Written Answers
Thursday 6 November 2014
Burkina Faso
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the decision of the President of Burkina Faso to amend the country’s constitution to permit him to seek a third term in office. [HL2538]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): The decision by President Compaoré to attempt to amend the constitution has proved disastrous for democracy in Burkina Faso. The UK and our international partners had cautioned President Compaoré against seeking a third term, highlighting the potential risks that taking such action would pose. In the event, the demonstrations resulted in President Compaoré being swept from power and an interim military government being installed.
We now call on the Burkinabe military and security forces to move swiftly to restore a democratically elected civilian government in Burkina Faso. We urge all parts of society to work calmly and collaboratively in this endeavour. We also support the efforts of the African Union, the Economic Community Of West African States and the UN to bring this crisis to a swift and peaceful resolution.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what work the United Kingdom Special Envoy has undertaken in Burkina Faso since being appointed to the post. [HL2539]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: Since being appointed in October 2012, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for the Sahel has devoted much of his time to helping to resolve the crisis in Mali. He has visited most countries in the North and West Africa region, but has not yet visited Burkina Faso in his current role. The then Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for International Development, the right Hon. member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Lynne Featherstone), visited Burkina Faso in February 2014.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the risks of (1) domestic, and (2) regional, destabilisation as a result of current political events in Burkina Faso.[HL2540]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: The UK and our international partners cautioned President Compaoré against amending the constitution ahead of the elections in 2015, highlighting the risks that such a course of action would pose. We have seen these consequences manifest themselves:
1) Domestically, demonstrations have seen President Compaoré swept from power, the constitution suspended and a military government installed. We now urge the interim authorities to work with all parties to bring about a swift return of civilian democratic governance.2) Prolonged instability in Burkina Faso could have a wider impact given the underlying security and development challenges in the region. Therefore, we support the efforts of the African Union and the Economic Community Of West African States, alongside the UN, to bring about a resolution to the crisis.
Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the political situation in Burkina Faso.[HL2560]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: We are deeply concerned by the violence and uncertainty in Burkina Faso, caused by President Blaise Compaoré’s attempt to change the constitution in order to seek a third term, and the subsequent installation of a military government.
We call on the Burkinabe military authorities to work swiftly with all parts of society to restore a democratically elected civilian government in Burkina Faso. We also support the efforts of the African Union, the Economic Community Of West African States and the UN to bring this crisis to a swift and peaceful resolution.
Council Tax Benefits
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they will publish the detailed terms of reference for the review of the impact of abolishing Council Tax Benefit.[HL2301]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon) (Con): The Department is currently working with the Council Tax Partnership Forum and local authorities to identify appropriate and proportionate data for the independent three-year review of the local council tax support policy.
The timetable, coverage, process for data collection and detailed terms of reference for the review will be agreed and published in due course.
Spending on council tax benefit doubled under the last Government, costing taxpayers £4 billion a year—equivalent to almost £180 a year per household. Welfare reform is vital to tackle the budget deficit by the last Administration.
Our reforms to localise council tax support now give councils stronger incentives to support local firms, cut fraud, promote local enterprise and get people to into work. We are ending the last Administration's “something for nothing” culture and making work pay.
Dropbox
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have made any requests for account information from Dropbox using the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with the United States.[HL2117]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Bates) (Con): The Home Office does not currently hold a central record of which company is the subject of a request under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with the US.
Egypt
Question
Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the political situation in Egypt. [HL2561]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): Since January 2014, Egypt has held a constitutional referendum; elected a new President; and is preparing for parliamentary elections to be held in the coming months. We look to President Al Sisi to take steps to implement the rights contained in Egypt’s constitution, in particular ensuring freedom of expression and association, as well as ensuring that human and legal rights are fully upheld. We express our concern to the Egyptian authorities when we see these rights being threatened, such as in the mass death penalties handed down in Minya; the prosecution of journalists; the detention of people engaging in peaceful political expression, the limitations on peaceful protest, as well as restrictions on the freedom of non-governmental organisations. We believe that a genuinely open political process, in which all political groups are able to participate, will lead to long-term political stability in Egypt.
