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In support of encouraging skilled Sudanese to return and take up posts in the public sector, we are providing £2 million for training in leadership and management for highly qualified Diaspora returning to take up senior civil service posts. A pre-requisite for encouraging Diaspora to return is a functioning public sector. In recognition of this we also have a £2 million training programme for civil servants in central and local government. DfID also has a strong training component in its justice and police programme, which has delivered management and administrative training to around 600 civil servants.
Timber
Lord Eden of Winton asked Her Majesty's Government:
What assessment they have made of Chinese involvement in the exploitation of timber resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon. [HL1679]
28 Feb 2008 : Column WA140
Baroness Crawley: The UK Government have supported work to understand China's importance as a major consumer, importer and exporter of forest products. This has focused on global trends with an emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region, historically the main source of China's imports. There have not been any studies that focus specifically on the Democratic Republic of Congo or Cameroon.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, none of the 156 registered logging concessions is owned by Chinese companies.
One of the largest forest holdings in Cameroon, controlling 12 per cent of the total forest area allocated to concessions, is held by Chinese companies. We are working with the Government of Cameroon to ensure transparent and sustainable management of its forest, including in its interactions with foreign forest management companies.
Torture
Lord Hylton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in the light of the recent recommendations of the Joint Committee on Human Rights, they will consult the medical advisers to the Medical Foundation for the Victims of Torture about (a) current uncertainties among patients and practitioners about eligibility; (b) unsuccessful asylum applicants who cannot return home; (c) the risks of spreading HIV and tropical diseases; and (d) late diagnoses and avoidable hospital costs. [HL1907]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Lord Darzi of Denham): In conjunction with the Home Department, the department is currently reviewing access to National Health Service healthcare by foreign nationals. The review will include access to both primary and secondary care and will look at a range of issues relating to immigration and asylum arrangements, as well as public health issues and humanitarian concerns. A full public consultation on any proposals will then take place and the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture will be welcome to comment.
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