Written Answers
Wednesday 14 May 2014
Abortion
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to issue guidance to doctors regarding the permissibility of granting an abortion by means of amending form HSA1 issued under the Abortion Regulations 1991 as governed by section 1 of the Abortion Act 1967; and, if not, why not.[HL6915]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): The 1967 Abortion Act requires that two doctors certify in good faith that there are lawful grounds for an abortion, based on an understanding of the facts of a woman’s case. Any change to this requirement would require a change in the Abortion Act and this is a matter for Parliament.
The Department will be issuing guidance shortly to all those involved in abortion care about compliance with the Abortion Act.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the incidence of sex-selective abortion in (1) China, and (2) India; and whether there is any evidence of that practice amongst those of Chinese or Indian background living in the United Kingdom. [HL6918]
Earl Howe: Abortion on the grounds of gender alone is illegal.
On 21 May 2013, the Department published analysis of birth ratios in the United Kingdom. This found that, when broken down by the mothers’ country of birth including those born in China and India, birth ratios in no group are statistically different from the range that we would expect to see naturally occurring. The UK birth ratio is within normal limits; that is to say 105 male births per 100 female births. The full report can be found on the Gov.uk web site; enter ‘gender birth ratios’.
However, the Department remains vigilant for anecdotal evidence of sex-selective abortion.
The Department has not made an assessment of birth ratios or the incidence of sex-selective abortions in China and India.
Alcohol
Question
Asked by Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will define the challenges referred to in the Department of Health's April 2014 publication Living Well for Longer that they have laid before the drinks industry to reduce alcohol harm to health that is linked to premature avoidable deaths.[HL7010]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): In July 2013, the Government set a challenge to the alcohol industry to ask them to do more to reduce alcohol harm through the Public Health Responsibility Deal alcohol network. The challenge was formally set out in the 17 July 2013 Government’s response document Next steps following the consultation on delivering the Government’s alcohol strategy. It says:
“The Government believes that the alcohol industry can go further to show that voluntary action can deliver the significant changes needed. It is now challenging industry to take action in other areas, increasing their level of ambition and ownership of the issues, to reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder and health harms, tackle the harmful effects of binge drinking and to support growth in local economies. This includes seeking rapid action in the following areas: supporting targeted local action; tackling the high strength or high volume products that can cause the most harm; promoting and displaying alcohol responsibly in shops; and improving education around drinking.”
Asylum Seekers
Questions
Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno
To ask Her Majesty’s Government why they changed their contracting model for the provision of accommodation for asylum seekers in danger of destitution.[HL6878]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach) (Con): The COMPASS (Commercial and Operational Managers Procuring Asylum Support Services) project procured in accordance with the Public Contract Regulations 2006. The commercial principles behind the COMPASS procurement included:
• A desire to manage demand for asylum accommodation services under a regional procurement model to create efficiency and quality from economies of scale• Appointing financially secure suppliers able to respond with potentially significant fluctuations (increases and decreases) in demand• Identifying suppliers with a proven track record and who would take the care of asylum seekers seriously• Updating the contract performance regime to align with Government procurement and Home Office strategic objectives and in recognition of National Audit Office reports into the previous accommodation contracts
Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Home Office plans to re-examine its savings forecasts in the light of the additional costs incurred in the transition between contractors overseeing the Government’s accommodation provision for destitute asylum seekers.[HL6880]
Lord Taylor of Holbeach: COMPASS savings are directly linked to the number of people in asylum accommodation that changes continually. COMPASS savings are therefore monitored and reappraised against Home Office forecasts continually. The latest benefits review, carried out after the end of the 2013-14 financial year, indicates that savings for that year exceeded those profiled in the original business case and that the project remains on target to deliver £140m of financial benefits during its lifetime. Savings are being made despite the supported population increasing in line with higher asylum intake.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many applications for asylum were received from children arriving unaccompanied into the United Kingdom for each of the last three years for which figures are available.[HL6883]
Lord Taylor of Holbeach: In 2012 and 2013 there were 1,125 and 1,174 applications for asylum received from children arriving unaccompanied into the United Kingdom (Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children).
These figures are available in table as_08 (Asylum data tables Volume 2) of Immigration Statistics October to December 2013: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-statistics-october-to-decmber-2013.
There are currently no comparable figures for 2011. An internal review of UASC data highlighted issues with the definitions used for data published prior to 2012. Revised UASC figures for 2011 will be published in Immigration Statistics January to March 2014 on 22 May 2014.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will assess the research in progress in the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford on communicable diseases among refugees and displaced people.[HL6886]
Baroness Northover (LD): Once the study publishes its findings, we look forward to assessing this as part of the overall body of evidence on the topic.
Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how they decide which retailers can be accessed using the Azure prepayment card given to asylum seekers. [HL6997]
Lord Taylor of Holbeach: The Azure card is provided to failed asylum seekers supported under the provisions of section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
Any retail outlet that provides food and other essential living items and accepts visa transactions can apply to join the Azure card scheme.
The card is currently accepted by Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrison’s, the Co-operative, Boots, Peacocks, Early Learning Centre, Mothercare, The British Red Cross, The Salvation Army and a few small independent retailers. There are ongoing discussions with other outlets that may be interested in joining the scheme.
Botswana
Question
Asked by Lord Pearson of Rannoch
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in view of the terms of Botswana’s independence agreed by the United Kingdom in 1966, they will discuss with the government of Botswana its long-term plans for those Basarwa or Bushmen who wish to remain permanently in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.[HL6835]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): The Government regularly discusses with the Government of Botswana the situation of the San (also known as the Basarwa or Bushmen). We have consistently encouraged the Government of Botswana to seek an inclusive, sustainable and negotiated solution. We will continue to do so.
Central African Republic
Questions
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to commit troops to the European Union mission to the Central African Republic.[HL7014]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): The UK will not be contributing combat troops to the European Union’s security operation in the Central African Republic (EUFOR). However, the UK has helped EUFOR planning and has provided one Ministry of Defence officer to the Operational Headquarters in Larissa. The UK has also provided airlifts to help with its deployment, and is providing a share of EUFOR’s common costs.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the crisis in the Central African Republic on the Building Stability Overseas Strategy.[HL7015]
Baroness Northover (LD): The crisis in the Central African Republic (CAR) has highlighted the importance of the cross-government approach set out in the Building Stability Overseas Strategy (BSOS), including rapid response, upstream prevention, and working in partnership with others in the international system. BSOS remains a core strategy for HMG’s work in fragile and conflict-affected states.
In alignment with this, the UK continues to support international efforts to restore peace and security to CAR, some of which is funded by the Conflict Pool’s Early Action Facility, which was created to support BSOS. We have provided logistical support to the
French Operation Sangaris and £2m in non-lethal support to the African-led International Support Mission to the CAR (MISCA). The UK has committed £23m in humanitarian support to CAR since July 2013, funding a range of NGOs and UN agencies to provide access to protection, food, water, shelter, health and sanitation.
Children: Disabled Children
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the removal of ring-fenced funding for short breaks for disabled children under the Aiming High programme; and what is their assessment of (1) the number of short breaks that were funded under Aiming High for disabled children in 2007–08 and in each year since, and (2) the number of short breaks that were publicly funded through other delivery partners over the same time period.[HL6870]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): The Government has made available over £800 million for short breaks for disabled children between April 2011 and March 2015 through unringfenced local authority grants. Since April 2011, local authorities have had a statutory duty to provide a range of short breaks services for disabled children and it is their responsibility to make an assessment of the type and number of short breaks needed locally for disabled children and their families and to monitor the impact of their funding decisions from year to year.
The Government does not collect data on the number of publicly-funded short breaks delivered to disabled children by local authorities or other delivery partners.
Since 2008-09, the Department has collected information from local authorities through Section 251 reports, showing how much they have spent each year on short breaks for disabled children. These reports suggest that removing the ring-fence for short breaks provision has not any significant impact on local authorities’ expenditure in this area.
Details of local authority expenditure on short breaks between 2008-09 and 2012-13 are set out in the table below. Section 251 returns for 2013-14 are not yet available.
| Financial Year | Local authority expenditure on short breaks for disabled children | Local authority expenditure on short breaks for disabled children who are looked after | Annual totals |
Children: Domestic Abuse
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the Co-ordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse's Second National Policy Report, In plain sight: effective help for children exposed to domestic abuse, published in February 2014. [HL6901]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach) (Con): The Home Office recognises the impact that exposure to domestic violence and abuse can have on children, as stated in the second national policy report, In plain sight: effective help for children exposed to domestic abuse (2014), produced by the Co-ordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse.
