Written Answers
Wednesday 18 July 2012
Due to an error in the submission process, the following Question printed on 13 July should have been asked by Lord Harries of Pentregarth and not the Lord Bishop of Chester.
Indonesia
Question
Asked by Lord Harries of Pentregarth:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the escalating violence in West Papua, including the killing of a leader of the independence movement Mako Tabuni, whether they will press for the United Nations to send observers to West Papua, and make representations to the Government of Indonesia to allow access to West Papua for journalists and humanitarian organisations.[HL1402]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The UK takes seriously all reports of human rights violations in the provinces of Papua and West Papua. We are concerned about the recent increase in violence in the province of Papua and we are aware of the death of Mako Tabuni on 14 June. Our embassy in Jakarta has raised concerns about the security situation with the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is monitoring the situation closely. The embassy regularly encourages more open access to Papua for journalists and humanitarian organisations. We have also taken the opportunity to encourage discussion of Papua at a senior level where possible including when the Prime Minister met the Indonesian President in April 2012. In June a British parliamentary delegation from the Inter-Parliamentary Union raised their concerns over the human rights situation in Papua with the Foreign Minister, Defence Minister and Indonesian parliamentarians. Our embassy has requested permission from the Indonesian Authorities to travel to Papua twice over the past month.
The UK does not currently intend to press for the United Nations to send observers to West Papua. In May Indonesia had its second Universal Periodic Review, where United Nations member states had the opportunity to comment on the human rights progress in Indonesia. In our statement we raised the situation in Papua, as did a number of other countries. The UK’s priority is to encourage full implementation of special autonomy for the provinces of Papua and West Papua and press for increased focus on economic and social development to address the widespread poverty in the region. We supported the creation in September 2011 of a new presidential unit, UP4B (Special Unit for Acceleration of Development in Papua and West Papua), which aims to accelerate development in these provinces and pursue constructive communication with the Papuan people. We hope this unit can now make meaningful progress on governance issues and contribute to efforts to alleviate the widespread poverty and economic marginalisation of ethnic Papuans.
Agriculture: Farm Buildings
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what actions they have taken in respect of allowing farmers to build dwellings for agricultural employees and their families since 2010.[HL1325]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have set floor space limits for the construction of on-farm agricultural employee dwellings since 2010.[HL1326]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Hanham): Paragraph 55 of the National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that the essential need for a rural worker to live permanently at or near their place of work in the countryside is a special circumstance that can justify new isolated homes in the countryside. The Government have not set a floor space limit for the construction of such dwellings: this would be a matter for the local planning authority to determine if considered locally appropriate.
My department has also been backing “Home on the Farm” schemes, which promote the redevelopment of disused agricultural buildings as new and affordable housing. We have encouraged councils to look favourably on such planning applications and/or amend their existing local planning policies to support suchschemes.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what changes they have made to regulations regarding the use of redundant agricultural buildings since 2010.[HL1327]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much red tape they have abolished regarding the use of buildings and facilities on permanent agricultural show grounds since 2010.[HL1328]
Baroness Hanham: As part of this Government's determination to deliver planning simplification we published, on 3 July, a consultation on new opportunities for sustainable development and growth through the reuse of existing buildings. I invite the noble Lord to respond to the consultation, which closes on 11 September 2012.
My department has also been backing “Home on the Farm” schemes, which promote the redevelopment of disused agricultural buildings as new and affordable housing. We have encouraged councils to look favourably on such planning applications and/or amend their existing local planning policies to support such schemes.
Armed Forces: Defence Cuts
Question
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether cuts in financing the army and the reduction of 20,000 soldiers are designed to enable it to fit into a future European army.[HL1466]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): The requirement to reduce the size of the Army and its resources was based on a number of factors, notably the fact that our combat role in Afghanistan is coming to an end. We need to restructure our forces to face an increasingly uncertain world, ready to intervene whenever and wherever to protect our national interest and with an ability to project force and prevent conflict through “agile and adaptable” Armed Forces, as set out in the 2010 strategic defence and security review.
Many but not all of the operations we wish to be involved with in the future are likely to be conducted with our allies, particularly those from NATO. The UK Government will continue to decide when and where they deploy their national forces, and have made it clear that they would never sign up to a standing European army.