EU External Trade: Tunisia
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they and the European Union are making any special provision for access for imports from Tunisia, in particular for olives and tomatoes.[HL2426]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord De Mauley) (Con): Imports from Tunisia are subject to the terms of an Association Agreement with the EU, which provides for elimination of duties or preferential duties to be applied to the majority of Tunisian goods. Prepared or preserved olives are free of any import duties. Fresh tomatoes can also be imported into the EU without payment of import duties provided that the import price is equal to or greater than a fixed entry price.
Honours
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answers by Lord Wallace of Saltaire on 10 July (HL828) and 28 July (HL1115), whether they will now consolidate the replies and list the figures for the birthday honours list for 2012 which have not been supplied with regard to the number of Knighthoods and Damehoods given to those described as professors.[HL2384]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire (LD): The information requested concerning the number of honours recipients described as holding the title of professor since the Birthday 2012 Honours List at Knighthood/Damehood and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) levels is in the public domain, and can be found in The London Gazette at www.london-gazette.co.uk. Percentages are as follows:
| List | Number of recipients at Knight/Dame | Knight/Dame recipients who described themselves as Professor | Percentage of Knight/Dame recipients who described themselves as Professor |
| List | Number of recipients at CBE | CBE recipients who described themselves as Professor | Percentage of CBE recipients who described themselves as Professor |
India
Question
Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the Indian authorities regarding Soni Sori.[HL2381]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): We are aware of the case of Ms Soni Sori but have made no representations on it. We continue to monitor the general human rights situation in India. This includes maintaining a dialogue with Indian officials, not least through the EU-India human rights dialogue which most recently took place on 27 November 2013.
Iran
Question
Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the execution of Reyhaneh Jabbari on 25 October, what evidence they have to demonstrate that the United Kingdom’s resumption of direct contact with Iran on 20 February has had a positive effect in reducing capital punishment in Iran; and what are the comparative figures for male and female prisoners executed in Iran during each of the last four 6-month periods.[HL2459]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): We were saddened to hear of the execution in Iran of Reyhaneh Jabbari, especially as there were questions around due process in her case. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth East (Mr Ellwood), made a statement on 25 October urging Iran to put a moratorium on all executions.
Obtaining accurate figures on executions in Iran is difficult. The UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Iran reports of 852 executions in Iran between July 2013 and June 2014. However, as the Iranian government does not publicise every execution, it is difficult to obtain reliable figures.
The UK opposes the use of the death penalty in all circumstances, and we will continue to use our bilateral relationship to encourage Iran to improve their human rights situation.
Israel
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the decision by the government of Israel to close access to Al-Aqsa mosque; and whether they intend to raise the matter at the European Union Council of Ministers.[HL2525]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): The temporary closure of the Temple Mount/Haram al Sharif compound on 30 October has added to the growing tensions in East Jerusalem. There is a serious risk of escalation and further violence. Along with international partners, including other EU Member States, we will continue to press all sides to de-escalate and protect the status quo, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely in the run up to the Foreign Affairs Council later this month.
Middle East
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what support European Union members are giving to the United Nations Secretary-General’s investigation into Israeli attacks on United Nations facilities during Operation Protective Edge.[HL2443]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): The UK fully supports the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and calls on all sides to cooperate with the investigation. As the UK and EU made clear, the attacks on UN schools in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of innocent children, were shocking. We are pressing Israel to demonstrate accountability for its actions during the conflict, both through internal processes, such as Israel Defence Forces' investigations of specific cases of engagement, and international procedures, such as this inquiry, which must be independent and balanced, and examine the actions of both Hamas and Israel.
