Written Answers
Thursday 3 April 2014
Abortion
Question
Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to prevent the selective abortion of girls in ethnic communities.[HL6199]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): Abortion on the grounds of gender alone is illegal. The 1967 Abortion Act states that two practitioners have to be “of the opinion, formed in good faith” that the woman has grounds for an abortion according to the criteria set out in that Act.
The Chief Medical Officer for England has written twice (on 23 February 2012 and 22 November 2013) to all practitioners reminding them of their responsibilities under the Abortion Act.
Apprenticeships
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will simplify the funding rules for those undertaking Higher Apprenticeships and other work-based routes into professional careers.[HL6421]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con): The Government is currently consulting on Apprenticeship Funding reform, including arrangements for Higher Apprenticeships. We will respond to the consultation in due course.
Bosnia Herzegovina
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Bosnia Herzegovina to protect participants within the Plenum movement in Bosnia Herzegovina.[HL6425]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): The British Government has continued to make representations to the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to protect participants within the Plenum movement in BiH, and within the protests, which preceded the plenums. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), visited BiH on 27-28 March and the Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark (Mr Hughes), visited BiH on 20 March. In meetings with BiH Ministers, both emphasised the responsibility of the country’s leaders to support the right to peaceful protest, and the need for the BiH authorities to protect the safety of protesters.
Our Embassy in Sarajevo has made clear in its discussions with the BiH leadership that the UK is a strong supporter of the democratic right of citizens to protest, and the importance role which leaders at all levels can play in urging calm and responding to legitimate grievances. These actions complement and support similar representations made by international organisations, including the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Broadcasting: S4C
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government on how many occasions during the past 12 months ministers of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport have visited the headquarters of S4C in Cardiff; and on how many occasions meetings have taken place at Westminster between ministers and officers of the S4C Authority.[HL6183]
Lord Gardiner of Kimble (Con): The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport visited the S4C headquarters, in Cardiff in November 2013 and met officers of the S4C authority at that time. There have been no other ministerial meetings in this time. Officials from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport are also in regular contact with representatives of the S4C authority, both over the phone and in meetings at Westminster.
Debt
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the average ratio of national debt to gross domestic product in the 30 years to 2007; in what year and at what level that ratio is forecast to peak; and what is their long-term target for reducing that ratio, and by what date.[HL6311]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) (Con): Historical data on Public Sector Net Debt (PSND) is set out in Appendix A, tab psf9 of the latest public sector finances statistical bulletin, available on the Office of National Statistics website at:
http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%.3A77-318927 and also seen in the Annex below. The average PSND in the 30 years to 2007-08 is 37.9 percent of GDP.
The independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is responsible for producing the official economic and fiscal forecasts in the UK. In the latest March 2014 Economic and Fiscal outlook, PSND for each fiscal year in the forecast period can be found in Table 1.4 available at:
http://budgetresponsibility.org.uk/economic-fiscal-outlook-march-2014/and also seen in the Annex below. The government has set a supplementary target for PSND as a percentage of GDP to be falling at a fix date of 2015-16. The OBR forecast that PSND as a percentage of GDP will be falling in 2016-17, a year later than set out in the target but one year earlier and 6.7 percentage points of GDP lower than in Budget 2013.
| PSND (% GDP) | ||
Disabled People: Blue Badges
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the answer by Baroness Kramer on 26 March (HL Deb, col 521–4), whether they plan to specify autism as a criterion in guidance to local authorities in their assessment on Blue Badge provision for people with disabilities and their carers.[HL6376]
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Baroness Kramer) (LD): We have no plans to specify a particular medical condition, such as autism, as a criterion for eligibility for a Blue Badge. Medical conditions are not in themselves a qualification for a Blue Badge. Provided that an applicant has a permanent and substantial disability, a local authority's eligibility decision should be based on whether they are unable to walk or have very considerable difficulty walking, not on the presence or absence of any particular diagnosis or condition.
Asked by Baroness Masham of Ilton
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the answer by Baroness Kramer on 26 March (HL Deb, col 521–4), whether they will consider replacing the Blue Badge scheme with two separate badges, and corresponding parking spaces, one for wheelchair users who need additional space and one for those who do not need additional space but require a convenient position.[HL6377]
Baroness Kramer: We have no plans to replace the existing Blue Badge Scheme.
Provision of disabled parking bays on public highways is the responsibility of local traffic authorities.
The dimensions of disabled parking bays are prescribed in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD). The range of sizes already gives authorities flexibility to accommodate the varying needs of disabled people.