The Government’s approach to tackling domestic violence and abuse is laid out in the Violence Against Women and Girls Action Plan, refreshed in March 2014:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/287758/VAWG_Action _Plan.pdf
This sets out our commitment to work with the Troubled Families Programme, particularly identifying learning around intervening with families where domestic violence is an issue. We will be taking forward action to consider interim data from the independent evaluation of the Troubled Families Programme to assess the prevalence of domestic violence within families currently being worked with and to inform practice in services for troubled families.
Domestic violence and abuse training for health visitors to provide support to families where they suspect violence against women or children may be a factor was developed in autumn 2013 and was rolled out this year.
Courts: Health and Safety
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking, and within what timescales, to ensure that custody trials can be listed at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court, in the light of the closure of the court cells in December 2013 following safety concerns.[HL6846]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the closure of the court cells at Newcastle Magistrates' Court since December 2013.[HL6847]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord Faulks) (Con): The cell accommodation at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court is housed within the interconnected Pilgrim Street Police Station which is due to close in summer 2014 and belongs to Northumbria Police.
The cells have not been in use since 7April, 2014 when a temporary arrangement was put in place to enable urgent fire safety works to be undertaken. Whilst five of the 13 cells are unlikely to be used again due to safety concerns, the remaining eight are now available for use as the fire safety work has been completed.
The current temporary closure has been extended until 30 May, 2014 to enable conclusion of discussions with the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner over future use and maintenance of the cells once the Police Station closes.
The temporary arrangement, comprising a daily remand court at North Tyneside and the listing of other custody work in available courtrooms across the court estate in Northumbria, is not wholly satisfactory and the impact is being assessed on a daily basis, in particular the impact on victims and witnesses. HM Courts & Tribunals Service is seeking to conclude the discussions with the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner as quickly as possible and currently intends to resume use of the cells on 2 June, 2014.
Disabled People: Toilets
Question
Asked by Baroness Thomas of Winchester
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that accessible toilets for disabled people in buildings other than private dwellings comply with published national standards.[HL6932]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Stowell of Beeston) (Con): In buildings other than dwellings, Part M of the Building Regulations requires that reasonable provision is made for accessible toilets where relevant types of building work are undertaken. Statutory guidance on how that can be achieved is contained in Approved Document M (Access to and use of buildings). The building control body is responsible for ensuring that relevant building work complies with this requirement.
Provisions in the Equality Act 2010 require employers and those providing a service to the public or carrying out a public function to make a “reasonable adjustment”, so that disabled people are not placed at a “substantial disadvantage” compared to non-disabled people. Ultimately, only a court can decide what is “reasonable” in any particular case. However, Part 4 of the Equality Act 2010 (Disability) Regulations 2010, prescribes circumstances in which it is not reasonable for such a body to remove or alter a physical feature which was provided in or in connection with a building to assist with access to the building or the use of facilities and which satisfy the relevant design standard. The Schedule to these Regulations provides details of how to determine whether the design standard is satisfied, and refers to design considerations and provisions in Approved Document M.
Education: Education, Health and Care Plan
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the number of people likely to qualify for an education, health and care plan; and how that number will compare to the number with a statement of special educational needs.[HL6871]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans will be introduced from September 2014. The Children and Families Act 2014 ensures that eligibility for an EHC plan remains the same as it is now for a statement of special educational needs (SEN). Therefore, we expect all children and young people who have a statement, who would have continued to have one under the current system, to be transferred to an EHC plan: no child or young person should lose their statement and not have it replaced with an EHC plan simply because the system is changing.
We expect the overall number of EHC plans to be greater than the number of statements of SEN because the eligibility for EHC plans is the same as for statements, and in addition EHC plans will be available for young people up to age 25 where necessary.
Elections: Freepost
Question
Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many days it has taken to receive Royal Mail approval of contents of freepost election addresses in each of the European Parliament constituencies.[HL6876]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire (LD): Government does not have a role in the approval of the content of election addresses.
Royal Mail is responsible for checking that candidates’ election addresses meet Royal Mail’s conditions of carriage and candidates’ legal responsibilities. Royal Mail’s guidance sets out its aim to approve or request changes to artwork within 48 hours of receipt.
However, it remains the party’s or candidate’s responsibility to ensure that the content of their election addresses complies with the law.
Electoral Registration
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Stowell of Beeston on 9 April (WA 304), whether the range of services to which they refer includes electoral registration. [HL6834]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Stowell of Beeston) (Con): Local authorities are statutorily required to provide a number of services including electoral registration. Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 provides for the appointment of an officer of the council to be the Registration Officer for the registration of parliamentary and local government electors, and section 54 of that Act provides that expenses properly incurred by a registration officer in the performance of his registration duties shall be paid by the local authority by whom the registration officer was appointed.
Additionally, the Government has committed to funding all net costs of the transition to Individual Electoral Registration to ensure that authorities are not left with unfunded burdens in line with the New Burdens Doctrine. In April 2014 the programme paid non-ring fenced section 31 grants to local authorities in England and Wales and paid invoices directly to Scotland to cover core Individual Electoral Registration costs.
Employment: Disabled People
Question
Asked by Baroness Thomas of Winchester
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to close the employment gap for disabled people since the ending of the quota system in 1995; and how progress is being monitored. [HL6929]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud) (Con): The disability employment gap has reduced. The Quarterly Labour Force Survey data is used to measure the employment rate gap between working age disabled people and the total working age population.
The Government is committed to ensuring that all disabled people have the opportunities and support that they need to get a job and to remain in work. There is a range of provision to provide this support including the Work Programme, Access to Work and Work Choice programmes. Further, in December 2013, the Government published ‘the disability and health employment strategy: the discussion so far’.
A new Health and Work Service (HWS) is being developed to provide occupational health advice and support for employees, employers and GP’s to help individuals with a health condition to stay in or return to work. The intention is to introduce the service by the end of 2014.
In July 2013, The Prime Minister launched the Disability Confident Campaign to help increase employer confidence in recruiting and retaining disabled people as part of a diverse workforce, and to provide opportunities for employers and organisations to share learning and good practice.
Energy: Electricity
Question
Asked by Lord Jenkin of Roding
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they intend to publish drafts of the several orders and regulations implementing the electricity market reforms
under the Energy Act 2013; when they plan to table motions in both Houses of Parliament to enable the drafts to be debated; and when they expect that any orders and regulations that are approved will come into force.[HL7019]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Baroness Verma) (Con): The implementing secondary legislation for Electricity Market Reform (EMR) is currently being finalised. It is the Government’s intention that these regulations will be laid before the House at the beginning of June 2014 and published concurrently.
The regulations will then be scrutinised by both the JCSI (Joint Committee on Secondary Legislation) and the SLSC (Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee). Should the regulations be approved by the committees, then Business Managers in both Houses will be asked to schedule scrutiny debates. Once debated, approval motions will be tabled in both Houses.
Subject to the will of Parliament, it is intended that the Regulations will come into force around 1 August 2014.
Additionally at the beginning of June, the Government will publish the response to four consultations:
·Electricity Market Reform: Consultation on Proposals for Implementation (October 2013)·EMR: Consultation on industry code and licence modifications (January 2014)·EMR: Contracts for Difference Regulations - Consultation on Directions to Offer Contracts for Difference (March 2014)·EMR: Consultation on Balancing and Settlement Code subsidiary documents (April 2014)
We will also publish an accompanying handbook setting out the final detailed policy of EMR, titled Implementing Electricity Market Reform.
The publication of this information alongside the laying of legislation provides certainty to industry on final EMR policy design and keeps EMR on track for delivery this year.
Environment: Coastal Defences
Questions
Asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what sea defences are currently in place in East Sussex; and what defences in that region are at present in the planning stages.[HL6937]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord De Mauley) (Con): There are sea defences, including many shingle beaches, along the Sussex coastline and some of these defences are backed by sea walls. There are also concrete defences at the foot of cliffs between Brighton and Newhaven. Full details of the sea defences can be found in the Shoreline Management Plans for ‘South Foreland to Beachy Head’ and ‘Beachy Head to Selsey Bill’ on the Gov.uk website at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/shoreline-management-plans-smps/shoreline-management-plans-smps
Work is ongoing to repair “soft defences” (beaches and shingle structures) which were affected by the storms during the past winter. Lewes District Council is planning to initiate a Newhaven to Brighton Marina Strategy, which will consider options for the currently undefended section of the chalk cliffs at Peacehaven. The Environment Agency and local councils have an ongoing programme to maintain, and in some cases improve, their defences. Investment in improvements over recent years means that work planned in the next few years is principally oriented to maintaining existing defences.
Asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the status of the application for funding for extending sea berms and defences in Fairlight, East Sussex. [HL6938]
Lord De Mauley: Rother District Council has applied to the Environment Agency for funding for a study in 2015/2016, and a subsequent scheme in 2016/2017, under the Coast Protection Act 1949. The project is called ‘Fairlight Coast Protection Works phase 3’. The bid is being considered by the Environment Agency alongside other potential projects in England as part of a six year programme of flood and coastal erosion risk management works.
Environment: Coastal Erosion
Question
Asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether there are any current or planned assessments of coastal erosion following recent cliff falls near residential areas in East Sussex.[HL6939]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord De Mauley) (Con): The management of coastal erosion along the East Sussex coastline is the responsibility of the Coast Protection Authorities under the Coast Protection Act 1949. Coast Protection Authorities regularly monitor and assess the condition of the coastal cliffs in their areas. The Coast Protection Authorities for the East Sussex coastline will continue to monitor the coast line following the cliff falls during the last winter.
EU: Funding
Question
Asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton
To ask Her Majesty’s Government why European Union solidarity funding was not sought to assist with damage caused in the recent floods and cliff falls.[HL6940]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) (Con): EU Solidarity Fund money is available to eligible States suffering from large-scale natural disasters but is subject to a number of eligibility requirements, including on the level of direct damages.
Comparing the recent damage in the UK to the 2007 floods, and following contact with the Commission, the Government’s assessment is that we did not meet these conditions.
However, the Government continues to explore external mechanisms, including through discussions with EU institutions such as the EIB, to support the existing package of UK Government support, which includes £130 million for flood recovery in the South West.
EU: Imports
Question
Asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will seek to persuade the European Union to revoke the ban on the import from India of alphonso mangoes.[HL6888]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord De Mauley) (Con): The EU has banned the import of five plant products from India, including all varieties of mangoes, because of repeated findings of plant pests. Protecting the UK’s plants from incursions of pests and diseases is a high priority for the Government, and the pests intercepted on imports from India could cause significant damage to UK glasshouse crops worth £321 million a year.
The Standing Committee for Plant Health will consider revoking the ban once India has demonstrated that it can meet the EU’s import requirements designed to prevent the movement of plant pests. We are discussing with the Indian Government and the European Commission what steps can be taken by exporters and the Indian plant health authorities to ensure that the necessary standards are met so that trade can be resumed as soon as possible.
Eugenics
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 8 April (WA 206–7), what is their working definition of a human eugenic practice.[HL6917]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 8 April (WA 206–7), why the principles set out in Article 3(2) of the European Union Charter of Fundamental Human Rights that prohibit human eugenic practices only apply to the United Kingdom when implementing European Union law.[HL6919]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 8 April (WA 206–7), by what date their consideration of
the implications for devolved responsibilities will be completed to allow full ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine.[HL6920]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): The Government has not developed a working definition of human eugenic practice.
Article 51 of the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights states that the instrument applies to Member States only when they are ‘implementing Union law’. This reflects the pre-Charter case law on the rights and principles that the Charter reaffirms.
We have no set date for completion of consideration of the issues that relate to full ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine.
Fair Trade Day
Question
Asked by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how they have promoted Fair Trade Day.[HL6907]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con): It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. I will correspond directly with the noble Lord as soon as possible.
Female Genital Mutilation
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what training is available for general practitioners in identifying cases of female genital mutilation.[HL6866]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): The Government published the guidance, Multi-Agency Practice Guidelines: Female Genital Mutilation in 2011, which provides advice to health professionals and the steps to be taken when dealing with suspected or actual female genital mutilation (FGM).
The Department is working with NHS England, Health Education England and the Royal Colleges to develop materials and training to support National Health Service staff including general practitioners to better identify and support girls at risk of FGM. Further announcements on this work will be made in due course.
An FGM NHS Choices page (www.nhs.uk/fgm) was recently launched containing information and support for frontline professionals who are concerned about the practice and are seeking advice.
Former Prime Ministers: Public Duty Cost Allowances
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Wallace of Saltaire on 7 April (WA 238–9), which specific amounts of Public Duty Cost Allowance funding each former
Prime Minister was allocated by way of reimbursement of (1) necessary office costs, (2) “secretarial costs”, and (3) all other costs, in each year that the reimbursement was awarded to them; what systems are or were in place to assess and audit such expenses claims; and, if there are no such systems in place, whether they will introduce them.[HL6989]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire (LD): There is no allocation within the public duties allowance for different categories of spend. It is for the former Prime Minister to submit receipts for payment within the annual allowance. The allowance is subject to audit, both by Internal Audit and the National Audit Office. Relevant supporting documentation is provided in support of claims.
Gaza
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they intend to take, other than increasing the aid budget, to reduce food insecurity and unemployment in the Gaza Strip.[HL6951]
Baroness Northover (LD): UK support to Gaza includes providing food vouchers to 5,750 households. Our support provides work and an income to 5,300 vulnerable refugees in Gaza, and short term placements to boost the skills and employability of around 1,000 refugee women. We provide long term, predictable support to UNRWA’s General Fund, around 33% of which is spent in Gaza. Our support to the UN Access Coordination Unit helps 24 UN agencies and 90 INGOs get aid and goods into Gaza. Through our programme we are also helping to develop the Palestinian private sector. Movement and access restrictions prevent sustainable recovery of the Palestinian economy, so we continue to press the Government of Israel to ease those restrictions and allow the export of goods from Gaza to Israel and transfers to the West Bank.
Global Partnership for Education
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how they plan to encourage other donor governments and developing country partner governments to pledge support at the Global Partnership for Education replenishment in June.[HL6980]
Baroness Northover (LD): DFID are working closely with other international donors and developing country partner governments to support the GPE replenishment. We are meeting regularly with donor governments to discuss support for the GPE replenishment. We are also liaising closely with GPE to ensure that the new funding model works to increase domestic financing to education.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether Ministers will attend the Global Partnership for Education replenishment conference in June. [HL6981]
Baroness Northover: Ministerial attendance is currently being discussed and we will look to make a decision in the coming weeks.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how they are collaborating with the Global Partnership for Education to ensure that more children with disabilities can access quality basic education.[HL6982]
Baroness Northover: DFID is collaborating with the Global Partnership for Education on the design of their new funding model to incentivise countries to improve their collection and use of data on children with disabilities. Currently there are very limited data in most developing countries. GPE will also work to strengthen the quality of education sector plans - particularly on how they address disability issues.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to work with the Global Partnership for Education to ensure that an ambitious goal and targets are agreed for education for all after 2015.[HL6983]
Baroness Northover: DFID is working across Her Majesty’s Government and with its international partners in education including the Global Partnership for Education to aim to ensure that, by 2030, all girls and boys completing primary education are able to read, write and count. We are also looking to be more ambitious by increasing the proportion of young women and young men with the technical and transferable skills to get decent jobs.
The main process to define a new goal for education is being led by UNESCO through its Education For All Steering Committee. The UK is represented by Norway and working closely with Norwegian counterparts to further our priorities.
Government Departments: Management Information Reports
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government which official, with what job title, is responsible and accountable for departmental management information in the Cabinet Office.[HL6890]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire (LD): Within Cabinet Office the official who holds responsibility for departmental management information is Bruce Mann, Finance Director.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government which official, with what job title, is responsible and accountable for departmental management information in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. [HL6891]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Viscount Younger of Leckie) (Con): The Cabinet Committee PEX(ER) agreed that all Departments appoint a Senior Civil Servant level Head of Management Information. In the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills this responsibility is held by The Director of Finance, Planning and Performance, Charu Gorasia.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government which official, with what job title, is responsible and accountable for departmental management information in the Department for Education.[HL6969]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): A number of officials across the Department are involved with producing, analysing and using management information that is relevant to their areas of responsibility.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government which official, with what job title, is responsible and accountable for departmental management information in the Department of Energy and Climate Change. [HL6970]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Baroness Verma) (Con): Angie Ridgwell, Director General for Finance and Corporate Services, is the lead official responsible and accountable for management information within DECC.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government which official, with what job title, is responsible and accountable for departmental management information in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.[HL6971]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord De Mauley) (Con): Departmental Management Information (MI) is generated for a wide variety of business functions. Checking and sign off of MI produced is carried out within relevant areas of the Department.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government which official, with what job title, is responsible and accountable for departmental management information in the Home Office.[HL6974]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach) (Con): The information used and provided by the Home Office, as with other Departmental obligations, is a matter for the Permanent Secretary. He is supported in doing so by his Chief Operating Officer, his Director of Performance, his Chief Internal Auditor and by an obligation on all senior officials to maintain accurate records.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Bates on 6 May (WA 365), whether they will now answer the question which was put.[HL6993]
Baroness Northover (LD): DFID’s Executive Management Committee review year-to-date and forecast expenditure against budgets each month through a monthly Management Information report.
