Written Answers
Monday 1 December 2014
A4: Hammersmith and Fulham
Question
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they expect work on the Hammersmith flyover, scheduled to finish in summer 2014, to be completed.[HL3169]
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Baroness Kramer) (LD): Transport in London, including the Hammersmith Flyover, is the responsibility of the Mayor and Transport for London.
Work to strengthen the Hammersmith flyover, including replacing the bearings, installing a new carriageway drainage system and resurfacing and waterproofing the entire flyover, is due to be completed in summer 2015.
Abortion
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with Police Commissioners about anti-choice campaigners intimidating clients outside sexual and reproductive health and rights clinics. [HL3104]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Bates) (Con): Home Office Ministers have meetings with a wide variety of international partners, as well as organisations and individuals in the public and private sectors, as part of the process of policy development and delivery. Details of these meetings are passed to the Cabinet Office on a quarterly basis and are subsequently published on the Gov.uk website: http://data.gov.uk/dataset/ministerial-data-home-office
Access to Work Programme
Question
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many users of Access to Work whose primary medical condition is classified as difficulty in hearing had the financial value of their support reduced as a result of a case review in each of the last five years for which figures are available.[HL3152]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud) (Con): The requested information is not available.
Afghanistan
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will accelerate the conclusion of requests for resettlement by Afghan interpreters and other personnel employed by the United Kingdom, either by offering refugee status in the United Kingdom or by assisted resettlement in other countries.[HL2923]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever) (Con): The ex-gratia redundancy scheme includes an offer of relocation to the UK for locally employed Afghan staff who meet the relevant eligibility criteria. Staff are relocated through a bespoke immigration arrangement, not connected to the UK refugee system. This system ensures that identity, health and security concerns are addressed without unreasonable delays. There are no plans to offer Afghan staff refugee status, which would not be appropriate to their circumstances.
Asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have any plans to ensure that there is security, protection and support for women human rights defenders in Afghanistan.[HL3082]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): The UK takes this issue very seriously. We are pleased that the UK will join the EU, other Member States, Norway and Switzerland in a joint strategy to support human rights defenders in Afghanistan, including women, developed in consultation with Afghan human rights defenders. We will work with our partners to ensure that this strategy best meets the security and protection needs of all human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is also providing funding to support Kabul Human Rights Week in December. This 4-day event will focus on human rights defenders, including capacity building and protection mechanisms—a key part of delivering our strategy.
Asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Department for International Development and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have developed a country specific plan designed to enhance the support and protection of human rights defenders in Afghanistan, as has been recommended in the European Union Guidelines.[HL3083]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: The UK is committed to implementing the EU Guidelines in order to ensure human rights defenders are protected around the world. We are pleased that the UK will join the EU, other Member States, Norway and Switzerland in a joint strategy to support human rights defenders in Afghanistan, including women, developed in consultation
with Afghan human rights defenders. The strategy is due to be published in early December and we will work with our partners to ensure its effective implementation.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is also providing funding to support Kabul Human Rights Week in December. This 4-day event will focus on human rights defenders, including capacity building and protection mechanisms—a key part of delivering our strategy.
Alcoholic Drinks: Children
Questions
Asked by Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe
To ask Her Majesty’s Government why clause 55 of the Deregulation Bill was not subject to or part of the public consultation on the Bill as reported by the Cabinet Office in its published guide to the Bill.[HL3070]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Bates) (Con): The Cabinet Office published a guide titled ‘Policy Guide to the Deregulation Bill’. The document states that the proposal to repeal the offence of selling liqueur confectionery to those under the age of 16 was not part of the Government’s public consultation on the Alcohol Strategy which took place from November 2012 to February 2013.
The proposal to repeal the offence of selling liqueur confectionery to those under the age of 16 was developed following the Government’s consultation on the Red Tape Challenge. The method of crowd sourcing was used to generate the Red Tape Challenge proposals; this involved a public consultation led jointly by the department for Business Innovation and Skills and the Cabinet Office, to ask businesses and members of the public for their views on deregulating in a wide range of areas of regulated activity.
Under the ‘Dangerous and restricted goods’ strand of the Retail Theme respondents were asked to comment on possible areas of deregulation in 24 separate acts, including the Licensing Act 2003. Whilst the policy proposal to deregulate the sale of liqueur confectionery was not specifically referenced in the consultation, the deregulation of age-restricted items was identified as a strong theme.
Asked by Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will hold a public consultation on clause 55 of the Deregulation Bill and also publish the views on it of the Chief Medical Officer, Public Health England, the British Medical Association and the Children's Commissioner for England and Wales.[HL3071]
Lord Bates: The Cabinet Office published a guide titled ‘Policy Guide to the Deregulation Bill’. The document states that the proposal to repeal the offence of selling liqueur confectionery to those under the age of 16 was not part of the Government’s public consultation on the Alcohol Strategy which took place from November 2012 to February 2013.
The proposal to repeal the offence of selling liqueur confectionery to those under the age of 16 was developed following the Government’s consultation on the Red Tape Challenge. The method of crowd sourcing was used to generate the Red Tape Challenge proposals; this involved a public consultation led jointly by the department for Business Innovation and Skills and the Cabinet Office, to ask businesses and members of the public for their views on deregulating in a wide range of areas of regulated activity.
Under the ‘Dangerous and restricted goods’ strand of the Retail Theme respondents were asked to comment on possible areas of deregulation in 24 separate acts, including the Licensing Act 2003. Whilst the policy proposal to deregulate the sale of liqueur confectionery was not specifically referenced in the consultation, the deregulation of age-restricted items was identified as a strong theme.
Antisemitism
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the conference on anti-semitism held on 12 and 13 November in Berlin by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.[HL2987]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): The Government is grateful to the Swiss Chairmanship-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) for organising this important conference in Berlin, to Germany for hosting it, and to the US for delivering a key note address. We recognise that, ten years on from the last concerted attempt to confront anti-semitism in OSCE member states, the phenomenon may be getting worse in several countries. The UK acknowledges the scale of the problem and has developed robust, evidence-based policies to combat it. The UK’s success in encouraging more and better reporting of hate crime was recognised by several delegations at the conference.
We also welcome the conference of civil society groups which took place the previous day, with active participation by a range of UK experts, including the Community Security Trust and members of the Board of Deputies of British Jews. We hope the OSCE as a whole will take note of, and act upon, their recommendations.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether a minister attended the recent Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe conference on anti-semitism held in Berlin; and what was the composition of the United Kingdom delegation.[HL2988]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns:The British delegation was led by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth North (Penny Mordaunt), who delivered a statement. The Minister was accompanied by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Head of Human Rights and Democracy
Department; and the Head of the Cross-Government Hate Crime Programme, based in the Ministry of Justice. Officials from our Embassy in Berlin participated in parts of the conference.