TSRGD only applies to parking bays provided on the highway. The Department provides advice in ‘Inclusive Mobility: A Guide to Best Practice on Access to Pedestrian and Transport Infrastructure’ on designing parking bays in off-street car parks.
Driving: Insurance
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the penalties for driving a motor vehicle without insurance.[HL6357]
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Baroness Kramer) (LD): If taken to court, an offender faces a maximum fine of up to £5,000 and up to 8 penalty points on his/her driving licence.
There is a fixed penalty of £300 for this offence which also carries 6 penalty points.
Driving: Prescription Medication
Questions
Asked by Baroness Masham of Ilton
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to introduce a register for patients taking medications which are included in the list of specified controlled drugs that will be covered by the new drug-driving legislation.[HL6177]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to review the impact of the new drug-driving legislation on patients on prescription medication, following the full implementation of the full offence. [HL6178]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether it will be possible for drivers who are on specified drugs as medication to carry some form of identification so that they are not prosecuted under the new drug-driving legislation.[HL6179]
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Baroness Kramer) (LD): The Government published the summary of responses to the consultations on its proposed drugs and limits to be specified in regulations on 27 March 2014, which is available at:
www.gov.uk/government/consultations/drug-driving-proposed-regulations. Copies have also been placed in the libraries of the House.
The new offence includes a statutory defence for any driver who may have a specified drug in their body over the specified limit if they have been lawfully prescribed it and have taken it in accordance with the advice of a healthcare professional.
The consultation response also sets out further action which the Government proposes to take in relation to those patients who may be driving after being prescribed or supplied medicines that include the controlled drugs we propose to specify in forthcoming regulations. This action includes amending Patient Information Leaflets and the Summary of Product Characteristics for medicines which are affected; asking the DVLA to inform patients who report medical conditions to them of the new offence, where the patients may be affected; providing guidance to healthcare professionals and patient groups on the new offence; and writing to the National Roads Policing lead for roads policing to make them aware of the impact of the offence on patients taking medication. This will ensure that the delivery of healthcare is not compromised.
The above publication also refers to the evaluation contract the Government has in place to monitor the effectiveness of the new offence, which will include if there is any impact on those driving on affected medicines.
Drones
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the European Parliament resolution of 27 February on the use of armed drones, and in particular its calls upon member states (1) to ensure that they do not facilitate extrajudicial targeted killing by other states through the use of drones outside the framework of international law, (2) to promote greater transparency and accountability on the use by all states of armed drones, and (3) to support the work and follow up on the recommendations of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.[HL6361]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): The UK notes the European Parliament resolution on the use of armed Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). The UK also notes the UN Special Rapporteur on Counter-Terrorism’s latest report. This report, and the one presented to the General Assembly last year, identified a number of pertinent legal questions, which the UK is considering. The UK’s position is that existing international law sufficiently covers the use of RPAS, and that the use of RPAS strikes against terrorist targets is a matter for the states involved. We expect all states concerned to act in accordance with international law.
EU: UK Membership
Question
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Warsi on 11 March (WA 369–70) concerning the Prime Minister's position on “ever closer union” set out in his speech of 23 January, whether his rejection of that concept was discussed by the Cabinet; and, if so, whether they support his position.[HL6368]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): It is long established practice not to release agendas or minutes of Cabinet or Cabinet Committee meetings in order to protect the important principle of collective responsibility and to ensure the privacy of Ministers’ own views—as set out in the Ministerial code.
Government Departments: Budgets
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the percentage cost over-run established by the management board for any budget in the Department for Education to merit being tabled at the departmental management board; and how many times in the last 12 months that has occurred.[HL6282]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): The Department for Education’s financial position is reviewed every month by the Department’s Management Committee.
Government Departments: Expenditure
Question
Asked by Lord Selkirk of Douglas
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the expenditure of the Department for Transport, in reserved areas, per capita in (1) England, (2) Scotland, (3) Wales, and (4) Northern Ireland, in each of the last five years.[HL6164]
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Baroness Kramer) (LD): Data on departmental expenditure in reserved areas is not available. As a proxy measure, data underlying the HM Treasury publication ‘Country and Regional Analysis’ (CRA) shows expenditure split by country and region. This information has been compiled by HM Treasury with assistance from Central Government Departments.
The underlying data can be found at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/country-and-regional-analysis-2013
The table below represents total public expenditure on transport, not only that of the Department.
