Session 2019-21 Monday No. 89 20 July 2020

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

HOUSE OF LORDS

WRITTEN STATEMENTS AND WRITTEN ANSWERS

Written Statements ...... 1 Written Answers ...... 9

[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 Deputy Leader of the House of Lords Lord Agnew of Oulton Minister of State, Cabinet Office and Treasury Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development Lord Ashton of Hyde Chief Whip Baroness Barran Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Baroness Berridge Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Department for International Trade Lord Bethell Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Care and Whip Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Whip Waldrist Lord Callanan Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Earl of Courtown Deputy Chief Whip Lord Gardiner of Kimble Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Baroness Goldie Minister of State, Ministry of Defence Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development Lord Greenhalgh Minister of State, Home Office and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Lord Grimstone of Boscobel Minister of State, Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Department for International Trade Lord Keen of Elie Advocate-General for Scotland and Ministry of Justice Spokesperson Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay Whip Baroness Penn Whip Baroness Scott of Bybrook Whip Baroness Stedman-Scott Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions Baroness Sugg Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development Lord True Minister of State, Cabinet Office Baroness Vere of Norbiton Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Transport Baroness Williams of Trafford Minister of State, Home Office Viscount Younger of Leckie Whip

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Written Statements 20 July 2020 Page 1

do all we can to prevent a repeat of events like that fateful Written Statements night occurring again. Monday, 20 July 2020 We promised to overhaul the system and to establish a national building safety regulator at its heart. Today I am A303 Sparkford to Illchester Application: pleased to be making a significant step towards that fundamental reform by publishing the draft Building Update Safety Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny, before the final [HLWS392] Bill is brought forward to Parliament. Baroness Vere of Norbiton: My Honourable Friend, The Bill will establish the regulator in the Health and the Minister of State for Transport (Andrew Stephenson), Safety Executive (HSE) and give it significant powers to has made the following Ministerial Statement. improve safety and performance across the built I have been asked by my Right Honourable Friend, the environment, especially in higher-risk buildings. Secretary of State, to make this Written Ministerial These reforms will improve safety and performance Statement. This statement concerns the application made standards across all buildings. However, certain buildings under the Planning Act 2008 for the proposed warrant even closer oversight because the potential for construction by Highways England of a continuous dual significant consequences should a fire spread or the carriageway on the A303 linking the Podimore structure fail. It is right that we have a more stringent Roundabout and the Sparkford Bypass. regime where the risk is deemed greatest, to protect the Under section 107(1) of the Planning Act 2008, the greatest number of people. Initially the scope of the more Secretary of State must make his decision within 3 stringent regime will apply to multi-occupied residential months of receipt of the Examining Authority’s report buildings of 18 metres or more in height or more than six unless exercising the power under section 107(3) to storeys, whichever is reached first. We have designed the extend the deadline and make a Statement to the House of new regime so its scope can be changed if the evidence Parliament announcing the new deadline. The Secretary base or operational experience suggest it should. of State received the Examining Authority’s report on the The Bill will provide a stronger framework to make A303 Sparkford to Ilchester Development Consent Order sure those responsible for managing building safety risks application on 12 September 2019 and the deadline for a in higher-risk buildings are held to account, with stronger decision was previously extended from 12 December enforcement powers and sanctions where those rules are 2019 until 17 July 2020 to allow for further work to be not followed. It will also ensure that the residents of high- carried out. rise buildings have a stronger voice, alongside giving The deadline for the decision is to be further extended them better access to safety information about their to 20 November 2020 (an extension of 4 months) to building, clarifying their rights and providing recourse to enable further information to be provided by the raise safety concerns directly to the regulator. Applicant and interested parties on outstanding concerns The draft Bill applies to England only with the raised by the Examining Authority and consideration of exception of the policies to require developers to belong that provided information before determination of the to a New Homes Ombudsman scheme, strengthen the application by the Secretary of State. oversight of the construction products regulatory regime, The decision to set a new deadline is without prejudice and allow the Architects Registration Board (ARB) to to the decision on whether to give development consent. monitor the competence of architects. Further detailed analysis of the territorial extent is provided in the Explanatory Notes. Building and Fire Safety Building safety financing [HLWS384] The Government is clear that it is unacceptable for Lord Greenhalgh: My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary leaseholders to have to worry about the cost of fixing of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and historic safety defects in their buildings that they didn’t Local Government (Robert Jenrick) has today made the cause. following Written Ministerial Statement: The draft Bill proposes a new ‘building safety charge’, I would like to update Parliament on the Government’s which will give leaseholders greater transparency around progress in overhauling the building and fire safety costs incurred in maintaining a safe building. We want system, as part of our unwavering commitment to these to be fair and proportionate, which is why I have ensuring that people, and the buildings they live in, are deliberately included numerous powers in the Bill that safe. will enable us to limit the building safety costs that can be Building safety re-charged to leaseholders. We must never forget the seventy two people who lost This is a topic that we are particularly committed to their lives as a result of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. developing further throughout the process of scrutiny and Countless lives were torn apart by that tragedy and we as the Bill is finalised for introduction. I have asked owe it to the deceased, the bereaved, the survivors, and Michael Wade, senior adviser to the Cabinet Office, to the residents of all high-rise buildings to ensure that we accelerate this work with leaseholders and the financial Page 2 20 July 2020 Written Statements sector. We must remove barriers to fixing historic defects and fire and rescue authorities in relation to building and identify financing solutions that protect leaseholders work. This is alongside a commitment to overhaul the from unaffordable costs; but we must also ensure that the Fire Safety Order’s supporting guidance. bill does not fall on tax payers. We will update on any Proposals for multi-occupied residential buildings, further measures required before the final Bill is mostly high-rise buildings, include prescribing in law the introduced to Parliament. frequency of checks of fire doors; that Responsible Establishing the Building Safety Regulator Persons (RPs) carry out inspections of other key fire- As I announced in January, the HSE is establishing the fighting equipment, not just lifts designed to be used by regulator in shadow form, and I am today announcing that firefighters; and that RPs provide information to residents I have set aside £16.4 million in this financial year for including in relation to fire safety (including evacuation HSE to recruit the people and develop the capabilities that and other specific information) in an accessible format. will enable the regulator to hit the ground running once its Our proposals go beyond the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s powers come into effect. recommendations in several areas. In others, our HSE has a strong track record of improving safety and proposals prioritise residents’ safety in a way that is fostering a safety-first culture within the construction and practical, proportionate and effective to the risks the major hazards industries, and will draw on years of Inquiry has identified. The Government wants to listen to experience to deliver results quickly and effectively. As the views of those who have experience of these matters, shadow regulator, HSE is playing an increasingly including those who have been personally affected by the important role in the Government’s Building Safety Grenfell Tower tragedy. The proposals set out in the Programme: it is supporting work on how to identify Home Office consultation will further deliver the higher-risk buildings; supporting work by the National Government’s objective to improve building and fire Fire Chiefs Council to assess the fire risk in every high- safety in all regulated premises where people live, stay or rise residential building by end 2021; and supporting work. work with early adopters in the construction industry, Construction products social landlords and local government to trial the new regime, and to promote culture change across the The Bill also enables us to progress our commitment to industry. I am today announcing that HSE will also take radically strengthen oversight of the regulatory regime for over as chair of the Joint Regulators’ Group, which construction products. The bill will make sure a wider advises the Government on ways to strengthen the range of construction products are subject to strengthened regulatory regime; and will take over the Independent safety regulations. It will also strengthen the powers Expert Advisory Panel, which advises the Government on available to the Government, paving the way to create a fire safety in high-rise residential buildings. new national regulatory function that will have oversight of the construction products regulation. The Government Over coming months, the shadow regulator will engage is developing options for how this new national regulatory with and advise residents, building owners, the function could be implemented. construction industry and other regulators on how the new system will operate, what it will mean for them, and what Other housing measures they should do now to make their buildings safe and The draft Bill also contains measures to protect the prepare for the new regime. In the Autumn, we will kick rights of all new build homebuyers by requiring off work to appoint the first national Chief Inspector of developers to belong to the New Homes Ombudsman. It Buildings, who will lead the new regulator. also includes new measures that will make access to We, and the public, expect industry to manage building redress swifter and more effective for all social housing safety risks now and prepare to fulfil their duties when residents. this new regime comes into effect. The public expects and Pre-legislative scrutiny demands industry to implement these reforms with These are extensive reforms that it is incumbent on us conviction and speed. The new Building Safety Regulator all to get right. The Building Safety Bill is a large and stands ready to work hand in hand with industry to bring complex piece of legislation, reflecting the scale of the about a culture change that prioritises residents and their reforms needed. In this spirit, I am publishing the Bill in safety. draft form to ensure it receives the due and proper Fire safety reforms consideration it deserves through pre-legislative scrutiny The Home Office is also today publishing a Fire Safety from Parliament, from industry, from regulatory bodies, Consultation, which sets out proposals to: strengthen the and from residents. I want to thank those that have helped Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – the Fire shape the legislation so far, including those who Safety Order – and improve compliance for all regulated contributed to the ‘Building a Safer Future’ consultation buildings; implement the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 and who have engaged in various forums with my report recommendations for multi-occupied residential department. I now encourage colleagues from across both buildings which require a change in law; and, seeks views Houses to engage wholeheartedly in strengthening these on the effectiveness of the arrangements for consultation proposals so that together we can further improve the and information sharing between building control bodies legislation and deliver greater safety for residents. Written Statements 20 July 2020 Page 3