Motor Vehicles: Excise Duties
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what were the main constituents of the change in administration of the Vehicle Excise Duty that make up their estimated saving of £20 million.[HL2495]
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Baroness Kramer) (LD): The recent changes to the administration of vehicle excise duty are expected to save the public purse £13.8m per year. These savings are made up of the elements shown in the table below:
Business will also save an estimated £8.6m per year from the changes. The savings arise from leasing companies no longer having to post tax discs to customers or businesses having to apply for refunds of vehicle excise duty and paying to replace lost or stolen tax discs.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the removal of visible paper tax discs from vehicles, why they consider one reminder letter to constitute adequate notice to the vehicle keeper of the need to renew Vehicle Excise Duty.[HL2496]
Baroness Kramer: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) sends a reminder letter to the registered keeper around three weeks before a vehicle is due to be relicensed. If no action is taken, the DVLA sends a second reminder after the vehicle excise duty has expired.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how they distinguish between a motor trader and a motor retailer or repairer for the purposes of Vehicle Excise Duty.[HL2497]
Baroness Kramer: The Vehicle Excise and Registration Act defines a motor trader as a manufacturer or repairer of, or a dealer in mechanically propelled vehicles. No distinction is made between a trader, retailer or repairer for the purposes of vehicle excise duty.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the risks associated with the use of trade plates on cars with integrated bumpers and parking sensors; and whether they consider that recent changes to Vehicle Excise Duty will increase those risks through the greater use of trade plates. [HL2498]
Baroness Kramer: No assessment has been made of the risks associated with the use of trade plates on cars with integrated bumpers and parking sensors, or of the effect of the recent changes to the administration of vehicle excise duty on this issue.
In recognition of feedback from motor traders about displaying trade plates on some vehicles, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is currently reviewing its advice on this matter. As part of this review, the DVLA will consult with the relevant experts to ensure that the specific point you have raised is fully considered.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what consideration they gave, in making their changes to Vehicle Excise Duty, to the situation of motor traders not eligible for trade plates who wish to move vehicles.[HL2499]
Baroness Kramer: The recent changes to the administration of vehicle excise duty have not affected the use of trade plates by motor traders. The law defines a motor trader as a manufacturer or repairer of, or a dealer in mechanically propelled vehicles. Any person or company meeting this definition can obtain trade plates, which can then be used to move unlicensed vehicles that are part of their stock.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what consideration they have given to the impact of the changes in Vehicle Excise Duty on the ability of purchasers of vehicles to enjoy a cooling-off period after purchase.[HL2500]
Baroness Kramer: No consideration has been given to this matter. It is a long standing legal requirement that all vehicles used or kept on public roads must be licensed. The recent changes to the administration of vehicle excise duty have not changed this requirement. The registered keeper of a vehicle will automatically be sent a refund of any full months of remaining vehicle excise duty they have paid once they have notified the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency they are no longer the keeper.
National Insurance: Foreign Nationals
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many foreign nationals have been given national insurance numbers in the last eight quarters; how many were given numbers in total in those two years; and what were the top 20 nationalities of those given national insurance numbers in the last two years.[HL2129]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud) (Con): The number of National Insurance numbers registered to foreign nationals in the last 8 quarters and the total number registered in the two year period from July 2012 to June 2014 is shown in Table 1.
The top 20 nationalities for those registered with a National Insurance number in the same two year period is in Table 2.
| Table 1: Number of NINo registrations to adult overseas nationals entering the UK by quarter for the last two years. | |
| Table 2: Total number of NINo registrations to adult overseas nationals entering the UK for the top 20 nationalities in the last 2 years. | |
Source: Stat-Xplore, Department for Work and Pensions
Notes:
1. Statistical disclosure control has been applied to this table to avoid the release of confidential data.
2. A change to the process of recording NINos during the quarter April-June 2014, means that the volume of NINo registrations recorded are lower in this quarter than would
otherwise be the case (estimated to be around 15% - 25% lower in the quarter April - June 2014 and 2% - 5% lower for the year to June 2014). Therefore, comparisons of NINo registrations over time for the latest periods (quarterly and annually) should be viewed with caution. The process issues impact all nationalities i.e. the impact is not skewed to migrants from specific countries.
3. Registration date is derived from the date at which a NINo is maintained on the National Insurance Recording and Pay as you Earn System (NPS).
