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TRANSCRIPT
Monday
9 October 2017
P A R L I A M E N T A R Y D E B A T E S
(HANSARD)
HOUSE OF LORDS
WRITTEN STATEMENTS AND
WRITTEN ANSWERS
Written Statements ................................................ 1
Written Answers ..................................................... 6
Vol. 784
No. 25
[I] indicates that the member concerned has a relevant registered interest. The full register of interests can be found at
http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/standards-and-interests/register-of-lords-interests/
Members who want a printed copy of Written Answers and Written Statements should notify the Printed Paper Office.
This printed edition is a reproduction of the original text of Answers and Statements, which can be found on the internet
at http://www.parliament.uk/writtenanswers/.
Ministers and others who make Statements or answer Questions are referred to only by name, not their ministerial or
other title. The current list of ministerial and other responsibilities is as follows.
Minister Responsibilities
Baroness Evans of Bowes Park Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
Earl Howe Minister of State, Ministry of Defence and Deputy Leader of the House of Lords
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Baroness Anelay of St Johns Minister of State, Department for Exiting the European Union
Lord Ashton of Hyde Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Lord Bates Minister of State, Department for International Development and Treasury Spokesman
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local
Government, Northern Ireland Office
Baroness Buscombe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions
Lord Callanan Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Transport
Baroness Chisholm of Owlpen Whip
Earl of Courtown Deputy Chief Whip
Lord Duncan of Springbank Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Scotland Office
Lord Gardiner of Kimble Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs
Baroness Goldie Whip
Lord Keen of Elie Advocate-General for Scotland and Ministry of Justice Spokesperson
Lord Nash Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education
Lord O'Shaughnessy Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health, Whip
Lord Prior of Brampton Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy
Baroness Sugg Whip
Lord Taylor of Holbeach Chief Whip
Baroness Vere of Norbiton Whip
Baroness Williams of Trafford Minister of State, Home Office and Women and Equalities Spokesperson
Lord Young of Cookham Whip
Viscount Younger of Leckie Whip and Wales and Scotland Office Spokesperson
© Parliamentary Copyright House of Lords 2017
This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence,
which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/
Written Statements 9 October 2017 Page 1
Written Statements Monday, 9 October 2017
Commonwealth Games 2022
[HLWS147]
Lord Ashton of Hyde: My right hon. Friend the
Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
I wish to inform the House that, on 9 October 2017, the
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport laid a
minute recording the submission of a bid by
Commonwealth Games England, Birmingham City
Council, the West Midlands Combined Authority and
DCMS to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games in
Birmingham.
Birmingham’s bid presents an excellent opportunity to
demonstrate the very best of Global Britain to the world,
showcasing the UK as a destination for international
trade, education and tourism. It has the full backing of
government and will not only help grow the economy in
the West Midlands and beyond, it would also leave a
strong sports legacy by upgrading facilities to benefit both
elite athletes and the local community.
The government will provide around 75% of the net
budget costs of delivering the Games and an underwrite
of the total event budget, as well as a series of further
guarantees which the CGF requests accompany the bid.
The bid, therefore, creates contingent liabilities for the
UK government in relation to Commonwealth Games.
The minute notes these liabilities as government’s
commitment to provide funding for the Games,
underwrite the costs, and provide a number of further
guarantees relating to the successful planning and
delivery of the event. These contingent liabilities will
only take effect in the event of a successful bid and our
agreement of a hosting contract with the Commonwealth
Games Federation.
The bid was submitted on 30 September 2017 and, due
to the much shorter than usual timeframe in which to
prepare the bid, I apologise that there was insufficient
time to notify Parliament of our intention before the
House returned.
Parliamentarians may signify objections by giving
notice of a Parliamentary Question or by otherwise raising
the matter in parliament by 31 October. Final approval to
proceed with incurring the liability will be withheld
pending an examination of the objection.
Contingent Liability
[HLWS142]
Earl Howe: My hon Friend the Minister for Defence
Procurement (Harriett Baldwin) has made the following
Written Ministerial Statement.
I have today laid before Parliament a Departmental
Minute describing a Contingent Liability (CL) in the
region of £150 million associated with Programme
HADES.
Programme HADES will provide the continued
delivery of Motor Transport, Supply, Aircraft and Ground
Engineering, and Airfield Support services. HADES will
replace expiring unit-specific Multi-Activity Contracts at
a number of units from 1 April 2018. The programme will
ensure continuity of service provision at minimum cost
and is essential to support Strategic Defence and Security
Review 2015 outcomes.
The maximum CL is in the region of £150 million,
which ensured healthy competition from prospective
tenderers. There is also a further CL of £643,000
associated with the indemnity given to contractors for
Terminal Redundancy Liability associated with ex-
Authority staff.
The Treasury has approved the proposal in principle. If,
during the period of fourteen Parliamentary sitting days
beginning on the date on which this minute was laid
before the House, a Member signifies an objection by
giving notice of a Parliamentary Question or a Motion
relating to the Minute, or by otherwise raising the matter
in the House, final approval will be withheld pending an
examination of the objection.
Correction to Written Answers HL2981 and
HL3595
[HLWS144]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Foreign and
Commonwealth Office would like to correct the Written
Answers given to Baroness Helic on 4 November 2015
[HL2981] and 24 November 2015 [HL3595]. The
questions asked about the cost to the public purse of
supporting the Office of the Quartet Representative in
each of the last eight financial years, and the grades of the
FCO staff seconded to the Office of the Quartet
Representative from 2007 to 2013.
The answers provided omitted a Grade 7 equivalent
officer who was seconded during this period, and
contained errors in some dates. The corrected information
is as follows:
The FCO provided the following members of staff to
the Office of the Quartet Representative from 2007-2013:
one Senior Civil Servant from July 2007 until April 2010;
one Grade 6 equivalent from March 2010 to June 2013;
one Grade 7 equivalent from July 2007 to August 2009;
one HEO equivalent from August 2007 to August 2010;
one EO equivalent from September 2010 to August 2012;
and one AO equivalent from September 2012 until June
2013.
DFID Supplier Review
[HLWS141]
Lord Bates: My right honourable friend, the Secretary
of State for International Development (Priti Patel) has
made the following statement:
Page 2 9 October 2017 Written Statements
The UK is an acknowledged world leader in the
provision of development and humanitarian aid. Our aid
budget acts not only in the interests of the world’s
poorest, but also in Britain’s long term national interest.
Our global leadership in development requires
continuing efforts to improve value for money, efficiency,
innovation and effectiveness. I am therefore introducing
tough new measures to ensure that the aid managed by
DFID contractors delivers the best possible results for the
world’s poorest people, provides value for taxpayers’
money and upholds high standards of ethical and
professional behaviour.
A tough new DFID Supply Partner Code of Conduct
will cover commercial requirements, ethical behaviours,
transparency obligations, environmental sustainability and
social responsibility. DFID will monitor suppliers’
implementation of the Code, with legally enforceable
sanctions for non-compliance.
DFID will introduce greater transparency to drive down
costs along its supply chains. DFID contracts will now
include tough new measures to bear down even harder on
costs, fees and overheads and to provide greater
transparency in contracts and throughout supply chains.
These include Open Book Accounting clauses enabling
DFID to obtain, use and verify information from its
suppliers to make sure we have access to full financial
information on costs to enable us to fully challenge value
for money. It will also include a clause, which we can use
if necessary to intervene to ensure a fair deal for the
taxpayer.
DFID will open up procurement to new entrants in the
UK and overseas, simplifying documentation and
processes and making greater use of digital platforms and
social media to allow potential suppliers to access
contract opportunities. A programme of business
engagement events in the UK and overseas will facilitate
engagement by new suppliers and the Department will
also carry out research into the specific barriers facing by
local suppliers in developing countries in accessing
contract opportunities.
DFID will level the playing field for small suppliers and
sub-contractors, ending the imposition of agreements
which restrict sub-contractors’ ability to work for other
suppliers. It will introduce new protections for small
suppliers and sub-contractors operating in consortia,
including contract checks to eradicate so called “bid
candy” practices in which major suppliers drop sub-
contractors once they have won the contract. We will
continue to break up suitable tenders into manageable
sizes and services to better enable smaller suppliers to
compete.
A robust, comprehensive approach to supplier
management will enable the Department to hold suppliers
to account across their entire portfolio of work with
DFID, bringing DFID into line with best practice in the
private sector. This will allow DFID to challenge delivery
partners more strongly on value for money, identify
underlying performance problems and tap into a
supplier’s wider areas of expertise.
DFID will put more information in the public domain,
so that members of the public can assure themselves
directly that DFID’s aid is being used effectively. This
will include a policy on allowable costs in day rates paid
to consultants and annual league tables of supplier
performance. We will publish annual information on our
commercial practices, setting out performance during the
year and making further recommendations for
improvement.
These reforms will complement the detailed line-by-
line review of every programme in DFID’s portfolio,
either already approved or in design phase, carried out by
my Ministerial team. They will help to ensure maximum
impact from the development programmes delivered by
DFID’s contractors, complementing the work done in the
Civil Society Partnership Review to strengthen value for
money from grants to Civil Society Organisations and in
the Multilateral Development Review to improve the
efficiency and effectiveness of the international
development system.
Infected Blood: Government Response
[HLWS145]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: My hon. Friend the
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Jackie
Doyle-Price) has made the following written statement:
In 2016 the Government decided to improve the way
we support people who have suffered as a result of the
infected blood tragedy of the 1970s and 1980s. At this
time the Government committed an additional £125
million of support to those affected, more than doubling
the Department of Health’s annual spending on the
scheme over the Spending Review period to April 2021.
Following the 2016 consultation we announced new
annual payments for people with chronic hepatitis C
(stage 1 infection) and a new one-off payment for
bereaved partners and spouses; a new process for those
with stage 1 infection to apply for the higher payment
amount; and increased annual payments from 2018/19.
In March 2017 we launched a second consultation,
looking at the new voluntary process by which those
infected by stage 1 Hepatitis C can apply for higher
annual payments (the Special Category Mechanism). The
Special Category Mechanism aims to benefit beneficiaries
with hepatitis C stage 1 who consider their infection, or
its treatment, to have a substantial and long-term impact
on their ability to carry out routine daily activities.
The consultation was open to all beneficiaries and other
interested parties across the UK to comment on our
proposals. The consultation closed on 17 April 2017.
The government has listened carefully to the
consultation responses, analysed pre- and post-
consultation evidence from other sources, and reviewed
consultation proposals in line with respondents’ views
Written Statements 9 October 2017 Page 3
and evidence. Following this, the consultation response
sets out the Government’s plans for reform, which are
summarised below:
• Introduction of planned uplifts in annual payments
from 2018/19. All beneficiaries will receive an increase
in annual payments from 2018/19.
• A new Special Category Mechanism (SCM) for those
with hepatitis C infection at stage 1 in November 2017.
• The introduction of a single programme of
discretionary support for all – infected and bereaved.
• An increase in the overall level of funding for
discretionary support from 2018/19.
• All annual payments will include the winter fuel
payment.
• Addition of type 2 or 3 cryoglobulinemia
accompanied by membranoproliferative
glomerulonephritis, MPGN), to the current hepatitis C
stage 2 conditions.
A letter will be sent to the beneficiaries of the English
scheme to make them aware of these changes, and advise
them on how to access the consultation response, a link to
which is also provided as part of this statement. When the
SCM process opens beneficiaries with hepatitis C at stage
1 will receive a letter telling them how to apply.
For the first time, all beneficiaries of any of the current
five schemes will be receiving support from a single
scheme. As previously announced the NHS Business
Services Authority (NHSBSA) will become the new
single scheme administrator in England, with effect from
1 November 2017. While this transition takes place,
annual and discretionary payments and services will
continue to be made by the current schemes to ensure a
smooth transition to the new scheme with minimum
impact on the beneficiaries.
The Government strongly believes that all those who
are affected by this tragedy should be supported by a fair
and transparent scheme that focuses on their welfare and
long-term independence. With this additional funding and
scheme reform, the support provided to those affected by
the infected blood tragedy will be greater and fairer than
ever before.
I attach a copy of the full consultation and the related
equality analysis and it can also be found on gov.uk using
the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/infected-
blood-support-special-category-mechanism
The Statement includes the following attached material:
Consultation response [Infected blood - Consultation
Response.pdf]
Equality Analysis [Infected Blood - Equality Analysis.pdf]
The material can be viewed online at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-
answers-statements/written-statement/Lords/2017-10-09/HLWS145/
Mental Health Act Review
[HLWS143]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: My Rt. Hon. Friend the
Secretary of State for Health has made the following
written statement:
The Government has commissioned an independent
review of mental health legislation and practice to tackle
the issue of mental health detention.
There have been concerns that detention rates under the
Mental Health Act are too high. The number of detentions
has been rising year on year, and last year on average
there were 180 cases a day where people were sectioned
under the terms of the act. People from black and
minority ethnic populations are disproportionately
affected, with black people in particular being almost 4
times more likely than white people to be detained.
The Government is committed to improving mental
health services and ensuring that people with mental
health problems receive the treatment and support they
need, when they need it. This can mean that people need
to be made subject to the Mental Health Act – that is, be
detained or ‘sectioned’. In these cases, our dedicated
professional staff – including psychiatrists, nurses, social
workers, and the police – work tirelessly to ensure that
people are treated with dignity under the Act, and that
their liberty and autonomy are respected as far as
possible.
Professor Sir Simon Wessely, former President of the
Royal College of Psychiatrists, will lead the review which
will deliver recommendations for change to the
Government. Sir Simon will look at the evidence, review
practice, and above all consider the needs of service users
and their families, and how best the system can help and
support them. He will identify improvements in how the
Act is used in practice, as well as how we might need to
change the Act itself. Vice Chairs will be appointed to
work with Sir Simon and ensure the leadership of the
review has comprehensive professional expertise whilst
also being representative of service users and others
affected by the Mental Health Act.
Following consultation with stakeholders, Sir Simon
will produce an interim report identifying priorities for the
review’s work in early 2018, and develop a final report
containing detailed recommendations on its priorities, by
autumn 2018.
Further detail on the independent review, including its
Terms of Reference, can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-
announces-review-to-tackle-detention-of-those-with-
mental-ill-health
Northern Ireland Update
[HLWS148]
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: My Right honourable
friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (James
Page 4 9 October 2017 Written Statements
Brokenshire) has made the following Written Ministerial
Statement:
The DUP and Sinn Fein continue their discussions
towards the formation of an Executive in Northern
Ireland. The parties have reduced the number of issues
between them - including on some aspects of language
and culture - but clear differences still remain. The
Government is committed to continuing to work with all
the Northern Ireland parties and the Irish Government,
consistent with the three stranded approach, towards
reaching agreement quickly. I have been in regular
contact with party leaders and Irish Foreign Minister
Simon Coveney and will have further meetings in Belfast
this week. The Prime Minister has been actively involved
throughout this process. This has included her recent
meeting with the Taoiseach and discussions with the
leaders of the DUP and Sinn Fein. She shares the high
priority which I place on the Government being ready and
willing to work tirelessly to support the restoration of the
Northern Ireland devolved institutions.
It is crucial that, with this support, the parties continue
to do their utmost to reach an agreement which allows
them to make those decisions which are important to the
people of Northern Ireland. The parties have shown
leadership and the ability to look beyond their differences
in the past to resolve significant challenges which have
separated them. I have urged the parties to focus their
remaining efforts and energies on closing the outstanding
gaps swiftly to find a resolution which will pave the way
for the restoration of devolved government in Northern
Ireland. With the right spirit of compromise this can be
achieved and now is the time to come together and reach
agreement.
I stand ready to bring forward legislation to enable an
Executive to be formed quickly once agreement has been
reached. But the timeframe for this is not indefinite. As
Secretary of State, I have a responsibility for good
governance and political stability in Northern Ireland -
which has now been without a full Executive for ten
months. If devolved government is not restored in the
next few weeks, I will consider carefully what steps are
needed in the best interests of the people, the voluntary
sector, public services and businesses in Northern Ireland.
As a minimum, this would involve introducing legislation
later this month to set a budget for 2017/18 putting
Northern Ireland on a path towards greater UK
Government intervention in its day to day affairs.
We are not at this point yet. It is in the best interests of
Northern Ireland and its people to have strategic decisions
taken by locally elected politicians in the interests of the
whole community. That is why the Government remains
resolute in its efforts with the parties to secure the
outcome which a majority of Northern Ireland want and
need: the restoration of devolution. Ultimately, it is for
the parties to reach agreement, but Northern Ireland has
come so far and I encourage the parties to keep this firmly
in mind as they work towards finding that resolution.
Student Finance Update
[HLWS146]
Viscount Younger of Leckie: My honourable friend
the Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research
and Innovation (Joseph Johnson MP) has made the
following Written Ministerial Statement.
I am today confirming the earnings threshold above
which individuals are required to make contributions to
the cost of their education from April 2018. I am also
confirming the maximum tuition fees for the 2018/19
academic year.
Earnings threshold
The earnings threshold will be increased from 6 th April
2018. From its current level of £21,000 the threshold will
rise to £25,000 for the 2018-19 financial year. Thereafter
it will be adjusted annually in line with average earnings.
The new threshold will apply to those who have already
taken out and will take out loans for tuition and living
costs for full time and part time undergraduate courses in
the post-2012 system and those who took out or will take
an advanced learner loan for a further education course.
The lower threshold for variable interest rates for post-
2012 student loans will also rise to £25,000 on 6th April
2018, and the upper threshold will rise to £45,000 from
£41,000 on the same date. Both the repayment and
variable interest thresholds will be adjusted annually in
line with average earnings thereafter. In 2018-19 around
600,000 borrowers will benefit from the threshold
changes. Most of those 600,000 borrowers will both make
lower contributions and have a lower rate of interest
applied.
The repayment thresholds applicable to pre-2012
student loans, the older mortgage style loans and master’s
loans are not affected by these changes.
Tuition fees
Maximum tuition fee caps will be maintained at
2017/18 academic year levels in the 2018/19 academic
year.
For HEFCE funded providers that have a current
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) award and have
an access agreement with the Office for Fair Access
(OFFA), the maximum tuition fee for full-time courses
will remain £9,250 in 2018/19. For HEFCE funded
providers that have a current TEF award but do not have
an access agreement with OFFA, the maximum tuition fee
for full-time courses will be £6,165 in 2018/19. For
HEFCE funded providers that do not have a current TEF
award, the maximum tuition fee for full-time courses in
2018/19 will remain £9,000 for providers with an OFFA
access agreement and £6,000 for providers without an
OFFA access agreement.
Maximum fee loans for all new students and eligible
continuing students who started their full-time courses at
publicly funded providers on or after 1 September 2012
will be maintained at £9,250 in 2018/19 academic year.
Written Statements 9 October 2017 Page 5
For continuing students who started their full-time
courses before September 2012, maximum tuition fee and
fee loan caps at publicly funded providers in 2018/19 will
be maintained at £3,465.
For HEFCE funded providers that have a current TEF
award and have an access agreement with OFFA, the
maximum tuition fee for part-time courses will be £6,935
in 2018/19. For HEFCE funded providers that have a
current TEF award, but do not have an access agreement
with OFFA, the maximum tuition fee for part-time
courses will be £4,625 in 2018/19. For HEFCE funded
providers that do not have a current TEF award, the
maximum tuition fee for part-time courses in 2018/19 will
be £6,750 for providers with an OFFA access agreement
and £4,500 for providers without an OFFA access
agreement.
Maximum fee loans for all new students and eligible
continuing students who started their part-time courses at
publicly funded providers on or after 1 September 2012
will be maintained at £6,935 in 2018/19.
For all new students and eligible continuing students
who started their full-time courses on or after 1
September 2012 and are undertaking courses at private
providers that have a current TEF award, the maximum
fee loan will be £6,165 in 2018/19. For private providers
that do not have a current TEF award, the maximum fee
loan for full-time courses will be £6,000 in 2018/19.
For all new students and eligible continuing students
who started their part-time courses on or after 1
September 2012 and are undertaking courses at private
providers that have a current TEF award, the maximum
fee loan will be £4,625 in 2018/19. For private providers
that do not have a current TEF award, the maximum fee
loan for part-time courses in 2018/19 will be £4,500.
The Government will set out further steps on HE
student financing in due course.
Page 6 9 October 2017 Written Answers
Written Answers Monday, 9 October 2017
Absent Voting: Northern Ireland
Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
Written Answer by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth on 3
July (HL3), what discussions, if any, they have had
with (1) the Police Service for Northern Ireland, and (2)
the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland,
regarding evidence of abuse of the proxy voting system
in Northern Ireland during the last General Election;
and what are the details of those discussions. [HL1448]
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: The administration of
proxy votes, including any related engagement with the
PSNI, is an operational matter for the Chief Electoral
Officer.
The Chief Electoral Officer has regular discussions with
Government Ministers and officials on a range of issues
relating to elections and electoral registration, including
absent voting procedures.
The Chief Electoral Officer is currently carrying out an
administrative review of all operational procedures in
respect of absent voting in Northern Ireland and the
Government will consider carefully any recommendations
that result from this review.
Acids: Sales
Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they
have to control the sale of dangerous acids. [HL1285]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: We are developing a
set of voluntary commitments for retailers to restrict
access to the most harmful corrosive products. We are
currently discussing the commitments with the British
Retail Consortium. We are also undertaking work to
review the Poisons Act 1972 and how it controls the sale
of particular acids and corrosive substances.
Affordable Housing: Rents
Asked by Lord Marlesford
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
remarks by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth on 14
September following the statement on Local Housing
Need, what is the basis of their classification of
affordable rents as 80 per cent of market rents.
[HL1621]
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: Affordable Rent must
be set at or below 80 per cent of market rents, so tenants
will still benefit from sub-market rent. Actual levels of
rents vary, and landlords must consider the local market
conditions to ensure a fit with local circumstances when
setting rents.
Government introduced Affordable Rent in 2012 to
maximise government investment in affordable housing,
enabling the development of more homes for every pound
of public spending. This has allowed us to build nearly
333,000 new affordable homes since 2010, including
240,000 affordable homes for rent.
Agriculture
Asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering
To ask Her Majesty's Government how they will put
in place a negotiated UK framework for agricultural
trade and policies between the nations and regions of
the UK once the UK has left the European Union.
[HL1396]
Lord Gardiner of Kimble: We are committed to
working closely with the devolved administrations on an
approach to returning powers from the EU that works for
the whole of the UK and reflects the devolution
settlements of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Common frameworks should only be established where
they are needed, whether this is to maintain a functioning
UK internal market, put us in a strong negotiating
position to strike trade deals, or to provide the certainty
needed to agree and meet international obligations.
The Government expects that the return of powers from
the EU will lead to a significant increase in the decision
making powers for the devolved administrations.
Agriculture: Productivity
Asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will
commit to continuing public investment in supporting
growth in farm productivity and resilience after the UK
has left the EU. [HL1295]
Lord Gardiner of Kimble: It is our priority to enable
an innovative, productive and competitive food supply
chain from farm to fork, which invests in people and
skills. The government has already committed to provide
the same cash total in funds for farm support until the end
of the parliament. The Agriculture Bill will ensure that
after we leave the EU we have an effective system in
place to support UK farmers and protect our natural
environment for future generations. We will listen to
everyone who has an interest in the future of the industry
as we prepare new approaches to support our farmers to
grow and sell more world-class food.
Air Routes: EU Countries
Asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they
plan to take to ensure continued access for airlines
based in the UK to EU member states, once the UK has
left the EU. [HL1228]
Lord Callanan: The Government is considering
carefully all the potential implications arising from the
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 7
UK’s exit from the EU, and plans to negotiate the best
possible relationship between the UK and EU in the field
of aviation with a smooth and orderly transition.
Securing liberal market access to EU markets is a very
high priority for the Department for Transport. The
importance of air services to the health of the UK
economy is recognised across Government.
We will work closely with the international aviation
community to ensure that this global industry continues to
be a major success story for the UK economy.
Asked by Lord MacKenzie of Culkein
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
Written Answer by Lord Callanan on 19 July
(HL1088), in developing their plans to negotiate the
best possible relationship between the UK and the EU
in the field of aviation what steps they intend to take to
provide clarity and certainty regarding access to the
Single Aviation Market for (1) airlines that intend to
make decisions about whether to increase capacity in
the UK, and (2) passengers intending to plan holidays,
for the 18 months leading up to March 2019; and
whether they are taking steps to avoid the risk of
uncertainty by seeking an early interim agreement with
the EU-27 on UK-EU aviation traffic rights by the end
of this year. [HL1298]
Asked by Lord MacKenzie of Culkein
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are
developing a contingency plan for aviation in the event
that the UK leaves the EU without a deal to ensure that
access rights for the UK and the EU airlines are
maintained after March 2019. [HL1299]
Asked by Lord MacKenzie of Culkein
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is
their estimate of the economic impact of no deal being
made on the right of UK airlines to fly between EU
member states and third party countries in relation
to which the legal right to fly is currently held by the
EU and not the UK. [HL1300]
Lord Callanan: It will be in the interests of both sides
in the negotiation to maintain closely integrated aviation
markets. The Government continues to work closely with
the aviation sector to ensure this industry continues to be
a major success story for the British economy. Air
transport and aerospace add at least £22 billion to the UK
economy each year.
The Government plans to negotiate the best possible
relationship between the UK and EU in the field of
aviation with a smooth and orderly transition. We will
approach the discussions with ambition, giving citizens
and businesses as much certainty as possible, as early as
possible.
The opening up of access to air services helps to deliver
connectivity, choice and value for money that benefits
consumers and businesses both here and abroad. Seeking
new aviation arrangements is a high priority for the
Department for Transport, not just with the EU but also
with those states where we currently rely on EU-
negotiated arrangements for market access.
However, a responsible government should prepare for
all potential outcomes, including the unlikely scenario in
which no mutually satisfactory agreement can be reached.
That is exactly what we are doing across the whole of
Government.
Amazon: Taxation
Asked by Lord Hain
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the conclusions of the report by the
Centre for Economics and Business Research
Bookselling Britain that bookshops pay 11 times more
tax than Amazon, and whether they have plans to
address this. [HL1576]
Lord Bates: The UK levies corporation tax on
companies based on the profits generated by their
economic activity undertaken in the UK.
The Government has announced a number of recent
changes to reinforce that principle, including a restriction
to the deductibility of corporate interest expense, which is
due to increase receipts by around £1bn per annum.
The Government also continues to consider, at both a
domestic and international level, whether the existing tax
rules deliver that principle for new digital business
models. For instance, the UK actively supports the
OECD’s Task Force on the Digital Economy, which has
been mandated to explore these issues.
Animal Welfare
Asked by Lord Laird
To ask Her Majesty's Government (1) which EU
states have not complied with the conventional cage
ban for hens, (2) what steps they have taken in relation
to any non-compliance, and (3) whether the UK still
allows eggs to be imported from non-compliant
countries. [HL1387]
Asked by Lord Laird
To ask Her Majesty's Government (1) which EU
states have not complied with the sow stall ban under
EU Directive 2008/120/EC, (2) what steps they
have taken in relation to any non-compliance, and (3)
whether the UK allows pork to be imported from non-
compliant countries. [HL1388]
Lord Gardiner of Kimble: A Report from the
European Commission to the European Parliament and to
the Council in September 2016 states that the
Commission’s actions to encourage all Member States to
enforce the 2012 ban on the keeping of laying hens in
conventional (‘battery’) cages, and the 2013 partial ban
on the keeping of sows in sow stalls proved effective.
Page 8 9 October 2017 Written Answers
According to information available to the Commission,
all Member States are now compliant with the cage ban.
In terms of the sow stall ban, the Commission is checking
the documentation of the last three Member States to see
if they are now fully compliant.
Animal Welfare: Prosecutions
Asked by Lord Allen of Kensington
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many
prosecutions have been brought under the Animal
Welfare Act 2006 in each of the last five years for
which figures are available; and how many prosecutions
were successful in each of those years. [HL1469]
Asked by Lord Allen of Kensington
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many
custodial sentences were given as a result of
prosecutions brought under the Animal Welfare Act
2006 in each of the last five years for which figures are
available; and what was the length of each such
custodial sentence awarded. [HL1470]
Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The number of defendants
proceeded against at magistrates’ courts and found guilty
and sentenced at all courts for offences under the Animal
Welfare Act 2006, in England and Wales, from 2012 to
2016, can be viewed in the table below.
Defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty
and sentenced at all courts for the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (1) , England and Wales, from 2012 to 2016 (2)(3)(4)
Outcome 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Proceeded against
1,999 1,897 1,523 1,188 1,039
Found
Guilty
1,535 1,435 1,161 899 807
Sentenced 1,533 1,431 1,159 902 807
of which
Immediate
custody
118 107 97 84 71
of which
up to 3
months
44 42 44 32 29
3 months
and up to six
71 59 52 45 38
Six months
3 6 1 7 4
(1) Includes offences under SS 4, 5, 6(1),6(2) 7, 8, 9, 13(6) and 34(9)
(2) The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with.
When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the
offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the
offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe.
(3) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data
have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by
the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken
into account when those data are used.
(4) The number of offenders sentenced can differ from those found guilty as it may be the case that a defendant found guilty in a particular
year, and committed for sentence at the Crown Court, nay be sentenced in the following year.
Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services – Ministry of Justice.
Ref: PQ HL 1469 1470
Armed Forces: Recruitment
Asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many of those
who enquire about joining (1) the Navy, (2) the Army,
and (3) the Royal Air Force, are eventually recruited
into those services. [HL1231]
Earl Howe: The total number of applications to join the
UK Regular Armed Forces, by Service, in the 12 months
ending 30 June 2017 is set out below:
Royal Navy/Royal Marines 13,888
Army 100,645
Royal Air Force 22,715
The total intake (trained and untrained) to the UK
Regular Armed Forces, by Service, in the 12 months
ending 30 June 2017 is set out below:
Royal Navy/Royal Marines 2,884
Army 7,966
Royal Air Force 1,949
The number of applications received does not directly
relate to intake figures. Figures relate to the number of
applications received and not the number of applicants, as
one applicant may submit several applications. For
successful applicants who accept an offer to join the
Services, there is processing time between their
application being received and the applicant joining the
Services.
Therefore, the intake figures for the year ending 30
June 2017 (or any other time period) are not comparable
with the number of applications received in the same
period, as the numbers apply to different cohorts of
people. Applications will not result in intake if, for
example, they are withdrawn by the applicant during the
recruitment process, rejected by the Services, or if an
offer to join the Services is declined by the applicant.
A comprehensive breakdown of applications and intake
figures can be found in the Ministry of Defence’s UK
Armed Forces Monthly Service Personnel Statistics, the
latest edition of which (July 2017) can be found on the
Government’s website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-armed-
forces-monthly-service-personnel-statistics-2017
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 9
Ascension Island: Aviation
Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham
To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they
have made in providing assistance to those working on
Ascension Island, whose work has been disrupted by
the cessation of the use of Ascension as a refuelling
stop for flights to and from the Falkland Islands.
[HL1276]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The re-routing of the
South Atlantic Airbridge away from Ascension has
clearly impacted the lives of people on Ascension and the
operations of the organisations based there.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has been in
close contact with the employers on the island to
understand the effects of the loss of the Airbridge on their
operations and their employees and families. I have
spoken to Ascension Island councillors to hear their
concerns.
To maintain access in the short term, military flights
have been supplementing visits by the Royal Mail Ship
from St Helena. A monthly civilian flight between
Ascension Island and St Helena will soon begin,
providing access for returning Saint Helenians and
contractors to travel to South Africa and onwards. We
continue to examine longer term options for Ascension
while the runway is rebuilt.
Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they
intend to revert to using Ascension Island as a
refuelling stop after scheduled works have been
completed; and when they expect flights using
Ascension to resume. [HL1277]
Earl Howe: Following the scheduled restructuring
works to the Wideawake runway on Ascension Island, the
Ministry of Defence fully intends on returning to
Ascension Island to continue operation of the South
Atlantic Airbridge to the Falklands.
Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, following
the completion of scheduled works to the US Airbase
Wideawake Airfield on Ascension Island, the RAF will
resume their use of that airfield. [HL1378]
Earl Howe: Ascension Island remains strategically
important in supporting the Ministry of Defence (MOD)
mission in the South Atlantic. The MOD fully intends to
return to Ascension Island following the full restructuring
of the runway.
Asylum
Asked by Lord McInnes of Kilwinning
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the
recommendations of the report Refugees Welcome? by
the All Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees, what
measures they have taken to improve the experience of
successful asylum seekers. [HL1290]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: We are working to
ensure that asylum seekers in Home Office
accommodation who are granted refugee status are able to
access the mainstream benefits system smoothly if they
continue to need support to cover their living needs.
