Written Answers
Monday 4 February 2013
Abortion
Question
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 8 January (WA 2), whether a biased gender ratio for the birth rate across the national population as a whole is the only phenomenon that would be considered as strong evidence that sex-selective abortions are occurring; if not, what other evidence would be considered; and how the relevant data are currently collected. [HL4928]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The academic consensus is that a male to female birth ratio of around 105 (male births per 100 female) is normal and ratios above 108 are unlikely to be possible without intervention. However, some differences also occur as a result of random variation, with differing gender ratios appearing by chance. In the United Kingdom, the birth ratio is 105 and consequently, gender ratios alone are unlikely to provide strong evidence of sex-selective abortions and can only provide contextual information. Other evidence could include different gender ratios by mother’s country of origin though the above caveats would still apply. Birth registration, including mother’s country of birth is a legal requirement and data are compiled by the Office for National Statistics.
Ansaru
Question
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the answer by Lord Hill of Oareford on 21 January (Official Report, col. 970) that Ansaru was proscribed by Her Majesty’s Government as a terrorist organisation in November 2012, how many attacks and fatalities have been attributed to Ansaru; how many attacks and fatalities have been attributed to Boko Haram; and what factors have led to the proscribing of Ansaru but not Boko Haram.[HL4834]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): There are no reliable statistics available on the division of responsibility for attacks in Nigeria.
I refer the noble Lord to the Statement made by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Home Affairs, my noble friend Lord Taylor of Holbeach, on 22 November (Official Report, col. 2020) for the circumstances which led to the proscription of Ansaru. Ansaru is an Islamist terrorist organisation, based in Nigeria, which publicly emerged in January 2012. It is motivated by an anti-Nigerian Government and anti-western agenda and is broadly aligned with al-Qaeda.
Ansaru is believed to be responsible for the murder of British national Christopher McManus and his Italian co-worker, Franco Lamolinara, in March 2012, the kidnap of a French national in northern Nigeria in December 2012, the attacks on a police station in Abuja in December 2012 and also the recent attack on a Nigerian military convoy in Kogi state.
With respect to Boko Haram, the Government do not comment on whether any group is under consideration for proscription.
Banking: Staff
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their estimate of the number of people employed in the banking industry in the United Kingdom.[HL5090]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.
Letter from Glen Watson, Director General for ONS, to Lord Laird, dated February 2013.
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning the number of people employed in the banking industry in the United Kingdom. [HL5090]
Annual employment statistics are available from the Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES). The latest figure, for 2011, of the number in employment in the monetary intermediation industry for the UK, is 452,000. This industry comprises central banking, banks and building societies.
Battle of the Atlantic: Commemoration
Questions
Asked by Lord West of Spithead
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will encourage government buildings across the United Kingdom to fly White and Red Ensigns during the 70th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of the Atlantic in May.[HL4626]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether Admiralty Arch and Old Admiralty Building will fly their full set of White Ensigns during the 70th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of the Atlantic in May.[HL4627]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): The White Ensign is flown from the vertical flag pole on Admiralty Arch, on dates associated with royal occasions, and from the horizontal flag poles, on the official celebration of Her Majesty's birthday and for state visits in London.
It is a matter for individual government departments whether to fly other flags, in accordance with established protocol, in addition to the union flag. Departments
have the freedom to fly the union flag on their buildings all year round in addition to the designated fixed flag flying days.
Benefits
Questions
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of proposed changes to the benefits system on NHS dental patients.[HL4891]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact on the exempt status of NHS dental patients of the removal of a number of means-tested benefits as part of the proposed changes to the benefits system.[HL4892]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact on the exempt status of NHS dental patients of the introduction of the new universal benefit.[HL4893]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): We are examining the implications of the introduction of universal credit in relation to those current benefits that entitle the recipient to free dental treatment. The Government intend that universal credit will entitle broadly the same number of people to free dental treatment as the current entitling benefits.
Asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett
To ask Her Majesty’s Government why education and training are not stipulated as relevant deductions in Regulation 95 of the draft Universal Credit Regulations 2013; and whether education and training will be covered by the work preparation requirement or the voluntary work preparation requirement, or will be treated as temporary circumstances; and how this will be clarified in guidance.[HL5007]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): The universal credit approach enables claimants to gain essential skills to help them to gain and progress in work.
Claimants are able to undertake training or non-advanced education (up to A-levels and equivalent) that has been agreed by their adviser and which will improve their prospects of moving into work as soon as possible. This will focus on appropriate skills training where the claimant has a skills gap that is preventing them from getting work and remaining and progressing in work. The education or training course may be one that is identified by the adviser or by the claimant, which has then been agreed by the adviser. Such education and training courses will, at adviser discretion, be considered to be a work preparation or voluntary work preparation requirement.
Where a claimant is participating in education or training agreed by an adviser, time spent undertaking this activity will be deducted from the expected hours that they are expected to be engaged in work-search
activity. This provision is made in Regulation 95 (2) (a) under work preparation provisions.