4. Data is available up to June 2014, which is the latest information available.
North Korea
Questions
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government why North Korea is not one of the countries that the Department for International Development has prioritised for the funding of journalistic training for escapees; whether, in considering the allocation of resources, it considered that country’s media environment; and whether the Department for International Development is considering extending its funding to groups run by North Korean refugees that broadcast information into that country.[HL2356]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for International Development (Baroness Northover) (LD): DFID does not have a bilateral programme with North Korea. In the Financial Year 2014/15 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Human Rights and Democracy Programme is funding a project delivered by the Thomson Foundation titled ‘Inside Out: Working in North Korea to connect its journalists to the Internet world’, which aims to give North Korean journalists a greater understanding of freedom of expression and using the internet to express it.
Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their most recent assessment of food shortages in North Korea.[HL2379]
Baroness Northover: Despite generally good aggregate cereal harvests for the fourth consecutive year in 2014/15, 16 million people remain chronically food insecure and highly vulnerable to production shocks. The UN Food and Agricultural Organisation/ World Food Programme Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission to the Democratic people’s Republic of Korea, 2013, reported an estimated uncovered food deficit of 40,000 tonnes for that marketing year. The report stated that the food security situation remained similar to previous years with most households having borderline poor food consumption.
Occupied Territories
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the decision by the government of Israel to build a further 1,000 homes in East Jerusalem; and whether they intend to raise the matter at the European Union Council of Ministers.[HL2526]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth East (Mr Ellwood), issued a statement on 29 October condemning the announcement of plans for 1060 new housing units in East Jerusalem. He made clear that this was an ill-judged and ill-timed decision, which makes it harder to achieve a two state solution with Jerusalem as a shared capital. We will continue to work closely with European partners to discourage settlement expansion, and discussions are currently underway in Brussels to that end.
Official Cars
Question
Asked by Lord Hunt of Chesterton
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, when purchasing vehicles for use by government departments, what criteria they apply regarding whether to purchase petrol- or diesel- fuelled cars.[HL2347]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire (LD): Public sector procurers are required to seek value for money through fair and open competition and Government will always award contracts on the basis of the best value for money for the taxpayer.
Crown Commercial Service manages a framework agreement for the supply of diesel, petrol and electric powered vehicles which Government departments use to meet their vehicle requirements.
Departments decide which fuel is most appropriate based on their individual requirements including whole life costs and may access advice and guidance from Crown Commercial Service as appropriate.
Palestinians
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many Palestinians they estimate to have been displaced from their homes in East Jerusalem during the last two years.[HL2441]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 419 Palestinians were reportedly displaced in East Jerusalem between January 2013 to August 2014 following evictions and demolitions.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action the European Union is taking to ensure that East Jerusalem remains a part of Palestinian territory. [HL2442]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: In its 22 July 2014 Council Conclusions, the EU made clear that it will only recognise changes to the pre-1967 borders, including with regard to Jerusalem, when agreed by the parties. Settlements, including in East Jerusalem, are illegal
under international law and an obstacle to the two state solution. Discussions are continuing in Brussels on how the EU can best discourage further Israeli settlement expansion including in East Jerusalem. The EU has also called on both parties to resume serious peace negotiations, which must resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of both states.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have held with other European governments concerning the case for lifting the blockade of Gaza.[HL2480]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: The UK fully supports the August EU Foreign Affairs Committee Conclusions, which note that the situation in Gaza has been unsustainable for many years, and a return to the status quo prior to the latest conflict is not an option. The EU stands ready to support a comprehensive ceasefire agreement, and discussions are ongoing on options for this, including support in the area of movement and access. We are clear that whilst we recognise the need to address Israeli security concerns, there is a need to meet Palestinian requirements regarding the lifting of restrictions, including the blockade, on Gaza.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have held with the government of Israel concerning the planning of a Gazan seaport.[HL2481]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth East (Mr Ellwood), discussed this issue with the Israeli Justice Minister Livni, Intelligence Minister Steinitz, and Deputy Foreign Minister Hanegbi during his visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories between 5-8 October. This issue was also raised during the Quint/European External Action Service meeting with the Israeli National Security Adviser on 15 September.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have held with the government of Israel concerning recent reports of an arrest by the Israeli military of a mentally disabled boy in Hebron.[HL2482]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: The boy in question was released immediately following intervention by his father. The Israel Defence Forces have launched an investigation into the incident. We have not raised this specific case with the Israeli authorities.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress has been made concerning the treatment of children in military detention in Israel following the recommendations made by the report on the matter funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. [HL2483]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: Since the publication in June of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office-funded independent report on Children in Military Custody, there has been some limited progress. This includes a pilot project to use summons instead of night-time arrests, and steps to reduce the amount of time a child can be detained before seeing a judge. We have welcomed the steps taken to date, but we have called for further measures, including the mandatory use of audio-visual recording of interrogations, investigation into continued reports of single hand ties being used, and an end to solitary confinement for children.