There is no formal cost overrun percentage threshold that triggers a review of specific budgets. The EMC does however examine potential material overspending each month that represents a significant risk to the DFID’s overall Resource and Capital budgets.
Government Departments: Procurement
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Deighton on 6 May (WA 368–70), what was the breakdown of departmental private office spending on Government Procurement Cards in the Department for Energy and Climate Change between 2008–09 and 2009–10.[HL6990]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Baroness Verma) (Con): GPC spend above £500 by the Department are published on the GOV.UK website. Details for May 2012 to March 2014 are available at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/gpc-departmental-spend-over-500
Details for April 2010 to April 2012 are archived at:
http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20121025080026/http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/accesstoinform/expenditure/spend_over_500/spend_over_500.aspx
The Department does not hold records of any details prior to April 2010. Those for 2008-09 and 2009-10 were held as a mixture of electronic and paper records by both BIS and Defra. Locating and retrieving these records would incur disproportionate costs.
Government: Buildings
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much property in London is owned by central government; and how much of it is not in use.[HL6865]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire (LD): Since the 2010 General Election we have vacated over 1.5 million square metres of property across the country. The number of central administrative estate holdings within the 5 central London postcodes is currently 92, a reduction of over
50% since 2010. This reduction has generated significant savings, for example, we saved £60 million by selling a lease on Admiralty Arch.
On 1 January 2014, 2.5% of the central administrative estate that is mandated to be on e-PIMS (electronic Property Information Management System) was vacant. This is well below the reported national average (private and public sector) of 10.2%. Figures for the London region indicate a vacancy rate of 1.8% at January 2013, which compares favourably with the average vacancy rate (private and public sector) for London of 7.2%.
Government property and land that is available to rent or buy can be found at https://www.gov.uk/find-government-property.
Government: Growth Council
Question
Asked by Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield
To ask Her Majesty’s Government who are the members of the Prime Minister's Growth Council; and how many times it has met since its creation. [HL6896]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire (LD): A list of members is available in the Library, and online at www.gov.uk.
In line with the practice of previous governments, information relating to the proceedings of Cabinet Committees, including what issues were discussed, is generally not disclosed as to do so could harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion.
Gypsies and Travellers
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the nature of the “urgent consideration” they are giving to improve the attainment outcomes of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils noted in Annex D of their paper on the Child Poverty Strategy 2014–17; and whether they will (1) reconsider the use of the Pupil Premium in this regard, and (2) seek the advice of the Department for Education’s Stakeholder Group on Gypsy, Roma and Traveller education. [HL6959]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): The draft Child Poverty Strategy document references measures currently under consideration to improve the attendance of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) pupils. Attendance levels for many of these pupils are unacceptably low. In 2012/13, the overall absence rate for Gypsy / Roma pupils (15.3%) was around three times the national rate for all pupils (5.3%) and for Traveller of Irish Heritage pupils, was around four times the national rate (21.4%). Poor attendance at school is a real barrier to improving attainment for this group of pupils and there is an urgent need for improvement. GRT families, stakeholder groups, schools and local authorities –
working in partnership – have an important role to play in fostering the highest expectations when it comes to attendance so that all GRT children can benefit from their full educational entitlement.
The Government is investing £2.5 billion in the pupil premium this year to improve the attainment of pupils from low-income families and so improve their future life chances. Most GRT pupils are benefiting from the pupil premium on the basis of their economic circumstances. In 2013, three quarters of Traveller of Irish Heritage and 60% of Gypsy / Roma pupils attracted pupil premium funding. There are no plans to change the pupil premium funding criteria.
The summer term meeting of the Department for Education’s reference group on GRT will provide an opportunity for further discussion on improving the attainment of GRT pupils.
Health and Work Service
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress they have made in the implementation of the Health and Work Service; and whether that implementation is being taken in stages.[HL6925]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud) (Con): We have made good progress towards the implementation of the Health and Work Service.
The tendering process closes on 9 May 2014 and we will formally announce the successful supplier for England and Wales in July 2014. Implementation will begin in late 2014 and the details will be confirmed when the chosen supplier has been appointed.
Health: Lyme Disease
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking in response to the predicted increase in tick-transmitted diseases such as Lyme disease. [HL6944]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): Public Health England (PHE) and the National Health Service have public information on tick-borne diseases on their websites, and PHE works with patient groups to promote the recognition and prevention of Lyme disease. PHE also provides information for health professionals, and wrote to all general practitioners last spring to alert them to the risks. A new leaflet for the public will be released later this month and advertised through social media sites and the PHE website. National parks and other organisations also offer advice to visitors on avoiding tick bites and awareness of Lyme Disease, and PHE will work with these groups to enhance the information available over the summer season. PHE is also developing national guidance for the management of Lyme disease, and a research programme through the Health Protection Research Unit at Liverpool with NHS partners.
Health: Neurofibromatosis
Questions
Asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to review special educational needs assessments to ensure that the needs of neurofibromatosis sufferers are taken fully into account by education services; and if so, when.[HL6839]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): Schools are already required to support children with long term medical conditions, and this would include suffers of neurofibromatosis. Non-statutory guidance is available to schools, “Managing Medicines in Schools and Early Years Settings”, to help them manage medicines and supporting children with medical needs such as this.
From September 2014, there will be a new duty, (introduced in the Children and Families Act 2014), on governing bodies of maintained schools (and proprietors of academies) to make arrangements to support pupils at school with medical conditions and to have regard to statutory guidance. The proposed text of the guidance (upon which we have consulted publicly) is available on GOV.UK so that schools can prepare for implementation in the autumn term. It sets out the requirements on schools to support children with medical conditions, which we would expect them to apply to conditions like neurofibromatosis.
Asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what guidance they provide to schools, colleges and universities about taking into account the additional difficulties that neurofibromatosis sufferers encounter with examinations.[HL6840]
Lord Nash: Guidance given to schools and colleges is a matter for the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation and I have asked its Chief Regulator Glenys Stacey to write directly to Lord Bassam of Brighton. A copy of her reply will be placed in the Lords Library.
Equality Challenge Unit provides advice for higher education institutions on a range of matters, including reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities. More information is available at www.ecu.ac.uk.
Health: Opiates
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether there is any evidence that the prescription of opioid medication to relieve chronic pain has led to fatal overdoses in patients in the United Kingdom; and whether there is any evidence of abuse in the use of opiates by patients.[HL6924]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): From incidents reported to the National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS) there is evidence that the prescription of opioid medicines for all conditions, including chronic pain, have led to
fatal overdoses in patients in England and Wales. However, this information cannot be used to provide evidence of abuse.
The report A review of controlled drug incidents reported to the NRLS over seven years (2005 to 2011) published in the Pharmaceutical Journal in 2013 provided details of the number and types of patient safety incidents involving Controlled Drugs (CDs), including opioid medicines, reported to the NRLS. In addition incidents with reported outcomes of death and severe harm were also analysed qualitatively. A copy of the report has been placed in the Library.
There were 72,028 incidents reported to the NRLS over the seven year period. Of 10,678 incidents of reported harm there were 54 deaths, 74 incidents of severe harm and 10,550 incidents of other harm. Incidents involving overdose of CDs accounted for 89 (69.5%) of the 128 incidents reported of serious harm (combining death and severe harm).
Unsafe use of CDs is the number one cause of serious harm from medication incidents reported to the NRLS. NHS England is working with the Care Quality Commission and has established a clinical safety group of the National Accountable Officers for Controlled Drugs Committee. This group is providing further guidance to Accountable Officers for Controlled Drugs and healthcare practitioners on safer use of controlled drugs.
Health: Polio
Question
Asked by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to prevent the worldwide spread of polio.[HL6908]
Baroness Northover (LD): On 5 May 2014, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a statement regarding the recent international spread of wild poliovirus and Temporary Recommendations (TR) under the International Health Regulations 2005 to prevent its further spread. The TR are primarily focused on countries exporting and/ or infected with wild polio virus. The Government fully supports the WHO statement.
The UK remains deeply committed to the eradication of polio, and is a long-time supporter of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. At the Global Vaccine Summit in Abu Dhabi in 2013 DFID pledged up to £300 million for polio eradication. In 2013 DFID also provided additional support for the outbreaks in the Horn of Africa and Syria.
Helen Ukpabio
Questions
Asked by Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they will acknowledge receipt of the letter sent on 12 April by the Bar Human Rights Committee to the Home Secretary with regard to Helen Ukpabio’s visit to the United Kingdom.[HL7021]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach): Home Office officials have responded to the Bar Human Rights Committee’s letter to the Home Secretary of 12 April 2014 regarding Helen Ukpabio.