The conference was also attended by the hon. Member for Bassetlaw (John Mann), Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group against Anti-Semitism, and Mr Mike Whine of the Hate Crime Independent Advisory Group.
Apprentices
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what measures they are putting in place to increase the proportion of small and medium-sized enterprises which take on apprentices.[HL2918]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Neville-Rolfe) (Con): The Apprenticeship Grant for Employers provides £1,500 to help smaller employers recruit a new apprentice aged 16 to 24. We have made £170m additional funding available over 2014-16 financial years to fund over 100,000 additional incentive payments. Provisional figures show that between Feb 2012 and July 2014 there were 95,200 apprenticeship starts for which a payment was made through the AGE Grant. A further 8,200 were in the pipeline (started but not yet paid).
Apprenticeship reforms are putting employers in the lead of designing apprenticeships, making it easier and more attractive for them to offer more in the future. Funding reforms will also provide a financial incentive to support smaller businesses taking on an apprentice.
Armed Forces: Malaria
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether Lariam (mefloquine) is administered to pilots and air crew serving in the armed forces.[HL2901]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever) (Con): As with all prescriptions the Ministry of Defence follows the drug manufacturer's advice which stipulates that Mefloquine (commercially known as Lariam) should not be taken if you are carrying out complex tasks such as driving, piloting an aircraft or diving. Accordingly, the Department's current policy is that aircrew are not to take Mefloquine.
Artificial Sweeteners: Imports
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the total amount of artificial sweeteners imported into the United Kingdom in 2013.[HL3001]
The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Livingston of Parkhead) (Con): According to HMRC, UK import figures for ‘artificial sweeteners’ are contained within HMRC Overseas Trade Statistics database code HS 21069092 (‘food preparations’, see full definition below). This captures a range of food preparations; it is not possible to split the data to show the amount (value or volume) of UK imports of artificial sweeteners in 2013 separately. The HMRC data shows that the UK imported £326.8 million (76,388,773 kilograms) worth of ‘food preparations’ in 2013.
Note: definition of HS 21069092
HS 21069092 - Food preparations, n.e.s., not containing milkfats, sucrose, isoglucose starch or glucose or containing, by weight, < 1,5% milkfat, < 5% sucrose or isoglucose, < 5% glucose or < 5% starch
Bahrain
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the purpose of the United Kingdom's training of Nawaf Hamza, head of the Bahrain Public Prosecution and Special Investigation Unit; and how they will monitor the success of that training following his return to Bahrain.[HL2940]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): Our work with the Special Investigations Unit and the Bahrain Public Prosecution demonstrates the UK’s commitment to help the Government of Bahrain in implementing the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI). Our assistance has included sharing UK best practice on a range of areas including the criminal justice system, investigation techniques and interviewing skills. We will evaluate the impact of this training once concluded.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Bahrain concerning the death in prison there of Hasan al-Shaikh and the reported treatment in prison of women recently arrested on charges of trying to change the constitution.[HL2966]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: Our Ambassador in Bahrain has publicly raised our concern around the death of Hasan al-Shaikh, an inmate at the Reformation and Rehabilitation Centre. We understand that the Special Investigation Unit has opened an investigation into the incident and we urge the Public Prosecution Office to ensure that the investigation is thorough and transparent. We are aware of the arrests of seven women on charges for disrupting the elections process, belonging to an illegal group and calling for the overthrow of the government. We will monitor the cases closely.
Castes: Discrimination
Question
Asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to launch a further public consultation on treatment of caste-based discrimination as an aspect of race within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010.[HL2600]
Baroness Garden of Frognal (LD): We are currently considering the form and timing of the public consultation in the light of ongoing caste discrimination litigation in the Employment Appeal Tribunal. We will await the outcome of the judgment before deciding in what form to issue the public consultation.
Compulsorily Detained Mental Patients
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, following the Home Office summit on policing and mental health held on 23 October (1) what engagement with Black Mental Health UK (BMH UK) is proposed in developing plans for the allocation of resources for community-based places of safety, (2) what resources will be allocated to community-based organisations serving the African Caribbean communities, and (3) how BMH UK will be involved in shaping the measures to be taken, as announced at the 23 October summit.[HL3135]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Bates) (Con): Discussions have previously taken place with Black Mental Health UK regarding the shortage of health-based places of safety for people in need of immediate crisis care. Both the Home Office and Black Mental Health UK were keen to identify innovative solutions and practice to address this, including exploring the possibility of community-based places of safety. Following consideration of possible options the Home Office is working with Sussex to fund a three month pilot of a community-based place of safety model, using a local care home, as a test of the practicality of such an approach and with a view to sharing the results with other local areas.
More generally however, the allocation of resources to provide places of safety, or direct to community based organisations supplying services, is a local matter for relevant service commissioners.
The Government will continue to engage and consult with a wide range of stakeholders, including Black Mental Health UK, in taking forward and monitoring the results of its programme of work to address mental ill health issues, including those measures announced at the summit on 23 October.
Counter-terrorism
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they expect to give a response to the questions asked of them in the United Nations Special Rapporteur’s Report on Human Rights and Terrorism, published and received by them in March.[HL3105]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): The UK has set out its position on Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) on multiple occasions, including at the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council, in response to the report by the UN Special Rapporteur. The UK uses RPAS legally and expects others to do so too.
The UK believes that existing international law sufficiently covers the use of RPAS, which are subject to the same legal considerations as other weapons systems such as manned combat aircraft. In an armed conflict, international humanitarian law governs military activity. Outside armed conflict, any action must be in accordance with applicable international human rights law.
Crime: Statistics
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the effect on community relations with citizens of Asian origin of crime reporting referring to “the Asian community” without further specifying the group concerned.[HL2813]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon) (Con): No such assessment has been made.
As a broader observation, it is important to recognise that the recent horrific sexual grooming crimes in Rochdale and Rotherham were committed by a small minority of men drawn from a British Pakistani background, whilst in Bristol most recently the convictions were of men drawn from a Somali background. I welcome both communities strongly condemning these vile acts, as it tarnishes their reputation. However, such criminal acts were compounded by a failure of public authorities to take action because of institutionalised political correctness.
We need to tackle this head on—acknowledging that there is a criminal element in some communities; that there is a sexist mindset that allowed these men to prey on vulnerable women of all backgrounds; and that the authorities shied away from tackling such crimes.
If we fail to do so, it will merely help extremists hijack and exploit the issue for their own ends, undermining our strong community relations, whilst they seek to spread divisions and mistrust.