In determining whether participation in a non-advanced education or training course should be regarded as a work preparation activity the adviser will make a decision on whether the education or training gives the claimant the best prospects of obtaining work, more work or better paid work. Guidance will set out broad principles which will assist the adviser in making this decision. These will include: that the education or training should be linked to the claimant’s realistic, immediate job goals; that the full-time course should not normally take longer than eight weeks, except where a specific skills need has been identified, usually in English, mathematics, ICT or English for speakers of other languages; and that the course should be accredited and support achievement of academic or vocational qualifications or units which will help the claimant into work. Full-time advanced education will not be treated as work preparation.
Guidance for advisers will also make it clear that an education or training course that has been agreed by the adviser should be recorded as work preparation activity and a relevant deduction should be made against the time which the claimant spends undertaking worksearch activities. This deduction should also include the travel time it takes for a person to travel to and from the course.
Benefits: Motability Schemes
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their latest estimate of the number of vehicles provided to disabled people with the support of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance which will be repossessed during the first 12 months of the application of the new regulations.[HL5099]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): We are continuing to work closely with Motability to understand what impact personal independence payment might have on its customer numbers and to ensure the smooth introduction of PIP as it relates to users of the Motability scheme.
British Council
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government under what power the British Council has discretion to spend its own surpluses from paid-for services; and whether they will require such income to be set against the need for future grant-aid in future.[HL4805]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): The Royal Charter of 1940 sets out the objects of the British Council in detail and is available for review online. It specifies that:
“The income and property of the British Council wheresoever derived, shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects of the British Council”.
As a registered charity in England and Wales, and in Scotland, the British Council is legally required to apply the charity’s funds only to furthering the objects of the charity. As a result, surpluses generated through paid-for services are reinvested to benefit the British Council’s charitable activities.
Grant-in-aid funding and the British Council’s income from its full cost recovery work are separately managed and controlled. They are not intended to cross subsidise.
The Government recognise and support the ambitious targets the British Council has set out for increasing its self-generated income through to 2015.
British-Irish Relations
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the Government of the Republic of Ireland about any disadvantages faced by British people living in that country.[HL4840]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): The Prime Minister, my right honourable friend the Member for Witney (Mr Cameron), and the Taoiseach of Ireland issued a joint statement on the next decade of British-Irish relations on 12 March 2012. The statement establishes a framework for intensified co-operation across a wide range of areas.
Should British people in Ireland face any specific disadvantages, the Government stand ready to raise them with the Irish authorities as part of our enhanced dialogue.
Elderly People: Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual People
Questions
Asked by Baroness Campbell of Surbiton
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken to address the findings of Stonewall's research Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual People in Later Life, published in 2011.[HL4790]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how they will measure the progress made by care and support services in meeting the needs of older lesbian, gay and bisexual people.[HL4791]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): We welcome the findings of the Stonewall report, Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual People in Later Life, as a useful adjunct to our understanding of the issues affecting older lesbian, gay and bisexual people. The findings of the report dovetail with our clear expectations that local health and social care services should deliver a comprehensive service, available to all irrespective of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief.
These organisations have a duty to every individual that they serve and must respect their human rights. At the same time, health and social care organisations have a wider duty to promote equality through the services they provide and to pay particular attention to groups or sections of society where improvements in health and life expectancy are not keeping pace with the rest of the population.
Delivering the public sector equality duty allows organisations to develop effective services that meet patients’ needs, improve the health of the whole population and tackle health inequalities.
Monitoring progress is something that local health and social care organisations are expected to undertake to ensure that they are meeting locally determined needs. This should include robust monitoring and evaluation to inform joint strategic needs assessments and the design and development of appropriate services.
Employment: Work Capability Assessment
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are taking steps to ensure that tribunal judges in work capability assessment cases give written determinations for the benefit of appellants, Atos and the Department for Work and Pensions; and, if so, what progress has been made so far.[HL4711]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): The First-tier Tribunal Social Security and Child Support (SSCS), administered by Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service, hears appeals against Department for Work and Pensions decisions on entitlement to employment and support allowance (ESA), decisions in which the work capability assessment (WCA) is a key factor, rather than appeals against WCA decisions themselves.
The SSCS Tribunal issues a written determination to the appellant, the appellant’s representative, if they have one, and the first-tier agency which made the original decision, either on the day of the hearing or shortly afterwards. The format for tribunal decisions is a matter for the judiciary. However new arrangements were put in place in July 2012. These were agreed between the chamber president and the Department for Work and Pensions and allow a judge to provide feedback on their decision by selecting a statement from an agreed list. It is also open to both parties to the appeal to ask for a full statement of reasons for the decision.
Energy: Oil Prices
Question
Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they will take to support those within the elderly community struggling to pay for heating oil.[HL4765]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): The Government provide a range of measures to help with heating costs including for those who heat their homes with oil.
Winter fuel payments of £200 (or £300 for households with a person aged 80 or over) go to households with people who have reached women’s state pension age. We make more than 12 million winter fuel payments each year. The cold weather payment of £25 a week is paid to vulnerable people, including poorer pensioners, in periods of exceptionally cold weather. Between 1 November 2012 and 23 January 2013, the Department for Work and Pensions made 4,597,400 cold weather payments. And, under the warm home discount scheme over 1 million of the poorest pensioners have received a £130 energy bill discount this winter.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) will support solid wall insulation and creates natural incentives for the installation of measures in the least energy-efficient homes. Under the Carbon Saving Community Obligation, suppliers are required to target 15% of their obligation at low-income vulnerable households in rural properties.