Prisoners: Suicide
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reduce the number of suicides in HM prisons.[HL2334]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord Faulks) (Con): Every death in custody is a tragedy, and the Government is committed to reducing the number of self-inflicted deaths in prisons. All prisons are required to have procedures in place to identify, manage and support people who are at risk of harm to themselves. These procedures include the Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) process, which is a prisoner-centred, flexible care planning system for prisoners identified as at risk of suicide or self-harm. Prisons are also required to ensure that they have procedures in place to learn from deaths in custody to prevent future occurrences.
We are working hard to understand the reasons for the recent rise in the number of self-inflicted deaths, but there is no simple explanation. Additional resources and support are being provided for safer custody work in prisons, and in particular to improve the consistency of the ACCT system. The National Offender Management Service has also put in place additional staff at regional level to support staff in prisons and to share good practice, and created a dedicated learning and knowledge management team at headquarters which is providing further support for safer custody work.
Data on deaths in custody is published quarterly in the Safety in Custody Statistics Bulletin, available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/safety-in-custody-statistics.
Public Expenditure
Question
Asked by The Marquess of Lothian
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to review the Barnett Formula.[HL2485]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) (Con): In the context of the Scottish referendum debate, the leaders of the three largest UK political parties made clear that the Barnett formula would continue.
Pupils: Bullying
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to tackle homophobic bullying in schools.[HL2523]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): The Government has made preventing and tackling bullying one of its top priorities by striking the right balance between schools’ legal requirements, freedom and accountability.
On 16 October, the Department for Education announced the £25 million National Prospectus grants programme. Voluntary and community sector organisations, social enterprises and other organisations will be able to bid for part of this funding to tackle bullying. On 29 October, in tandem with the Government Equalities Office, the Department also announced that £2 million will be made available in 2015-16 to help schools tackle homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying more effectively.
All schools are required by law to have a behaviour policy with measures to address all forms of bullying, including homophobic bullying. We have strengthened teachers’ powers to tackle bullying and are providing £4 million to anti-bullying organisations that are working with schools and children to combat bullying. We have also issued specific advice to schools on preventing and tackling bullying in which we link to national organisations such as Stonewall who can provide specialist advice to schools to tackle homophobia. This information is published online at:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/preventing-and-tackling-bullying
Schools are also held to account by Ofsted for their effectiveness in managing pupil behaviour and safety, which includes homophobic bullying. Inspectors must consider pupils’ freedom from all forms of harassment, bullying and discrimination. As part of the inspection, schools are asked to make available evidence of records and analysis of bullying, in particular homophobic bullying.
Railways
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what savings they have made from alliances between passenger train operators and Network Rail.[HL2589]
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Baroness Kramer) (LD): Network Rail’s Strategic Business Plan for the period 2014-2019 concluded that savings of between £438m and £1,128m could be made from closer working between Network Rail and Train Operators. The Department for Transport and the Office of Rail Regulation will be monitoring progress made towards securing these efficiencies as Control Period 5 progresses.
Reading Station
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Kramer on 13 October (HL1928), what assessment they have made of the compliance with the standards required by the Governance for Railway Investment Projects process in the redevelopment of Reading Station, in particular as regards (1) the provision of large printed timetables, (2) the visibility and positioning of platform number signs on the platforms, (3) the visibility and positioning of indicator screens, (4) the detailing of intermediate stations on concourse indicator screens, (5) the presence of staff to provide information to passengers, and (6) weather protection.[HL2467]
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Baroness Kramer) (LD): The implementation of the Governance for Railway Investment Projects (GRIP) process is the responsibility of Network Rail and it are responsible for meeting all relevant standards.