In particular, we have established a new process that
provides additional support to refugees during their
transition on to mainstream benefits. That support
involves offering a prompt appointment with the
Department for Work and Pensions’ “vulnerable persons”
service, and further assistance to ensure they receive the
first payment of any benefit they are entitled to before
their Home Office support comes to an end.
Asked by Lord McInnes of Kilwinning
To ask Her Majesty's Government what lessons have
been learned from the integration of recent Syrian
refugees, in particular in relation to the provision of (1)
housing, (2) National Insurance numbers, and (3)
support in finding employment; whether those lessons
are being deployed to ensure effective integration and
support for successful non-Syrian asylum seekers; and
if so, how. [HL1291]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: The ability to plan for
the arrival in the UK of those refugees who have been
resettled in this country because they are fleeing the
conflict in Syria has meant that we are able to provide
appropriate support upon arrival. This involves planning
for their accommodation and providing caseworker
support to access public services, including the service
provided by DWP. A pilot to provide bespoke
employment support is also in place. Additional funding
has been made available by the Home Office and
Department for Work and Pensions to provide increased
levels of English for Speakers of Other Languages tuition,
which will also significantly improve the chances of
finding employment. We will evaluate the results of the
programme, including the employment pilot, to see what
lessons may be learnt.
Asylum: Children
Asked by Lord Hylton
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many
children have been reunited with family members in the
UK under Article 8.2 of the Dublin Regulation.
[HL1517]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: At present we do not
publish data on cases covered by the Dublin Regulation.
Eurostat, the EU’s statistics agency, regularly publishes
Member State figures, which can be found at:
http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-
explained/index.php/Dublin_statistics_on_countries_resp
onsible_for_asylum_application
The Government has committed to publishing regular
updates on the number of unaccompanied asylum seeking
Page 10 9 October 2017 Written Answers
children transferred to the UK from Europe, including
those transferred under the Dublin Regulation. This data
will be published in the coming months.
Asylum: LGBT People
Asked by Lord Scriven
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people
claimed asylum in the UK on the grounds of sexual
orientation or gender identity in the last 18 months; and
of those that did, how many have been granted the right
to remain in the UK. [HL1439]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Home Office
remains committed to publishing information on the
number of people claiming asylum on the basis of sexual
orientation. Work is ongoing to assure the quality of the
data for publication in line with reporting standards.
Aviation: Lasers
Asked by Lord Fink
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people
have been arrested on suspicion of endangering an
aircraft with a laser pointer under the Aviation and
Safety Act 1982 within the last 12 months. [HL1535]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Home Office
collects and publishes data on the number of arrests
broken down by offence group and police force area.
These data are published in the ‘Police Powers and
Procedures, England and Wales’ statistical bulletins, and
data can be accessed here:
www.gov.uk/government/statistics/police-powers-and-
procedures-england-and-wales-year-ending-31-march-
2016
Data presented here are on the police power of arrest. In
line with police recorded crime statistics, these data cover
arrests for all notifiable offences carried out by police in
England and Wales
The Answer includes the following attached material:
Police Powers and Procedures - Stats bulletin 2016 [police-
powers-procedures-hosb1516.pdf]
The material can be viewed online at:
http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-09-12/HL1535
AWE Aldermaston
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty's Government why the Atomic
Weapons Establishment (AWE) Aldermaston has been
placed on special measures for the fourth year running;
whether the AWE has produced a plan for dealing with
high levels of radioactive waste; if not, why not; and
whether they have made an assessment of the extent to
which any failure to do so puts staff and residents in the
area surrounding that establishment at risk. [HL1561]
Earl Howe: The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR)
has stated that safety at the Atomic Weapons
Establishment (AWE) sites is acceptable. The ONR's
decision to place the AWE Aldermaston site under
enhanced regulatory attention was due to issues relating
principally to ageing facilities, which do not pose any
immediate safety concerns.
AWE has a plan in place for the long-term safe
management of radioactive waste and this has resulted in
the successful closure of the ONR's Improvement Notice
regarding this matter.
The Ministry of Defence works closely with AWE,
monitoring all aspects of its performance, including
regulatory compliance.
Bahrain: Human Rights
Asked by Lord Scriven
To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they
plan to take in the light of the remarks by the UN High
Commissioner for Human Rights that the government
of Bahrain's restrictions on human rights since June
2016 mean that "democratic space in the country has
essentially been shut down". [HL1519]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK Government
monitors events in Bahrain closely. We raise human
rights concerns with the Bahraini authorities in private
and in public and will continue to do so. We encourage
the Government of Bahrain to deliver on its international
and domestic human rights commitments.
Bahrain: Technical Assistance
Asked by Lord Scriven
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 31
July (HL931), how the £1.52 million from the Conflict,
Stability and Security Fund for technical assistance to
Bahrain in 2016–17 was broken down by head of
expenditure; and how much was actually spent under
each of those heads. [HL1626]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: In 2016-17, the UK
continued to work with the Government of Bahrain –
including through the Conflict, Stability and Security
Fund (CSSF) – to encourage progress on human rights in
areas which included focusing on building effective and
accountable institutions, strengthening the rule of law and
justice reform. All of our work aims to support these
institutions to operate in line with international standards,
including on human rights, through sharing UK expertise
and experience. Any training provided by or on behalf of
the UK Government fully complies with our domestic and
international human rights obligations. The Foreign and
Commonwealth Office is not in a position to make precise
figures available as we have a duty to maintain the
confidentiality and confidence of our partners.
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 11
BBC: Video on Demand
Asked by Lord Chadlington
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they
intend to take steps to ensure licence payers are able to
access BBC iPlayer when outside the UK; and if so,
when. [HL1496]
Lord Ashton of Hyde: The Government's BBC White
Paper published in May 2016, 'A BBC for the Future',
made clear that the Government agrees that BBC content
should be portable following the closure of the iPlayer
loophole.
The BBC is an independent body governed by the
Royal Charter. Under the terms of the Charter, the BBC is
operationally and editorially independent of Government
and there is no provision for the Government to intervene
in the Corporation's day-to-day operations. Therefore it
will ultimately be up to the BBC to determine whether or
not their content will be available abroad.
Belfast Agreement
Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
To ask Her Majesty's Government on how many
occasions the current Secretary of State for Northern
Ireland has met with and consulted each of the Belfast
Agreement participants, (1) Lord Alderdice, (2) Lord
Empey, (3) Lord Kilclooney, (4) Lord Maginnis of
Drumglass, and (5) Lord Trimble, (a) as a group, or (b)
individually; and what are the details of those meetings.
[HL1447]
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: The Secretary of State
for Northern Ireland has regular meetings with
Parliamentarians, including regular events for members of
the House of Lords with an interest in Northern Ireland
affairs, to which these five members are invited.
Bell Pottinger Group: South Africa
Asked by Lord Hain
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of whether Bell Pottinger's recent
public affairs work in South Africa was in line with
their policy on international trade conducted by British
firms. [HL1261]
Asked by Lord Hain
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of whether the taking of income by UK
Directors of Bell Pottinger for public affairs work in
South Africa commissioned by businesspeople linked to
President Zuma was in line with their policy on
international trade conducted by British firms.
[HL1262]
Asked by Lord Hain
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether
Government staff, in the UK or in South Africa, were
consulted by Bell Pottinger's Directors before they took
income for public affairs work in South Africa
commissioned by businesspeople linked to President
Zuma. [HL1263]
Baroness Sugg: The behaviour of Bell Pottinger in
South Africa has clearly been completely unacceptable.
We welcome the investigations conducted by the Public
Relations and Communications Association and Herbert
Smith Freehills and the conclusions of their reports.
At no stage was Her Majesty's Government (HMG) in
any way involved in this work, nor consulted in advance.
The UK has one of the world’s toughest anti-corruption
laws, and HMG takes any allegations of bribery or
corruption extremely seriously.
Asked by Lord Hain
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the
finding that Bell Pottinger was in breach of the UK
Public Relations and Communications Association code
of conduct regarding its recent activities in South
Africa, what assessment they have made of the extent to
which the actions which led to that breach were
in contravention of UK trade policy. [HL1264]
Baroness Sugg: The Public Relations and
Communication Association (PRCA) has found that Bell
Pottinger’s work breached a number of clauses of its
Professional Charter, and of its Public Affairs and
Lobbying Code of Conduct. The company’s membership
of the PRCA has been terminated and it should not be
eligible to reapply for corporate membership for a
minimum of five years.
The UK has a world leading system of professional
standards and industry specific codes of conduct, which
we encourage British companies to uphold in their
operations domestically and overseas. Our industry bodies
and regulators ensure compliance, as demonstrated by the
robust response of the PRCA to Bell Pottinger’s activities
in South Africa.
Betting: Internet
Asked by The Lord Bishop of St Albans
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they
intend to regulate the use of electronic data by betting
firms and their affiliates to target online advertising at
specific groups. [HL1406]
Lord Ashton of Hyde: The use of personal data for the
purpose of targeted online advertising is subject to
safeguards found in the Data Protection Act 1998 and the
Privacy and Electronic Communication Regulations 2003.
Updated regulation will be put in place in May 2018 when
the Data Protection Bill applies new standards,
comprising those in the General Data Protection
Regulation, specifically requiring, either clearer and
affirmative consent from individuals to be sought, or
applying additional safeguards where data processing is
allowed in the absence of consent.
Page 12 9 October 2017 Written Answers
All betting firms are required to have a licence to
operate from the Gambling Commission. A condition in
the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice holds
licensed operators responsible for the actions and
behaviours of their affiliates. The Commission published
an advice note earlier this year on ensuring direct
marketing is not sent to those who have self-excluded
from gambling.
Operators and affiliates are required to comply with the
requirements of the Privacy and Electronic
Communication Regulations and the Data Protection Act,
and the Information Commissioner’s Office may take
enforcement action if there is evidence of a breach. The
Advertising Standards Authority also has the power to
take action if it were to receive evidence of irresponsible
targeting, for example deliberately sending certain
commercial messages to vulnerable groups in a way that
exploited their vulnerability. This could be under general
responsibility rules, in relation to the targeting, or specific
rules on prohibited approaches regarding the content of
the advertisement.
Birds of Prey: Conservation
Asked by Viscount Ridley
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many hen
harrier nests in the UK were located in areas where the
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds had primary
control over access in (1) 2015, (2) 2016, and (3) 2017;
how many of those nests failed to have any chicks
fledge; and what were the known causes of those nest
failures. [HL1502]
Lord Gardiner of Kimble: Wildlife conservation is a
devolved matter so this reply relates to England only.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
has primary control over access to two known hen harrier
breeding sites: the RSPB reserve at Geltsdale and United
Utilities landholding in the Bowland Fells.
Between 2015 and 2017, eight nests were located on
these sites, six of which failed to fledge young.
Further details including known causes of nest failures
are shown in the table below.
Year Site Monitored by Outcome Nest failure
reason
2015 United Utilities RSPB 1 Chick
Fledged
2015 United Utilities RSPB Nest failed Male disappeared
2015 United Utilities RSPB Nest failed Male
disappeared
2015 United Utilities RSPB Nest failed Male
disappeared
2015 United Utilities RSPB Nest failed Male
disappeared
Year Site Monitored by Outcome Nest failure
reason
2015 United Utilities RSPB Nest failed Predation
2015 RSPB Geltsdale RSPB Nest failed Male
disappeared
2016 RSPB Geltsdale RSPB 1 Chick
Fledged
There were no nests on RSPB monitored land in 2017.
Blood Transfusions
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many NHS
patients (1) are receiving, or (2) have in the last year
received, blood plasma from compensated US donors.
[HL1272]
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty's Government which
international companies supply plasma products to
hospitals in England. [HL1273]
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty's Government what safeguards
are in place to ensure the safety of blood plasma
products for NHS patients. [HL1274]
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty's Government what safeguards
are in place to ensure a suitable supply of blood plasma
products for NHS patients. [HL1275]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: Blood plasma supplied by NHS
Blood and Transplant for transfusion to hospitals in
England is either imported from Austria or comes from
United Kingdom donors. Both sources are public, not
privately sourced.
Blood plasma derived medicinal products are subject to
medicinal regulation to assure their safety. Data are not
held on the number of National Health Service patients
receiving blood plasma medicinal products which may
have been derived from United States donors.
The companies that supply plasma derived products to
hospitals in England via NHS England’s Commercial
Medicines Unit (CMU) frameworks are:
- CSL Behring;
- Grifols;
- Octapharma;
- BPL (Bio Products Laboratory);
- LFB Biomedicaments;
- Baxalta (now part of Shire); and
- Shire Pharmaceuticals.
Information is not held on supply of plasma derived
medicinal products to NHS trusts outside of a CMU
framework agreement.
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 13
There are a number of measures in place to ensure the
safety and supply of plasma and medicinal products for
patients.
All companies wishing to supply plasma derived
medicinal products to hospitals in the UK have to be
licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products
Regulatory Agency (MHRA). There are a series of
stringent safety measures in place to prevent infections
resulting from the use of medicinal products prepared
from human blood or plasma, including selection of
donors, screening of individual donations and plasma
pools for specific markers of infection and the inclusion
of effective manufacturing steps for the
inactivation/removal of viruses. These measures are
described in detail in the European Medicines Agency’s
Guideline on plasma-derived medicinal products. A copy
is attached.
The Department works closely with the MHRA, the
pharmaceutical industry, NHS England and others to
manage risks to the supply chain of blood plasma
products to NHS patients.
The Answer includes the following attached material:
Guideline on plasma-derived medicinal products [Guideline on
plasma-derived medicinal products.pdf]
The material can be viewed online at:
http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-09-05/HL1272
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Transport
Community Treaty
Asked by Lord Wallace of Tankerness
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they
are taking to encourage the signing of the Transport
Community Treaty by Bosnia and Herzegovina.
[HL1568]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Transport
Community Treaty was signed by Bosnia and
Herzegovina (BiH) on 19 September 2017. The
Government actively supported EU-led efforts to
encourage Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to sign up to
the Treaty. The Treaty is an important step to improve
infrastructure and transport links in BiH and the Western
Balkan region.
Brexit
Asked by Lord Campbell-Savours
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
a record of the comments made by Michel Barnier at
the Ambrosetti Forum held in Italy on 2 September and
if so, whether they will publish them. [HL1235]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: Her Majesty’s
Government did not attend the Ambrosetti Forum and
therefore we do not hold a record of the comments made.
The comments have however been widely reported in the
media.
Asked by Lord Carlile of Berriew
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
any plans for the Law Commission to have a role in the
review and preparation of legislation affected by Brexit.
[HL1239]
Asked by Lord Carlile of Berriew
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
received any proposals from the Law Commission for
the Commission to play a role in the review and
preparation of legislation affected by Brexit. [HL1240]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: The Law Commission
has confirmed through the Ministry of Justice, its
sponsoring department, that it stands ready to assist the
Government in the review and preparation of exit related
legislation, so this will be an option available to
individual departments in future if considered necessary
and appropriate. Government is working to deliver a
functioning statute book in time for exit day and is taking
the necessary powers in the EU (Withdrawal) Bill to
allow it to deliver just that.
Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the economic consequences of no
deal being reached with the EU. [HL1322]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: A future partnership
between the UK and EU is in the interests of both sides,
and we are confident that we will secure a good deal for
the UK as a whole.
A responsible government should, however, prepare for
all potential outcomes, including the unlikely scenario in
which no mutually satisfactory agreement can be reached.
The government is undertaking a comprehensive
programme of analytical work to assess, across a range of
scenarios, the economic impacts of exiting the European
Union. However, and as the House of Commons agreed in
October and December 2016, it would not be appropriate
to publish any such information that could damage our
negotiating position.
Asked by Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town
To ask Her Majesty's Government what meetings
they have held with the Chartered Trading Standards
Institute with regard to Brexit over the past six months,
particularly in respect of their undertaking to "continue
to engage with...consumer organisations", as set out in
their position paper published in August, Continuity in
the availability of goods for the EU and the UK.
[HL1489]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: Officials from the
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
(BEIS) have regular contact with the Chartered Trading
Standards Institute (CTSI) as part of the Consumer
Protection Partnership (CPP). CPP is an operational and
Page 14 9 October 2017 Written Answers
strategic group, chaired by BEIS, and CTSI are fully
engaged in all partners' discussions, including on EU exit.
With the negotiations underway, officials from HM
Government will continue to engage widely with
consumer organisations. We will reach a successful
outcome by drawing on the expertise of these groups,
understanding their perspectives and working with them
to test and validate positions as we prepare to leave the
European Union.
Asked by Lord Hylton
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
used the continental media as a way of presenting to the
public in the EU–27 their case for a constructive future
relationship with the EU; and what plans they have to
do so. [HL1579]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: We engage with
continental media daily to set out our plans for a deep and
special future partnership with the EU27. Engagement is
conducted directly through briefings with EU
correspondents in the UK, via our team in UKRep in
Brussels and through our network of Embassies in
Member States.
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they
have made for the UK to leave the EU in March 2019 in
the event that the European Council or the European
Parliament does not ratify any agreement reached
between the UK and the European Commission
concerning the UK’s departure from the EU. [HL1586]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: A future partnership
between the UK and EU is in the interests of both sides,
and we have entered into the negotiations anticipating
success. However, since the result of the referendum, we
have taken the responsible approach to work at pace to
build a detailed understanding of how withdrawing from
the EU will affect policies and services for a range of
outcomes, including the unlikely scenario in which no
mutually satisfactory agreement can be reached.
Given the long lead-in times to implement some of our
contingency measures, we need to begin now for them to
remain viable. But implementing the first stages of
contingency plans now should not be interpreted as an
expectation that talks with the EU will not be successful,
and we are clear that securing a good deal for both sides is
by far and away the highest probability, but we have a
duty to plan for the alternative. These are the actions of a
responsible government determined to ensure a smooth
exit under any eventuality.
British Overseas Territories: EU Aid
Asked by Baroness Sheehan
To ask Her Majesty's Government how much is
provided from the European Development Fund to the
governments of (1) the British Overseas Territories, and
(2) Antigua and Barbuda. [HL1628]
Lord Bates: The following table sets out the indicative
allocations under the 11th European Development Fund
(2014-2020).
Anguilla €14 million
Antigua and Barbuda €3 million
Falkland Islands €5.9 million
Montserrat €18.4 million
Pitcairn €2.4 million
Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha €21.5 million
Turks and Caicos Islands €14.6 million
In addition, the Overseas Territories and Antigua and
Barbuda are able to access Regional Funds under the
EDF.
British Overseas Territories: Hurricanes and
Tornadoes
Asked by Baroness Sheehan
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
sought support from the European Development Fund
for relief efforts in (1) the British Overseas Territories,
and (2) other Commonwealth nations, impacted by
Hurricane Irma. [HL1629]
Lord Bates: Needs assessments are being undertaken
to help inform the response, including through the
European Development Fund.
Burma: Armed Conflict
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Coventry
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assistance
and support they are providing the government of
Burma and other parties in Burma to de-escalate the
crisis in Rakhine State. [HL1244]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK is one of the
largest development and humanitarian donors to Burma
and to Rakhine State. Since 2012, we have provided over
£30 million in humanitarian assistance, including on food
and sanitation for over 126,000 people.
The UK is also the largest bilateral donor supporting
displaced Rohingya refugees and the vulnerable
communities which host them in Bangladesh. The
Department for International Development has allocated
£20.9 million to respond to humanitarian needs between
2017 and 2022.
On August 30 and September 13, the UK raised the
situation in Rakhine in the UN Security Council. We also
discussed Burma at the September session of the UN
Human Rights Council. Our immediate priority is to make
sure food and medical assistance can be provided to
displaced civilians from all communities. We urge the
Government of Burma to address the growing
humanitarian crisis in Rakhine and implement the
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 15
recommendations of the Kofi Annan-led Rakhine
Advisory Commission.
Burma: Human Rights
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Coventry
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
representations they have made to the government of
Burma to engage with existing United Nations Human
Rights Council mechanisms and address reports of
severe human rights violations in Rakhine State.
[HL1248]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We remain concerned
that human rights violations by the Burmese security
forces following the violence in Rakhine State in October
2016 have not been fully investigated or addressed. That
is why the UK co-sponsored a resolution at the Human
Rights Council in March which set up a Fact Finding
Mission to look into the human rights situation in Burma.
We have urged the Government of Burma to cooperate
fully with the Mission and its mandate and to enable the
Mission to visit Burma.
Ministers have raised this issue with the Burmese
authorities and our broader concerns about the recent
outbreak in violence in Rakhine State. The Foreign
Secretary has spoken on several occasions with State
Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and has raised our
concerns. Our ambassador in Rangoon has also raised our
concerns with the Burmese authorities.
We support the Rakhine Advisory Commission, led by
former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, and welcome
its report published on 24 August. Amongst its
recommendations, the Commission noted that the
Government of Burma must take full responsibility for all
residents in Rakhine State and ensure access to services
and humanitarian aid. We assess that the Commission's
recommendations provide the most realistic solution to
address the longstanding and underlying issues in
Rakhine. The UK stands ready to support Burma to
implement the Commission's report. The UK has raised
Burma twice at the UN Security Council since the
outbreak of the current violence, and secured the
Council's first press statement on Burma in eight years.
The UK also raised its deep concern about reports of
human rights violations at the 36th session of the UN
Human Rights Council.
Burma: Humanitarian Aid
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Coventry
To ask Her Majesty's Government what humanitarian
assistance they are providing to help alleviate the
emerging humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State in
Burma. [HL1245]
Lord Bates: Since 2012, the UK has provided over £30
million in humanitarian assistance in Rakhine state,
including food and sanitation for over 126,000 people.
Our partners are delivering humanitarian assistance to
more than 80,000 people in the non-conflict zones of
Rakhine State. We continue to strongly urge the Burmese
authorities to allow the access of aid, food and medication
to all affected communities in Rakhine and we are
working closely with them to support this. In northern
Rakhine DFID partners are ready to provide emergency
food assistance to 30,000 people and to treat more than
3,000 severely malnourished children and pregnant
women once access is granted. DFID has also committed
£10.9 million to meet the needs of displaced Rohingya
and the host communities who support them in
Bangladesh.
Burma: Military Aid
Asked by Lord Ahmed
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are
contributing funds from the UK development aid
budget towards the cost of training the Myanmar
military; and if so, how much. [HL1209]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: No UK development aid
is used to fund the educational courses focused on
governance, accountability, ethics, human rights and
international law which we provide to the Burmese
military. These courses are funded from the Conflict,
Security and Stability Fund.
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Coventry
To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration
they have given to the suspension of military assistance,
including training, for the Burmese army. [HL1247]
Earl Howe: In light of the ongoing violence in Burma's
Rakhine State and the growing humanitarian crisis it has
caused, the UK Ministry of Defence has decided to
suspend all training and educational courses provided to
the Burmese military with immediate effect.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether
they intend to suspend their programme of military
training with the Burmese army in the light of its
attacks on civilians in Rakhine State. [HL1437]
Earl Howe: In light of the ongoing violence in Burma's
Rakhine State and the growing humanitarian crisis it has
caused, the UK Ministry of Defence has decided to
suspend all training and educational courses provided to
the Burmese military with immediate effect.
Burma: Rohingya
Asked by Lord Ahmed
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the needs of refugees fleeing
violence in the Rakhine region of Myanmar. [HL1208]
Asked by Lord Ahmed
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the UK is,
or will be, contributing humanitarian aid for Rohingya
Page 16 9 October 2017 Written Answers
refugees; and if so, how much has been contributed to
date. [HL1210]
Asked by Lord Ahmed
To ask Her Majesty's Government what support, if
any, they plan to give to the government of Bangladesh
to accommodate Rohingya refugees from Myanmar.
[HL1211]
Lord Bates: We are working at the highest levels with
the government, other donors and the UN to improve
access and ensure that aid reaches those that need it most.
However this is a changing situation and there is not yet
access to the conflict areas for a needs assessment. We are
working with others to establish a picture of what is
happening, where people are and what shape they are in.
The UK has long been one of the biggest contributors of
humanitarian aid for the displaced population in both
Burma and Bangladesh. DFID has already committed
£5.9 million to meet the needs of displaced Rohingya and
the host communities who support them in Bangladesh.
This is reaching 55,188 people with a range of support
including food, education and protection of the safety and
dignity of the most vulnerable, including women and
girls. A further £5 million is being made available to
provide urgent assistance to newly arriving refugees with
needs such as food, shelter, and water and sanitation.
Within Rakhine State we have provided over £30 million
in humanitarian assistance since 2012, including food and
sanitation for over 126,000 people. The UK Government
is deeply concerned about the violence against the
Rohingya and other communities in Burma’s Rakhine
State, and the plight of thousands fleeing their homes.
Asked by Lord Ahmed
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
made any representations to the government of
Myanmar regarding the recent violence against the
Rohingya community. [HL1207]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Following the recent
outbreak of violence in Rakhine State, the Foreign
Secretary has twice spoken with State Counsellor Aung
San Suu Kyi and has raised our concerns. Our
Ambassador in Rangoon has also raised our concerns with
the Burmese authorities. We convened discussions on
Burma at the UN Security Council on 30 August and 13
September. The Foreign Secretary convened a meeting of
foreign ministers at the UN on 18 September during
which he called on the Burmese National Security
Adviser and Deputy Foreign Minister present to heed the
Security Council’s call to stop the violence and ensure
full humanitarian access in northern Rakhine.Our High
Commissioner in Dhaka has discussed the situation with
the Government of Bangladesh.
Asked by Lord Carlile of Berriew
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan
to make representations to the government of Myanmar
concerning the position of the Rohingyas, in particular
their personal and group rights. [HL1241]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The British Government
is deeply concerned by the situation in Rakhine and
discrimination against the Muslim minority Rohingya
population. Following the recent outbreak of violence in
Rakhine State the Foreign Secretary has twice spoken
with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and has raised
our concerns. Our ambassador in Rangoon has also raised
our concerns with the Burmese authorities. The Minister
of State for International Development (Rt Hon Alistair
Burt MP) visited Burma in July. He discussed the
situation in Rakhine State with the Burmese Ministers of
Health and Education and met Rohingya leaders. We will
continue to raise our concerns at every opportunity.
We are also urging the Government of Burma to
improve living conditions and to address the citizenship
status of the Rohingya and all communities in Burma,
particularly those who face severe discrimination.
Asked by The Marquess of Lothian
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
representations they have made to the 1st State
Counsellor of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi, regarding
the persecution of the Rohingya people. [HL1394]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Following the recent
outbreak in violence in Rakhine State, the Foreign
Secretary spoke with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi
on 7 and 17 September. He raised our concerns about the
continuing violence, the need for any allegations of
human rights abuses to be investigated and for
humanitarian access to be granted to affected
communities. We will continue to raise our concerns
about the situation in Rakhine and the plight of the
Rohingya with the Government of Burma.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government what measures
they will seek to take through the UN Security Council
in response to the crisis in Rakhine State, Burma,
following the recent discussions in the Security
Council. [HL1435]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK has raised
Burma twice at the UN Security Council since the
outbreak of the current violence, and secured the
Council's first press elements on Burma in eight years. I
refer the Noble Lord to the UK Permanent
Representative's remarks to the press following the 13
September Security Council consultations, in which he
said that the UK would get to work on further products,
such as a Presidential Statement.
The UK has been active in other fora in response to the
crisis in Rakhine. The Foreign Secretary convened a
meeting of Foreign Ministers to discuss Rakhine at the
UN General Assembly on 18 September, where he
pressed for an end to the violence and full humanitarian
access. The Minister of State, Rt Hon Mark Field MP
discussed these points further in an OIC event at UNGA
on 19 September.
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 17
The Prime Minister also urged the Burmese military to
stop the violence in Rakhine State and announced the UK
would suspend defence engagement until the issue is
resolved.
I have also raised Burma in the Human Rights Council
on 11 September, where I strongly condemned the
violence and pressed the security forces, who are in the
lead in Rakhine, to protect civilians and abide by
international norms. The UK also discussed Burma during
the Interactive Dialogue with the Fact Finding Mission on
19 September, and the Item 4 statement on the same day,
and pressed Burma on the same points.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are
taking to press the government and military of Burma to
allow unhindered access to all areas of Rakhine State
for international aid organisations, human rights
monitors, and media. [HL1436]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Foreign Secretary
spoke with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on 7 and
17 September. He raised our concerns about the
continuing violence in Rakhine State, the need for any
allegations of human rights abuses to be investigated and
for humanitarian access to be granted to affected
communities. He also convened a meeting of Foreign
Ministers to discuss Rakhine at the UN General Assembly
on 18 September, where he pressed for an end to the
violence and full humanitarian access. The Minister of
State discussed these points further in an Organisation of
Islamic Cooperation (OIC) event at UNGA on 19
September.
The Prime Minister also urged the Burmese military to
stop the violence in Rakhine State and announced the UK
would suspend defence engagement until the issue is
resolved.
I have also raised Burma in the Human Rights Council
on 11 September, where I strongly condemned the
violence and pressed the security forces, who are in the
lead in Rakhine, to protect civilians and abide by
international norms. The UK also discussed Burma during
the Interactive Dialogue with the Fact Finding Mission on
19 September, and the Item 4 statement on the same day,
and pressed Burma on the same points.
We will continue to urge the Burmese authorities to
allow the access of aid, food and medication to all
affected communities in Rakhine. We are working closely
with them to support this.
The Burmese authorities organised a visit of local and
international media to Maugdaw in Rakhine State at the
end of last week.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assistance
they are giving to the authorities in Burma to regularise
the citizenship of those Rohingyas legally entitled to
Burmese citizenship. [HL1438]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We continue to urge the
Government of Burma to improve living conditions and
the citizenship status of all communities in Burma,
particularly those who face severe discrimination, such as
the Rohingya.
We support the Rakhine Advisory Commission, led by
former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, and welcomed
its report published on 24 August. The Commission
recommended that the Government of Burma take full
responsibility for all residents in Rakhine State, ensure
access to services and humanitarian aid and accelerate the
verification process in line with the 1982 Citizenship Act.
We assess that the Commission's recommendations
provide the most realistic solution to address the
underlying issues in Rakhine. The UK has repeatedly
urged the Government of Burma to implement the
recommendations and stands ready to support Burma to
implement them.
Business: Loans
Asked by Lord Mendelsohn
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the findings contained in the Bank of
England's Money and Credit June 2017 Statistical
Release that there was (1) a £0.2 billion fall in loans to
non-financial small and medium enterprises, and (2) an
£8.2 billion rise in loans to large business, in the year to
June. [HL1303]
Lord Bates: The Treasury monitors the Bank of
England’s Money and Credit statistical releases and other
statistical publications.
The Government is supporting lending to SMEs in a
variety of ways, such as through the establishment of the
British Business Bank to make finance markets work
better for small businesses. The Government is also
helping alternative lenders which lend to small
businesses, for example through support for challenger
banks; introducing a bespoke regime for peer-to-peer
lending; and structural interventions such as the bank
referral scheme and the SME credit data sharing scheme.
Caribbean: Disaster Relief
Asked by Lord Blencathra
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there are
any restrictions in (1) UK law, or (2) international law,
which would prevent or limit the use of funds from the
budget of the Department for International
Development for the reconstruction of the Turks and
Caicos Islands, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands.
[HL1590]
Lord Bates: There are no restrictions in UK or
international law on the support for reconstruction that we
can provide to the overseas territories.
There are, however, rules on what is counted as Official
Development Assistance (ODA), which are set by the
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and
Page 18 9 October 2017 Written Answers
Development’s Development Assistance Committee
(DAC). These rules include a list of the developing
countries and territories to which support given by donors
can be classed as ODA. In the case of Anguilla, the
British Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands,
their Gross National Income per capita exceeds the limit
for them to be considered developing countries. The
Secretary of State wrote to the Chair of the DAC to raise
the issue of whether these rules should be adjusted to
reflect the scale of the impact in this case.
This does not impact our response in the region – the
government has committed £57m to date for immediate
relief and we will match every pound donated to the Red
Cross [up to £3m].
Caribbean: Hurricanes and Tornadoes
Asked by Lord Condon
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many British
emergency services personnel are being deployed to
assist in the aftermath of hurricane Irma; where those
personnel will be deployed; and what range of
assistance they will provide. [HL1487]
Lord Bates: We now have almost 700 military
personnel, over 50 police, and a senior search and rescue
adviser from the UK’s fire and rescue services in the
Caribbean region to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane
Irma. DFID has sent over 18 humanitarian and logistics
advisers in the region, including humanitarian advisers in
Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, and the British Virgin
Islands, where they are supporting Governors and local
authorities.