Food: Cheese
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what regulations apply to cheese imported from the Republic of Ireland into the United Kingdom.[HL4874]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): Dairy products, including cheese, produced in the European Union (EU) is in free circulation and not subject to routine checks at the United Kingdom borders. Such products must however be produced in accordance with EU legislation, the requirements of which are set out in Regulations (EC) No. 178/2002 and (EC) No. 853/2004. It is for the authorities in each member state of the EU to ensure food businesses comply with the standards set down in this legislation.
Freedom of Religion and Conscience
Question
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the remarks by Baroness Warsi on 22 January (Official Report, col. 1088), which ministers participated in the meeting held on 22 January to discuss co-ordinating action on religious intolerance; which other countries were represented at the meeting and by whom; what was discussed at the meeting; and what were the outcomes.[HL4957]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): The Canadian Foreign Minister, the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC), the Moroccan Minister Delegate at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Human Rights Adviser to the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the US Interim Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism were the ministerial-level participants of the meeting I convened on 22 January.
The Russian Envoy to the OIC, the human rights ambassador of the Netherlands and ambassadors or senior officials from Austria, Indonesia, Brazil, Italy, South Africa, Egypt, Chile, the Holy See and Turkey were also present.
The focus of the meeting was to secure political support for the implementation of UN Human Rights Council Resolution 16/18 tackling religious intolerance and fostering religious freedom and pluralism. We discussed the need to build a stronger international consensus on how to tackle these issues, and it was encouraging to hear significant shared commitment from the participants.
I also set out some of the actions the UK has taken to implement Resolution 16/18, for example our strong legislative framework which protects freedom of expression while also protecting individuals from discrimination on the basis of religion or belief, work combating hate crime, data collection on attacks on religious communities and provision of support for victims. I encouraged all present to do more to protect the right to freedom of religion or belief for all.
Government Departments: Catering Facilities
Question
Asked by Lord Campbell-Savours
To ask Her Majesty’s Government under what heading in the Cabinet Office accounts the costs relating to catering facilities at 10 Downing Street are listed.[HL4975]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire: 10 Downing Street is an integral part of the Cabinet Office.
The costs relating to catering facilities at 10 Downing Street are listed under the heading accommodation and utilities within Note 8 Other administration costs in the Cabinet Office annual report and accounts 2011-12 (HC56).
Government Departments: e-mail
Question
Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Information Commissioner's guidance relating to private email accounts has been applied at the Ministry of Justice; and, if so, whether they will publish their policy on the use of private email for public business.[HL5012]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): The Information Commissioner’s guidance relating to private e-mail has been applied to the Ministry of Justice, and is set out on the departmental intranet and in the Freedom of Information guidance produced by the department for staff. IT security policy on the use of private e-mail for public business is published internally on the departmental intranet.
Health: Clinical Trials
Questions
Asked by Lord Willis of Knaresborough
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the average length of time taken by the regulatory process for a successful medical research application for a clinical trial in (1) 2010–11, and (2) 2011–12. [HL4827]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the total number of applications for medical clinical trials in each year from 2005–06 to 2011–12; what proportion of those were agreed to by the regulators; and how those figures compare to 2001–02.[HL4828]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The average length of time for authorisation by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of clinical trials of investigational medicinal products (CTIMPs) was 36.2 days in 2010-11 and 35.1 days in 2011-12. This average includes all phases of clinical trial and all product types. The time is based on the elapsed calendar days from submission of a valid application until granting of the authorisation.
Information on the total number of valid applications received by the MHRA for authorisation of CTIMPs, and the percentage approved, is shown in the following table:
| Financial year | Total number of applications received | Percentage approved by MHRA |
The figures for average length of time for authorisation, total number of applications received, and the percentage agreed include both CTIMPs authorised after the initial assessment and those for which further information was required from the sponsor before the authorisation could be granted.
Prior to the implementation of the clinical trials directive in May 2004, the clinical trials legislation in the United Kingdom controlled supply of the investigational medicinal products and not authorisation of an individual trial. Comparable figures are therefore not available for the year 2001-02.
Prior to the commencement of a CTIMP, a favourable opinion from an ethics committee is also required. Applications for MHRA authorisation and for ethical review can be made in parallel rather than sequentially, so the time taken for each is not cumulative. The mean length of time for an opinion from a research ethics committee (REC) within the National Research Ethics Service on applications in respect of CTIMPs was 38.05 days in 2010-11 and 36.15 days in 2011-12. This average includes all phases of clinical trial and all product types. The time is based on the elapsed calendar days from submission of a valid application until issuing
of the REC opinion letter. Around 6% of applications to RECs in 2011-12 received an unfavourable opinion. More REC activity data are published by the Health Research Authority at: www.hra.nhs.uk.
Health: Doctors’ Language Tests
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 16 January (WA 134), under what provisions of European law the systematic testing of language competence at the point of medical doctor registration is prohibited. [HL4806]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The directive (2005/36/EC) on the recognition of professional qualifications sets out a system of automatic recognition of medical qualifications underpinned by common minimum standards of training for doctors. Article 21 requires the United Kingdom to recognise such medical qualifications obtained by European Economic Area doctors and to provide those doctors with the same access to the profession as UK doctors. Article 8 enables member states to undertake checks at the point of registration, to verify the doctor;s identity, the validity of their qualification and that they are in “good standing” with their home member state, but language capability is not a matter which is permitted to be checked at this point.