Curriculum
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether independent schools teaching creationism or similar views of science are downgraded in their Ofsted inspections as a result.[HL3032]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): Independent schools are not downgraded in their Ofsted inspections purely as a result of teaching creationism. However, their curriculum and teaching must meet the independent school standards as a condition of registration. The independent school standards require schools to provide a curriculum which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education. Subject matter must also be appropriate for the ages and aptitudes of pupils. Beyond this, independent schools have the freedom to choose what they include in the curriculum. Teaching creationism does not, of itself, conflict with the standards.
Independent schools are also required to meet standards in relation to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils. These standards were revised in September this year. They now require schools to actively promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of teaching material used by schools following the Accelerated Christian Education curriculum; and whether they consider that such material breaches laws prohibiting indoctrination in schools or equality legislation.[HL3033]
Lord Nash: Independent schools must meet the independent school standards. These were revised from 29 September in respect of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, and schools using the Accelerated Christian Education Curriculum are now inspected against the revised standard. For the purposes of regulating independent schools, compliance with the standards is assessed by inspecting the curriculum as it is actually delivered in the school concerned, rather than by reference to curriculum policy documents. The revised standards still allow schools to teach their particular faith position provided they take account of the need to ensure that pupils are encouraged to respect other people whatever their way of life.
Detention Centres
Question
Asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will postpone their plans to expand the immigration detention estate until they have received the findings of the Parliamentary inquiry into the Use of Immigration Detention in the United Kingdom. [HL3093]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Bates) (Con): Capacity of the detention estate is kept under rolling review. Decisions will continue to be made according to operational priorities.
Diseases
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many medicines for the treatment of rare diseases the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has considered; and how many it has approved since it took over responsibility for that function from the Advisory Group on National Specialised Services.[HL2891]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has been asked to evaluate the following treatments under its highly specialised technologies programme:
| Assessment title | Anticipated publication date |
NICE has not yet issued any final guidance through this programme.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what encouragement they are giving to the pharmaceutical industry to develop new treatments for patients with rare diseases.[HL2895]
Earl Howe: The Government continues to implement its Strategy for UK Life Sciences, delivering its long-term programme of action to improve the wider environment for life sciences companies and overcome the barriers that allow discoveries to be translated into new treatments for patients with rare conditions.
We are making substantial investment in infrastructure for research into rare diseases and experimental medicine through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).
The NIHR BioResource, launched in March this year, includes a focus on rare diseases where ongoing genotyping of volunteers will speed up research into new treatments.
The NIHR Rare Diseases Translational Research Collaboration, launched alongside the UK Rare Diseases Strategy with an investment of £20 million over four years, is making good progress in developing a better understanding of the physical characteristics of rare diseases and supporting our drive for new diagnostics and treatments for patients with rare diseases.
The 100,000 Genomes Project is focusing on rare diseases and offers the strongest prospect of patient and scientific benefits and the ability to drive the transformation of the National Health Service in terms of application of genomic medicine. Furthermore, the application of whole genome sequencing may enable
major new biological insights into the genetic make-up of rare diseases that will, in time, lead to new diagnostics and therapeutic innovation.
In March 2014, we announced the Early Access to Medicines Scheme to support access in the United Kingdom to promising new, unlicensed or off-label medicines in areas of unmet clinical need for patients with life threatening or seriously debilitating conditions without adequate treatment options. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has now issued two Promising Innovative Medicines Designations which is the first step of the scheme.
We are also commissioning an external review of the pathways for the development, assessment, and adoption of innovative medicines and medical technology. This review will consider how to speed up access for NHS patients to cost-effective new diagnostics, medicines and devices.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with NHS England about incorporating the views of patients when they are making their decisions about the availability of medicines for the treatment of rare diseases in the National Health Service.[HL2896]
Earl Howe: There are a variety of ways in which NHS England incorporate patients’ views when they are making decisions about the availability of medicines for the treatment of rare diseases in the NHS.
The Patient and Public Voice Assurance Group (PPVAG) is consulted regarding specialised commissioning matters. The membership is made up of patient and patient group representatives with a lay Chair. The Chair of the PPVAG and another PPVAG representative sit on the Specialised Commissioning Oversight Group to ensure patient and public engagement is considered in making decisions on specialised commissioning.
NHS England also hosts the Rare Diseases Advisory Group (RDAG) that feeds directly in to the Clinical Priorities Advisory Group, which makes recommendations about whether to commission services or treatments. The RDAG receives reports on all new treatments to be offered through specialised services and signs off their evaluation. RDAG has patient representatives from Rare Disease UK and Genetic Alliance UK which represent rare disease patients.
Electoral Register
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government since the introduction of individual electoral registration how many people have attempted to register to vote but failed to do so because they were unable to provide their National Insurance number; and how many of those were online applicants.[HL2874]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire (LD): Since the introduction of Individual Electoral Registration (IER) in England and Wales on 10 June and 19 September in Scotland,
only 1% of all applications submitted to register to vote via the IER digital service have not been able to provide their personal identifiers (National Insurance Number or Date of Birth).
The registration process also allows for registrations to be made where it is not possible for an applicant to supply their National Insurance Number. Those unable to provide these personal identifiers can apply through an exceptions process where they will be asked by their Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) to provide documentary evidence to confirm their identity such as a passport or driving license. EROs have been trained to support electors through this process if necessary.
Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Wallace of Saltaire on 17 November (HL2522), what action, on top of the Electoral Commission’s encouragement of Electoral Registration Officers to work with schools to target attainers as part of their public engagement work, they are (1) aware of, (2) willing to take, and (3) going to take, in respect of the registration levels of (a) 16-17 year olds, and (b) 18-24 year olds.[HL2875]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire: Since the Government introduced online registration in Great Britain, young people (16-24) have been one of the biggest users of the new system. To date, 675,333 16-24 year olds have registered online.
The Government has also funded the British Youth Council to deliver the UK Youth Parliament and associated activities to encourage young people to register. This includes the Mark Your Mark campaign – the national ballot of young people’s views.
In addition it has made available the Rock Enrol! resource which is free to download on GOV.UK, Guardian Teach and on the Times Educational Supplement website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rock-enrol-engaging-young-people-in-democracy
Employment Schemes: Young People
Question
Asked by Lord Stevens of Kirkwhelpington
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support projects aimed at making young people more employable.[HL3027]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud) (Con): In the last 12 months youth unemployment has fallen by a record-breaking 253,000. Work Coaches offer tailored support from day one of their claim and young people also receive support Youth Contract; Work Programme; Post Work Programme Support – Help to Work. I am pleased to report we are on target to deliver an extra 250,000 work experience or sector-based work academy places by March 2015.
We are working with Local Authorities to trial a proactive labour market engagement approach with 16-17 year olds who are not in education, training or employment.
