Written Answers
Monday 21 July 2014
Alzheimer’s Disease
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many deaths in the United Kingdom were attributed to Alzheimer’s disease in 1970, 1982 and 2013. [HL1194]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire (LD): The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.
Letter from Glen Watson, Director General for ONS to Countess of Mar, dated July 2014.
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking Her Majesty’s Government how many deaths in the United Kingdom were attributed to Alzheimer’s disease in 1970, 1982 and 2013. [HL1194]
Table 1 provides the number of deaths where the underlying cause of death was Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in the United Kingdom for the years 1970, 1982 and 2013 (the latest year available).
Figures for Scotland and Northern Ireland are published by National Records of Scotland and Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency respectively.
Figures for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia have been combined as the classification used to code cause of death for mortality statistics in 1970 grouped Alzheimer’s disease with pre-senile dementia, meaning figures for Alzheimer’s disease cannot be examined separately throughout the time period requested. The use of the terms Alzheimer’s disease and dementia by doctors certifying the cause of death may also have changed over this time period.
The figures provided for the time period requested are also not directly comparable due to changes to the rules used by ONS and its predecessors on how the underlying cause of death is selected, from all of the conditions mentioned on the death certificate. Previous analysis has shown that Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are particularly affected by these rule changes.
For more information on the impact of mortality coding changes on figures for Alzheimer’s disease please see the article ‘Trends in mortality from Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and dementia, England and Wales, 1979-2004’ which is available on they ONS website at:
www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/hsq/health-statistics-quarterly/no--30--summer-2006/index.html
| Table 1. Number of deaths where the recorded underlying cause of death was Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, United Kingdom, deaths registered in 1970, 1982 and 20131,2,3,4 | |
| Registration year | Deaths |
1 Alzheimer’s disease and dementia was the underlying cause of death defined using the International Classification of Disease, eight revision (ICD 8) code 290 for 1970, and ninth revision (ICD 9) codes 290 and 331.0 for 1982 and the tenth revision (ICD 10) codes F01, F03 & G30 for 2013.
2 Figures are based on deaths registered rather than deaths occurring in a calendar year. Further information on registration delays for a range of causes can be found on the ONS website: www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/userguidance/health-and-life-events/impact-of-registration-delays-on-mortality-statistics/index.html
3 Figures for Scotland provided by National Records of Scotland (formerly the General Register Office for Scotland) and figures for Northern Ireland provided by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency
Armed Conflict: Sexual Offences
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the recent Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, what assessment they have made of historical cases of rape being used as a weapon of war; and whether they intend to designate financial resources or support to the victims and survivors of rape when it has been used as a weapon in conflict in (1) Bangladesh, (2) the Democratic Republic of the Congo, (3) Bosnia and Herzegovina, and (4) other countries.[HL914]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): The focus of the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative is on conflict and post-conflict countries emerging from recent violence. We actively consider requests for support from conflict affected states where the legacy of conflict related sexual violence is a continuing threat to peace and stability
The recent Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict set in motion a series of practical steps and commitments to ensure that survivors of sexual violence in conflict can access justice and receive the long-term support that they require. In support of this the Government announced £6m of new UK funding for survivors.
From hereon we will be working with local and international partners to implement the International Protocol on the documentation and investigation of sexual violence in conflict, launched at the Global Summit, in both the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Asylum: Children
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many child asylum applicants with initial refusals have cases which are pending following appeal; and how many such applicants have been successful on appeal in the last three years.[HL844]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach) (Con): At the end of December 2011, 331 asylum applications from main applicants, aged 17 or under, were pending a further
review, 184 at the end of December 2012 and 206 at the end of December 2013. Cases pending further review are those in the appeals process (all tiers), but exclude those that are pending a judicial review.
In 2011, 150 appeals from applicants aged 17 or under were allowed; 152 in 2012 and 125 in 2013.
Appeal determinations do not necessarily relate to those pending a further review in the same period. The figures for appeals determined are cases dealt with by Immigration Judges at the First-tier Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber. The figures for pending further review including First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber.
The figures provided are a subset of latest published statistics which are published by the Home Office on a monthly (pending only) and quarterly basis. The latest release Immigration Statistics January to March 2014 is available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-statistics-january-to-march-2014 and from the Library of the House.
Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have any plans to help the Beachy Head Chaplaincy team to continue its work in preventing suicides on the cliffs; and in particular whether they will assist it to receive lottery, European Union and voluntary grants.[HL848]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire (LD): We are keen to recognise the valuable role played by organisations such as the Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team (BHCT). The charity was recently awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Government has been working with the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and the Big Lottery Fund to enable more local Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations to access the new round of European Structural and Investment Funds. Funding decisions will be a matter for Big Lottery Fund.
BCHT may wish to consider applying for Big Lottery Fund programmes, such as the ‘Reaching Communities’ programme in England, which provides funding for projects that help people and communities most in need.
Cabinet Office officials are currently consulting on a proposed £40m fund for 2015/16 to help charities and social enterprises become more sustainable.
Better Care Fund
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the total amount of Better Care Fund money which has been allocated to housing over the next two years by each of the localities that have submitted plans.[HL873]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): The amount of Better Care Fund (BCF) money that each area will spend on housing and housing related services will be for local decision, reflecting local priorities as articulated in joint health and wellbeing strategies.
As announced by the Department of Health and the Department for Communities and Local Government on 5 July, local health and wellbeing boards will be submitting revised BCF plans later in the summer. The information requested is therefore not currently available. Furthermore, although the revised BCF plans will show which localities are including housing, it might not be possible to extract the systematic information on housing expenditure that is requested.
The Government is clear that integration is not restricted to the traditional health and care service ‘silos’ but is a much broader concept, one that includes housing, leisure and other services that improve health and wellbeing.
The Care Act will mean that, from April 2015, local authorities – including housing departments - must carry out their care and support responsibilities with the aim of promoting greater integration with the health service.
The draft statutory guidance, published on 6 June, makes it clear that housing is a health-related service and is integral to providing integrated care. Among a number of case studies, the Guidance includes an example of how housing is integral to delivering integrated care in Leicestershire. The guidance can be found at:
www.gov.uk/government/news/care-act-2014-launch-of-care-and-support-consultation.