Article 53 of the directive states that “Persons benefiting from the recognition of professional qualifications shall have a knowledge of languages necessary for practising the profession in the host member state”. This implies that recognition has occurred before language testing is assessed and therefore language cannot be a pre-condition to registration. European Commission guidance on the directive makes it clear that the lack of language knowledge cannot be a ground for refusal of the recognition of qualifications.
Case law from the Court of Justice of the European Union makes it clear that systematic language testing is not permissible. Language requirements may be imposed for reasons of general interest but may only be applied in a proportionate way.
However, we recognise that there is considerable scope for strengthening the system of checks after the point of registration. We are evaluating options and will be making recommendations in due course.
Health: Drug-resistant Diseases
Question
Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action are they taking to deal with drug-resistant diseases. [HL4943]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The department is leading work on a new cross-government United Kingdom five-year
Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy and Action Plan (2013-18). This holistic document covers human and animal health.
The strategy and action plan is due to be published in March 2013 with annual progress reports to be produced each November.
Health: Healthwatch England
Questions
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they sought the views of Healthwatch England on the NHS Bodies and Local Authorities (Partnership Arrangements, Care Trusts, Public Health and Local Healthwatch) Regulations 2012.[HL4829]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): We carried out engagement on our proposals for the local Healthwatch regulations from mid-April to mid-June 2012 and followed this with a targeted consultation on two specific proposed regulations for six weeks from August to mid-September 2012. At that time Healthwatch England did not exist. The interim team working within the Care Quality Commission to establish Healthwatch England were involved in the engagement exercise.
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will publish any submission received from Healthwatch England on the NHS Bodies and Local Authorities (Partnership Arrangements, Care Trusts, Public Health and Local Healthwatch) Regulations 2012.[HL4830]
Earl Howe: To date we have not received any formal view from Healthwatch England on the NHS Bodies and Local Authorities (Partnership Arrangements, Care Trusts, Public Health and Local Healthwatch) Regulations 2012.
It will be for Healthwatch England to decide whether to make public any formal view it may come to on this matter.
Health: Obesity
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the recommendations to tackle obesity in the recent Royal College of Physicians report Action on obesity: comprehensive care for all. [HL4954]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): We have noted this report from the Royal College of Physicians. Healthy Lives, Healthy People: A Call to Action on Obesity in England sets out the Government’s approach to tackling obesity in the new public health and National Health Service systems and the role of key partners, which includes the medical profession.
A copy of the Call to action has already been placed in the Library.
Health: Plasma
Question
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how they will ensure security of supply of plasma products to the National Health Service in the light of the decision to sell Plasma Resources UK Ltd.[HL4833]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): As announced in the Written Ministerial Statement made on 17 January (Official Report, col. WS56) the Government have decided to seek private sector investment in Plasma Resources UK Ltd through the sale of the majority or all of the shares in the company. We are taking this action to support the company and its employees in the next phase of its development.
Investment will not only allow continued improvements to the existing products but also the potential development of new treatments to create a better product portfolio. Resources will also be used to ensure that the facilities keep pace with the latest technology so the company can achieve its full potential. Overall, the investment will play a key part in ensuring the continued supply of high-quality products to patients.
Potential investors will need to show not just the level of resources they are willing to make available but also set out a credible plan as to how the operations will be grown and how products will be developed.
Security of supply of products to patients is of paramount importance to this Government and is one of the key objectives integral to all the options being considered as part of the sale process. Bio Products Laboratory Ltd’s supply to National Health Service trusts will continue to be governed by existing supply agreements, and the department will continue to ensure that effective legal and commercial structures are in place to ensure that ongoing security of supply from all suppliers is maintained.
Higher Education: Funding
Question
Asked by Lord Smith of Clifton
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the breakdown of the allocation of the Higher Education Funding Council for England recurrent grant for teaching for the latest available year.[HL5047]
Baroness Garden of Frognal: The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) recurrent grant for teaching available for the 2012-13 academic year is £3,213 million, this figure is correct as of March 2012. The detail breakdown of this allocation is available via the HEFCE website: http://www.hefce. ac.uk/whatwedo/invest/institns/annallocns/. Allocations for 2012-13 will be adjusted in March 2013 and finalised in 2014 in light of the end-of-year individualised student data for 2012-13.
Hillsborough
Question
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the level of personnel and resources available to the Independent Police Complaints Commission for its inquiry into the Hillsborough disaster.[HL4772]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach): The Home Secretary has committed to ensuring that the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) (investigating the tragedy’s aftermath) and Jon Stoddart (investigating the Hillsborough deaths) have the resource and powers necessary to investigate the findings of the Hillsborough Independent Panel thoroughly, transparently and exhaustively. The IPCC and Jon Stoddart are working with the Home Office on the level of personnel and resource they require, as their investigations progress.
