Written Answers
Thursday 11 October 2012
Bahrain
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Warsi on 24 September (WA 336), whether they intend to take any new initiatives to promote the human rights and freedoms of Bahraini citizens.[HL2329]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): The Government of Bahrain have stated their commitment to improving the country's human rights record, most recently during their acceptance of 145 Universal Periodic Review recommendations at the UN Human Rights Council.
The UK remains committed to helping Bahrain in its efforts and will continue to raise any concerns on human rights with the Bahraini authorities for as long as it is necessary. We will welcome the Minister for Human Rights on a visit to the UK later this month for discussions on the UPR recommendations and to identify appropriate training programmes for Bahraini officials.
The Bahraini Minister for Justice visited the UK in July and made specific requests for UK assistance. We are working through the Arab Partnership and the Conflict Pool to support Bahrain on justice and human rights, including through a visit by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons to help the Bahrainis with a system for independent monitoring of detention centres, and the provision of expert advice on reform of the legal system.
Bahrain is also included in a recently approved Arab Partnership project working to support civil society organisations across the Middle East region to address media reform and freedom of expression.
Banks: Lending
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will publish any letter reportedly sent to banks in the past two weeks by the Minister of State for Business and Enterprise urging them to increase their lending to United Kingdom small and medium-sized enterprises.[HL2312]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Lord Marland): My honourable friend the Minister of State for Business and Enterprise (Michael Fallon MP), wrote to the
chief executive officers of the major banks on 20 September to seek their commitment to increase lending to viable small and medium-sized enterprises under the enterprise finance guarantee scheme (EFG) scheme.
A copy of the letter has been placed in the Library of the House.
Batumi
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Warsi on 24 September (WA 343), whether they will detail the itinerary of the United Kingdom ambassador when she visited Batumi on 11 and 12 July 2012.[HL2276]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): Whilst in Batumi on 11 and 12 July 2012, our ambassador attended the 9th international conference on Georgia's European Way—the EU and its European Neighbours.
Belarus
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the statement by the International Democrat Union on 30 August expressing concerns about human rights in Belarus.[HL2274]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): We share the concern expressed by the International Democrat Union (IDU) about the human rights situation in Belarus. It was disappointing that the September 2012 parliamentary elections were neither free nor fair. Whilst we welcome the improvements to the electoral law made in advance of these elections, they did not go far enough.
The promotion and protection of human rights is at the heart of UK foreign policy. We remain concerned about the Belarusian authorities' treatment of oppositionists, human rights defenders, independent journalists and lawyers, particularly those who remain detained in very difficult conditions, inconsistent with UN standards.
The British Government echo the IDU call on Belarus to release and rehabilitate all political prisoners as soon as possible. We also call on the Belarusian authorities to co-operate fully with the newly appointed UN Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur on Belarus, Miklós Haraszti.
The UK will continue to work with its international partners to hold the Belarusian Government to account for violating their international human rights commitments.
Burma
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have discussed Burma signing the Rome Statute with any representatives of the Government of Burma. [HL2338]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): We have had no discussions with the Burmese Government on the signing of the Rome Statute.
However, we continue to support UN Human Rights Council and UN General Assembly resolutions which encourage the Burmese Government to conform to established international human rights principles in a number of areas. We continue to stress that, until the Burmese Government resolve the many outstanding issues, we will press for UN resolutions which highlight the strength of our concerns.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of whether the 1982 citizenship law in Burma is compatible with Burma’s obligations as a signatory of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.[HL2339]
Baroness Warsi: The Burmese 1982 citizenship law in its current form effectively denies the Rohingya community basic civil and political rights, including citizenship. During his meeting with the Burmese Foreign Minister, U Wunna Maung Lwin, at the UN General Assembly session on 25 September 2012, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right honourable friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) urged the Burmese Government to amend the 1982 citizenship law in order to ensure it conformed with established human rights principles.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what information they have received regarding ethnic Rohingya of Burma not being allowed to return to their homes following recent violence in Arakan State.[HL2340]
Baroness Warsi: We are aware of reports concerning restrictions on movement which prevents members of the Rohingya community from returning to their homes. Our ambassador to Burma visited Rakhine State on 2 and 3 October 2012, accompanied by officials from our embassy and officials from the Department for International Development. Our ambassador met community leaders and saw some of the badly-affected areas for himself, including the state capital Sittwe, scene of some of the worst violence during the recent unrest.
The UK is providing humanitarian support through contributions to the UN and the EU and has stressed the importance of ensuring this aid does not support or lead to the permanent displacement of Rohingya communities.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have raised the blocking of humanitarian aid to internally displaced people in Rakhine State, Burma with (1) the United Nations Secretary General, and (2) the United Nations Secretary General's Special Adviser on Burma.[HL2341]
Baroness Warsi: During the recent UN General Assembly session, on 28 September 2012, the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right honourable friend the Member for East Devon (Mr Swire) represented the UK Government at the Friends of Myanmar (Burma) meeting. This meeting was hosted by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and attended by Mr Vijay Nambiar, the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Burma.