Birds: Malta
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Malta about the enforcement of the bans on the hunting and shooting of migratory birds.[HL1107]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord De Mauley) (Con): British ministers have discussed spring hunting with their Maltese counterparts on several occasions and encouraged them to enforce legislation to combat illegal hunting. It is for the Maltese Government to investigate any reports of illegal hunting activity, such as shooting of rare and protected species, which are alleged to be taking place in violation of Malta’s permitted hunting regime. We support the European Commission’s efforts to ensure compliance with the EU Wild Birds Directive and the Maltese Government’s efforts to address this issue.
Brunei
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the impact of the proposed Sharia penal code on human rights, women's rights and religious freedoms in Brunei.[HL928]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): Implementation of Brunei’s criminal sharia code is planned in three phases, the first of which came into effect on 1 May 2014. No prosecutions have yet been brought under the new code and to date we assess the impact of the new code has been limited. However, a lack of clarity over implementation and intent has caused concern. We have urged the authorities in Brunei to consider the implementation of the new code carefully and ensure that it is in line with international human rights norms and Brunei’s international obligations. UK Ministers have clearly set out our views to the most senior levels of the Bruneian government and will continue to do so.
Burma
Questions
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether any discussions were held at the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict concerning the situation in Burma.[HL855]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): During the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict I chaired a roundtable on the role of faith leaders and communities in tackling sexual violence. Participants included two religious leaders from Burma. The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for East Devon (Mr Swire), met Deputy Foreign Minister U Thant Kyaw separately during the Global Summit. They discussed a series of bilateral issues and Mr Swire raised a range of human rights concerns. Mr Swire welcomed the Burmese government’s attendance at the Summit and urged them to follow-up quickly with a credible action plan to tackle sexual violence that involved the military. Mr Swire also hosted an event for Burmese civil society, in which he welcomed the attendance of Burmese civil society and religious leaders at the Global Summit.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps are being taken to incorporate discussion of torture, sexual violence and other war crimes and crimes against humanity and other human rights violations in the military training provided to the Burmese army by the United Kingdom.[HL856]
Baroness Warsi: Our defence engagement with Burma is focussed on the core principles of democratic accountability, international law and human rights. UK provision of defence training to the Burma Army is limited to non-combat related academic courses. This has included a course entitled “Managing Defence in the Wider Security Context” (MDWSC). The MDWSC covers the UK model of democratic accountability, the importance of good governance in defence and the significance of professionalism in a nation’s Armed Forces, including observation of human rights obligations.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to persuade the government of Burma to sign the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and what is their assessment of Burma’s position in respect of the Covenant. [HL857]
Baroness Warsi: We have had a number of discussions with the Burmese government on the importance of Burma ratifying the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). At the request of the Burmese government, our Embassy in Rangoon recently funded an experts’ visit to Burma for the purpose of identifying steps that would need to be taken and issues that would need to be considered in reaching the decision to ratify the ICCPR. We hope this will lay the foundations for further action in the coming months.
Asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports of sexual violence in conflict in Burma.[HL861]
Baroness Warsi: We remain deeply concerned by reports of sexual violence and other human rights violations in Burma. While there are signs that incidents of sexual violence have decreased since the Burmese government signed ceasefire agreements with a number of non-state armed groups, it remains a serious problem. The UK remain one of the most vocal and active members of the international community in supporting those calling for the respect of human rights in Burma. We raise our strong concerns with senior members of the Burmese government and military regularly. We have made clear to the Burmese government that allegations of human rights abuses must be dealt with through clear, independent and transparent investigative and prosecutorial processes which meet international standards.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that Burmese army officers from 88 Division have arrested and tortured the following villagers: Ta Agok, Kun Aik Hsay, Aung Than, Aiklon Kyan Aye, Aik Nyan Kar, Aik Ngay, Aik Naing Aung, Aik Yaing Ton; and whether they have plans to raise the matter with the government of Burma.[HL916]
Baroness Warsi: We are concerned by reports of ongoing conflict and allegations of human rights violations in northern Shan State between the Burmese army and armed ethnic groups. We continue to closely monitor the situation and to raise our concerns about human rights abuses in conflict areas with the Burmese government and military.
The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my rt Hon. Friend the Member for East Devon (Mr Swire), met members of the Shan community during his visit to Burma in January. Diplomats in Rangoon, including the British Ambassador, are in
regular contact with ethnic representatives, including those based in Thailand. We have consistently called for a nationwide ceasefire, which will move to political dialogue.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the government of Burma’s record of compliance with the agreement of the United Nations to end the use and recruitment of child soldiers.[HL917]
Baroness Warsi: We welcome the Burmese government’s extension of the UN Action Plan to end the recruitment of child soldiers and the progress that has been made, which has seen the release of over 600 child soldiers and a nationwide public awareness campaign.
But we are clear that more needs to be done. Access to military units and non-state armed groups continues to be restricted, release of child soldiers has been limited, and while recruitment of children has slowed, it has not ceased entirely. We call on the Burmese government to address these issues, and to agree to an extension of the Action Plan to ensure this practice is eradicated. We will continue to raise this issue with the Burmese government at every appropriate opportunity.
Cabinet Office: Correspondence
Question
Asked by Lord Pearson of Rannoch
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when the UK Independence Party's Secretary can expect a response to his letter to the Director General of the Propriety and Ethics Team in the Cabinet Office.[HL733]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire (LD): The Director General, Propriety and Ethics has replied to the letter.
Children: Bereavement Counselling
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what guidance they issue to commissioners of Children's Services to ensure the availability of bereavement counselling to children and young people.[HL1027]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what support they have given to the funding of voluntary organisations working to facilitate the access of children and young people to specialist bereavement services.[HL1028]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): Counselling services for children and young people, including bereavement support, are commissioned regionally by local authorities and clinical commissioning groups. Local Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWB) undertake a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) to develop an understanding of the health and wellbeing needs of the community,
including mental health needs, and base their provision on that. These services may be provided through Child and Adolescent Mental Health services (CAMHS), whilst some regions may also choose to additionally fund voluntary organisations to provide bereavement services.
Nationally, the Government has awarded £11.2 million to the NSPCC for ChildLine and the NSPCC HelpLine from 2011-2015. These helplines support children by offering them the ability to talk to a counsellor about any difficulties, including bereavement, 24 hours a day.
Committee of Permanent Representatives
Question
Asked by Lord Pearson of Rannoch
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the duties and powers of the European Union's Committee of Permanent Representatives.[HL884]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): The European Union’s Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Governments of the Member States (also known as Coreper) is responsible for preparing the work of the Council and for carrying out the tasks assigned to it by the Council. The Committee may adopt procedural decisions in cases provided for in the Council’s Rules of Procedure. It does not take decisions.
