games are planned as being the most accessible ever held with a large number of improvements made to transport networks to increase the level of accessibility for passengers who have reduced mobility.
the Paralympic travel pattern varies each day based upon the event schedules and locations, day 3 is the Paralympics’ busiest day, when 321,310 spectator seats will be available at London venues;of these 28,918 spectators (9%) of spectators attending the Games may have a mobility difficulty (but do not necessarily require assistance on the transport networks); andthe ODA estimates that approximately 20% (5,784) of spectators with a mobility difficulty will travel by rail. A quarter of these passengers will probably not book assistance in advance.
The Department for Transport strongly advises passengers requiring assistance to board or alight from trains to pre-book this with the relevant train operating company ahead of their journey to ensure that this assistance can be provided.
A new booking tool has been created for disabled passengers on the rail network called passenger assist, which enables passengers with accessibility needs to define their requirements and arrange the appropriate level of assistance.
Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what advice they have given to Transport for London regarding the smooth running of London’s underground and bus network during the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.[HL560]
Earl Attlee: The operation of London’s underground and bus networks are a matter for Transport for London, both under normal circumstances and during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Overseas Aid
Questions
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much British aid has been allocated to Pakistan in each of the past five years, and which countries received more British aid than Pakistan in this period. [HL512]
Baroness Northover: Information on the amount of UK bilateral aid provided to Pakistan over each of the past five years can be found in table 14.3 at: http://www.dfid.gov.uk/About-us/How-we-measure-progress/Aid-Statistics/Statistics-on-International-Development-2011/SID-2011-Tables-Index/.
Over the period of 2006 to 2011 Nigeria, India, Ethiopia, Afghanistan and Bangladesh received more UK bilateral aid than Pakistan.
In the 2011 Bilateral Aid Review need-effectiveness index, Pakistan scored in the top 5% of countries where aid has the potential to be used most effectively.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much has been spent on British overseas aid in Sudan over each of the past 10 years.[HL589]
Baroness Northover: Details of the Department of International Development (DfID) aid expenditure in developing countries, including Sudan, are published in Statistics on International Development (SID) which is available in the House Library or online at www.dfid.gov.uk.
The data below outline the DfID spend on bilateral development and humanitarian programmes in Sudan from 2001-11. South Sudan seceded from Sudan in July 2011 and the data below cover spend pre-secession. DfID’s spend in Sudan and South Sudan for financial year 2011-12 will be published in DfID’s annual report later in the year.
| Financial Year | Total DfID Bilateral Programme in Sudan (£000) |
Overseas Conflict: UK Involvement
Question
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Wallace of Saltaire on 23 April (WA 361), whether the House of Lords, as well as the House of Commons, would have an opportunity to discuss any United Kingdom involvement in any military conflict overseas. [HL519]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire: A convention has developed in the House of Commons that before troops are committed the House of Commons should have an opportunity to debate the matter. No such convention exists regarding the House of Lords. However, in the
cases of both the Iraq War in 2003 and the military action in Libya in 2011 the House of Lords did hold a debate.
Pakistan
Questions
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what information they have received about the killing in Pakistan on the night of 22 May of Shugufta Baber, a teacher at the Convent High School in Okara, her two sons and her sister Samina Bibi.[HL510]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is aware of this tragic case. Our High Commission in Islamabad is discussing the case with the Pakistani authorities. However, we currently have no information beyond what has been reported in the Pakistani media.
It is vital that Pakistan guarantees the rights of all its citizens, regardless of their faith, gender or ethnicity and we engage with the Pakistani authorities regularly on these issues. UK lobbying contributed to the Government of Pakistan’s welcome decision to ratify the International Civilian Covenant on Political Rights (ICCPR) last year.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have held with the Government of Pakistan about violence directed at the Christian minority in Pakistan.[HL511]
Lord Howell of Guildford: Alongside our European Union (EU) partners, we raise the issues of religious tolerance on a regular basis at a senior level with the authorities in Pakistan. The Government’s concerns about violence against religious minorities in Pakistan were expressed in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s recent annual human rights report. The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my honourable friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Mr Burt) raised the issue of religious persecution with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan during her visit to London in February.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what proportion of British aid to Pakistan is directed towards minorities; what proportion is used to combat sectarian violence against the country’s minorities; and upon what considerations does the provision of British aid depend.[HL513]
Baroness Northover: Our development assistance targets the poor, regardless of race, religion, creed, or nationality. Since the poorest are often minority or marginalised groups, they benefit from many of our programmes. UK aid also helps support minorities by increasing the engagement of citizens, especially the socially excluded, in the democratic process.