I will deposit copies of the draft Building Safety Bill, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/community- Delegated Powers Memorandum and Impact Assessment match-challenge-and-voluntary-and-community-sector- in the libraries of both Houses. A copy of the full Fire emergencies-partnership. Safety Consultation and its Impact Assessment will also be deposited in the libraries of both Houses. Contingencies Fund Advance Community Match Challenge [HLWS382] [HLWS390] Lord Callanan: My Honourable friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Baroness Barran: My Right Honourable Friend the Business and Industry) Nadhim Zahawi has today made Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the following statement: Oliver Dowden MP, has made the following Statement: I hereby give notice of the Department for Business, On 8 April, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced Energy and Industrial Strategy’s intention to seek an a £750 million funding package for the Voluntary, advance from the Contingencies Fund of £5,070,000,000 Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector. I wish to provide funding for the Nuclear Liabilities Fund to set out to the House the details of how £90 million (NLF). from this package will be allocated. The funding will be used to increase the NLF’s public We are all aware of the vital role that the VCSE sector sector assets, by making £5.07bn available to the NLF in plays in our society, and this has especially been the case the form of a deposit in the National Loans Fund. This in the past few months. Charities and community offers an alternative investment opportunity to the NLF, organisations have been at the frontline of the coronavirus which otherwise would re-allocate monies within the next outbreak, providing trusted support to people and month into investments in its privately held asset communities. portfolio. Such re-allocation would increase Public Sector Through the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, Net Debt, and so this alternative funding arrangement £200 million is already being allocated largely to small avoids this immediate negative fiscal impact. The and medium sized charities in England by the National payment to the NLF is fiscally neutral. Lottery Community Fund. The Trustee Directors of the NLF have a fiduciary duty We are now inviting the philanthropists, foundations, to ensure the NLF remains on track to be sufficient to and grant makers to put forward new funding which the meet certain future decommissioning liabilities. Government will match on a pound for pound basis. Parliamentary approval for additional capital of The Government will match up to £85 million of £5,070,000,000 will be sought in a Supplementary funding from strategic funders such as philanthropists and Estimate for the Department for Business, Energy and charitable foundations. This funding is intended for Industrial Strategy. Pending that approval, urgent beneficiary groups which are the most vulnerable and the expenditure estimated at £5,070,000,000 will be met by hardest hit by COVID-19. We expect awards to be made repayable cash advances from the Contingencies Fund. principally to charitable grant makers providing aid to The cash advance will be repaid upon receiving Royal small and medium sized charities. We anticipate funding Assent on the Supply and Appropriation Bill. applications in the £5 million to £20 million range. This innovative approach will build on the expertise of philanthropists and foundations by supporting the Crossrail: Annual Update charities that they believe will have the highest impact in [HLWS386] the areas that we want to focus on, while giving charities longer term recovery support by allowing the non- Baroness Vere of Norbiton: My Honourable Friend, Government portion of the match funding to be spent the Minister of State for Transport (Chris Heaton-Harris), beyond March 2021. has made the following Ministerial Statement. We believe that this approach will stimulate further Over the past year, several milestones have been donations and ensure that a further £85 million of reached on the Crossrail project and work continues philanthropic funding from those who wish to support despite the new challenges presented by Covid-19. their communities during these challenging times will go When complete, the Elizabeth line will be to charities, further increasing support to the sector. transformative, reducing overcrowding, delivering An additional £4.8 million is also being allocated to the spacious new trains, adding significant additional rail Voluntary and Community Sector Emergencies capacity to London and the South East, and delivering a Partnership to strengthen its support to the voluntary and huge boost to the recovering UK economy. Its benefits community sector, and its coordinating role with will be vast and long lasting. government and statutory agencies, as they continue to Important progress is being made on taking the respond to COVID-19. Crossrail project towards completion and for its transition Applications close at midnight on 2 August 2020 and to Transport for London (TfL), the future Elizabeth line details can be found at the fund website here: operator. Page 4 20 July 2020 Written Statements