Common Purpose
Question
Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many serving officers in the armed forces have attended Common Purpose courses during each year since 2010; and at what total cost for each year.[HL881]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever) (Con): Common Purpose has not been used by the RAF or the Royal Navy to train officers between 2010 and 2014. One Army Officer attended the Common Purpose CSC Leaders Global Leadership Programme in 2014, at a cost of £6,000.
Some individuals may have undertaken training with this company during their resettlement period. However, the comprehensive leadership skills and qualifications attained in the Armed Forces means that such training is rarely considered necessary.
Confirming this would require manually checking all service leavers’ Joint Personnel Administration records to identify, retrieve and collate the details. This information could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
Community Health Services
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much was spent by commissioners on community health services in 2012–13; what percentage of that sum was spent on care provided by independent service providers; and how that percentage compares with the comparable percentage in the previous year. [HL868]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): The information requested is provided in the following tables.
| Year | Total spend on Community Services (National Health Service and non-NHS providers) |
| £ Million | |
Source
: PCT Audited Summarisation Schedules 2006-07 to 2012-13
Notes:
The expenditure details spend on community health services except community services for learning difficulties, mental illness and maternity.
Information is collected on expenditure on ‘non-NHS bodies’ which includes LAs, voluntary and independent sector providers.
In terms of this data, non-NHS bodies are defined as ISTCs, Other Private Sector Providers, Voluntary Sector bodies and Other. The ‘Other’ category includes LAs and Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland NHS bodies.
Cyprus
Question
Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend at any point to send a Minister to observe Armistice Day at the British Cyprus Memorial in Kyrenia; and if not, why not.[HL1124]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever) (Con): There are currently no plans to do so. The British Government will continue to be represented by the High Commissioner at the annual ceremony at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery at Wayne’s Keep in Nicosia, where we commemorate all UK Service personnel killed in Cyprus.
Diego Garcia
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Warsi on 2 July (WA 275), whether it is the case that no flights of any kind with any detainee on board have landed at Diego Garcia since September 2001.[HL849]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): As I said in my answer of 17 June, aside from the two cases of rendition through Diego Garcia (British Indian Ocean Territory) in 2002, there have been no other instances in which US intelligence flights have landed in the UK, our Overseas Territories, or the Crown Dependencies, with a detainee on board since 11 September 2001. Though my answer of 2 July referred to this previous answer, it did not specifically repeat the reference to the two cases in 2002, and I want to clarify that for my noble friend.
Diplomatic Service: Children
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they currently pay for the children of ambassadors and embassy staff to attend international schools. [HL947]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) meets the costs of suitable schooling, including international schools, to help staff of all grades who take up overseas postings to meet their legal obligation to ensure that their children receive an education. Types of school attended by the children of staff vary by country of posting and the availability of places.
Disabled Facilities Grants
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the total amount of Disabilities Facilities Grant money that has been awarded to households (1) in each of the past three years, and (2) by each local authority. [HL874]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon) (Con): This Government has increased central funding to councils for Disabled Facilities Grant, as illustrated by the table below.
| 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | 2015-16 |
* Additional funding provided by the Department of Health
A table showing figures for each local authority has been placed in the Library of the House.
The total amount of Disabled Facilities Grant expenditure by local authorities was £298 million in 2011-12 and £275 million in 2012-13; figures for 2013-14 will be available in the Autumn.
Domestic Violence: Northern Ireland
Question
Asked by Lord Browne of Belmont
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress has been made in relation to the introduction of Clare's law in Northern Ireland in line with the situation in England and Wales.[HL1101]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach) (Con): This matter is devolved in Northern Ireland, and is the responsibility of Northern Ireland Executive Ministers.
Education: Assessments
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their estimate of (1) the number, and (2) the proportion, of pupils in state-funded schools in England who sat their (a) GCSE, (b) AS Level, and (c) A Level, examinations as private candidates in each of the last five years.[HL970]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): The Department for Education does not hold this information.
Ethiopia
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Ethiopia about the case of Mr Ali Adorus. [HL978]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): The Government takes all allegations of mistreatment or torture extremely seriously. We have raised Mr Adorus’ allegations of mistreatment during his detention in Ethiopia on numerous occasions, including at Ministerial level. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Boston and Skegness (Mr Simmonds), spoke with Foreign Minister Tedros about the case on 11 July. We have reminded the Ethiopian government of its obligations under the Convention against Torture, to which it is a signatory,
to follow up on allegations through an independent, impartial and transparent investigation. We will continue to do so and provide all appropriate consular support to Mr Adorus, raising any welfare issues with the Ethiopian authorities to ensure that he is properly looked after.
EU Enlargement
Question
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Warsi on 2 July concerning European Union enlargement (WA 262), why they have not made their own impact assessment of enlargement, especially in relation to the impact on taxpayers and immigration as a result of free movement of people; and whether they will now do so.[HL953]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): Only Croatia has joined the EU since 2010, and this involved a thorough debate in Parliament on Croatia’s accession Treaty. Following Croatia’s accession, no further countries are expected to join the EU before the early 2020s. As part of the process of extending the Transitional Controls on Bulgaria and Romania the Government commissioned an independent review, by the Migration Advisory Committee, on access of those countries’ nationals to the UK labour market, which issued in November 2011.
The European Commission provides detailed assessments of the expected impact of any new Member State joining the EU. In addition, reports on enlargement and on the freedom of movement of persons are included in the Government's Balance of Competences Review. We have no plans to commission additional assessments of the impact of enlargement as we do not believe that they would add value to those reports already published or commissioned.
European Commission
Question
Asked by Lord Pearson of Rannoch
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the duties and powers of (1) the European Commission, and (2) the President of the European Commission. [HL886]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): The European Commission has a number of functions. It has the right of initiative in making proposals for legislation. As guardian of the EU treaties, it ensures that EU legislation is applied by all Member States under the control of the Court of Justice. As an executive body for the EU, it exercises coordinating, executive and management functions, as laid down in the Treaties, and manages the annual budget.
The President of the European Commission lays down guidelines within which the Commission is to work. The President also decides on the internal organisation
of the Commission, ensuring that it acts consistently, efficiently and as a collegiate body. The President appoints the Vice-Presidents from among the members of the Commission, with the exception of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
European Union
Question
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Freud on 30 June (WA 213), whether they will answer the question, and explain why they did not do so originally. [HL879]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): As stated in the response to the noble Lord, Lord Jopling, on 10 July, Official report, Column WA68, the Written Answer by Lord Freud on 30 June, Official report, Column WA213, referred to the business of the 19 June Council of Ministers meeting. The noble Lord may be interested to note that the concept of ever closer union was covered in the 26/27 June European Council conclusions which stated that “the European Council noted that the concept of ever closer union allows for different paths of integration for different countries, allowing those that want to deepen integration to move ahead, while respecting the wish of those who do not want to deepen any further”.