DWP is also supporting Movement to Work, an employer led initiative offering work training opportunities to 18-24 year olds. The Civil Service has pledged 6000 opportunities. Over 3000 places have been delivered between April and September 2014, the vast majority in DWP.
Employment: Hearing Impairment
Question
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the average financial value of awards made to people whose primary medical condition was classified as difficulty in hearing for the provision of a communication support worker in each of the last five years for which figures are available.[HL3151]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud) (Con): The average figures for the last five years for awards for the provision of Communication Support Workers from the Access to Work scheme are:
| Financial Year | Average award |
The above figures relate to the provision of Communication Support Workers only and do not include information regarding the provision of BSL interpreters.
EU Internal Trade
Question
Asked by Lord Pearson of Rannoch
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Livingston of Parkhead on 19 November (HL2689), what evidence they have of the United Kingdom enjoying benefits which are derived from enhanced competition and innovation as members of the Single Market which it would not have enjoyed had it not been in that Market. [HL3053]
The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Livingston of Parkhead) (Con): The Single Market encourages competition by removing barriers to trade between EU members. An increase in competition can be expected to reduce prices and increase choice for consumers, encourage firms to innovate, reallocate resources to more productive means, and boost macroeconomic performance. The European Commission
have estimated that the competition and innovation impacts of the Internal Market Programme have boosted EU GDP by over 2%
[1].
[1]European Commission Steps Towards a Deeper Integration: The Internal Market in the 21st Century, 2007
Faith Schools
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they take to ensure that Ofsted inspectors are independent of faith schools that they inspect. [HL3030]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): This is a matter for Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw. A copy of his reply will be placed in the Library of the House.
Falkland Islands
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will revisit the circumstances in which the late Corporal McLaughlin was recommended for a gallantry award during the Falklands conflict which was subsequently withdrawn; and if not, why not.[HL2898]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever) (Con): The noble lord will be aware of the hon. Member for Wallasey’s (Ms Eagle) Westminster Hall debate on 18 November about posthumous recognition for Corporal McLaughlin. Following the debate, the Minister of State for Defence, Personnel, Welfare and Veterans (Anna Soubry) and I have agreed that while a formal investigation is not an option, I will re-examine the facts surrounding recognition in this case. However, to be clear, no citation for an award was received for consideration by the Ministry of Defence and therefore it would be incorrect to say that Cpl McLaughlin had a recommendation withdrawn. The issue is that no citation was actually submitted for consideration by the Operational Awards Committee; a fact that is acknowledged by all parties.
This Answer included the following attachment Debate Hansard Extract 18 November 2014 (Debate Corporal Stewart Mclaughlin 18 November 2014.doc)
Further Education: Teachers
Question
Asked by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what percentage of teachers in further education colleges are employed on zero hours contracts.[HL3042]
Baroness Neville-Rolfe (Con): The Department for Business Innovation and Skills does not collect information about the terms and conditions of
employment of individuals working in the further education sector. Further education colleges are independent organisations responsible for determining the terms and conditions of their employees.
Gatwick Express Railway Line
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps the Office of Rail Regulation is taking to improve and make more reliable the Gatwick Express train service.[HL3177]
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Baroness Kramer) (LD): This is firstly a matter for Southern, the franchised train operator of the Gatwick Express service, working with Network Rail. In the event of continued under-performance by Network Rail, the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR), which is responsible for regulating its performance, will investigate, and take action as necessary. The Department for Transport understands that the ORR is working closely with Network Rail with the aim of resolving the current issues which are affecting performance on its Sussex route, which is used by the Gatwick Express service. In parallel, the Department is working with the train operator to ensure it delivers a good service to passengers in line with its obligations under the franchise.
Georgia
Question
Asked by Lord Harries of Pentregarth
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of recent political resignations in Georgia and accusations that members of the United National Movement are being investigated.[HL2887]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): The recent political resignations are a matter for the Georgian government. We look forward to developing good working relationships with the new incumbents. It is fact that a number of opposition United National Movement party members are currently under investigation. In our dealings with the Georgian government and relevant authorities we have been clear that all investigations should be transparent, evidenced-based and follow due legal process.
Immigration: Poland
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Wallace of Saltaire on 11 November (HL2694) concerning the employment of Polish immigrants in the United Kingdom, what is their assessment of the contribution to the economy made by the estimated 84 per cent of Polish nationals present in the United Kingdom aged between 16 to 64 who are in employment.[HL2989]
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 Lord Patten dated November 2014.
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Wallace of Saltaire on 11 November (HL2694) concerning the employment of Polish immigrants in the United Kingdom, what is the contribution to the economy made by the estimated 84 per cent of Polish nationals present in the United Kingdom aged between 16 to 64 who are in employment. (HL2989)
ONS does not produce any breakdown of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contributions by nationality. Estimates of GDP reconcile output, expenditure and income data, based on a combination of survey data (from businesses and households) and other (non-survey based) data sources. The majority of these data sources do not capture data on nationality.
In Vitro Fertilisation
Question
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answers by Earl Howe on 17 November (HL2643) and by Lord Wallace of Saltaire on 21 November (HL2908), how it was possible to describe the annual incidence of linked infant deaths in answer to the previous question (HL2643) if such statistics were unavailable due to information on multiplicity not having been recorded at death registration; and what was the overall incidence of stillbirths for the past decade following foetal reduction in either the first trimester or early in the second trimester that affected (1) the remaining twin from the same twin pregnancy, (2) one of the remaining triplets from the same pregnancy, and (3) both of the remaining triplets from the same pregnancy. [HL3088]
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 Lord Alton dated November 2014.
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking Her Majesty’s Government how it was possible to describe the annual incidence of linked infant deaths in answer to the previous question if such statistics were unavailable due to information on multiplicity not having been recorded at death registration; and what was the overall incidence of stillbirths for the past decade following foetal reduction in either the first trimester or early in the second trimester that affected (1) the remaining twin from the same twin pregnancy, (2) one of the remaining triplets from the same pregnancy, and (3) both of the remaining triplets from the same pregnancy. (HL3088)
It was possible to describe the annual incidence of deaths of infants that were part of a multiple pregnancy in answer to the previous question (HL2643), as these statistics are now readily available and are published annually. These statistics report on deaths of infants that were part of a multiple pregnancy, but were not necessarily part of the same pregnancy.
However, the more recent question (HL2908) asked for statistics on infant deaths by plurality (or multiplicity), where both of the two twins and each of the three triplets from same pregnancy died in infancy. Information required is only available at disproportionate cost.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority only hold information on the incidence of stillbirths following foetal reduction for in vitro fertilisation pregnancies. The overall incidence of stillbirths for the past decade following foetal reduction in either the first trimester or early in the second trimester, for all types of pregnancies is not collected centrally.
