Written Answers
Wednesday 5 March 2014
Botswana
Questions
Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, following the recent wildlife conferences in Gaborone and London, what assessment they have made of the impact the blanket ban on hunting introduced by the government of Botswana will have on (1) tourism, and (2) the protection of wildlife including endangered species. [HL5585]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord De Mauley) (Con): The UK Government has noted with interest the decision by the Government of Botswana to prohibit trophy hunting but has made no specific assessment of its potential impact.
Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact the blanket ban on hunting introduced by the government of Botswana will have on food supply for the remaining Bushmen of Botswana; and what representations they have made to ensure that Bushmen communities have access to adequate food and water.[HL5586]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), raised the situation of the San communities in Botswana with President Khama when they met on 13 February. The Government of Botswana believe that since the numbers of San who rely on hunting are very small, any impact of the hunting ban is therefore likely to be relatively limited.
Central African Republic
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the request by the Interim President of the Central African Republic for a United Nations peace-keeping force to be deployed in that country. [HL5491]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): We are greatly concerned by the situation on the ground in the Central African Republic (CAR). Our immediate focus is supporting
the UN Security Council-mandated African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA) force, which is working alongside the French deployment. They are already on the ground, have a robust enforcement mandate, and are able to act immediately to increase security and humanitarian access.
We supported a request for the UN Security Council to keep the situation in CAR under regular review, including what more can be done to strengthen existing efforts given the severity and urgency of the situation. We will quickly and carefully consider the UN Secretary General report, which will make recommendations for whether they believe the conditions exist for a successful deployment of a UN Peacekeeping Operation.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the security and humanitarian situation of Muslim citizens of the Central African Republic.[HL5493]
Baroness Warsi: The Central African Republic (CAR) witnessed increasing levels of violence throughout December 2013 and early January 2014 with reports of up to 1,000 civilian deaths in and around the capital Bangui. The rapid deployment of African Union (AU) and French troops has led to some improvements in security, and the nomination of Catherine Samba-Panza as President is a positive step in the transition to a stable government. But there are still disturbing levels of violence.
I met with Archbishop Dieudonné Nzapalainga and Imam Omar Kabine Layama of the Central African Republic on 27 January. They told me violence in CAR should not be seen as a fight between different faiths, but rather as the legacy of neglect, economic marginalisation and political exploitation. They expressed their confidence and hope that, with sufficient help, CAR’s communities can live together side-by-side in peace once more.
Commemorative Coins
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government which department or agency gave permission for Tristan da Cunha to mint the 70th Anniversary of D-Day Gold Crown coin.[HL5514]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): Responsibility for the issue of commemorative coins and postage stamps rests with the Tristan da Cunha government. However, Buckingham Palace approves or disapproves all proposed designs, following advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Her Majesty the Queen approved the 70th Anniversary of D-Day Landings gold Crown.
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
Question
Asked by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the recent allegations of human rights violations in North Korea.[HL5570]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): The Government remains deeply concerned by the reports of shocking state sanctioned human rights violations in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
I refer the noble Lord to the Written Ministerial Statement of 24 February 2014, Official Report, column reference WS63.
The annual Foreign and Commonwealth Office Human Rights report includes the DPRK as a country of concern. The full report can be found at www. hrdreport.fco.gov.uk.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Question
Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the document reportedly circulated by the Ministry of the Interior of the Democratic Republic of the Congo advocating torture of political activists returning to that country by refoulement. [HL5677]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach) (Con): The Home Office has not seen the alleged document and therefore can make no assessment of this.
Our current guidance on the handling applications for asylum from nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set out in an Operational Guidance Note (OGN) of May 2012 and two country policy bulletins of November 2012 and February 2014. The OGN recognises that political opponents of the DRC government, based on available information, may be at risk of persecution and warrant protection in the UK. Any returns to the DRC are only undertaken if safe to do so.
Economy: Migration
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the observation by the Office for Budget Responsibility's Fiscal Sustainability Report 2013, that immigrants are net fiscal contributors to the United Kingdom economy.[HL5558]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) (Con): In their July 2013 Fiscal sustainability report (FSR), the independent Office for Budget
Responsibility (OBR) shows the impact on long-term projections of different assumptions made by the Office of National Statistics about the level of net migration.
The OBR stresses that these results “should be interpreted as broad-brush illustrations, not detailed forecasts.” Furthermore, the OBR's projections are not a full assessment of the costs and benefits of a particular level of net migration.