Armed Forces: Mental Health
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how service personnel are screened for psychological problems on return from operations; and what steps they are taking to support the agencies, including Combat Stress, that help veterans at risk.[HL1481]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): The UK Armed Forces do not currently have a programme of mandatory mental health screening, because no robust research-based evidence has been produced to show that it is effective in identifying those people who do have a problem. In fact, research undertaken at the King's Centre for Military Health Research (KCMHR) indicates that in some circumstances it can actually be harmful, by presenting significant numbers of both false positive and false negative results. However, we have undertaken to commission new research into the question, and the major post-operational screening trial (POST) being conducted at KCMHR in conjunction with the US Department of Defense, which is due to report in 2015, is looking at the effectiveness of post-deployment testing and monitoring of personnel.
Although we do not screen all those returning from operations, checks are carried out on certain high-risk groups, such as seriously injured patients admitted to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine within the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. In addition, all trauma survivors, including amputees, who are referred to the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) at Headley Court, have a mental health assessment as part of their multidisciplinary team admission assessment.
We do of course already have a wide range of measures in place to provide mental health advice, support and treatment to service personnel. Throughout their careers service personnel receive regular briefings and training on the identification and management of both operational and workplace stress, including recognising its signs in their colleagues. A key factor in
all briefings is reducing the stigma that can be attached to mental health disorders. The services maintain a support line that provides a fully trained, confidential, independent and non-judgmental listening and support service, and welfare officers, padres, and members of regimental organisations are all able to provide advice and support. For those seeking help online, the defence internet website provides information on how to get advice and help urgently, and we are currently trialling access for service personnel to the “Big White Wall” online early intervention service for people in psychological distress.
For those who do need treatment, mental healthcare is provided by primary care medical centres supported by specialist mental health services. There are 15 military Departments of Community Mental Health (DCMHs) across the UK (plus centres overseas), which offer a wide range of psychiatric and psychological treatments, including medication, psychological therapies, and environmental adjustment where appropriate. In-patient care, when necessary, is provided in specialised psychiatric units under contract with the NHS.
The Ministry of Defence and Department of Health are working together, alongside organisations such as Combat Stress and the Royal British Legion, to improve the mental health care provided to ex-service personnel, and veterans' mental health is an area which has received significant attention from this Government in the past two years. Following the publication of Dr Andrew Murrison's report “Fighting Fit”, the Government pledged £1.8 million per annum for the remainder of the spending review period to implement its recommendations. Much work has already been completed, such as the launch of a 24-hour veterans telephone helpline, a trial of the online wellbeing service “Big White Wall” and an e-learning package for NHS general practitioners to familiarise themselves with veteran-specific health problems.
Furthermore, each of the 10 Armed Forces Networks (based geographically in the old strategic health authority areas) has received £150,000 from the Department of Health with which to build up enhanced community veterans’ mental health services in their areas. These services are now up and running in almost every region with the remainder planned to come on line by the end of this calendar year. These services were developed in conjunction with local groups, for the local population.
Armed Forces: Munition Centres
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether contingency planning has commenced to prepare for the future basing of Vanguard class submarines in the event that an independent Scotland demands withdrawal of all nuclear equipment.[HL1463]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether contingency planning has commenced to prepare for the future storage of weapons currently held at Coulport in the event that an independent Scotland demands withdrawal of all nuclear equipment.[HL1464]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether contingency planning has commenced about the future storage of equipment currently held at DM Glen Douglas, in the event that Scotland becomes independent.[HL1515]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether contingency planning has commenced about the future storage of equipment currently held at DM Beith, in the event that Scotland becomes independent.[HL1516]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether contingency planning has commenced about the future storage of equipment currently held at DM Crombie, in the event that Scotland becomes independent.[HL1517]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether contingency planning has commenced about the future of United Kingdom test ranges, in the event that Scotland becomes independent.[HL1518]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): The UK Government position is clear: Scotland benefits from being part of the UK and the UK benefits from having Scotland within it. The UK Government are not making plans for independence as we are confident that people in Scotland will continue to support Scotland remaining within the UK in any referendum. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is therefore not undertaking contingency planning in respect of future basing, storage or testing arrangements in the event that Scotland becomes independent. HM Naval Base Clyde is a significant local employer, with over 6,000 Naval Service, MoD civilian and contractors' personnel; and this number is expected to rise significantly as the Royal Navy submarine fleet builds up there over the coming years. The base is a major source of employment for highly skilled workers and a major contributor to the local and national economy.