India
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the government of India regarding women who underwent sterilisation at a government-run camp in Chhattisgarh, and the outcomes for those women.[HL2858]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussion they have had with the government of India regarding its sterilisation campaign and incentives.[HL2859]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for International Development (Baroness Northover) (LD): The UK does not and has never supported sterilisation camps where mass sterilisation takes place and will continue to lobby the government of India to stop operating such camps at all opportunities where family planning is discussed.
Iraq
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the government of Iraq about the destruction of churches, synagogues and holy sites in Iraq.[HL2997]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): The Government is deeply concerned about the destruction of churches and other holy sites in Iraq. This includes the destruction of the Mosque of the Prophet Younis, which housed the Tomb of Jonah, by the self-styled Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in July, and the destruction of the Green Church, which was thought to be the oldest church in the Middle East, by ISIL in September. We co-sponsored a resolution at the Human Rights Council in September, which highlighted and condemned the destruction of monuments, shrines, churches, mosques and other places of worship in Iraq and encouraged the Government of
Iraq to protect these sites. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth East (Mr Ellwood), condemned the destruction of religious sites in his statement of 30 July, which followed a meeting with representatives of the Iraqi Christian community. Officials from our Embassy in Baghdad and Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials in London have met a number of religious leaders to discuss the situation for religious groups in Iraq and have also met the Iraqi government to urge them to take appropriate steps to protect religious communities. We have also funded a series of grass roots meetings among religious leaders in Iraq to promote religious tolerance and freedom of religion or belief. We continue to encourage influential religious leaders in Iraq to speak out publicly and condemn sectarian violence.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will call on the government of Iraq to ratify the statutes of the International Criminal Court. [HL3021]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: The UK is a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the principle of universality. We have consistently raised Iraq’s responsibility to observe international laws and obligations in our contacts with Human Rights interlocutors within the Government of Iraq. The UK has not, to date, made representations to the new Government of Iraq in regards to accession to the Rome Statute or accepting ICC jurisdiction in relation to the current situation in the country. Any decision to involve the ICC in the situation in Iraq must be made on the basis of whether the court would prove an effective means of bringing the perpetrators of atrocities to justice. We will use our ongoing dialogue with the Government of Iraq to explore all available options for ensuring accountability.
We remain deeply concerned by the situation in Iraq and the threat from the self-styled Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). We welcome Prime Minister al-Abadi’s commitments to inclusivity, to protecting Iraqi citizens, addressing human rights abuses and holding those responsible to account, and look forward to these commitments being translated into action.
Islamic State
Question
Asked by The Marquess of Lothian
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are aware of any military terrorists fighting for ISIL who have ever been trained by the British Army or are using British weapons.[HL2883]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever) (Con): The Government exercises robust and comprehensive processes to minimise the risk of the unauthorised transfer of British weapons supplied to overseas partners. There is no evidence of
British manufactured weaponry being used by ISIL and the Government is not aware of any individuals, who are fighting in ISIL's ranks, having received training by the British Armed Forces at any time.
Israel
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the number of patients from Gaza, the West Bank and Syria who are being treated in Israeli hospitals.[HL2994]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): We are aware of patients being treated in Israeli hospitals from Gaza, the West Bank and Syria although we do not have an assessment of exact numbers.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they are making to the government of Israel about the renewed practice of demolishing Palestinian homes.[HL3023]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: We have serious concerns about the use of punitive demolitions to destroy the homes of the families of Palestinian suspected terrorists by the Israeli authorities. On 20 November, a senior official from our Embassy in Tel Aviv raised these concerns with Alon Ushpiz, Political Director of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a joint demarche with EU partners. In separate discussions, officials from our Embassy in Tel Aviv have also registered concerns about this policy with a number of Israeli officials from the National Security Council and Prime Minister's Office.
Jobseeker’s Allowance
Question
Asked by Baroness Royall of Blaisdon
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many people over the age of 30 have applied for Jobseeker's Allowance in (1) the United Kingdom, (2) the South West of England, and (3) Bristol.[HL3006]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud) (Con): The information requested is publically available: http://www.nomisweb.co.uk/
Information on current Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) claimants aged 30 or over and the number of new claims from this age group over the last 12 months, published by the Office for National Statistics, is shown in the table below. New claims do not cover all those who apply for JSA as a minority withdraw or have their claim disallowed.
| Number of JSA claimants aged 30 or over | Number of new JSA claims from people aged 30 or over | |
| October 2014 | Year to October 2014 | |
Lobbying
Question
Asked by Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress they have made in establishing a statutory register of lobbyists.[HL3019]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire (LD): The Government has appointed Alison White as Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists and recently consulted on the draft regulations that will complete the statutory framework for the register.
London, Tilbury and Southend Railway Line
Questions
Asked by Baroness Smith of Basildon
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether there has been any public consultation regarding the new train timetables implemented as a consequence of the new franchise awarded to c2c to operate the Fenchurch Street line.[HL3045]
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Baroness Kramer) (LD): A three month consultation is currently being conducted by c2c, which is following the processes set out in the franchise agreement. The consultation will close on 15 January 2015. Further details on the consultation are available on the c2c website.
Asked by Baroness Smith of Basildon
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have received any representations regarding the new train timetables implemented as part of the new franchise awarded to c2c to continue to operate the Fenchurch Street line.[HL3046]
Baroness Kramer: The Department for Transport has not received any representations from members of the public or other stakeholders in relation to the December 2015 timetable change.
Middle East
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have any plans to conduct consultations at a local level about the best ways of rehabilitating and re-integrating upon their return young people who have left Britain to fight in Syria and Iraq. [HL2732]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Bates) (Con): The Government takes extremely seriously the threat posed by those who travel from the UK to areas of conflict abroad, and who may return with experiences which they may use against the UK, or with the intention of radicalising others.
People who commit, plan and support acts of terror abroad and seek to return to the UK will be prosecuted. All decisions on returnees from Syria or Iraq are taken on a case by case basis. Whether a prosecution is justified in an individual case is a matter for the Crown Prosecution Service to decide after a full police investigation. For others, it may be that support from mental health or social service bodies might be the appropriate course of action. Prevent interventions which provide individual support to people who are vulnerable to further radicalisation are among the range of options which are considered.
The Prevent programme includes work both to dissuade people from travelling to Syria and Iraq, and to intervene when they return. The approach has been shaped by ongoing discussions with operational partners and practitioners at local and national level. The Government has no plans conduct a formal consultation on this issue.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the leadership of the Palestinian Authority about the killing of Israeli worshippers in a synagogue in West Jerusalem on 18 November. [HL2993]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): We condemn the appalling attack on worshipers at the West Jerusalem Synagogue and call on leaders to make clear global abhorrence at this attack. On 19 November our Deputy Consul General in Jerusalem discussed the attack with Prime Minister Hamdallah. Hamdallah expressed his strong condemnation of the attack on the synagogue and drew attention to the fact that President Abbas and the Palestinian Cabinet both condemned the attack on 19 November.