Energy: Green Deal
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what type and level of qualification and length of study is required to become an approved Green Deal adviser; and how many properties a Green Deal adviser is required to have assessed under supervision before being approved to carry out assessments independently. [HL5642]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Baroness Verma) (Con): In order to become a Green Deal Adviser in England and Wales for domestic properties, candidates must attain a Level 3 Qualification in Energy Assessment and a Level 3 Qualification in Green Deal Advice. The qualifications are delivered through training providers authorised by Ofqual approved Awarding Bodies. It is up to the training providers to determine how candidates meet the qualifications.
Energy: Wind Farms
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their estimate of the cost of decommissioning the existing stock of onshore and offshore wind farms.[HL5501]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Baroness Verma) (Con): There are no estimates available for the costs of decommissioning existing onshore wind farms. Requirements for decommissioning fall to the individual local authorities within whose boundaries the projects are located.
For offshore wind farms, the developers of some projects have provided estimates for the cost of removing their wind farms under the provisions of the Energy Act 2004. On the basis of those figures, the current estimated cost of removing those “in the water” projects which have been completed so far is approximately £209 million (net).
The costs of decommissioning onshore and offshore wind farms are met by the developers of the projects in question.
Homeless Families
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will require local authorities to provide details of the self-contained bed and breakfast annexes being used for homeless families so that the adequacy of the toilet, personal washing facilities and cooking facilities can be independently monitored.[HL5624]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Stowell of Beeston) (Con): All housing provided under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 must, by law, be suitable for homeless households. Local authorities must consider the size, condition, accessibility and location of accommodation, as well as its affordability for the household.
We expect local authorities to comply with the law. We do not require them to provide evidence to central Government of the suitability of each property they secure. If households believe that any aspect of the accommodation provided for them is not suitable then they have a statutory right to request a review of the accommodation’s suitability and if still unsatisfied they can appeal to the County Court.
The Government is determined to tackle the unlawful use of bed and breakfast accommodation and has made available £2 million in 2013/14 to support local authorities to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to the problems which drive its use. Recent reports indicate that this approach is starting to take effect, with local authorities in receipt of funding significantly reducing the number of families with children in bed and breakfast accommodation.
We are also committed to helping other authorities by drawing on the lessons learned from the funding which will be shared with other local authorities.
Human Trafficking
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many children referred to the National Referral Mechanism between July and September 2013 because of domestic servitude or labour exploitation have received a Positive Conclusive Grounds Decision.[HL5548]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many children referred to the National Referral Mechanism between July and September 2013 because of sexual exploitation have received a Positive Conclusive Grounds Decision.[HL5549]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many children referred to the National Referral Mechanism between July and September 2013 where the type of exploitation was unknown have received a Positive Conclusive Grounds Decision.[HL5550]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach) (Con): The information requested is published by the National Crime Agency on the National Crime Agency website and can be found at:
http://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/publications/117-nrm-statistics-july-to-sept-2013/file
A copy of the document will be placed in the Library of the House.
India
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what information they have regarding steps taken by the government of India to promote better relations between that government and the Sikh community since the operation at the Golden Temple in 1984.[HL5508]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): This is a matter for the Indian authorities. The British Government continues to monitor the general human rights situation in India. This includes maintaining a dialogue with the Indian authorities about minority rights issues in India, including with regards to the Sikh community. Minority rights were also discussed at the EU-India human rights dialogue on 27 November 2013.
Iran
Question
Asked by Lord Carlile of Berriew
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to discourage Iranian military and financial support for the Assad regime; whether they intend to take any stronger action; and what assessment they have made of the position of President Rouhani on the matter.[HL5539]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): President Rouhani has said that he wants to find a peaceful end to the conflict in Syria. However, as things stand, Iran continues to support the Syrian regime and affiliated militias through weapons supplies, equipment, financial assistance, and personnel provided by its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This is in contravention of UN Security Council Resolution 1747, and is prolonging the conflict. Iran can and must play a constructive role in Syria. This includes publicly endorsing the Geneva communiqué, and using their influence with the Assad regime to secure unhindered access for humanitarian assistance, and the end of indiscriminate air attacks on civilian areas. We will continue to raise our concerns with Iran, including through our emerging bilateral engagement.
Iraq
Question
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Iraq about the security challenges facing the Turkmen community in Iraq and the alleged failure of Iraq’s courts to consider cases relating to the seizure of Turkmen land and properties; and whether, following the passage of a Resolution of the European Parliament drawing attention to the situation of the Turkmen, they have discussed what action might be taken with the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs.[HL5655]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): We meet regularly with members of the Iraqi Turkmen community both in the UK and Iraq, and are aware of the security and legal challenges they face, including those relating to land and property. We have called both bilaterally and through the EU for the Government of Iraq to provide adequate security for all of Iraq’s religious and ethnic minority communities. We have not discussed the situation for Iraq’s Turkmen community directly with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs.