Table A.15 UK identifiable expenditure on services by function, country and region, per head, 2008-09 to 2012-13, of which Transport:
| 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | |
Government Departments: Surveys
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what customer, user and satisfaction surveys were conducted in the last 12 months in the Ministry of Justice and the agencies that report to it; which of them have been reported to the management board in the last 12 months; and which were commissioned by the management board.[HL6212]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord Faulks) (Con): The Ministry of Justice and its agencies (the National Offender Management Service, the Legal Aid Agency and the Office of the Public Guardian) have conducted the following customer, user and satisfaction surveys in the last 12 months:
Pilot postal and telephone survey with civil court customersE-questionnaire with individuals and businesses who have brought commercial cases to the rolls buildingInclusion of questions in the Crime Survey for England and Wales to explore views and experiences of users of our services
These surveys were not commissioned by the Executive Committee and the findings from these surveys have not been reported to the Committee.
National Offender Management Service:
The Offender Management Feedback Questionnaire (OMFQ) survey of offenders under probation supervision
The Measuring the Quality of Prison Life (MQPL) survey of prisoners
The results of both surveys are reported to the NOMS Agency Board. The OMFQ was agreed at Director level, and the MQPL surveys are undertaken for many years with the agreement of the NOMS Agency Board.
Office of the Public Guardian:
Deputy customer satisfaction surveyLasting power of attorney (LPA) customer satisfaction surveyDigital LPA tool user feedback survey—at the end of the online digital application process
These surveys were commissioned/approved by the OPG Board, and the survey results have been passed to the board.
Client satisfaction surveys with users of the civil legal aid telephone advice serviceSurvey to pilot users of the new civil legal aid online systemCustomer service survey of legal aid providersOther ad hoc customer satisfaction surveys
The findings from the surveys with users of the civil legal aid telephone advice service have been reported to the LAA Board. The remaining surveys have not been reported to or commissioned by the LAA Board.
Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service have not conducted any surveys in the last 12 months.
Human Rights
Question
Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what analysis they have made of the report by the United Nations Special Rapporteur, Ben Emmerson QC in February on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; and what plans, if any, they have to implement the recommendations in that report, particularly in terms of engaging in a debate on what “unlawful” conduct is, and with a view to forming a consensus on the meaning and application of the terms “armed conflict”, “combatant” and “self defence”.[HL6170]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): We welcome the report of the UN Special Rapporteur which identifies a number of interesting legal questions. We are carefully considering the recommendations. The Government’s position is that existing international law covers the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft.
Internet: Broadband
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to regulate companies offering internet connection speeds which are theoretical and can never be achieved; and if so, what consideration have they given to ensuring that a minimum connection speed is offered rather than an “up to” claimed speed.[HL6238]
Lord Gardiner of Kimble (Con): The Government recognises the importance of accurate consumer information but has no plans to regulate the way in which broadband is advertised. Ofcom, the independent regulator, has already carried out a significant amount of work to improve the performance of Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
The Voluntary Code of Practice on Broadband Speeds was introduced by Ofcom in 2008 and which the majority of ISPs have now signed up to. The Code requires ISPs to make clear and accurate information on the broadband services available to consumers at the point of sale, including speed, so that they can make an informed decision before purchasing. Since the Code was strengthened in 2010, ISPs have been required to give consumers broadband speeds estimates in the form of a range rather than as a midpoint estimate where there was large variation in achievable speeds. Consumers must also be allowed to leave a contract without penalty if they receive speeds significantly below the estimate.
A copy of the Code can be found here:
http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/telecoms/codes-of-practice/broadband-speeds-cop/voluntary-codes-of-practice/ and a list of ISPs who have signed up to it here:
http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/telecoms/codes-of-practice/broadband-speeds-cop-2010/list-of-isps-2010
The research that Ofcom conducted last year shows that overall compliance with the Code has improved significantly. For example, 80% of mystery shopping enquiries resulted in a range of speeds being given over the phone by ISPs, rather than a mid-point estimate. This represents an increase of 12% since Ofcom’s previous research findings in 2011/12. Ofcom also found that a small number of ISPs demonstrated either no change or a drop in performance in some areas and Ofcom will follow the relevant issues with the individual ISPs concerned to ensure they take the necessary actions to improve.
As well as monitoring compliance with the Code on a regular basis since it was introduced, Ofcom have continued to assess the Code’s future relevance to consumers in a fast-changing market, introducing a number of improvements and revisions. The latest revision of the Code is due to be published in the next few months.