Motor Vehicles: Registration
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how motorists in Northern Ireland obtain vehicle registration and licensing; what is their assessment of the success of the new system; and what changes to that system they propose, if any.[HL2947]
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Baroness Kramer) (LD): Vehicles in Northern Ireland can be first registered by motor dealers using the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s Automated First Registration and Licensing system. Alternatively, customers can send the relevant application form to the DVLA in Swansea. Any changes to the details of already-registered vehicles must be notified by the registered keeper completing the relevant part of the vehicle registration certificate and sending it to the DVLA.
Vehicles in Northern Ireland can be licensed online or by telephone 24 hours a day, seven days a week or at one of 175 Post Offices that offer the service in Northern Ireland.
The changes to vehicle registration and licensing services for Northern Ireland motorists were implemented on 21 July when more than 1.7 million Northern Ireland vehicle records were automatically transferred to the DVLA. A small number of records required additional processing but these were in line with expectations and the DVLA’s systems have operated very successfully since the migration. While no formal assessment has been made, the Government is confident that Northern Ireland customers are benefiting fully from the enhanced services that are now available to them.
The DVLA is planning a number of future changes to vehicle registration and licensing services. These include providing the facility for motorists to notify vehicle changes and carry out personalised registration transactions online. These services will be available to motorists throughout the UK when they are implemented.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the written answer by Baroness Kramer on 11 November (HL2661) concerning vehicle registration and licensing in Northern Ireland, whether they will now answer the second and third limbs of the question.[HL2948]
Baroness Kramer: The changes to vehicle registration and licensing services for Northern Ireland motorists were implemented on 21 July when more than 1.7 million Northern Ireland vehicle records were automatically transferred to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). A small number of records required additional processing but these were in line with expectations and the DVLA’s systems have operated very successfully since the migration. While no formal assessment has been made, the Government is confident that Northern Ireland customers are benefiting fully from the enhanced services that are now available to them.
The DVLA is planning a number of future changes to vehicle registration and licensing services. These include providing the facility for motorists to notify vehicle changes and carry out personalised registration transactions online. These services will be available to motorists throughout the UK when they are implemented.
As driver licensing in Northern Ireland is a devolved issue, the Government is not in a position to comment on the success of the system or any potential changes.
Music: Education
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what measures they are putting in place to encourage local authorities to spend their Education Services Grants on providing music lessons in schools; and what steps they are taking to safeguard the National Plan for Music Education.[HL2913]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): The Education Services Grant is an unringfenced grant and it is entirely at the discretion of local authorities how funding is spent. Different local authorities will make different choices based on local decisions about their priorities.
The Government remains fully committed to the National Plan for Music Education.
In July we announced a further £18 million for 2015-16 for music education; of which a minimum of £17 million will go to the 123 music education hubs, the most crucial feature of the Plan’s implementation.
Hubs are working to improve the quality and consistency of music education across the country. They provide core roles designed to ensure every child aged 5-18-years-old has the opportunity to learn a musical instrument through whole-class ensemble teaching, is provided with opportunities to play in ensembles and to perform, and has clear and affordable progression routes available to them. All hubs must also develop a singing strategy for their area; and may also provide extension roles including continuous professional development and instrument loans.
A more detailed announcement on all music education programme funding for 2015-16 will be made shortly.
Northern Ireland Government
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the progress to date of the discussions initiated by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland with the political parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly.[HL3059]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Wales Office (Baroness Randerson) (LD): There has been positive and constructive engagement from all sides in the cross-party talks. However, differences of view between the parties remain on some significant issues, and a successful outcome will be very difficult to achieve.
Northumberland Prison
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Ministry of Justice advised Sodexo, the contractors managing HM Prison Northumberland at Acklington, not to appear before the Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Northumberland County Council; and, if so, on what basis.[HL2873]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord Faulks) (Con): The Ministry has not given Sodexo Justice Services any advice on whether to accept an invitation to appear before the committee. It is a matter for the company itself to decide.
Palestinians
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the loss to the Palestinian economy each year through the destruction of olive trees; and whether they have any plans to ensure that such losses will be repaired.[HL2862]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for International Development (Baroness Northover) (LD): The UN reports that between 2009 and August 2014, nearly 50,000 fruit-bearing trees, mainly olive trees, were destroyed or damaged in incidents of settler violence. The UK has repeatedly raised our concerns about incidents of settler violence and intimidation with the Israeli authorities. We have stressed the importance of bringing the extremist settlers responsible to justice and of the Israel security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population. The UK will continue to argue for a just outcome for all the people affected by illegal settlement construction and the confiscation of land due to the Separation Barrier.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they will make to the government of Israel in respect of the funding of continuing healthcare in Gaza when the United Kingdom ceases its funding in February.[HL2863]
Baroness Northover: The UK remains committed to responding to medical needs in Gaza, by funding the two largest providers of Palestinian health services (the UN Relief and Works Agency and the Palestinian Authority) and funding the International Committee of the Red Cross to deliver emergency medical services and rehabilitate hospitals. We will continue our support to the UN Access Coordination Unit to facilitate the transfer of medical equipment and supplies and patient referrals in and out of Gaza. In the meantime, we continue to urge Israel to fulfil its obligations as the occupying power.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the leadership of the Palestinian Authority about incitement to violence in Palestinian media.[HL2992]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): We deplore all incitement to violence and continually urge the leadership of both the Palestinian and Israeli authorities to avoid engaging in, or encouraging, the type of action and language which will make it more difficult to achieve a peaceful negotiated solution to the conflict.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the smuggling of arms into Gaza from the sea.[HL2995]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: We have made no formal assessment on this issue. We do however hold conversations with the Israeli and Palestinian security sectors regarding the threat of weapons reaching militant groups in Gaza by land and sea.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will ask the government of Egypt when the Rafah crossing point at the buffer zone adjoining the Gaza strip will be reopened.[HL3022]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), asked when the Rafah crossing might be reopened when he met the Egyptian Foreign Minister on 27 October and again on 18 November. We continue to raise this issue in our contacts with the Egyptian government.
Planning Permission: Appeals
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many planning appeals and enforcement appeals involving (1) a single Gypsy and Traveller pitch, and (2) a single dwelling house, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has recovered since 1 July 2013.[HL2853]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon) (Con): This information is not centrally held in the form requested, and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost, as planning appeal records are not categorised by single dwellings/pitches.