The UK’s Development Partnership Agreement with Pakistan sets out four areas where we must jointly demonstrate commitment: poverty (progress on the Millennium Development Goals), public financial management, human rights and aid effectiveness. At the annual UK/Pakistan aid talks, progress in each of these areas is reviewed.
Pakistan: Women
Questions
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what information they have received concerning abuses of the rights of women from religious minorities in Pakistan. [HL206]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) closely monitors human rights reporting from a variety of sources, including diplomatic, non-governmental organisations and media reporting. This information is summarised in the FCO’s 2011 annual human rights report.
In the most recent quarterly update to the human rights report, published in March, the FCO expressed concerns over media reports of human rights abuses against women, including acid attacks and honour killings, children and minorities, including forced conversions.
I recently met visiting campaigners for minorities and women’s rights in Pakistan to hear first-hand of the situation they face and to express our support for their cause.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to help protect the rights of women from religious minorities in Pakistan.[HL207]
Lord Howell of Guildford: Alongside our European Union (EU) partners, we raise issues of religious tolerance on a regular basis at a senior level with the authorities in Pakistan. The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my honourable friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Mr Burt) raised the issue of religious persecution with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan during her visit to London in February. I recently met visiting campaigners for minorities and women’s rights in Pakistan and expressed our support for their cause.
It is vital that Pakistan guarantees the rights of all its citizens regardless of their faith, gender or ethnicity. UK lobbying contributed to the Government of Pakistan’s decision to ratify the International Civilian Covenant on Political Rights last year.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have made an assessment of the extent of discrimination and violence directed against Christian women in Pakistan on account of their gender and their religion; when they last raised this issue with
the Government of Pakistan; and what relationship this issue has to the provision of British aid to Pakistan.[HL514]
Baroness Northover: The UK Government closely monitor the human rights situation in Pakistan. This year’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) human rights report identified rights to freedom of expression and religion and legislation for women’s rights as key areas of concern. We raise the issue of religious tolerance on a regular basis at a senior level with authorities in Pakistan. The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr Burt) raised the issue of religious persecution with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan during her visit to London in February.
Pakistan’s commitment to agreed human rights obligations is one of the principles of the 10-year Development Partnership Arrangement (DPA) between the UK and Pakistan. We discuss progress on the DPA every year with the Government of Pakistan. The UK Government will continue to engage the Government of Pakistan on upholding the rights of all its citizens, regardless of their faith, ethnicity or belief.
Palestine
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the Palestinian Authority about returning to the negotiating table without preconditions, in the light of the Government of Israel’s offer to resume immediate negotiations. [HL375]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): A solution is needed urgently to give the Palestinian people the state that they need and deserve and the Israeli people the security and peace that have eluded them for so long.
We and our European Union (EU) partners have welcomed the recent efforts by the Palestinian and Israeli leadership to renew direct contacts. We have urged both sides to focus on dialogue, to avoid steps that could undermine the prospects for peace and to work towards the resumption of direct negotiations without pre-conditions. The full text of the EU Foreign Affairs Council conclusions issued in May 2012 can be found at: www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/130195.pdf
The UK has reinforced these public representations through our bilateral contacts with both parties during the past month.
Pensions
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Wallace of Saltaire on 23 April (WA 362–3), whether they will cap the Exchequer contribution to the Parliamentary
Contributory Pension Fund at its current 28.7% of pay; and whether there is any pension fund in the public sector that receives a higher level of employer contribution.[HL460]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): Responsibility for determining and administering the pension scheme for MPs was transferred to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) after Parliament resolved that it supported the approach to public service pension reform. IPSA are reviewing the future scheme design of MPs’ pensions and will make an announcement by the end of 2013.
While there are public service pension schemes with similar employer contribution levels, these need to be seen in the context of the full terms and other circumstances of the particular schemes.