All UK personnel are deployed as part of a coordinated
cross-Government response, bringing together military,
aid, and consular effort. Across the affected area, our
personnel have delivered urgent humanitarian relief,
assisted in restoring vital infrastructure, and supported
local institutions in maintaining law and order. We will
continue to work closely with our advisors on the ground
and with the Overseas Territories governments to deploy
our specialists where they are most needed.
The Government will continue to do all it can to
support those affected. Further details of our work are
available on our website.
Asked by Lord Naseby
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the
complement of disaster relief equipment carried by
Royal Fleet Auxiliary Mount Bay; and in particular,
how many (1) helicopters, (2) tractors, (3) bulldozers,
(4) other vehicles, and (5) items of heavy lifting
equipment are being carried. [HL1546]
Earl Howe: Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) MOUNTS
BAY is currently carrying the following equipment while
conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in
the Caribbean:
1 Wildcat helicopter
1 Mexflote raft
1 Combat support boat
2 Pacific 24 rigid inflatable boats
2 Inflatable raiding crafts
2 Medium wheeled tractors
2 Support Vehicles (15 tonne)
1 Rough terrain forklift
1 Light wheeled tractor
2 Quad bikes with trailers
2 Pinzgauer soft top all-terrain vehicles
1 Self loading dump truck
2 Bandvagn 206D flatbeds
1 Support Vehicle (six tonne)
1 Land Rover & trailer
1 King Trailer
This amounts to one helicopter, four tractors, zero
bulldozers, 15 other vehicles and three items of heavy
lifting equipment.
HMS OCEAN is also due to arrive in the region by 23
September with three Wildcat, four Merlin and two
Chinook helicopters and 60 tonnes of Department for
International Development supplies onboard to assist with
the longer-term recovery effort. HMS OCEAN will be
deployed according to need once Hurricane Maria has
passed.
Asked by Lord Naseby
To ask Her Majesty's Government when relief aircraft
at RAF Brize Norton were ordered to be loaded up to
fly to the disaster zone affected by Hurricane Irma.
[HL1547]
Asked by Lord Naseby
To ask Her Majesty's Government when RAF Brize
Norton was informed of the impact of Hurricane Irma
and of the need for relief flights. [HL1548]
Earl Howe: On 6 September 2017 RAF Brize Norton
was notified of the potential requirement to provide
humanitarian relief flights and on 7 September the station
was tasked to prepare those flights.
Having identified and prioritised the relief stores
required and established which runways remained open
following Hurricane Irma's impact, the first aircraft were
loaded and dispatched from RAF Brize Norton on 8
September, reaching the Caribbean that night.
The Ministry of Defence is providing significant
support to the relief efforts in the Caribbean following the
devastation caused by Hurricane Irma. Royal Fleet
Auxiliary (RFA) MOUNTS BAY was pre-positioned in
the region and loaded with aid precisely so we could
respond to hurricane damage. So far 60 tonnes of much
needed humanitarian aid has been distributed across the
region by air. HMS OCEAN arrived in the British Virgin
Islands on Friday 22 September with a further 60 tonnes
of aid and is helping to deliver humanitarian assistance
and disaster relief and engineering tasks.
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 19
UK military personnel will continue to provide
immediate support after Hurricane Maria has passed.
Defence activity will remain under constant review and
we will continue to work with local authorities to
establish what is required.
Asked by Lord Naseby
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many medical
doctors they have sent to assist in the disaster zone
affected by Hurricane Irma; when those doctors left the
UK; and where they went. [HL1550]
Lord Bates: DFID is liaising urgently with
governments in the region to understand their needs for
medical staff. We are also working with the Department
of Health, and Public Health England to carry out needs
assessments and UK medical experts are standing by to
deploy as required and if requested by local governments.
DFID has already offered up to £2.5 million to the Pan
American Health Organisation, which is supporting them
to provide health services including deployment of
medical staff to the region.
The Government will continue to do all it can to
support those affected.
Asked by Lord Berkeley
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they
intend to require those off-shore companies and funds
that are registered in UK territories in the West Indies
to contribute to the cost of repairs of infrastructure
damaged by Hurricane Irma within the territory in
which those companies and funds are registered.
[HL1588]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are currently
focussed on the immediate humanitarian response to
Hurricane Irma, and supporting the territories’
preparations for Hurricane Maria which we expect to
cause further damage to some of the territories over the
coming days. Each Overseas Territory has its own unique
constitution, laws and powers to generate revenue.
Therefore, the question of how off-shore companies or
funds might contribute to the costs of repairing
infrastructure is one for the respective Overseas
Territories Governments.
We are working in partnership with the Overseas
Territories Governments on a long term plan to help
repair the damage caused. Most of the people affected by
Hurricane Irma in the Overseas Territories are British
nationals and the UK stands ready to support their
governments in their recovery efforts.
Asked by Baroness Sheehan
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their
estimate of the number of people who remain missing
in (1) the British Overseas Territories, and (2) other
Commonwealth nations to which they are providing
assistance, impacted by Hurricane Irma. [HL1630]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Despite the FCO Hotline
taking more than 3500 calls since 8 September, we are
relieved that the number of Hurricane-related casualties in
the Overseas Territories has been low, partly due to
preparedness in the Overseas Territories and a quick
Government response. In addition to providing
humanitarian assistance in the region, we are working
closely with the Overseas Territories to support recovery
and reconstruction, £62 million has been committed to
date. Establishing an accurate number of those missing in
affected Overseas Territories is difficult while relief and
reconstruction is continuing, however we believe the
number is low.
The number of missing people in the Independent
Caribbean is a matter for the Governments of the
countries concerned.
Asked by Baroness Sheehan
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many UK
military personnel are engaged in relief efforts in (1) the
British Overseas Territories, and (2) other
Commonwealth nations, impacted by Hurricane Irma.
[HL1631]
Earl Howe: The Ministry of Defence is providing
significant support to the relief efforts in the Caribbean
following the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma. As at
21 September 2017, there are 543 UK military personnel
in the British Overseas Territories of the British Virgin
Islands, Anguilla and the Turks and Caicos Islands. 671
personnel are in the Commonwealth nation of Barbados.
In addition there are 207 military personnel on RFA
MOUNTS BAY, which was pre-positioned in the region
ready for the hurricane season. HMS OCEAN arrived in
the British Virgin Islands on Friday 22 September with an
additional 632 personnel to support relief efforts.
Cars: Sales
Asked by Baroness Randerson
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their
estimate of the number of personal contract purchase
plans taken out to finance car purchases over each of
the last five years; and what assessment they have
made of the potential impact of such loans on (1) the
car industry, and (2) the UK economy, if there were to
be a widespread failure to repay such loans. [HL1555]
Lord Bates: The government established an
independent Financial Policy Committee (FPC) and gave
the FPC a primary objective to identify, monitor and take
action to remove or reduce systemic risks with a view to
protecting and enhancing financial stability. The FPC’s
June 2017 Financial Stability Report (FSR), assesses
recent trends in the consumer credit market, including
dealership car finance and personal contract purchase
(PCP) agreements. The FSR notes that PCP agreements
have been growing rapidly, from around three-fifths of
new car purchases financed through dealership car
finance in 2011 to four-fifths in 2016, but that arrear rates
on dealership car finance are generally lower that other
forms of consumer credit.
Page 20 9 October 2017 Written Answers
Cataracts: Surgery
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the adverse consequences for
patients of restricting the use of blue-light filtering
intraocular lenses, as laid out in the NICE
draft guideline Cataracts in adults: management.
[HL1492]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: The Government has made no
such assessment. The National Institute for Health and
Care Excellence (NICE) has not yet issued its final
clinical guideline on the management of cataracts and it
would not be appropriate to pre-empt its final
recommendations. NICE recently consulted on the draft
clinical guideline and will take the comments it received
in response to the consultation fully into account in
developing its final guidance, due for publication in
October 2017.
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty's Government what were the
exceptional circumstances that led to the addition of a
review question on blue-light filtering intraocular lenses
in the final scope of the NICE guideline Cataracts in
adults: management. [HL1493]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: The National Institute for
Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has advised that there
were no exceptional circumstances that led to the addition
of a review question on blue-light filtering intraocular
lenses in the development of its guideline on the
management of cataracts. The draft review questions in
the scope for the guideline referred to various aspects of
lens design and, during the NICE Guideline Committee’s
work on this area, the question relating to blue-light
filtering intraocular lenses was added and subsequently
signed off through all the normal processes. This is
consistent with the normal way in which questions are
refined by committees during guidance development.
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty's Government what investigation
they have conducted into evidence reporting lower
incidence of age-related macular degeneration in
patients with blue-light filtering intraocular lenses; and
what account was taken of that evidence in the
preparation of the NICE draft guideline Cataracts in
adults: management. [HL1494]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: The Government has not
conducted any such investigation. The National Institute
for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent
body responsible for developing authoritative, evidence-
based guidance for the National Health Service. NICE
will consider all the evidence fully in developing its final
guidance on the management of cataracts due for
publication in October 2017.
Charities: Finance
Asked by Lord Patten
To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the ten
charities in England and Wales to which they provide
the greatest amounts of funding; and what was the
amount paid to each of those charities in the last
financial year. [HL1318]
Lord Ashton of Hyde: DCMS does not hold this
information centrally. Government puts transparency and
accountability to the public at the heart of how we do
business and publishing data is key to this so, working
with users across government, Cabinet Office Grants
Function has designed and built the Government Grants
Information System (GGIS). This records and reports
grants data across government departments in a simple,
standardised and scalable way. This system is new and
our aim is for it to be an essential tool helping
departments manage grants in an efficient and effective
way.
Charities: Standards
Asked by Lord Patten
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their
estimate of the amount that they pay annually to
charities in England and Wales. [HL1316]
Asked by Lord Patten
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their
assessment of standards of corporate governance in
charities in England and Wales. [HL1317]
Lord Ashton of Hyde: Government recognises that
high quality governance is central to an effective and
sustainable voluntary sector.
To obtain a clear picture of the current state of sector
governance, government is working with the Charity
Commission, as well as a partnership of sector
representatives, to carry out research. This will help in
identifying strengths as well as areas for improvement.
The findings of this research will be published shortly.
Children: Custody
Asked by Baroness Gale
To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they
have made in ensuring that the judiciary are trained to
adhere to Practice Direction 12J: Child Arrangements
and Contact Order: Domestic Violence and Harm in all
private law family proceedings where domestic abuse is
alleged. [HL1457]
Lord Keen of Elie: Under the Constitutional Reform
Act 2005, responsibility for the training of judges rests
with the Lord Chief Justice. There is no ministerial
oversight of such training.
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 21
Children: Day Care
Asked by Lord Storey
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are
taking to ensure that every child has access to 30 hours
of free childcare. [HL1329]
Lord Nash: All parents, of three- and four-year-olds
are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week,
regardless of income and employment status, from 1st
September, we have introduced an additional 15 hours of
free childcare per week for working parents.
The department has invested an additional £1 billion
per year by 2019-20 in the free entitlements, including
over £300 million per year to increase the hourly funding
rates paid for the early years entitlements. The Childcare
Choices website provides parents with information about
the government’s childcare offers in one place, as well as
a childcare calculator to help parents decide what is best
for their family circumstances. We also tested 30 hours in
twelve early delivery areas, and are sharing the lessons
from early delivery with local authorities and providers to
support full rollout.
Local authorities play a central role in delivery of free
early education, as they are required to secure sufficient
childcare, as far as is reasonably practicable, in their area.
We are working closely with local authorities and
supporting them and providers through our delivery
contractor Childcare Works, business sustainability
support and £100m capital funding.
Commercial Broadcasting: Radio
Asked by Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect
to publish their response to the consultation on
Commercial Radio Deregulation. [HL1529]
Asked by Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they
intend to deregulate aspects of commercial radio, as
identified in their consultation on Commercial Radio
Deregulation. [HL1530]
Lord Ashton of Hyde: The commercial radio
deregulation consultation closed on 8 May 2017. We
intend to publish the government response in due course.
Community Housing Fund
Asked by Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are in
a position to announce the mechanism for distributing
the second year of funding from the Community House
Fund. [HL1363]
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: The annual £60 million
Community Housing Fund was launched on 23 December
2016 to put local groups who know their area’s needs best
in the driving seat and help them deliver housing that is
affordable to the local community. For the 2016/17
financial year, grants were awarded to 148 local
authorities which were particularly affected by local
affordability issues or high rates of second home
ownership. My officials have been working up proposals
for the delivery of the Fund from 2017/18 and an
announcement will be made in due course.
Community Transport: Licensing
Asked by Lord Bradshaw
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
undertaken an impact assessment of the effect on
individuals and communities unable to access
conventional bus services of their proposals to require
community transport operators to hold a conventional
PCV operator's licence. [HL1575]
Lord Callanan: Not all community transport operators
are required to hold a PSV operator’s licence. This only
applies to operators who do not fit into one of the relevant
exemptions to EU Regulation 1071/2009, which has
applied in the UK since 2011.
We will consult on the issue and use of section 19 and
section 22 permits later this year. The consultation will be
accompanied by an Impact Assessment focussing on the
potential effects for operators who use permits.
We are working with community transport and local
authority organisations to understand better the potential
impacts.
Contraceptives
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether payments
to GPs in England in respect of long-acting reversible
contraception cover the full cost of administering those
treatments; and, if not, why not. [HL1409]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: Local authorities are
responsible for contracting with general practice for the
provision of long-acting methods of contraception.
Details of individual contracts are not held centrally.
Cost of Energy Independent Review
Asked by Baroness Featherstone
To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the
specific financial interests which are referred to in the
declaration of interest by Professor Dieter Helm
published on 6 August in relation to the cost of energy
review. [HL1466]
Lord Prior of Brampton: The review is being
conducted in accordance with well-established principles
for transparency and accountability, typical of this kind of
independent review. As the declaration of interests makes
clear, Professor Helm will not change any financial
interest he might have in companies that are active in the
UK energy sector during the course of the review.
Page 22 9 October 2017 Written Answers
Credit
Asked by Lord Mendelsohn
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the finding contained in the Bank of
England's Money and Credit June 2017 Statistical
Release that there was a 10 per cent rise in outstanding
unsecured consumer credit in the year to June.
[HL1301]
Lord Bates: The Treasury monitors the Bank of
England’s Money and Credit statistical releases and other
statistical publications. The government established an
independent Financial Policy Committee (FPC) and gave
the FPC a primary objective to identify, monitor and take
action to remove or reduce systemic risks with a view to
protecting and enhancing financial stability. The FPC’s
June 2017 Financial Stability Report (FSR), published on
27 June, assesses recent trends in unsecured debt in the
consumer credit market. The FSR notes that consumer
credit has been growing rapidly, but that loss rates on
consumer credit lending are low at present.
Credit Cards
Asked by The Lord Bishop of St Albans
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they
intend to introduce measures to prevent the automatic
increase of credit card limits. [HL1404]
Lord Bates: The regulation of consumer credit
including credit cards is a matter for the Financial
Conduct Authority.
Last year, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
published the results of its Credit Card Market Study. As
a result of this study, the FCA has taken action to tackle
persistent debt in the credit card market. As part of this,
the industry has also developed a voluntary agreement to
give greater control to customers and to restrict offers of
credit limit increases.
We have passed the Lord Bishop’s question on to the
FCA, who will reply directly to him by letter. A copy of
the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.
Cucumbers: Packaging
Asked by Lord Hayward
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether British
retailers are required to cover in plastic wrapping
cucumbers sold to consumers; and if so, whether that
requirement derives from (1) UK law, (2) EU law, (3) a
non-legally binding commitment between the
Government and retailers, or (4) some other source.
[HL1599]
Asked by Lord Hayward
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they
intend to review the practice of covering in plastic
cucumbers sold to consumers. [HL1600]
Asked by Lord Hayward
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions
they have held with British retailers in each of the last
five years concerning plastic wrapping used to cover
cucumbers sold to consumers. [HL1601]
Asked by Lord Hayward
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their
estimate of the annual level of waste resulting from
plastic wrapping used to cover cucumbers sold to
consumers in the UK; and whether they have made any
comparative assessment of the equivalent level of waste
in (1) Germany, (2) France, (3) Italy, and (4) the
Netherlands. [HL1602]
Lord Gardiner of Kimble: There is no specific
requirement to wrap cucumbers in cling film or other
wrapping, but food businesses are required to provide
food that is both safe and fit to eat. Food businesses do
cover cucumbers to improve the shelf life of these
products and reduce food waste, as the environmental
impact of wasting food is far greater than the packaging
containing it.
We have had no discussions with retailers regarding the
packaging of cucumbers over the last five years and have
no plans to review the practice.
We do not collect data on specific packaging lines and
formats and are not aware of any equivalent data relating
to cucumber packaging from other Member States.
Cultural Heritage: Transport
Asked by Lord Faulkner of Worcester
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether public
grants to heritage railways and tramways are permitted
under state aid rules where they fall within the English
Aid for Cultural and Heritage Conservation State Aid
Scheme. [HL1534]
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: Public grants to
heritage railways may be permitted under state aid rules
provided they meet the eligibility and other criteria set out
in Chapter 1 and Articles 53 and 54 of the General Block
Exemption Regulation 651/2014. It was under this
legislation that the English Aid for Cultural and Heritage
Conservation State Aid scheme was notified to the
European Commission.
Customs
Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno
To ask Her Majesty's Government what factors they
will take into account, and with whom they will consult,
in their deliberations on the nature of future customs
arrangements with the EU, with particular reference to
which of the two approaches they have set out, a highly
streamlined customs arrangement or a new customs
partnership with the EU, should be pursued. [HL1320]
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 23
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: Our future partnership
paper on customs arrangements sets out our objectives for
a new customs arrangement with the EU, and our
proposals to achieve them. The paper seeks views from all
those with a stake in our future customs relationship with
the EU, and poses a number of specific questions on our
proposals for feedback.
We are also continuing to engage in dialogue on our
proposals with industry stakeholders, including through a
series of business roundtables conducted across the
country, involving a range of different sectors. We will
continue to engage with interested parties to inform our
thinking as we move towards negotiations with our EU
partners.
Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the impact of any future variance in
environmental and consumer standards between the UK
and the EU on customs arrangements once the UK has
left the EU. [HL1323]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: As the government has
made clear, we are in the process of carrying out a
programme of rigorous and extensive analytical work that
will contribute to our exit negotiations with the EU, to
define our future partnership with the EU, and to inform
our understanding of how EU exit will affect the UK’s
domestic policies and frameworks.
We stand by our manifesto commitment to be the first
generation to leave the natural environment in a better
state than we found it, and we will uphold our obligations
under international environmental treaties.
We also recognise the importance of having effective
protections for consumers buying goods and services
across borders, and are determined to cooperate closely
with our EU partners on issues of consumer protection
after we leave the EU.
Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
estimated the financial impact on taxpayers of setting a
new streamlined customs arrangement once the UK has
left the EU; if so, when they expect that impact to
manifest; and how long they estimate it will take to put
in place the new arrangements. [HL1324]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: The government has
undertaken a significant amount of work to assess the
economic impacts of both approaches highlighted in the
recent Future Customs Arrangements paper, but
parliament has voted not to disclose material that could
damage the United Kingdom’s position in its negotiations
with the European Union. When assessing all options for
the UK’s future relationship with the EU, the government
will be guided by what delivers the greatest economic
advantage to the UK.
The precise nature of a new streamlined customs
arrangement, including implementation time, will be
determined through negotiations. As set out in the
Government's paper in August, the government believes
that a model of close association with the EU Customs
Union for a time-limited interim period would help both
sides to minimise unnecessary disruption and allow for a
smooth and orderly transition to any new arrangement.
Dangerous Driving
Asked by Lord Blencathra
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
any plans to consult on proposals for the introduction of
new criminal offences related to causing death by
reckless and dangerous cycling; and if so, whether the
penalties for those offences would be the same as for
the equivalent driving offences. [HL1366]
Lord Callanan: Protecting pedestrians and all road
users is a top priority. We have some of the safest roads in
the world but are always looking at ways to make them
safer.
There already are road traffic offences that apply to
cyclists and they can then be prosecuted if they commit
those offences.
The Department is carefully considering the
implications of the recent tragic case of Mrs Briggs who
died after a collision with a cyclist, including whether
current legislation is adequate.
Data Protection: USA
Asked by Lord Laird
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
received a legal opinion on the Privacy Shield
framework between the EU and the US; whether they
have taken independent legal advice on that framework;
if so, what was the content of that (1) opinion, and (2)
advice; and whether they will place a copy of that (1)
opinion, and (2) advice in the Library of the House.
[HL1613]
Lord Ashton of Hyde: The Government has no
intention of commenting on or publishing any legal
advice that may have been received on these matters.
Asked by Lord Laird
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they
have taken to implement the judgment and findings of
the European Court of Justice in Schrems v Data
Protection Commissioner. [HL1614]
Lord Ashton of Hyde: In October 2015, the European
Commission's adequacy decision on the Safe Harbor
Agreement was invalidated by the Court of Justice of the
EU (CJEU) in the Schrems case. The Court considered
that the third country concerned must ensure an adequate
level of protection safeguarded by its domestic law or
international commitments, and that the reliability of such
a system, in light of that requirement, is founded
essentially on the establishment of effective detection and
supervision mechanisms in relation to the protection of
Page 24 9 October 2017 Written Answers
fundamental rights. Consequently, the Court found that
the Safe Harbor Agreement failed to comply with the
requirements of Directive 95/46/EC and established
Human Rights law. The judgment was addressed to the
Commission. The EU-US Privacy Shield decision has
since replaced the Safe Harbor agreement, in providing a
basis for personal data transfers from the US to the US
companies certified under the scheme.
The Information Commissioner has provided regular
updates to the status of the Privacy Shield and remains an
active member of the Article 29 Working Party Privacy
Shield annual joint review team.
Debts
Asked by Lord Mendelsohn
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the finding contained in the Bank of
England's Money and Credit June 2017 Statistical
Release that one in six of the 2.2 million people with
personal debt are in financial distress; and what action
they are taking to reduce consumer debt. [HL1302]
Lord Bates: The government monitors the Bank of
England’s statistical releases, including Money and
Credit, and is committed to supporting all those affected
by problem debt.
We have a range of measures in place to help achieve
that. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates
the consumer credit market, and has introduced binding
rules to strengthen consumer protection. They are based
on the principle that money should only be lent to a
consumer if they can afford to repay it; lenders must show
forbearance if there is evidence of financial difficulty.
The FCA also capped the cost of payday loans. As part
of a review of this price cap, the FCA will examine the
high-cost credit market more broadly and consider
whether further interventions are necessary to address the
risk of consumer harm.
The Money Advice Service (MAS), which was set up
by the government, coordinates the provision of free-to-
client debt advice. In 2016/17, MAS spent just under £49
million on its debt advice work, directing around 90% of
this to fund frontline services. This led to more than
440,000 free-to-client debt advice sessions being
delivered face-to-face, over the phone and online across
the UK.
In the Queen’s Speech, the government announced the
Financial Guidance and Claims Bill. This will legislate to
restructure the financial guidance landscape and bring
debt advice, money guidance, and pensions guidance
together in a single body, and give consumers better
access to the financial information they need. This Bill is
currently going through Parliament.
Asked by The Lord Bishop of St Albans
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they
intend to take to offer individuals relief from persistent
debt; and whether they intend to introduce a statutory
breathing space scheme. [HL1403]
Lord Bates: The government is committed to
supporting all those affected by problem debt, and has a
range of measures in place.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates the
consumer credit market, and has introduced binding rules
to strengthen consumer protection. They are based on the
principle that money should only be lent to a consumer if
they can afford to repay it; lenders must show forbearance
if there is evidence of financial difficulty.
The FCA also capped the cost of payday loans. As part
of a review of this price cap, the FCA will examine the
high-cost credit market more broadly (such as rent-to-
own), and consider whether further interventions are
necessary to address the risk of consumer harm.
The Money Advice Service (MAS), which was set up
by the government, coordinates the provision of free-to-
client debt advice. In 2016/17, MAS spent just under £49
million on its debt advice work, directing around 90% of
this to fund frontline services. This led to more than
440,000 free-to-client debt advice sessions being
delivered face-to-face, over the phone and online across
the UK.
In the Queen’s Speech, the government announced the
Financial Guidance and Claims Bill. This will legislate to
restructure the financial guidance landscape and bring
debt advice, money guidance, and pensions guidance
together in a single body, and give consumers better
access to the financial information they need. This Bill is
currently going through Parliament.
Deportation: EU Nationals
Asked by Baroness Hamwee
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the
breakdown of the reasons for the deportation of EU
nationals in (1) the first quarter of 2016, and (2) the first
quarter of this year. [HL1495]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Home Office
does not hold the information in the format requested.
Developing Countries: Health Services
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government how much
bilateral expenditure was directly targeted by
DFID towards HIV and AIDS in (1) 2015-16, and (2)
2016-17. [HL1562]
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government how
much bilateral expenditure was directly targeted by
DFID towards reproductive health in (1) 2015–16, and
(2) 2016–17. [HL1563]
Lord Bates: In 2015-16 DFID direct bilateral
expenditure on reproductive health care, including
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 25
training of personnel, was nearly £65 million. This
excludes direct bilateral expenditure on family planning,
which is reported separately. On HIV/AIDS prevention,
treatment and care direct bilateral expenditure was £27m.
This data uses the specific reproductive health and HIV
input sector codes set by the OECD/DAC. This does not
capture spend on related programming that complements
our wider work on HIV and reproductive health (for
example family planning services, maternal and neo-natal
health, strengthening health systems, research activities
and our substantial contribution to the Global Fund to
fight AIDS, TB and Malaria).
Data for all sector codes are available on the Statistics
for International Development website. Data for 2016/17
will be released early in 2018.
Diesel Vehicles: Imports
Asked by Lord Blencathra
To ask Her Majesty's Government, whether they
intend to ban the importation of vehicles produced by
those German car manufacturers that are being
investigated by the German anti-trust authorities for
alleged collusion to misrepresent diesel emissions until
that investigation has concluded. [HL1365]
Lord Callanan: This is a matter for the relevant
competition authorities and we await their findings. There
are no plans to ban the importation of vehicles from the
manufacturers that are reportedly under investigation.
Disaster Relief
Asked by Lord Marlesford
To ask Her Majesty's Government what proportion,
and what total sum of the budget of the Department for
International Development, in each of the last ten years,
has been used for emergency assistance to countries
suffering from the consequences of natural disasters
such as hurricanes, typhoons or earthquakes. [HL1618]
Lord Bates: The amount of UK Official Development
Assistance (ODA) spent on humanitarian assistance in
each of the last 10 years is provided in the table below. In
line with the OECD Development Assistance Committee
(DAC) classification, this includes expenditure on
emergency response, reconstruction relief and
rehabilitation, and disaster prevention and preparedness.
This expenditure covers humanitarian support to
countries overseas suffering from the consequences of
natural and man-made disasters. Detailed data is not
collected to identify separately expenditure for natural
disasters.
UK bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA)
for humanitarian assistance, 2006 -2015, £ million.
Year Humanitarian Assistance 1,2 £ million
2006 220
2007 294
2008 367
2009 484
2010 369
2011 422
2012 425
2013 825
2014 1119
2015 1,266
Information on total UK ODA is available on gov.uk
website
1.The definition for humanitarian assistance is set
internationally by the OECD Development Assistance
Committee.
2. The statistical data for ODA is collected according to
use, such as sector or purpose, and not by event.
Source: Statistics on International Development
Egypt: Aviation
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government which countries
have (1) reinstated flights to and from Sharm-el-Sheikh,
and (2) not reinstated flights to and from Sharm-el-
Sheikh; and what steps they are taking to develop
satisfactory security arrangements with the Egyptian
government. [HL1362]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Those EU countries that
suspended flights to Sharm el-Sheikh but have now
returned are: Belgium, Denmark, Poland, Germany,
Hungary. The EU countries that are yet to return to Sharm
following the suspension are: UK, Austria, Switzerland.
Turkey and Ukraine have also resumed flights.
The UK and Russia contributed the largest volume of
flights by far to the resort; neither have reinstated flights.
Russian airlines do not fly to any Egyptian airports.
Flights from the UK continue to other Egyptian airports.
Our officials have regular discussions with UK airlines
and others about flights from Sharm el-Sheikh.
Government aviation security experts continue to work
closely with their Egyptian counterparts on the ground,
sharing their expertise in establishing effective security
arrangements.
We look forward to achieving the return of flights to
Sharm el-Sheikh, once we can be assured of the necessary
security.
Page 26 9 October 2017 Written Answers
Electric Vehicles
Asked by Baroness Randerson
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are
taking to improve the capacity of the electricity grid to
cope with additional demand resulting from increased
numbers of electric cars and buses. [HL1559]
Lord Prior of Brampton: The Government has set out
its ambition for almost all cars and vans to be zero
emissions by 2050, and that sales of new conventional
cars and vans will end by 2040. By setting these long-
term goals, the Government can ensure that there is plenty
of time to ready the grid for the mass transition towards
cleaner, more efficient vehicles.
We have regular discussions with all the key parties in
the electricity systems – including energy suppliers,
network operators and National Grid – to ensure that all
parties are prepared for electric vehicle take up. The
capacity market is our principal tool for ensuring we have
sufficient capacity to meet demand. National Grid use the
latest trends in supply and demand (including from
electric vehicles) when advising on the volume of
capacity to secure through these auctions.
Distribution Network Operators forecast the likely
uptake of plug-in electric vehicles, in discussion with
Government, in order to shape their investment plans.
Government is also taking powers as part of the
Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill to require all new
chargepoints sold or installed in the UK to be smart
enabled. Smart charging can help reduce the impact of
electric vehicles on the electricity network by ensuring
that they can flex to the grid’s need, avoiding existing
peaks in demand.
Electric Vehicles: Batteries
Asked by Lord Mendelsohn
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their
estimate of the proportion of used electric vehicle
batteries that are recycled; and what proportion of such
batteries they aim to be recycled following the end of
conventional petrol and diesel car and van sales.
[HL1428]
Asked by Lord Mendelsohn
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assistance is
available for the sustainable disposal or recycling of
used electric car batteries; and what additional
assistance will be provided to account for rising
demand ahead of the end to sales of conventional petrol
and diesel cars and vans. [HL1429]
Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The Waste Batteries and
Accumulators Regulations 2009 ban the disposal of
automotive and industrial batteries to landfill and place a
responsibility on battery producers to recycle their
batteries. It is therefore estimated that all automotive and
industrial batteries are recycled.
There are currently no plans for amendments to the
Regulations, though we will continue to monitor the
market.
These requirements remain in place whether the vehicle
relies on an electric or conventional power supply.
Electricity: Storage
Asked by Baroness Featherstone
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they
intend to develop a strategy to ensure future continuity
on network charging in relation to electricity storage;
and if so, how. [HL1255]
Lord Prior of Brampton: The charging regime is the
responsibility of Ofgem as the independent regulator. In
the joint BEIS/Ofgem Smart Systems and Flexibility Plan
released on 24 July 2017 it was recognised that at present
network charges can put storage at a relative disadvantage
to other network users, preventing a level playing field.
The Government is keen to see fair changes to the
charging regime that create a level playing field for
storage. Ofgem indicated that changes to storage charging
would be best and most rapidly brought forward by
industry, and two modifications have now been raised to
address this issue. Ofgem also expects industry to provide
guidance on the treatment of storage as intermittent or
non-intermittent in the distribution charging
methodologies by the end of 2017.
Electronic Surveillance
Asked by Lord Paddick
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the
composition of the Technical Advisory Panel
established under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016.
[HL1312]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: It is for the
Investigatory Powers Commissioner, Lord Justice
Fulford, to establish the Technology Advisory Panel
(TAP), decide upon its composition, and appoint its
members. Lord Justice Fulford took over responsibility
for the oversight of investigatory powers by public
authorities on 1st September 2017 and will appoint
members of the TAP in due course.
Lord Justice Fulford has said he would be happy to
discuss the establishment of the TAP, the wider set-up of
his office, and any other matters relating to his duties with
interested Members of Parliament or Lords.
Energy Performance Certificates:
Conservation Areas
Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether it is a
legal requirement to provide a prospective (1) buyer,
and (2) tenant, with an Energy Performance Certificate
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 27
whenever a dwelling in a conservation area is sold or
let. [HL1609]
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: An Energy
Performance Certificate is required when either selling or
renting a property in a conservation area unless a valid
exemption applies. For example, listed buildings or
buildings in a designated environment where compliance
with certain minimum energy performance requirements
would unacceptably alter their character or appearance.