Asked by Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the concerns set out in the letter sent on 12 April by the Bar Human Rights Committee to the Home Secretary; and what course of action will be taken with regard to future visits by Helen Ukpabio to the United Kingdom.[HL7022]
Lord Taylor of Holbeach: It is the general policy of the Home Office not to disclose or discuss, to a third party, personal information about another person’s immigration status unless there is a substantial public interest in doing so. This is because the Home Office has obligations in law to protect this information.
Higher Education: Student Loans
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is (1) the total sum, and (2) the percentage, of student loans that have been written off as bad debt.[HL6849]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con): Information on the repayment status of student loans is available in the Student Loans Company (SLC) publication ‘Student Loans for Higher Education in England, Financial Year 2012-13’.
The Amount of Total Public Debt outstanding (including loans not yet due for repayment) at the start of Financial Year 2012-13 including interest was £40,271.5m, rising to £46,590.4m by the end of Financial Year 2012-13.
The amount of debt written off or cancelled during the Financial Year 2012-13 was £27.0m. This figure is 0.07% of the Total Public Debt outstanding at the start of Financial Year 2012-13 and 0.06% of the Total Public Debt outstanding at the end of Financial Year 2012-13.
Write offs occur for policy reasons; when borrowers die, become permanently disabled or when their loan reaches age thresholds. An estimate of ‘bad debt’ has not been provided in the answer as there is no standard definition for this.
Statistics referring to the Financial Year 2013-14 will be published in June 2014.
Housing: Letting Agents and Landlord Accreditation Schemes
Questions
Asked by Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what guidance they offer to local authorities on the outline and content of local letting agent and landlord accreditation schemes.[HL6986]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will publish copies of any guidance that they provide to local authorities on local accreditation schemes for letting agents and landlords.[HL6987]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many local authorities operate either letting agent or landlord accreditation schemes.[HL6988]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Stowell of Beeston) (Con): Information on how many local authorities operate letting agent or landlord accreditation schemes is not centrally held. The decision on whether to establish letting agent or landlord accreditation schemes is best made by local authorities who can take account of local conditions and circumstances. The Department does not therefore produce any guidance on such schemes.
We are improving standards in the sector. Later this year, we will bring regulations into force that will require the remaining 3,000 letting and property management agents to join one of the 3 approved redress schemes, thereby improving protection for both tenants and landlords. In addition, we have made over £4 million available to 23 local authorities to help them tackle acute and complex problems with rogue landlords in their area. This builds on the £2.6 million we have given nine local authorities to support enforcement against “Beds in Sheds”.
Immigration
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many meetings have taken place in 2014 between British and French authorities to discuss homeless people living in the Calais area who seek unlawfully to board British vehicles travelling to Dover; and what has been the outcome of any such meetings. [HL6946]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach) (Con): The UK works closely with the French authorities on matters of border security and cross border criminality to maintain the integrity of our joint border controls.
The Home Office and Border Force regularly meet the French at Ministerial, official and operational level to enhance our effectiveness in tackling irregular migration and organised immigration crime, including between Calais and Dover.
Recent collaboration has resulted in a grant of £2 million from the UK to replace and upgrade the Passive Millimetre Wave Imaging (PMMWI) equipment currently deployed in the ports of Calais and Coquelles.
In respect of the UK response to increase our impact on Organised Immigration Crime in France (especially northern France) Border Force have established a UK Task Force (Op Groundbreaker) and assembled Intelligence /Investigation Officers from Immigration Enforcement, Border Force, National Crime Agency and Kent Police. The Task Force is able to provide a robust response to OIC and work closely with French colleagues in Police Aux Frontiéres (PAF) nationally
and in particular with OCRIEST (Office Central de Répression de l'Immigration Irrégulière et de l'Emploi d'Etrangers sans Titre - a specialist PAF Unit dedicated to tackling organised crime groups in France and abroad).
Immigration: Children
Question
Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what analysis they have made of the report Cedars: two years on by Barnardo’s; and what plans they have to implement the recommendations made in that report.[HL6877]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach) (Con): The Home Office welcomes Barnardo’s report which highlights the significant improvements that have been made to the family returns process, the reduction in the numbers of children held with their families for immigration purposes and the fact that the accommodation at Cedars is used as a last resort.
The Home Office is carefully considering the report and its recommendations. The recommendation for risk assessment for the use of personal protection clothing is already part of operational visit planning and changes to the contract with the escort supplier, Tascor, are underway to enable the creation of specialist escort teams for family moves.
Independent Living Fund
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what provisions exist to safeguard monies identified by the Independent Living Fund (ILF) as needed to meet the critical and substantial need of recipients; and whether such funds will be ring-fenced by local authorities to ensure monies are used exclusively for continuation of care when the ILF ceases.[HL6942]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud) (Con): All the funding that would have been allocated to the ILF in 2015/16 to support its users from July 2015 onwards will be transferred to local authorities in England and to the devolved administrations in other parts of the UK. Local government social care funding is not ring-fenced, allowing local authorities the flexibility to manage their budgets locally in line with local needs and priorities. Local authorities have a statutory duty to assess and fund the eligible care needs of all disabled people, including former users of the Independent Living Fund. The Public Sector Equality Duty applies to local government in the same way as it does to central government.
Industrial Strategy Council
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government on what dates the Industrial Strategy Council has held meetings since it was set up; and, for each meeting, (1) who attended, and (2) what was the agenda.[HL6873]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Viscount Younger of Leckie) (Con): The first meeting of the Industrial Strategy Council was on 14 May 2013. The agenda consisted of:
1. Role of the Council2. September Conference3. Supply chains4. Witty Review
Tera Allas, Keith Anderson, Gordon Ballard, Marcus Bryson, Vince Cable, Victor Chavez, John Cridland, Martin Donnelly, Warren East, Peter Hansford, Lord Hutton, Harry Keenan, Sir Richard Lambert, Janice Munday, Mark Turner, Robin Webb, Frances O’Grady, Michael Snyder, Keith Wiggins.
The second meeting of the Industrial Strategy Council took place on 27th November 2013. The agenda consisted of:
1. Policy update2. Progress update and next steps3. Update on small businesses4. Supply chains
Keith Anderson, Gordon Ballard, Judith Batchelar, Marcus Bryson, Vince Cable, Neil Carson, John Cridland, Martin Donnelly, Warren East, Peter Hansford, Lord Hutton, Harry Keenan, Bernadette Kelly, Sir Richard Lambert, Janice Munday, Richard Parry-Jones.
The third meeting of the Industrial Strategy Council will take place on 19th May 2014.
Israel and Palestine: West Bank
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they intend to take to secure compensation for the European Union-funded humanitarian housing shelters close to Ma’ale Adumim, which were demolished by Israeli authorities on 9 April.[HL6953]
Baroness Northover (LD): Any decision to respond to these demolitions would be taken by the EU rather than the UK. We and our EU partners regularly lobby Israel against the demolition of Palestinian homes and infrastructure and forced transfer of population in Area C and East Jerusalem. Officials most recently raised the issue of demolitions with the office of Prime Minister Netanyahu on 1 May. On 5 May the EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah issued a statement condemning recent home demolitions and evictions of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and urging Israel against such actions.
NHS: Ambulance Service
Question
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the Care Quality Commission report on the East Midlands Ambulance Service published on 9 April; and when Mr Brian Britten will receive
a full response to his complaint to the Service about an incident in February in which an ambulance in which he was being conveyed abruptly lurched. [HL6875]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and adult social care providers in England and has a key responsibility in the overall assurance of safety and quality. The Government expects the East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust to take prompt action to remedy the concerns recently highlighted by CQC inspectors.
East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust advises it has recently responded in full response to Mr Britten’s complaint.
NHS: Data
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether persons whose National Health Service data has been compromised are informed of that fact; and, if so, what remedy or compensation is available to them. [HL7004]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): National Health Service organisations are individually responsible for managing incidents where patient data has been compromised. Guidance provided by the Health and Social Care Information Centre is that data subjects should be informed when personal data about them has been lost or inappropriately placed in the public domain, unless the cost of doing so would be prohibitive or the risk to those concerned is judged to be minimal. Where there is any risk of identity theft it is strongly recommended that this is done.
There are no central guidelines on remedies or compensation. Individuals whose data has been compromised may make a complaint through local NHS complaints procedures or if they believe that an incident resulted from a breach of data protection requirements they may report this to the Information Commissioner. In some circumstances individuals might seek redress through the Civil Courts.
NHS: Drugs and Medicines
Question
Asked by Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what consideration they have given to using the purchasing power of the National Health Service as a major customer of AstraZeneca and Pfizer to ensure that Pfizer honours any undertakings given in the event of a successful takeover of AstraZeneca.[HL6985]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): Both companies supply the National Health Service with vital medicines that are used to treat millions of patients each year. It is for clinicians to make prescribing decisions based on their
patient’s individual clinical circumstances and our priority is to ensure that patients continue to get the medicines they need.