Private Education
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the current efforts of private schools to engage with state schools.[HL3224]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): Large numbers of independent schools are in partnership with state schools; the Independent Schools Council found that 92% of its member schools were operating some form of partnership. At the start of 2014 the Department for Education held a successful conference to promote such partnerships, and last month the Department announced that 18 new primary sector partnerships would be getting DfE funding for their start-up costs. Ideally partnerships draw on the strengths of each member school to maximise advantage for all pupils. There is no lack of enthusiasm, and it is a genuine desire for partnership which is required, not a centrally imposed standard which would just result in partnerships being created that have no real substance.
Public Bodies
Question
Asked by Lord Stevens of Ludgate
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Statement by Lord Wallace of Saltaire on 10 November (WS 1), whether they have ever categorised any of the public bodies referred to as a “quango”; and, if so, how many such bodies have been abolished and how many remain.[HL2886]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire (LD): The term ‘Quango’ is not used in the Government’s classification process for public bodies. Information on this process can be found in the Government publication Categories ofPublic Bodies: A Guide for Departments which is available in the libraries of the House.
Quindell
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are investigating Quindell plc and its board of directors and financial advisers; and if not, whether they plan to do so.[HL2984]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Neville-Rolfe): Quindell plc is Alternative Investment Market (AIM) listed which is controlled by London Stock Exchange and any enquiry relating to possible market abuse sits within the remit of the Financial Conduct Authority.
The Government’s Insolvency Service has discretionary powers under the Companies Acts to conduct enquiries on behalf of the Secretary of State where it appears that there has been misconduct in relation to the affairs of any company, including those not subject to formal insolvency.
For the investigation process to be effective it is essential to maintain confidentiality at all stages and there is also a need to protect the commercial interest of companies against the danger of damage from malicious complaints. For these reasons there are legal restrictions on disclosing information obtained during an enquiry and The Service does not confirm or deny whether an investigation of a particular company is taking place.
Where other regulators and investigating agencies are involved, the Insolvency Service would liaise closely to ensure public money is not wasted duplicating resources.
Royal Fleet Auxiliary
Questions
Asked by Lord MacKenzie of Culkein
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Astor of Hever on 2 July (HL602), how many of the 18 joining offers to individuals wishing to become engineer officers
in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary were taken up; and how many of those were for cadet posts and how many held at least a Maritime and Coastguard Agency Certificate of Competency.[HL3009]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever) (Con): The 18 offers made to individuals wishing to become engineer officers in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) covered the period January to June 2014 but recruitment to the RFA is an ongoing process. I can now confirm that, for this year to date, a total of 27 Marine Engineering Officers have accepted offers to join the RFA. Of these, four are Cadetships and 23 hold the Certificate of Competency.
Asked by Lord MacKenzie of Culkein
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many (1) engineer officers, and (2) systems engineer officers, at the rank of (a) Third Officer, (b) Second Officer, (c) First Officer, and (d) Chief Officer, have resigned from the service of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 to date.[HL3010]
Lord Astor of Hever: Under Civil Service policy, civil servants, including those in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), are required to resign at the point of retirement. The information below, given by financial years, therefore includes personnel who have retired as well as those who have left the RFA early:
| Marine Engineer | ||||
| 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014 (April – November) | |
| Systems Engineer | ||||
| 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014 (April – November) | |
Figures between one and four are denoted as <5, figures between five and nine are denoted as <10.
Asked by Lord MacKenzie of Culkein
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what analysis has been made of the reasons for the reported shortfall in engineering officers in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.[HL3011]
Lord Astor of Hever: The Royal Fleet Auxiliary has identified key factors from its analysis of the reasons for the current shortages in specific grades and specialisations. These include the effect of employee demographics, and perceived improved conditions of employment within a buoyant commercial sector, with a focus on the balance of work and family life.
Sierra Leone
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many serving (1) members of the armed forces, and (2) reservists, deployed to Sierra Leone in the ebola epidemic have been given Lariam (mefloquine) as a malaria prophylaxis.[HL2900]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever) (Con): 58 UK Armed Forces personnel who have been deployed on Operation GRITROCK before 31 October 2014 have been prescribed Mefloquine (commercially known as Lariam) as a malaria prophylaxis. All of these 58 were Regulars.
The exact choice of antimalarial drug used by the military depends on a number of factors, including the region the individual is deploying to, their health and any past history of side effects. Malarone is the first choice drug for those Service personnel deploying on Operation GRITROCK. For those individuals unable to tolerate Malarone the second choice is Mefloquine. Doxycycline will be offered to those individuals who cannot tolerate Malorone or Mefloquine.
South Sudan
Question
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Derby
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with other donor countries about the case for innovative funding arrangements to meet long-term humanitarian needs in South Sudan. [HL2868]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for International Development (Baroness Northover) (LD): The UK has led conversations with other donors on improving linkages between humanitarian and development programmes, and ways to increase self-sufficiency and resilience among populations who are in need of humanitarian assistance. With our partners we are looking to fast track and implement innovative ways to stimulate markets to address food insecurity and build livelihoods, link development programmes in health and education with humanitarian provision of these services, and improve co-ordination in-country between humanitarian and development planning and provision.
Within the £150m in humanitarian support already pledged by the UK in response to the crisis in South Sudan this year, and supplemented by our development support to basic services and livelihoods, the UK is
introducing new elements that facilitate a move away from reactive emergency responses to those that strengthen communities’ and households’ own efforts to reduce hunger and the need for humanitarian assistance. This portfolio includes investments in food and livestock production, stimulating weak food markets in urban centres, and enhancing roads that link communities with markets and basic services.
Sudan
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to suggest that the United Nations conducts an inquiry into the reported failure of the United Nations Mission in Darfur to report allegations received on 4 November of mass rape carried out between 31 October and 2 November in Tabit, Sudan.[HL2855]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): The UN African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) has stated that it was denied access by Government of Sudan forces when UNAMID tried to visit Tabit on 4 November. We are aware of other reports claiming UNAMID did gain access on 4 November but we have not seen evidence to support these claims. The UK is not at this time pushing for an inquiry into UNAMID’s actions on 4 November. We note that UNAMID was granted access to Tabit on 9 November, but are concerned by reports that their investigations took place under the close observation of Sudanese security officials. We urge both UNAMID and the Government of Sudan to immediately take forward their investigations so that the full facts around the deeply disturbing allegation of mass rape in Tabit can be established.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will instruct the United Kingdom's representative at the United Nations Security Council to call on the Secretary General to publish the full report of the Cooper Review team on the United Nations Mission in Darfur, rather than the summary given to members of the Security Council.[HL2904]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: We are deeply concerned by the Cooper Review and believe it is essential that the UN communicate its findings openly and transparently. We will urge the UN to undertake a thorough assessment of the issues raised and publish the full report of the Cooper Review.