Network Rail has however, advised me that:
1) The station operator; First Great Western has decided not to specify the provision of large printed timetables.2) The platform number signs are standard size signs and are positioned to not interfere with signal sighting along platforms. The signs are identical in size to those that were hung from the previous canopies.3) The indicator screens are an industry standard with this particular type widely used throughout the Great Western route. Equipment on platforms must be mounted a minimum of 2.5m above the platform to comply with standards.The location of the indicators were carefully selected to avoid being at the foot of escalators and stairs and positioned in areas where passengers can congregate without affecting the flow along the various platforms and around the station.4) The indicator screens on each platform contain full details of all stopping points for that train, whereas the ‘summary of departures screens’ show final destinations.5) The staffing levels on Reading station are the responsibility of by First Great Western. A significant number of additional customer assistants have now been employed by First Great Western to cater for the enlarged station.6) The design of the new canopies has had to take into account the need of future electrification. As a consequence the canopy is higher and set back behind the platform edge.However, observations made during periods of rainfall since May 2013 clearly show that if passengers are standing behind the yellow line will generally remain dry. Obviously the further back from the edge of the platform, the more likely to remain dry they will be.
Saudi Arabia
Questions
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Coventry
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of freedom of religion or belief in Saudi Arabia and the extent to which discrimination against and restrictions experienced by Shiite Muslims contribute to sectarian unrest and dissent in that country.[HL2365]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): The British Government strongly supports the right to freedom of religion or belief, which is severely restricted in Saudi Arabia. We make our views well known through the UN Universal Periodic Review Process, in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Annual Human Rights and Democracy Report, and to the Saudi Arabian authorities. We have made clear the importance of religious tolerance, including for different branches of Islam. There are some long-standing tensions between some Shia communities in the Eastern Province and the Saudi authorities. We continue to monitor developments. We welcome all efforts to increase religious tolerance in Saudi Arabia, including the recent calls by King Abdullah and Saudi religious leaders for greater religious tolerance in the Kingdom.
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Coventry
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of Saudi Arabia’s Specialized Criminal Court; and whether they consider that the proceedings of that Court are compatible with international human rights standards.[HL2366]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: The Specialised Criminal Court came into operation in Saudi Arabia in 2008 to try cases related to security and terrorism. We support Saudi Arabia’s judicial reform programme, particularly greater judicial training. However our concerns about the Saudi justice system remain and we continue to raise the importance of adhering to international human rights law with the Saudi authorities.
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Coventry
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Saudi Arabia regarding the decision taken on 15 October by the Specialized Criminal Court to sentence to death Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, a prominent Shia cleric.[HL2367]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: We understand that Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr has been sentenced to death. It is still possible for him to appeal the decision.
The death penalty undermines human dignity and its abolition is a human rights priority for the UK. Government Ministers, our Ambassador in Riyadh and officials from our Embassy raise the issue of the death penalty with the Saudi authorities, both bilaterally and through the EU. We recognise that total abolition of the death penalty is unlikely in Saudi Arabia in the near future. Our focus is therefore on the introduction
of EU minimum standards for the death penalty as a first step, and on supporting access to justice and rule of law.
Seas and Oceans: Pollution
Question
Asked by Lord Hunt of Chesterton
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what actions they are taking to deal with plastic waste in the ocean through international co-operation, including programmes such as the United Nations Environmental Programme, the Intergovernmental Oceanic Commission and the International Maritime Organisation.[HL2349]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord De Mauley) (Con): The primary focus of the UK’s international cooperation on marine litter is the OSPAR convention for the protection of the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic. In June 2014, OSPAR contracting parties agreed a regional action plan on marine litter. This plan fulfils requirements of the EU’s marine strategy framework directive for EU Member States to work together to address marine litter, and contributes to United Nations Environment Programme’s global partnership on marine litter. The UK also works within the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which has banned the discharge of plastic from shipping under MARPOL Annex V since 1988, and keeps MARPOL and its other Conventions under review.
