| Previous Section | Back to Table of Contents | Lords Hansard Home Page |
Madagascar: Closure of British Embassy
Lord Watson of Richmond asked Her Majesty's Government:
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: As I set out in my Written Statement on 15 December 2004 (Official Report, cols. WS 84-88) we are making changes to our overseas network to reflect changing demands and challenges and to ensure the UK has a cost-effective and flexible network of overseas representation. This involves the closure of several diplomatic posts, including the British Embassy in Antananarivo.
24 Jan 2005 : Column WA133
This is in no way a reflection on the current government of Madagascar or on the quality of our bilateral relations. We will work with the Government of Madagascar to establish alternative forms of British representation.
Sudan: Darfur
Lord Hylton asked Her Majesty's Government:
When they expect that the International Commission of Inquiry into crimes committed in Darfur, Sudan, will report; and whether they will support a recommendation for referring any charges to the International Criminal Court. [HL638]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The International Commission of Inquiry is expected to report at the end of January or beginning of February. We strongly support the International Commission of Inquiry, and will decide how to respond to their report when it issues.
China: North Korean Refugees
Lord Hylton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether and, if so, when, they have raised with the government of China the situation of the estimated 150,000 refugees from North Korea now in China; and whether they will regularly press for access to them by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. [HL639]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: We have raised the matter of North Korean refugees in China on a number of occasions with the Chinese Government, most recently during the UK/China Human Rights Dialogue in Beijing in November 2004. We continue to urge China to observe its obligations under the 1951 United Nations Convention on Refugees and to allow the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees access to the China/North Korea border region.
Israel and Palestine: London Conference
Lord Steinberg asked Her Majesty's Government:
What funds they have allocated towards the conference to be held at the beginning of March 2005 to advise the Palestinians; and whether any non-Palestinians will be invited to give evidence at that conference. [HL712]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The budget for costs for the London meeting has not been finalised yet. We will be clearer as to the funds allocated nearer to 1 March, when the meeting will take place. We will be happy to supply this information when it becomes available.
We are inviting several states and organisations with an interest to participate, including members of the Quartet, the ad hoc liaison committee (donor group),
24 Jan 2005 : Column WA134
the G8, and the International Task Force for Palestinian Reform as well as the Palestinian Authority.
Palestinian Authority
Lord Dykes asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will make representations to the new President of the Palestinian Authority concerning effective measures to deter renegade attacks on Israeli civilians. [HL731]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: We continue to press the Palestinian Authority to make 100 per cent effort to stop terrorist attacks in line with its road map commitments. The new leadership of the Palestinian Authority has said that it will pursue security reform as a priority, and on 17 January Abu Mazen instructed Palestinian security forces to prevent further attacks on Israeli targets. The UK is working with the Palestinian Authority to improve its operational capacity to provide better security for Palestinians and to prevent attacks on Israel.
Israel: Palestinian Prisoners
Lord Dykes asked Her Majesty's Government:
When they will next make official representations to the government of Israel about the estimated 8,000 Palestinian detainees held in custody in Israel. [HL732]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: We continue to monitor the situation with regard to Palestinian prisoners and raise our concerns with the Israeli authorities where it is appropriate to do so.
On 27 December 2004 the Israeli government released at least 159 Palestinian prisoners in what Israeli Prime Minister Sharon described as a goodwill gesture.
International Atomic Energy Agency
Lord Astor of Hever asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will support the re-appointment of Mohammed El Baradei for a third term as Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency. [HL748]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: Her Majesty's Government supported the election of Dr Mohammed El Baradei for his previous two terms as Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Her Majesty's Government believe in general that, for the heads of United Nations bodies, two terms in office should be the maximum. In the case of the Director-General of the IAEA, however, no new candidate for the post has come forward.
24 Jan 2005 : Column WA135
Dr A.Q. Khan
Lord Astor of Hever asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are continuing to seek from the authorities in Pakistan further classified particulars of the activities of Dr A.Q. Khan. [HL749]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The United Kingdom authorities are following the investigation by the Pakistani authorities into the activities of Dr A.Q. Khan with close interest, and continue to urge the Pakistani authorities to share the results of these enquiries with their allies and with the relevant international organisations.
North Korea: Reverend Kim Dong-sik
Lord Alton of Liverpool asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have made representations to the government about the fate of Reverend Kim Dong-sik. [HL751]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: We have raised Reverend Kim's case with the North Korean authorities at official level, both in London and Pyongyang, seeking confirmation of his safety and well-being. We await their response.
Identity Cards: Consultancy Contracts
Lord Marlesford asked Her Majesty's Government:
What consultancy contracts have been let in respect of the proposed identity card scheme; and in each case what are (a) the date of the contract; (b) the name of the consultant; (c) the purpose of the assignment; and (d) the cost of the contract. [HL591]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal): The identity cards programme has let management consultancy contracts to the following organisations. Only the PA Consulting contract dated 7 June 2004 remains extant.
24 Jan 2005 : Column WA136
Immigration Acts: Reasons for Detention
Lord Hylton asked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the reasons for the detention under the Immigration Acts, as at 25 September 2004, of 80 persons (of whom 60 are asylum seekers) for one year or more, and of 125 persons (of whom 100 are asylum seekers) for between six months and one year. [HL742]
Baroness Scotland of Asthal: Information on the reasons for detention of the persons concerned could be obtained only by examination of individual case files at disproportionate cost.
| Next Section | Back to Table of Contents | Lords Hansard Home Page |