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17 Oct 2006 : Column WA177
Written Answers
Tuesday 17 October 2006
Avian Flu
Lord Turnberg asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Department of Health has examined the potential for passive antibodies to attenuate the disease in those exposed to avian flu; and [HL7434]
Whether any progress has been made in the deployment and use of passive antibodies in preventing the human spread of avian flu. [HL7435]
The Minister of State, Department of Health (Lord Warner): The Department of Health has been advised by the Health Protection Agency that passive immunisation for avian flu would require the supply of human immunoglobulin with high levels of antibodies against avian flu. The effectiveness of passive immunisation to treat or prevent the spread of avian flu virus from person to person or to reduce the severity of illness in those infected with avian flu is not known.
Benefits: Single Parents
Lord Steinberg asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in light of recent research by Dr Libertad Gonzalez which suggested a direct link between the welfare system and the number of one parent families, they propose to change the level of benefits available to single mothers. [HL7455]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath): We have no such plans.
There are now around a million lone parents in work and the lone parent employment rate is up 11.3 percentage points since 1997. Our New Deal for Lone Parents programme has helped nearly 458,000 lone parents into work and the success of the programme has been a major contributing factor to the increase in lone parent employment in every region, the reduction in the number of children in workless households, and the reduction in child poverty.
From next April we will be piloting a scheme to provide additional help to lone parents whose youngest child is aged 11 or over. Together with quarterly work-focused interviews, eligible lone parents in the pilot will be paid a work-related activity premium of an additional £20 a week for up to six months if they agree to take active steps to return to the labour market.
Paid employment helps families and individuals and improves life chances for children and we are determined to break into the cycle of intergenerational poverty by giving all children better opportunities.
Compensation
Lord Goodhart asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they intend to make any contribution to the costs incurred by the parties in the case of Barker (Respondent) v Corus (UK) plc (Appellants) (formerly Barker (Respondent) v Saint Gobain Pipelines plc (Appellants)), following the retrospective reversal by the Compensation Act 2006 of the decision of the House of Lords in that case.[HL7498]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs (Baroness Ashton of Upholland): The Government remain ready to consider the proposal that they should make a contribution towards any costs reasonably incurred by the parties to this case in connection with the appeal to the House of Lords, where the Government's action reversed the relevant aspect of the appeal. Further consideration will be given to the matter once an order for costs has been made in the case.
Electoral Law
Lord Greaves asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is possible to hold two separate elections on the same day for vacancies in the same ward or division rather than a joint election for two vacancies; if so, what is their assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure; in how many cases it has happened in recent years; and what advice they give to local returning officers regarding this procedure. [HL7427]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs (Baroness Ashton of Upholland): It is possible for separate elections to be held on the same day for more than one vacancy in the same ward or division of the same local authority or parish council, as electoral law does not require that a combined election be held in these circumstances. It would be for the returning officer to decide how the elections are run. We have not carried out a formal assessment of holding such elections separately. An advantage might be that it would be clear to electors that there was more than one vacancy to be filled. The disadvantages would be that there would be duplication of election processes, such as printing of separate ballot papers for each vacancy, which would add to the cost of running the elections and make the procedure more complicated for electoral administrators and electors. Information is not recorded on cases where such elections have been held separately. The Government have not issued any advice to local returning officers concerning this procedure.
Israel and Palestine: Borders
Lord Dykes asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will make further representations to persuade Hamas ministers to recognise the state of Israel within the boundaries established prior to the Six-Day War in 1967.[HL7506]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Triesman): We remain deeply concerned that neither the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority, nor Hamas as a movement, has committed to the quartet's (EU, US, UN and Russia) three principles: to renounce violence, recognise Israel; and accept all previous agreements and obligations. We have no plans to make any representations to the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority. We have suspended all political contacts with it since June 2005.
As my right honourable friend the Prime Minister made clear during his visit to the region on9-11 September, we would be ready to re-engage with a Palestinian Government who are based on the quartet principles.
Israel and Palestine: Gaza
Lord Dykes asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will make representations to the Government of Israel regarding the legality of the economic blockade of the Gaza Strip under international law.[HL7505]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Triesman): We, along with our EU partners, continue to call on Israel to resume transfers of withheld Palestinian tax and customs revenues which are essential in averting a crisis in the Palestinian territories. Israel collects customs revenues for the Palestinian Authority under the terms of the 1994 Paris protocols. Israel suspended these payments after the opening of the Palestinian Legislative Council on 18 February.