In December last year, TfL Rail commenced operating to be developed for Crossrail that is fair to UK taxpayers, services between Paddington and Reading using the new with London as the primary beneficiary bearing the cost. UK built Class 345 trains, marking another important Works have now restarted as part of Crossrail’s stage in the delivery of the Elizabeth line. This year, the Recovery Plan with sites operating within the framework higher capacity 9 carriage trains are being introduced of Public Health England’s safety guidelines, with CRL along this part of the route. intensely focussed on achieving the next key programme The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has approved the milestone - commencement of the intensive testing of the new trains to run in passenger service between railway, known as Trial Running. Paddington and Heathrow Airport, paving the way for a CRL are currently in the process of updating their cost future increase in services to 4 trains per hour, adding and schedule forecasts in light of their Recovery Plan, important extra service capacity to the local rail network. including assessing the impact on their opening schedule Final testing and driver training is taking place with and will make a further update on this shortly. Bombardier and MTR Elizabeth Line ahead of the A further update to the overall costings for Network services being introduced. Rail’s programme show that the Crossrail On Network Over the past year, Crossrail Limited (CRL) have made Works require an extra £140m of funding with the cost of further progress on the final completion of the new central the surface works package now standing at just under section. Signalling and train software testing has £3bn. The additional costs, which were assessed before progressed and a number of assets including completed the Covid-19 crisis, are the result of some station and shafts and portals together with the new Custom House power upgrade work taking longer than planned. station have now been handed over to TfL. All of the The Department will continue to work with its joint stations in the central section are now ready for the Trial Sponsor, TfL, to closely scrutinise the project, supporting Running of services, with the exception of Bond Street its delivery as soon as is safely possible and to deliver the which requires further work. vital assurance and safety certification that is required Network Rail (NR) works on the eastern and western before passenger services can commence. sections of the route have continued to progress over the The Department will also work with TfL to oversee the past year with the delivery of the enhanced ticket halls effective review and evolution of Crossrail’s future and access improvements on the surface section governance arrangements to make sure the right decisions progressing at Ilford and Romford; Acton Main Line, are taken as the project moves towards completion, and Ealing Broadway, West Ealing, Southall, Hayes & that it successfully transitions to TfL operations as soon Harlington and West Drayton, with step-free access being as possible. CRL together with both Sponsors remain prioritised where possible. committed to ongoing transparency with regard to the In March this year, future Elizabeth line stations project. Hanwell, Iver, Langley, and Taplow were also provided During the passage of the Crossrail Bill through with step-free access from street to platform. Parliament, a commitment was given that an annual Together, these milestones represent key steps forward statement would be published until the completion of the in the operational development of the railway. construction of Crossrail, setting out information about But there have been challenges as well. the project’s funding and finances. Further details on In January, CRL announced that it planned to open the CRL’s funding and finances in the period to 29 May 2020 central section of the railway in summer 2021 and the full are set out in the table below. The relevant information is Elizabeth line by mid-2022, citing challenges with as follows: completing the software development and the safety Total funding amounts provided to Crossrail £14,164,813,354 assurance processes preventing it from meeting its Limited by the Department for Transport and TfL in previously planned opening window. Progress was further relation to the construction of Crossrail to the end of the period (22 July 2008 to 29 May 2020) affected by the ‘safe stop’ announced on March 24, when CRL ceased all physical work at its construction sites, Expenditure incurred (including committed land £1,014,218,000 including Network Rail’s station upgrade works, as a and property spend not yet paid out) by Crossrail Limited in relation to the construction of Crossrail result of the Covid-19 crisis and in line with TfL’s in the period (30 May 2019 to 29 May 2020) decision to pause work on project sites, though essential, business critical and remote assurance work continued. (excluding recoverable VAT on Land and Property purchases) In November last year and before the impact of Covid- Total expenditure incurred (including committed £14,972,678,000 19, CRL announced that it would not be able to deliver land and property spend not yet paid out) by the railway within the funding package originally Crossrail Limited in relation to the construction of announced by the Department and the Mayor of London Crossrail to the end of the period (22 July 2008 to in December 2018, and that it would require between 29 May 2020) £400 to £650 million in additional funding. (excluding recoverable VAT on Land and Property The further schedule delays and cost increases to this purchases) project since the last annual update are very The amounts realised by the disposal of any land or £16,000,000 disappointing. A revised funding package will now need property for the purposes of the construction of Written Statements 20 July 2020 Page 5

Crossrail by the Secretary of State, TfL or Crossrail further details of these negotiations on the Government’s Limited in the period covered by the statement. website soon, providing further details on the scope of the arrangements we are seeking to agree. The numbers above are drawn from CRL’s books of account and have been prepared on a consistent basis with Switzerland the update provided last year. The figure for expenditure Over the last three years a dedicated high-level UK- incurred includes monies already paid out in the relevant Swiss Continuity Dialogue has proven highly successful period, including committed land and property in advancing vital work to uphold our excellent relations expenditure where this has not yet been paid. It does not with the Swiss in the context of our EU exit. The include future expenditure on contracts that have been continuity arrangements we have reached with awarded. Switzerland have given vital certainty to citizens and businesses alike. The Government is seeking to build on EFTA States and Switzerland: Future these strong foundations in the future: we are now Relationship convening a new UK-Swiss Future Relations Dialogue to open the next chapter in our relations. [HLWS389] Our first UK-Swiss Future Relations Dialogue took Baroness Sugg: My Honourable Friend, the Minister place on 1 July. The Government is taking a sequenced for European Neighbourhood and the Americas (Wendy approach to our joint endeavours with Switzerland before Morton), has made the following written Ministerial the review clause in our trade continuity agreement statement: activates in 2021. Firstly, we will aim to resolve residual The Government is pleased to announce that we have separation issues as far as is possible. Secondly, we will moved into formal negotiations on our future also aim to address issues that are dependent on our relationships with both the EEA EFTA states (Iceland, negotiations with the EU or indeed related negotiations. Liechtenstein and Norway) and Switzerland from the Thirdly, we will begin exploring new bilateral beginning of July. opportunities where we can make progress together in 2020. The Government has already been working closely with all four non-EU states on a range of issues related to our Sequencing future relationship. We have successfully delivered a The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is working number of agreements, including the EEA EFTA with other government departments to secure the delivery Separation Agreement signed in January this year, which of these negotiations. The Department for International broadly mirrors provisions in the EU Withdrawal Trade continues to be responsible for all trade and Agreement on citizens’ rights and a small number of other economic arrangements. In non-trade areas, departments relevant separation issues. With the Swiss we have responsible will seek arrangements which deliver on UK concluded and signed agreements in five key areas; trade; interests and provide maximum coverage across the full air services; road transport; insurance; and citizen’s rights. scope of our relationship with these countries. The EEA EFTA states and Switzerland are important The Government is aiming to bring some of the European economic partners, with bilateral trade totalling agreements negotiated with these states into effect by the approximately £27bn with the EEA EFTA states and end of the transition period in line with our approach to around £39bn with Switzerland in 2019. We also enjoy EU negotiations. Further details on the progress of these close cooperation with these countries across a range of negotiations will be made available to Parliament as they areas outside of trade, which is why the Government is develop. Indeed, our future relationship with these key seeking to agree measures that span across the entire partners is a government priority. breadth of our relationship. EEA EFTA States Public Service Pensions: Survivor Benefits Negotiations with the EEA EFTA states will continue to take place alongside those we are conducting with the [HLWS393] EU. In some areas, our future relationship with these Lord Agnew of Oulton: My right honourable friend states will be closely tied to the UK’s future relationship the Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Steve Barclay) has with the EU by virtue of their participation in the EU today made the following Written Ministerial Statement. Single Market (via the EEA Agreement) and other EU-led The government is committed to providing public initiatives. In others, these countries have the flexibility to service pensions that are fair for public sector workers agree bespoke bilateral arrangements. The ongoing and for taxpayers. The government’s position remains that negotiations will need to take account of this, but we are benefit entitlements should normally be determined based clear in our aim of protecting the close levels of existing on the rules applicable at the time the member served, to cooperation we have with these key European partners, maintain fairness for active scheme members and the and building ambitious future facing agreements befitting taxpayer. our close relationship with them. Following the Walker v Innospec Supreme Court ruling, A successful UK-EEA EFTA Future Relations the government decided that in public service schemes, Dialogue took place on 16 July. We will be publishing surviving male same-sex and female same-sex spouses Page 6 20 July 2020 Written Statements and civil partners of public service pension scheme allocations distribute the second year of the multi-billion members will, in certain cases, receive benefits equivalent school funding settlement that the Secretary of State for to those received by widows of opposite sex marriages. Education announced to Parliament on 3 September 2019. The exception to this is in specific schemes where, in the Core school funding is increasing by £2.6bn in 2020-21, past, improvements in female members’ survivor benefits and will increase by £4.8bn and £7.1bn in 2021-22 and have involved female members making employee 2022-23 respectively, compared to 2019-20. In addition, contributions or increasing them. we continue to fund the recent increase in pension costs A case brought in the Employment Tribunal against the for teachers, worth £1.5bn a year. Secretary of State for Education earlier this year These allocations, which are part of the annual funding highlighted that these changes may lead to direct sexual cycle, will provide schools and local authorities with orientation discrimination within the Teachers’ Pension certainty of future funding. In addition to this core Scheme, where male survivors of female scheme funding, schools can apply for exceptional funding to members remain entitled to a lower survivor benefit than cover specific unavoidable costs incurred by schools due a comparable same-sex survivor. to coronavirus (COVID-19) between March and July that The government has concluded that changes are cannot be met from existing resources. Schools will also required to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme to address the benefit from the £1bn ‘catch-up’ package for the 2020/21 discrimination. The government believes that this academic year to directly tackle the impact of the difference in treatment will also need to be remedied in disruption that COVID-19 has caused. This includes a those other public service pension schemes, where the ‘Catch-Up Premium’ worth £650m to support schools to husband or male civil partner of a female scheme member make up for lost teaching time for all pupils, and a new is in similar circumstances. £350m tutoring fund for disadvantaged pupils. Guidance on the allocation and use of that funding will be published Departments responsible for the administration of today. affected schemes will consult on and take forward changes as soon as possible. Schemes will notify their The funding factors used in the 2021-22 NFF remain members of changes and any actions they need to take. the same, but we have made two technical changes, which are detailed in the NFF policy document also published Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act today: 2018: Report on Regulations • Funding from the teachers’ pay grant and the teachers’ pension employer contribution grant, including the [HLWS388] supplementary fund, has been added to the formulae Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Today the ‘Report on from 2021-22. This will simplify the allocation of this Regulations Made under Section 32 of the Sanctions and funding – worth almost £2bn a year – recognising that Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018’ will be laid in these grants are part of schools’ core budgets and Parliament. providing reassurance to schools and local authorities The report details the two regulations laid under Section that the funding will continue to be provided. 1 of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 • The 2019 update to the Income Deprivation Affecting during the reporting period from 23 May 2019 to 22 May Children Index has been incorporated so that 2020, and states the relevant human rights purposes of deprivation funding allocated through the formulae is those regulations. based on the latest data. In addition to the actions set out in the report, the School funding through the NFF is increasing by 4% Government established the Global Human Rights overall in 2021-22. The NFF will distribute this funding sanctions regime on 6 July by laying regulations in based on schools’ and pupils’ needs and characteristics. Parliament. These regulations enable the Government to The main features in 2021-22 are: impose sanctions in response to serious human rights • The funding floor will ensure that every school is violations or abuses around the world. The Government allocated at least 2% more pupil-led funding per pupil made immediate use of the powers provided by the compared to its 2020-21 NFF allocation. Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020, • The key factors in the NFF will increase by 3%, implementing 49 designations on a range of people and providing a significant increase to those schools already entities. attracting their NFF allocations. School Funding • The minimum per pupil funding levels will ensure that every primary school receives at least £4,000 per pupil, [HLWS387] and every secondary school at least £5,150 per pupil, Baroness Berridge: My right honourable friend the delivering on the Government’s pledge to level up the Minister of State for School Standards (Nick Gibb) has lowest funded schools. made the following Written Ministerial Statement. • Funding to cover additional teachers’ pay and Today I am confirming provisional funding allocations pensions costs, previously funded through separate for 2021-22 through the schools, high needs and central grants, has additionally been reflected in all schools’ school services national funding formulae (NFF). The allocations. This means that a further £180 and £265 Written Statements 20 July 2020 Page 7