House of Lords: Savings Strategy and Financial Plan
Questions
Asked by Lord Campbell-Savours
To ask the Chairman of Committees what has been the saving in the Committee Office staffing budget arising out of the House of Lords savings strategy and financial plan approved in 2010.[HL4855]
The Chairman of Committees (Lord Sewel): The Committee Office has made significant savings following approval of the House of Lords savings strategy and financial plan in 2010. The overall Committee Office annual estimate for 2010-11 was £4.17 million. Committee Office expenditure overall has decreased, and the budget for 2013-14 is £3.9 million. Within that overall budget there has been increased expenditure on staffing as a result of the additional unit of committee activity agreed by the House for the current Session. As a result the staffing budget, which was £2.9 million in 2010-11, has increased by c. £160,000 to £3.06 million in 2013-14.
Asked by Lord Campbell-Savours
To ask the Chairman of Committees what has been the saving in Catering and Retail Services arising out of the House of Lords savings strategy and financial plan approved in 2010.[HL4856]
The Chairman of Committees: The savings strategy and financial plan approved by the House Committee in 2010 said: “Substantial savings to overall budgets have been achieved in the following areas: Catering and Retail—Reduction in catering subsidy from £1.6 million to £1.2 million”.
£1.6 million was the Catering and Retail Services (CRS) resource budget for 2010-11. £1.2 million was the budget set in 2010 for 2011-12. The outturn was higher, at £1.3 million. This represented a saving, but fell short of the target saving.
In 2011 CRS was given a budget of £1.2 million for 2012-13. This year is not yet over, but the forecast outturn is on target to be within that budget. Budgets set in 2012 for the next two years are intended to deliver further savings.
Asked by Lord Campbell-Savours
To ask the Chairman of Committees what has been the saving in the select committee travel budget arising out of the House of Lords savings strategy and financial plan approved in 2010.[HL4857]
The Chairman of Committees: Select Committee travel expenditure is variable, but savings are being made by the use of economy and inflexible tickets. The Committee Office travel budget was £284,000 in 2010-11 and will be £222,000 in 2013-14.
Asked by Lord Campbell-Savours
To ask the Chairman of Committees what has been the saving from the reduction in the printing of select committee evidence arising out of the House of Lords savings strategy and financial plan approved in 2010.[HL4858]
The Chairman of Committees: Total savings, chiefly resulting from the reduction in the printing of select committee evidence, which is now published online, have been in the region of 84%, from a budget of £310,000 in 2010-11 to £50,000 in 2013-14.
Asked by Lord Campbell-Savours
To ask the Chairman of Committees what has been the saving from the House of Lords contribution to the Web and Intranet Service budget arising out of the House of Lords savings strategy and financial plan approved in 2010.[HL4859]
The Chairman of Committees: The House of Lords share of the Web and Intranet Service budget has been reduced by 37%, from £851,000 in 2009-10 to £539,000 in 2012-13, due to savings made within that service.
Houses of Parliament: Police
Question
Asked by Lord Campbell-Savours
To ask the Chairman of Committees what was the annual cost of the House of Lords share of the parliamentary estate police contract in each year since 2008.[HL4880]
The Chairman of Committees (Lord Sewel): Costs are shared with the House of Commons on a 69:31 House of Commons:House of Lords basis. The annual cost to the House of Lords was as follows:
2008-09—£9,333,000;2009-10—£9,693,000;2010-11—£9,705,000; and 2011-12—£9,804,000.
Asked by Lord Campbell-Savours
To ask the Chairman of Committees what was the commencement date of the most recent contract for the provision of police services to the Palace of Westminster; and on what date the contract expires. [HL4881]
The Chairman of Committees: The current special services agreement commenced on 1 April 2010 and expires on 31 March 2015.
Human Trafficking
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress they have made in the last two years in combating people-trafficking in south east England.[HL4991]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach): The first report of the Inter-Departmental Ministerial Group on Human Trafficking was published on 18 October 2012 (Cm 8421). It set out how the Government are strengthening their response to human trafficking.
Israel and Palestine
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the Government of Israel concerning the replanting of olive trees belonging to Palestinians and damaged or destroyed by settlers in 2012.[HL4925]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): The Government are concerned by several attacks on Palestinian olive trees by extremist settlers as part of a pattern of intimidation and violence which we have repeatedly condemned. We note the particular sensitivities around olive trees given their status as a national symbol and the sole source of income for many Palestinian farmers. We have called on the relevant Israeli authorities to take all necessary steps to prevent the attacks against Palestinian farmers and bring those responsible to justice. Our embassy in Tel Aviv has raised our concerns about violence and intimidation by extremist settlers with, among others, the Israeli Attorney-General, Defence Minister and Prime Minister's office.
Lithuania
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have expressed concerns to the Government of Lithuania about conditions in prisons in that country, and in particular in relation to Lukiskes prison in Vilnius.[HL4803]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): The Government have not expressed concerns about prison conditions to the Lithuanian Government. However, officials have made inquiries about general conditions in Lithuanian prisons, including Lukiskes, to determine Lithuania’s readiness to receive prisoner transfers under the EU prisoner transfer agreement.
Mexico: Money Laundering
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Deighton on 16 January (WA 136), whether the United Kingdom's business and diplomatic relations with Mexico have been adversely affected by HSBC's facilitation of money laundering by drug traffickers and criminal groups in that country.[HL4707]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): The bilateral relationship between Mexico and the UK is growing strongly in terms of both business and diplomatic relations, with co-operation on prosperity and security. It has not been affected by HSBC.