Nigeria
Question
Asked by Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what briefings they have received from the United Kingdom Ambassador to Nigeria with regard to the incitement by certain individuals to treat some children as witches; and what reports they have received about the physical and mental effects on children subjected to such accusations.[HL7020]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): Our High Commission in Abuja have previously reported on children being accused of witchcraft in Nigeria. We are aware of various reports detailing the physical and mental damage caused by such accusations. Our officials in Nigeria, and in London, regularly meet with individuals and non-governmental organisations to discuss this.
Child abuse is appalling and unacceptable wherever it occurs and in whatever form it takes. Abuse linked to faith is an abhorrent crime, which should be condemned by people of all cultures, communities and faiths.
Northern Ireland: On-the-runs
Questions
Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answers by Baroness Randerson on 26 March (WA 124) and 3 April (WA 226), and by Lord Bates on 6 May (WA 410–11), whether they have any plans to reconsider the scope of Lady Justice Hallett's inquiry into on the runs or to assess its possible impact on the judicial, financial or community processes.[HL7016]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Wales Office (Baroness Randerson) (LD): The Government has no plans to reconsider the scope of Lady Justice Hallett’s inquiry, nor to assess the impacts on the judicial, financial or community processes.
Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answers by Baroness Randerson on 26 March (WA 124) and 3 April (WA 226), and by Lord Bates on 6 May (WA 410–11), in the light of the scope of Lady Justice Hallett's inquiry into on the runs, what role they envisage for the Northern Ireland Office, the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the Police Service of Northern Ireland in that inquiry.[HL7017]
Baroness Randerson: As noted in earlier written answers, the inquiry will have full access to files held by the Government; government officials who are requested to appear will be expected to do so. The inquiry may also interview key individuals from the Northern Ireland Civil Service, the police and any
others where those individuals are willing. The Northern Ireland Office is providing appropriate support to the inquiry team, as its’ sponsoring department.
Prisoners: Parcels
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government on how many occasions in the last two years parcels sent to prisoners have been found to contain drugs, extremist materials, mobile phones, SIM cards or pornography. [HL6848]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord Faulks) (Con): Details of illicit items found in post or packages are recorded on the prison incident reporting system, and collated in a central database. However, to identify the number of parcels containing drugs, illicit materials, mobile phones, SIM cards or pornography would require a manual search of over 34,000 individual records, which could only be done at disproportionate cost.
Prisoners: Repeat Offenders
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many repeat offenders serving prison sentences of less than one year have been provided with a resettlement package to facilitate their return to the community in the past year.[HL6897]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord Faulks) (Con): Obtaining the information requested would involve the 35 probation trusts in searching the individual records of offenders and this could not be done without incurring disproportionate cost.
Prisoners: Temporary Licence
Question
Asked by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their policy on the release of prisoners on temporary licence.[HL6905]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord Faulks) (Con): Carefully managing prisoners into the community on temporary licence toward the end of their sentence is a key part of efforts to rehabilitate them back into society. Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) plays an important role in public protection by ensuring that offenders are tested in the community under strict conditions before being released. It also provides a valuable means of helping prisoners prepare for their resettlement in the community by, for example, finding work or rebuilding links with their families, which helps to reduce reoffending.
But this should never be at the expense of public safety which remains our absolute priority.
In March this year, the Government announced plans to improve temporary release policy and practice following reviews prompted by three very serious incidents last year. A key part of these plans is to have a new scheme of restricted ROTL for serious offenders. In those cases, there will be more stringent risk assessment procedures, with greater involvement of psychology and probation professionals and more restrictive licence conditions. In addition, and as soon as suitable equipment is available, we will be able to tag offenders on temporary release.
In the vast majority of cases ROTL is used effectively and successfully. Prisoners fail to comply with licence conditions in less than one tenth of one per cent of cases.
Prisoners: Women
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many women prisoners had GCSE C-grade or equivalent in English and maths on being imprisoned in (1) 2010, (2) 2011, and (3) 2012; and how many had such qualifications upon release.[HL6857]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con): We do not centrally hold information on the prior attainment of prisoners or their qualifications upon release.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what proportion of current women prisoners were convicted of violent crime.[HL6860]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord Faulks) (Con): At 31 March 2014, 29% of the female prison population were under immediate custodial sentence for violence against the person. A breakdown of the figures is below:
Adults 84518-20 year olds 4415-17 year olds 0Total 889
Further detail can be found in the Offender Management Statistics Quarterly Bulletin. The latest edition covering October to December 2013 and annual statistics for 2013are available at the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/offender-management-statistics-quarterly-october-december-2013-and-annual
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what proportion of current women prisoners were in employment before being jailed.[HL6858]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what proportion of current women prisoners suffered from alcohol or drug addiction or mental illness when they committed the crimes for which they were jailed. [HL6859]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what proportion of current women prisoners have children under the age of 18.[HL6861]
Lord Faulks: The Ministry of Justice does not centrally collate or hold information on the questions above. However, a survey conducted between 2005 and 2010 (Surveying Prisoner Crime Reduction) provides some information on these topics.
Copies of the reports are available at:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/surveying-prisoner-crime-reduction-spcr
Public Expenditure
Question
Asked by Lord Selkirk of Douglas
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Deighton on 23 April (HL 6672), for each £100 of identifiable public expenditure per capita in England, for each of the last ten years, how much was spent in (1) Wales, (2) Scotland, and (3) Northern Ireland.[HL6895]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) (Con): The tables below show the expenditure per capita in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland for each £100 of identifiable expenditure per capita in England. This is over a ten year period.
In order to produce this analysis, a modified version of the per capita expenditure provided in the Written Answer by Lord Deighton on 23 April (HL 6672) has been used.
Sources: expenditure data from past and present editions of PESA and mid-year population estimates from various sources, on a consistent basis to Country and Regional Analyses 2013
Source: per capita expenditure data from Country and Regional Analyses 2013
Public Sector: Equality Duty
Question
Asked by Baroness Thomas of Winchester
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what training is provided on disability awareness to staff in Jobcentre Plus offices as part of the public sector equality duty; and what steps are being taken to ensure that awareness by staff of obligations under the duty is improving.[HL6930]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud) (Con): DWP, in partnership with Civil Service Learning, provides a wide range of diversity and disability learning opportunities for staff.
The ‘Equality and Diversity Essentials’ package provides an overview of the Equality Act 2010, the Public Sector Equality Duty and covers disability for customers and employees. The learning is targeted at all new employees as part of induction and as a refresher for other staff.
DWP offers a follow up ‘Disability Awareness’ course. This aims to build the confidence of managers to give effective support to disabled employees.
DWP customer facing staff are trained in the skills required to support a range of claimants and to respect their individual needs. This approach ensures they are skilled to deal with a diverse set of circumstances, whilst treating everyone as individuals. Jobcentre Advisers, in particular, have access to a comprehensive training programme which focuses on raising awareness of the individual’s personal circumstances, including disabilities, and also recognises that those circumstances can affect individuals in different ways.
The Department regularly participates in external benchmarking activity to measure and improve performance for disabled staff, customers and service users. 2013 results showed a significant improvement in performance from 2012.
Public Sector: Private Contractors
Question
Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how they are ensuring (1) that adequate plans are in place for private contractors managing new public sector contracts, and (2) that any such plans include reference to what will be passed on by previous contractors and clear arrangements for exiting previous obligations.[HL6879]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire (LD): Although it is the responsibility of the Contracting Authority to ensure that adequate plans are in place for private contractors managing new public sector contracts, the Crown Commercial Service was created to support departments in improving their commercial relationships and strengthen the role of the centre of Government in overseeing procurement.
The Model Services Contract, published by the Crown Commercial Service in January 2014, contains standard contractual provisions relating to contract termination and supplier replacement:
https://ccs.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/sites/default/files/files/Transparency/Model%20Services%20 Contract%20v1_0.pdf
Schools: Air Quality
Question
Asked by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how they are testing air quality in schools.[HL6904]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): The Department for Education does not conduct air quality testing in schools. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, the employer – either the local authority or the school – has clear responsibilities to manage asbestos-containing materials in schools safely. The regulations include a requirement that exposure to asbestos fibres is reduced to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable.
The condition of asbestos containing materials can be monitored by visual inspection and by checking for any signs of damage. In some cases the employer may arrange for air sampling to be done to establish the levels of asbestos fibres.