The Interim Report of the Hutton Review http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/hutton_pensionsinterim_ 071010.pdf sets out an overview of the main schemes on pages 136 and 137.
Philippines
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have made, or intend to make, representations to the Government of the Philippines concerning the detention without trial of Ericson Acosta.[HL280]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We are aware of the case but have not made any representations at this time. Our Embassy in Manila regularly raises human rights concerns and continues to work with the Philippines Department of Justice and Commission of Human Rights to embed basic human rights protection and strengthen the justice system in all relevant institutions. We will continue to monitor this case.
Police
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what monitoring or supervision is conducted by the Home Office of the membership of police authorities, and in particular of the length of service of individual members. [HL250]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Henley): There is no such supervision. Police authority appointments are a matter for the relevant police authority.
Asked by Lord Morris of Manchester
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have received from members of the Police Federation on vouchsafing the future of the police service; what replies they have sent; and what action they have taken.[HL382]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Henley): The Government receive a number of representations from members of the Police Federation covering a wide range of issues.
On 10 May my right honourable friend, the Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice wrote an open letter to all police officers setting out the Government’s agenda for police reform. This is available on the Home Office website and I will place a copy in the Library of the House.
Police: Remuneration
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when and how they will respond to the recommendations in part two of the report of the Independent Review of Police Officers’ and Staff Remuneration and Conditions.[HL132]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Henley): I refer the noble Lord to the Written Ministerial Statement issued by my right honourable friend the Home Secretary on 27 March 2012, Official Report, col. 126WS, where she responded to part two of the Independent Review of Police Officers’ and Staff Remuneration and Conditions on 27 March, stating her intention to refer the report’s recommendations to the relevant bodies, including the Police Negotiating Board and the Police Advisory Board of England and Wales. The Home Secretary will carefully consider the recommendations from these bodies before making any decisions.
The recommendations on police pensions will be taken forward as part of long-term reform that is being discussed in the Police Negotiating Board. The Home Secretary will consult partners on recommendations for direct entry to the service at superintendent and chief constable level. The Home Secretary will also consult on recommendations on proposed changes to the police negotiating machinery.
Police: South Wales
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the appropriate Secretary of State approved the secondment of Deputy Chief Constable Colette Paul of South Wales Constabulary to the National Crime Agency; and, if so, when.[HL335]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Henley): Deputy Chief Constable Colette Paul is on a three-month attachment from South Wales Police to the office of the Organised Crime Partnership Board (OCPB) Co-ordinator. This post is not subject to the Home Secretary’s approval, nor that of any other Minister. The role of the OCPB Co-ordinator is to ensure a consistent approach to organised crime across England
and Wales, ensuring that there is effective join-up between the National Crime Agency and the rest of law enforcement.
Political Groups: Islamist Organisations
Question
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have designated Boko Haram as a terrorist organisation.[HL383]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Henley): Boko Haram is not currently a proscribed terrorist organisation. It is government policy not to comment on whether a group is, or is not, under consideration for proscription.
Poverty
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many families in the United Kingdom were deemed to be below the poverty line in (1) 2012 to date, and (2) 2011.[HL359]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): Information for 2011 and 2012 to date is not available. The latest poverty statistics cover the period 2009-10 and the next report, containing 2010-11 data will be released on the 14 June 2012.
The 2009-10 statistics are published and available on the department’s website: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/ asd/hbai/hbai20l 0/index.php?page=contents
Railways: Reform
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to paragraph 4.47 of Reforming Our Railways: Putting the Customer First, which parts of the network are being considered for differentiated maintenance and renewals and what level of savings the Government expect to achieve.[HL525]
Earl Attlee: In the first instance, this is an operational matter for the rail industry.
Network Rail is considering ways in which usage of the network can be managed to bring about net cost savings. For example, freight operators are working with Network Rail to review which parts of the network they no longer need to access, and to establish the extent to which maintenance and renewals can be differentiated as a result of this.
The Government understand that work is ongoing, and that Network Rail will publish an update in due course.