We also continue to make representations to the Israeli Government regarding the closure of the Gaza crossing points, in particular Karni. Our ambassador in Tel Aviv last raised this issue with the Israeli Prime Minister's foreign policy adviser on 5 October. The closure of the crossing points, especially around the agricultural seasons, has a detrimental effect on the Palestinian economy. We hope that both parties will act on their commitments under the November 2005 movement and access agreement.
We have no plans to make representations to the Israeli Government regarding the legality of these matters.
Ministry of Defence: Property
Lord Whitty asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Andrews on 24 October 2005 (WA 160) on Ministry of Defence property, why the document DAO (GEN) (07/05) contains no reference to affordable housing; and where is their policy on provision of affordable housing in public asset disposals set out.[HL7339]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Andrews): The primary purpose of HM Treasury's DAO (GEN) (07/05) is to update government accounting users on the application of clawback requirements on the disposal of publicly funded assets. This policy exists to safeguard the disposing body's financial interest and helps to ensure value for money for taxpayers. The Ministry of Defence, in common with all other central government bodies, follows government accounting rules which require disposing bodies to obtain market value when disposing of surplus assets. The Ministry of Defence will work in liaison with local authorities when considering its disposal strategies for surplus sites, including the provision of affordable housing.
Defence Estates has a framework agreement with English Partnerships (November 2004) to facilitate the reuse of former defence sites. The agreement sets out how the agencies will work together to maximise the potential of surplus Ministry of Defence property to help deliver the objectives of the Government's Sustainable Communities Plan (February 2003).
NHS: Compensation and Legal Costs
Lord Steinberg asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the cost to the National Health Service of £175 million for compensation and legal costs as stated by the National Health Service Litigation Authority includes all outstanding cases to the end of the past financial year. [HL7454]
The Minister of State, Department of Health (Lord Warner): The NHS Litigation Authority 2005-06 accounts report expenditure of £591,586,000 on clinical and non-clinical negligence claims in the past financial year. The accounts include a provision, as at 31 March 2006, of £8,344,980,000 for all outstanding cases including an estimate for incidents that have occurred but not been reported.
Palestine: Hamas and Fatah
Lord Dykes asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will take steps to promote the resumption of peace talks and co-operation between Hamas and Fatah in Palestine; and, if so, whether such steps would include easing European Union restrictions on aid disbursements.[HL7507]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Triesman): We welcome Palestinian President Abbas's efforts to form a national unity government to end the division which has led to violence in Gaza. My right honourable friend the Prime Minister discussed the formation of a national unity government with President Abbas during his recent visit on9-11 September. We want to see a Palestinian Government with whom we can engage and do business with, which means one with a programme based on the three quartet (EU, US, UN and Russia) principles: renunciation of violence; recognition of Israel; and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the road map. Although we support a resumption of talks between Hamas and Fatah, we will continue to disburse aid to the Palestinian people through the “temporary international mechanism” until the Palestinian Authority moves towards accepting the quartet's three principles. The UK is providing aid to the Palestinian people at the same level as in 2005. The EU has significantly increased its financial support to the Palestinian people compared to 2005. As my right honourable friend the Prime Minister has made clear, if the Palestinian Government are based on the quartet's three principles, we will engage.
Prisoners: Foreign Nationals
Lord Ouseley asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 21 July (WA 48-9), whether the review of the failings which led to the release of 1,013 foreign national prisoners without consideration of possible deportation has commenced; whether conclusions have been reached to indicate which individuals were responsible for the failings; and whether action has been taken against those found culpable.[HL7565]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal): The Secretary of State for the Home Department explained in his Oral Statement of 9 October on the prison estate that the Director General of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate had written to the Home Affairs Committee on the same day. This letter contains a progress update on the 1,013 cases released without deportation consideration and also further information on the review which is taking place into how this occurred.
A copy of this letter has been made available in the Library of the House.
Public Expenditure: Scotland
Lord Barnett asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will provide a detailed analysis of public expenditure in Scotland, excluding locally financed local government expenditure.[HL7609]
Lord McKenzie of Luton: Table 7.17 of the publication Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses 2006 (Cm 6811) breaks down identifiable public spending in Scotland by function for 2004-05 and shows the contributions made by devolved administrations, local authorities and UK government departments.