Mexico continues to consider the UK to be a leader on financial services issues and British financial services companies enjoy a strong reputation in Mexico.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Warsi on 17 January (WA 148), whether discussions with the Government of Mexico during the trade promotion visit made to that country by Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint in June 2012 included the subject of HSBC’s involvement in laundering funds for Mexican criminal gangs; and whether they were informed of any estimate that had been made of the consequences of that money laundering and related activities in terms of lives lost.[HL4843]
Baroness Warsi: The visit to Mexico last June by the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, my noble friend Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint, was an important step in building bilateral trade links. However, Lord Green did not have discussions during his visit in relation to HSBC’s involvement in laundering funds for Mexican criminal gangs, or about the estimated consequences of that involvement.
Nevertheless, partly as a result of such visits, our bilateral relationship is growing strongly, and we are continuing our close co-operation on prosperity and security pillars with the new Mexican Government.
I also refer the noble Lord to the answer given by the Commercial Secretary to the Treasury, my noble friend Lord Deighton, on 16 January 2013 (Official Report, col. WA 136).
Migration
Question
Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will take steps to reduce the number of economically active people leaving the United Kingdom.[HL4897]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach): The reasons for emigration from the UK vary.
The Government aim to achieve strong, sustainable and balanced growth in the UK; creating a more educated workforce that is the most flexible in Europe; making the UK the best place in Europe to start, finance and grow a business; and encouraging investment and exports as a route to a more balanced economy.
National Crime Agency
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the implications for the establishment of the proposed National Crime Agency of a refusal of the Northern Ireland Executive to support a legislative consent motion to give effect to its operations in Northern Ireland.[HL5000]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of the proposed National Crime Agency if it is not operational in all areas of the United Kingdom.[HL5001]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the event of a refusal by the Northern Ireland Executive to support the establishment of the National Crime Agency in Northern Ireland, what steps they will take to take to ensure that crime will be effectively fought in all areas of the United Kingdom.[HL5002]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the establishment of the proposed National Crime Agency; and what was the outcome of those discussions.[HL5003]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to provide for the continuing operation of the Serious Organised Crime Agency in Northern Ireland in the event of a refusal by the Northern Ireland Executive to support a legislative consent motion to assist the establishment of the National Crime Agency.[HL5004]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether officers of the proposed National Crime Agency (NCA) could operate in Northern Ireland following a refusal of the Northern Ireland Executive to support the establishment of the NCA in Northern Ireland. [HL5005]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach): The Government are disappointed by the Northern Ireland Executive’s decision not to give legislative consent for the new
National Crime Agency. We are committed to delivering a UK-wide crime fighting agency focused on tackling serious, organised and complex crime
We respect the devolution settlement in Northern Ireland and the convention that we do not legislate at Westminster on matters within the legislative competence of the Northern Ireland Assembly without the consent of that assembly. Accordingly, in the light of the Executive’s decision, the Government are looking carefully at the provisions in Part 1 of the Crime and Courts Bill to see how they can best be modified to give the National Crime Agency some functionality in Northern Ireland, but in a way that does not require a legislative consent motion.
We will work carefully with the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland to mitigate the operational impact of the Executive’s decision. We will be seeking to preserve, as far as we can, the operational relationship between the National Crime Agency and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Justice Minister is best placed to decide how best to engage with his colleagues in the Executive Committee in order to ensure the necessary cross-community support to secure legislative consent. We are keeping in close touch with him on this matter; David Ford has our full support to lead discussions to take forward what is a devolved process. Our commitment to a UK-wide agency and to working with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to protect the people of Northern Ireland from the corrosive effects of serious, organised and complex crime has not diminished.
Given devolution arrangements, the result of the Northern Ireland Executive’s decision will be that a National Crime Agency officer would not have access to the powers of a Northern Ireland constable. They would still have access to the powers of a customs officer and immigration officer, as these are reserved matters.
While we are looking carefully at the arrangements in the Bill we remain open to continue discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive.
NHS: Dentistry
Question
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact on NHS dental patients of the change in threshold levels for patients who apply for patient charge exemption status using forms HC1 or HC2.[HL4894]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): National Health Service low income scheme claims are made using form HC1. Those entitled to full exemption from NHS dental charges receive certificates HC2. Those entitled to partial exemption from NHS dental charges receive certificate HC3. Calculation of entitlement in the NHS low income scheme is based on income support regulations. In April 2013, income support allowances will increase by 1%. The change in allowances may impact on an individual’s entitlement to support from the NHS low income scheme and depends on individual circumstances.
NHS: GP Accreditation
Questions
Asked by Baroness Masham of Ilton
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the capacity of local education and training boards to accredit general practitioners with special interests.[HL4992]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether local education and training boards will be responsible for the accreditation of General Practitioners with Special Interests.[HL4993]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): We are considering a wide range of options for the future arrangements for the accreditation and reaccreditation of general practitioners with special interests, and will be making an announcement in due course.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the capacity for the Royal College of General Practitioners, with support of the relevant speciality organisations, to take on the accreditation and re-accreditation of general practitioners with special interests.[HL4998]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how they will avoid any conflict of interest in the event of clinical commissioning groups taking on the responsibility of accrediting and re-accrediting General Practitioners with Special Interests.[HL4999]
Earl Howe: We are considering a wide range of options for the future arrangements for the accreditation and reaccreditation of general practitioners with special interests, and will be making an announcement in due course. The need to manage potential conflicts of interest will be one of the important factors which Ministers will consider in reaching a final decision.