Mr Swire highlighted our concerns in a number of areas, including the violence in Rakhine State. We continue to call on the Government of Burma to allow full and unrestricted humanitarian access to all areas of Burma.
China
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment have they made of the indefinite suspension by the Government of China of the Sheshan Catholic Seminary in Shanghai.[HL2325]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): We are aware of reports that students at the Sheshan Catholic Seminary in Shanghai were told on 22 August 2012 that classes would be suspended indefinitely. Our consulate-general in Shanghai has not been able to verify this information.
We strongly support freedom of religion for all. The prohibition of some religious groups, and the legal restrictions and harassment aimed at others, undermines freedom of religious belief in China. We do regularly raise this with the Chinese Government, most recently during the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue in January this year, and shall continue to do so.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the freedoms currently enjoyed by the different religions in China.[HL2326]
Baroness Warsi: The number of people practising religious beliefs in China is growing rapidly both within officially sanctioned religious organisations and
in informal house church movements. Those who practise outside the official boundaries often face serious restrictions or harassment.
The prohibition of some religious groups, and the legal restrictions and harassment aimed at others, undermines freedom of religious belief in China, a point officials raised with the Chinese delegation at the most recent round of the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue in January 2012. We have repeatedly made clear that such actions are not consistent with Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, or indeed with Article 36 of the People's Republic of China's Constitution.
Civil Service: Secondments
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many senior civil servants are currently on secondment from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to companies in the United Kingdom; and what are the names of those companies.[HL2297]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Lord Marland): Currently three senior civil servants from the Department for Business. Innovation and Skills are out on secondment to companies in the UK. They are seconded to the BBC, FTI Consulting and Pearsons plc.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many senior civil servants were seconded from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to companies in the United Kingdom in 2011; and what were the names of those companies.[HL2298]
Lord Marland: During 2011 one senior civil servant was seconded out from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. The individual was seconded to Tesco plc.
Downing Street: Access
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when a decision was taken that Ministers riding bicycles should not have access through the main gates of Downing Street; who made that decision; whether any notice of a change was issued on that day; and whether any Ministers were consulted before the change was imposed.[HL2461]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire: It has been the practice of successive Governments not to comment on security arrangements for Downing Street.
Electoral Registration
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Newby (HL2042), what assessment they have made of the impact of forthcoming legislation on future levels of electoral registration: (1) among young people aged between 18 and 25; (2) among students; (3) among people with learning disabilities; (4) among people with disabilities generally; (5) among people living in areas of high social deprivation; and (6) among ethnic minorities.[HL2099]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Newby (HL2042), what assessment they have made of the impact of forthcoming legislation on future levels of electoral registration: (1) in England; (2) in Scotland; (3) in Wales; (4) in metropolitan areas; (5) in urban areas; (6) in suburban areas; (7) in rural areas; and (8) in coastal regions.[HL2100]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Newby (HL2042), what assessment they have made of the impact of forthcoming legislation on future levels of electoral registration: (1) in parliamentary constituencies with Conservative MPs; (2) in parliamentary constituencies with Labour MPs; and (3) in parliamentary constituencies with Liberal Democrat MPs.[HL2101]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire: The noble Lord will have seen the recent government-funded research on under-registered groups mentioned in Lord Newby's Written Answer to HL2042. The report entitled under-registered groups and individual electoral registration, is available to download from the Cabinet Office website. The study explores the barriers to registration both under the current system and potentially arising from the implementation of individual electoral registration (IER). The aim of the research was to help the government to identify ways in which these barriers may be overcome and inform the implementation plans for IER.
This latest research follows several important pieces of research already carried out by the Electoral Commission that have highlighted the problem of under-registration in groups among those listed by the noble Lord. As the research observed similar themes across groups as well as differences within groups, the latest report has identified different typologies, relating to common characteristics of knowledge or attitude among those who did not register, as opposed to categorising people by demographic characteristics, as has often been the case when discussing under-registered groups.
Gambia
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the Government of Gambia, both bilaterally and through
the Commonwealth, about human rights, the death penalty and press freedom; and what outcomes have resulted.[HL2301]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): The British Government are deeply concerned about human rights in the Gambia, particularly in light of the execution in August of nine prisoners on death row. Our high commissioner in Banjul regularly raises human rights issues with the Gambian Government, both twice-yearly through formal EU Article 8 discussions and when specific incidents occur.
We have made clear our opposition to the use of the death penalty. 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 25 August expressing concern over the then unconfirmed reports of executions. Our high commissioner also has made a number of representations to the Gambian Government. On 12 September, acting as the local president of the EU, our high commissioner delivered a written statement expressing the EU's position to the Gambian Foreign Minister. Separately, on 28 August, the Commonwealth stated its concern. On 14 September, the Gambian Government issued a statement that restored the death penalty moratorium. We have welcomed this, though we note its conditional and non-binding nature.