Armed Forces: Suicide
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether data are collected relating to the suicide level amongst
serving and ex-serving personnel; and, if so, what is their assessment of the suicide levels amongst personnel who have served in the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.[HL1480]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): Information on suicides and open verdict deaths in the UK regular Armed Forces is published annually by Defence Analytical Services and Advice.
The Ministry of Defence is currently undertaking research on veterans of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. This will monitor the causes of death (including suicide) of all serving members of the Armed Forces from 2003 until the end of operations in Afghanistan. The intention is to run the study for the lifetime of the cohort; therefore the population will include both serving and discharged personnel and will assist us in continuing to develop our support for former personnel and those leaving the services. The MoD hopes to publish initial results in 2014.
Armed Forces: Weaponry Theft
Question
Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many, and what types of, weapons and ammunition, under the control of the Armed Forces or the Ministry of Defence were lost, stolen or otherwise unaccounted for in (1) 2010, (2) 2011, and (3) in the first six months of 2012.[HL1396]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): The following table provides the latest available figures for weapons that have been recorded as being either lost or stolen since 2010 and shows, where appropriate, where subsequent recovery has been made. These figures include reported losses in operational theatres. The term “unaccounted for” is not recognised in respect of weapons as they are recorded as either lost or stolen once reported.
No comprehensive figures are available in respect of ammunition losses. This information is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
| 2010 | 2011 | 20121 | ||||
| Lost/Stolen | Recovered | Lost/Stolen | Recovered | Lost/Stolen | Recovered | |
From 1 January to 30 June.
2This figure includes four Drill Purpose rifles.
3This figure includes 59 weapons that were lost during transit to Afghanistan.
Bahrain
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of human rights in Bahrain.[HL1537]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): On 10 July the Foreign and Commonwealth Office published new reporting on our assessment of the human rights situation from April to June in Bahrain, which was considered a cause for concern in the 2011 Annual Human Rights Report. This is part of a new quarterly update review system to inform Parliament, non-governmental organisations and the general public about our latest assessment. This more flexible quarterly reporting will strengthen the assessments we make about which countries should be added to or removed from the list of countries of concern in the 2012 annual report.
We believe a number of improvements have been made, but we remain concerned by the lack of progress in certain areas and ongoing allegations of human rights abuses.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my honourable friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Mr Burt) visited Bahrain on 11 June and met a number of senior Bahrain Government officials, and representatives from Bahrain's political parties and opposition groups; Mr Burt also held roundtable discussions with members of civil society. In all the meetings, we emphasised the importance of, and need for, full and timely implementation across the whole range of reforms. The King promised full implementation of recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry; we will monitor this commitment.
In addition, the Bahraini Ministers for Justice and the Interior have recently visited the UK to discuss our human rights concerns and areas where the UK might be of assistance. We will continue to raise our concerns on human rights with the Bahraini authorities for as long as it is necessary.
We are also clear that violence on the streets is unacceptable. Legitimate and peaceful demonstrations are an integral part of any democratic society, but political street violence is not and it hinders efforts towards reconciliation.
Burma
Question
Asked by Lord Janner of Braunstone
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the address by Aung San Suu Kyi to both Houses, what action they are taking to support democracy in Burma.[HL1427]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Government have long been a supporter of those in Burma pursuing democracy and respect for human rights. The Government continue to provide programme support to efforts promoting democratic practice, the rule of law and the protection of human rights. These projects cover capacity building for ethnic nationality political parties; training of independent citizen election watchers on the election law, electoral process and procedures; promotion of labour rights among workers; and increasing the capacity of civil society groups to lobby public institutions.
The UK is one of a small number of countries to have always maintained an embassy in Rangoon and we monitor developments in Burma closely. This enables us to play a leading role in the EU's policy towards Burma. We are active in the United Nations (UN), and during Burma's Universal Periodic Review session at the UN, we urged the overnment to prosecute those responsible for human rights violations. We also strongly supported a UN resolution at the Human Rights Council in March which called on the Burmese Government to take urgent measures to end the targeting of civilians in military operations.