Schools: Asbestos
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government why data on the presence of asbestos were not covered in the Property Data Survey Programme in United Kingdom schools; and what are their plans for removing any remaining asbestos from United Kingdom schools. [HL6856]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): The Property Data Survey gathers high-level condition data across the state-funded educational estate in England only. The surveyors employed on the programme are general building surveyors and they perform a visual, non-intrusive survey. In comparison, considerably more detailed surveys are required to assess asbestos and that is why asbestos is not included as part of the Property Data Survey.
The Department for Education does not have a programme for the phased removal of all asbestos from schools in England. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations, the employer - either the school or local authority - has clear responsibilities to manage asbestos containing materials in schools safely. The advice from the Health and Safety Executive is that it is safer to leave undisturbed or undamaged asbestos in place and to carefully manage it rather than to risk disturbing or damaging asbestos unnecessarily. If asbestos is managed effectively, as required by the regulations, the safest and most effective way to plan for its removal is when existing buildings are refurbished or replaced.
Asked by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking in relation to asbestos in schools. [HL6903]
Lord Nash: Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, the employer - either the local authority or the school - has clear responsibilities to manage asbestos-containing materials in schools safely. We expect schools to have an asbestos management plan in place and to actively manage it in line with legal requirements.
The Department for Education takes the issue of asbestos management in schools seriously. Our policy, as in other aspects of school management, is to give schools the support that they need to fulfil their responsibilities effectively.
We have set up the Asbestos in Schools Steering Group to raise awareness and promote the effective management of asbestos in schools and published new guidance in October 2012 which is available on the gov.uk website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/asbestos-management-in-schools
We also asked the Committee on Carcinogenicity (CoC) to review the relative vulnerability of children to low levels of asbestos exposure. We committed to review our asbestos policy following publication of the CoC statement and this review is currently underway.
Schools: Disruptive Behaviour
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many teachers have resigned from their posts in each of the past 10 years, citing disruptive behaviour as a factor in their resignation.[HL6965]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): The information requested is not held by the Department for Education.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to help teachers, (1) to increase and maintain the respect in which they are held, and (2) to reduce unacceptable behaviour without having to resort to exclusion.[HL6966]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress they are making in enlisting parental co-operation with the aim of reducing bad behaviour in schools. [HL6967]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what comparisons they have made of classroom behaviour in the United Kingdom with that in Germany and other continental countries; and what relevant conclusions they have drawn.[HL6968]
Lord Nash: The majority of schools are safe and disciplined environments, where teachers are respected and pupils learn in an orderly environment. Nevertheless,
Ofsted indicates in its 2013 annual report that there are 700,000 pupils in schools where behaviour is just not good enough.
The Government has taken strong action to support schools in maintaining discipline and developing a culture of respect. The Education Act 2011, strengthened teachers’ powers to discipline pupils for poor behaviour: teachers can now issue same-day detentions, search pupils for banned items, and have clarity on their reasonable force powers.
The Department for Education issued streamlined advice in 2011 on behaviour and discipline to make it absolutely clear what teachers can and should do to reduce unacceptable behaviour. Our advice ensures that all schools have a whole-school behaviour policy which sets out the high standards of behaviour expected of pupils at all times and is underpinned by effective discipline and education.
In 2013 the National Foundation for Educational Research’s Teacher Voice Survey found that just under a third of teachers did not have the confidence to use the powers they have to discipline pupils for unacceptable behaviour. As a result, in February 2014 we updated our advice to communicate a clear message that teachers have the right to impose discipline in the classroom. This updated advice lists a range of tough but permissible sanctions that can be deployed to tackle poor behaviour. These include imposing a school-based community service such as tidying a classroom, putting the pupil on report or the imposition of written task such as writing lines or an essay. This advice is available at: https:// www.gov.uk/government/publications/behaviour-and-discipline-in-schools. We have also removed barriers to maintained schools using alternative provision as a means of early intervention in order to reduce the need for exclusion.
Teachers must have the support and respect of parents to manage pupil behaviour so they can teach in an orderly environment. Good schools recognise the importance of engaging parents and have developed their own approaches according to the particular circumstances of the school. In March 2014, we published a series of case studies on behaviour and bullying, which include examples of what good schools are doing to engage parents in a spirit of openness and shared responsibility. These case studies contain examples of the work good schools do with parents to encourage participation of hard- to-reach groups and are published at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/managing-behaviour-and-bullying-in-schools-case-studies
We have also commissioned a series of questions on teachers’ and headteachers’ perceptions of school climate and ethos in the OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS). This will give us a better understanding of how England compares to other OECD countries in relation to discipline in the classroom. The results of this survey will be published in the summer.
Schools: Exclusions
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many pupils were excluded from (1) primary, and (2) secondary, schools in 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010 and during the latest year for which figures are available.[HL6964]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): The requested information for the 2009/10[1] and 2011/12[2] academic years is published in the permanent and fixed period exclusions statistical first releases for each year.
Information on permanent exclusions for the 1999/2000[3] academic year is publicly available in the 1999/2000 permanent exclusions statistical first release. Information on exclusion rates prior to 2005/06 was collected via the Termly Exclusions Survey rather than the School Census.
Information on permanent and fixed period exclusions for the 1979/80 and 1989/90 academic years is not held by the Department for Education.
[1]https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/permanent-and-fixed-period-exclusions-from-schools-in-england-academic-year-2009-to-2010 (table 1 and 6)
[2]https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/permanent-and-fixed-period-exclusions-from-schools-in-england-2011-to-2012-academic-year (table 1 and 8)
[3]http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120504203418/http://education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000275/index.shtml (table 1)
Sharia Law
Question
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they consider that Brunei’s proposal to introduce Sharia law executions violates the human rights principles of the Commonwealth Charter; and what representations they have made to Brunei about the matter.[HL6935]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.
Sudan
Question
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports of the threat of a military campaign by Malian Jihadists in Chad; and of military action in Jebel Marra and Abyei in Sudan. [HL6819]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): We have not seen any reports of threatened military action by Malian fighters in Chad, Jebel Marra or Abyei. However, the UK is
concerned about the vulnerability of fragile states across the region. For this reason, the UK supports efforts to increase regional co-operation on cross border threats such as those of the EU and UN. This approach is reflected for example in our integrated North and West Africa strategy.
Syria
Question
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Coventry
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the displacement of people from the Syrian town of Kessab.[HL6832]
Baroness Northover (LD): According to UN sources, approximately 1,500 to 1,600 families have been displaced from the city of Kessab.
Taxation
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many people currently complete a tax return; what is the average cost per case to HM Revenue and Customs of dealing with such tax returns; and whether they have made an estimate of the additional cost if all taxpayers were required to complete a tax return. [HL6867]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) (Con): Around 10 million individuals are required to complete a Self Assessment tax return each year.
The particular information about cost per case is only available at a disproportionate cost. But although HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) does not have this information readily available the average cost of processing a personal income tax return was published by HMRC in the ‘International Tax Benchmarking Study’ in 2011 which is available on the HMRC website at: www.hmrc.gov.uk/research/benchmarking.pdf
Thames Tideway Tunnel
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what time period of asset use they have assumed in calculating the cost benefit of the Thames Tideway Tunnel. [HL6962]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord De Mauley) (Con): The Government has used 100 years, in line with the Treasury Green Book recommendation that the appraisal period should be taken as the useful life of the assets. Further detail can be found in the November 2011 Defra document “Costs and Benefits of the Thames Tunnel”.
Tobacco: Packaging
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what meetings have taken place between Ministers or officials of the Department of Health with representatives of Action on Smoking and Health and other third party groups regarding the introduction of standardised tobacco packaging; and whether they will publish any briefing or material for each relevant meeting. [HL6909]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): Details of Ministerial meetings with external stakeholders are published quarterly in arrears on the Gov.uk website at:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/ministerial-gifts-hospitality-travel-and-meetings-2013#department-of-health-dh
The Department does not keep a central diary of the engagements that every Departmental official has had with representatives of Action on Smoking and Health or other third party groups. In discharging their official duties, Ministers, special advisors and Departmental officials meet with representatives from such organisations in a wide range of fora, including speaking engagements, conferences and seminars.
The Department has no plans to proactively publish briefings or other materials relevant to meetings about standardised packaging of tobacco products.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the conformity of the introduction of standardised packaging for tobacco with the better regulation principles; and how they intend to review or assess the impact of such proposals. [HL6910]
Earl Howe: Standardised packaging of tobacco products is a policy that is still under consideration by the Government. Therefore, no final decisions have been made regarding the policy. The Government will be publishing a final, short consultation that will contribute to final decision-making.
The Department’s policy development activity is undertaken in accordance with the Government’s policy on better regulation.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimate they have made of the impact on United Kingdom gross value added and gross domestic product, and on the numbers of jobs, of the introduction of standardised tobacco packaging.[HL6911]
Earl Howe: The Department published a consultation-stage impact assessment (IA) alongside the Consultation on standardised packaging of tobacco products in 2012 that covered potential costs and benefits. The consultation asked 12 questions that were specific to this IA.