Entry Clearances: Overseas Students
Asked by Baroness Garden of Frognal
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many
international students with Tier 4 visas gained
qualifications in the last academic year for which
figures are available. [HL1426]
Lord Nash: We do not hold information on how many
students with a Tier 4 visa gain qualifications each year.
However, the Higher Education Statistics Agency
(HESA) collects data on those gaining HE qualifications
by country of domicile. This shows that in the academic
year 2015/16 there were just over 150,000 higher
education qualifications obtained at UK Higher Education
Institutions by students living in non-EU countries
immediately prior to them commencing their studies. Not
all these students would have required Tier 4 visas to
study in the UK.
Asked by Baroness Garden of Frognal
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many
international students left the UK without (1) accessing
work experience, or (2) gaining a qualification, in the
last year for which figures are available. [HL1427]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: The information you
have requested is not included in statistics published by
the Home Office.
Environment Protection: Greater
Manchester
Asked by Lord Pendry
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the
finding in the State of Nature 2016 report that 56 per
cent of assessed species are in decline, what measures
they are taking to support the Greater Manchester
Urban Pioneer project under the 25-year Environment
Plan to improve the status of nature in the city; and
what resources they are allocating to that project.
[HL1319]
Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The Greater Manchester
Urban Pioneer is one of four pioneer projects created by
Defra to inform the development and implementation of
the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan. The
pioneers are partnership projects designed to test and
refine better ways of managing the environment.
The Greater Manchester Pioneer is being led by the
Environment Agency with support from the Defra 25
Year Environment Plan team. Local government and
relevant government agencies are also providing
resources as key pioneer partners. Increasing biodiversity
across Greater Manchester is one of the objectives of this
pioneer.
EP Committee of Inquiry into Money
Laundering, Tax Avoidance and Tax Evasion
Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
Written Answer by Lord Bates on 28 July (HL997),
whether they received a request for ministers to meet
the European Parliament's Committee of Inquiry into
Money Laundering, Tax Avoidance and Tax Evasion;
and if so, what was their response. [HL1282]
Lord Bates: The European Parliament’s Committee of
Inquiry into Money Laundering, Tax Avoidance and Tax
Evasion requested a meeting with ministers during the
Committee’s two-day visit to London during February
2017. Ministers were unavailable on the days requested
and the Committee met with senior officials from the
UK’s cross-agency Panama Papers Taskforce.
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals
NHS Trust
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the extent to which the consultation
exercise being undertaken by the Epsom and St Helier
Trust about the future of local acute hospital provision
is consistent with the Cabinet Office’s consultation
principles. [HL1372]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: The future of local acute
hospital provision is a matter for NHS England and the
National Health Service locally.
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust
advises that it is not currently carrying out a public
consultation. However, the Trust is currently engaging
with the public on its proposals to move to a single acute
specialist facility and to keep most care local. The
purpose of this engagement is not focused on specific
sites but on the principle of moving to a single acute
specialist facility.
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the
proposal from the Epsom and St Helier Trust to
downgrade or close services at Epsom and St Helier
University Hospitals to make way for a new acute
hospital in Sutton, whether any such proposal has been
included in the Surrey Heartlands Sustainability and
Transformation Plan. [HL1373]
Page 28 9 October 2017 Written Answers
Lord O'Shaughnessy: Any decision regarding service
changes is a matter for NHS England and the National
Health Service locally.
The Surrey Heartlands Sustainability and
Transformation Plan refers to the need to make progress
on an estates solution for Epsom and St Helier University
Hospitals but does not make proposals to downgrade or
close services at Epsom and St Helier University
Hospitals.
Erasmus+ Programme
Asked by Baroness Coussins
To ask Her Majesty's Government when issues
relating to the UK's participation in the Erasmus
Programme will be scheduled for discussion as part of
the negotiations on exiting the EU. [HL1242]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: At the start of these
negotiations, both sides agreed that the aim was to make
progress on four key areas: citizen's rights, the financial
settlement, Northern Ireland and Ireland and broader
separation issues.
Both sides need to move swiftly on to discussing our
future partnership, including specific European
programmes we may still wish to participate in. We want
that to happen after the October European Council.
The UK government does recognise the value of
international exchange and collaboration in education and
training, and this forms part of our vision for the UK as a
global nation.
Europe: Refugees
Asked by Lord Hylton
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether (1) the
International Committee of the Red Cross, and (2) the
Inter-Agency Standing Committee of the UN have been
consulted about unaccompanied refugee children in
Europe; if so, with what result; and if not, why not.
[HL1516]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: The UK is working
collaboratively with EU Member States, NGO’s and
International organisations, including British Red Cross,
UNHCR and Unicef to indentify and transfer eligible
children and ensuring the timely and efficient operation of
the Dublin Regulation. Last month, the British Red Cross
met with UK officials in Greece to discuss the operation
of the Dublin process. In addition our secondees in Italy
and Greece also work with Member States and relevant
partners to provide advice and support on the process for
transferring eligible children under section 67 in the
future.
European Economic Area
Asked by Lord Lea of Crondall
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, if the UK
were to remain in the EEA by joining EFTA after
leaving the EU, the annual cost to the UK in terms of
liabilities to the EU would remain the same as if the UK
had remained in the EU; and if not, what is their
estimate of the reduction or increase in that cost.
[HL1389]
Lord Bates: The arrangements for withdrawal from the
EU, including any financial or subsequent trading
arrangements with the EU, will be a matter for the
withdrawal agreement as part of the Article 50 process.
The UK government is committed to working with the
EU to reach a fair arrangement for Britain’s exit and the
best deal for UK taxpayers.
European Medicines Agency: Greater
London
Asked by Lord Campbell-Savours
To ask Her Majesty's Government on what date, and
by whom, was the European Medicines Agency lease at
Canary Wharf agreed; and what problems have been
reported to them as to the terms of the lease. [HL1234]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: The Government
understands that the original lease agreement was signed
by the European Medicines Agency in 2011. The contract
is between the EMA and the landlord, and as such we
would not expect to be alerted to any problems as to the
terms of the lease.
Exchange Rates
Asked by Lord Lea of Crondall
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are
taking, if any, to ensure that the pound sterling does not
fall below parity with the euro. [HL1390]
Lord Bates: The UK has an inflation target, not an
exchange rate target, and the government does not express
a view on the level of the exchange rate. The value of
sterling adjusts flexibly in response to economic
conditions and market forces.
Family Proceedings
Asked by Baroness Gale
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are
taking to ensure that finding of fact hearings are
undertaken within family court proceedings where there
are allegations of domestic abuse. [HL1458]
Lord Keen of Elie: A revised Practice Direction 12J
has been made by the President of the Family Division
and approved by Ministers and is coming into force on
2nd October. This sets out the procedure governing
finding of fact hearings in child arrangements cases where
domestic abuse is alleged. Application of the practice
direction is a matter for the senior judiciary.
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 29
Farms: Tenants
Asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they last met
with the Tenant Farmers Association to discuss their
proposals for the reform of the taxation framework
within which agricultural tenancies operate in order to
foster longer-term farm business tenancies. [HL1294]
Lord Gardiner of Kimble: George Eustice, Minister
of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food met with
members of the Tenancy Reform Industry Group which
includes the Tenant Farmers Association on the 27 June
2017 to discuss a range of issues relating to agricultural
tenancies including the taxation framework. In addition
Defra officials meet regularly with the Tenant Farmers
Association to keep in touch on tenant farming issues, the
most recent meeting took place on 20 July 2017.
Farms: Theft
Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark
To ask Her Majesty's Government what actions they
are planning to take to address the theft of equipment,
vehicles and livestock from farms. [HL1286]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: It is for Chief
Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners, as
operational leaders and elected local representatives, to
decide how best to deploy resources to manage and
respond to crime and local priorities, in rural and urban
areas alike.
Female Genital Mutilation
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether all
professionals and staff involved in the detection of
female genital mutilation have received appropriate and
in-depth training. [HL1342]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: The Government has no current
plans to introduce annual medical examinations to
identify female genital mutilation (FGM); we believe that
prevention and support are where efforts are best focused.
Medical examinations may take place in individual child
protection cases, however.
Medical examinations in France and elsewhere take
place within a different social and legal framework than
in England and so are not comparable.
As part of the Department’s £4 million FGM
Prevention Programme, which is in partnership with NHS
England, we have introduced a range of training and
guidance for health professionals. This includes:
- Specialist FGM safeguarding guidance to help health
professionals protect against FGM;
- Specialist guidance to help health professionals
commission appropriate FGM services;
- Awareness-raising roadshows and outreach work
across the country – this has directly reached over 3,500
professionals;
- Educational films about FGM and updated content on
the NHS Choices website;
- Comprehensive e-learning on FGM, free of charge to
all National Health Service staff (this was developed by
Health Education England, with more than 4,000 staff
having used this to date); and:
- Supported a number of projects with health partners
including the Royal Colleges. These have delivered a
range of practical measures to improve clinical skills,
awareness and preparedness to treat and safeguard women
and girls with FGM.
Fit for Work Programme
Asked by Lord Luce
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect
to reach conclusions following their review of the Fit
for Work Scheme. [HL1543]
Baroness Buscombe: The Green Paper consultation set
out our ambition to transform employment prospects for
disabled people and people with long-term health
conditions, and sought views on a range of issues
including how to improve occupational health provision,
drawing lessons from the Fit for Work service. We have
been carefully considering the responses we received, to
inform our approach to better supporting individuals to
stay in and return to work. We will set out our plans for
taking forward our ambitions in the Autumn.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Lord
Luce and the Chronic Pain Policy Coalition for their
response to the Green Paper consultation which has given
us valuable insight.
Food: Imports
Asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will
consider introducing policies for import substitution on
food products, particularly dairy and horticulture, once
the UK has left the EU. [HL1297]
Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The UK sources food from
a diverse range of countries, in addition to a strong
domestic production base. This will not change after
leaving the EU. We want to grow more, sell more and
export more British food, supported by the Industrial
Strategy. This will allow the food and drink sector to
become even more resilient, competitive and profitable. It
is our priority to enable an innovative, productive and
competitive food supply chain from farm and sea to fork,
which invests in people and skills.
We are prioritising securing the freest trade possible
with the EU, including an ambitious and comprehensive
trade agreement and a new customs agreement. We work
to promote transparency and open global markets
Page 30 9 October 2017 Written Answers
internationally, as well as a competitive domestic market
to help producers and retailers offer the best prices,
quality and choice to consumers.
Food: Procurement
Asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they
have to enhance public procurement of British food
once the UK has left the EU. [HL1296]
Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The government has a
manifesto commitment to ensure that a third of goods and
services procured by departments are supplied by Small
and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). We are delivering this
in respect of food and catering services through the Plan
for Public Procurement: Food and Catering Services,
published in 2014.
The Plan aims to simplify the public procurement
process and open up the market to more SMEs and local
producers. It provides a level playing field on which UK
producers can compete for the opportunity to supply more
of the produce currently supplied from other countries. It
provides tools, including the balanced scorecard, to help
contracting parties to balance a range of criteria beneficial
to the consumer, the environment, and to producers.
These include embedding UK production standards,
encouraging seasonality of fresh produce and calling for
menus which celebrate the provenance of the food. This
approach is a UK-led initiative which is not affected by
leaving the EU.
The use of the balanced scorecard approach is
mandatory for central government departments as existing
contracts are renewed. Defra is working closely with
buyers and with the industry to ensure they are well
prepared to maximise the opportunities.
The UK’s departure from the EU allows some
flexibility to re-examine procurement rules to ensure they
work in the best interests of UK businesses.
Football: Taxation
Asked by Lord Tebbit
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether HMRC
collects any revenue from football club transfer
payments. [HL1338]
Lord Bates: Football transfer fees are subject to VAT
according to the normal rules. Any profits made by
football clubs are subject to Corporation Tax in the usual
way. Payments made to players as part of their transfer,
such as signing-on fees, are taxable as earnings.
Frigates
Asked by Lord West of Spithead
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the
statements in the National Shipbuilding Strategy about
their intention to grow the Royal Navy fleet, what is
their aspiration for the number of frigates for the Royal
Navy by 2040. [HL1504]
Earl Howe: As explained in the Strategic Defence and
Security Review 2015 White Paper and in the National
Shipbuilding Strategy, our ambition is to sustain a
destroyer and frigate force and to grow this force by the
2030s. The Type 31e General Purpose Frigate, which we
announced our intention to procure on 6 September 2017,
will give us the opportunity to do this, although we have
not yet made detailed planning assumptions for the
precise number of frigates that the Royal Navy will
operate in 2040.
Gambling: Internet
Asked by The Lord Bishop of St Albans
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they
intend to incorporate a review of online gambling into
the Triennial Review of Gaming Machine Stake and
Prize Limits. [HL1405]
Lord Ashton of Hyde: A review of gaming machines
and social responsibility measures was launched in
October last year. The call for evidence invited views on
measures to improve social responsibility across the
gambling industry. The review is nearing completion and
we are aiming to announce the findings in October.
Gaza
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
representations they have made to the Israeli
government in the light of reports that the Israeli
military has instituted a ban on food, toiletries, and
electronic devices for Palestinians leaving the Gaza
strip. [HL1413]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: While we have not made
any representations to the Israeli Government on this
issue, we continue to call on Israel to ease restrictions on
movement and access.
Gaza: Armed Conflict
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they intend to make of the relationship between the
exposure of pregnant women to military attacks in Gaza
in 2014 and the levels of heavy metal contaminants in
the hair of mothers and newborn children in Gaza.
[HL1414]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We do not intend to
make any assessment of this issue. Our Embassy in Tel
Aviv and our Consulate-General in Jerusalem frequently
urge the Israeli and Palestinian authorities to take steps to
ease restrictions and improve conditions in Gaza.
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 31
GCE A-level
Asked by Lord Storey
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of
recent leaks of A-Level examination questions, what
measures they plan to put in place to restore public
confidence; and what steps they are taking to ensure
consistent sanctions against those who leak such
information. [HL1328]
Lord Nash: This is a matter for the Office of
Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) and
I have asked its Chief Regulator, Sally Collier, to write
directly to the noble Lord. A copy of her reply will be
placed in the House of Lords Library.
General Practitioners
Asked by Lord McColl of Dulwich
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the
guidance issued by NHS England to clinical
commissioning groups in May stating that all areas of
the country should have a system in place from
September to ensure that all new GP referrals are
subject to clinical peer review, how they define such
reviews. [HL1581]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: Clinical peer reviews are a
simple way for general practitioners (GPs) to support each
other and help patients get the best care, from the right
person at the right time, without having to make
unnecessary trips to hospital. More than half of clinical
commissioning groups (CCGs) have already implemented
some form of clinical peer review system and the NHS
England guidance will help ensure best practice is shared
to the remaining local commissioners.
There is flexibility in how local CCGs and their GPs
implement prospective internal clinical peer review, but it
should see GPs reviewing each other’s new referrals to
provide constructive feedback in a safe learning
environment. Delivering prospective internal peer review
will help ensure that all patients get access to the optimum
care pathway. It should not be established as an approval
process and the referring GP retains responsibility for the
patient and makes the final decision.
Government Departments: Equal Pay
Asked by Lord Storey
To ask Her Majesty's Government which government
departments have not yet met the requirement to
publish information about gender pay gaps between
male and female employees. [HL1445]
Lord Nash: All government departments listed in
Schedule 2 to the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties and
Public Authorities) Regulations 2017 are required to
publish this information if they have 250 or more
employees, including staff working in executive agencies.
Grammar Schools
Asked by Lord Storey
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are
taking to ensure that selective schools do not de-select
students at the age of 16. [HL1330]
Lord Nash: Where schools admit external applicants
into their sixth form, it is lawful for them to set minimum
academic standards for entry. The Education (Pupil
Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 as amended
also permits schools to remove pupils from the admission
register who are above compulsory school age, if they do
not meet the academic entry standards for the sixth form.
The regulations do not permit their removal from the
register for failure to maintain high academic attainment
once they have entered the sixth form.
The Department’s statutory guidance: ‘Exclusion from
maintained schools, Academies and pupil referral units in
England’ explicitly states that, once a pupil is enrolled, it
is unlawful to exclude for a non-disciplinary reason such
as academic attainment or ability.
We expect all schools to adhere to these rules and we
have recently written to them to remind them of their
responsibilities.
Great Western Railway Line
Asked by Lord Rosser
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, for the
bi-modal trains running under the Great Western
franchise, the switch from diesel to electric and vice
versa will occur whilst the train is on the move, and if
so, whether at full speed, or slow speed, or whether the
switch will be made whilst the train is in a station or
otherwise not moving. [HL1482]
Lord Callanan: Intercity Express Trains running on
the Great Western Main Line will be able to switch
seamlessly between electric and diesel mode whilst on the
move and whilst stationary. The speed of train during that
power change will depend on the line speed at that
location.
Great Western Railway Line: Electrification
Asked by Lord Rosser
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in light of recent
decisions to reduce the previously announced intended
extent of route electrification of the Great Western
franchise, what additional payment will have to be
made to Hitachi to reflect the consequential increase in
the use of the diesel engine in the bi-modal train.
[HL1480]
Lord Callanan: The Department for Transport is
currently in discussions to amend the Great Western Main
Line Intercity Express contract. The specific detail of
these discussions remains commercially confidential.
Page 32 9 October 2017 Written Answers
Asked by Lord Rosser
To ask Her Majesty's Government what effect recent
decisions to reduce the previously announced intended
extent of route electrification of the Great Western
franchise will have on journey times of bi-modal trains.
[HL1481]
Lord Callanan: The Intercity Express bi-mode trains
being introduced from this autumn will deliver the
existing Great Western Main Line timetable.
The Department for Transport is working with Network
Rail and Hitachi to ensure delivery of journey times
reduced by around 15minutes once electrification between
London, Bristol and South Wales is complete. These new
bi-mode trains, capable of operating in electric and diesel
mode, mean that we can improve journeys for passengers
without disruptive work to put up wires and masts along
routes where they are no longer required.
Great Western Railway Line: Rolling Stock
Asked by Lord Rosser
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, apart
from the new bi-modal trains, there is any passenger
rolling stock on order for Great Western franchise
which is not yet in service or fully in service. [HL1483]
Lord Callanan: A separate order for the AT300
version of the Hitachi Intercity Express Train has been
made by Great Western Railway (GWR) to replace HST
trains on long-distance services between London and the
South West of England. A further order of these trains has
been made to cover fast services from London to Oxford
and Newbury/Bedwyn. GWR has also ordered
Bombardier Class 387 electric trains for electric services
in the Thames Valley, the first of which are already in
service between Maidenhead and Paddington, with the
final ones planned to enter service when the route
between London and Didcot Parkway is available for use
by electric trains. Some of these trains will also operate
local services between Reading and Newbury.
Hate Crime
Asked by Lord Scriven
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are
planning to review hate crime laws so that hate crimes
based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and
disability are treated equally to those based on race and
faith, by making them aggravated offences. [HL1484]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: We have one of the
strongest legislative frameworks in the world to tackle
hate crime. The hate crime action plan published in July
2016 includes new actions to ensure the legislation is used
effectively to support victims and deal with perpetrators.
We keep our legislation under review. Since 2010 the
Government has strengthened legislation to offer further
protection for transgender and disabled people and on the
grounds of sexual orientation.
Hate Crime: Prosecutions
Asked by Lord Vinson
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
issued any guidance to the Crown Prosecution Service
concerning the extent to which insults constitute hate
crimes. [HL1416]
Lord Keen of Elie: In order for an offence to constitute
a “hate crime”, first a “basic” crime has to be committed.
There are a number of such possible offences which can
be committed by way of an insult, particularly offences
under the Public Order Act 1986, the Malicious
Communications Act 1988 and the Communications Act
2003.
Such offences could be designated as a “hate crime”, if
they meet the required criteria for the three strands of hate
crime offences – (a) racially and religiously aggravated
offences; (b) homophobic, transphobic and biphobic
offences and (c) disability hate crime.
The Government does not issue legal guidance to the
Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which is independent.
The CPS hate crime guidance, which must be followed by
all prosecutors, was reviewed and published in June 2017.
Health
Asked by Lord McColl of Dulwich
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many legal
cases have been filed against the Department of Health
about public health matters in each of the last five
years; and how many are currently in progress.
[HL1582]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: The Department and the
Government Legal Department do not categorise cases as
specifically relating to ‘public health’. According to
Government Legal Department records, the approximate
total number of judicial review cases brought against the
Department in each of the last five years is shown in the
following table. 42 cases are recorded as active as of 15
September 2017.
Year Number of cases brought
2012/13 26
2013/14 16
2014/15 22
2015/16 25
2016/17 28
Total 117
Source: Data from the Government Legal Department.
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 33
Health Services
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many
specialised Sexual and Reproductive Health Services
there were in England in (1) 2000, (2) 2005, (3) 2010,
(4) 2015, and (5) 2017. [HL1410]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: Data is not available for all the
years requested. Clinic codes have been collected since
2015-16 as part of the Sexual and Reproductive Health
Activity Dataset (SRHAD), but this does not provide a
precise count of services. In 2015-16, the number of
different sexual and reproductive health service clinic
codes in SRHAD was 856 across 129 providers which
submit data.
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
any plans to improve the streamlining of
commissioning services for family planning and Sexual
and Reproductive Health Services in England.
[HL1411]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: The Government has no plans
to change the current commissioning arrangements for
sexual and reproductive health services. Following the
completion of a commissioning survey across the sexual
and reproductive health system, Public Health England
published Sexual Health, Reproductive Health and HIV:
A Review of Commissioning on 30 August 2017. A copy
of this report is attached. The report identifies a number
of challenges facing commissioners and providers of
these services and makes recommendations to address
them. The recommendations include proposals to improve
the coordination of commissioning across different
organisations.
The Answer includes the following attached material:
Sexual and reproductive health report
[Sexual_health_reproductive_health_and_HIV_a_survey_of_com
missioning.pdf]
The material can be viewed online at:
http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-
answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-09-06/HL1411
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government what was the
public health budget for family planning or Sexual and
Reproductive Health Services in England in (1) 2000,
(2) 2005, (3) 2010, (4) 2015, and (5) 2017. [HL1412]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: Data prior to 2013 is not held in
the format requested.
In 2015-16, local authorities reported spend of £631
million in total against three public health categories of
sexual health. This information is shown in the following
table. Data on spend in 2017-18 will be published in due
course.
Sexual health - category of expenditure Spend in 2015-16
(millions)
Sexually transmitted infection testing and
treatment (prescribed functions)
£365.973
Contraception (prescribed functions) £193.489
Advice, prevention and promotion (non-
prescribed functions)
£71.673
Health Services: Per Capita Costs
Asked by Lord Pendry
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is
the expenditure per head of population for each NHS
England clinical commissioning group. [HL1397]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: The information is not available
in the format requested. However, figures for the total
expenditure of clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in
England for 2016-17 are in the table, which has been
attached owing to the size of the data.
The Answer includes the following attached material:
CCG expenditure [Total Spend per Clinical Commissioning
Group.docx]
The material can be viewed online at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-
answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-09-06/HL1397
Health Services: Reciprocal Arrangements
Asked by Lord Laird
To ask Her Majesty's Government how much was
paid (1) by the UK to each EU member state for
healthcare provided to (a) UK citizens, and (b)
UK pensioners resident in of those states in the last
year; and (2) by each EU member state to the UK for
healthcare provided to (a) their citizens, and (b)
pensioners resident in the UK. [HL1385]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: The Department, on behalf of
the United Kingdom Government, reimburses other
European Economic Area (EEA) countries and
Switzerland for the cost of providing treatment to people
we are responsible for under European Union law, based
on pension and benefit eligibility, and irrespective of
nationality. In the same way, other EEA countries and
Switzerland reimburse the Department, on behalf of the
UK Government, for the cost of the National Health
Service providing treatment to people they are responsible
for under EU law, irrespective of nationality and
including UK nationals insured in another EEA country or
Switzerland.
Member state claims against the UK are in local
currency, so totals are significantly affected by the
exchange rate at the time of payment and can mean a
difference of millions of pounds. Member states can
submit claims up to 18 months in arrears, so claims for
Page 34 9 October 2017 Written Answers
any 12 month period do not necessarily reflect treatment
provided in that period.
Due to the size of the data, figures for the amount paid
by the UK to each EU member state for healthcare in
2016/17 are provided in the attached table. These figures
are the latest available and rounded to the nearest pound.
After the UK leaves the EU, and in a reciprocal deal,
the UK will continue to export and uprate the UK state
pension and to provide associated healthcare cover on
behalf of the UK within the EU.
The Answer includes the following attached material:
EEA medical costs [HLPQs 1385-6 Figures.xlsx]
The material can be viewed online at:
http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-
answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-09-06/HL1385
Asked by Lord Laird
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of arrangements for the payment of
healthcare costs for EU pensioners living in the UK and
UK pensioners living in the EU after the UK leaves the
EU. [HL1386]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: The Department, on behalf of
the United Kingdom Government, reimburses other
European Economic Area (EEA) countries and
Switzerland for the cost of providing treatment to people
we are responsible for under European Union law, based
on pension and benefit eligibility, and irrespective of
nationality. In the same way, other EEA countries and
Switzerland reimburse the Department, on behalf of the
UK Government, for the cost of the National Health
Service providing treatment to people they are responsible
for under EU law, irrespective of nationality and
including UK nationals insured in another EEA country or
Switzerland.
Member state claims against the UK are in local
currency, so totals are significantly affected by the
exchange rate at the time of payment and can mean a
difference of millions of pounds. Member states can
submit claims up to 18 months in arrears, so claims for
any 12 month period do not necessarily reflect treatment
provided in that period.
Due to the size of the data, figures for the amount paid
by the UK to each EU member state for healthcare in
2016/17 are provided in the attached table. These figures
are the latest available and rounded to the nearest pound.
After the UK leaves the EU, and in a reciprocal deal,
the UK will continue to export and uprate the UK state
pension and to provide associated healthcare cover on
behalf of the UK within the EU.
The Answer includes the following attached material:
EEA medical costs [HLPQs 1385-6 Figures.xlsx]
The material can be viewed online at:
http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-
answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-09-06/HL1386
Hepatitis
Asked by Baroness Randerson
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
established the cross-agency expert group on viral
hepatitis to provide strategic direction and advice
around hepatitis C and other viral hepatitis, as
announced in March. [HL1556]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: With the support of the
Department and the Chief Medical Officer, Public Health
England (PHE) has established a national cross-agency
expert group, the National Strategic Group on Viral
Hepatitis, to provide strategic direction and advice around
all types of viral hepatitis, including hepatitis C. It will
provide advice to PHE, the Department, NHS England
and to the wider health system. The new group is
committed to working towards the World Health
Organization goal to eliminate viral hepatitis as a major
public health threat and brings together partner
organisations to improve health services, minimise the
number of new infections and reduce the health
consequences of viral hepatitis for people in England. A
priority is addressing the cross-system operational barriers
in case finding and treatment capacity.
Hepatitis: Pigmeat
Asked by Lord Blencathra
To ask Her Majesty's Government when Public
Health England first became aware that pig meat from
the Netherlands and Germany was infected with
Hepatitis E; and why steps were not taken to ban
imports of infected meat. [HL1223]
Asked by Lord Blencathra
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their
estimate of the number of people who may die as a
result of contracting Hepatitis E from infected pig meat
imported from other EU member states. [HL1224]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: Public Health England (PHE)
knows of no published data that shows either German or
Dutch pig meat contains the hepatitis E virus (HEV).
Detecting the presence of HEV in foods to prove
causation is technically extremely difficult.
PHE’s role is advisory. The Food Standards Agency is
the regulatory body responsible for determining any
necessary steps to protect consumers.
It is not possible to estimate the number of people who
may die as a result of HEV. PHE is aware of a small
number of cases, on average between one and two a year,
where coincident HEV infection is included in the death
certificate.
High Rise Flats: Fire Prevention
Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
Written Answer by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth on 21
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 35
July (HL370), what does "followed up on all of them"
mean in the context of the Coroner's report into the
Lakanal House fire in 2009; and what were the
recommendations of the Coroner that were (1) agreed,
and (2) not agreed, by them. [HL1281]
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: The Department
considered and has acted on the recommendations of the
Coroner's report into the Lakanal house fire in 2009. A
note setting out the action the then Government took in
response to the recommendations has been placed in the
Library of the House.
Asked by Lord Campbell-Savours
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
answer by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth on 5 September
(HL Deb, col 1896), whether any cladding confirmed
by the Building Research Establishment as being made
of aluminium composite material, that was referred to
under the heading "data sharing" in the letter dated 5
September from the Department of Communities and
Local Government to local authorities, was already
listed as having been used in the construction of
buildings during the last 18 months in the Borough of
Windsor and Maidenhead. [HL1591]
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: Following the
completion of the large-scale system tests, we have
published consolidated advice (attached) to building
owners which contains a summary of the numbers of
initial screening tests which have been completed to date
by the Building Research Establishment:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/upload
s/attachment_data/file/643281/Update_and_consolidated_
advice_for_building_owners_following_large-
scale_testing.pdf
Where social housing buildings fail the tests, local
authorities in England are informing tenants and the
relevant constituency MP.
The Answer includes the following attached material:
Summary of the numbers of screening test [170926 Update and
consolidated advice for building owners - HL1591.pdf]
The material can be viewed online at:
http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-
answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-09-14/HL1591
Asked by Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the robustness of tests to
determine the extent to which materials are fire resistant
carried out before the Grenfell Tower fire, compared
with tests conducted by the Building Research
Establishment more recently; and whether
the robustness of those tests has any impact on the
availability of Government financial assistance to
housing providers for the replacement of materials that
are a fire hazard. [HL1604]
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: Since 2006, Building
Regulations guidance has provided two approaches to
testing materials for use in cladding systems. These are to
either test the combustibility of each component or to test
them as a system. The recent large-scale tests at Building
Research Establishment are in accordance with this
second approach. The Government will consider the
system of Building Regulations in light of the
Independent Review on Building Regulations and Fire
Safety, the findings of the Public Inquiry and ongoing
work to review building safety. The Government expects
building owners to fund measures designed to make a
building safe and to draw on existing resources to do so.
A decision on financial assistance for social landlords will
be determined on the basis of their ability to pay for
essential fire safety works, and they should contact the
Department or the regulator for social housing to discuss
the position.
Asked by Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb
To ask Her Majesty's Government whose
responsibility it was, prior to the Grenfell Tower fire, to
ensure that tests on wall cladding systems were carried
out in a rigorous fashion; and who is responsible for
assessing why such tests reached different conclusions
in some cases to those carried out by the Building
Research Establishment. [HL1605]
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: The Building
Regulations allow for a range of different approaches to
demonstrating compliance. The responsibility for
ensuring that the requirements of the regulations have
been met rests with the person responsible for the work
and this must be scrutinised by an independent building
control body. The Government will consider these issues
in light of the Independent Review on Building
Regulations and Fire Safety, the findings of the Public
Inquiry and ongoing work to review building safety.
Higher Education: Standards
Asked by Lord Jopling
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
Written Answers by Lord Nash on 27 July (HL733) and
9 August (HL734), whether they will now answer the
question and list those establishments which were
eligible to apply to participate in the Teaching
Excellence Framework, but which declined to join this
voluntary process. [HL1379]
Lord Nash: As we have previously stated, the
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) is a voluntary
process and the Government, therefore, does not keep a
record of providers who have chosen not to participate.
The Higher Education Funding Council for England,
who are responsible for delivering the TEF, have
published a list of providers who received ratings on their
website: http://www.hefce.ac.uk/tefoutcomes/.
Page 36 9 October 2017 Written Answers
Hillsborough Families' Experiences Review
Asked by Lord Rosser
To ask Her Majesty's Government when the report by
Bishop James Jones into the Hillsborough families’
experiences was received; when it will be made
publicly available; and whether it has addressed issues
relating to legal representation for families of victims at
coroners' inquests where the police are legally
represented. [HL1326]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: Bishop James Jones
submitted a copy of his report into the experiences of the
Hillsborough families to the Home Secretary on 20 June
2017. On 8 September 2017 he submitted a version that
takes account of the Crown Prosecution Service’s
charging decisions announced on 28 June 2017. That
report will be considered by the Government. The report
and separately the Government’s response will be
published in due course. In the meantime we are not in a
position to comment on its contents.
Hinkley Point C Power Station
Asked by Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
contractually guaranteed a minimum level of energy
production from the Hinkley Point C nuclear power
station that consumers or the National Grid will buy in
2030, even if that energy is not needed due to the
growth of renewable energy and home energy storage;
and, if so, what that level is. [HL1606]
Lord Prior of Brampton: The Government has not
contractually agreed a minimum level of energy
production from the Hinkley Point C nuclear power
station. The Contract for Difference (CfD), agreed on
October 2016, is an agreement to pay the generator the
difference between the wholesale market price and a
“strike price” for every megawatt hour of electricity they
generate. It is the generator’s responsibility to sell their
power in the wholesale market.