Taxation
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the UK Statistics Authority was consulted about, or intends to review the categorisation of expenditure used in the recent letter sent to taxpayers regarding government expenditure.[HL2658]
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 Sir Andrew Dilnot CBE, Chair of the UK Statistics Authority to Lord Myners dated 6 November 2014.
As Chair of the UK Statistics Authority, I am replying to your question asking whether the UK Statistics Authority was consulted about, or intends to review, the categorisation of expenditure used in the recent letter sent to taxpayers regarding government expenditure. [HL 2658]
The UK Statistics Authority was not consulted about the categorisation of expenditure.
The Authority is aware of some concerns about the categorisation of expenditure used, and the Authority intends to make further enquiries in accordance with its statutory responsibilities under section 8 of the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007 (Monitoring and reporting of official statistics).
Tribunals
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much it cost to prepare the Senior President of the Tribunals’ annual report on the performance of decision-making in the Ministry of Justice, in each of the last ten years.[HL2355]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord Faulks) (Con): Section 15A of the Social Security Act 1998 requires the Senior President of Tribunals, annually, to make a written report on the standards achieved by the Secretary of State for Work & Pensions in the making of decisions against which an appeal is made to the First-tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber—Social Security and Child Support). That report must be published by the Lord Chancellor.
The duty to report was discharged by the President of the Appeals Tribunal prior to the implementation of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007. The Senior President of Tribunals has delegated this responsibility to the President of the Social Entitlement Chamber since the implementation of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007.
Preparation of the report costs approximately £20,000 in judicial time each year; however, this is within their salaried hours, so there is no additional cost beyond their salary. There are some associated printing costs but records of these are not held centrally.
Ukraine
Question
Asked by Lord Hunt of Chesterton
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assistance the United Kingdom and the European Union are providing to Ukrainian scientific institutions that have been adversely affected by the recent political instability in that country.[HL2399]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): The UK and EU are providing support to scientific institutions in Ukraine in several areas though not as a consequence of recent political instability. The Royal Society is currently funding, through its Department of Business Innovation and Skills grant, two international exchanges involving Ukrainian scientists worth £24,000.
The British Council has awarded grants of up to £5000 to support the development of partnerships between Ukrainian and UK higher education institutions in 2014-15. Priority was given to applications focussed on energy. The partnerships include:
Keele University - V.N.Karazin Kharkiv National University, Ecology Department;University of Manchester - Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas;Energy Institute, University College London - V.N.Karazin Kharkiv National University, Department of Physics and Energy;
Aberystwyth University - Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Department of Geology;Durham University - V.N.Karazin Kharkiv National University, Department of Chemistry.
The EU’s Horizon 2020 programme is funding several projects in Ukraine, such as BILAT-UKR*AINA which supports science and technology policy dialogue between the Commission, EU Member States and Ukraine. The EU Delegation in Ukraine provides funding for a number of projects in areas such as energy, environment and the sustainable management of natural resources. In addition, Ukraine is a partner country to the Erasmus+ programme, and therefore has automatic access to a number of Erasmus+ activities in the area of youth and higher education, financed through EU external and internal funds.
Welfare Assistance Schemes
Question
Asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they expect to publish the review of the use of local welfare provision funding, mentioned at paragraph 1.10 of Local Welfare Provision in 2015–16; and whether they plan to make a written statement when it is published and place a copy of the review in the library of the House.[HL2435]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon) (Con): I refer the noble Lady to my answer to the noble, Lady Baroness King of Bow, of 5 November 2014 (OfficialReport, Column WA 255).
Work Programme: Bristol
Question
Asked by Baroness Royall of Blaisdon
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many people in Bristol have enrolled in their Work Programme; and how many of those, after six months, were not in employment, education or training. [HL2140]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud) (Con): The number of people in Bristol City Local Authority who have been referred to the Work Programme up to and including June 2014 is 13,060.
This information is published and can be found at:
http://tabulation-tool.dwp.gov.uk/WorkProg/tabtool.html
Guidance for users is available at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dwp-tabulation-tool-guidance
Information on those not in employment, education or training after six months on the Work Programme, is not available.