Israel
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will make representations to the government of Israel about the reported shooting of Fadel Odwan in Gaza; and whether they will discuss the use of live fire against farmers and their children in the buffer zone.[HL6431]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): The UK has repeatedly expressed concerns about the appropriate use of force, including the use of live ammunition, by the Israel
Defence Forces, as well as the need for Israel to implement the recommendations of the Turkel Commission on improving how the Israeli authorities investigate alleged violations of international humanitarian law.
Justice: On-the-Run Individuals
Question
Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
To ask Her Majesty’s Government , further to the Written Answer by Baroness Randerson on 26 March (WA 124), whether the review by Lady Justice Hallett is to be purely an internal government exercise without anyone else whom the judge may summon being under any statutory legal compulsion to appear; and whether any compulsion to co-operate extends to members of Sinn Fein, the police, the recipients of the “on-the-run” letters, or others who may not be government officials or who may have retired from government service.[HL6395]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Wales Office (Baroness Randerson) (LD): The inquiry led by Lady Justice Hallett has no powers of compulsion. As recorded in my earlier Written Answer, Official Report, Column WA124, officials who are requested to appear will be expected to do so.
Money Laundering
Question
to ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of recent events in Ukraine, what consideration have they given to legislating to strengthen anti-money-laundering controls through the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and other channels; whether any suspicious transactions have so far been reported to the FCA; and if so, what steps are being taken to ensure they will be further investigated.[HL6191]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) (Con): The current situation in Ukraine is of deep concern across Government. The Government's approach to anti-money laundering is designed to make the UK financial system a hostile environment for money laundering.
We are considered by FATF—the Financial Action Task Force, which sets the global anti-money laundering standards—to have one of the most robust anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing regimes. We adopt a risk based approach which is considered the most effective way to ensure that measures are effective and proportionate and mitigate the risks a country faces. The risk based approach is central to the international standards.
Despite our comprehensive regime, we are not complacent. As a leading global financial centre, due to the sheer volume of money that passes through the UK, we are exposed to significant risks and we need to be vigilant in ensuring that regulated entities have in place adequate systems and controls to identify and manage high risk situations.
Prior to EU sanctions being agreed, the Treasury contacted anti-money laundering supervisors suggesting that they emphasise the increased risk in relation to Ukraine to their firms and remind them of the need to have appropriate systems and controls for due diligence, ongoing monitoring and reporting of suspicious transactions, including PEP and beneficial ownership checks. HMG is undertaking a National Risk Assessment to assess the current AML and counter financing of terrorism regime in the UK. HM Treasury is leading the negotiations on the EU’s 4th Money Laundering Directive which will have implications for all the AML supervisors in the UK, including the FCA.
Regulated firms and other institutions and individuals report suspicious transactions by sending suspicious activity reports directly to the National Crime Agency. The investigation of such suspicious activity is a matter for the National Crime Agency.
North Korea
Question
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in the light of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry report into crimes against humanity in North Korea, they intend to review their decision to place no general prohibition or restriction on trade with North Korea.[HL6381]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): The United Nations Commission of Inquiry documented reports of horrific human rights violations in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Therefore, we welcome strongly the UN Human Rights Council Resolution on 28 March which made clear the need for violators of human rights and perpetrators of crimes against humanity to be held to account. Although the UK neither encourages nor discourages trade and investment with or in the DPRK, there are no plans to introduce a general prohibition or restriction outside of UN and EU sanctions. It is not clear that a wholesale restriction would result in an improved human rights situation and may have an unintended negative impact on the welfare of the general DPRK.
Pensions
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to encourage local authority pension schemes to take into account environmental, social and governance factors in their decisions.[HL6274]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Stowell of Beeston) (Con): These issues are matters for individual local authorities that administer pension funds to consider when deciding upon their investment strategies. Each administering authority is required to publish a statement
of principles, which may address such issues. Statutory guidance states that the authority must report periodically to scheme members on the implementation of their policies.
Notwithstanding, local authorities need to focus on delivering a good rate of return for their fund and value for taxpayers, given local government pensions cost taxpayers (via employer contributions) almost £6 billion a year.
Railways: Franchises
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, during the shortlisting of the bid from Keolis and Eurostar to operate the East Coast Main Line franchise, they made representations to the government of France in respect of allowing United Kingdom companies to bid for passenger franchises on the French rail network.[HL6356]
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Baroness Kramer) (LD): The UK Government continues to support the opening of rail markets across the European Union.
Railways: Wales
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what actions they will take to facilitate connections between the Cambrian Line and the train services provided from Porthmadog Harbour Station on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland railways in order to support the tourist industry.[HL6519]
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Baroness Kramer) (LD): The Cambrian Line is part of the Wales and Borders franchise operated by Arriva Trains Wales. The specification and day-to-day management of the franchise is the responsibility of the Welsh Government.