Asked by Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
contractually guaranteed a minimum level of subsidy to
Hinkley Point C nuclear power station for providing
back-up energy capacity; and, if so, (1) what that level
is, and (2) whether this will be funded by taxes or by
users through their energy bills. [HL1607]
Lord Prior of Brampton: The Government has not
contractually agreed a minimum level of subsidy to
Hinkley Point C nuclear power station for providing back
up energy capacity. System balancing decisions are for
the system operator, who may choose to contract with
HPC in the 2020s as with any other system user, but no
such contracts are currently in place.
Asked by Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether
consumers and households who do not use grid
electricity will have to pay for any of the electricity
produced by Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.
[HL1608]
Lord Prior of Brampton: No, consumers and
households who do not use grid electricity will not pay for
any of the electricity produced by Hinkley Point C
nuclear power station.
HMS Ocean
Asked by Lord West of Spithead
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the
involvement of HMS Ocean in hurricane relief
operations in the Caribbean, whether they will
review plans to dispose of her at the end of the year.
[HL1505]
Earl Howe: There are currently no plans to review the
decision to decommission HMS OCEAN in 2018.
Holiday Accommodation
Asked by Baroness Gardner of Parkes
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their
assessment of the need for a registration process of
short-term holiday let tenants; and whether they have
consulted local councils on this issue. [HL1597]
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: There has been no
assessment of, or consultation on, a register of short term
holiday let tenants.
Holiday Accommodation: Greater London
Asked by Baroness Gardner of Parkes
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are
aware of the difficulties experienced by London
borough councils in the enforcement of the 90 days a
year limit for homeowners' short-term letting of their
property. [HL1596]
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: Where there are
concerns about serious abuse of the 90 night limit a
London Borough can seek a consent from the Secretary of
State for the authority to make a direction to remove the
freedom to short term let for 90 nights from that property.
The criteria for assessing a request for consent are set out
in the Department's planning practice guidance.
Asked by Baroness Gardner of Parkes
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the
research by the Kensington Society which found that
there were some 70,000 short-term lets available in
London on 2 June 2016 alone, what is their assessment
of the impact of the growth in the number of London
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 37
properties used for short-term holiday lets on the
availability of long-term housing in London. [HL1598]
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: The Government
supports the shared economy, and although it does not
hold specific information on short-term holiday lets, it
does monitor broader trends in private rented housing
through the English Housing Survey. It is right that
Londoners should have similar rights as elsewhere in
England and be free to sublet their homes where their
tenancy, contract or mortgage allows. We condemn,
however, the abuse of planning laws, and those in breach
face a fine of up to £20,000.
Home Office: Ministers
Asked by Lord Green of Deddington
To ask Her Majesty's Government who has held
office since 1 January 2000 as (1) Home Secretary and
(2) minister responsible for immigration; and what were
the dates of their appointment. [HL1371]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: Since 1st January
2000 there have been 8 Home Secretaries.
Name Appointment Began Appointment End Date
Rt Hon Jack Straw 2nd May 1997 8th June 2001
Rt Hon David Blunkett 8th June 2001 15th December 2004
Rt Hon Charles Clarke 15th December 2004 5th May 2006
Rt Hon John Reid 5th May 2006 27th June 2007
Rt Hon Jacqui Smith 28th June 2007 5th June 2009
Rt Hon Alan Johnson 5th June 2009 11th May 2010
Rt Hon Theresa May 12th May 2010 13th July 2016
Rt Hon Amber Rudd 13th July 2016 Current
Since 1st January 2000 there have been 12 Ministers of
State for Immigration.
Name Appointment Began Appointment End Date
Barbara Roche 28th July 1999 11th June 2001
Lord Rooker 11th June 2001 29th May 2002
Beverley Hughes 29th May 2002 1st April 2004
Des Browne 1st April 2004 6th May 2005
Tony McNulty 16th May 2005 23rd May 2006
Liam Byrne 23rd May 2006 3rd October 2008
Phil Woolas 3rd October 2008 11th May 2010
Damian Green 13th May 2010 4th September 2012
Mark Harper 4th September 2012 8th February 2014
James Brokenshire 8th February 2014 14th July 2016
Name Appointment Began Appointment End Date
Robert Goodwill 16th July 2016 11th June 2017
Brandon Lewis 11th June 2017 Current
Hong Kong: BBC World Service
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
representations they have made to the governments
of Hong Kong and China concerning the cessation of
broadcasts on the BBC World Service. [HL1361]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Changes to the
broadcasting of BBC World Service programming in
Hong Kong are a decision for the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region Government. We have not raised
this issue with the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region Government as the BBC World Service is still
available on RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong) FM
Radio 4 overnight, and available online 24 hrs a day for
listeners in Hong Kong.
There have been no representations to the Chinese
Government.
Hospitals: Closures
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the status
of proposals to close acute hospitals at (1) one in five
sites in South West London, and (2) one in three sites in
Leicestershire. [HL1374]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: Any decision regarding service
changes is a matter for NHS England and the National
Health Service locally.
NHS England advises that the South West London
Sustainability and Transformation Plan does not propose
the closure of any hospital within its footprint.
In respect of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
Sustainability and Transformation Plan, the document
considers a range of options for local services, and where
specific proposals are agreed by the local NHS, they will
be subject to formal public consultation.
Hospitals: Greater London
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
discussions they have held with NHS England over the
funding of a proposed new hospital in South West
London. [HL1375]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: Any decisions about new
hospitals are for NHS England and the National Health
Service locally.
NHS England has advised that proposals for a new
hospital in South West London are at a very early stage. A
Page 38 9 October 2017 Written Answers
Strategic Outline Business Case is being prepared for
initial consideration by NHS Improvement.
House of Lords: Catering
Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark
To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker, further to the
Written Answer by the Senior Deputy Speaker on 31
July (HL1160), what steps he is taking to increase the
number of British products on sale in all outlets in the
House of Lords, including British wine. [HL1283]
Lord Laming: The Senior Deputy Speaker has asked
me, as Chairman of the Services Committee, to respond
on his behalf.
The vast majority of fresh products purchased by House
of Lords Catering and Retail Services (CRS) are British,
and CRS has an ongoing policy to continue to increase its
use of British products, taking account of procurement
and value for money tests. British produce is always
preferred when in season, and menus are designed to
incorporate British sustainable products and showcase
British seasonal produce where possible. The majority of
the main ingredients in CRS dishes, such as meat, poultry,
fish and dairy produce, are British.
In House of Lords bars, CRS aims to supply a range of
beverages including British options; CRS has recently
changed supplier to increase its offering of British craft
ales and lagers.
CRS aims to increase the selection of British wines
available in House of Lords restaurants and bars.
Additional British wines will appear on the wine lists
after the conference recess.
For the House of Lords retail shop, CRS aims to
increase its ranges of British products; work is underway
to develop with its suppliers products that would enhance
the British selection on offer.
House of Lords: Wines
Asked by Lord Jopling
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
Written Answer by the Senior Deputy Speaker on 31
July (HL1160), what is the price of the two English
wines offered in the House of Lords; and how this
compares in each case with the standard House wine on
offer. [HL1380]
Lord Laming: The Senior Deputy Speaker has asked
me, as Chairman of the Services Committee, to respond
on his behalf.
The price of the English still wine offered in the Peers’
Dining Room and available on request in the Barry Room
is £54.00 a bottle. The price of the equivalent standard
House of Lords own label wine is £18.00 a bottle. The
variance in price arises because the English wine (a pinot
noir) has a higher wholesale price, while the House pinot
noir is purchased in larger volumes using a long-term
contract. The house wine is also sold by the glass at £6.35
for 250ml and £4.80 for 175ml.
The price of the English sparkling wine offered in the
Peers’ Dining Room and available on request in the Barry
Room is £55.00 a bottle. The price of the equivalent
House of Lords own label champagne is £47.50 a bottle.
Neither is sold by the glass in the dining rooms.
Housing: Construction
Asked by The Lord Bishop of St Albans
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their
assessment of the impact of the removal of the
requirement for developers to provide a certain
proportion of affordable housing in developments of ten
homes or fewer on the number of small and medium-
sized enterprise builders over the last two years.
[HL1624]
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: Government does not
have data on the number of small and medium-sized
(SME) builders over the last two years, but the National
House Building Council (NHBC) estimated that the
number of homes registered by small builders fell from
44,000 in 2007 to 16,000 in 2016.
Our Housing White Paper published in February this
year recognised that small sites create particular
opportunities for smaller developers, as well as custom
developers, and set out a number of proposals for national
policy changes so that local planning authorities have
policies that support the development of small sites.
Asked by The Lord Bishop of St Albans
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their
assessment of the impact of the removal of the
requirement for developers to provide a certain
proportion of affordable housing in developments of ten
homes or fewer on the number of rural houses
completed in areas of population under 3,000. [HL1625]
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: Government does not
collect national data on the number of homes delivered in
areas of population under 3,000.
Housing: Domestic Violence
Asked by Baroness Gale
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the reduction in the benefit cap on
housing availability for victims with children under two
who have fled abusive partners and who are currently
(1) residing in a refuge, and (2) residing in other forms
of temporary accommodation. [HL1459]
Asked by Baroness Gale
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan
to assess the impact of the lower benefit cap on the
length of a victim’s stay in a domestic abuse refuge, and
the resulting cost to the taxpayer. [HL1460]
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 39
Baroness Buscombe: People who are subject to the
benefit cap still receive benefits that are equivalent of
gross family earnings of £25K, and £29K in London. If
this is not enough money to secure a tenancy, the claimant
can apply for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)
which can be given in advance to help secure a property.
The DHP guidance explicitly states that funding should be
aimed at individuals or families fleeing domestic
violence.
We have commissioned the National Centre for Social
Research (NatCen) to carry out some research into the
new lower, tiered Benefit Cap and we are working with
the Institute for Fiscal Studies to peer review in-house
analysis on the impacts of the lower benefit cap on capped
households. It is expected that a full evaluation report will
be produced around the end of 2018.
Human Papillomavirus: Vaccination
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government what reduction
there has been in the incidence of cervical cancer since
the introduction of the vaccination against the human
papilloma virus. [HL1339]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: The national human papilloma
virus (HPV) immunisation programme began in the
United Kingdom in September 2008. The girls vaccinated
as part of the national HPV immunisation programme will
currently be aged up to 27 years of age and the oldest
routinely vaccinated girls will be up to 22 years of age.
Public Health England is conducting surveillance to
assess vaccine efficacy by monitoring the frequency of
vaccine and non-vaccine HPV types in cervical cancer.
This includes enhanced surveillance among women less
than 30 years old who were diagnosed with cervical
cancer. Data collection started in 2013, although a very
small number of cases in this age group have been from
women eligible to have received the HPV vaccine as part
of the national immunisation programme. This is ongoing
surveillance.
Hurricanes and Tornadoes: Caribbean
Asked by Lord Naseby
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether use was
made of the UK's remote sensing and satellite
technology to predict the impact of the storm system of
Hurricane Irma; and if so, by whom. [HL1551]
Lord Prior of Brampton: The Met Office is the UK
National Met Service and monitors weather around the
world, including hurricanes in the Caribbean such as
Irma. For this purpose the Met Office uses a wide range
of observations, including satellite and remote sensing
technologies which form a crucial input to its weather
modeling capability. Model predictions on the track of
hurricanes together with information on their intensity
and structure are used by the Met Office in its briefings to
Her Majesty’s Government but also shared with the
American National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) National Hurricane Centre.
Immigrants: Detainees
Asked by Baroness Hamwee
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
response by Baroness Williams of Trafford on 4 July
(HL Deb, cols 788–9) and her Written Answer on 31
July (HL668), regarding rates of pay for work
undertaken by immigration removal centre detainees,
whether any of the work undertaken by those detainees
was duplicated by staff or employees of (1) the Home
Office, or (2) the Immigration Removal Centre; if so,
what were the rates paid to those detainees for that
work; and what is their assessment of why no savings
or efficiencies have been realised by the Home Office
or private service providers. [HL1267]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: It is not permitted
contractually for private service providers to use the
detainee paid work scheme to replace staffing obligations
in immigration removal centres.
None of the work undertaken by detainees on a
voluntary basis in this scheme is duplicated by staff or
employees of either the Home Office or the private
service provider and there are no savings or efficiencies
realised by the Home Office or private service providers.
Asked by Lord Marlesford
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the merits of detaining (1) persons
awaiting deportation who have served custodial prison
sentences, and (2) others awaiting deportation, in
separate establishments. [HL1455]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: All individuals
entering immigration detention are risk assessed and
accommodated under the processes set out in Detention
Services Order 03/2016.
The Home Office seeks to remove foreign national
offenders at the earliest opportunity. Where that is not
possible, foreign national offenders awaiting deportation
will normally be transferred into immigration detention
on completion of their sentence. However, those assessed
as unsuitable for the immigration detention estate, for
reasons of safety and control, remain in prison.
We continue to keep the management of foreign
national offenders in the detention estate under review.
Immigration
Asked by Lord Hylton
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
Written Answer by Baroness Williams of Trafford on
24 July (HL980), how many grants of discretionary
leave to remain have been made to persons unable to
leave the country through no fault of their own and
where there is no prospect of enforced removal, in
Page 40 9 October 2017 Written Answers
(1) the current year, and (2) each of the two previous
years. [HL1518]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: Whilst there is
provision to grant discretionary leave to remain where
someone has been unable to leave through no fault of
their own and there is no prospect of enforced removal,
we do not grant such discretionary leave for the sole
reason that removal cannot be enforced.
Those who have no right to remain in the UK are
expected to leave voluntarily and should take all
reasonable steps to do so.
The overall numbers of discretionary leave grants are
published on the Immigration Statistics webpage and the
most recent release is available from:
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/immigration-
statistics-april-to-june-2017-data-tables
The breakdown for years 2014-2016 is as follows:
Year Total
applications
Total initial
Decisions
Grants of
Discretionary Leave
2016 30,747 24,895 114
2015 32,733 28,662 227
2014 25,033 19,782 200
Immigration Controls
Asked by Lord Marlesford
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether
immigration officers, when scanning the passports of
arrivals in the UK, are automatically alerted to any
person arriving at a UK port of entry who is subject to a
deportation order. [HL1456]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: The UK holds a
watchlist of adverse information and intelligence drawn
from a variety of sources, including the police. The
system is used by Home Office staff for the purposes of
national security and the detection and prevention of
crime. It is longstanding policy not to discuss either the
specific data held on the watchlist, the source of the data
or how it is used as to do so would be counterproductive.
Immigration: Children
Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the
comments by a Home Office spokesperson, reported in
The Guardian on 4 August, that they have "provided
refuge or other forms of leave to more than 8,000
children", how many of those children were granted (1)
asylum, and (2) other forms of leave broken down
by (a) the types of leave granted, and (b) the number
of children granted each form of leave. [HL1325]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: In 2016 the UK
granted asylum or another form of leave to over 8,000
children. This figure includes children granted asylum or
another form of leave following an asylum claim, children
resettled under our resettlement programmes and those
children who were granted family reunion visas.
The forms of leave granted to children who have made
an asylum claim can include Refugee Leave,
Humanitarian Protection, UASC Leave, Discretionary
Leave, Grants of Family or Private Life Leave To Remain
or Leave Outside The Rules. Children who are resettled to
the UK under our resettlement programmes are granted
Humanitarian Protection status or Indefinite Leave to
Remain depending on the specific resettlement
programme. Family reunion visas can be granted to
family members of those granted Refugee Status or
Humanitarian Protection in the UK, and are granted
Leave in line with their relative.
The Home Office publishes the number of Asylum
applications from main applicants, by age in table as_03
of the Immigration Statistics release. The latest figures are
available at the following link:
www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attac
hment_data/file/593028/asylum2-q4-2016-tables.ods
The Answer includes the following attached material:
Asylum 2 Q4 2016 tables [asylum 2 - q4 - 2016 tables.xlsx]
The material can be viewed online at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-
answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-09-05/HL1325
Inflation
Asked by Lord Marlesford
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will
continue to include figures relating to the Retail Price
Index in the monthly press release on UK consumer
price inflation issued by the Office for National
Statistics. [HL1620]
Baroness Sugg: The information requested falls within
the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have
asked the Authority to reply.
The Answer includes the following attached material:
UKSA Response [HL1620 Lord Marlesford.pdf]
The material can be viewed online at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-
answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-09-14/HL1620
Insects: Non-native Species
Asked by The Marquess of Lothian
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of (1) the decline since 2012 in UK
native ladybird species as a result of the invasive
Harlequin ladybird, and (2) the impact of this decline
on the resilience of ecosystems; and what steps they are
taking to address this. [HL1395]
Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The Harlequin ladybird
(Harmonia axyridis), a native of central and eastern Asia,
was released for the control of pest insects across Europe
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 41
from the late 1980s. It was first recorded in the UK in
2003 and considered an established species by 2005.
There are no known cases of the Harlequin ladybird
having been deliberately released in the UK and it is
believed to have arrived through natural dispersal from
Europe.
The Government has not conducted its own assessment
of the decline in UK native ladybird species as a result of
the Harlequin ladybird. However, research carried out by
the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, and analysis by
UK experts using records collated through the UK
Ladybird Survey, indicate that the Harlequin ladybird is
displacing some native ladybird species, by out-
competing them for food and through direct predation.
Further research is planned by the Centre of Ecology and
Hydrology to understand better the impact of the
Harlequin ladybird on the resilience of the UK’s natural
ecosystems.
The Harlequin ladybird is now widely spread across the
UK, particularly in England. There are no appropriate
methods for controlling the Harlequin ladybird which
would not also harm native species and no effective
mitigation measures that can be adopted to address their
impacts. The Harlequin ladybird however, provides an
important case study that has informed our response to
invasions of similar non-native species.
International Courts: Judgements
Asked by Lord Hylton
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan
to publish a summary of the verdicts and punishments
imposed by all international courts and tribunals
associated with the United Nations relating to breaches
by individuals of international law in the last 20 years,
including those imposed by the International Criminal
Court. [HL1580]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Support for international
criminal justice and accountability is a fundamental
element of UK foreign policy. International courts and
tribunals, including the International Criminal Court, have
an important role to play in global efforts to end impunity
for the most serious crimes of international concern by
holding perpetrators to account and achieving justice for
victims. The institutions report regularly on their activities
and publish up-to-date details of convictions and
sentences on their publicly accessible websites. The
Government does not intend to publish a summary of
such information at this time.
Invalid Vehicles: Pedestrian Areas
Asked by Lord Blencathra
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
any plans to restrict the (1) size, (2) weight, and (3)
speed, of mobility scooters that are permitted to be used
on pavements; and how many injuries have been caused
to pedestrians by users of mobility scooters in each of
the last five years. [HL1367]
Lord Callanan: We have no plans to restrict the size,
weight or speed of mobility scooters permitted to be used
on pavements.
Below is a table showing the number of reported
accidents, by severity, involving mobility scooter in Great
Britain: 2011-2015. It is important to note that the number
of police forces who have provided data has changed over
time, so the data below is not comparable between years
in terms of national trends in the number of accidents.
Accident severity
Year* Killed Serious Slight Total
2011 0 6 4 10
2012 1 17 66 84
2013 5 26 125 156
2014 9 46 153 208
2015 8 47 167 222
*Number of police forces providing data: 2011=1,
2012=12, 2013=22, 2014=27, 2015=31
The second table below gives the number of reported
casualties in accidents involving mobility scooters from
2011-2015. The information has been broken down to
separate mobility scooter riders from all other casualties
involved in these accidents. It is important to note that the
number of police forces who have provided data has
changed over time, so the data below is not comparable
between years in terms of national trends in the number of
casualties.
Number of reported casualties, by severity, involving mobility scooter
in Great Britain: 2011-2015
Mobility scooter rider Other casualties
Casualty severity Casualty severity
Year* Killed Serious Slight Total Killed Serious Slight Total
2011 0 4 1 5 0 2 3 5
2012 1 11 43 55 0 6 26 32
2013 5 17 102 124 0 9 31 40
2014 9 37 117 163 0 9 46 55
2015 8 39 127 174 0 8 45 53
*Number of police forces providing data: 2011=1,
2012=12, 2013=22, 2014=27, 2015=31
IRA: Libya
Asked by Lord Tebbit
To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they
(1) have taken, and (2) intend to take, to support UK
victims of IRA attacks that used Gaddafi-supplied
Semtex and weapons. [HL1337]
Page 42 9 October 2017 Written Answers
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Foreign Secretary
raised the issue of compensation for the victims of
Qadhafi-sponsored IRA terrorism during his meeting with
Prime Minister Serraj in Tripoli on 4 May 2017 and again
on his most recent visit in August. He emphasised again
the importance the UK places on this issue and
encouraged the Libyan authorities to engage with UK
victims' groups and their representatives. Prime Minister
Serraj expressed sympathy with those who had suffered
from the previous regime, but it was also clear from his
discussion with the Foreign Secretary that the Libyan
Government continues to face numerous challenges and
that progress on the issue of compensation is likely to
remain slow. We continue to make clear to the Libyan
authorities that this is a priority issue for the UK. We will
continue to raise the subject of legacy at every
opportunity.
Iran: Political Prisoners
Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
answer by Baroness Anelay of St Johns on 23 January
(HL Deb, col 513) committing to action on the reported
massacre of political prisoners by the government of
Iran in 1988 if there were corroborated evidence, what
assessment they have made of the report by the UN
Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in
the Islamic Republic of Iran, published on 14 August;
and what action they intend to take in the light of that
report. [HL1449]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK Government
opposes the use of the death penalty in all circumstances
and takes any allegations of extrajudicial killings
seriously. Whilst at present we have no plans to raise the
1988 executions, we continue to take action with the
international community to press for improvements on all
human rights issues in Iran, including ending the death
penalty and by supporting the work of the Special
Rapporteur.
Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the statement by Amnesty
International on 22 August concerning conditions
imposed on political prisoners in Gohardasht and other
Iranian prisons, particularly the finding that around 20
such political prisoners are on hunger-strike; and what
representations they have made, or diplomatic pressure
they have imposed, on the Iranian authorities to take
such life-preserving action as may be necessary.
[HL1513]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Reports about
mistreatment of political prisoners in Iran are deeply
concerning. I urge Iran to allow the UN Special
Rapporteur for Human Rights in Iran access to the
country in order to carry out an independent assessment
of prison conditions and the wider human rights situation
in the country.
Isles of Scilly: Transport
Asked by Lord Berkeley
To ask Her Majesty's Government how much
investment has been made in the last five years in (1) St
Mary's harbour, (2) Penzance harbour, (3) Land's End
Airport, and (4) St Mary's airport, for transport to and
from the Isles of Scilly; and what amounts within those
total investments were from (a) HM Government, (b)
European funds, and (c) the private sector. [HL1490]
Lord Callanan: The Government has invested £6.1m
in the £11.7m project to improve the quays at St Mary’s
and dredge Penzance Harbour to improve the sea
connections between the Isles of Scilly and the mainland
for passengers and freight. The project also benefited
from £5.6m of European Regional Development Funding.
The project was promoted by Cornwall Council and was
completed in 2016.
Land’s End and St Mary’s airports have also been
upgraded with the assistance of European Regional
Development Funding totalling £6.8m, which included
works (completed in 2014) to improve the runways at
both airports.
The Government does not maintain a record of private
sector investment in the above facilities.
Israel: Burma
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of reports that the government of Israel
has supplied weapons to the government of Myanmar.
[HL1566]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have not made
representations on this issue. Under the EU arms embargo
to Myanmar, the UK would not export military equipment
to Israel if we believed that the ultimate end user
destination would be Burma.
Israel: EU External Relations
Asked by Lord Hylton
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their
response to the publication in June by the European
Council on Foreign Relations of Israel's unlawfully
prolonged occupation: consequences under an
integrated legal framework. [HL1514]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: While the UK has not
made a specific assessment of the European Council on
Foreign Relations report, it has long been the
Government's view that Israel's presence in the Occupied
Palestinian Territories is governed by the provisions of
the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, to which Israel is
a state party. We repeatedly call on Israel to abide by its
obligations under international law and have a regular
dialogue with Israel on legal issues relating to the
occupation.
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 43
Israel: Palestinians
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
representations they are making to the government of
Israel regarding the detention of Palestinian legislative
council members. [HL1497]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: While we have not
raised the issue of the detention of Palestinian
parliamentarians with the Israeli authorities, we remain
concerned about Israel’s extensive use of administrative
detention which, according to international law, should be
used only when security makes this absolutely necessary
rather than as routine practice and as a preventive rather
than a punitive measure. We continue to call on the Israeli
authorities to comply with their obligations under
international law and either charge or release detainees.
Asked by Lord Hylton
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will
propose measures to improve the status quo for the
people of East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, for
humanitarian reasons and to prepare the way for
permanent peace negotiations. [HL1538]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK Government
regularly raises with the Government of Israel concerns
about the situation for Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the
West Bank and Gaza, and pushes for an easing of
restrictions. We are firmly committed to the promotion
and protection of human rights, and call upon all parties
to abide by International Humanitarian Law. Ultimately
peace will only come through fresh negotiations between
the parties, which the UK fully supports, and it is critical
that Israel and the Palestinians take advantage of any
momentum gathered through international efforts.
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of reports that Hamas leaders have
offered the government of Israel a long-term ceasefire
in exchange for the blockade on the Gaza Strip being
lifted. [HL1564]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: While we have not made
any assessment of this issue, we have been clear that we
believe that a durable ceasefire agreement should ensure
that Hamas and other terrorist groups permanently end
rocket fire and other terrorist attacks against Israel, and
that all terrorist groups in Gaza should disarm. Our policy
on Hamas remains clear: Hamas must renounce violence,
recognise Israel and accept previously signed agreements.
Hamas must make credible movement towards these
conditions, which remain the benchmark against which its
intentions should be judged. We call on those in the
region with influence over Hamas to encourage them to
take these steps.
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
representations they have made to the government of
Israel regarding reports of the eviction of families living
in East Jerusalem. [HL1565]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Minister of State for
the Middle East issued a statement on 6 September
condemning the eviction of the Shamanseh family from
the property they have lived in for decades in East
Jerusalem. The UK considers such evictions contrary to
international law and they cause unnecessary suffering.
The increased trajectory of evictions, demolitions and
settlements in East Jerusalem undermines the prospects
for peace.
Israel: Palestinians
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
representations they are making to the government of
Israel regarding reports that Israeli forces have
demolished a kindergarten in the Bedouin community
of Jabal al-Baba. [HL1498]
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
representations they are making to the government of
Israel regarding reports of the confiscation of solar
panels that had been donated to the village of Jubbet
Al-Dhib. [HL1499]
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
representations they are making to the government of
Israel regarding reports of the demolition by Israeli
forces of school buildings which were built using EU
funds from the village of Jub-Ad Dhib. [HL1500]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: I raised the UK’s
concerns about the demolitions of schools in Area C when
I met the Israeli Ambassador on 29 August. The EU
missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah issued a local
statement expressing strong concern over recent
confiscations, by the Israeli authorities, of Palestinian
school structures in Bedouin communities in the West
Bank. The statement referred to confiscation of solar
panels in Abu Nuwar (9 August), a kindergarten in Badu
el Baba (21 August), and the dismantling of an
elementary school in the village of Jubbet Adh Dhib close
to Bethlehem (22 August). Demolitions and evictions of
Palestinians from their homes cause unnecessary suffering
to ordinary Palestinians; call into question Israel’s
commitment to a viable two-state solution; and, in all but
the most exceptional of cases, are contrary to
International Humanitarian Law.
Page 44 9 October 2017 Written Answers
Jeremy Bamber
Asked by Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they
have taken to ensure that the Chief Constable of Essex
complies with requests from Jeremy Bamber's legal
team, and with court orders made in 1994, 2001 and
2002, to provide non-disclosed evidence in relation to
the murders at White House Farm in Essex in 1985.
[HL1475]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: Police forces are
operationally independent of government and decisions
around the management and handling of a police
investigation fall under the direction and control of the
Chief Officer of the force concerned.
Asked by Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
complied in full with the order issued by the Central
Criminal Court in 1994, as a result of a Judicial Review
initiated by lawyers acting for Jeremy Bamber,
instructing the then Home Secretary to disclose all
DNA evidence from Essex Police in relation to the
White House Farm murders in Essex in 1985. [HL1476]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Home Office
complied with the order as set out in paragraph 163 of the
judgement in the Court of Appeal case of R V JEREMY
BAMBER Neutral Citation Number: [2002] EWCA Crim
2912 Case No: 20011745 S1.
Joint Ministerial Committee on EU
Negotiations
Asked by Lord Wallace of Tankerness
To ask Her Majesty's Government on which dates the
Joint Ministerial Committee on EU negotiations has
met in 2017 to date; and which ministers attended on
behalf of (a) the UK Government, and (b) the devolved
administrations. [HL1632]
Baroness Sugg: The Joint Ministerial Committee on
EU Negotiations [JMC(EN)] met in 2017 on 19 January
and 8 February.
On 19 January 2017, the following ministers attended:
a. On behalf of the UK Government: The Secretary of
State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon James Brokenshire;
The Secretary of State for Scotland, Rt Hon David
Mundell MP; The Secretary of State for Wales, Rt Hon
Alun Cairns MP; The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Rt
Hon David Gauke; Minister of State for Europe and the
Americas in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Rt
Hon Alan Duncan MP; Minister for Cabinet Office, Rt
Hon Ben Gummer MP; and Minister of State for the
Department for Exiting the EU, Rt Hon David Jones MP.
b. On behalf of the devolved administrations: from the
Scottish Government, The Minister for UK Negotiations
on Scotland’s Place in Europe, Mike Russell MSP; from
the Welsh Government, Cabinet Secretary for Finance
and Local Government, Mark Drakeford AM; and from
the Northern Ireland Executive, Minister for
Infrastructure, Chris Hazzard MLA and Junior Minister,
The Executive Office, Alastair Ross MLA.
On 8 February 2017, the following ministers attended:
a. On behalf of the UK Government: The Secretary of
State for the Department for Exiting the European Union,
Rt Hon David Davis MP; The Secretary of State for
Northern Ireland, Rt Hon James Brokenshire; The
Secretary of State for Scotland, Rt Hon David Mundell
MP; The Secretary of State for Wales, Rt Hon Alun
Cairns MP; Minister of State for Europe and the Americas
in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Rt Hon Alan
Duncan MP; Minister for Cabinet Office, Rt Hon Ben
Gummer MP; Minister of State for the Department for
Exiting the EU, Rt Hon David Jones MP; Chancellor of
the Exchequer, Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP.
b. On behalf of the devolved administrations: from the
Scottish Government, The Minister for UK Negotiations
on Scotland’s Place in Europe, Mike Russell MSP; from
the Welsh Government, Cabinet Secretary for Finance
and Local Government, Mark Drakeford AM; and from
the Northern Ireland Executive, Minister for Finance,
Máirtín Ó Muilleoir MLA and Junior Minister, The
Executive Office, Alastair Ross MLA.
Kurds: Human Rights
Asked by Lord Patten
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their
assessment of the welfare of the Kurdish people in
Syria, Turkey and Iraq. [HL1525]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Kurdish people in Syria
have suffered during the conflict, alongside much of the
country's population, including through the brutality of
both the Assad regime and terrorist groups like Daesh. As
such Syrian Kurds have been amongst the recipients of
UK aid in our largest ever response to a humanitarian
crisis (£2.4 billion since the start of the crisis). UK
funding is distributed on the basis of need, to ensure
civilians are not discriminated against on the grounds of
race, religion, or ethnicity. In the same way, our policy
position is that a transition away from the Assad regime to
a government that can protect the rights of all Syrians,
unite the country and end the conflict is necessary to
protect all minority groups: we continue to use all of our
diplomatic levers to advocate for this.
All communities in Iraq have also suffered at the hands
of Daesh. We are committed to ensuring that the Kurds in
Iraq can look forward to a brighter future within a stable,
democratic and unified Iraq. One that can provide the
security, jobs, healthcare and education that all Iraqis
want and deserve, including the Kurds. The Department
for International Development has provided £209.5
million in life-saving humanitarian aid to Iraq since June
2014, which has helped to support internally displaced
people across Iraq, including those hosted in the
Kurdistan region.