The rights of journalists are an on-going concern. The sudden closures of Taranga FM Radio Station and of The Daily News and The Standard newspapers are worrying. We are monitoring the consequences of this closely and are in contact with the owners. In September, two journalists were detained after applying for a permit to demonstrate against the executions. They are facing charges of committing a felony and inciting violence. We are following their case. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office human rights strategy is clear in its support for freedom of expression and the protection of journalists.
Georgia
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the statement issued by the International Democrat Union on 30 August expressing concerns about Georgia and its forthcoming parliamentary elections.[HL2275]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): The International Democrat Union's statement was in line with those made by other international organisations prior to the Georgian parliamentary elections. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right honourable friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) has welcomed the statement made on 2 October by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe
(OSCE)/Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Observer Mission and associated Parliamentary Assembly missions. The preliminary conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR were that the elections met international standards, although some issues remain to be addressed.
Iraq: Camp Ashraf
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what information they have received about the plans for relocation of the former residents of Camp Ashraf in Iraq; and how many of them they have agreed to accept in the United Kingdom.[HL2289]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): Iraq signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) on 25 December 2011, which allowed for the voluntary relocation of residents from Camp Ashraf to Camp Liberty. The terms of the MoU allow the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to make assessments following the applications made by all the residents of Camp Ashraf for refugee status. We are not in a position to judge the outcome or duration of a process which is necessarily between individual residents and the UNHCR, nor do we collect data relating to the number or destination of residents who have been relocated to third countries.
In response to an appeal from the UN to accept former residents of Ashraf, we have agreed to consider the readmission to the UK, on an exceptional and case by case basis, of those who have had previous residence in the UK as refugees. The UK has re-admitted five individuals from Camp Ashraf holding valid UK travel documents. We have also undertaken to examine exceptionally the cases of 52 residents with previous refugee status in the UK but who do not have current or valid UK travel documents. This consideration will be subject to the UNHCR first concluding an assessment of their refugee status. The granting of refugee status by the UK previously does not automatically entitle individuals to re-enter the UK.
Regional Growth Fund
Questions
Asked by Lord Roberts of Conwy
To ask Her Majesty’s Government in which regions of the United Kingdom the successful applicant bids in rounds one and two of the regional growth fund process located.[HL2336]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Lord Marland): The tables below provide the regional allocation of successful bids from round 1 and 2 of the regional growth fund. 57 per cent of the successful bidders now have contracts and are able to draw down funding. We
now have a firm and agreed position with nine in 10 bids; six out of 10 projects or programmes have started. Our priority now is to agree a way forward with the final few bidders who have yet to agree terms with us; this will be done during the autumn.
| Regional Spread Round 1 | ||
| Region | Successful (no of contracts) | Amount (£m) |
| Regional Spread Round 2 | ||
| Region | Successful (no of contracts) | Amount (£m) |
1. Number of bids with a significant impact (>2%) in the given region, bids may cover multiple regions so these figures will not sum to 492
2. Sum of the proportions of employment impact falling in the given region, each bid contributes an impact of 1. Total for table will sum to 492
Asked by Lord Roberts of Conwy
To ask Her Majesty’s Government to which regions of the United Kingdom the shortlisted bids in round three of the regional growth fund process were related.[HL2337]
Lord Marland: The attached table details the regional breakdown of shortlisted bids from round 3 of the regional growth fund. Announcement on selected bids will be made this month.
| Region | Number of shortlisted bids | Amount (£m) |
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540
Question
Asked by Lord Browne of Ladyton
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to help other states to meet their obligations under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540.[HL2243]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): The UK strongly supports UN Security Council Resolution 1540 which requires all UN member states to enforce effective measures against the proliferation of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, and their means of delivery. We were active in negotiations to renew the resolution in April 2011, helping to secure a new, 10-year mandate for the 1540 Committee and the appointment of a UK expert to the 1540 Group of Experts in June 2012.
We have funded a range of capacity building and legislative assistance programmes to help countries meet their obligations under 1540. These include increasing the role played by regional organisations, promoting the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention intercessional process, preparation for the Chemical Weapons Convention Review Conference in April 2013 and promoting the universality of both these conventions; and promoting ratification of the International Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism and the (amended) Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.
The Global Threat Reduction Programme (GTRP), part of the UK's contribution to the G8's Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, has also worked to improve the assistance matching process and support to the 1540 Committee. The UK programme supports substantial international efforts to secure vulnerable chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials and expertise to ensure that they do not fall into the hands of terrorist groups.
World Institute for Nuclear Security
Question
Asked by Lord Browne of Ladyton
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what contributions they make, and what other support they offer, to the World Institute for Nuclear Security. [HL2245]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): In financial year 2011-12 the UK provided £297,000 to the World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS). This supported a range of activities that have helped further UK interests and objectives on international nuclear security, including our commitments to the nuclear security summits in Washington (2010)
and Seoul (2012). These include the publication of a comprehensive series of best practice guides, a series of specialist nuclear security workshops and the development of an international network of international WINS nuclear security academies. We have also facilitated co-operation between WINS and the UK's domestic skills provider, the National Skills Academy Nuclear (NSAN).