We will continue to take every opportunity to press the Burmese Government to protect their people’s human and democratic rights, release all political prisoners and achieve a lasting and peaceful end to ethnic violence
Care Services: Elderly People
Question
Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they will take to ensure that cross-party talks resume concerning the funding of long-term care for the elderly.[HL1430]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The Government have always been clear about the importance of achieving a long-term consensus on reform of the funding system for adult social care.
On 11 July the Government published the White Paper Caring for our Future: Reforming Care and Support, the draft Care and Support Bill and a progress report on social care funding. The measures set out in these documents reflect wide-ranging discussions over recent months, both with the care sector and with the Official Opposition. Together they represent the most comprehensive overhaul of care and support since 1948.
As set out in the progress report on funding, the Government agree with the principles of the Dilnot recommendations and intend to base a new funding model on these principles if a way to pay for it can be found. Given the size of the structural deficit and the economic situation we face, it is right that the final decision is considered alongside other priorities at the Spending Review.
The progress report sets out some key implementation questions that the Government now want to consider with the care sector. We will engage with stakeholders to explore options for what shape a reformed system could take. We very much hope that the Official Opposition will continue to play a part in this engagement with the objective of achieving shared consensus on social care funding reform.
Carers
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 13 June (WA 261), what is their assessment of the estimate by Carers UK that the economic value of the contribution
made by carers amounts to £119 billion per year; and whether future spending reviews will reflect this contribution.[HL1407]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): We are very much aware of, and greatly value, the significant contribution which unpaid carers make to the care of older and younger disabled people. There is scope for debate about how best to put a financial value on this care but there can be no doubt about its huge value to those who receive care and to the wider community.
While in some respects, the Carers UK estimate could be seen as an over-estimate, formal services would not need to replace every hour of unpaid care: for example, carers may include among hours of unpaid care time spent with the cared for person, in case they should need help, but undertaking other activities and/or time taking the cared for person on an outing. In other respects, it could be seen as an under-estimate. It does not include a valuation of the long-term impacts of intensive caring on the carer's own health and well-being or on the carer's career prospects and life-time earnings and pensions.
In the last spending review, the Government allocated extra resources to support carers of all ages and to provide them with breaks to sustain them in their caring role. We cannot pre-empt decisions about future spending reviews.
Disabled People: Manufactured Goods
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will review current United Kingdom legislation to ensure effective accessibility and usability of manufactured goods for disabled people.[HL1366]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): The Government have no current plans to undertake a comprehensive formal assessment of UK legislation.
Edward Peter Heslehurst
Question
Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have received regarding the case of Edward Peter Heslehurst; what action they have taken in this case; and what progress they have made towards enabling Mark Heslehurst to have access to his son, now in Cambodia.[HL1514]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is aware of Mr Heslehurst's case and Mr Heslehurst has been in contact with FCO officials both in London and the USA where he previously lived. I appreciate the difficult circumstances Mr Heslehurst is facing and sympathise with his distress in being separated from his son Edward.
Cambodia is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Therefore there are no international agreements in place to ensure the return of Mr Heslehurst's son to the UK, for custody to be decided here. The British Government are unable to interfere in legal proceedings in Cambodia or in any other country. The FCO has provided Mr Heslehurst with appropriate consular advice and assistance.
Extradition
Question
Asked by Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answers by the Minister of State for Policing and Criminal Justice on 1 April 2011 (Official Report, Commons, col. 548W) and the Minister of State for Immigration on 21 June 2011 (Official Report, Commons, col. 211W), when they will publish the results of the exercise to estimate the average costs of executing a European Arrest Warrant and an extradition request in England and Wales.[HL1482]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Henley): The exercise to which the noble Lord refers is ongoing. The results will be published in due course.
Forced Marriage
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how government departments work together to combat child marriages and forced marriage.[HL1135]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Henley): The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU), which is jointly funded and run by the Home Office and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, leads the Government's work to tackle forced marriage working with partners across government, statutory agencies and non-governmental organisations. This multi-agency group meets quarterly at the FMU Partnership Board to review progress on actions developed to tackle these issues.