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 45
We are concerned by ongoing violence and reports of
civilian casualties in South Eastern Turkey where a
significant proportion of the Kurdish community live, and
a worsening humanitarian situation in that region. We
urge the Turkish state to treat all of its citizens equally,
regardless of ethnicity or faith. We regularly urge the
Turkish authorities to respect human rights, including the
right to freedom of expression, and to support the rule of
law. We will continue to monitor these issues closely.
Languages: Northern Ireland
Asked by Lord Laird
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of whether the Belfast Agreement
ensures equality between the Irish and Ulster Scots
languages. [HL1287]
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: The Belfast Agreement
recognised the importance of respect, understanding and
tolerance in relation to linguistic diversity, including the
Irish language and Ulster Scots.
The Government is fully committed to the Belfast
Agreement.
Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of
Offenders Act 2012
Asked by Lord Marks of Henley-on-Thames
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they plan to
launch a post-implementation consultation on the Legal
Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act
2012. [HL1422]
Lord Keen of Elie: The Lord Chancellor is currently
considering the planned post-implementation review of
recent legal aid reforms. We will make an announcement
in due course.
Legal Representation
Asked by Lord Marks of Henley-on-Thames
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the impact of litigants in person on
the court system. [HL1421]
Asked by Lord Marks of Henley-on-Thames
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the increasing numbers of litigants in
person since the reforms contained in the Legal Aid,
Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012
came into effect. [HL1423]
Lord Keen of Elie: Information on numbers of litigants
in person is not held centrally.
Unrepresented parties have always been a feature of the
civil and family justice system. Since 2015, the
Government has invested £5 million of funding to support
litigants in person through a range of measures designed
to provide additional information, support and guidance.
The Lord Chancellor is currently considering the
planned post-implementation review of recent legal aid
reforms. An announcement will be made in due course.
Asked by Lord Beecham
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will
publish the results of their review of the Legal Aid,
Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 in
relation to (1) the number of unrepresented litigants
compared to the situation prior to the coming into force
of the Act, and (2) the outcomes in cases where litigants
are unrepresented in cases relating to housing and
family law and the criminal courts; and if so, when.
[HL1528]
Lord Keen of Elie: The Lord Chancellor is currently
considering the planned post-implementation review of
recent legal aid reforms and will make an announcement
in due course.
Libya: Refugees
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, during
his recent visit to Libya, the Foreign Secretary
discussed reports that the Libyan Coastguard threatened
and fired upon search and rescue vessels. [HL1509]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are aware of such
reports. During his visit in August, the Foreign Secretary
raised the Libyan Coastguard with Prime Minister Serraj,
underscoring the importance of respecting human rights
and international law. We have made clear that all vessels
must operate in accordance with maritime law and any
behaviour that threatens legitimate search and rescue
activity is not acceptable. The Libyan Coastguard training
package – which the UK is helping to deliver – aims to
help develop a corps of professional Libyan Coastguard
personnel with the skills required to manage search and
rescue activities properly, whilst respecting human rights
and international law.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, during
his recent visit to Libya, the Foreign Secretary visited
detention centres for refugees; and what information
they have collected about conditions in those centres.
[HL1510]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Foreign Secretary
did not visit any Libyan detention centres during his visit
to Libya in August 2017, but did visit a centre in an
earlier visit. The Foreign Secretary raised the importance
of adhering to international human rights standards with
Prime Minister Serraj. We are very concerned about
humanitarian conditions inside Libyan detention centres,
particularly those not controlled by the Libyan
Government. The UK is working to improve conditions
and protect migrants' human rights in detention centres
through its programming. The UK has provided £3.2
million in Libya for direct assistance in detention centres.
Page 46 9 October 2017 Written Answers
We are also providing Assisted Voluntary Returns from
Libya: this programme has supported the return of more
than 1,400 migrants to their home countries.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, during
his recent visit to Libya, the Foreign Secretary was
made aware of the case of a 12-year-old boy from Mali
who was picked up by the Libyan Coastguard following
the death of his parents in the Mediterranean, and who
was returned by that coastguard into a detention centre
intended for adult males; and if so, what action they
have taken to assist (1) that unaccompanied child, and
(2) other similarly detained unaccompanied minors.
[HL1512]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are not aware of this
particular case. We are concerned about the risk to
unaccompanied minors who are detained in Libya and
about detention conditions across the board. The UK is
working to improve detention conditions through our
programming. The key is to break the business model of
smugglers and to prioritise interventions upstream in
countries of origin and transit to reduce the need of
migrants to leave their home country or move on from a
safe third country in their region.
LIFE
Asked by Baroness Barker
To ask Her Majesty's Government what timetable for
(1) monitoring, and (2) evaluation, has been agreed for
the grant from the Tampon Tax Fund awarded to Life
2009; and to whom the results of the evaluation will be
made available. [HL1213]
Lord Ashton of Hyde: All grants awarded from the
Tampon Tax Fund are monitored by the Office for Civil
Society throughout the lifetime of the grant to ensure that
the projects deliver the agreed outputs and outcomes. The
timing of monitoring reports is set out in individual grant
agreements and varies depending on the nature of the
project. Funded organisations are responsible for
evaluating their own projects.
The Life Charity grant agreement has yet to be agreed.
Lighting
Asked by Lord Blencathra
To ask Her Majesty's Government who made the
decision to replace the lightbulb classification system
from watts to lumens; and whether they intend to
review that classification system once the UK leaves
the EU. [HL1526]
Lord Prior of Brampton: No decision has been made
to replace lightbulb classification from watts to lumens.
The “luminous efficacy” of lightbulbs has for many years
internationally been measured in lumens (measure of
brightness) per watt (measure of power). This is the ratio
of light out /energy in. There are currently information
requirements placed on suppliers of lightbulbs that require
the packaging to display the equivalent Watts of the
lumen rating. However, as the demand for LEDs increases
in the UK, lumens per watt is becoming a more
appropriate measure of a lamp’s effectiveness in
converting electricity to light.
List of Ministerial Responsibilities
Asked by Lord Marlesford
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they plan to
publish an updated edition of the list of ministerial
responsibilities, last updated in October 2016. [HL1616]
Baroness Sugg: The updated List of Ministerial
Responsibilities will be published shortly. In the interim,
a summary of Ministers responsibilities can be found on
Gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/ministers.
Magistrates' Courts: Newcastle upon Tyne
Asked by Lord Beecham
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether
magistrates court proceedings will be heard in
Newcastle following the proposed relocation of family
proceedings to the Civic Centre; and if not heard in
Newcastle, where. [HL1527]
Lord Keen of Elie: HM Courts & Tribunals Service
intends that magistrates’ court hearings will continue to
be heard in Newcastle following the proposed relocation
of civil and family work to the Civic Centre.
Military Aid
Asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many (1)
officials, and (2) service personnel, are engaged in
advising foreign governments on their obligations under
international law on the conduct of military operations,
broken down by country. [HL1233]
Earl Howe: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) provides
training to foreign governments and their Armed Forces
on international law, including on topics such as
international humanitarian law, counter-piracy and
maritime law, and the military justice system. The number
of UK officials and Service personnel involved in
providing this training changes over the course of a year.
The majority of international law training is provided by
individuals and small teams deploying and visiting for
short periods of time.
This year the MOD has provided training to the Czech
Republic, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, and Uganda. We
also welcomed foreign students from Canada, Denmark,
the Republic of Ireland, Nigeria, Switzerland, Uganda,
and the USA on UK courses such as the Brigade Legal
Officers course. One British Army lawyer works in the
International Institute for Humanitarian Law at San
Remo, Italy.
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 47
Additionally training and advice on international
humanitarian law is incorporated into a range of military
training delivered by the UK Armed Forces to our
international partners. I refer the noble Lord to the answer
I gave on 1 December 2016 to Question HL3314 to Lord
Hodgson of Astley Abbotts, which details those countries
the UK trained during financial year 2016-17.
Finally, officials and Service personnel meet their
foreign counterparts at conferences, in multi-lateral
organisations including NATO, and at academic
institutions. The MOD does not centrally record these
meetings and a full response could only be provided at
disproportionate costs.
Asked by Lord Marlesford
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
completed a review into the allocation of costs of using
Ministry of Defence assets for emergency relief in cases
of (1) natural disasters, and (2) the rescue of migrants at
sea, to the budget of the Department for International
Development. [HL1619]
Earl Howe: The appropriate allocation of operational
costs is considered at the commencement of an operation
and, where appropriate, reviewed annually. For most
operations the Ministry of Defence (MOD) seeks funds
for costs that are over and above existing funding
arrangements. Where the Department for International
Development (DfID) has requested the use of MOD assets
to support humanitarian and disaster relief operations the
additional costs may be recovered from DfID. The
additional cost of the counter-people trafficking operation
in the Mediterranean is met from the HM Treasury
Special Reserve.
Money Laundering: Azerbaijan
Asked by Baroness Cox
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the
statement by the Prime Minister’s spokesman on 5
September that information relating to the Azerbaijani
Laundromat scheme received from the media would be
examined by the National Crime Agency (NCA),
whether they have asked (1) the NCA, or (2) a financial
regulator, to examine allegations relating to UK-
registered companies and partnerships. [HL1471]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: Investigations into
allegations of money laundering are conducted by law
enforcement agencies such as the National Crime Agency,
the Serious Fraud Office, and the police. Decision in
whether to investigate and how to do so is purely a matter
for law enforcement. The NCA, SFO, and the police of
are operationally independent of the Government.
Motor Vehicles
Asked by Lord Birt
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan
to ban the use of vehicles with petrol and diesel engines
from 2050. [HL1217]
Lord Callanan: Our aim is for almost every car and
van to be zero emission by 2050. We are investing
£1billion on supporting ultra-low emission vehicles to
mass market. This ambition is technology neutral but we
expect it to be industry led with the car industry rising to
meet changing consumer tastes.
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe
Asked by Baroness Northover
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the
Foreign Secretary intends to meet the Iranian Foreign
Minister or members of his team at the next UN
General Assembly; and if so, whether he will seek to
ensure that the British Ambassador to Iran can visit the
detained British-Iranian citizen Nazanin Zaghari-
Ratcliffe, particularly in the light of concerns about her
health. [HL1552]
Asked by Baroness Northover
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they
intend to make an appeal to Iran to release Nazanin
Zaghari-Ratcliffe, in the context of the theme of the
General Debate of the 72nd Session of the UN General
Assembly, Focusing on people: striving for peace and a
decent life for all on a sustainable planet. [HL1553]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Foreign Secretary
met the Iranian Foreign Minister on 18 September and
raised the cases of our British/Iranian dual-national
detainees, including Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe. I also raised
our dual national detainees with the Iranian Deputy
Foreign Minister, at the UN General Assembly in New
York.
Asked by Baroness Northover
To ask Her Majesty's Government how they are
taking forward the request from Nazanin Zaghari-
Ratcliffe's legal representative that an independent
medical commission should examine her for her fitness
to remain in prison; and whether they intend to seek
assurances that any such assessment will be objective.
[HL1554]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are not aware of any
request to assist on this matter from either the legal
representative or family of Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe, but we
will consider what assistance we may be able to offer
should a request be made.
Page 48 9 October 2017 Written Answers
NHS: Exchange Rates
Asked by Lord Watson of Richmond
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the additional costs to the NHS as a
consequence of the fall in the value of the pound since
the EU referendum. [HL1419]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: The Spending Review set
budgets for the National Health Service for the years up to
and including 2020-21. Costs in the NHS may be
impacted by a number of factors and these are regularly
discussed with HM Treasury.
Non-domestic Rates
Asked by Lord Mendelsohn
To ask Her Majesty's Government how much revenue
they expect to receive in the next financial year from
the tax on single business spaces covering multiple
floors, as set out by the Valuation Office Agency; and
what is their estimate of the average cost to each small
and medium-sized enterprise affected by that change.
[HL1544]
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: The recent change in
the Valuation Office Agency’s approach to assessing
single business spaces covering multiple floors follows a
Supreme Court judgement. The Government is
considering the implications of this judgement, and any
potential impact on small and medium-sized businesses.
Following Budget 2016, the Government announced a
wide-ranging package of measures to support rate payers,
that will be worth £9 billion over the next five years.
Non-domestic Rates: Valuation
Asked by Lord Mendelsohn
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many small
and medium sized businesses will be impacted by the
Valuation Office Agency's decision to class communal
spaces such as staircases, corridors and lifts as separate
premises for business rate purposes; and how many
such businesses will be billed retrospectively as a result
of this change. [HL1431]
Asked by Lord Mendelsohn
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the impact on small and medium
sized businesses of the Valuation Office Agency's
decision to class communal spaces such as staircases,
corridors and lifts as separate premises for the
calculation of business rates. [HL1432]
Lord Bates: In July 2015, the Supreme Court clarified
existing rating law relating to communal spaces such as
staircases, corridors and lifts. The Valuation Office
Agency (VOA) has a legal duty to adapt its practices to
reflect the judgment.
The VOA assesses the value of property and not the
businesses that occupy the property. As such, it does not
hold information on whether the occupant of a property is
a small or medium business.
Asked by Lord Mendelsohn
To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they
are planning to take to prevent or limit any negative
impact on small businesses from the Valuation Office
Agency's decisions (1) to class communal spaces such
as staircases, corridors and lifts as separate premises for
the calculation of business rates, and (2) to bill
businesses for this change retrospectively. [HL1433]
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: The recent change in
the Valuation Office Agency’s approach to assessing
units within multi-occupied buildings follows a Supreme
Court judgement. The Government is considering the
implications of this judgement, including for small
businesses. Following Budget 2016, the Government
announced a wide-ranging package of measures to
support rate payers, that will be worth £9 billion over the
next five years.
North Korea: Weapons
Asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
representations they have made to the government of
North Korea in relation to that country's programmes
for the development of missiles and nuclear weapons.
[HL1229]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: On 5 September the
Minister for Asia and the Pacific summoned the North
Korean ambassador to condemn North Korea's nuclear
test on 3 September. He emphasised that North Korea's
continued development of nuclear and ballistic missile
capabilities was reckless, posed a threat to international
peace and security, increased regional tension and
hindered the prospects for lasting peace on the Korean
Peninsula. Ministers and our Embassy in Pyongyang have
made the same points on many occasions to the North
Korean authorities.
Northern Cyprus: Airports
Asked by Lord Sharkey
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
held discussions with officials in Northern Cyprus
concerning security arrangements at Ercan International
Airport; if so, what were the (1) objectives, and (2)
outcomes, of those discussions; and if they have not
held such discussions, why not. [HL1627]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Government has not
discussed security arrangements at Ercan with officials in
the northern part of Cyprus. The Republic of Cyprus has
not designated Ercan as an airport under the 1944
Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. The
Court of Appeal has ruled that direct flights from Ercan to
the UK therefore cannot take place. Flights from Ercan to
the UK land first in Turkey where passengers, their
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 49
baggage, and any cargo are screened before the aircraft
continues on to the UK.
Offences against Children
Asked by Lord Ouseley
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of concerns expressed by the NSPCC
regarding the 60 per cent rise in reports of child neglect
over the past five years. [HL1308]
Lord Nash: The Department’s children in need annual
census demonstrates an increase between 2011-12 and
2015-16 of 27% in the number of Child Protection Plans
at 31 March with the initial category of neglect as the
form of abuse (from 18,220 to 23,150). Over the same
period there was an increase of
19 per cent in the number of children in need at 31
March with the primary need of ‘abuse or neglect’ (from
168,270 to 199,720), although this cannot be
disaggregated to identify neglect needs only. These
figures are in the context of general increases of 17 per
cent with regard to Child Protection Plans at 31 March
and 7 per cent with regard to children in need at 31
March.
We recognise the great importance of identifying
hidden abuse, including in the form of neglect, and
continue to fund the NSPCC to deliver the Childline
service, with £8 million invested to 2020. We have also
delivered a major communications campaign, Together,
we can tackle child abuse, to raise awareness and
encourage the members of the public to raise concerns.
Through our wide-ranging reforms to children’s social
care, we are working to ensure all forms of abuse,
including neglect, are identified early, with timely and
proportionate assessments of individual needs, and the
right services provided at the right time to keep children
safe.
Asked by Baroness Walmsley
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they plan to
publish their response to the Home Office public
consultation, Reporting and Acting on Child Abuse and
Neglect. [HL1418]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: The previous
Government launched a consultation on reporting and
acting on child abuse and neglect. This sought views on
the introduction of possible new measures including a
mandatory reporting duty or a duty to act. The
Government has reviewed the consultation responses and
will publish its response in due course.
Offenders: Deportation
Asked by Lord Marlesford
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many
individuals who were serving custodial sentences and
were recommended for deportation on release, have
been deported in each of the last five years. [HL1453]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Home Office
routinely publishes figures on the total number of foreign
national offenders that have been removed. The figures
can be found at ‘Returns data tables – immigration
statistics April to June 2017 volume 5 – rt_06_q’ when
accessing the following link:
www.gov.uk/government/statistics/immigration-
statistics-april-to-june-2017-data-tables
Figures in include enforced removals and voluntary
returns.A foreign national offender (FNO) is someone
who:(a) is not a British citizen; and (b) is/was convicted
in the UK or abroad of any criminal offence. Following
the introduction of Association of Chief Police Officers
Criminal Records Office (ACRO) cases, the FNO returns
figure has included cases where foreign nationals who had
a criminal conviction in another country, were picked up
by police in the UK, and subsequently returned from the
UK. In addition, these people could also have a UK
conviction. This case type is now sufficiently well
established to warrant separate identification in the
statistical series. These figures are a count of an
administrative process and, as such, are provisional and
will be revised in line with the existing series. Those with
an overseas criminal record may also have a UK criminal
record.
The Answer includes the following attached material:
Returns Data Table - Apr-June 2017 - vol 5 rt 06_q [Returns 5 -
apr-jun 2017 tables - rt_06q.xlsx]
The material can be viewed online at:
http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-
answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-09-07/HL1453
Asked by Lord Marlesford
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many
individuals who have completed custodial sentences
and have been recommended for deportation, are
currently awaiting deportation. [HL1454]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Home Office
routinely publishes figures on the total number of foreign
national offenders that are currently time served and are
awaiting removal action. The figures can be found on the
following link:
The Answer includes the following attached material:
IE Transparency Data - Q1 2017 [Copy of IE - Transparency Data
- Q1 2017 v2.xlsx]
The material can be viewed online at:
http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-
answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-09-07/HL1454
Olympic Games: South Korea
Asked by Lord Moynihan
To ask Her Majesty's Government what contingency
plans are in place for UK competitors and supporters
travelling to the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in
Pyeongchang, South Korea, in the light of the threat of
Page 50 9 October 2017 Written Answers
instability in that region; and what advice they have
issued. [HL1479]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Both the UK
Government and the Pyeongchang Organising Committee
for the Olympic Games in South Korea have contingency
plans for the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as we
do for all major sporting events. As we prepare for the
Games, we are in close touch with the British Olympic
and Paralympic Associations. The Government keeps all
travel advice under constant review, including for the
Republic of Korea.
Oral Tobacco
Asked by Viscount Ridley
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they
have to publish (1) the assessments, and (2) the
correspondence, held by Public Health England
regarding the toxicology of the smoking substitute snus,
including any communication with government
scientists. [HL1503]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: There are no current plans to
publish any assessments or correspondence on the
toxicology of snus.
Out-of-school Education
Asked by Lord Warner
To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they
have made of the number of children being taught at
unregistered schools; and what information and
directions they have given to (1) local authorities, and
(2) Ofsted, on this issue. [HL1354]
Asked by Lord Warner
To ask Her Majesty's Government how
many unregistered schools have been closed in each of
the last three years for which records are available.
[HL1355]
Asked by Lord Warner
To ask Her Majesty's Government what powers, (1)
Ofsted, (2) local authorities, and (3) the Secretary of
State, have to close unregistered schools; what
representations they have received about the adequacy
of such powers; and whether they have any plans to
strengthen those powers. [HL1356]
Asked by Lord Warner
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they
regard children attending unregistered schools to be
children at risk and therefore subject to assessment
under local authority child protection procedures.
[HL1357]
Lord Nash: National statistics on the number of
children being taught at unregistered schools are not held
centrally. However, we are working closely with Ofsted
and local authorities to tackle this sector.
We have provided Ofsted with additional resources to
root out and inspect those suspected of operating
unlawfully and take action to bring them into compliance
with the law. We have also been supporting local
authorities to use their existing powers under
safeguarding or health and safety legislation to disrupt
and tackle both unsuitable out-of-school settings and
unregistered independent schools.
Although we don’t track closures of unregistered
schools, Ofsted’s Annual Report 2015/16: education,
early years and skills, published on 1 December 2016,
noted that from January 2016 to end August 2016 (the end
of the period covered by the report), Ofsted inspected 38
such settings; Ofsted issued 19 warning notices telling
proprietors to cease operating illegally; and 15 of those
providers ceased to operate illegally following those
inspections. Ofsted will publish its next annual report
later this year.
The annual report can be accessed on gov.uk at
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/
attachment_data/file/574186/Ofsted_annual_report_educa
tion_and_skills_201516_web-ready.pdf.
It is a criminal offence for any person to operate an
unregistered independent school and Ofsted has powers to
inspect such settings. Anyone who is found to be
conducting an independent school without registration is
breaking the law and may be liable to prosecution.
However, in most cases, collaborative working between
Ofsted and local authorities has resulted in such settings
voluntarily ceasing to operate unlawfully, which is
verified by the figures highlighted in the Ofsted report
referred to above.
As part of our ongoing work with Ofsted and local
authorities we have been raising awareness on how we
can all work together to help ensure that children are safe
and are receiving a suitable education. We keep this under
constant review.
The legislative framework for the child protection
system in England is provided largely by the Children Act
1989 and the Children Act 2004. This sets out the
overarching responsibility of local authorities for
safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in
their area, regardless of where they are educated. It is for
local authorities to assess whether the threshold for
intervention is met in the case of an individual child
taking account of the impact and influence of
environmental factors, such as attending an unregistered
school. However, wherever local authorities have
reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering, or
likely to suffer, significant harm, they are under a duty to
investigate. Local authorities should make whatever
enquiries necessary to decide what, if any, action to take
to safeguard or promote the child’s welfare.
The Answer includes the following attached material:
Ofsted annual report education and skills 2015-16
[Ofsted_annual_report_education_and_skills_201516.pdf]
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 51
The material can be viewed online at:
http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-09-05/HL1354
Asked by Lord Storey
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they will
respond to the consultation on out-of-school education
settings which closed in January 2016; and whether
they propose to introduce provisions that would require
such settings to (1) register, and (2) be subject to risk-
based inspections. [HL1443]
Asked by Lord Storey
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the impact that requiring out-of-
school settings to (1) register, and (2) be subject to risk-
based inspections, would have on addressing the
existence of illegal unregistered schools. [HL1444]
Lord Nash: The Government published a Counter
Extremism Strategy in 2015, which set out plans to
introduce a new system of oversight for out-of-school
education settings – such as supplementary schools,
tuition centres and madrassahs. To learn more about these
settings, and the potential scope and impact of any
regulatory system, the department issued a call for
evidence. We will make an announcement about the
outcome in due course.
Overseas Aid
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government what was DFID's
(1) core, and (2) non-core, expenditure in (a) 2015–16,
and (b) 2016–17, to (i) UNFPA, (ii) UNAIDS, (iii) UN
Women, (iv) the WHO, (v) The Global Fund, (vi) the
IPPF, and (vii) Women and Children First (UK).
[HL1507]
Lord Bates: The table below shows DFID’s spend to
the organisations in the UK’s financial years 2015/16 and
2016/17. These figures are provisional until the
Government’s ‘Statistics on International Development’
are published later in 2017 (for 2016 spend) and in 2018
(for 2017 spend).
£ millions 2015/16 2016/17
Core Non-core Core Non-core
United Nations
Population Fund
(UNFPA)
20.1 89.1 20 87.8
Joint United Nations
Programme on
HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)
15 0 15 0
UN Women 12.5 2.7 12.5 6.8
World Health
Organisation (WHO)
14.5 250.1* 14.5 *
£ millions 2015/16 2016/17
Core Non-core Core Non-core
The Global Fund 100 0 152.9 0
International Planned Parenthood
Federation (IPPF)
8.6 0 6.5 0
Women and Children First (UK)
0 0.09 0 0.04
Total 170.7 341.9 68.5 247.5
*The World Health Organisation operates a biennial budget cycle; as such the non-core funding for 2015/16 financial year also covers
2016/17 financial year.
Overseas Companies: Race Relations
Asked by Baroness Primarolo
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are
planning to amend the Race Relations Act 1965 and
subsequent related legislation to clarify the extent to
which that legislation applies to the activities outside
the UK of UK-based (1) companies, and (2) directors.
[HL1398]
Lord Nash: The employment provisions of the
Equality Act 2010 (“the Act”), which supersedes previous
equalities legislation, only apply to employer activities in
Great Britain. Some activities outside Great Britain may
also be in scope of the Act, if the employment
relationship is found to have a strong connection with
Great Britain. The Government has no plans to amend the
Act in this respect.
Pakistan: Marriage
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
encouraged the government of Pakistan to enact laws
recognising the legality of Christian marriages.
[HL1573]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Ministry of Human
Rights in Pakistan is currently reviewing the Christian
Marriage Act 1872 and Christian Divorce Act 1862. We
have discussed the review with the then Minister for
Human Rights, Kamran Michael, and regularly raise
minority and women's rights with the Government of
Pakistan.
Pakistan: Minority Groups
Asked by Lord Hylton
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
representations they have made to the government of
Pakistan about the Supreme Court Order of 2014
requiring the establishment of a task force and a
national council of minority rights; and what
explanation they have received, if any, regarding the
lack of progress and their disestablishment. [HL1515]
Page 52 9 October 2017 Written Answers
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We regularly raise our
concerns about the protection of minority communities
with the Government of Pakistan at a senior level. The
Foreign Secretary discussed the importance we attach to
safeguarding the rights of all Pakistan's citizens during his
visit to Pakistan in November 2016.
The former Minister for Asia and the Pacific, my hon.
Friend the Member for Reading West (Mr Sharma), raised
the protection of minorities with Kamran Michael, former
Minister for Human Rights, and Barrister Zafarullah
Khan, former Prime Minister's Special Assistant for
Human Rights, during a visit to Pakistan in January 2017.
While we have not raised the 2014 Supreme Court
judgement specifically, we have encouraged the
implementation of the National Action Plan on Human
Rights, which includes the establishment of an
independent National Commission for Minorities. We
continue to press Pakistan to take the steps necessary to
ensure it complies in full with its human rights obligations
and that the rights of all its citizens, including minorities,
are respected.
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government what information
they have about proposals in Pakistan to establish (1) a
National Council for Minorities’ Rights, and (2) a
dedicated police unit to protect religious minorities; and
whether they have encouraged such developments.
[HL1572]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Action Plan for
Human Rights, published by the Pakistan Ministry of
Human Rights in 2016, contains proposals for a range of
measures to improve human rights in Pakistan, including
a National Commission for Minorities and security
arrangements for protection of places of worship of
minorities. We have encouraged implementation of the
Action Plan.
Pakistan: Overseas Aid
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government how much
overseas aid they have given to Pakistan in each of
the past five years; and of that, how much has
specifically been committed to the promotion of (1) the
protection of minorities, and (2) freedom of religion or
belief. [HL1574]
Lord Bates: The DFID Annual Report includes the
following figures for aid spend in Pakistan for the last five
years;
2012-13 £203.1 Million
2013-14 £253 M
2014-15 £249 M
2015-16 £336.2 M
2016-17 £422.1M
£39.5 million has been committed to the Voice and
Accountability programme (AAWAZ) which aims to
ensure that democratic processes are more open, inclusive
and accountable to citizens in Pakistan. It focuses on three
areas:
1- Women’s and minority rights, their political
participation and decision making;
2- Tolerance and prevention of violence (inter-faith,
sectarian and gender-based)
3- Increasing the accountability and responsiveness of
the state to citizens’ demands for improved service
delivery (particularly on health and education).
Pakistan: Religious Freedom
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they last
raised with the government of Pakistan (1) the anti-
Ahmadiyya laws set out in Penal Code Article 298,
and (2) that government's obligations to protect
freedom of religion or belief; and whether they intend
to encourage the government of Pakistan to invite the
United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of
Religion or Belief to make a country visit to Pakistan.
[HL1569]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK Government
remains firmly committed to the promotion and protection
of Freedom of Religion or Belief. We regularly raise
concerns about the protection and persecution of minority
communities, including Ahmadiyya Muslims, the
blasphemy laws and the protection of freedom of religion
or belief to the Government of Pakistan at a senior level.
The Foreign Secretary raised the importance we attach to
religious tolerance and safeguarding the rights of all
Pakistan's citizens during his visit to Pakistan in
November 2016. The former Minister for Asia and the
Pacific, my hon. Friend the Member for Reading West
(Mr Sharma), discussed the protection of religious
minorities with Kamran Michael, former Minister for
Human Rights, and Barrister Zafarullah Khan, Prime
Minister's Special Assistant for Human Rights, during a
visit to Pakistan in January 2017.
We continue to urge Pakistan to take the steps
necessary to comply in full with its human rights
obligations, including engaging with the UN and other
international bodies, and to ensure that the rights of
minorities are respected.
Pakistan: Schools
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the
meeting of Lord Alton of Liverpool and Baroness
Nicholson of Winterbourne with the Minister of State at
the Department for International Development, Rory
Stewart MP, about the role of school textbooks and the
school curriculum in Pakistan in describing non-
Muslims, what progress has been made in promoting
inclusive educational approaches in that country.
[HL1571]
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 53
Lord Bates: DFID’s education programmes in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces continue to support
provincial governments in the ongoing process to update
and revise textbooks. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab
lower secondary textbooks are now the focus. Through
the Ilm Two programme DFID is directly supporting the
production of additional reading materials that
specifically focus on religious tolerance and inclusion.
DFID is also engaged with Federal Government
consultations on a new draft National Curriculum which
is in its early stages. The Federal Government has also
agreed minimum standards for educational quality which
were adopted by provinces this year. These standards set
the quality criteria for learners, curriculum, textbooks ,
teachers and assessment and form the basis for the current
textbook reform.
Palace of Westminster: Official Cars
Asked by Lord Marlesford
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
any plans to instruct drivers of ministerial cars not to
keep their engines running when parked in Speaker's
Court. [HL1617]
Lord Callanan: Government Car Service drivers are
given a clear instruction not to keep engines running
whilst parked and regular reminders are sent out on this
subject.
Palestinians: Freedom of Expression
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
representations they have made to the Palestinian
Authority following reports of restrictions being
imposed on free speech and the arrest of activists who
have criticised Palestinian Authority leaders. [HL1567]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Government stands
up for and strongly supports the right of freedom of
expression. We have concerns about the contraction of
space for free speech in the Occupied Palestinian
Territories. Our Consul-General to Jerusalem raised our
concerns over the arrest and detention of human rights
activists and advocates of free speech with the Palestinian
Authority on 10 September.
Parents: Low Incomes
Asked by Baroness Eaton
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they hold
data on the family circumstances of babies born to low
income families in the UK; if so, which department
holds those data; and how many babies were born to
low income families that had (1) parents in a couple
relationship, and (2) a single parent, in the last five
years for which figures are available. [HL1592]
Baroness Buscombe: Information on the number of
children born into families in low income is not available
for any period.
This is because the main sources of income data only
capture a household's situation once a year. Therefore we
do not record the income of the family on the day the
child is born. The sample size for households with very
young children will be small and it may also be the case
that the response rate from families with very young
children will be lower than usual and therefore may not be
representative.
Parks
Asked by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch
To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they
have made of the total acreage of public parks in the
UK for each year since 2010. [HL1279]
Asked by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many public
parks there were in the UK in each year since 2010.
[HL1280]
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: The Government does
not collect data on number of parks or their acreages but
fully recognises the value of publicly accessible green
spaces which allow communities to come together and
contribute to their health and well being. The
Communities and Local Government Select Committee
published its report on Public Parks in January 2017
which looked at both the value and future sustainability of
parks as well as some of the challenges the sector faces.
We will shortly be publishing our response to the
Committee’s recommendations. We will work closely
with the parks sector and other Government Departments
who have the expertise and knowledge of what works
well to ensure that parks continue to play a vital role in
communities.
Pedicabs: Greater London
Asked by Baroness Stowell of Beeston
To ask Her Majesty's Government what powers
currently exist to prevent the operators of rickshaws and
pedicabs playing loud music on London's highways.
[HL1407]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Anti-social
Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 introduced a
range of flexible powers to make it quicker and easier for
police forces, local authorities and other partners to
protect victims and communities from anti-social and
nuisance behaviour. This includes Community Protection
Notices, Public Spaces Protection Order and Dispersal
Powers.
