Written Answers
Thursday 7 March 2013
Armed Forces: Autonomous Weapon Systems
Question
Asked by Lord Harris of Haringey
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much they are spending each year on research into autonomous weapon systems.[HL5794]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): The MoD’s science and technology programme does not fund research into fully autonomous weapon systems, and no planned offensive systems are to have the capability to prosecute targets without involving a human in the command decision-making process.
Armed Forces: Interpreters
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many Iraqi nationals who have worked as interpreters and translators with the British Armed Forces in Iraq have (1) applied for, and (2) been granted, asylum in the United Kingdom.[HL5725]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many Afghan nationals who have worked as interpreters and translators with the British Armed Forces in Afghanistan have (1) applied for, and (2) been granted, asylum in the United Kingdom.[HL5726]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach): Information on the previous occupations of asylum applicants is held only at the level of co-ordinated paper case files or within the notes section of the UK Border Agency’s case information database (CID). Such data are not aggregated in national reporting systems, which would mean this question could be answered only through a disproportionately expensive manual case search to collate the data.
The Home Office publishes immigration statistics annually and quarterly, which are available from the Home Office research and statistics website. This includes information on asylum applications by nationality. The latest statistics can be found in the Library of the House as well as on the following website: http://www. homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research-statistics/research-statistics/immigration-asylum-research/immigration-q4-2012/.
Armed Forces: Military Covenant
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the definition of “veteran” when applied to the Military covenant.[HL5701]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): The definition of a veteran is provided in the Armed Forces covenant document, published in May 2011. Section B, page 8, states:
“Veterans—Those who have served for at least a day in HM Armed Forces, whether as a Regular or as a reservist”.
Civil Aviation Authority
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the answer by Earl Attlee on 13 February (Official Report, col. 655), what assessment they have made of whether the Civil Aviation Authority could play a role in the Heathrow Air Transport Movement Demand and Capacity Balancing Group in agreeing contingency plans to deal with forecast disruption to travel via Heathrow Airport.[HL5820]
Earl Attlee: The Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority have no role in determining the composition of the Heathrow Airport Demand and Capacity Balancing Group. This is a matter for the aviation industry. The Civil Aviation Act 2012 received Royal Assent in December 2012 and will allow the Civil Aviation Authority, from April 2014, to place obligations within airport operators’ licences to develop operational resilience strategies, which could include adverse weather, in conjunction with all airport service providers.
Crime: Joint Enterprise
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord McNally on 25 February (WA 204), what assessment they have made of the levels of joint enterprise arrests and prosecutions undertaken by the police and the Crown Prosecution Service in cases involving black and minority ethnic suspects, compared with their levels generally; and whether they have plans for a formal investigation into this matter.[HL5791]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): Although we hold data on the ethnicity of defendants who attend court, we do not hold information on the number of prosecutions for offences committed as part of a joint enterprise. The law on joint enterprise can be used by prosecutors in any circumstances where two or more people are involved in the commission of
an offence, regardless of the ethnicity of those involved in the enterprise. We are unaware of any evidence to suggest that the application of the law is discriminatory and have no plans to investigate the matter further.
Cyclists: Speed Limits
Question
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Attlee on 13 February (WA 169), whether cyclists are subject to 20 miles per hour speed limits; and, if so, what penalties are available for cyclists who break the limit.[HL5730]
Earl Attlee: Cyclists are not subject to the general prohibition on exceeding the maximum speed limit on the road.
Defamation Bill
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have considered linking the Defamation Bill to the proposal for press regulation to be underpinned by a body appointed by royal charter.[HL5800]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): The Defamation Bill is intended to amend the law on libel to strike a fairer balance between freedom of speech and the protection of reputation. Lord Puttnam’s amendments included in the Bill at Report stage in the House of Lords were premature and do not reflect government policy. Provisions relating to the proposal for a royal charter are the subject of ongoing cross-party talks.
Government Departments: Buildings
Questions
Asked by Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have for the future of the Old War Office building.[HL5733]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): The Ministry of Defence intends to vacate the Old War Office during financial year 2014-15 and Her Majesty's Government are currently examining options to sell the building. I will write to the noble Lord when an announcement is to be made.