Israel and Palestine
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel concerning the reported shooting of two young Palestinian footballers on 31 January. [HL5580]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): Officials from our Embassy in Tel Aviv raised this issue with the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) on 27 February. We make frequent representations to the Israeli authorities about IDF use of live fire in both Gaza and the West Bank, as well as about the process for investigating such incidents.
John Anthony Downey
Question
Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what input they have had in the recent John Downey court case; and whether they plan to appeal the court decision.[HL5635]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Wales Office (Baroness Randerson) (LD): The decision not to appeal the judgment made in this case is a matter for the prosecuting authorities.
I would refer the Noble Lord to the Written Ministerial Statement of the Attorney General dated 26 February 2014, Official Report, columns WS104 & WS105, which can be found at the following link:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201314/ldhansrd/text/140226-wms0001. htm#140226101000045
Justice: On-the-Run Individuals
Question
Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the John Downey case, whether they will publish the names of the 187 people who received letters from the Northern Ireland Office in 2007 to confirm that they were not wanted for arrest, questioning or charging by police.[HL5633]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Wales Office (Baroness Randerson) (LD): Records indicate that between 2000 and 2012 around 200 individuals were subject to the administrative scheme established by the previous Government to deal with so- called “on-the-runs”. Of these approximately three quarters were informed by letter that they were not sought for arrest, questioning or charge by police.
On 27 February, the Prime Minister announced that a judge would be appointed to undertake an independent review to provide a full public account of the operation and extent of the scheme established by the previous Government. This will include a factual check of all letters issued. I expect the report to be provided to me by the end of May 2014 for the purpose of its full publication.
Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the John Downey case, what police or other security agencies were involved in discussions that led to 187 letters issued to “on the runs” to confirm that they were not wanted for arrest, questioning or charging by police.[HL5634]
Baroness Randerson: Under the administrative scheme, inquiries from individuals wishing to establish if they were wanted by police in relation to suspected terrorist activities were communicated by Sinn Fein via the Northern Ireland Office to the Attorney General. The Attorney General referred these inquiries to the prosecuting authorities and the PSNI who carried out the factual checks.
Kenya
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they are making to the government of Kenya about allegations that refugees were tortured or otherwise abused during the 14-month period ending in January 2013.[HL5614]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): We have raised allegations of mistreatment of refugees with the Kenyan authorities on a number of occasions. We recognise Kenya’s contribution in hosting a large number of refugees and are helping through our programme of assistance to refugee camps. We and our partners regularly emphasise the importance of human rights, protection and security for refugees in Kenya.
Malawi
Question
Asked by Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment the Department for International Development has made of the impact on (1) healthcare provision, and (2) education provision, of the recent decision to suspend sector budget support to Malawi. [HL5509]
Baroness Northover (LD): DFID has remained engaged with the government of Malawi (GoM) and specifically the ministries of Education and Health in order to understand the impact of the suspension of funding through government. DFID and other donors also agreed with GoM and the IMF that funding to social services would be protected, and we continue to co-ordinate with other donors to ensure that this agreement is honoured and alternative avenues identified to support provision of basic services. We are also discussing with GoM how DFID might continue to support interventions through other channels to protect the poorest.
Nigeria
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Nigeria about allegations of deaths in military custody in the first six months of 2013.[HL5613]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): Since May 2013 Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers and senior officials have regularly raised the allegations of deaths in custody at the highest levels of the Nigerian government. This level of lobbying will continue until we judge it to no longer be necessary.
Overseas Aid
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether any United Kingdom aid has been given in Kenya to “rainmakers” who predict weather by observing the movement of ants; and, if so, how much was spent and what was the result of the project.[HL5516]
Baroness Northover (LD): UK aid has not been used to support rainmakers in Kenya.
Railways: European Rail Traffic Management System
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the needs of freight operators and heritage operators have been taken into account in plans to introduce the European Traffic Management System; and whether freight and heritage operators will be expected to bear the costs they may incur in implementing the proposed change.[HL5608]
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Baroness Kramer) (LD): Network Rail are responsible for the deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) on their network. They lead industry work streams on developing ERTMS on-train equipment for non-franchised train operators including freight and heritage services. We understand Network Rail have established a program of work for freight locomotives, working closely with freight operators. For heritage locomotives, Network Rail are still establishing the work stream and expect to consult with all affected stakeholders by mid 2014. The commercial arrangements for freight and heritage operators are still to be concluded.
Railways: Franchises
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Kramer on 12 February (WA 155), whether they have discussed with the competition authorities the consideration they will give to intra-modal competition in respect of Anglo-Scottish train services; and whether they have tested their assumptions with the competition authorities to ensure that there would be no legal challenge if Stagecoach were awarded franchises in more than one mode.[HL5630]
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Baroness Kramer) (LD): The Department for Transport is in regular dialogue with the competition authorities. However, it is for bidders to identify any competition issues and bidders are encouraged to have early discussions with the competition authorities in order to assist them in doing so. It will be for the competition authorities and the bidders to resolve any competition issues but the Department for Transport will wish to understand the impact on the franchising process of any potential intervention by the competition authorities due to competition concerns.