Floods: Somerset
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the progress of flood alleviation works on the Somerset Levels so far in 2014.[HL1013]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord De Mauley) (Con): Flood alleviation works are progressing very well on the Somerset Levels, with many repairs and improvements expected to be completed before the coming winter.
Within the schedule of works it is planned to dredge 8km of the Rivers Parrett and Tone. So far 2.35km has been dredged, and this work is on schedule to be completed by the autumn.
The Environment Agency has nearly 50 asset repair projects underway in Somerset, repairing banks, pumping stations, sluices, gates and other mechanisms. The intention is to bring these assets to their pre-flood condition by October 2014.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the risk of further major flooding on the Somerset Levels in the winter of 2014–15. [HL1014]
Lord De Mauley: There will always be a risk of major flooding on the Somerset Levels and elsewhere in the country, depending on how extreme the weather conditions are.
Significant funding has been provided to repair the flood assets damaged by the weather this winter, and a programme of repairs is underway.
The Environment Agency also has a number of measures in place to reduce the risks to the Somerset Levels, including improvements to the flood forecasting and warnings service in the area.
As part of the response to the recent record levels of rainfall and extensive flooding of the Levels, a 20 year action plan was developed to reduce the risk of major flooding. Significant additional funding has been secured this year to implement this plan. This includes dredging to reduce the risk of flooding.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the total loss to the economy from all sources of the flooding on the Somerset Levels in the winter of 2013–14.[HL1015]
Lord De Mauley: Definitive research into the total economic costs of the winter 2013/14 floods is underway and expected to report by the autumn. The Environment Agency is leading on this research.
The Environment Agency previously estimated that the 2012 flooding on the Somerset Levels and Moors cost around £7m, including impacts on property, agriculture and transport. Its initial view is that the 2013/14 event was significantly more costly.
Hereditary Diseases
Question
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 1 April (WA 178), whether they intend to issue a clarification of the differences between the figures for the number of babies born with mitochondrial disorders in their press releases on 28 June 2013 and 27 February 2014; whether the updated disease estimate for the United Kingdom based both on data from the 2011 census and observational epidemiological studies from the north-east of England is closer to their stated figure of one in 6,500 or one in 200; what was the corresponding frequency of children in either the north-east of England or the United Kingdom as a whole that were diagnosed with each of the mitochondrial diseases listed in Annex D of the consultation document entitled “Mitochondrial Donation” over the last ten years for which data are available; and how those figures compare to available data on population frequencies for mutations within the nuclear POLG1 and POLG2 genes.[HL854]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): The Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research at Newcastle University have estimated that there are initially 10-20 women per year,
of child-bearing age, who carry faulty mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and who might decide that mitochondrial donation is the best reproductive option, as noted in my Written Answer of 1 April 2014.
It is estimated that at least 1 in 200 children in the United Kingdom are born with faulty mtDNA, as stated in the consultation documentation released 27 February 2014. Whereas the figure of 1 in 6,500 babies, as stated in the press release of 28 June 2013, is an estimation of those thought to go on to develop a more serious mitochondrial disorder. Serious cases can result in fatal liver failure, stroke-like episodes, blindness, muscle disease, diabetes and deafness.
Calculating the overall incidence of mitochondrial disease is extremely difficult. The figure of 1 in 200 is based on epidemiological data from the UK and Australia. This disease estimate in the UK is based on observational epidemiological studies from the north east of England which are currently being updated using the data from the 2011 census.
The table of disorders caused by unhealthy mtDNA attached as Annex D in the consultation document ‘Mitochondrial Donation’ was derived from existing published tables, such as the 2011 report by the Expert Panel convened by The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority to review safety and efficacy of mitochondrial donation techniques. There is currently no published information of the exact numbers of cases of each of the conditions in Annex D.
Immigration: Afghanistan
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Afghan interpreters granted visas to relocate to the United Kingdom will have the right to work without restriction.[HL982]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government who will be responsible for providing the Afghan interpreters granted visas to relocate to the United Kingdom with information on and assistance with access to any social, welfare or housing benefits and services to which they are entitled.[HL983]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach) (Con): Those arriving in the UK under the ex gratia scheme for Afghan locally engaged civilians, including interpreters, will have full entitlement to access employment.
A package of advice and assistance including how to access benefits and services will be available to those arriving in the UK under the ex gratia scheme for locally engaged staff. This will be delivered by the local authorities (or their partners) participating in the scheme.
Indonesia
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of freedom of religion in Indonesia. [HL931]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): Indonesia has a strong tradition of religious diversity and tolerance but there has been a rise in recent years of localised instances of inter- and intra-religious conflict, and examples where the rights of religious minority groups have not been protected. We remain concerned that some local bylaws abrogate the rights of women and religious minority groups.
We continue to monitor the situation and raise our concerns with the Government of Indonesia. I have convened meetings of international leaders, including with the Foreign Minister of Indonesia, to generate practical steps to promote freedom of religion or belief, and to fight religious intolerance within our societies.
Our Ambassador in Jakarta has discussed these issues with the Minister of Religious Affairs, the Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law & Security, Indonesian civil society, and religious leaders. We have supported projects to improve respect for freedom of religion or belief. We also raise freedom of religion and belief concerns at the annual EU-Indonesia Human Rights Dialogue.
We will continue to press the Indonesian government and law enforcement agencies to uphold Indonesia’s constitutional right to religious freedom, including ensuring that laws and regulations at all levels provide protection for minority faiths.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to discuss freedom of religion with the new President of Indonesia.[HL932]
Baroness Warsi: We look forward to working with the new Indonesian president, following the inauguration on 20 October, on a range of areas of mutual interest, including freedom of religion.
Indonesia has a strong tradition of religious diversity and tolerance but there has been a rise in recent years of localised instances of inter- and intra-religious conflict. We will encourage the next President’s government to uphold Indonesia’s constitutional right to religious freedom or belief, including ensuring that laws and regulations at all levels provide protection for minority faiths.