Asked by Lord Foulkes of Cumnock
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the estimated cost of (1) the relocating the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister into Dover House, (2) refurbishing and upgrading the existing office of the Deputy Prime Minister, and (3) returning the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister from Dover House to the refurbished offices.[HL5937]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire: 70 Whitehall is undergoing a comprehensive modernisation programme under plans agreed by the previous Government. Full costs of this programme of work will be given in the Cabinet Office annual accounts in the usual fashion.
Isles of Scilly
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Civil Aviation Authority will require the air terminal building at St Mary’s airport in the Isles of Scilly to be moved before they will approve the operation of the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service instrument landing system.[HL5698]
Earl Attlee: This is a matter for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as the UK’s independent aviation regulator. I have asked the chair of the CAA to write to the noble Lord.
Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the draft Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill (Cm 8563) will apply to any border referendum poll; and whether there will be any barrier to the registration of individuals who may cross the border overnight to register.[HL5759]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Wales Office (Baroness Randerson): Under Schedule 1 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998, should the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland direct the holding of a border poll, she must specify in the order directing the poll the persons entitled to vote. The draft Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill does not therefore address the position in relation to a border poll.
Police: Criminal Offences
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many officers currently serving in the Metropolitan Police Service have been convicted of serious criminal offences.[HL5818]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): The Ministry of Justice court proceedings database holds information on defendants proceeded against, found guilty and sentenced for criminal offences in England and Wales. This database holds information on offences provided by the statutes under which proceedings are brought but not the specific circumstances of each case. This centrally held information does not include details of the occupations of defendants. As
such it is not possible to identify, in all cases where a defendant is convicted of a serious criminal offence, whether the defendant was an officer serving in the Metropolitan Police Service.
Police: Firearms
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Taylor of Holbeach on 21 November 2012 (WA 345), when they expect to conclude their revision of the chapters and appendices of the Home Office Guidance to Police on Firearms Law.[HL5859]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach): The first set of revised chapters was published in December 2012. We are consulting on the revision of the remaining guidance and plan to issue the revised guidance in stages during 2013.
Questions for Written Answer
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the advice to government departments in paragraphs 7.37 to 7.39 of the Cabinet Office’s Guide to Parliamentary Work on referring to websites in answers is still applicable, in particular when accumulated figures from several years requiring extrapolation from several official documents are sought.[HL5756]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire: The Office of the Leader of the House provides guidance to all departments on the practice of answering parliamentary questions by reference to government websites. The guidance referenced in paragraphs 7.37 to 7.39 of the Cabinet Office's Guide to Parliamentary Work remains; that the answer should give the Member the factual information requested (including supplying paper copies of the website pages), with an additional line in the answer indicating that the information is already made readily available.
Railways: East Coast Main Line
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have held discussions with Network Rail over the level of overhead line failures on the east coast main line; and, if so, what indication they have received of when the failure rate will be reduced. [HL5699]
Earl Attlee: Ministers regularly meet senior rail industry representatives to discuss performance matters on the rail network. Recent issues affecting the east coast route will be discussed at the next such meeting.
Railways: High Speed 2
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have made any assessment of the relative impact on Merseyside’s economy, compared with Manchester and Leeds, if HS2 did not reach Liverpool.[HL5696]
Earl Attlee: The initial preferences that were announced by the Secretary of State for Transport on 28 January include a connection with the west coast main line at Crewe to ensure that key destinations in the north-west, including Liverpool would benefit from direct HS2 services. However, no assessment has been of the relative economic impacts.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are proposing a paving bill for HS2; and, if so, for what purpose.[HL5767]
Earl Attlee: When parliamentary time allows, it is the Secretary of State for Transport’s intention to introduce an HS2 paving bill. The proposed paving bill would ensure that, subject to the hybrid bill achieving Royal Assent, we are able to deliver the HS2 project as fast as possible. It would provide the Secretary of State with parliamentary approval to incur essential expenditure on preparatory works in advance of the proposed hybrid bill achieving Royal Assent. This would allow the construction programme to proceed as quickly as possible thereafter. It will also provide Parliament with an additional opportunity to debate elements of the HS2 project.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much has been spent to date on developing HS2; what is the expenditure limit for that work; and when they estimate that limit will be reached.[HL5768]
Earl Attlee: The spend to date on High Speed 2 by HS2 Ltd and the Department for Transport (DfT) for the past four financial years, is set out in the table below:
| £-million | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13* |
The current total budget in the financial year 2012-13 for both HS2 Ltd and the Department for Transport is approximately £224 million. Forecast expenditure for this financial year is expected to be around £214 million.