Health and Social Care Act 2012
Questions
Asked by Baroness Finlay of Llandaff
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, under the provisions of the Health and Social Care Act 2012, what levers postgraduate deans will have to ensure measures for controlling the quality of training are in place and used effectively.[HL1553]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): For postgraduate medical education programmes, the function of postgraduate medical dean is key in ensuring the graduate medical workforce
gains the necessary knowledge, skills, behaviours and expertise to provide safe and effective patient care or public health. This function is essential to the delivery of training programmes and, because of the interdependence of training with service, to the continuity of safe care for patients.
Every local education and training board (LETB) will appoint a director of education and quality, or equivalent position, to be accountable to the board for the effective quality management of education and training programmes commissioned or provided by the LETB. The director of education and quality may also be the postgraduate medical dean. Quality standards are a key component of the contracts LETBs will hold with higher education institutes. An education outcomes framework is being developed to guide LETBs in this process. Where quality is deemed to be inadequate a contract may be moved to an alternative provider.
Asked by Baroness Finlay of Llandaff
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, under the provisions of the Health and Social Care Act 2012, how postgraduate deans will be able to be seen to operate independently in managing the quality of training, given that the local education training board is made up mainly of providers.[HL1554]
Earl Howe: We expect the local education and training boards to be able to demonstrate that their postgraduate deans will be able to act independently. There will be clear checks and balances in place and quality metrics to hold local education providers to account for the quality of education delivered by individual providers. Postgraduate deans will have all the powers they have now to respond to concerns about the quality of training and take action where required to improve standards and assure the professional regulators and Health Education England that poor performance is identified and tackled. In addition in the new system they will have the support of the local education and training board and if necessary, Health Education England, to challenge poor quality and behaviours.
Health: READ Codes
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in order to provide accurate epidemiological data of specific conditions, they will (1) require general practitioners to use READ codes on patient records and add a scaled severity level of the condition(s) concerned, and (2) develop an overarching code for rarer conditions in conjunction with the Royal College of General Practitioners and relevant patient groups.[HL1529]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The department's Information Strategy The Power of Information: Putting all of us in Control of the Health and Care Information we Need, highlighted the importance of high quality data and
consistent coding of clinical data. READ codes however, do not allow the level of detail most appropriate to the recording of specific and rare conditions. The department is therefore seeking to move the National Health Service to systematized nomenclature of medicine clinical terms (SNOMED CT), adapted to fit all necessary uses, as the single coherent terminology. Unlike READ codes, SNOMED CT includes a standard technical mechanism for the scaled or ranked documentation of condition severity (for example, allowing each patient's condition to be judged and further specified as mild, moderate or severe). The UK Terminology Centre (UKTC), which maintains SNOMED CT, is also engaged with the department's “Consultation on the United Kingdom Plan for Rare Diseases” which includes consideration of coding, documentation and record-keeping requirements.
The department will take an approach to the adoption of information standards that builds clinical and professional buy-in into the process and promotes adoption by the market, so that the systems and solutions that can be procured and used across health and care already have national standards built in. The department will therefore engage with relevant professional, patient and industry organisations.
Higher Education: Bogus Colleges
Questions
Asked by Lord King of West Bromwich
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the owners of bogus colleges which are closed down by the Government are required to refund fees and pay compensation to the students affected by the college closure.[HL1609]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): I assume the noble Lord is referring to the sudden closure last year of a number of independent colleges that recruited mainly international students following changes in the UK Border Agency’s requirements for international recruitment.
Privately-funded colleges, run as education businesses, are not required to register with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, neither are they required to be inspected by the Government’s school and inspection body, Ofsted. BIS has no power to close them down and is unable to intervene on behalf of their students.
BIS supplied information to the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) on how students could contact Citizens Advice in order to find out how they might go about recovering fees. This was included in advice on the UKCISA website to students affected by college closures.
Asked by Lord King of West Bromwich
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they provide any assistance to the students of bogus colleges which are closed down by the Government in finding alternative courses in other institutions.[HL1610]
Baroness Wilcox: I refer the noble Lord to my response to his previous question.
Privately-funded colleges, run as education businesses, are not required to register with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, neither are they required to be inspected by the Government’s school and inspection body, Ofsted. BIS has no power to close them down although we are aware of a number that closed following changes to the UK Border Agency’s tier 4 rules for recruiting international students.