Syria
Question
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Coventry
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Foreign Secretary, in his meeting with Hadi al-Bahra on 10 November, discussed the Syrian Opposition's commitment to guarantee freedom of religion or belief for all religious minorities in Syria.[HL3101]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): These issues were not raised on this occasion. We have in the past pressed the National Coalition to be inclusive, respecting all sections of Syrian society including ethnic and religious minorities. The National Coalition has made strenuous efforts to broaden its membership base which includes Kurds, Christians and other religious and ethnic groups demonstrating that it has a democratic and pluralistic vision for Syria.
Taxation: Gibraltar
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many tax information exchange agreements with other countries have been signed by Gibraltar; and whether they will report the outcome of the review by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on exchange of information between Gibraltar and other countries.[HL3140]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) (Con): Gibraltar has tax information exchange agreements in place with a total of 74 territories either through bilateral Tax Information Exchange Agreements (27), the OECD/Council of Europe multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters or EU Directive 2011/16/EU on Administrative Cooperation in the Field of Taxation.
The Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes Phase 2 Peer Review Report on Gibraltar was published on 29 October 2014[1]. A list of all exchange of information mechanisms in force in relation to Gibraltar can be found in Annex 2 to the Peer review Report.
[1]http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/taxation/global-forum-on -transparency-and-exchange-of-information-for-tax-purposes-peer-reviews-gibraltar-2014_9789264222885-en;jsessionid=1q7khes9636eo.x-oecd-live-01
This Answer included the following attachment: Gibraltar's exchange of information (document2014-12-01-135441.pdf)
Terrorism: Finance
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the source of funding for the terrorist activities of ISIL and Hamas; and whether they consider any such funding to come from individuals in Qatar.[HL2996]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): We, and our international partners, estimate that a significant portion of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)’s revenue comes from its sale of oil; extortion is its other main source of funds. Degrading ISIL’s finances is a key part of our strategy for defeating ISIL, and tackling the threat it poses to the UK and UK interests abroad. We understand that Hamas currently relies on
funding from allies across the region. This funding is directed at the political wing of the organisation.
Our partners in the Middle East, including the Gulf States, have made clear by their current actions that they are fully committed to taking action against ISIL and tackling other terrorist groups. We are aware of reports that individual citizens from the region may be providing support to ISIL, the military wing of Hamas and other extremist groups, but there is no evidence to suggest that the governments we engage with are involved. The Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Mr Cameron), discusses these issues regularly with his counterparts, most recently during the visit of the Qatari Emir on 29 October where he agreed to increase cooperation on sharing information on groups of concern. The UK welcomes the recent Qatari legislation to prevent terrorist funding by regulating charities that are involved in politics or send money abroad; we encourage the swift implementation of this legislation.
Travellers: Caravan Sites
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many planning and enforcement appeals involving Gypsy sites in the Green Belt were allowed between February 2006 and March 2012; and how many of those related to temporary permissions.[HL2854]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon) (Con): The total number of appeals relating to traveller cases in the Green Belt between February 2006 and March 2012 is 378. Of those, 192 were allowed (51%).
The Planning Inspectorate does not collect data on how many permissions were temporary or permanent.
Planning policy on traveller sites was intentionally changed in March 2012, to give greater emphasis to the protection of the countryside and Green Belt, and discouraging both temporary and permanent permissions in the Green Belt. This is part of the Coalition Agreement pledge to safeguard the Green Belt.
As laid out in statements to Parliament, Ministers have also amended the recovery policy to consider more appeals on traveller sites and the Green Belt. We are currently considering responses to our consultation on further proposed amendments to planning policy and guidance, including further strengthening protection of the countryside.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Question
Asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the United Kingdom will be represented at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees' Ministerial pledging conference in Geneva on 9 December. [HL2930]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for International Development (Baroness Northover) (LD): The UK will be represented at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Pledging Conference on 9 December 2014.
Universal Credit
Question
Asked by Baroness Thomas of Winchester
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what funding they have provided for locally delivered Universal Support in the Universal Credit Pathfinder areas; what funding is planned for the roll-out in 2015; and how much of any such funding will be targeted at front-line delivery, as opposed to “enabling” activities (such as assessing needs and provision in an area, and co-ordinating existing services). [HL2869]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud) (Con): We have provided funding in the pathfinder sites and all current live Universal Credit sites through Delivery Partnership Agreements (DPAs) which were based on local agreement as to the likely level on need for support in each area.
From February 2015, Universal Credit will rollout to new single claimants who would currently be eligible for Jobseekers Allowance across all remaining jobcentres and local authorities. This provides the opportunity to build a secure platform for the introduction of Universal Support by mobilising local partnerships nationwide, putting in place a robust infrastructure for more complex and vulnerable claimants.
The Department will put in place Delivery Partnership Agreements (DPAs) with local authorities. As in the current live sites these will provide a framework to make available funded support for those who need additional help.
How much funding is targeted for specific purposes by the Department will be determined by the individual partnerships, based on local need.
Welfare Assistance Schemes
Question
Asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many responses they have received to their consultation on local welfare provision; and how they propose to ensure that all those responses are considered at the formative stage of decision-making in the light of the time period between the end of the consultation period and the Local Government Finance Settlement.[HL2928]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon) (Con): The Government received more than 5,000 responses to the consultation which are being considered, alongside the review by the Department for Work and Pensions into existing provision. The Government will make a decision based on this analysis in time for the provisional local government finance settlement in December 2014.
World War I: Anniversaries
Question
Asked by Lord Hutton of Furness
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the government of the Republic of Ireland concerning the commemoration of the outbreak of First World War; and what was the outcome of any such discussions.[HL2889]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns) (Con): We have enjoyed excellent collaboration with the Irish government on activities to commemorate the centenary of the First World War. The Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Mr Cameron), and the Taoiseach agreed in March 2012 that we would do so “in a spirit of historical accuracy, mutual respect, inclusiveness and reconciliation”. On 31 July, His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland attended the dedication of a Commonwealth War Graves Cross of Sacrifice at Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin. presided over by the President of the Republic of Ireland, Michael D Higgins. On 4 August, President Higgins attended a ceremony
at Saint Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, Belgium with Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Henry of Wales, and the Prime Minister, to commemorate the entry of the UK into the war.
Written Questions
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what instructions and training notes they provide to officials preparing answers to parliamentary questions; and whether they will publish any such documents.[HL2946]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire (LD): Guidance on responding to written parliamentary questions is provided by the Office of the Leader of the House of Commons. This guidance is published on the Gov.uk website at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/drafting-answers-to-parliamentary-questions-guidance. A copy of the guidance is attached to this answer.
This Answer included the following attachment Drafting Answers Guidance (drafting-pq-responses.pdf)