For the financial years 2013-14 and 2014-15 the budgets are yet to be determined and are going through a process of finalisation.
* Year to date April 2012 to January 2013, as this is the most up-to-date information available.
** Includes pay and non-pay expenditure.
*** Breakdown not available between programme and admin costs.
Roads: A34 and A339
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to link the A339 to the A34.[HL5709]
Earl Attlee: The A34 is already linked to the A339 at several locations including at the Donnington Link, by the A4 Bath Road at the Speen Interchange, by the A343 Andover Road Junction and at the junction with the B4640 at Tothill Junction.
The Department for Transport has no current plans to provide further additional links between the A34 and A339.
Transport: Heavy Goods Vehicles
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the 40 miles per hour speed limit for heavy goods vehicles on the number of overtaking accidents.[HL5710]
Earl Attlee: On 9 November 2012, the Department for Transport published a consultation to examine proposals for raising the speed limit for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) over 7.5 tonnes on single carriageway roads.
An impact assessment and related research report were published alongside the consultation. They identified how many fatalities could be prevented if dangerous overtaking manoeuvres were reduced. However the information used in accident statistics identified only some of the incidents involving motorists overtaking HGVs, so the estimate covers only part of the problem.
The consultation asked for views, and evidence, on whether among other things, the current 40 mph speed limit causes congestion or avoidable overtaking collisions.
The consultation closed on 1 February 2013. We will carefully consider the responses received and evidence presented before publishing a response report.
Vehicles: Semi-trailers
Question
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are conducting research to assess the damage to private property and the environment through noise and fumes and the danger to pedestrians caused by semi-trailers using residential areas; and whether they have considered banning such vehicles from built-up areas.[HL5731]
Earl Attlee: The Government are committed to full compliance with European Union air quality standards and to reducing the wider environmental impacts of transport. The Government and local authorities monitor levels of air pollution across the country to identify any pollution hotspots, and where any problems are identified appropriate, targeted action is taken to address them. In London, for example, lorries and various other types of vehicle are required to meet certain emission standards to enter the London low emission zone.
In 2011, the latest year for which data are available, articulated heavy goods vehicles (which comprise a tractor unit pulling a semi-trailer) were involved in accidents in urban areas in which 65 pedestrians were injured, of which nine were killed and 22 were seriously injured. This includes residential and non-residential urban areas, as we do not have specific data for residential areas only.
Lorry bans on residential streets are a matter for local authorities. They should consider all the effects of any restrictions on articulated goods vehicles, including whether they would lead to a larger number of rigid goods vehicles being used to transport the same volume of goods, or lengthy diversions through other streets, both of which could lead to increased lorry mileage, hence more pollution and more risk of accidents.
Young Offenders: Learning Disabilities
Question
Asked by Lord Knight of Weymouth
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many offenders currently in youth custody have ever had a learning disability assessment as defined under Section 139A of the Learning and Skills Act 2000. [HL5754]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): While young people receive educational assessments on entry to custody, information on previous learning difficulty assessments and information on the number of young offenders diagnosed with learning difficulties is not collected centrally.
The Ministry of Justice Green Paper published on 14 February 2013, Transforming Youth Custody: Putting Education at the Heart of Detention (Cm8564), discusses, among other issues, the educational needs of young people in custody. Wider research, included in the Green Paper, suggests that in general young people entering custody have considerably higher levels of learning difficulties and learning disabilities when compared with the general population.