It is also an offence under section 97 of the Road
Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 for a
person to use a motor vehicle on the road in such a
Page 54 9 October 2017 Written Answers
manner as to cause any excessive noise. The police have
the power to restrict noise from moving vehicles.
The police also have the power under section 59 of the
Police Reform Act 2002 to seize vehicles. This can be as
a result of driving a vehicle in a careless and inconsiderate
manner or driving a vehicle other than on a road, contrary
to the Road Traffic Act 1988, or using a vehicle in a
manner causing, or likely to cause, alarm, distress or
annoyance to members of the public.
The Home Office has not issued any guidance on the
use of these powers. How these powers are used is an
operational matter for the police.
Personation
Asked by Lord Ouseley
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
have they made of the implications for crime and
security in the UK of reports that there are 500
occurrences of identity theft each day and what action,
if any, they plan to take to reduce identity theft.
[HL1311]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government is
concerned about the harms caused by identity crime and
the 2016 National Strategic Assessment of Serious and
Organised Crime sets out our assessment of the threats
associated with identity crime.
Government are taking a number of steps to counter the
increase in illegal activity around identity fraud including:
Action Fraud was established in 2014 and is the UK’s
national fraud and cyber-crime reporting centre. All
frauds including identity thefts should be reported to
them. The City of London Police is the national policing
lead for fraud and works with Action Fraud using the
National Fraud Intelligence Bureau to combat identity
thefts.
The Government is also concerned about the harms
caused by identity crime and Action Fraud provides
advice to individuals and businesses as well as support to
victims.
Gov.uk Verify is a simple and secure way of verifying
identity when accessing some government services
online, reducing the risk of fraud no matter which service
is being accessed. HMG plans to extend the Verify
platform so that people have one single, common and safe
way of verifying themselves to all parts of government by
2020. Government also plans to make this platform more
widely available, so that people can safely verify their
identity to access non-government services such as
banking.
Plants: Diseases
Asked by Lord Blencathra
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the
bacteria Xylella fastidiosa is capable of infecting tree
and plant species in the UK; and if so, whether they are
taking steps to ban the importation of any goods,
produce, plants or other species that could bring the
disease into the UK. [HL1220]
Asked by Lord Blencathra
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the effectiveness of the EU Food
Safety Agency's plans to stop the spread of Xylella
fastidiosa in Europe. [HL1221]
Lord Gardiner of Kimble: Certain subspecies of
Xylella fastidiosa could be damaging to tree and plant
species in the UK. We are pressing, at an EU level, for
protections to be strengthened and will continue to keep
this issue under review nationally. This includes taking
account of the most up to date scientific information,
including that published by the European Food Safety
Authority, which has helped to inform the development of
measures to protect against the disease and actions in
response to findings within the EU.
On the basis of the current evidence, Defra’s Secretary
of State has written to the European Commissioner for
Health and Food Safety Vytensis Andriukaitis to raise
concerns about EU protections against the disease and
urge stronger action. The letter also highlights that
national measures could be introduced in the event that
the appropriate level of protection is not forthcoming
through the EU review. The Chief Plant Health Officer
has written to businesses growing and trading host plants
to encourage good biosecurity and careful sourcing of
plants. Copies of these letters will be placed in the library.
The Answer includes the following attached material:
'Act now to keep the UK Xylella free' letter ['Act now to keep the
UK Xylella free' letter.pdf]
Letter to Commissioner Andriukaitis [letter to Commissioner
Andriukaitis.pdf]
The material can be viewed online at:
http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-
answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-09-05/HL1220
Plastics: Recycling
Asked by Lord Blencathra
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
any plans to consult on a proposal to phase out the use
of black plastic containers, in the light of the inability of
some automatic recycling sorting machines to recognise
black plastic. [HL1368]
Asked by Lord Blencathra
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
any plans to introduce legislation to require councils to
accept polystyrene for recycling; and if not, whether
they intend to ban the use of polystyrene as a packaging
material once the UK has left the EU. [HL1369]
Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The recycling of packaging
has risen from around 46% to 60% over the last decade
and our packaging regulations and policies incentivise
businesses to use less packaging and to ensure that their
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 55
packaging can be recycled at end of life. There are no
plans to ban any specific packaging materials at this time.
Almost all packaging is technically recyclable,
including black plastic and expanded polystyrene. Some
local authorities and waste management companies
choose not to collect this type of packaging for recycling
for various reasons, including cost of investing in new
machinery which can sort this packaging.
WRAP has published a report on the technical solutions
to improve the separation of black plastic in the sorting
process and is working with a working group of industry
and local authorities to put in place arrangements to
expand the collection and recycling of black plastic from
households.
Commercially, polystyrene is collected for recycling
and producers are supporting work to increase recycling
of this material. It is not commonly collected at the
kerbside for recycling due to its bulk and low value as a
secondary material.
Police and Prison Officers: Pay
Asked by Lord Hoyle
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether pay
increases during this financial year for police and prison
officers will be paid for from existing budgets.
[HL1578]
Lord Bates: As the Chief Secretary to the Treasury set
out in the Written Ministerial Statement laid on 12 th
September, pay awards for 2017/18 for police and prison
officers will be funded within existing budgets.
Police: Biometrics
Asked by Lord Scriven
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many facial
images are held on the Police National Database.
[HL1441]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: In July 2016 there
were 19 million facial images on the Police National
Database (PND), The information requested can be found
in the "Biometrics Commissioner Annual Report 2017
(attached) which is published on the gov.uk website:
www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attach
ment_data/file/644426/CCS207_Biometrics_Commission
er_ARA-print.pdf
The Answer includes the following attached material:
Biometrics Commissioner Annual Report 2017
[CCS207_Biometrics_Commissioner_ARA-print.pdf]
The material can be viewed online at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-
answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-09-07/HL1441
Asked by Lord Scriven
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many
individuals have asked to have their facial images
removed from police databases in the years (1) 2014,
(2) 2015, (3) 2016, and (4) 2017 to date; and of those
who have asked, what percentage have had their images
removed. [HL1442]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: The information
requested is not centrally collected.
Prisoners: Foreign Nationals
Asked by Lord Marlesford
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many
prisoners there are; and what is the breakdown by
nationality of those who are not UK citizens. [HL1451]
Asked by Lord Marlesford
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many non-
UK citizens have been given custodial sentences in
each of the last five years; and how many in each year
have been recommended for deportation on release
from prison. [HL1452]
Lord Keen of Elie: As of 30 June 2017, there were
85,863 prisoners in Ministry of Justice run prisons and
Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs) in England and
Wales. 9,756 were foreign national prisoners, with 6,792
of these serving a custodial sentence. A breakdown of
nationalities and sentenced foreign prisoners held as of 30
June, for the last five years can be found in the
government published statistics which have been given in
the attached annexes.
All Foreign National Offenders (FNOs) sentenced to
custody are referred to the Home Office at the earliest
opportunity to be considered for deportation. This
Government is absolutely committed to removing FNOs,
and during the financial year 2016 / 2017, a record
number of 6,343 FNOs were removed from prisons, IRCS
and the community.
The Answer includes the following attached material:
Prison Population 2017 by nationality [Annex - prison population
2017 by nationality.xlsx]
Prison Population nationality by group custody [Annex - prison
population nationality group by custody.xlsx]
The material can be viewed online at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-
answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-09-07/HL1451
Prisoners on Remand: Acquittals
Asked by Lord Beecham
To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they
have made of the number of remand prisoners acquitted
of the offences for which they were remanded in the
year 2016-17. [HL1214]
Lord Keen of Elie: The latest currently available data
on court remand covers the 2016 calendar year. Of the
345,897 defendants who were prosecuted and
Page 56 9 October 2017 Written Answers
subsequently not convicted at magistrates’ courts,
approximately 9% (32,238) had been remanded in
custody at some point during those proceedings.
Of the 37,606 defendants who were subsequently not
convicted at the Crown Court, approximately 17% (6,524)
had been remanded in custody at some point during those
proceedings.
Those defendants included as not convicted include
those who were not proceeded against at magistrates’
courts and those who were not tried at the Crown Court
due to the proceedings terminating early, for example due
to the defendant dying before the court appearance date.
Asked by Lord Beecham
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan
to change the policy of making no discharge grant or
compensation to remand prisoners acquitted of the
offences for which they were remanded. [HL1215]
Lord Keen of Elie: The decision to remand a defendant
in custody is taken by the court under the Bail Act 1976
and is a separate decision to a finding of guilt or
innocence. Where the lawful decision to remand a
defendant is made and a person subsequently acquitted
there is no provision or reason to award compensation.
Remand prisoners discharged at court or from prison
after a period of custody on remand are not eligible for a
Discharge Grant. Current policy is set out in Prison
Service Instruction 72/2011. There are no immediate
plans to review the arrangements for remand prisoners in
respect of eligibility for payment of a Discharge Grant
when acquitted of the offences for which they were
remanded.
Prisoners' Release: Northern Ireland
Asked by Lord Trimble
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many
prisoners have been released under the Northern Ireland
(Sentences) Act 1998; and of that number, how many
prisoners were designated as (1) loyalist, and (2)
republican. [HL1347]
Asked by Lord Trimble
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many
republican prisoners sentenced for a scheduled offence
have been refused release under the Northern Ireland
(Sentences) Act 1998 and have not yet been released.
[HL1348]
Asked by Lord Trimble
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many loyalist
prisoners sentenced for a scheduled offence have been
refused release under the Northern Ireland (Sentences)
Act 1998 and have not yet been released. [HL1349]
Asked by Lord Trimble
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many
republican prisoners, released under the Northern
Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998, have been recalled; and
of those, how many were subsequently released under
that Act. [HL1350]
Asked by Lord Trimble
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many loyalist
prisoners, released under the Northern Ireland
(Sentences) Act 1998, have been recalled; and of those,
how many were subsequently released under that Act.
[HL1351]
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: Northern Ireland Office
officials are currently undertaking a consolidation
exercise, in conjunction with the Sentence Review
Commissioners to confirm the answers to your questions.
I will write to the Noble Lord once this exercise has been
completed.
Prisons: Sanitation
Asked by Lord Beecham
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many prison
places there are without in-cell sanitation or access to
toilet facilities. [HL1216]
Lord Keen of Elie: All prison accommodation has
access to either in-cell sanitation (a toilet and wash basin
installed in the cell) or toilet facilities accessed through
the following means:
• Open Access – some prisoners, including those
housed in open conditions, are not locked in their cells
and therefore are able to use central facilities at all
times;
• Electric Unlocking - cell doors are opened
electronically to release prisoners one at a time. When
out of their cell, prisoners have access to a restricted
area that includes the toilet facility; or
• Manual Unlocking – staff are deployed to unlock
prisoners to use toilet facilities. This is only used as a
contingency measure.
Private Rented Housing: Electrical Safety
Asked by Lord Tope
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they intend
to make an announcement on mandatory electrical
safety checks in the private rented sector. [HL1415]
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: All homes should be
decent and safe. Following Royal Assent of the Housing
and Planning Act 2016, a Working Group of relevant
experts was established to provide recommendations to
ministers on what, if any, legislative requirements for
electrical safety in the private rented sector should be
introduced. The Working Group has concluded and their
report and recommendations are currently being
considered.
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 57
Public Expenditure: Northern Ireland
Asked by Lord Kilclooney
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether release of
the £1 billion allocated in connection with their
confidence and supply agreement with the DUP is
dependent upon the restoration of the executive at
Stormont. [HL1477]
Lord Bates: We want to see the financial support for
Northern Ireland decided upon and spent by a devolved
government to benefit the whole community. It will be for
the restored Northern Ireland Executive to determine how
the additional funding is spent.
Asked by Lord Empey
To ask Her Majesty's Government how much of the
£1 billion additional funding for Northern Ireland
agreed in June has been allocated to date. [HL1531]
Asked by Lord Empey
To ask Her Majesty's Government what requests they
have received from departments of the Northern Ireland
Executive for the £1 billion additional funding for
Northern Ireland agreed in June; from which
departments; and how much was requested. [HL1532]
Asked by Lord Empey
To ask Her Majesty's Government which stakeholders
they have consulted about the allocation of the £1
billion additional funding for Northern Ireland agreed in
June. [HL1533]
Lord Bates: We want to see the financial support for
Northern Ireland decided upon and spent by a devolved
government to benefit the whole community. No funding
has been allocated to date.
The UK Government receives regular representations
from departments of the Northern Ireland Executive on a
range of matters of importance to Northern Ireland and
the UK.
Public Transport: Accidents
Asked by Baroness Randerson
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they
have to establish an impartial body to investigate
serious incidents involving public transport on the
roads, similar to the services provided in relation to rail
by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and the
Office of Road and Rail. [HL1560]
Lord Callanan: There are no current plans to establish
a new body to investigate serious incidents involving
public transport on the roads as there are well-established
collision investigation units within the police service and
effective ways in place to report the conclusions and
outcomes.
The department currently supports the police STATS-
19 collision reporting system and directly funds a
programme of detailed investigation under the Road
Accident in-depth Study in conjunction with police
forces, coroners and several hospitals.
Radicalism
Asked by Lord Hylton
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
Written Statement by Baroness Williams of Trafford on
12 July (HLWS40), what definition of political and
social extremism they used in the Home Office Review;
and whether that definition included religious
conservatism. [HL1537]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: The review into the
funding of Islamist extremist activity in the UK used the
Government’s definition of extremism, set out in the
Counter-Extremism Strategy published in October 2015.
Extremism is the vocal or active opposition to our
fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law,
individual liberty and the mutual respect and tolerance of
different faiths and beliefs. We also regard calls for the
death of members of our armed forces as extremist.
Railways: Electrification
Asked by Lord Bradshaw
To ask Her Majesty's Government (1) what has been
the cost, and (2) what is the predicted cost, of extending
the electrification clearance through train stations from
2.75 metres to 3.5 metres; and whether they intend
to make representations to the Office of Road and
Rail with regards to the new requirements for increased
clearance at train stations. [HL1227]
Lord Callanan: The Rail Safety and Standards Board
(RSSB) determine appropriate national technical
standards for electrical clearances in consultation with
Network Rail. The appropriate clearance distances are
subject to adequate risk assessments and it is a matter for
Network Rail to determine how best to protect the public.
The Department for Transport does not intend to make
representations to the Office of Road and Rail about these
standards.
In regard to costs, this information is held by Network
Rail.
Railways: Plumpton
Asked by Baroness Randerson
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are
aware of planned cuts to Southern Rail services to
Plumpton station at peak times; and whether they have
made an assessment of the impact of those cuts on
commuters. [HL1450]
Lord Callanan: Govia Thameslink Railway’s (GTR)
recent consultation on the 2018 timetable included a
specific question on stopping patterns at Plumpton and
Cooksbridge stations. GTR indicated that there was
limited support for changes to current timetable.
Page 58 9 October 2017 Written Answers
Therefore there are no plans to cut to peak time stops at
Plumpton.
Refugees: Libya
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government how they intend to
respond to the letter from Joanne Liu, International
President of Médecins Sans Frontières, that was sent to
the Prime Minister on 6 September concerning the
conditions faced by people detained in Libya. [HL1508]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are aware of
Medecins Sans Frontieres’ open letter to the Prime
Minister and share their concerns about the standards of
treatment those in detention face. This is why we are
providing assistance to improve conditions in detention
facilities as well as encouraging Assisted Voluntary
Returns, and will continue to do so. This activity is
specifically designed to protect migrants' human rights
and improve conditions. It is underpinned by the 'do no
harm' principle and we have checks in place to make sure
that is the case. The key is to break the business model of
smugglers and to prioritise interventions upstream in
countries of origin and transit to reduce the need of
migrants to leave their home country or move on from a
safe third country in their region.
Refugees: Sri Lanka
Asked by Lord Patten
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of Sri
Lanka's new Counter Terrorism Act, what assessment
they have made of risks to Tamil returnees to Sri Lanka
who have been refugees in the UK. [HL1313]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: To clarify, the UK
does not return refugees to a country where they have a
well-founded fear of persecution.
Given that Sri Lanka’s new Counter Terrorism
proposals have yet to be passed into law, it is too early to
evaluate how it will be used in practice or what, if
anything, this means for Tamil returnees.
However, counter-terrorism legislation is not new to Sri
Lanka. The Home Office and the courts have both
considered this issue previously and concluded that the
existence and use of such legislation does not create a risk
to Tamil returnees in and of itself.
We continue to monitor the situation, and will consider
how this law is used. Cases continue to be considered on
their individual facts and merits. The Home Office’s
guidance on this is available on the Gov.Uk website.
Religious Buildings: Repairs and
Maintenance
Asked by Lord Beith
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the impact of (1) the Heritage
Lottery Fund's Grants for Places of Worship scheme,
and (2) the future need to support religious buildings of
historic or architectural significance. [HL1587]
Lord Ashton of Hyde: The Heritage Lottery Fund
operates at arm’s length from Government and any
assessment of what their Grants for Places of Worship
programme has achieved is for them to make.
The English Churches and Cathedrals Sustainability
Review was announced in 2016 and tasked with
delivering a report and recommendations to the
Chancellor and Secretary of State for Digital, Culture,
Media and Sport. This Review has yet to report, however
its findings will help to inform any future assessment by
Government of the need to support religious buildings of
historic or architectural significance.
Roads: Accidents
Asked by Baroness Randerson
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their policy
on the recording of road traffic accidents as serious
rather than fatal when death occurs at a later stage.
[HL1400]
Lord Callanan: The Department for Transport’s
STATS19 data collection system for road casualty
statistics follows a common internationally agreed
definition on fatalities. For statistical purposes, the
definition of a fatal road casualty is restricted to casualties
who sustain injuries leading to death less than 30 days
after the accident. This is the common international
definition, adopted by the Vienna Convention in 1968 to
allow for satisfactory international comparisons of road
accident statistics.
Robert Litt
Asked by Lord Laird
To ask Her Majesty's Government on which
occasions Robert Litt, then General Counsel to the US
Office of the Director of National Intelligence, visited
the UK for the purpose of meeting ministers or civil
servants after June 2014; what business he conducted
on those occasions; and with which UK officials.
[HL1610]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The former General
Counsel to the US Office of the Director of National
Intelligence, Robert Litt, visited the UK in November
2014 to meet the FCO's Legal Adviser, and in December
2016 to meet officials from the Cabinet Office, including
a Deputy Director of the National Security Secretariat.
Asked by Lord Laird
To ask Her Majesty's Government what information,
if any, they have received from HM Embassy in Dublin
concerning visits to the Irish Republic since June 2014
of Robert Litt, then General Counsel to the US Office
of the Director of National Intelligence. [HL1611]
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 59
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We hold no such
information.
Asked by Lord Laird
To ask Her Majesty's Government what information,
if any, they have received from the UK Permanent
Representative to the EU concerning visits to Brussels
since June 2014 of Robert Litt, then General Counsel to
the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence,
with particular regard to visits made in September and
October 2015. [HL1612]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We hold no such
information.
Roundabouts: Traffic Lights
Asked by Lord Mawson
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
assessment they have made of the effectiveness of
traffic lights on roundabouts reducing congestion across
England. [HL1478]
Lord Callanan: Provision of traffic lights is the
responsibility of each local traffic authority. It is for them
to decide if lights are required at roundabout junctions on
their network, taking into account local circumstances
such as accident records, traffic flows and road layout.
The Department for Transport recommends local
authorities regularly review sites to revise timings as
needed and to ensure the use of signal control is still
appropriate.
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Asked by Lord Blencathra
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions
they have had, or intend to have, with Kew Gardens
concerning making available from their plant library
those species which have suffered serious loss or
destruction in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the British
Virgin Islands, and Anguilla. [HL1589]
Lord Gardiner of Kimble: Following the devastating
impact of this year’s hurricane season on our Caribbean
Overseas Territories, addressing the affected Territories’
immediate humanitarian and security needs is the highest
priority for Her Majesty’s Government.
Defra has had preliminary discussions with the Royal
Botanic Gardens, Kew about the Territories’ likely
environmental recovery needs.
Once the Territories are in a position to evaluate and
address their environmental recovery needs, Defra will
discuss with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the
Territories how Kew’s plant materials, technical
assistance and scientific expertise can contribute to the
restoration of habitats in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the
British Virgin Islands and Anguilla.
Sanctions: Burma
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Coventry
To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration
they have given to the introduction of financial and
travel sanctions against senior Burmese military
officials following the Burmese military's recent
offensive in Rakhine State. [HL1246]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: EU trade, financial and
targeted sanctions on Burma were lifted in April 2013, but
EU Restrictive measures were retained and renewed this
year with UK support. These measures are kept under
review. Our focus for the moment is on providing
humanitarian assistance, urging restraint by the security
forces in Rakhine and a de-escalation of tensions.
Sanitary Protection: VAT
Asked by Baroness Barker
To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the aims
of the Tampon Tax Fund; and whether those aims have
been published or made available to applicants for
grants. [HL1212]
Lord Ashton of Hyde: The aim of the Tampon Tax
Fund is to improve the lives of disadvantaged women and
girls.
An application form and guidance, which included
detail about the aims of the Fund and selection criteria,
was sent to any organisation which expressed an interest
in bidding.
Saudi Arabia: Arms Trade
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Leeds
To ask Her Majesty's Government what guarantees, if
any, they sought from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of
Saudi Arabia, Abdel al-Jubeir, when he visited London
on 4 September, that British arms sales to Saudi Arabia
will only be used in accordance with international
humanitarian law. [HL1542]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: During his visit to
London on 4-5 September, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel
al-Jubeir had meetings with the Prime Minister and
Foreign Secretary. Both raised the importance of
Coalition compliance with their international
humanitarian law obligations.
The UK Government takes its arms export licensing
responsibilities very seriously and operates one of the
most robust arms export control regimes in the world. Our
defence exports to Saudi Arabia are kept under careful
and continual review to ensure they meet the rigorous
standards of the Consolidated EU and National Arms
Export Licensing Criteria. All export licence applications
are assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking account of all
relevant factors at the time of the application.
Page 60 9 October 2017 Written Answers
We welcomed the High Court’s ruling in July this year
that UK Government decisions on arms export licensing
to Saudi Arabia are lawful. The judgment stated the
Government was rationally entitled to conclude that Saudi
Arabia has been, and remains, genuinely committed to
compliance with international humanitarian law. We note
the application to appeal and will continue to defend the
decisions challenged.
Saudi Arabia: Radicalism
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Leeds
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
representations they made to the Minister of Foreign
Affairs of Saudi Arabia, Abdel al-Jubeir, when he
visited London on 4 September, concerning reports of
financial and logistical support provided by Saudi
Arabia to Daesh and other radical Sunni groups in the
Middle East and Asia. [HL1539]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: This was not discussed
on 5 September. We have seen no evidence to suggest
there has been any funding of Daesh by the Government
of Saudi Arabia. Where we do have concerns we do not
shy away from raising them. Saudi Arabia has had its own
painful experiences as the victim of numerous Daesh
attacks. It is a key ally in the fight against Daesh,
participating in coalition airstrikes to fight it and speaking
out against its poisonous ideology.
Saudi Arabia: Religious Freedom
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Leeds
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
representations they made to the Minister of Foreign
Affairs of Saudi Arabia, Abdel al-Jubeir, when he
visited London on 4 September, concerning religious
freedom, eliminating discriminatory enforcement of
laws against religious minorities, and promoting respect
and tolerance for minority Muslim and non-Muslim
religious practices and beliefs. [HL1540]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Saudi Arabia remains a
Foreign and Commonwealth Office human rights priority
country, particularly because of the restrictions on
freedom of religion or belief. Although not discussed on 5
September, we regularly raise our concern with the
Government of Saudi Arabia.
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Leeds
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their
assessment of freedom of religion or belief in Saudi
Arabia. [HL1541]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Saudi Arabia remains a
human rights priority country because of the restrictions
on the freedom of religion and belief, including the
prohibition on publicly practising religions other than
Islam. The UK Government strongly supports the right to
freedom of religion or belief as set out in the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and subsequent
international human rights instruments.
Schools: Uniforms
Asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they propose
to put guidance on school uniform supply on a statutory
basis as set out in the HM Treasury 2015 report A
Better Deal. [HL1491]
Lord Nash: Decisions on school uniform, including
how this is sourced, are made by the governing body (or
academy trust) of the school, but our existing guidance is
clear that, when setting their uniform policies, schools
should keep costs to a minimum and ensure the uniform is
affordable for everyone.
The guidance also reminds schools of their obligation
under Human Rights and Equalities legislation, as well as
highlighting the legal requirement for schools to have a
complaints process in place. Parents who have concerns
about a school’s uniform policy can use this process to
raise these with the school. If parents continue to have
concerns, they can raise these with the Department.
We intend to put this guidance on a statutory footing
when a suitable legislative opportunity arises.
Sharia Law Independent Review
Asked by Baroness Cox
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect
the independent inquiry into the application of Sharia
Law in the United Kingdom to conclude; and when they
expect the report to be published. [HL1249]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: Professor Mona
Siddiqui’s independent review into the application of
Sharia law in England and Wales is expected to report to
the Home Secretary in the coming months. The
Government will consider the publication of the review
and its response, once the review report has been
submitted.
Asked by Baroness Cox
To ask Her Majesty's Government what has caused
the delay in publishing the report of the independent
inquiry into the application of Sharia Law in the United
Kingdom. [HL1250]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government’s
independent review into the application of Sharia law in
England and Wales is not delayed. The review chair,
Professor Mona Siddiqui, is expected to submit her
review report in the coming months.
Shops: Closures
Asked by Lord Hain
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many
bookshops have closed in the UK since 2010. [HL1577]
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 61
Lord Prior of Brampton: In 2016, there were 2,005
retail units specialised in selling books in the UK,
compared to 2,055 in 2010 (ONS business counts).
Sint Maarten: Hurricanes and Tornadoes
Asked by Lord Macpherson of Earl's Court
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are
taking to help British nationals stranded on the
Caribbean island of Sint Maarten. [HL1488]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Providing assistance to
vulnerable British Nationals affected by Hurricane Irma
has been a consistent priority. Fifty two British Nationals
have been assisted to leave St Maarten. We have deployed
consular teams to Curacao and Guadeloupe to help those
who have left.
For those that remain on the island, a two person
Foreign and Commonwealth Office Rapid Deployment
Team is assisting British Nationals at the airport, while an
Urban Search And Rescue (USAR) team, made up of 59
nurses, doctors and building experts, is providing support
elsewhere on the island. We are in close contact with the
Dutch, French, German and US Authorities who are
providing aircraft for assisted departures. Those persons
wanting to leave St Maarten will be prioritised through a
triage system at the airport with the most vulnerable
people given priority.
Slavery: Victims
Asked by Lord Hylton
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their
assessment of how the 45 day reflection and
recovery period for victims of trafficking and modern
slavery, under the National Referral Mechanism, is
working in practice; and whether that time limit is 45
working days, or 45 calendar days. [HL1536]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: Potential victims of
modern slavery in England and Wales are entitled to a
reflection and recovery period for a minimum of 45
calendar days, or until a conclusive decision has been
made on their victim status. This meets and exceeds
obligations under the European Convention on Action
against Trafficking in Human Beings, which requires a
minimum of 30 days of support. In practice, many
potential victims are in support for more than 90 days.
As part of the Government’s reform of the National
Referral Mechanism, we are working with partners to
assess how the current system works in practice and
consider the support we provide to victims, to ensure that
it enables them to begin to recover, rebuild their lives, and
avoid future exploitation.
Small Businesses: Government Assistance
Asked by Lord Mendelsohn
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their
estimate of the monetary benefit to individual small and
medium-sized enterprises from support provided under
the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act
2015. [HL1545]
Lord Prior of Brampton: At around 5.5m, small and
medium-sized businesses comprise 99.9% of UK
businesses. The Government recognises the importance of
small and medium-sized businesses and the valuable
contribution that they make to our economy.
To avoid overburdening businesses the Small Business,
Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 has, amongst other
things, reduced regulatory burdens, improved payment
practices across the public sector and improved access to
finance.
In many instances it would be difficult to quantify the
monetary benefit directly attributable to the support
provided under the Small Business, Enterprise and
Employment Act 2015, rather than by other business
activities.
Social Security Benefits
Asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their
estimate of (1) the future annual cost of ending the
freeze on working-age and children's benefits, and (2)
what the additional annual cost of those benefits would
now be had the freeze not been implemented. [HL1288]
Baroness Buscombe: These estimates can be derived
using the published “Welfare Reform and Work Bill:
Assessment of the Benefit Rate Freeze” attached.
Using the figures published in the impact assessment
for the benefit freeze, we can estimate the annual cost of
ending the freeze on working-age and children’s benefits.
Assuming the freeze was ended after 2017/18 (such that
savings from 2017/18 onwards are constant at £0.9bn),
the annual cost of ending the freeze would be £2.7bn by
2020/21.
Assuming the freeze ends after 2017/18, the additional
annual cost to working-age and children’s benefits had the
freeze not been implemented is £0.9bn per annum.
The Answer includes the following attached material:
Welfare Reform and Work Bill: Impact Assessment [Welfare
Reform and Work Bill Impact Assessment of the Benefit rate
freeze.pdf]
The material can be viewed online at:
http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-
answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-09-05/HL1288
South Sudan: Refugees
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assistance
they are giving to the government of Uganda to help
with the reception of refugees from South Sudan; and
what assessment they have made of how the health
services in that country are coping with the needs of
refugee women. [HL1343]
Page 62 9 October 2017 Written Answers
Lord Bates: Her Majesty’s Government is providing
£40m in bilateral aid this year to support the Ugandan
Government’s response to its refugee population of 1.3m,
of whom 1m are from South Sudan. This support is
providing food for 1 million people, clean water and
nutrition support for more than 200,000, shelter and relief
items for 116,000 and vaccinations for 40,000 children.
82% of Uganda’s refugees are women and children.
Health care for refugees is provided largely through the
existing health system. The main challenges are ensuring
adequate infrastructure, human resources and supplies to
meet the increased demand for reproductive and maternal
health services; and the management of communicable
diseases such as malaria.
South Western Railway: Compensation
Asked by Baroness Randerson
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they
intend to offer additional compensation to South
Western Railway season ticket holders who purchased
their tickets before the announcement of disruption to
services using Waterloo Station. [HL1399]
Lord Callanan: Network Rail and Stagecoach South
West Trains began a comprehensive programme of
communications surrounding the Waterloo Capacity
Enhancement Works in September 2016, which gave
affected passengers sufficient notice to be able to amend
their travel plans. Throughout the works, passengers were
entitled to compensation from the train operators through
the arrangements set out in their Passenger’s Charter as
applied at the time. This provided affected passengers
who held monthly or longer season tickets with 10 void
days.
Based on the latest published figures for punctuality
over the prior 12 months, these passengers are also
entitled to a 5% discount upon renewal. The Government
is not intending to offer any compensation over and above
the current entitlement.
Southern
Asked by Baroness Smith of Basildon
To ask Her Majesty's Government when ministers
last (1) met, and (2) had discussions with,
representatives of Southern Rail. [HL1583]
Lord Callanan: My Hon Friend, the Parliamentary
Under-Secretary of State for Transport, the Hon Member
for Blackpool North and Cleveleys (Paul Maynard MP) as
Rail Minister met with GTR in June and the Secretary of
State met with GTR in July.
Asked by Baroness Smith of Basildon
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
representations ministers have received regarding
passenger services on Southern Rail. [HL1584]
Lord Callanan: Ministers receive numerous
representations about Southern Rail from individuals and
organisations – through both formal and informal
channels. The government is committed to making sure
passengers receive the reliable, high quality services on
Southern they deserve, and I am encouraged that the
Public Performance Measure of punctuality is currently at
82% compared to 62% in early December 2016.
Asked by Baroness Smith of Basildon
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
assessment they have made of the quality of passenger
services on Southern Rail. [HL1585]
Lord Callanan: The quality of passenger services on
Southern Rail has been significantly better since the New
Year with the Public Performance Measure of punctuality
currently at 82%, compared to 62% in early December
2016. The latest National Rail Passenger Survey showed a
7% increase in overall journey satisfaction on Southern
Rail compared with the previous survey.
Speed Limits: Fines
Asked by Lord Jopling
To ask Her Majesty's Government where the
proceeds from speeding fines for motoring offences are
directed; and to what activities and whose budgets they
are directed. [HL1382]
Lord Bates: Speeding fines for motoring offences are
directed into the Consolidated Fund. The fund is
administered by HM Treasury and is used to support
general expenditure on public services such as policing,
healthcare, local government grants and transport. Annual
accounts for the Fund can be found on the Government’s
consolidated fund website.