Reptiles
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, according to TRACES, how many reptiles were imported into the United Kingdom from (1) within, and (2) outside, the European Union in each year from 2001 to 2011.[HL443]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Taylor of Holbeach): The Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES) is the responsibility of the European Commission. The information requested cannot be obtained at this
time due to technical difficulties with the TRACES system. I will write to the noble Baroness with the information when it is available.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many reptiles were seized, by (1) number of seizures, and (2) number of individual animals, by HM Customs under CITES in each year from 2001 to 2011. [HL444]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Henley): Data specifically for reptiles are not available. The data in the following table show the number of seizures and the number of animals and birds seized. The data from 1 April 2008 show seizures by UK Border Force. Prior to 2008, the data show seizures by HM Revenue and Customs. Data from 2001 to 2003 are not available.
| Live animals and birds | ||||||||
| 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | |
Republic of Ireland: Financial Support
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Sassoon on 1 February (WA 338), whether the Republic of Ireland had paid interest on the bilateral loan of £3.2 billion by the end of the reporting period of 31 March 2012. [HL282]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): As I set out in my Answer to the noble Lord on 1 February, the first interest payment on the bilateral loan to Ireland was received on 15 December 2011. Thereafter, interest on each disbursed tranche of the loan is payable every six months until the maturity date of each tranche.
Schools: Faith Schools
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hill of Oareford on 22 May (WA 50), whether any proposals for voluntary aided schools of a specific religious denomination require the approval of a local authority before they can be implemented; and how public funding to support such proposals is safeguarded.[HL471]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Hill of Oareford): Under current legislation the same statutory process must be followed where a new voluntary aided school is proposed, regardless of the specific religious character (or otherwise) of the school. The decision as to whether or not to approve the proposals is taken by the local authority. The proposers and the bishop of the local diocese have a right of appeal to the independent schools adjudicator if the proposals are rejected.
Local authorities have discretion to assist the proposers in establishing a new voluntary aided school in respect of any premises or land for use by the school. Paragraph 31(1) of Schedule 2 to the Education and Inspections Act 2006 requires the local authority to transfer its interest in those premises to the relevant trust for the new school. Where interest is freehold, Schedule 22 to the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 and Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Academies Act 2010 prevent the subsequent disposal of the site without the consent of the Secretary of State.
Static Caravans
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they propose to apply VAT on static holiday caravans; whether they have made any assessment of the impact of such a measure on caravan owners in Northern Ireland and of the likely relocation of caravans to the Republic of Ireland; whether there will be a public consultation about any such proposal; and, if so, which media outlets along the coastlines of the Counties of Down, Antrim and Londonderry are to be used to bring it to the attention of owners of static holiday caravans.[HL177]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): Table 5, pages 41-42 of Annexe B, Tables of Impact for Individual Measures in HM Revenue and Customs consultation document “VAT: Addressing
Borderline Anomalies”
, reproduced below, sets out impacts of the VAT change to holiday caravans as proposed at Budget 2012. The document is available online at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2012/vat-con-4801.pdf.
Following this consultation, the Government have decided to introduce VAT on static holiday caravans at the reduced rate of 5%.
No assessment has been made of the impact on caravan owners in Northern Ireland.
Sudan
Questions
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the Government of Sudan regarding the destruction of the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church and Bible School on 21 April and the occupation by Sudanese security forces of the premises of the Sudan Council of Churches and Sudan Aid in Nyala, Darfur on 23 April.[HL111]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We were very concerned by the attack on church premises in Khartoum on 21 April and welcome the announcement from the Ministry of Religious Guidance and Endowments of an investigation into the incident. Our embassy in Khartoum raised the incident with representatives of the Government of Sudan on 3 May 2012 expressing our concern and urging the Government to ensure their inquiry is thorough, independent and timely. We will continue to follow the progress of this investigation.
It is disappointing that the Sudan Council of Churches and Sudan Aid were told to suspend their activities in Nyala on 22 April. We regularly raise with the Sudanese authorities our concerns about restrictions placed on the provision of humanitarian and development assistance in Darfur.