Nigeria
Question
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the answer by Lord Hill of Oareford on 21 January (Official Report, col. 970) that “through our high commission in Abuja, we are supporting counter- terrorism work and interfaith projects”, what are those interfaith projects; and what are the details of the support which has been given.[HL4835]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): Recent examples of UK interfaith work in Nigeria as a contribution to reducing conflict include:
a Department for International Development (DfID) project entitled “Enduring Peace in Jos: Arresting the Cycle of Violent Conflict”;
the Government are providing £800,000 over three years for work towards creating space for dialogue where the different communities can come together to discuss intercommunal issues in areas of tension;our high commission in Abuja has been involved in a programme to train youth peace ambassadors from both Christian and Muslim communities;our high commission has also funded a TV series to debate interfaith issues; andDfID has established a Nigeria stability and reconciliation programme, which specifically aims to address the grievances that can lead to extremism and terrorism.
The Government are considering the funding of a further interfaith project and will continue to work with the Nigerian Government and civil society to find a lasting solution to violence in Nigeria.
Olympic Truce
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress they have made, in preparation for the 2014 Winter Olympic and Winter Paralympic Games in Sochi, in co-operating closely with the Government of Russia to promote the ideals of the Olympic Truce, following the Russian Federation-United Kingdom Joint Statement on the Olympic Truce signed on 28 May 2012.[HL4875]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): The UK and Russia have met several times to take forward co-operation to further the ideals of the Olympic Truce since the signing of the joint statement on 28 May 2012.
In July 2012, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) officials met Russian diplomats and members of the Russian Olympic Committee to discuss the UK’s international approach to the Olympic Truce. That month FCO officials also visited Geneva and made a presentation to the Russian embassy on the UK’s work in supporting the Olympic Truce.
In December 2012, FCO officials met with Valery Kouzmin, Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador at Large for the Sochi Olympics to share best practice regarding the Olympic Truce. We will look for further high-level opportunities to continue dialogue with Russia on this important issue ahead of the Sochi Winter Games in 2014.
Palestine
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have held concerning diplomatic privileges for the Palestinian Mission in the United Kingdom, following Palestine’s upgrade to non-member Observer state at the United Nations.[HL4926]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): The Palestinian mission in London cannot be upgraded to a diplomatic mission, with the corresponding diplomatic immunities and privileges, until such time as there is bilateral recognition by the UK of a Palestinian state.
As the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right honourable friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), stressed in his Statement on 28 November, the UK is a strong supporter of the principle of Palestinian statehood and of ongoing state-building efforts led by President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad. We see negotiations towards a two-state solution as the best way to meet the national aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians and lead to a sovereign, viable and contiguous Palestinian state living in peace and security alongside a safe and secure Israel and their other neighbours in the region.
The Foreign Secretary has also made it clear that we want to see a major effort led by the US and supported by European nations to revive the peace process in 2013.
Pensions
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many people are members of pension schemes which are contracted out of the state second pension; and how many of those are in public sector schemes. [HL4807]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): The latest data (DWP statistics Second Tier Pension Provision 2010/11) relates to the tax year 2010-11. In that year (in which it was still possible to contract out via a defined contribution arrangement), there were 8 million people contracted out via some private pension arrangement (defined benefit, defined contribution, public and private sectors). Of this group, 5 million were contracted out in public sector schemes.
However, the majority of people working today have been contracted out at some point in their working lives, many in private sector jobs: 80% of those who reach state pension age in 2035 will have been contracted out at some point.
Pensions: Britons Living Abroad
Questions
Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many bilateral agreements for United Kingdom citizens living abroad who are in receipt of the state pension have been agreed; when those agreements were made; and whether there are any inconsistencies between those agreements.[HL4930]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are in negotiation with any countries or territories over bilateral agreements for United Kingdom citizens living abroad in receipt of the state pension who fall under the regulations which exempt their pensions from annual uprating.[HL4931]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the governments of (1) Australia, (2) Canada, (3) New Zealand, or (4) South Africa, have ever requested negotiations on bilateral agreements for United Kingdom citizens in receipt of the state pension. [HL4932]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will consider new applications from countries or territories for bilateral agreements for United Kingdom citizens living abroad in receipt of the state pension. [HL4933]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what criteria they apply to other countries or territories wishing to enter into an appropriate bilateral agreement for United Kingdom citizens in receipt of the state pension. [HL4934]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how those British Overseas Territories which do not yet have agreements for United Kingdom citizens living abroad who are in receipt of the state pension can apply for such agreements; and who would take part in negotiations.[HL4935]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): The United Kingdom state pension is payable world wide and is not dependent on there being a bilateral social security agreement in place. It is uprated abroad where there is a legal requirement to do so. Reciprocal social security agreements are not entered into solely with a view to paying annual uprating increases to UK pensioners living abroad.
There are 31 social security agreements covering 37 countries and territories, the first of which was agreed in 1948. The Government have not entered into any new commitments since 1981. The agreements with countries which are now in the European Economic Area are largely superseded by EU regulations.