respectively will be added to the minimum per pupil and Veterans (Johnny Mercer MP) has made the amounts above. following Written Ministerial Statement. • Additional funding for small and remote schools will The Ministry of Defence (MOD)’s formal response to increase in 2021-22, with primary schools attracting up the Service Complaints Ombudsman’s (SCO) annual to £45,000, compared to £26,000 previously, as a first report for 2019 on the fairness, effectiveness and step towards expanding the support the NFF provides efficiency of the Service complaints system has today for such schools from 2022-23. been placed in the Library of the House. High needs funding will increase by a further £730m, or The Ombudsman’s report assessed the fourth year of 10%, in 2021-22 – that follows the substantial increase operation of the reformed Service complaints system this year and brings the total high needs budget to over which was implemented on 1 January 2016 and the work £8bn. The high needs NFF will ensure that every local of her office in 2019. The response sets out MOD’s authority receives a further increase of at least 8% per comments and approach to each of the Ombudsman’s new head of population, compared to this year, with some recommendations, the observations that she has made and authorities receiving up to 12%. This vital extra resource includes a summary of our position on recommendations will help local authorities to manage their cost pressures made in previous annual reports. in this area. The Government is continuing to pursue a The MOD values the strong independent oversight that cross-departmental review of the special educational the Ombudsman brings to the Service complaints process, needs and disability (SEND) system to see what further and remains committed to having a system in which our improvements are necessary to ensure that it supports personnel can have confidence. This will include children and young people with SEND as effectively as progressing outstanding recommendations and possible. observations, together with improvements identified in In addition, the Department will start negotiations with Air Marshal Wigston’s Report in April 2019 on some of those local authorities with the highest Dedicated Inappropriate Behaviours. Schools Grant (DSG) deficits about supporting them to The Statement includes the following attached material: reduce their deficits over time. Central schools services funding in 2021-22 will MODs Formal Response Annex A [MODs Formal Response to Service Complaints and Ombudsman's Annual Report 2019.docx] increase by 4% for the ongoing responsibilities that local authorities continue to have for all schools. In line with SCO Annual Report Recommendations Annex B [SCO Annual the process introduced for 2020-21 to withdraw funding Report Recommendations 2016 to 2019 to the Service Complaints over time based on the commitments local authorities and Ombudsman's Annual Report 2019.docx] entered into before 2013-14, funding for historic commitments will decrease by 20% for those local The material can be viewed online at: authorities in receipt of this funding. http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- answers-statements/written-statement/Lords/2020-07-20/HLWS385/ The provisional NFF allocations published today will be updated, based on the latest pupil data, to produce final Transport for London: Extraordinary allocations in December that local authorities will receive through the DSG. Funding and Financing Local authorities will continue to use that funding to [HLWS391] determine final allocations for all local mainstream Baroness Vere of Norbiton: My Right Honourable schools. In light of the need to focus efforts on meeting friend, the Secretary of State for Transport (Grant the challenges of COVID-19, we are not changing local Shapps), has made the following Ministerial Statement. authorities’ role in the distribution of school funding in I wrote to the House on 18 May 2020, to share details 2021-22. The Government will, later this year, put of the extraordinary funding and financing agreement forward its proposals to move to a ‘hard’ NFF in future, reached with Transport for London (TfL). That package which will determine schools’ budgets directly rather than of support, which was agreed between Government, the through local formulae set independently by each local Mayor and TfL, included a number of conditions and I am authority. This will level up the school funding system so today writing to update Parliament on two of those. that all schools across the country are funded on a To help avoid such drastic action in the future work has comparable basis. We will consult widely with local been underway on the Government-led review of TfL’s authorities, schools and others to make this transition future financial position and structure, and we have now carefully. published the Terms of Reference for that review. I am pleased to also announce the appointment of the Service Complaints Ombudsman: Annual two Government Special Representatives to attend the Report 2019 TfL Board; Andrew Gilligan and Clare Moriarty. They will also be able to attend TfL’s Finance and Programme [HLWS385] Investment Committees. These positions required a Baroness Goldie: My hon. Friend the Parliamentary specific skillset and have therefore been made through Under Secretary of State and Minister for Defence People direct Ministerial Appointment. Page 8 20 July 2020 Written Statements