We continue to remind the Government of Sudan of their obligation to protect all of their civilians, including those in religious groups. Our embassy in
Khartoum holds regular meetings with representatives of faith-based groups and has supported civil society groups promoting human rights in Sudan.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assistance they have provided to non-governmental organisations in assisting the process of improving parliamentary representation and democratic Government in Sudan, including through the sharing of skills and experience available in Westminster.[HL480]
Lord Howell of Guildford: In 2011-12, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office provided a range of assistance to support the development of good governance in Sudan. This included funding the activities of the Sudanese Initiative for Constitution-Making, a coalition of non-governmental organisations advocating for a transparent and inclusive constitutional review process that held workshops with civil society, the media, Khartoum State legislators and the Sudan Council of States, the upper house of Sudan’s Parliament. We also funded a large programme of training in journalistic standards for the media delivered by the Thomson Foundation so that journalists are able to hold the Government to account. In February last year the embassy hosted a visit by the all-party groups, which included professional exchanges between Sudanese and UK parliamentarians. We will continue to prioritise assistance for human rights and governance work in the 2012-13 period.
Suicide
Question
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many young people in the United Kingdom committed suicide in (1) 2010, and (2) 2011; and what proposals they have to provide support to vulnerable young people who are identified as being most at risk. [HL339]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): In 2010, there were 117 recorded deaths from suicide and verdicts of injuries of undetermined intent for those aged between 10-19 years and 587 recorded among those aged 20-29 years.
The figures for 2011 will be published later in the year. However, for the first three quarters of 2011, there were 108 recorded deaths from suicide and verdicts of injuries of undetermined intent for those aged between 10-19 years and 467 recorded among those aged 20-29 years.
The Government’s draft suicide prevention strategy aims to reduce the suicide rate in the general population. Proposed areas for action include:
Reducing the risk of suicide in high-risk groups including offenders and people with mental health problems;tailored approaches to improve mental health in specific groups;reducing access to the means of suicide;providing better support and information to those bereaved or affected by suicide;
supporting the media in delivering sensible and sensitive approaches to suicide and suicidal behaviour; andsupporting research, data collection and monitoring.
The suicide prevention strategy will support delivery of the NHS Outcomes Framework indicator on reducing premature deaths in people with serious mental illness.
We have recently completed a national consultation on the suicide prevention strategy. We are now considering the responses received, and intend to publish the final strategy shortly.
Sunday Trading
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have plans to suspend the Sunday trading law for Sunday 23 December 2012.[HL464]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): The Government have no future plans to look at further suspensions of the current Sunday trading restrictions.
Taxation
Questions
Asked by Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will invite Adrian Beecroft to write a report for HM Treasury and HM Revenue and Customs on taxation of private equity investment vehicles, carried interests of private equity executives and the impact on United Kingdom corporation tax receipts of private equity takeovers of British companies whose headquarters have subsequently moved abroad for tax purposes.[HL441]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The Government currently have no plans to commission a report on the taxation of the private equity sector or on the impact on United Kingdom corporation tax receipts of private equity takeovers of British companies whose headquarters have subsequently moved abroad for tax purposes.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government which taxable state benefits have tax deducted at source by means of the application of a tax code from HM Revenue and Customs; and why the payment of state old-age pensions is not treated in that manner.[HL459]
Lord Sassoon: The Department for Work and Pensions operates a modified form of pay as you earn in respect of the following taxable state benefits: jobseeker’s allowance, employment and support allowance, and incapacity benefit.
There are currently no plans to apply the same treatment to the state old-age pension.
Taxation: Charitable Donations
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much tax relief was claimed by public schools on charitable donations received in each of the last five financial years.[HL465]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much tax revenue was lost in each of the past five financial years as a result of individuals or organisations offsetting their charitable donations against tax. [HL467]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) does not keep records of gift aid claims by reference to the types of organisations that make the claims.
Amounts donated by individuals and companies and tax repayments to charities are published in Table 10.3 on the HMRC website at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/charities/table10-3.pdf.
Statistics on donations show cases only when it is possible to make an accurate assessment of the amount from repayments of tax. This excludes capital gains tax and, since system changes at Budget 2000, corporate donations.