Internet: Bullying
Question
Asked by Lord Browne of Belmont
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what legislation is currently in place and what further steps they are taking to protect children from cyber-bullying through the internet.[HL1019]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): Current Acts that can be used to prosecute cyberbullying-related offences are: The Protection from Harassment Act 1997, The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, The Malicious Communications Act 1998, The Communications Act 2003 and The Defamation Act 2013.
The Government thinks that schools, parents and internet providers all have a role to play in keeping children and young people safe online.
Through the Education Act 2011 we have given teachers greater powers to tackle cyber-bullying - via text message or the internet - by providing a specific power to search for and, if necessary, delete inappropriate images or files on electronic devices, including mobile phones
All schools must have a behaviour policy that includes measures to prevent all forms of bullying, including cyber-bullying. Schools have the flexibility to develop their own measures to prevent and tackle bullying, but are held to account by Ofsted.
Educating children and young people about online safety is key to tackling cyber-bullying. From September 2014, e-safety will be taught at all four key stages of the curriculum, covering primary-age children for the first time. This will empower young people to tackle cyber-bullying through responsible, respectful and secure use of technology, as well as ensuring that pupils understand age-appropriate ways of reporting any concerns they may have about what they see or encounter online.
The Department for Education is providing £4 million of funding over two years from 2013 to four anti-bullying organisations: Beatbullying, the Diana Award, Kidscape and the National Children’s Bureau consortium. While this funding has been awarded to specific projects to reduce bullying in general, this can, and does, include work to tackle cyber-bullying.
The Department has produced case studies showing good practice in how to manage behaviour and bullying. These include a case study about how a school deals with cyber-bullying. Through funding provided by the Department, the Anti-Bullying Alliance has also produced specific advice on cyber-bullying for children and young people with special educational needs and or disabilities. We provide a link to this in our own advice on preventing and tackling bullying.
Ministers from the Department for Education, Home Office and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport co-chair the UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS), which brings together a range of experts across government, law enforcement, industry, academia and charities to consider the best ways to minimise the risk of harm to children when online.
We are pleased to see that internet service providers (ISPs) have rolled out whole home filters to their customers which will help parents to keep their children safe online. The ISPs have also launched ‘Internet Matters’, a new £75 million internet safety campaign which will run over three years and will reach out to millions of parents on how best to protect their children and make good use of filters.
Iraq
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much of the £3 million of emergency aid to Iraq will be allocated to United Kingdom charities, and in particular to the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East, operated by Canon Andrew White. [HL903]
Baroness Northover (LD): The UK has allocated £2m to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with UK operations who were already operating in Iraq.
DFID has not received a request for funding in response to the current situation in Iraq from the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East. For the financial year 2014/15 they will receive £8,070 from the MENA Conflict Pool. This is a project which has been running for a number of years and is not connected to our emergency response.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what funds they have allocated for reconciliation work in Iraq in the current financial year.[HL904]
Baroness Northover: The joint DFID/FCO/MOD Conflict Pool is used for reconciliation work, amongst other themes. The total Conflict Pool budget for Iraq in this financial year is £2.5 million and £0.3m of this is supporting reconciliation projects.
Journalism: Data Protection
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government in what circumstances freelance journalists are required by virtue of their occupation to register with the Information Commissioner.[HL1038]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord Faulks) (Con): The Data Protection Act 1998 requires data controllers to register with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), unless they are exempt. A data controller is the person who determines why and how personal data will be processed and is normally an organisation but can be an individual, for example a sole trader or freelance journalist. The ICO’s website contains further guidance on who is required to register and the exemptions that apply. http://ico.org.uk/for_organisations/data_protection/registration
Middle East
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel concerning the damage to water facilities and a pumping station in Gaza.[HL1005]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): On 11 July our Ambassador in Tel Aviv met with Major General Amos Gilad, Political-Military Director at the Israeli Ministry of Defence, and raised the need to avoid civilian casualties, including from air strikes. We have not specifically raised with Israel damage to the Gazan pumping station, but we continue to work to de-escalate the conflict and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches Gaza.
I refer the noble Baroness to the Statement on Gaza made by the then Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right Hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (York) (Mr Hague), which I repeated in the House of Lords on 14 July, Official Report Column 434.
Natural Gas: Pipelines
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the development of the Nabucco pipeline and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline; and how they are affected by European Union sanctions against Russia.[HL1055]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): In June 2013 the Shah Deniz consortium announced the selection of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline to transport Azerbaijani gas to European markets. The UK strongly supports the development of the southern gas corridor, and the then Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), visited Azerbaijan on 17 December 2013 to attend the Final Investment Decision (FID) signing ceremony for the second phase of the Shah Deniz gas field. We remain in close contact with governments along the route, as well as the companies involved in Shah Deniz and the Trans Anatolian and Trans Adriatic pipelines. These projects are not affected by EU sanctions against Russia.
NHS
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the costs and benefits of the internal market in the National Health Service over the last 20 years.[HL1025]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): Retaining the purchaser provider separation has been the policy of successive governments. In line with its predecessors, this Government considers it the most effective means of developing efficient high quality care while providing value for money for the public purse. More specifically, it created a means of managing the health service in which providers of care were accountable to the public through contracts which specified the quality of care, and its cost in a much more transparent way than had previously been the case. In doing so, it also drove improvement in both the quantity and quality of what the health service was providing.
However, there are two distinct reasons why it has often been difficult to quantify the relative costs and benefits of the internal market. First, it is difficult to estimate the cost of what would have happened without it – in other words what would have been the case had
such accountability not been in place. Second, there have been differing models for implementing the internal market over at least two decades (total purchasing pilots, general practitioner fundholding and practice-based commissioning).
The impact assessment for the Health and Social Care Act 20121 looked at the broad cost and benefits of continuing a separate commissioning function as an advocate for patients and the taxpayer, separate from the more autonomous provider side.
Notes:
1www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/215819/dh_129916.pdf
NHS: Legal Costs
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the annual cost to the National Health Service of litigation in 2010–11, 2011–12, and 2012–13; and what was the amount paid in medical insurance by the National Health Service in the same years.[HL913]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): The Department does not hold complete information on this centrally, as each National Health Service body is responsible for handling its own litigation except where they have the claims processed under the statutory NHS indemnity schemes, which are administered by the NHS Litigation Authority (NHS LA) on behalf of the Secretary of State.
However, the vast majority of litigation claims against the NHS are handled by the NHS LA, and costs met from its schemes. The NHS LA is mainly funded from contributions by member NHS bodies. The balance is met by the Department.