However, BIS officials worked with the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) and the British Council to provide advice for students affected by college closures which UKCISA put on its website. UKCISA, the British Council and the British Accreditation Council also worked together to help such students find alternative courses.
Higher Education: Men
Question
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Wilcox on 5 July (WA 192–3) concerning the participation of women in higher education, whether they will investigate why men are falling behind women in higher education participation.[HL1465]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): The department published a report in 2008 which investigated the factors affecting male and female participation in higher education (HE). The report Gender Gaps in Higher Education Participation: An Analysis of the Relationship between Prior Attainment andYoung Participation by Gender, Socio-Economic Class and Ethnicity is available here: http://www.bis.gov .uk/assets/biscore/corporate/migratedD/publications/D/DIUS_RR_08_14.
The analysis found that the gender gap is manifested much earlier in the education system, before entry to higher education, for example in differences between girls’ and boys’ GCSE and A-level attainment. Its key finding related to gender was that for young people (18-19 year-olds) there was no conclusive evidence of a gender difference in the likelihood of participating in HE—once prior attainment (in the form of young people’s attainment at GCSE or equivalent) was controlled for. The analysis suggested that there was no additional gender effect at the point of entry to higher education and that efforts to reduce the gender gap in HE participation should predominantly be aimed at increasing the relative attainment of young men prior to HE.
The Department for Education is committed to ensuring that all groups of pupils have the opportunity to make good progress and reach their potential, whatever their gender, class, language or family background.
Evidence shows that schools with little or no gender gap tend to be characterised by a positive learning ethos, high expectations of all pupils, high quality teaching and classroom management and close tracking of individual pupils’ achievement.
While gender can affect educational performance, other factors have a greater impact, for instance poverty is the single biggest factor affecting attainment at every key stage. The coalition Government have made it clear that they want to see more resources being spent on the education of disadvantaged children. The pupil premium provides additional money for each disadvantaged pupil in the country. Schools are free to use the premium as they see fit as they know best the needs of their disadvantaged pupils.
Housing
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they will take to mitigate the risk of failing to secure the building of 80,000 affordable homes by 2015, and the extra cost to the public purse of £1.4 billion as a result of rising housing benefit costs, identified by the recent National Audit Office Report Financial viability of the social housing sector: introducing the affordable homes programme.[HL1377]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Hanham): The National Audit Office report confirmed that:
“the Department of Communities and Local Government selected the best delivery model open for the funds it had available. The department has so far achieved its policy objective to maximise the number of homes delivered within the available grant funding. On average the grant awarded per home is a third of previous programmes”.
Affordable housing is supported by both public capital investment, and housing benefit. Whilst the Government have acknowledged that the affordable homes programme will place some additional pressure on housing benefit, the new affordable rent model has permitted a reduction in capital grant rates from around £60,000 per property to only £20,000.
This has allowed the Government to fund far more, much needed, affordable homes than would have been possible under the old model of delivery. As the National Audit Office noted, the Government now expect to deliver 80,000 new affordable homes through the affordable homes programme. It would only have been possible to fund 27,000 using the old model.
This means that many more households will have the opportunity to live in a new sub-market rented property, rather than the Government supporting them through the payment of local housing allowance in the private rented sector. The most effective way of mitigating the housing benefit pressure is therefore to ensure that the new affordable rent homes are delivered.
The Homes and Communities Agency monitors delivery through regular meetings with providers. Where risks arise to delivery it will be taking action to mitigate these. The agency provides this department with regular progress reports and risk assessments. It has taken steps to bring forward delivery of affordable homes. Figures are set out in its corporate plan, published on 6 July.
I would note that the £1.4 billion figure that the noble Peer cites is a net present value extrapolated over 30 years, rather than a cost over the Spending Review
period. In the context of the need to tackle the deficit left by the last Administration, the affordable rent programme delivers greater economic and social benefits for the taxpayer and will result in far more homes being built than would have been possible under old funding models.
Indeed, the Government's broader affordable housing programme is delivering £19.5 billion of public and private investment over this Spending Review period.