Taxation: Inheritance Tax
Question
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Sassoon on 30 April (WA 430) concerning inheritance tax, whether they will consider replacing the flat rate of 40% with stepped rates between 20% and 45%.[HL520]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): As set out in the coalition agreement, the Government have decided that making changes to the personal allowances for income tax should take priority over other tax cuts, including inheritance tax. Any changes to the inheritance tax regime will then have to be considered with due regard to the Government’s priorities of reducing the fiscal deficit and ensuring economic recovery. Decisions would be made through the usual Budget process.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer keeps all aspects of the tax system, including inheritance tax, under review.
Ticks
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 23 May (WA 82–3), how many United Kingdom travellers to the rest of the European Union and neighbouring countries have been vaccinated against tick-borne
encephalitis (TBE) in each year from 2002, and how many enquiries about TBE and TBE vaccination the National Travel Health Network and Centre received in each year from 2002.[HL484]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): Information on the numbers of travellers from the United Kingdom who have been vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is not held centrally.
The available information on the number on telephone enquiries received by the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) Advice Line about TBE vaccination is set out in the table.
| Tick-borne Encephalitis vaccination telephone enquiries received by NaTHNaC | ||||||
| 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 (as of 30 June 2010) |
Turkey
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the road map for peace in Turkey, proposed by Mr Abdullah Ocalan in 2009; and whether they will make representations to the Government of Turkey about continuing negotiations on its contents.[HL590]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We welcome the process of constitutional reform, following the last Turkish parliamentary elections, which offers an important opportunity to make progress on a range of issues including those relating to the Kurdish community.
We have not made an assessment of the proposed road map for peace proposed by Abdullah Ocalan. We will not be making any representations to the Government of Turkey about this document. We condemn unreservedly the spate of recent terrorist attacks conducted by the PKK (Partiya Karkeren Kurdistan—The Kurdistan Workers Party).
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will ask the Government of Turkey to respond to the proposals for constitutional change submitted by the Peace and Democracy Party, in particular the proposal for protection of identities, mother tongue languages, and for changes to criminal and anti-terror laws.[HL592]
Lord Howell of Guildford: The Government welcome the participation of the Peace and Democracy Party in the process of constitutional reform, launched following the last Turkish parliamentary elections.
We encourage all parties to engage constructively in the process and debate all the relevant issues.
UK Residency
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the requirements that a foreign investor must meet in order to obtain residency in the United Kingdom. [HL616]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Henley): A person who wishes to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) as an investor will need to meet the requirements in the Immigration Rules.
Depending on the level of investment in the UK, he or she must complete a continuous residence period of two, three or five years with no more than 180 days absence in any 12 calendar months. The person must show that they have maintained investments throughout the specified investment period. In addition, he or she must not have any unspent convictions within the meaning of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, must not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal, must not be an illegal entrant, and must have a minimum of 75 points under the points-based system. The requirements to have sufficient knowledge of the English language and sufficient knowledge about life in the United Kingdom must also be met.
Further information can be found on the UK Border Agency website:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/tier1/oldinvestors/settlement/for those who entered in the previous investor route.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/tier1/investor/settlement/for those who are here as investors under tier 1 of the points-based system.
Water Management
Question
Asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Taylor of Holbeach on 22 May (WA 52–3), whether they will publish the water companies’ water resources management plans to increase capacity for the storage of water.[HL426]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Taylor of Holbeach): All water companies must prepare and maintain water resource management plans. The statutory plans are subject to public consultation and published on the water company’s website. Water companies will consult on new plans during 2013 for the period 2015-2040.
Water Supply: Pipe Leakage
Question
Asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Taylor of Holbeach on 24 May (WA 92), in relation to (1) Thames Water, and (2) all other water companies in England and Wales, how many times in the last three years Ofwat has exercised its powers (a) to obtain a formal undertaking from a company; (b) to use wider enforcement powers in the case of failure to deliver against a formal undertaking; (c) to obtain informal undertakings from a company to invest in further leakage control; and (d) to require regular progress reports to demonstrate performance is returning to target.[HL489]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Taylor of Holbeach): The table below sets out when Ofwat has used its formal powers regarding water companies when they have failed their leakage targets in the last three years.
| 2008-09 | Action taken |
| 2009-10 | Action taken |
|
Informal undertaking and interim reports required from company. | |
|
Action taken under Section 203 of the Water Industry Act, leading to a voluntary undertaking from Yorkshire Water. |