The following table shows the expenditure incurred by the NHS LA in the years in question.
| Financial year | Member Contributions £,000 | DH Funding £,000 | Total scheme funding £,000 |
Source:
NHS LA - July 2014
Offences against Children
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many United Kingdom nationals have been arrested outside the United Kingdom for the sexual abuse of children in the last five years; and how many of those individuals were working or volunteering in children's homes and schools.[HL911]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach) (Con): Between 27 April 2012 and 31 May 2014 the ACPO Criminal Records Office received 24 notifications concerning convictions for the rape of a minor; 15 concerning sexual exploitation of children; 39 concerning sexual assault of a minor and 40 relating to child pornography. These statistics are only for notifications from the 19 EU countries with which the UK exchanges criminal records electronically.
Between 1 January 2010 and 26 April 2012 the ACPO Criminal Records received 56 notifications concerning convictions for sexual offences against children and 23 notifications concerning child pornography. These figures are for notifications from all EU Member States.
Between 1 June 2012 and 31 May 2014 the ACPO Criminal Records Office received 34 notifications concerning convictions for sexual offences against children and 8 concerning child pornography. These notifications are from countries outside the European Union. Information in this form was not available prior to 1 June 2012.
Separate records from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) show that there were 51 new cases of child sex offences in 2013 and, so far this year, 31 new cases of child pornography. These will involve people seeking consular assistance from the FCO and so will include individuals in custody, not just those who have been convicted. There may also be some overlap between the FCO statistics and those from the ACPO Criminal Records Office.
Information is not held centrally on the number of these people who were working or volunteering in children’s homes and schools, whether inside or outside the United Kingdom.
Overseas Aid
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Department for International Development has made any inquiries or requested any reports on the level of salaries in organisations it has funded in the past four years.[HL1042]
Baroness Northover (LD): DFID does not hold a central record of this information in the form requested.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Department for International Development has ever requested a salary or administration costs to expenditure ratio of organisations it has funded in the past four years.[HL1043]
Baroness Northover: DFID does not hold a central record of all requests made for data relating to salary and administration ratios for all the organisations it has funded.
DFID always seeks to achieve the best value for money in the funding it provides. Salary costs and administration costs are considered when making funding decisions to ensure value for money.
Pakistan
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress they are making in assisting the government of Pakistan to raise revenue from rich individuals and companies to pay for education for children in that country not currently attending school.[HL846]
Lord Bates (Con): The UK is helping to support Pakistan’s efforts to increase revenue collection through a range of measures, including through expertise from HM Revenue and Customs. The Government of Pakistan has already made progress including removing tax exemptions worth 0.34% of GDP and publishing a directory of all taxpayers. It published its second federal budget on 3 June which included further emphasis on increasing revenue from 9% to 15% of GDP by 2018, through new measures to widen the tax net and phase out exemptions. Through these the government aims to raise additional revenue of over $2.2 billion in 2014/15.
It has also committed to increase the share of GDP spent on education from 2% to 4% by 2018. This will help to get some of the estimated 12 million out-of-school children across the country into education.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what proportion of British bilateral aid to Pakistan was spent in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the most recent year for which figures are available. [HL896]
Baroness Northover (LD): In 2013-2014 UK bilateral aid programmes with the governments of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces amounted to £64 million and £21 million respectively. These figures include assistance for education, health and governance.
Information on UK aid delivered to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through channels other than the provincial government can be found at: http://devtracker.dfid.gov.uk/countries/PK/projects/.
Palestinians
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that sufficient medical supplies and surgical equipment are sent to Gaza to cope with the escalating number of casualties there, and that there are sufficient fuel supplies to work generators.[HL1007]
Baroness Northover (LD): We are in close contact with UN and non-governmental agencies working in Gaza to make sure that priority needs are being addressed by the humanitarian community. UK aid is enabling UNRWA to continue providing basic health services and distribute fuel to ensure emergency water and
sewage infrastructure can continue to function. Our support to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is helping medical supplies enter Gaza and providing surgical kits and blood for hospitals, as well as funding the repair of damaged water infrastructure. Our support to the UN Access Coordination Unit is also helping get essential supplies into Gaza, and to get the most urgent medical cases out of Gaza for treatment.
Passports
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to use prerogative powers to refuse or remove United Kingdom passports from British citizens who are suspected of being involved in or looking to be involved in fighting, extremist activity or terrorist training overseas.[HL662]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach) (Con): The Royal Prerogative is an important tool to disrupt individuals who seek to travel on a British passport to engage in, for example, fighting, extremist activity or terrorist training overseas and might return to the UK.
The Prerogative power has been exercised 14 times between April 2013 and the end of March 2014 on public interest grounds to disrupt the travel of individuals seeking to engage in terrorism related activity or other serious and organised crime.
Any decision to refuse or withdraw a British passport is made after careful consideration and the decision must be necessary and proportionate.
Physical Education: Teachers
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the number of qualified teachers in physical education, especially in infant and primary schools.[HL1033]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): In March 2013, the Government announced a new pilot programme to train a cadre of 120 primary teachers with a specialism in PE. These specialists will aim to support other teachers to develop their skills and drive up the quality of PE teaching as they take up their first posts from September 2014.
This pilot, which was developed by teaching schools with sport national governing bodies and partner universities, has now been extended for a second year. A further 120 specialists will be in post by September 2015 following successful completion of their initial teacher training (ITT) and gaining QTS (qualified teacher status).
The Secretary of State for Education’s ITT requirements call upon accredited training providers to develop courses to enable trainees to meet the Teachers’ Standards; this includes the need to have a secure knowledge of relevant subjects and curriculum areas.
Schools can also use the primary PE and sport premium to up-skill teachers by investing in continuing professional development and hiring qualified sports coaches to work with teachers during PE lessons.
Prisoners: Carer’s Allowance
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many of the current prison population were in receipt of Carer's Allowance on entering prison.[HL1048]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud) (Con): The information requested is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
Prostitution
Question
Asked by Lord Carlile of Berriew
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what they are doing to support harm reduction and support services to improve conditions for sex workers on the street.[HL988]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach) (Con): We are committed to tackling the harm and exploitation that can be associated with prostitution, and believe that people who want to leave prostitution should be given every opportunity to find routes out.
Local areas and police forces are in the best position to identify and respond to issues around prostitution in their area. We have supported them by reviewing effective practice in terms of policing, exiting, minimising harm, holistic support and general multi agency working. The review is available on the GOV.uk website. The Home Office has also supported the establishment of a National ‘Ugly Mugs’ Scheme to help protect people involved in prostitution from violent and abusive individuals.