Bidders are responsible for identifying any prohibitions, divestments of interests or undertakings required by the competition authorities and for demonstrating to the Department that they have a strategy for addressing such issues so that the new franchise can commence on its scheduled start date. The Invitation to Tender issued to shortlisted bidders for each franchise competition sets out the Department’s requirements.
Railways: Intercity Express Trains
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether financial resources to cover the cost of deploying the Intercity Express Trains when they come into operation have been allocated to Network Rail by the Office of Rail Regulation.[HL5607]
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Baroness Kramer) (LD): Funds to allow infrastructure upgrades by Network Rail to allow Class 800 / 801 trains to run were included as part of the CP5 determination.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Kramer on 21 October 2013 (WA 136), whether Passenger Focus and the present railway franchises will be among the stake- holders who may see and comment upon the mock-up of the accommodation in the new Intercity Express Trains.[HL5609]
Baroness Kramer: Both the relevant current Train Operating Companies, Passenger Focus and a range of other stakeholders will be invited to see the final mock-up and provide comments.
Spain: Territorial Waters
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when Royal Naval vessels last entered the territorial waters of the two Spanish exclaves in North Africa, Ceuta and Melilla.[HL5577]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever) (Con): As at 27 February 2014, the last Royal Navy vessel to enter the waters off Ceuta claimed by Spain as constituting its territorial waters was HMS MONTROSE in the course of exercising her right of transit passage through the Strait of Gibraltar en route to the Eastern Mediterranean on 18 August 2013.
HMS HERALD entered the waters of Melilla in order to conduct a port visit there on 15-16 June 1999.
Syria
Question
Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when Syrian nationals granted entry to the United Kingdom through humanitarian admission will begin to arrive.[HL5680]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach) (Con): The Home Secretary announced on 29 January, 2014, Official Report, columns 863-877, plans to provide emergency sanctuary in the UK for displaced Syrians who are most at risk. Under the new Vulnerable Person Relocation scheme (VPR), the Government will work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other partners to identify the most vulnerable cases displaced by the conflict in Syria and relocate them to the UK. We are working closely with UNHCR and other partners to progress and plan implementation, including timescales for arrivals.
Turkey
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the religious freedoms of the Ladino-speaking Sephardic Jews in Istanbul, Turkey. [HL5576]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): The UK has not made a specific assessment of the religious freedoms of the Ladino-speaking Sephardic Jews in Istanbul, Turkey.
However we continue to discuss wider issues concerning Freedom of Religion and Minority Rights with our Turkish interlocutors and welcome the positive steps taken by the Turkish government in this area.
Together with our EU partners, we will continue to encourage further progress.
Uganda
Question
Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to review travel advice for visitors to Uganda.[HL5659]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): We updated our Travel Advice for Uganda on 24 February to advise on the environment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender travellers following the signing into law of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. Our Travel Advice is reviewed regularly.
United Nations Commission on Population and Development
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether their delegation at the United Nations Commission on Population and Development in New York in April will raise the case for (1) a full package of sexual and reproductive health rights, and (2) an expanded International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action, to be included in the post-2015 development agenda.[HL5490]
Baroness Northover (LD): The UK welcomes the anniversary of the landmark International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in 1994, and the Commission on Population and Development in April as part of this, as a time to celebrate the significant achievements of implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action. However, we recognise that it is also an important moment to reflect upon the gaps in implementation of the programme of action and emerging issues, as highlighted by the recent Global Review report, which need to be reflected in ongoing discussions on the post-2015 development framework.
Waterways: River Thames
Questions
Asked by Lord West of Spithead
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they support the proposal for the Local Knowledge Area on the Thames to be split into two separate areas. [HL5599]
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Baroness Kramer) (LD): Port and navigation authorities are responsible for the administration and management of the safety of navigation in the areas under their control. Whilst the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has no direct control over whether the local knowledge area is subdivided, it considers the proposal will have no impact on the safety of navigation.
Asked by Lord West of Spithead
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the proposed division of the Thames Local Knowledge Area on maritime projects that are planned in both of the proposed new areas.[HL5600]
Baroness Kramer: The requirement for local knowledge areas is predicated on criteria which relate to the safety of navigation. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency consider that the proposal to divide the Port of London Authority local knowledge area will have no impact on the safety of navigation either for existing traffic, or the increased traffic levels that are forecast to arise in conjunction with the planned maritime projects.