Clare Moriarty is a former civil servant and has been considers that its withdrawals shall take effect Permanent Secretary for the Department for Exiting the immediately and that it will be for the remaining European Union and for the Department for Environment, participating states to decide the future of the Unified Food and Rural Affairs, and she was previously Director Patent Court system. General, Rail Executive and Director General for Corporate Services in the Department for Transport. Vaccine Taskforce Andrew Gilligan advises the Prime Minister on [HLWS381] transport matters and worked closely with TfL for three years, acquiring detailed knowledge of its operations, as Lord Callanan: My Right Honourable friend the former Cycling Commissioner for London. Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Alok Sharma has today made the following Unified Patent Court statement: I am today updating Parliament on the work of the [HLWS383] Vaccine Taskforce in securing a vaccine against Covid- Lord Callanan: My Honourable friend the Minister for 19. Science, Research and Innovation Amanda Solloway has Tackling this virus is the biggest challenge that this today made the following statement: country has faced in peacetime history. Today I am I am tabling this statement for the benefit of announcing the recent steps that the Vaccines Taskforce Honourable and Right Honourable Members to bring to has taken towards making a successful Covid-19 vaccine their attention the UK’s withdrawal from the Unified available as soon as possible to the UK population and the Patent Court system. wider world. Today, by means of a Note Verbale, the United I can inform the House that we have signed agreements Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has with the BioNTech/Pfizer alliance and Valneva to withdrawn its ratification of the Agreement on a Unified purchase their vaccines. This is part of our strategy to Patent Court and the Protocol on Privileges and procure a portfolio of promising vaccine candidates, Immunities of the Unified Patent Court (dated 23 April giving us the best chance of securing a successful one at 2018) in respect of the United Kingdom of Great Britain the earliest opportunity. Demand for a successful vaccine and Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, and its consent will be high and placing these orders early will give us to be bound by the Protocol to the Agreement on a access to the doses we need, if and when, any of these Unified Patent Court on provisional application (dated on candidates prove to be safe and effective in clinical trials 6 July 2017) (collectively “the Agreements”). and receive regulatory approval. In view of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the I am also announcing that the Government has issued a European Union, the United Kingdom no longer wishes to letter of intent in advance of entering an agreement to be a party to the Unified Patent Court system. secure an antibody that may be used as a therapeutic Participating in a court that applies EU law and is bound treatment in support of the wider vaccination programme. by the CJEU would be inconsistent with the The antibody, manufactured by AstraZeneca, is currently Government’s aims of becoming an independent self- in clinical trials and could be available for use by the governing nation. second quarter of 2021, if those trials are successful. The Agreements have not yet entered into force. Clinical trials play a vital part in the vaccine However, in order to ensure clarity regarding the United development process. Today, the Government is also Kingdom’s status in respect of the Agreements and to launching the NHS Covid-19 vaccine research registry. facilitate their orderly entry into force for other States This new website will enable people in the UK to without the participation of the United Kingdom, the volunteer for future vaccine studies planned in the UK, United Kingdom has chosen to withdraw its ratification of playing their part in our national effort to ensure a Covid- the Agreements at this time. The United Kingdom 19 vaccine is available as soon as possible.

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across the UK this year. Immigration is a reserved matter Written Answers and the Seasonal Workers Pilot is a nationwide pilot, with a nationwide quota. The Government has placed a Monday, 20 July 2020 specific duty on the operators to ensure that all regions of the UK benefit from this pilot. A27: East Sussex While restrictions due to COVID-19 initially delayed Asked by Lord Berkeley the arrival of some Pilot workers, Defra and the Home Office worked closely with Pilot operators to enable To ask Her Majesty's Government why they have workers to reach the UK. The Visa Application Centres in taken the decision to proceed with the A27 Lewes– Ukraine and Belarus, which were temporarily closed due Polegate improvement project; what is the project's to COVID-19 restrictions, reopened on 1 June. This latest benefit-cost ratio; what environmental impact allowed significant numbers of Pilot workers from those assessments have been (1) completed, and (2) countries to obtain a visa and travel to the UK. published; and what consideration they have given to upgrading the East Coastway rail line as an alternative We are aware of the wider impact that restrictions on to this project. [HL6431] travel from other countries, as a result of COVID-19, has had on the number of seasonal workers coming to work in Baroness Vere of Norbiton: No decision has been the UK. We are working closely with industry and taken on whether to fund further enhancements to the A27 government officials in Scotland and Wales to help our between Lewes and Polegate beyond those already in world-leading farmers and growers access the labour they construction. The second Road Investment Strategy, need over the busy harvest months. All are supportive of published in March, commissioned Highways England to the joint Defra and industry ‘Pick for Britain’ campaign develop proposals for this route for possible delivery after and website, aimed at driving awareness of seasonal roles 2025. This work is expected to explore potential options on farms. We understand that for England the demand for and their benefits and costs, including environmental seasonal workers is currently being met, and we are impacts, as appropriate. closely monitoring the situation throughout the rest of the summer. Aerobility: Finance Defra discussed with officials at DAERA the plans for Asked by Baroness Garden of Frognal the Pick for Britain website and their thoughts on a future public -acing campaign to attract more seasonal workers To ask Her Majesty's Government what was the value from the UK. The feedback received was that DAERA of the grant from the Department for Transport to was working closely with industry representatives in Aerobility for the Vigilant T1 aircraft. [HL6462] Northern Ireland and would use the existing Department Baroness Vere of Norbiton: A grant of £745,000 was for Communities website – JobCentre Online (JCOL) to awarded to Aerobility, a registered charity, to support its advertise local opportunities. The website also provided a work to refurbish the Vigilant T1 glider fleet, acquired link to the Pick for Britain initiative. from the Ministry of Defence. The gliders had been grounded by the Royal Air Force in May 2018. The grant Animal Welfare was specifically to cover the costs relating to the refurbishment package, including modifications needed to Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick enable people with physical disabilities to fly the gliders, To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they and for the full refurbishment of eight aircraft, to be have to bring forward legislative proposals on animal retained by Aerobility for its operations. sentience. [HL6511] Expanding Aerobility’s fleet of aircraft will lead to a number of benefits, including, improving access to flight Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The Government training and flight experiences for those living with is committed to further strengthening our world-leading physical and mental disabilities. It will also enable animal welfare standards. We have committed to bringing Aerobility to offer services at additional locations in the in new laws on animal sentience. Any necessary changes UK. required to domestic legislation will be made in a rigorous and comprehensive way and will be brought forward Agriculture: Employment when parliamentary time allows. Additionally, we have committed to ending excessively Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick long journeys for slaughter and fattening and to banning To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are the keeping of primates as pets. The Government is taking to ensure an adequate supply of labour on farms supporting the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill. This in (1) England, (2) Northern Ireland, (3) Wales, and (4) will increase the maximum custodial penalty for animal Scotland. [HL6510] cruelty from six months' imprisonment to five years' imprisonment. The new maximum penalty of five years is Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The Seasonal Workers in line with campaigns by key stakeholders such as Pilot is providing thousands of non-EU workers to farms Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs Trust and the Page 10 20 July 2020 Written Answers