Schools: Inspectors
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support the recruitment and training of school inspectors and lay inspectors.[HL6422]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): This question is a matter for Ofsted. Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, has written to the noble Lord, and a copy of his response has been placed in the House Library.
Sharia Law
Questions
Asked by Lord Pearson of Rannoch
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the Law Society's practice note on drawing up wills which are compliant with Sharia law.[HL6320]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord Faulks) (Con): Sharia law has no jurisdiction in England and Wales and the Government has no intention to change this position.
The Law Society’s practice note gives guidance to solicitors preparing wills under the law of England and Wales. It is a fundamental principle of this law that testators are, by making a valid will, able to leave their property to whomsoever they wish, subject only to the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. The practice note does not and cannot change the law.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the guidelines issued by the Law Society on 13 March on making wills “Sharia compliant”, what steps they are taking to prevent the escalation of the problem identified by the Law Society. [HL6394]
Lord Faulks: Sharia law has no jurisdiction in England and Wales and the Government has no intention to change this position.
The Government also has no intention of changing the fundamental principle of the law of succession in England and Wales that testators are, by making a valid will, able to leave their property to whomsoever they wish, subject only to the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
We encourage people to make wills by providing a relatively straightforward legal framework that keeps the formalities to a minimum and enables wills to be made quickly and inexpensively; and are considering what further steps we can take to raise awareness of the importance of making a will and to make the process simpler. We provide information to help people considering making a will on government websites: see, for example, https://www.gov.uk/make-will and www.justice.gov.uk/courts/probate/why-make-a-will.
South Sudan
Questions
Asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the potential regional engagement of Rwanda, Burundi, Egypt and Uganda in South Sudan.[HL6286]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): South Sudan’s neighbours have played an important role in the mediation efforts and have consistently called for respect of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. Rwanda and Burundi along with East African states including Kenya and Ethiopia have pledged troops for a protection force to support the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) monitoring arrangements in South Sudan. The Ugandan troops, invited by President Kiir at the start of the
conflict, are expected to withdraw in accordance with the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.
Egypt has had a limited role in the mediation process in Addis Ababa, but has called for both sides to fully commit to the ongoing peace talks. It has also expressed concerns about instability around the Nile waters.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government , further to the reply by Baroness Warsi on 24 March (HL Deb, col 421) on the presence of Ugandan troops in South Sudan, when the invitation to Uganda to send troops into South Sudan was issued; whether they have any information on whether Ugandan troops were present in South Sudan before that date; and, if so, what role they were fulfilling.[HL6342]
Baroness Warsi: There has been a contingent of Ugandan troops in South Sudan, working alongside the government to combat the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) since before independence in 2011. In mid-December 2013, in response to President Kiir’s request for assistance in securing key installations including the airport in Juba, the Ugandan government increased its deployment of Ugandan troops in South Sudan.
Taxation
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many taxpayers in the United Kingdom earn less than £10,500 per annum; and how many taxpayers in Northumberland, Durham, Teesside and Tyne and Wear earn less than £10,500.[HL6203]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) (Con): It is estimated that 3.41 million UK taxpayers had an income of less than £10,500 for the 2011-12 tax year. From 2015-16 there will be no taxpayers earning less than £10,500.
Estimates for sub regional areas are not available.
Estimates are based on Survey of Personal Incomes (SPI) data for 2011-12.
Ukraine
Question
Asked by Lord Lamont of Lerwick
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to discuss with the government of Ukraine safeguards for the rights of the ethnic Russian population of Ukraine; and if so, whether they will communicate the outcome of those discussions to the government of Russia.[HL6303]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): The British Government continues to monitor the human rights situation of all ethnic groups in Ukraine. We have so far seen no
evidence to suggest deliberate breaches of the rights of Russian speakers in Ukraine; nor have any of the international organisations in Ukraine raised this issue.
Any concern about human rights abuses should be dealt with through diplomacy and mediation either bilaterally or in the relevant international organisations—such as the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). On 26 March, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), welcomed the
decision of the OSCE to deploy a Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine. The Mission will help establish the truth of what is happening on the ground in Ukraine and should contribute to finding a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the current crisis. It will gather information and report on the security situation as well as establish and report facts regarding incidents, including those concerning alleged violations of fundamental OSCE principles and commitments. It will also monitor the human rights situation in the country, including the rights of national minorities.