The Government will hold a final, short consultation on standardised packaging of tobacco products. In this consultation Ministers will ask, in particular, for views on anything new since the last full public consultation that is relevant to the development of this policy. The Department will publish a further consultation-stage impact assessment alongside this consultation.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have received from organisations opposed to standardised tobacco packaging. [HL6912]
Earl Howe: The Department received over 668,000 responses to the Consultation on standardised packaging of tobacco products in 2012. A summary report of the consultation was published by the Department on 12 July 2013 and copies have already been placed in the Library.
In 2013 the Department held a series of meetings with representatives of tobacco companies and the wider tobacco manufacturing industry to further inform the development of the impact assessment for standardised packaging of tobacco products.
The Government will hold a final, short consultation on standardised packaging of tobacco products. In this consultation Ministers will ask, in particular, for views on anything new since the last full public consultation that is relevant to the development of this policy.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will place in the Library of the House all risk assessments undertaken by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills into standardised tobacco packaging.[HL6913]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will place in the Library of the House all risk assessments undertaken by HM Treasury into standardised tobacco packaging.[HL6914]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will place in the Library of the House all risk assessments into standardised tobacco packaging undertaken by HM Revenue and Customs.[HL6941]
Earl Howe: The Government continues carefully to consider all issues relevant to the introduction of standardised packaging of tobacco products.
The Government will be holding a final, short consultation including draft regulations in which Ministers will ask, in particular, for views on anything new since the last full public consultation that is relevant to the development of this policy.
A further, developed consultation stage Impact Assessment (IA) will be published alongside the upcoming public consultation. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs has contributed to the revised IA.
The Department of Health will continue to work with other government departments on the development of proposals for standardised packaging of tobacco products.
Transforming Rehabilitation
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the effects and impact of the Transforming Rehabilitation Strategy 2013 to date; and how many repeat offenders are not in receipt of a facilitated resettlement programme to enable their return to the community when they leave prison. [HL6898]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord Faulks) (Con): Under our Transforming Rehabilitation reforms the market will be opened up to a diverse range of new rehabilitation providers, so that we get the best out of the public, voluntary and private sectors, at the local as well as national level. Evidence from implementing our pilots and from the experience of other departments in using Payment by Results has informed the strategy, as has engagement with co-commissioning partners at a national, Police and Crime Commissioner and Local Authority level.
We will continue to assess impacts through a robust contract management system, only paying providers in full for real reductions in reoffending. We are on course to award and mobilise the new contracts for delivering rehabilitation services by 2015.
The Ministry of Justice does not hold data centrally on how may many repeat offenders are not receiving rehabilitation services prior to release from prison. However, as a result of our reforms, for the first time in recent history, statutory supervision and rehabilitation will be provided on release from custody to all 50,000 of those sentenced to less than twelve months in prison.
Ukraine
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Permanent Council of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe is considering Ukraine at is weekly meetings; and what recommendations, if any, it has so far made, in particular about conflict prevention.[HL6954]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has been at the forefront of the international response to the crisis in Ukraine over recent months. The crisis has been a regular topic of discussion on the Organisation's agenda since the Permanent Council met to discuss it in special session on 3 March. Both the Permanent Council and the Forum for Security and Co-operation have discussed Ukraine on numerous occasions since then.
The OSCE has launched a number of initiatives to contribute towards de-escalation of the crisis. On 21 March the Permanent Council agreed to the deployment of a Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine. That Mission, which includes a UK Deputy Chief Monitor and 9 UK staff, swiftly deployed across the country with a mandate to gather information, report on the security situation and assess how best to meet the concerns of all parties. The Mission is providing regular reporting and recently played a key role in the negotiation of the safe release of the Vienna Document unarmed military inspectors who had been detained in Slavyansk. In Geneva on 17 April the US, the EU, Ukraine and the Russian Federation agreed that the Mission should have a role in verifying the implementation of agreed steps towards de-escalation. The Government fully supports this Mission's work and is actively backing it with both finance and personnel. The UK has so far contributed over £1 million and is currently the second biggest contributor to the Mission's core costs.
In addition to the SMM, the OSCE has been active in Ukraine through the work of its autonomous institutions, the High Commissioner on National Minorities and the Representative on Freedom of the Media, while there has been a rolling programme of visits by unarmed military inspectors under the Vienna Document 2011. The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is sending a large scale mission of 1000 observers to monitor the Ukrainian Presidential Elections on 25 May. The UK will be providing 10% of the total number of observers with 10 Long term Observers and 90 Short Term Observers.
There are no current plans for an OSCE Summit, while the next formal Ministerial Council is due to take place in Basel, Switzerland on 4-5 December 2014. However the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), been in regular contact with OSCE Chairman and Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter, most recently when they met in Vienna on 6 May, while the Minister for Europe, my right hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury (Mr Lidington), spoke by telephone to OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier on the same day.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe will next meet; and whether Ukraine will be on its agenda.[HL6955]
Baroness Warsi: The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has been at the forefront of the international response to the crisis in Ukraine over recent months. The crisis has been a regular topic of discussion on the Organisation's agenda since the Permanent Council met to discuss it in special session on 3 March. Both the Permanent Council and the Forum for Security and Co-operation have discussed Ukraine on numerous occasions since then.
The OSCE has launched a number of initiatives to contribute towards de-escalation of the crisis. On 21 March the Permanent Council agreed to the deployment of a
Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine. That Mission, which includes a UK Deputy Chief Monitor and nine UK staff, swiftly deployed across the country with a mandate to gather information, report on the security situation and assess how best to meet the concerns of all parties. The Mission is providing regular reporting and recently played a key role in the negotiation of the safe release of the Vienna Document unarmed military inspectors who had been detained in Slavyansk. In Geneva on 17 April the US, the EU, Ukraine and the Russian Federation agreed that the Mission should have a role in verifying the implementation of agreed steps towards de-escalation. The Government fully supports this Mission's work and is actively backing it with both finance and personnel. The UK has so far contributed over £1 million and is currently the second biggest contributor to the Mission's core costs.
In addition to the SMM, the OSCE has been active in Ukraine through the work of its autonomous institutions, the High Commissioner on National Minorities and the Representative on Freedom of the Media, while there has been a rolling programme of visits by unarmed military inspectors under the Vienna Document 2011. The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is sending a large scale mission of 1000 observers to monitor the Ukrainian Presidential Elections on 25 May. The UK will be providing 10% of the total number of observers with 10 Long Term Observers and 90 Short Term Observers.
There are no current plans for an OSCE Summit, while the next formal Ministerial Council is due to take place in Basel, Switzerland on 4-5 December 2014. However the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), has been in regular contact with OSCE Chairman and Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter, most recently when they met in Vienna on 6 May, while the Minister for Europe, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury (Mr Lidington), spoke by telephone to OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier on the same day.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what recommendations the Chairperson-in-Office and the Secretary General of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe have made to the member states concerning Ukraine.[HL6956]
Baroness Warsi: The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has been at the forefront of the international response to the crisis in Ukraine over recent months. The crisis has been a regular topic of discussion on the Organisation's agenda since the Permanent Council met to discuss it in special session on 3 March. Both the Permanent Council and the Forum for Security and Co-operation have discussed Ukraine on numerous occasions since then.
The OSCE has launched a number of initiatives to contribute towards de-escalation of the crisis. On 21 March the Permanent Council agreed to the deployment of a
Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine. That Mission, which includes a UK Deputy Chief Monitor and nine UK staff, swiftly deployed across the country with a mandate to gather information, report on the security situation and assess how best to meet the concerns of all parties. The Mission is providing regular reporting and recently played a key role in the negotiation of the safe release of the Vienna Document unarmed military inspectors who had been detained in Slavyansk. In Geneva on 17 April the US, the EU, Ukraine and the Russian Federation agreed that the Mission should have a role in verifying the implementation of agreed steps towards de-escalation. The Government fully supports this Mission's work and is actively backing it with both finance and personnel. The UK has so far contributed over £1 million and is currently the second biggest contributor to the Mission's core costs.
In addition to the SMM, the OSCE has been active in Ukraine through the work of its autonomous institutions, the High Commissioner on National Minorities and the Representative on Freedom of the Media, while there has been a rolling programme of visits by unarmed military inspectors under the Vienna Document 2011. The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is sending a large scale mission of 1000 observers to monitor the Ukrainian Presidential Elections on 25 May. The UK will be providing 10% of the total number of observers with 10 Long Term Observers and 90 Short Term Observers.