RSPCA. This is a positive step forward in improving their plans for the economic recovery from the COVID- animal welfare. and will act as a serious deterrent against 19 pandemic. [HL6530] cruelty and neglect. It will provide one of the toughest Lord Callanan: We are continuing to work across sanctions in Europe, strengthening the UK's position as a Government and with a wide array of stakeholders global leader on animal welfare. including the Royal Institute of British Architects, to ensure that diverse voices are heard in the policy making Animals: Antimicrobials process, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are supporting the construction sector by helping it Asked by Lord Empey drive increased investment in skills development, adopt a To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment more strategic and co-ordinated approach to recruitment, have they made of the UK's performance in addressing and equip workers with the skills they need for the future. antimicrobial resistance in animals compared to (1) the Additionally, the Professional and Business Services 27 Member States of the EU, and (2) other developed Council’s Skills and Inclusion Working Group is engaged economies. [HL6666] on access to skills to support business growth in the Lord Gardiner of Kimble: There is considerable industry, as well as considering how to increase social variation in levels and trends of antimicrobial resistance mobility within the sector. The group have convened a between the UK and European Member States and other sub-group to consider immediate emerging skills issues global partners, for example the USA, Canada and Japan. that have arisen as a result of COVID-19. The UK is among those countries which have made most progress in addressing antimicrobial resistance in bacteria from animals in recent years. Arms Trade: Colombia In terms of comparing antibiotic sales between Asked by Lord Browne of Ladyton countries, the latest published data in the European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the project, which compared antimicrobial sales data for food killing of human rights defenders in Colombia and producing animals across EEA countries and Switzerland recent reports of illegal surveillance by Colombian for 2017 (published Oct 2019), shows that in 2017 the UK Military Intelligence on civil society organisations, had the fifth lowest level of antibiotic consumption in whether they are reassessing the licensing of UK arms food-producing animals (32.5 mg/kg) of the 31 European exports, including cryptographic equipment, to countries reporting this data (only Sweden, Finland, Colombia. [HL6712] Norway, and Iceland are lower). This project is available Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: There are no extant here: licences granted for Colombia that may be used for such https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/report/sales- surveillance. veterinary-antimicrobial-agents-31-european-countries- For context, all export licence applications are assessed 2017_en.pdf The US, Canada and Japan also publish on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and antibiotic sales data: Canada published an overall sales National Arms Export Licensing Criteria (the figure for 2016 of 150mg/kg, which was an 18% ‘Consolidated Criteria’). In reaching a decision, the reduction on their 2015 sales. USA and Japan do not report in mg/kg but do publish data on tonnes of antibiotic Department for International Trade (DIT) receives advice active ingredient used for food producing animals. The from a number of Departments including the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Foreign and Commonwealth USA reported a reduction of 38% between 2015 and 2018 Office (FCO). Together, we draw on all available whereas Japan showed an increase of 2.8% between 2013 information, including reports from Non-Government and 2016. Organisations (NGOs) and our diplomatic missions. The We continue to be committed to working with livestock Consolidated Criteria provides a thorough risk assessment sectors to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use and have framework and requires us to think hard about the impact achieved a 53% reduction in sales of antibiotics for food- of exporting any items. producing animals between 2013 and 2018. We are also committed to working alongside our global partners to Assessments under Criterion 2 in particular include the promote data sharing and responsible antibiotic use. respect of rights and freedoms in the country of final destination. A licence will not be issued if to do so would be inconsistent with the Consolidated Criteria, including Architecture: Ethnic Groups where there is a clear risk that the proposed export might be used for internal repression. Accordingly, we continue Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick to monitor global developments closely and are able to To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are review licences – and suspend or revoke as necessary – taking, if any, to support BAME–led architecture when circumstances require, in line with the Consolidated practices and BAME built environment professionals in Criteria. Written Answers 20 July 2020 Page 11

Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia Aviation: Coronavirus Asked by Lord Judd Asked by Viscount Waverley To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration To ask Her Majesty's Government on what basis they they gave to the actions of the government of Saudi decided to exclude Portugal as an ‘air bridge’ country Arabia (1) in that country, and (2) in Yemen, when necessitating passengers to quarantine for 14 days upon deciding to resume granting export licences for arms arrival in the UK from that country. [HL6541] sales to Saudi Arabia; and what assessment they have Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Decisions on the list of made of the compatibility of that decision with the countries that are exempt from self-isolation requirements Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, announced on have been guided by the science. 6 July. [HL6672] The Joint Biosecurity Centre, in close consultation with Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: The Written Ministerial Public Health England and the Chief Medical Officer, has th Statement of 7 July 2020 set out the steps that HM developed an approach to assessing the public health risk Government has taken to comply with the judgment of the associated with inbound travel from specific countries and th Court of Appeal of 20 June 2019 regarding licences for territories. This categorisation has informed the military exports to Saudi Arabia for possible use in the government’s decisions about relaxation of border conflict in Yemen. measures. To address the Court of Appeal’s judgment, we have The categorisation has been informed by an estimate of developed a revised methodology in respect of all the proportion of the population that is currently allegations which it is assessed are likely to have occurred infectious in each country, virus incidence rates, trends in and to have been caused by fixed wing aircraft reflecting incidence and deaths, transmission status and the factual circumstances that the court proceedings international epidemic intelligence as well as information concerned. on a country’s testing capacity and an assessment of the To be clear, allegations have been subject to detailed quality of the data available. analysis by reference to the relevant principles of The government will keep the requirements and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and in the light of exemptions set out in the regulations under review. information and intelligence available. An evaluation has then been made, in respect of each incident, whether it is Bahrain: Coronavirus possible that it constitutes a breach of IHL or whether it is unlikely that it represents a breach. Asked by Lord Scriven The Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime is a To ask Her Majesty's Government (1) what separate issue entirely though. This new sanctions regime assessment they have made of the call by Amnesty will give the United Kingdom a powerful new tool to hold International on 16 June for Bahrain to halt the use of those individuals involved in serious violations of rights its ‘Bahrain BeAware’ contact tracing application; and and responsibilities to account. (2) what representations they intend to make to the government of Bahrain to (a) remind it of its obligations Asked by Lord Browne of Ladyton under Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Rights, and (b) encourage that government to introduce answer by Lord Grimstone of Boscobel on 10 July (HL safeguards to ensure the (i) anonymity of ‘Bahrain Deb, col 1347), whether they will now answer the BeAware’ user data, and (ii) destruction of digital question put, namely whether Parliament will be given records at regular intervals. [HL6525] access to the methodology referred to in the Written Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Bahrain BeAware Ministerial Statement made by Lord Grimstone of application was introduced by the Bahraini government to Boscobel on 7 July (HLWS336). [HL6764] advance contact tracing efforts and save lives during the Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: The Written Ministerial Covid-19 emergency as part of its Trace, Test and Treat Statement of 7th July 2020 explained and set out details of strategy which has received praise from the World Health the revised methodology developed to comply with the Organization (WHO). We understand that downloading Court of Appeal’s judgment of 20th June 2019 and applied the application and registration as a user is optional to re-take the decisions remitted by the Court of Appeal entirely voluntary. Users not in quarantine or mandatory on the correct legal basis. self-isolation can uninstall the application at any time. All users are informed of its use of GPS software before HM Government have no plans to publish the downloading. The Government of Bahrain have been assessments to which the Noble Lord refers. Such clear in their assurances of user privacy through a fully assessments use all available sources of information – encrypted and automated process. Any Location data including some that are necessarily confidential and older than 6 weeks is deleted automatically from the sensitive – so we are not able to provide details of the system. Users can also request that their data is deleted assessments. from the system at any time. Page 12 20 July 2020 Written Answers