Israel
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have made representations to the Government of Israel about the release of Marwan Barghouti from prison.[HL1525]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We have no plans to make representations to the Israeli Government concerning Marwan Barghouti's release from prison.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will ask the Government of Israel to allow, and UNESCO to organise, independent archaeological and structural investigation of excavations now under way in the area of the Al Aqsa Mosque and Temple Mount in Jerusalem.[HL1533]
Lord Howell of Guildford: Officials at our embassy in Tel Aviv have raised the issue of archaeological excavations near to the Western Wall and the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, as well as the future of the Mughrabi ramp, with the Israeli authorities on a number of occasions. We understand that the issue of the Mughrabi ramp has also been the subject of discussion at the executive board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Given the sensitivity of the site, we have asked the Israeli authorities to consult fully with relevant parties, including UNESCO, before any work is carried out on the Mughrabi ramp or in areas that would directly impact the Temple Mount.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that Syrian curricula have been replaced by Israeli ones in schools in the occupied Golan Heights; and, if the reports are correct, whether they will make representations to the Government of Israel regarding the application of the Fourth Geneva Convention in the Golan Heights.[HL1534]
Lord Howell of Guildford: We are not aware of recent reports of curricula being replaced in schools in the Golan Heights. However, we understand that the Druze residents of the Golan Heights have had separate education curriculum designed and implemented by the state of Israel, since the 1970s.
We continue to call on Israel to comply with its obligations under international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, in all the territories it occupies, including the Golan Heights.
Israel and Palestine
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will make representations to the Government of Israel concerning reports of the confiscation of water containers from families in the Jordan valley by Israeli armed forces.[HL1526]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): Water is one of the issues expected to be addressed in final status negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians. The UK continues to urge both parties to enter into direct talks to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
We are not aware of this specific incident but the Government have had detailed discussions with both the Israeli and Palestinian authorities on the issue of water supply policies in the Jordan valley. We want to see the fair and the effective distribution of shared water resources throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
In addition to lobbying at political level, the UK is funding a project working with Palestinians and Israelis to help improve co-operation on water issues to the benefit of both parties.
Israel and Palestine: West Bank
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of reports of attacks on Palestinians by settlers from Itamar in the West Bank, and the alleged involvement of the military; and whether they will make representations to the Government of Israel about the use of legal sanctions to deter further attacks.[HL1524]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We are aware of reports of attacks on Palestinians by settlers from Itamar in the West Bank.
We have serious concerns about the increase in violence by extremist Israeli settlers against ordinary Palestinians and Palestinian property which we have raised with the Israeli Government on a number of occasions. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right honourable friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) joined other European Union (EU) Foreign Ministers in expressing “deep concern regarding settler extremism and incitement by settlers” and condemning “continuous settler violence and deliberate provocations against Palestinian civilians” in the EU Foreign Affairs Council conclusions of May 2012. The Foreign Affairs Council
called on the Israeli Government to bring the perpetrators to justice and to comply with its obligations under international law.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my honourable friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Mr Burt) issued a statement on 22 June condemning recent acts of settler violence, including an incident in which a mosque in the West Bank town of Jaba was vandalised, and calling on the Israeli authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Our ambassador to Israel reinforced this message with Attorney General Weinstein on 7 July.
North Korea
Questions
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government further to the Written Answer by Lord Howell of Guildford on 12 March (WA 21), whether, in the light of a 2010 survey conducted by InterMedia of North Korean refugees and travellers in China which found that 27% had listened to foreign radio while living in North Korea, they will reconsider their conclusion that BBC World Service broadcasts would have a very low impact; and what percentage of the population would have to be reached for them to regard broadcasts as having a high impact.[HL1394]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Foreign and Commonwealth Office holds regular meetings with the BBC World Service to discuss global priorities. They include North Korea. We have brought the InterMedia report to its attention. However, under the terms of the broadcasting agreement between the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the BBC World Service, the World Service has operational and managerial independence. It is therefore its responsibility to allocate and prioritise its resources.
These decisions are based on balancing market need and market size (including access), as well as comparative costs. There are no current plans for the World Service to open any new foreign language services.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Howell of Guildford on 12 March (WA 21), whether the BBC World Service has taken into account the audience that learns news and information by word of mouth from people who are listening to foreign broadcasts when deciding not to broadcast to North Korea.[HL1447]
Lord Howell of Guildford: I refer the noble Lord to the answer to his question HL1394.