Details of local authority spending in each of the countries of the United Kingdom by function are shown in Tables 5.7 and 5.8 of Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses 2006 (Cm 6811).
Railways: Community Railways
Lord Bradshaw asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Davies of Oldham on 10 October (WA 140), whether they intend to commit resources to the Development Strategy for Community Railways.[HL7566]
Lord Davies of Oldham: The Government plan to continue to commit support to community rail as at present. They would consider specific proposals for specific developments on community railways on their merits.
Railways: NAO Report
Lord Bradshaw asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have responded to the National Audit Office report Maintaining and improving Britain's railway stations, which was published in July 2005.[HL7519]
Lord Davies of Oldham: Yes. Her Majesty's Government responded by Treasury minute on 26 April 2006. Copies are available in the Library of the House (reference: Cm 6775).
Railways: West Midlands Franchise
Lord Bradshaw asked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority will not be a co-signatory of the new West Midlands rail franchise.[HL7520]
Lord Davies of Oldham: As set out in both the Transport and Rail White Papers, the Government are keen to devolve greater decision making to local and regional bodies. Local decision making can be effective and efficient only where the body making the decision is exposed to the financial implications of that decision.
The published Department for Transport (Dft) guidance note The new system for the role of English Passenger Transport Executives (PTEs) in the rail franchising process sets out how PTEs can procure changes to local rail services in their areas without being co-signatories to franchise agreements. Centro PTE is seeking to make an economic case for retaining co-signatory status in relation to the West Midlands franchise. In order to establish the costs of such status more clearly, a view will be sought on the cost implications from the successful bidder for the franchise prior to conclusion of the franchise agreement.
Sudan: Darfur
Lord Alton of Liverpool asked Her Majesty's Government:
What reports they have received about the recent heavy fighting in Darfur, involving the Sudanese army and the Janjaweed militia; and what information they have about the numbers of recent fatalities and casualties.[HL7580]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Triesman): There are credible reports that in recent weeks Arab militia forces, the “Janjaweed”, have been acting in close co-operation with the Government of Sudan air force and armed forces in attacking non-signatory rebel groups in Darfur. We have consistently made clear to the Government of Sudan that they must stop the fighting and implement the peace agreement, including by disarming the Janjaweed. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for International Development intends to raise this with the Government when he travels to Sudan later this month.
No reliable figures exist for the numbers of conflict-related dead and injured. Exact figures are unlikely ever to be known. But every death, casualty or rape in Sudan is a tragedy. That is why we are pressing the Government of Sudan and the rebel groups to stop the fighting; to agree to the deployment of a UN force in Darfur; to co-operate in bolstering the African Union in the interim; to commit to and implement the Darfur peace agreement; and to ensure full humanitarian access for the UN and non-governmental organisations in Darfur.
Lord Alton of Liverpool asked Her Majesty's Government:
What role they are playing to ensure that an international peacekeeping presence in Darfur will be sustained; and whether they envisage a role for British and NATO troops in such a peacekeeping force.[HL7581]
Lord Triesman: The UK is continuing to support the African Union (AU) mission in Darfur (AMIS). We were its first donor and have to date provided £52 million of assistance. This has been used for budgetary support, to purchase vehicles and other equipment, and to airlift troops to and from Darfur. The AU is now planning to increase the size of AMIS by two battalions (approximately 1,200 troops). We stand ready to assist it in this. Meanwhile, at our urging, the UN is helping to bolster AMIS prior to any transition to a UN force. We are considering contributing additional UK personnel as part of the UN assistance package to the AU, before a UN peacekeeping force deploys as mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 1706.
Lord Alton of Liverpool asked Her Majesty's Government:
What assessment they have made of the eye witness account of Paul Salopek in the report he was compiling for National Geographic magazine about the situation in Darfur, his subsequent arrest and imprisonment by the Sudanese authorities; and what representations they are making to the Government of Sudan about this matter.[HL7584]
Lord Triesman: While reporting on the culture and history of the Sahel for National Geographic magazine, Paul Salopek, a freelance journalist, crossed the border from Chad into Sudan without a visa. He was arrested and imprisoned on 6 August on charges of entering the country without a visa, passing information illegally and espionage.
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