Regional Growth Fund: North East
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much of each of the first four allocations of Regional Growth Fund for the north-east has been spent.[HL882]
Baroness Neville-Rolfe (Con): The North East has been allocated £240.8 million across Rounds 1-4 of the Regional Growth Fund. This is expected to create or safeguard 25,700 jobs and leverage £1.1 billion of private sector investment. The table below shows the total allocation by Round, the amount that has been paid out and the amount spent. The North East has been allocated £57 million in Round 5.
| Round | Allocation (£m) | Amount paid to date (£m) | Amount spent to date (£m) |
The difference in amount paid versus amount spent relates to those regional programmes, which are paid quarterly in advance, ahead of them administering grants to small and medium-size businesses in the region.
Schools: Finance
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what mechanisms are in place to ensure that there is no delay in the provision of funding for a pupil who moves school after the start of a new academic year.[HL1053]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): There is a delay in funding as schools are generally funded for the number of pupils they had based on the previous year’s school census. This provides schools with greater stability and predictability in planning their budgets. However, we are aware of the difficulties that some schools experiencing an influx of pupils after the start of an academic year can face. This is why local authorities can use a mobility factor in their local funding formula to give additional funding to schools that have a large number of pupils entering at non-standard entry times. We have also given local authorities the option of setting up a growth fund, which can support schools taking on more pupils because of the need for extra places in the area.
Schools: Health Education
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the risks of obesity and the importance of physical recreation are being taught in schools.[HL1032]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): The Department for Education is seeing encouraging signs of progress on tackling obesity, with rates in children falling to 14% in 2012, the lowest level of child obesity since 1998. The Government is taking forward a range of activities to continue this trend.
As part of the new national curriculum, which comes into force from September 2014, the programmes of study for both physical education and science include content on the importance of a healthy lifestyle. All pupils aged between 5 and 14 will learn about cooking and nutrition, which will be compulsory at key stage 3 for the first time. Children will learn the importance of eating good, tasty, nutritious food at school and beyond through the School Food Plan.
The Government is determined to embed an enjoyment of sport and physical activity from an early age, so that children understand the importance of keeping fit and develop a lifetime habit of healthy activity. Through the primary PE and sport premium we are providing over £450m of ringfenced funding across academic years 2013/14, 2014/15 and 2015/16. This goes directly to primary schools, to be spent on the improvement of PE and sport to ensure that all pupils develop a healthy lifestyle.
The Department of Health is providing Change4Life Sports Clubs in 10,000 primary and secondary schools, which encourage children to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Schools are using their primary PE and sport premium to supplement the Change4Life programme and so far more than 225,000 pupils have benefited from that programme.
Schools: Libraries
Questions
Asked by The Earl of Clancarty
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to research the links between literacy and school libraries.[HL1049]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): There is evidence of a very strong relationship between reading attainment and school library use, with young people who read below the expected level for their age being almost twice more likely to say that they are not a school library user. Conversely, those who read at or above the expected level were nearly three times more likely to say that they are school library users (Clark, 2010). The Department has not itself commissioned research on the link between literacy and school libraries nor at present does it intend to.
In line with our approach to giving schools in England greater freedom we believe that it should be for head- teachers to decide whether and how to provide a library service for their pupils. We are pleased that many head- teachers do recognise the role libraries play in improving young people’s literacy and love of reading, and ensure that suitable library facilities are provided. The findings from the PISA survey (OECD, 2010) indicate that in 2009, 96% of pupils in the United Kingdom were attending a school where there was a library.
Asked by The Earl of Clancarty
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether Ofsted carries out inspections of school libraries as part of its school inspections; and if not, whether there are any plans to do so.[HL1050]
Lord Nash: This question is a matter for Ofsted. I have asked Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, to write to the noble Lord. A copy of his reply will be placed in the House Library.
Schools: Playing Fields
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions have taken place between the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Education about increasing the provision of sports playing fields available for schools.[HL1030]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): In June 2014, Sport England, in partnership with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, the Department for Education and the Department of Health, awarded £18 million of National Lottery funding, through the Primary Spaces programme, to 601 primary schools to transform their physical education (PE) and sport facilities.
The new facilities will be installed in the first 100 schools this summer, with the rest opening throughout the academic year and all completed by summer 2015. The fund will help schools make good use of spaces and provide facilities that will:
inspire physical activity and participation by childrenenable and encourage healthy activitydevelop the foundations of a sporting habit for life.
Primary Spaces builds on and complements the primary PE and sport premium, through which we are providing over £450 million of ring-fenced funding across academic years 2013/14, 2014/15 and 2015/16. This goes directly to primary schools to be spent on the improvement of PE and sport.
In addition, from 2010 to the present day, Sport England have made 16 awards to schools, investing £750,000 of National Lottery funding towards total project costs of £1.6 million, as part of the protect playing fields programme. The sites cover a total of over 200 acres of land and each site has protection via charge for a minimum of 25 years. There are two more rounds of the funding planned with £5 million available each year for the next two years (2015 and 2016).
Officials and Ministers from both Departments meet regularly to discuss issues relating to the provision of PE and school sport, including the Primary Spaces and protecting playing fields programmes.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the numbers of all-weather playing fields in schools and in recreational establishments.[HL1031]
Lord Nash: The Department for Education does not have a specific policy for providing all-weather or synthetic turf pitches in schools. However, in ‘Building Bulletin 103: Area Guidelines for mainstream schools’, we do recommend that all schools have a minimum area of hard-surfaced games area, or ‘hard outdoor PE’ space, preferably in the form of Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs).
Shaker Aamer
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government why Mr Shaker Aamer, the British resident detained at Guantanamo Bay, has not yet been released; what were the last representations they made on his behalf; and what was the reply to them.[HL920]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): Decisions over the release of Mr Aamer rest entirely with the United States government. The British government has made clear to the United States that we want Mr Aamer released and returned to the UK. The United States government has made clear to us that they understand our position. The then Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), last raised Mr Aamer’s case in a letter to US Secretary of State, John Kerry, at the end of last month.
South Sudan
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have considered proposing to the African Union the establishment of a trusteeship in South Sudan to stabilise the situation there.[HL1012]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): The UK, along with the Troika (the United States and Norway) and the European Union, has been active in supporting the regionally-led mediation efforts to resolve the crisis in South Sudan. This includes working with the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union. We welcome the signing of the agreements of 9 May and 10 June that commit both sides to end the hostilities and establish a Transitional Government of National Unity. The UK, and its partners, believe that fully implementing these agreements is the best way to stabilise the country.