Inconsistencies arise from the host country agreements with Australia, Canada and New Zealand where benefits are not paid by the exporting country, but periods of residence or contributions in one country are accepted as being periods of residence or contributions in the other.
Over time representations have been received from the Australian, Canadian and New Zealand Governments and some of the British Overseas Territories. However it has been and remains the policy of successive Governments not to enter into new agreements with countries or territories where this would include uprating pensions in order to contain the long-term cost of the UK social security system and ensure that it remains affordable. Requests for new agreements from other countries have been turned down on this basis.
The issue has been examined extensively by the domestic courts, culminating in a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights in 2010. All legal decisions have found in favour of the Government.
Public Sector: Women
Question
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will undertake research to ascertain the areas in the public sector where women employees are in a
significant majority; and whether they will take steps to ensure that the proportion of men should be raised to 40% in areas where the proportion is below that percentage.[HL4800]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire: There is no single body responsible for diversity across the whole of the public sector.
The Cabinet Office is responsible for the Civil Service, in which departments and agencies already monitor their workforce and assess its breakdown. This information helps us to ensure our policies and procedures are fair and do not discriminate against any group of employees.
The Civil Service recruits, and promotes, staff on merit so that we have the best people to provide the best public services across the Civil Service
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises: Wales
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have for the establishment of an investment bank in Wales to help provide finance for small- and medium-sized businesses in Wales.[HL4896]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Viscount Younger of Leckie): As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement on 20 December (Official Report, 8 January 2013, col. WS 1) the Government are establishing a business bank, which will aim to remove significant barriers to growth by tackling long-standing structural problems in the supply of finance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized corporates across the whole of the UK. There are no plans to establish a separate investment bank in Wales.
Social Security (Personal Independence Payment) Regulations 2013
Question
Asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett
To ask Her Majesty’s Government which organisations and individuals responded to their recent consultation on the draft Social Security (Personal Independence Payment) Regulations 2013 by recommending that the terms “safely, reliably, repeatedly and in a timely manner” should be included in guidance rather than contained in the regulations; and which individuals and organisations recommended that those terms should be included in the regulations. [HL4824]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): A very strong theme from the consultation on the assessment criteria for personal independence payment (PIP) was that
regulations should make it clear that the assessment should include a consideration of whether individuals can complete activities in a manner that is safe, reliable, repeatable and timely.
We have been very clear from the outset that this issue is a key part of the assessment and it was included in the guidance. However, recognising the strength of feeling in relation to this key protection, the Government have agreed to include it in regulations. We will lay amending regulations making this change, once the current regulations have been made and before the PIP regulations come into force from 8 April.
Suicide
Question
Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the number of middle-aged men committing suicide; and how they will increase the support given to men at risk of doing so.[HL4901]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): We know that men are at three times greater risk of suicide than women. The highest rates of suicide for men in England are in the 35-54 age ranges, with the highest rate in the 40-44 age range. Mental health matters for the other United Kingdom health departments are devolved to their Administrations. Figures for the UK can be obtained from the Office for National Statistics at: www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/subnational -health4/suicides-in-the-united-kingdom/2011/index.html.
Preventing Suicide in England: A Cross-Government Outcomes Strategy to Save Lives published in September 2012 recognises this. A copy of this has already been placed in the Library. It identifies young and middle-aged men as a group at high risk for suicide and who are a priority for prevention activity. Much of the planning and work to prevent suicides will be carried out locally. The strategy suggests effective actions which local organisations can take to reduce risks for these groups, along with national actions and helpful resources to support this.
We are also making the prevention of suicide a priority for the new public health system. The Public Health Outcomes Framework includes the suicide rate as an indicator to focus attention on reducing the suicide rate in the general population. A shared indicator with the NHS Outcomes Framework focuses on reducing premature deaths in people with serious mental illness.
We know that men can be reluctant to seek help when they have a problem. Worry about what other people might think can get in the way of men seeking help for mental illness. We are tackling stigma around mental health through the Time to Change programme, led by the charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness. Government funding of up to £16 million has been earmarked to support the programme from 2011-12 to 2014-15.
Tunisia
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the financial value of aid, technical assistance or low-interest loans provided to Tunisia by (1) the United Kingdom, (2) the European Union, and (3) international institutions, since the start of the Tunisian Revolution.[HL4920]
Baroness Northover: Since January 2011, the United Kingdom has disbursed £3.7 million in project support directly to Tunisia. This assistance is channelled through the Arab Partnership Fund, which aims to promote open and inclusive economies and societies (£3.6 million) and the Middle East and North Africa Conflict Pool, which aims to promote greater stability and security (£0.1 million). Tunisia is also eligible to benefit from regional projects through both funding mechanisms.
Points 2 and 3 will be addressed in a separate letter and will be placed in the Library of the House as we are not responsible in Parliament for the European Union and other international institutions.
Welfare: Personal Independence Payment
Question
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the answer by Lord Freud on 24 January (Official Report, col. 1180), how many people they estimate will be affected by changes to mobility support for people with disabilities; and how many vehicles are likely to be repatriated or offered for sale.[HL4959]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): We are continuing to work closely with Motability to understand what impact personal independence payment might have on its customer numbers and to ensure the smooth introduction of PIP as it relates to users of the Motability scheme.