The BBC World Service uses a number of measurements and sources to inform its decisions on how to allocate its resources.
Prisons: Escorts
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to improve the performance of the escort provider in prisons following the report by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons on HMP Woodhill of 22 June, which noted an increase in the percentage of escort vans arriving late.[HL1511]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): The report reflects a degree of concern on the part of the prison about the times at which vehicles collecting prisoners for transport to court arrived at the prison. We have noted this concern and are taking action to address it. However, it may be noted that performance as measured by the time of reception at the court has improved significantly over recent months.
A performance improvement plan is in place to secure enhanced performance in relation to the whole of the escort journey. The plan is being closely monitored by the National Offender Management Service.
Retail: Mary Portas Review
Question
Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the Portas review, what action they are proposing to take to improve England's high streets.[HL1398]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Hanham): The Government published their response to the Portas review on 30 March. We accepted almost all of Mary's recommendations and announced that we would be going even further by offering a “Portas-plus” package of measures to support high streets, including:
a £10 million high street innovation fund awarded to councils in areas blighted by empty shops and recovering from the riots to help bring entrepreneurs back to their communities;a £500,000 investment to help business improvement districts access loans for their set-up costs;a £l million future high street X-fund which will reward the areas delivering the most effective and innovative plans to bring their town centres back to life; and£l million funding support to help the development of high street neighbourhood plans as part of our neighbourhood planning programme.
We are also supporting the first 12 successful winners of the round 1 Portas pilot competition, with a further 15 to be announced shortly, to help deliver a new vision for their high street and road-test the collaborative, local-town-team approach recommended by Mary Portas.
These initiatives build upon the measures which the coalition Government have already delivered to support high streets, which include:
doubling small business rate relief for two-and-a half years to help small shops, and making it easier for small firms to claim small business rate relief through the Localism Act;scrapping Whitehall planning guidance which forced up parking charges. Guidance now encourages councils to attract shoppers by setting competitive parking charges;changing planning rules to allow councils to provide more parking spaces in town centres to make them able to compete with out-of-town supermarkets;updating licensing laws to give councils more powers to tackle late-night, anti-social behaviour, and introducing a new late-night levy to make streets safer;focusing retail development in town centres through a “town centre first” planning policy;introducing a high street support scheme to help the local high streets affected by the August 2011 riots recover and get back to business;encouraging councils to cut unnecessary street clutter, which disfigures local high streets; andmaking it easier to convert empty offices into residential use, which could give a boost to town centres by increasing the resident population and local footfall.
Royal Navy: Reserves
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what help is available to members of the Royal Navy Reserve who (1) suffer from dyslexia, and (2) have a gender identity disorder.[HL1550]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): Members of the Royal Naval reserve in full time reserve service are eligible for the same help and support as regular members of the Naval Service.
Personnel with an identified specific learning difficulty would be given the appropriate support and work time to address their needs so as to maximise their learning potential and develop their talents and skills. Through the Defence Medical Services, personnel would have access to the full range of medical care, such as general practitioner, occupational health and psychiatric support.
Former regular personnel with a reserve liability and volunteer reservists attending for mandatory training or voluntary duties will be eligible for such support only when mobilised into service as a result of a call-out notice.
Third Parties (Rights against Insurers) Act 2010
Question
Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to bring into force the Third Parties (Rights against Insurers) Act 2010.[HL1584]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): I refer the noble Lord to my Written Statement of 12 July 2012 (Official Report, col. WS 145) which referred to the announcement by my honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice (Jonathan Djanogly), on the same day:
“In response to the Written Parliamentary Question from the honourable Member for Aberdeen North (Frank Doran) on 5 March 2012 about the commencement of the Third Parties (Rights against Insurers) Act 2010 (UIN 98039) I undertook to make a further Statement before the Summer Recess (Official Report, 5 March 2012, col. 537W).
The position remains that no date has yet been set to bring the Act into force. The Ministry of Justice is continuing to work with interested parties to prepare the way for commencement at the earliest practicable date. As stated in the report on the implementation of Law Commission proposals [HC 1900] presented by the Lord Chancellor to Parliament on 22 March 2012 this is unlikely to be until 2013.
I will make a further Statement in the autumn”.