Students: Private Rented Housing
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to ensure that students living in private sector halls of residence are not subjected to excessive rates of rent.[HL946]
Lord Bates (Con): The Government plays no direct role in the provision of student residential accommodation, nor does it specifically fund universities to provide such accommodation. As such, this is not an area where the Government can intervene.
However, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and private providers of ‘halls of residence’ type accommodation are required to belong to one of two Codes of Practice. These are the Student Accommodation Code http://www.thesac.org.uk/
and the Accreditation Network UK http://www.anuk. org.uk/aboutus/aboutus.asp.
These Codes of Practice protect students’ rights to safe, good quality accommodation, wherever they are studying. They outline what students can expect from their accommodation as well as their responsibilities as tenants.
Some other private providers offer student accommodation, off campus, on the basis of an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST). For students in these properties, rents would be set by the landlord at the market rent achievable for that type of accommodation. Under Section 22 of the Housing Act 1988, if an AST tenant considers the rent to be excessive, he or she could apply to the first tier tribunal for a determination of the rent. Given these protections, Government has no plans to act in this area.
In addition, since 2012, the Key Information Set includes information on the average cost of accommodation for each HEI. This is available via the national Unistats website: https://unistats.direct.gov.uk/
Syria
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, following the call by UNICEF for the freeing of 140 Kurdish school boys recently abducted in Northern Syria, they intend to take steps to assist their release.[HL921]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): The UK is deeply concerned by reports of the abduction of Kurdish children by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Such actions are utterly appalling and we call for their immediate release. These actions demonstrate to the world the true nature of this vicious terrorist organisation.
Tackling extremists in Syria is a priority, and we are stepping up our support for the moderate opposition groups who are fighting them, and helping the neighbouring countries respond to this growing security threat. Finding a political settlement to the crisis is more pressing than ever, so that groups such as ISIL cannot take advantage of the conflict to expand their influence
Tourism: Marketing
Question
Asked by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are promoting holidays in the United Kingdom to British residents; and, if so, how.[HL1155]
Lord Gardiner of Kimble (Con): Tourism is a devolved matter, and domestic holiday marketing to British residents is carried out by the tourist boards of each constituent part of the United Kingdom. Nevertheless, VisitEngland’s ‘Holidays at Home are GREAT’ campaigns have also benefited the Devolved Administrations by promoting domestic holidays throughout the United Kingdom, not just in England. The campaign, now in its third year, has received £9.3 million funding from the Government, which has been match-funded by the private sector and other tourism partners. These campaigns have been promoted through various media
channels including mainstream terrestrial channels, cinemas and via the web. The first two campaigns generated £380m in extra visitor spend, and the current campaign has been marketed through media channels since 1 April 2014. VisitEngland’s Growing Tourism Locally programme, which received £19.8 million from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, specifically aims to inspire UK residents to take more holidays in England.
Turks and Caicos Islands
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps are being taken to promote economic growth in the Turks and Caicos Islands.[HL850]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): The Turks and Caicos Islands and other British Overseas Territories are small, open and dynamic economies that offer opportunities for investment and trade. UK Ministers and Territory leaders have agreed, through the Joint Ministerial Council last year, an ambitious practical agenda to support our shared vision for the Territories as vibrant and flourishing communities, proudly retaining aspects of British identity and generating opportunities for their people. This agenda includes working together to promote trade and investment opportunities in the Territories, to deliver on the G8 tax and transparency agenda, and to maintain high standards of governance and rule of law. The EU has recently agreed improved market access for Territory services and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) have opened their overseas market introduction service to Territory companies.
The Government is committed to continuing to build a strong partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands government to help them develop their economy. Since 2008, the UK has supported far reaching reform, including strengthening of economic governance and the management of public finances, and provided a loan guarantee worth up to $260 million. Further, the UK agreed to proposals for the redevelopment of passenger facilities at Providenciales International Airport. The redevelopment should increase its capacity and improve the customer experience. It is expected to be completed later this year.
The Government is continuing to support reform in the Turks and Caicos Islands, including through a Technical Assistance programme supporting capacity building work across a number of Ministries (budget of £1.5 million in financial year 2014-15).
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether there are any proposals to give debt relief to the Turks and Caicos Islands; and if not, why not.[HL851]
Baroness Warsi: There are no proposals for the UK to give debt relief to the Turks and Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory.
The Turks and Caicos Islands are not in receipt of a loan from the British Government. In 2011, the UK provided a loan guarantee worth up to $260 million in response to the Territory’s governance and economic crisis. The British Government expects the Turks and Caicos Islands government to finance its borrowing independently and on an affordable and sustainable basis from the end of 2015/16 without a UK guarantee.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether there are any proposals to use the sinking fund balance under the Turks and Caicos Islands debt obligations to pay down, to pay off or to buy back existing debt to reduce interest charges.[HL852]
Baroness Warsi: The UK and Turks and Caicos Islands governments have agreed a framework for management of public finances that includes principles of good financial management as well as the debt ceilings. Key requirements are that net debt is less than 110 per cent of revenue by the end of the financial year 2015/16 and less than 80 per cent of revenue by the end of the financial year 2018/19, and that debt service is less than 10 per cent of annual operating revenue and liquid assets at least 25 per cent of annual operating revenue.
The Turks and Caicos Islands government has run a surplus for the last two years and continues to be on track to meet the provisions of the agreed framework document. In accordance with the Turks and Caicos Islands legislation, surpluses are paid into a Sinking Fund. The Sinking Fund may only be used for the purposes of paying down debt. However, how the debt is repaid is ultimately a delegated matter for the Turks and Caicos Islands government.
UK Border Force
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what investment the Border Force has carried out at airports over the last five years, specifically at (1) Heathrow, (2) Gatwick, (3) Stansted, (4) Luton, and (5) Manchester. [HL937]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach) (Con): In answer to the question on what investment the Border Force has carried out over the last 5 years at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and Manchester, the information for investment specific to these airports is as follows:
| Airport | Capital Investment in the last 5 years |
| £m | |
Note
– For ‘other’ expenditure it is not possible to separate explicitly to individual ports across Border Force. This is capital investment not specifically being attributed to the 5 ports specified and covers the whole of Border Force including those 5 Ports.
Source:
Internal Resource Planning Model