Sri Lanka: Disaster Relief
Asked by Lord Naseby
To ask Her Majesty's Government what additional aid
they have offered to Sri Lanka to help cope with the
severe drought and floods which have affected over one
million people. [HL1434]
Lord Bates: Our assessment is that the crisis in Sri
Lanka is being adequately managed through existing
mechanisms in Sri Lanka, including the Government’s
National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and
humanitarian agencies on the ground, including the Sri
Lankan Red Cross Society. The UK provides significant
amounts of funding to UN humanitarian emergency
agencies (such as UNHCR, UNICEF and WFP), the EU’s
humanitarian emergency response agency (ECHO) and
the Red Cross, all of whom are contributing to the
response. At the moment therefore we do not anticipate
that a bilateral response from the UK will be needed.
Other countries in the region are also providing
assistance, and the US and EU have offered their support.
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 63
St Helena: Aviation
Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the possibility of using St Helena
Airport as a refuelling stop for flights to and from the
Falkland Islands. [HL1278]
Earl Howe: The distance between the UK and the
Falkland Islands and the time spent over water
necessitates the use of large aircraft which have the
capability to operate the route. The runway length at St
Helena Airport has been assessed by the Ministry of
Defence as not sufficient to enable our large military
aircraft to operate from it.
Strokes
Asked by Baroness Hodgson of Abinger
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they
have to ensure that new treatments for stroke, including
mechanical clot retrieval, will be available throughout
the country once the National Stroke Strategy comes to
an end in December. [HL1270]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: Although the National Stroke
Strategy comes to an end in December, NHS England
continues to lead an effective programme of work on
prevention and treatment.
NHS England is improving acute treatment through the
centralisation of care in centres that can provide the
highest level of care at all times of the day and week.
Stroke is one of the five conditions chosen to deliver the
urgent and emergency care standards by this autumn.
NHS England has established a cardiovascular disease
(CVD) collaborative to bring together relevant
stakeholders in the field of CVD and provide a forum
where relevant work being undertaken in this area and
potential new initiatives can be discussed and
responsibilities for action determined.
CVD prevention is a key theme in NHS England’s Five
Year Forward View and its NHS RightCare programme.
NHS England have also recently announced that it will
be commissioning the new treatment of thrombectomy
(extracting the blood clot causing the blockage to blood
flow through a catheter inserted into the artery). This will
initially be provided in the neuroscience centres, but in
due course additional centres may need to provide this
treatment to ensure complete population coverage.
Sudan: Churches
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Leeds
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
representations they have made to the government of
Sudan regarding the demolition of churches built on
land that has since been designated for buildings other
than places of worship. [HL1465]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The British Government
continues to be deeply concerned by reports of the
demolition of churches in Sudan. Through the UK-Sudan
Strategic Dialogue, and our policy of phased engagement,
we continue to raise human rights issues with the
government of Sudan and make regular representations on
freedom of religion or belief, including in relation to
reported church demolitions, most recently during the
Archbishop of Canterbury’s visit to Sudan in July.
Sudan: Human Rights
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Leeds
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the human rights situation and
current levels of humanitarian access in Sudan.
[HL1461]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We continue to be
concerned by the human rights situation in Sudan. This
includes restrictions on freedom of expression, freedom of
religion or belief, and sexual and gender based violence,
especially in the conflict areas of Darfur, South Kordofan,
and Blue Nile.
Whilst the release and pardon of six human rights
activists by the government of Sudan, including Dr
Mudawi Ibrahim Adam, an issue on which the UK
actively lobbied the government of Sudan, was a positive
development, considerable human rights challenges
remain. Sudan is a Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Human Rights Priority Country and improving human
rights is a key objective in our engagement.
The UN states that there has been an improvement in
levels of humanitarian access in Sudan, including to
previously inaccessible parts of Darfur. We welcome this
and encourage the government of Sudan to make further
progress on full humanitarian access.
Sudan: Sanctions
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Leeds
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the efficacy of sanctions on Sudan.
[HL1462]
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Leeds
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
representations they have made to the government of
the United States regarding the suspension or
refinement of sanctions on Sudan. [HL1463]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: There has been a
reduction of large scale armed conflict in Sudan, which
was a key priority for the British Government. We will
continue to support the targeted UN sanctions and arms
embargo on Darfur, as well as the EU arms embargo that
remains in place across Sudan. We welcome the
suspension of US bilateral economic sanctions on Sudan,
which, if lifted permanently, will support progress
towards economic development. We encourage the
Page 64 9 October 2017 Written Answers
government of Sudan to make the required progress in
order to enable the permanent lifting of US economic
sanctions.
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Leeds
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the humanitarian impact of sanctions
on the people of Sudan. [HL1464]
Lord Bates: HMG, through DFID, follows the
humanitarian situation closely and provides over 550
thousand vulnerable people in Sudan with humanitarian
assistance each year. DFID supports Sudan’s most
vulnerable people to meet their basic needs, sustain their
livelihoods, and build their resilience to crises.
We welcome the temporary suspension of US bilateral
economic sanctions on Sudan, which if lifted permanently
will support progress towards inclusive economic
development for Sudan’s people. We encourage the
Government of Sudan to continue to make the required
progress to enable permanent lifting of US sanctions. The
UK continues to apply the United Nations’ arms embargo
and targeted sanctions in Darfur, as well as the European
Union arms embargo on Sudan.
Surrogate Motherhood: Lone Parents
Asked by Baroness Barker
To ask Her Majesty's Government when the
Remedial Order relating to the Human Fertility and
Embryology Act 2008 which will allow single people to
apply for parental orders following a surrogacy
arrangement will be laid; and whether it will apply to
both single male applicants and single female
applicants. [HL1420]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: Drafting work on the remedial
order is ongoing, which we currently estimate will be laid
in the autumn session of Parliament.
The order would apply equally to male and female
applicants.
Syria: Drinking Water
Asked by Lord McInnes of Kilwinning
To ask Her Majesty's Government what specific
measures they are taking to support the Free Syrian
Army to ensure the re-introduction of safe drinking
water to Raqqa. [HL1289]
Lord Bates: Humanitarian organisations are currently
unable to enter Raqqa City as it is an active conflict zone.
DFID funded partners – United Nations agencies and non-
governmental organisations – are supporting those
displaced by the fighting with water, sanitation and
hygiene assistance, food and shelter. To increase access to
water, our partners are providing safe drinking water and
chlorine for water purification, and repairing the water
network in the nearby town of Tabqa.
Syria: Overseas Aid
Asked by Baroness Cox
To ask Her Majesty's Government what types of
assistance they provided to the Syrian opposition
between 2015 and the latest date for which figures are
available; which factions associated with the Free
Syrian Army received that assistance; what was the
nature of that assistance; and what was the cost.
[HL1251]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Through the cross-
government Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF)
for Syria the UK is supporting those groups opposed to
Daesh and Assad as well as Syrian civilians and their
communities. This support to the moderate opposition has
included political support and non-lethal equipment. In
terms of equipment, we have provided communications,
medical and logistics equipment. We have also provided
equipment to protect against chemical weapons attack.
For security reasons we do not disclose the names of
groups supported. The UK does not supply weapons to
anybody in Syria. The value of the CSSF for Syria is £69
million in the current financial year, was £64 million in
2016-17, and £66 million in 2015-16.
Asked by Baroness Cox
To ask Her Majesty's Government what was the
source of their funding for the Syrian opposition since
2015; and whether those funds were provided from the
international development budget. [HL1252]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Through our Conflict,
Stability and Security Fund the UK is providing over £60
million annually to support those groups opposed to
Daesh and Assad as well as Syrian civilians and their
communities. This is a cross-government fund run by the
Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department for
International Development and the Ministry of Defence.
The majority of this spend is Official Development
Assistance. Through this fund, we are helping to meet the
needs of Syrian communities by supporting local
governance, the delivery of key services (including
education, basic policing and search and rescue services)
and livelihoods in areas controlled by the moderate
opposition.
Syria: Politics and Government
Asked by The Marquess of Lothian
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the role of President Bashar al-Assad
in the future of Syria; and whether they intend to make
any change to their policy. [HL1391]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Assad's regime bears
overwhelming responsibility for the suffering of the
Syrian people. His oppression has caused untold human
suffering, fuelled extremism and terrorism, and created
the space for Daesh. We believe there needs to be a
transition away from Assad to a government that can
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 65
protect the rights of all Syrians, unite the country and end
the conflict. It is for Syrians to decide how that happens,
as part of a Syrian-led transition process. We will
continue to use all diplomatic tools to work for a political
solution to the terrible conflict in Syria.
Taimoor Raza
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government what information
they have about the case of Taimoor Raza who has
been sentenced to death in Pakistan for allegedly
breaking the blasphemy laws on social media; and what
representations, if any, they have made on his behalf.
[HL1570]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are aware of the case
of Taimoor Raza, a Pakistani national who was sentenced
to death on 10 June 2017 after allegedly making
blasphemous remarks on social media. We understand Mr
Raza has submitted an appeal to the High Court.
The UK remains firmly opposed to the death penalty in
all circumstances. While we have not raised Mr Raza's
case directly with the Pakistan authorities, we have
repeatedly called upon the Government of Pakistan to end
capital punishment and, at a minimum, commit to
publicly renewing the previously imposed moratorium on
the death penalty. We regularly raise our concerns about
freedom of expression and the misuse of the blasphemy
laws with the Pakistani Government at a senior level.
The Foreign Secretary raised misuse of the blasphemy
laws during his visit to Pakistan in November 2016. The
former Minister for Asia and the Pacific, my hon. Friend
the Member for Reading West (Mr Sharma), discussed
the death penalty and the importance we attach to
freedom of expression with Kamran Michael, former
Minister for Human Rights, and Barrister Zafarullah
Khan, Prime Minister's Special Assistant for Human
Rights, during a visit to Pakistan in January 2017. The
Government will continue to urge Pakistan to honour in
practice its human rights obligations, including those
related to the death penalty and freedom of expression
and religion.
Tidal Power: Swansea Bay
Asked by Baroness Randerson
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their
timescale for making a decision on plans for a Swansea
tidal lagoon, following publication of the Hendry
Review in January. [HL1557]
Lord Prior of Brampton: The Government is
considering the findings of the independent Hendry
Review before deciding, in light of the relevant factors, its
position on the proposed Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon
project.
T-levels
Asked by Baroness Garden of Frognal
To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they
have made in developing T-level qualifications.
[HL1593]
Asked by Baroness Garden of Frognal
To ask Her Majesty's Government who is developing
T-level qualifications; in what subjects; and at what
levels. [HL1594]
Asked by Baroness Garden of Frognal
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect
T-level qualifications to be available to candidates.
[HL1595]
Lord Nash: The government is creating a world class
technical education system. The best way to deliver this
successfully is through partnership between government,
business experts and leaders and education professionals.
We are therefore working closely with these stakeholders
and their representative bodies to ensure we get these
reforms right.
T levels will be shaped by industry professionals and
will provide stretching technical content, delivered to
industry standards. This will ensure the qualifications
have real labour market value and credibility. The first
teaching of T levels by a number of providers will
commence in September 2020, with all routes available
from September 2022.
We are planning a public consultation on the design of
T levels, to allow all interested organisations and
individuals to contribute towards the development of the
new programmes. We will provide an update on progress
with the development of T levels later this year.
Tobacco: Retail Trade
Asked by Lord Blencathra
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have
made any assessment of the effectiveness of the
Scottish Tobacco Retailer Licensing Scheme; and
whether they have any plans to replicate that scheme in
England. [HL1219]
Lord O'Shaughnessy: HM Revenue and Customs has
carried out a consultation on the impact of licensing the
supply chain for the sale of tobacco products. This was
for the purpose of tackling the illicit trade in line with the
requirements of the World Health Organization
Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Illicit Trade
Protocol. A response document for the consultation will
be published later this year. The Government has no plans
at present to introduce a licensing scheme in England. The
Government recognises that Scotland has implemented a
registration scheme and will continue to observe the
impact of this scheme on tobacco control.
Page 66 9 October 2017 Written Answers
Trade Agreements
Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno
To ask Her Majesty's Government what flexibility
they will seek in the terms of any new trade deal
negotiated with non-EU countries to take account of as
yet unknown restrictions inserted in any future deal
between the UK and EU. [HL1321]
Baroness Sugg: The departmental responsibility for the
EU-UK trade agreement lies with the Department for
Exiting the EU.
We are considering in depth, our future trading
relationships with partners as we prepare to leave the EU.
We will consider what this means for negotiating an
ambitious trade agreement with the EU, as well as striking
agreements with countries outside the EU.
Trains: Standards
Asked by Baroness Randerson
To ask Her Majesty's Government what comparative
assessment they have made of (1) new Intercity Express
bi-mode trains, and (2) fully electric trains, in respect of
their (a) acceleration, and (b) overall speed. [HL1558]
Lord Callanan: Hitachi Rail and Great Western
Railway (GWR) are testing the Intercity Express Trains in
diesel and electric to ensure they can deliver existing
timetables and offer journey time reductions once
electrification is complete. We remain confident that
journey time improvements will be delivered. Testing is
ongoing in the run up to the Intercity Express Train
introduction on the GWR network.
Turkey: Historic Buildings
Asked by Lord Patten
To ask Her Majesty's Government what help they can
offer to Turkey to assist in the cultural preservation of
damaged historical buildings in the Suriçi
neighbourhood. [HL1522]
Lord Bates: The UK Government has committed £30
million to help protect and restore cultural heritage in
twelve target countries in the Middle East and North
Africa, including Turkey, through the establishment of the
Cultural Protection Fund. The British Council is funding
two projects in Diyarbakir province which includes
Suriçi. The projects will cover surveys, documentation
and condition assessments of buildings in order to allow
for appropriate conservation planning in the future.
Turkey: LGBT People
Asked by Lord Scriven
To ask Her Majesty's Government what support they
have given to LGBT groups in Turkey. [HL1440]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Government
attaches great importance to supporting and promoting
LGBTI rights internationally, including through our
bilateral programme funds. Last year we supported a
project in Turkey to raise public awareness and support
the human rights of vulnerable groups – including LGBTI
groups – focused specifically on strengthening
networking and communication at local, national and
regional level. This year we are supporting a project to
raise awareness and build up the advocacy capacity of
LGBTI citizens and refugees in Turkey with the active
cooperation and participation of Bar associations,
lawyers, social workers and rights-based civil society
organisations. More generally, we regularly raise human
rights in our dialogue with the Turkish government at all
levels.
Turkey: Prisons
Asked by Lord Patten
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they
intend to ask the Council of Europe to make public their
report concerning allegations of ill-treatment in Turkish
prisons, prepared by its Committee for the Prevention
of Torture. [HL1524]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: On 13 September, the
UK Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe
intervened in the Committee of Ministers to call on
Turkey to agree to the publication of all Committee for
the Prevention of Torture (CPT) reports concerning
Turkey from 2015-2017. We take the issue of human
rights in Turkey, not least allegations of torture, very
seriously and will continue to work with the Government
of Turkey and the Council Of Europe to address these
issues.
Turkey: Torture
Asked by Lord Patten
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they
intend to raise at the United Nations the allegations of
torture used in Turkey. [HL1523]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We raised Turkey
human rights issues in the UN Human Rights Council in
Geneva on 12 September. Our Representative said:
"While recognising the challenges caused by the appalling
attempted coup, we share the High Commissioner's
concerns about Turkey's human rights situation. We hope
steps can be taken to release detained civil society
representatives and to lift the State of Emergency, sending
a strong signal of Turkey's commitment to human rights."
We will continue to engage with the UN over the situation
in Turkey.
Type 26 Frigates
Asked by Lord West of Spithead
To ask Her Majesty's Government how long they
anticipate it will take BAE Systems to build a Type 26
Written Answers 9 October 2017 Page 67
frigate; and what assessment they have made of that
timescale. [HL1506]
Earl Howe: The first ship, HMS GLASGOW, is
expected to be structurally complete in the early 2020s.
This timescale is consistent with the engineering
challenge of building the First of Class of a modern
complex warship.
UK Trade with EU
Asked by Lord Allen of Kensington
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their
assessment of how World Trade Organisation rules
would affect the UK economy, broken down by sector,
were the UK to leave the EU without a trade deal.
[HL1467]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: A future partnership
between the UK and EU is in the interests of both sides,
and we are confident that we will secure a good deal for
the UK as a whole.
A responsible government should, however, prepare for
all potential outcomes, including the unlikely scenario in
which no mutually satisfactory agreement can be reached.
The Government is undertaking a comprehensive
programme of analytical work to assess, across a range of
scenarios on a sector by sector basis, the economic
impacts of exiting the European Union. However, as
Parliament has agreed, it would not be appropriate to
publish any such information that could damage our
negotiating position.
Asked by Lord Allen of Kensington
To ask Her Majesty's Government to what extent they
expect the UK and EU to have mutual recognition of
(1) goods, and (2) services, through regulatory
equivalence post-Brexit. [HL1468]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: The UK Government is
committed to making the UK the best place in the world
to do business. This will mean fostering a high quality,
stable and predictable regulatory environment. We want
to minimise the regulatory and market access barriers for
both goods and services. However, these discussions will
be subject to the negotiations.
Unmanned Air Vehicles
Asked by Lord Fink
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many times in
the last 12 months a commercial aircraft runway in
England and Wales has had to close temporarily due to
a drone sighting. [HL1370]
Lord Callanan: In accordance with Regulation (EU)
No 376/2014, safety-related events which endanger or
which, if not corrected or addressed, could endanger an
aircraft, its occupants or any other person have to be
reported to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The
Regulation requires that the reporting, analysis and
follow-up to such occurrences remain confidential.
However, the Regulation does permit information to be
released on request to interested parties that have a
genuine safety related need for the information. An
application can be made at www.caa.co.uk/srg1605.
The CAA will shortly be publishing an Aviation Safety
Review in accordance with the requirements of the
Regulation. This will include detailed analysis of safety
occurrences reported to the CAA in 2016 and is intended
to inform the public about the level of safety in civil
aviation in a clear, engaging and objective manner.
Venezuela: Antisemitism
Asked by Lord Patten
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether in their
bilateral discussions with the government of Venezuela
they have raised ways of combating anti-semitism.
[HL1521]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have had no recent
discussions with the government of Venezuela on
combating anti-semitism.
Venezuela: Foreign Relations
Asked by Lord Patten
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their
assessment of relations between the UK and Venezuela.
[HL1520]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK aspires to have
good relations with Venezuela but the current political
situation there has put a strain on the relationship as we
have joined international condemnation of the Venezuelan
Government's recent actions. Our Embassy maintains a
practical working relationship with the Venezuelan
Government. Where we can, we work with the
Government on a range of priority issues including human
rights, democracy challenges, counter-narcotics, climate
change and efforts to protect UK commercial interests.
This work supports our long-term vision for Venezuela’s
stability, democracy and prosperity.
Venezuela: Politics and Government
Asked by Baroness Hooper
To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the
informal meeting of foreign affairs ministers of EU
member states on 8 September in Gymnich, and in
advance of the UN General Assembly, what action is
being taken at the national and EU level to find a
sustainable solution to the current political crisis in
Venezuela. [HL1603]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are working closely
with partners, including the EU and UN, to consider a
range of options to promote an end to the crisis in
Venezuela. The most recent discussion at EU level took
place on 12 September. The Lima Group of Foreign
Ministers met in the margins of the UN General
Page 68 9 October 2017 Written Answers
Assembly on 20 September and will re-convene in
Canada in October. Any solution to the current crisis in
Venezuela must come from the region. The Minister for
Europe and the Americas is working closely with Peru's
Foreign Minister, Ricardo Luna, in support of Peru's
regional leadership. We will continue to work with
partners to consider a wide range of options to prevent
further violence and alleviate the suffering of ordinary
Venezuelans.
Venezuela remains a Human Rights Priority Country
for the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister and the
Minister for Europe and the Americas met the President
of the National Assembly, Julio Borges, and Antonieta
Lopez, the mother of opposition leader, Leopoldo Lopez,
on 7 September and stressed the UK's unwavering support
for the National Assembly as a democratic institution.
Visas
Asked by Viscount Waverley
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether biometric
and fingerprint data taken from a visa applicant's
application to enter the UK are deleted from any
database if that applicant is subsequently refused entry;
and if not, for what specific purpose the data are
retained. [HL1360]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: Fingerprints taken
from visa applicants are normally retained for up to ten
years regardless of whether the application was
successful, as set out in regulations made under the
Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.
This enables the Secretary of State to identify easily
those who make further applications for visas to come to
the UK, preventing immigration abuse and those who are
a risk of high harm from entering the country.
Vocational Education: Overseas Students
Asked by Baroness Garden of Frognal
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many (1) EU,
and (2) non-EU, overseas students are taking technical,
professional and vocational courses in the UK.
[HL1425]
Lord Nash: The department does not collect data on
the nationality of Further Education students.
Students will be eligible for Education and Skills
Funding Agency funding if they are a citizen of a country
within the European Economic Area (EEA) and have
been resident in the EEA for at least three years prior to
the start of learning and are ordinarily resident in
England.
Yemen: Military Intervention
Asked by The Marquess of Lothian
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Yemeni
civilians were killed by air strikes in July and August;
and which countries were responsible for those air
strikes. [HL1393]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We do not maintain
records of casualty figures for the conflict in Yemen.
Gathering data is extremely challenging considering the
complexities of the situation and the challenges faced by
humanitarian monitors across the country. Estimates by
the UN and NGOs vary considerably. On 12 September,
the Saudi Joint Incidents Assessment Team published the
results of 15 investigations they have made into alleged
violations of International Humanitarian Law.
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they
are taking following reports that British armaments
have been used by Saudi Arabia in the Yemen to target
innocent civilians. [HL1501]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK Government
takes its arms export licensing responsibilities very
seriously and operates one of the most robust arms export
control regimes in the world. Our defence exports to
Saudi Arabia are kept under careful and continual review
to ensure they meet the rigorous standards of the
Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing
Criteria. All export licence applications are assessed on a
case-by-case basis, taking account of all relevant factors
at the time of the application.
Index to Statements and Answers
Written Statements ................................................. 1
Commonwealth Games 2022 ............................... 1
Contingent Liability.............................................. 1
Correction to Written Answers HL2981 and
HL3595 ................................................................. 1
DFID Supplier Review ......................................... 1
Infected Blood: Government Response ................ 2
Mental Health Act Review ................................... 3
Northern Ireland Update ....................................... 3
Student Finance Update ........................................ 4
Written Answers ..................................................... 6
Absent Voting: Northern Ireland .......................... 6
Acids: Sales .......................................................... 6
Affordable Housing: Rents ................................... 6
Agriculture ............................................................ 6
Agriculture: Productivity ...................................... 6
Air Routes: EU Countries ..................................... 6
Amazon: Taxation ................................................ 7
Animal Welfare .................................................... 7
Animal Welfare: Prosecutions .............................. 8
Armed Forces: Recruitment ................................. 8
Ascension Island: Aviation ................................... 9
Asylum ................................................................. 9
Asylum: Children ................................................. 9
Asylum: LGBT People ....................................... 10
Aviation: Lasers.................................................. 10
AWE Aldermaston ............................................. 10
Bahrain: Human Rights ...................................... 10
Bahrain: Technical Assistance ........................... 10
BBC: Video on Demand ..................................... 11
Belfast Agreement .............................................. 11
Bell Pottinger Group: South Africa .................... 11
Betting: Internet .................................................. 11
Birds of Prey: Conservation ............................... 12
Blood Transfusions ............................................. 12
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Transport Community
Treaty ................................................................. 13
Brexit ................................................................. 13
British Overseas Territories: EU Aid ................ 14
British Overseas Territories: Hurricanes and
Tornadoes .......................................................... 14
Burma: Armed Conflict ..................................... 14
Burma: Human Rights ....................................... 15
Burma: Humanitarian Aid ................................. 15
Burma: Military Aid .......................................... 15
Burma: Rohingya ............................................... 15
Business: Loans ................................................. 17
Caribbean: Disaster Relief ................................. 17
Caribbean: Hurricanes and Tornadoes ............... 18
Cars: Sales ......................................................... 19
Cataracts: Surgery .............................................. 20
Charities: Finance .............................................. 20
Charities: Standards ........................................... 20
Children: Custody .............................................. 20
Children: Day Care ............................................ 21
Commercial Broadcasting: Radio ...................... 21
Community Housing Fund ................................ 21
Community Transport: Licensing ...................... 21
Contraceptives ................................................... 21
Cost of Energy Independent Review ................. 21
Credit ................................................................. 22
Credit Cards ....................................................... 22
Cucumbers: Packaging ...................................... 22
Cultural Heritage: Transport .............................. 22
Customs ............................................................. 22
Dangerous Driving ............................................ 23
Data Protection: USA ........................................ 23
Debts .................................................................. 24
Deportation: EU Nationals ................................ 24
Developing Countries: Health Services ............. 24
Diesel Vehicles: Imports.................................... 25
Index to Statements and Answers
Disaster Relief .................................................... 25
Egypt: Aviation .................................................. 25
Electric Vehicles ................................................. 26
Electric Vehicles: Batteries ................................ 26
Electricity: Storage ............................................. 26
Electronic Surveillance ....................................... 26
Energy Performance Certificates: Conservation
Areas ................................................................... 26
Entry Clearances: Overseas Students ................. 27
Environment Protection: Greater Manchester .... 27
EP Committee of Inquiry into Money Laundering,
Tax Avoidance and Tax Evasion ........................ 27
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS
Trust.................................................................... 27
Erasmus+ Programme ........................................ 28
Europe: Refugees................................................ 28
European Economic Area ................................... 28
European Medicines Agency: Greater London .. 28
Exchange Rates .................................................. 28
Family Proceedings ............................................ 28
Farms: Tenants ................................................... 29
Farms: Theft ....................................................... 29
Female Genital Mutilation .................................. 29
Fit for Work Programme .................................... 29
Food: Imports ..................................................... 29
Food: Procurement ............................................. 30
Football: Taxation .............................................. 30
Frigates ............................................................... 30
Gambling: Internet.............................................. 30
Gaza .................................................................... 30
Gaza: Armed Conflict......................................... 30
GCE A-level ....................................................... 31
General Practitioners .......................................... 31
Government Departments: Equal Pay ................ 31
Grammar Schools ............................................... 31
Great Western Railway Line .............................. 31
Great Western Railway Line: Electrification..... 31
Great Western Railway Line: Rolling Stock ..... 32
Hate Crime ......................................................... 32
Hate Crime: Prosecutions .................................. 32
Health................................................................. 32
Health Services .................................................. 33
Health Services: Per Capita Costs ..................... 33
Health Services: Reciprocal Arrangements ....... 33
Hepatitis ............................................................. 34
Hepatitis: Pigmeat .............................................. 34
High Rise Flats: Fire Prevention ........................ 34
Higher Education: Standards ............................. 35
Hillsborough Families' Experiences Review ..... 36
Hinkley Point C Power Station .......................... 36
HMS Ocean ....................................................... 36
Holiday Accommodation ................................... 36
Holiday Accommodation: Greater London ....... 36
Home Office: Ministers ..................................... 37
Hong Kong: BBC World Service ...................... 37
Hospitals: Closures ............................................ 37
Hospitals: Greater London ................................. 37
House of Lords: Catering................................... 38
House of Lords: Wines ...................................... 38
Housing: Construction ....................................... 38
Housing: Domestic Violence ............................. 38
Human Papillomavirus: Vaccination ................. 39
Hurricanes and Tornadoes: Caribbean ............... 39
Immigrants: Detainees ....................................... 39
Immigration ....................................................... 39
Immigration Controls ........................................ 40
Immigration: Children ....................................... 40
Inflation ............................................................. 40
Insects: Non-native Species ............................... 40
International Courts: Judgements ...................... 41
Invalid Vehicles: Pedestrian Areas .................... 41
IRA: Libya ......................................................... 41
Index to Statements and Answers
Iran: Political Prisoners ...................................... 42
Isles of Scilly: Transport .................................... 42
Israel: Burma ...................................................... 42
Israel: EU External Relations ............................. 42
Israel: Palestinians .............................................. 43
Israel: Palestinians .............................................. 43
Jeremy Bamber ................................................... 44
Joint Ministerial Committee on EU Negotiations
............................................................................ 44
Kurds: Human Rights ......................................... 44
Languages: Northern Ireland .............................. 45
Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of
Offenders Act 2012 ............................................ 45
Legal Representation .......................................... 45
Libya: Refugees .................................................. 45
LIFE.................................................................... 46
Lighting .............................................................. 46
List of Ministerial Responsibilities .................... 46
Magistrates' Courts: Newcastle upon Tyne ........ 46
Military Aid ........................................................ 46
Money Laundering: Azerbaijan .......................... 47
Motor Vehicles ................................................... 47
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe .................................. 47
NHS: Exchange Rates ........................................ 48
Non-domestic Rates............................................ 48
Non-domestic Rates: Valuation .......................... 48
North Korea: Weapons ....................................... 48
Northern Cyprus: Airports .................................. 48
Offences against Children .................................. 49
Offenders: Deportation ....................................... 49
Olympic Games: South Korea ............................ 49
Oral Tobacco ...................................................... 50
Out-of-school Education .................................... 50
Overseas Aid ...................................................... 51
Overseas Companies: Race Relations ................ 51
Pakistan: Marriage .............................................. 51
Pakistan: Minority Groups ................................. 51
Pakistan: Overseas Aid ...................................... 52
Pakistan: Religious Freedom ............................. 52
Pakistan: Schools ............................................... 52
Palace of Westminster: Official Cars ................ 53
Palestinians: Freedom of Expression ................. 53
Parents: Low Incomes ....................................... 53
Parks .................................................................. 53
Pedicabs: Greater London.................................. 53
Personation ........................................................ 54
Plants: Diseases ................................................. 54
Plastics: Recycling ............................................. 54
Police and Prison Officers: Pay ......................... 55
Police: Biometrics .............................................. 55
Prisoners: Foreign Nationals.............................. 55
Prisoners on Remand: Acquittals ....................... 55
Prisoners' Release: Northern Ireland ................. 56
Prisons: Sanitation ............................................. 56
Private Rented Housing: Electrical Safety ........ 56
Public Expenditure: Northern Ireland ................ 57
Public Transport: Accidents .............................. 57
Radicalism ......................................................... 57
Railways: Electrification ................................... 57
Railways: Plumpton ........................................... 57
Refugees: Libya ................................................. 58
Refugees: Sri Lanka ........................................... 58
Religious Buildings: Repairs and Maintenance . 58
Roads: Accidents ............................................... 58
Robert Litt.......................................................... 58
Roundabouts: Traffic Lights .............................. 59
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew ............................. 59
Sanctions: Burma ............................................... 59
Sanitary Protection: VAT .................................. 59
Saudi Arabia: Arms Trade ................................. 59
Saudi Arabia: Radicalism .................................. 60
Saudi Arabia: Religious Freedom ...................... 60
Index to Statements and Answers
Schools: Uniforms .............................................. 60
Sharia Law Independent Review ........................ 60
Shops: Closures .................................................. 60
Sint Maarten: Hurricanes and Tornadoes ........... 61
Slavery: Victims ................................................. 61
Small Businesses: Government Assistance ........ 61
Social Security Benefits ..................................... 61
South Sudan: Refugees ....................................... 61
South Western Railway: Compensation ............. 62
Southern .............................................................. 62
Speed Limits: Fines ............................................ 62
Sri Lanka: Disaster Relief .................................. 62
St Helena: Aviation ............................................ 63
Strokes ................................................................ 63
Sudan: Churches ................................................. 63
Sudan: Human Rights ......................................... 63
Sudan: Sanctions ................................................ 63
Surrogate Motherhood: Lone Parents ................. 64
Syria: Drinking Water ........................................ 64
Syria: Overseas Aid ............................................ 64
Syria: Politics and Government .......................... 64
Taimoor Raza ..................................................... 65
Tidal Power: Swansea Bay ................................. 65
T-levels ............................................................... 65
Tobacco: Retail Trade ........................................ 65
Trade Agreements .............................................. 66
Trains: Standards ................................................ 66
Turkey: Historic Buildings ................................. 66
Turkey: LGBT People ........................................ 66
Turkey: Prisons ................................................... 66
Turkey: Torture .................................................. 66
Type 26 Frigates ................................................. 66
UK Trade with EU.............................................. 67
Unmanned Air Vehicles ..................................... 67
Venezuela: Antisemitism .................................... 67
Venezuela: Foreign Relations ............................. 67
Venezuela: Politics and Government ................. 67
Visas .................................................................. 68
Vocational Education: Overseas Students ......... 68
Yemen: Military Intervention ............................ 68