BBC: Finance Department has issued guidance to ensure people stay safe while using public transport. Asked by Lord Stevenson of Balmacara We are fully supportive of encouraging people back on To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they to public transport at the right time. have, if any, to commission an independent review of the BBC’s funding needs to ensure that it receives the Business: Coronavirus resources needed to meet the responsibilities set out in its Charter. [HL6583] Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham Baroness Barran: The BBC’s funding model is agreed To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are with the Corporation as part of the Royal Charter. It was taking to shorten the response time for calls to last considered as part of Charter Review 2015-16, during the COVID-19 helpline for businesses and the self- which process the Government committed to maintain the employed. [HL6719] licence fee funding model for the BBC for the duration of Lord Agnew of Oulton: HMRC continue to prioritise the current Charter period, lasting until the end of 2027. COVID-19 schemes. Following Government guidelines, The current licence fee settlement is agreed until April HMRC have reduced their telephony service times to 2022. Negotiations between the Government and the BBC ensure staff safety and to provide greater flexibility with for the next licence fee period, 2022-27, will begin in due available resource. HMRC have increased the level of course. The Government will set out more detail on the availability on their webchat service and provided staff process to be followed ahead of negotiations. working from home with the technology to answer calls from home. HMRC continue to monitor all call volumes Boarding Schools: Coronavirus to ensure they have the available resource with the appropriate expertise to meet demand. Asked by Baroness Gardner of Parkes To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they Care Homes: Coronavirus have to give boarding schools greater autonomy to Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool decide how to operate from September 2020. [HL6464] To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment Baroness Berridge: The Department has published they have made of the statistics published by the Data guidance to support all schools as they prepare for the Analysis Bureau that 15 per cent of 12,407 care home return of all pupils from the beginning of the autumn workers from 650 care homes across England, Wales term: and Scotland have been tested for COVID-19 since the https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for- beginning of the pandemic, and that 6 per cent of those schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for- tested were tested between 20 and 27 May. [HL4898] full-opening-schools. The guidance provides schools with advice about how Lord Bethell: Test kits have been offered to every care to minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in home for over-65s or those with dementia in England, schools. It also sets out how the department expects reaching the testing target for 6 June. All remaining adult schools to operate, and where there is flexibility. For care homes are eligible to access testing through the boarding schools the guidance encourages schools to keep whole care home portal. We have the capacity to send out children in their class groups, but also allows for the over 50,000 test kits a day. mixing of pupils in different groups residentially and during the school day. Cheltenham Hospital: Accident and Boarding schools will still need to meet the national Emergency Departments minimum standards to safeguard and protect the children in their care and those that are independent schools will Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham need to comply with the independent school standards. To ask Her Majesty’s Government on what basis the decision was taken to temporarily close Cheltenham Bus Services and Railways: Coronavirus General Hospital's Accident and Emergency department; and when this temporary closure will be Asked by Lord Bradshaw reviewed. [HL5376] To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are Lord Bethell: On 2 June 2020 the Board of taking to increase demand for the (1) bus, and (2) rail, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust gave its sectors as the restrictions in place to address the support to temporary service changes, proposed by its COVID-19 pandemic are eased. [HL6438] clinical teams, as part of the next phase of its pandemic Baroness Vere of Norbiton: We are working closely response. The changes separate COVID-19 and non- with operators, Network Rail, TfL, the British Transport COVID-19 services, as much as possible, in order to Police and Trade Unions to ensure robust plans are in minimise the risk of transmission of the virus to patients place to meet demand and support safer travel. The and staff. As a result, Cheltenham General Hospital’s Written Answers 20 July 2020 Page 13 accident and emergency department will operate as a Lord Callanan: The Independent Review of the minor injuries and illness unit, operating 8am to 8pm. The Financial Reporting Council recommended that changes will be reviewed on a three-monthly basis. government should consider the case for adopting a strengthened framework around internal controls on a China: Uighurs similar basis to the Sarbanes-Oxley regime in the US. In response, the Government is exploring options in this area Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool and will bring forward a detailed consultation in due To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the course. Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 6 The Review heard that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, passed July (HL6103), whether they will now answer the in 2002, has led to better financial reporting, with a lower question put, namely, what assessment they have made incidence of significant accounting re-statements, but also of reports that the decline in birth-rates among the recognised the higher costs for companies. Any Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region’s ethnic minority strengthening of the UK regime would need to take communities may indicate the promotion of a coercive account of the UK’s well-established internal control birth-prevention strategy targeted at ethnoreligious framework comprising interlocking company law minority groups; and whether any such targeted requirements, Listing Rules, UK Corporate Governance coercive policy would require the UK Government to Code provisions and auditor responsibilities. consider their obligations, as a signatory to the 1948 Convention on the Crime of Genocide, to prevent, Conflict Resolution: Females protect, and hold to account perpetrators. [HL6547] Asked by Lord Tunnicliffe Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are aware of reports that the Chinese Government is using forced sterilisation To ask Her Majesty's Government how much the to minimise Uyghur birth rates. As the Minister for Asia Ministry of Defence has spent on training related to (1) set out during an Urgent Question in the House of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and (2) Commons on 29 June, these reports add to our concern preventing sexual violence initiatives, in (a) 2016, (b) about the human rights situation in Xinjiang and we are 2017, (c) 2018, (d) 2019, and (e) 2020 to date. considering them carefully. On 9 March the Foreign [HL6646] Secretary raised our concerns about the human rights Baroness Goldie: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) are situation in Xinjiang with his Chinese counterpart, unable to answer the noble Lord’s question due to the way Foreign Minister and State Councillor Wang Yi. On 30 funding is tracked and division of policy areas. Defence June, the UK read out a statement on behalf of 28 have approached the implementation of UNSCR 1325 in countries at the 44th session of the UN Human Rights military operations through a combination of dedicated Council highlighting concerns about arbitrary detention, training courses and specific modules added to existing widespread surveillance and restrictions in Xinjiang. training. Common Purpose: Expenditure In support of the UK National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security 2018 – 2022, the MOD have issued a Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass Joint Service Publication 1325; ‘Human Security in Military Operations’ supported by a two-week Human To ask Her Majesty's Government what has been the security Advisers Course. This provides an advanced total sum they have spent buying places on Common understanding of Defence’s role in the prevention of Purpose courses during each of the last 20 years; and to sexual violence in conflict through; gendered approaches detail exactly (1) how, and (2) where, such expenditure to planning and operations, appropriate response to is recorded. [HL6784] survivors, and reporting mechanisms. Lord True: No centrally held record of expenditure on Tailored modules have also been embedded to routine training or learning is maintained covering the entirety of training for; deploying peacekeepers, overseas capacity the period specified. building for troop contributing countries, military Common Purpose is not a provider of training through planners, policy advisers, Defence Attachés and Civil Service Learning. headquarters and units across the Royal Navy, the Army and the RAF at home and overseas. Company Accounts Asked by Lord Myners Contact Tracing: Coronavirus To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they Asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton have to introduce an equivalent of the US Sarbanes- Oxley Act 2002 in the UK; and what assessment they To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the have made of whether any such legislation would (1) advice by the Scientific Advisory Group for increase confidence in company accounts, and (2) Emergencies that delays over 72 hours in contacting reduce fraud. [HL6501] individuals who have been in close contact with Page 14 20 July 2020 Written Answers

someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 will Coronavirus: Demonstrations have a detrimental effect on the 'R' value for COVID- 19, what steps they are taking to ensure that all such Asked by Lord Blencathra individuals are traced within 72 hours. [HL6147] To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there has Lord Bethell: The Government launched its NHS Test been any correlation identified between (1) an increase and Trace service on 28 May 2020 to control the rate of in COVID-19 cases, and (2) the mass demonstrations reproduction (R), reduce the spread of the virus and save held in cities in England in June. [HL6402] lives. Lord Bethell: Demonstrations in England are reported The contact tracing process starts as soon as NHS Test to have occurred in the first three weeks of June 2020. and Trace receive notification that someone has tested Some of these demonstrations appear to have been large, positive for COVID-19. We are reaching the close reportedly involving hundreds or thousands of people in contacts of thousands of positive cases and we are different locations, including major cities. Public Health encouraged by the progress so far and user feedback. England has not performed a specific analysis to investigate the relationship between the demonstrations NHS Test and Trace statistics published on 9 July show and the subsequent number of COVID-19 cases; such an that since 28 May 90.3% (17,322) of people who tested analysis would not be possible, since there is no positive for COVID-19 were successfully reached and requirement for individuals to report attendance at a asked to provide details about close contacts within 48 demonstration or protest and, therefore, the necessary data hours (for non-complex cases only). Additionally, 83.4% would not be available. (22,574) of people identified as recent close contacts were reached and advised to self-isolate within 24 hours of Since the start of June, the daily number of laboratory- being identified (for non-complex cases only). confirmed cases in England has continued to decrease steadily and consistently, from 1,311 cases on 1 June to Currently we only have timings for each part of the 386 cases on 28 June. process rather than the end to end journey, so we can say how many people received test results within 24 hours, how many people who tested positive were reached Coronavirus: Disease Control within 24 hours (for non-complex cases only) and how many people who were identified as contacts were Asked by Lord Watson of Invergowrie reached within 24 hours (for non-complex cases only). To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have for mass media campaigns on COVID-19 guidance to target (1) adults aged 60 and over, (2) those Coronavirus: Birmingham designated as clinically vulnerable, and (3) those Asked by Lord Blencathra designated as clinically extremely vulnerable. [HL5263] To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Lord Bethell: At present, there are media campaigns they have made of the request made by the Director of using television, print, radio, and digital that target adults Public Health for Birmingham City Council for an over the age of 65. There are not currently any plans for investigation into a possible link to the Black Lives media campaigns targeted towards the clinically Matter protests in Birmingham with an increase in vulnerable and extremely clinically vulnerable. There is COVID-19 cases in that city; and what steps they are guidance available for these groups online at GOV.UK taking, if any, to support that investigation. [HL6403] and this guidance has been promoted online through the National Health Service and Every Mind Matters sites. Lord Bethell: A specific analysis to investigate the The impact of communications is constantly monitored relationship between the demonstrations and the and optimised on a regular basis. subsequent number of COVID-19 cases would be difficult, since there is no requirement for individuals to Asked by Lord Campbell-Savours report attendance at a demonstration or protest and, To ask Her Majesty's Government to what extent the therefore, the necessary data would not be available. 'R' rate for COVID-19 includes an assessment of the Following a request by the Director of Public Health for number of people who self-treat at home with no Birmingham to investigate a spike in COVID-19 cases hospital or emergency services intervention. [HL6052] between the 14-16 June and whether this could be related Lord Bethell: R is estimated by a number of to the Black Lives Matter protests in Birmingham on 4 independent modelling groups based at universities and June, analysis of pillar 1 and pillar 2 test counts in Public Health England. Evidence from the different Birmingham by ethnicity throughout June 2020 is being models is considered, discussed, combined, and then a undertaken. The number of confirmed cases in consensus estimate is presented to the Scientific Advisory Birmingham continued to decline overall during this Group for Emergencies as a range. period.

Written Answers 20 July 2020 Page 15

Individual modelling groups use a variety of different Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass data sources to estimate R. This includes epidemiological To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the data such as the number of hospital admissions and Written Answer by Baroness Sugg on 2 July (HL5932), deaths, and surveys that gather information on the whether their agreement with the government of Cyprus behaviour of individuals. The models include assumptions on the regulation of non-military development in the about numbers of individuals who require no health Sovereign Base Areas in 2014 was (1) debated in service intervention which are informed by a range of Parliament, and (2) informed by consultation with studies including household infection surveys. representatives of the Turkish Cypriot community. [HL6497] Coronavirus: Screening Baroness Sugg: The 2014 arrangement on non-military Asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton development of the Sovereign Base Areas is a non-legally To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many postal binding arrangement between the UK Government and COVID-19 tests have been returned to laboratories for the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. It was not each day since the scheme began; and (1) how many, debated in the UK Parliament. The arrangement was and (2) what percentage of, the tests administered by discussed with representatives of the Turkish Cypriot post have been discounted because swabbed material community prior to and following its signature. was not effectively collected. [HL5350] The Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) report prepared for the draft Policy Statement and Lord Bethell: As of 16 June, 3% of home test kits have zoning maps of the SBAs, all published on 10th June been returned void. We continue to work with our 2020, are the result of extensive engagement and partners to ensure home testing kits are of the highest collaboration from 2014 onwards. The public consultation standard, user friendly and easy to return back for on the SEIA is open to Turkish Cypriots and related processing. documents have been made available in Turkish. Customs We recognise that the status quo in Cyprus causes serious difficulties for both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Asked by Lord Birt Cypriots, including as a result of dispossession of property, enforced relocation of communities, and the To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they problem of missing persons. We believe that the best way have to publish a response to the questions set out in the to secure the rights of all Cypriots is through a reported letter from the Secretary of State for comprehensive agreement in accordance with UN International Trade to the Chancellor of the Exchequer resolutions. and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 8 July about the new UK border regime to be introduced from The High Commissioner continues to engage with 2021. [HL6759] representatives and members of the Turkish Cypriot community to answer questions, as do the Sovereign Base Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: As the noble Lord will Areas Administration. The UK is committed to securing be aware, HM Government does not comment on leaked and promoting the rights of all residents and property- documents. However, as set out by my Rt. Hon. Friend owners in the SBAs, regardless of whether they are Greek the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 13 July, we or Turkish Cypriot, and will continue working with all have set out comprehensive guidance on the movement of Cypriots to that end. A complete list of each of the goods between Great Britain and the EU after the end of meetings held with the two communities since 2014 is not the transition period. held, given their frequency. This Border Operating Model provides clarity and certainty to the border industry and businesses on the core Diabetes: Coronavirus customs processes that all importers and exporters will need to complete, and some additional processes that Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno apply to only certain products. To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to reduce the number of diabetic patients whose Cyprus: Military Bases eyesight may be damaged due to delayed care during Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass the COVID-19 pandemic. [HL6256] To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Lord Bethell: NHS England and NHS Improvement Written Answer by Baroness Sugg on 2 July (HL5932), have put extra measures in place during the COVID-19 what assessment they have made of the difference in the pandemic so that people living with diabetes can continue rights of (1) Turkish, and (2) Greek, Cypriots in Cyprus to receive care. Diabetic Eye Screening (DES) services since the 1974 coup d'etat; and to list each meeting the have not been paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, British High Commissioner to Cyprus has had with however, the availability of screening facilities, and in representatives of (1) Turkish, and (2) Greek, Cypriot some cases the need to redeploy staff, has led to communities since 2014. [HL6496] rescheduling of DES appointments. Page 16 20 July 2020 Written Answers

DES providers are now working to restore full Asked by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle screening services, prioritising those most at risk of sight To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they loss, followed by those who attended their last screening have to limit (1) the size of servings of obesogenic invitation and for whom there were no signs of eye drinks such as carbonated soft drinks, fruit juice, fruit- damage. flavoured drinks and energy drinks, and (2) promotions encouraging customers to "size-up" servings at low Disability: Coronavirus cost. [HL6283] Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool Asked by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they they have made of the report by the Oxford University have to require restaurants and takeaways to include on Disability Law and Policy Project and the Bonavero their menus (1) calorific information about each dish or Institute of Human Rights An Affront to Dignity, item, and (2) information about the number of servings Inclusion and Equality, published on 2 July, in of fruits and vegetables contained in each dish or item, particular its recommendations (1) that all legislation including when this figure is zero. [HL6284] passed during the COVID-19 pandemic should be reviewed to ensure that the duties under the Equality Lord Bethell: To ensure United Kingdom labelling Act 2010 and the UN Convention on the Rights of remains effective for consumers, we will consider a range Persons with Disabilities are met, and (2) that a of measures to build on the success of our current ‘traffic COVID-19 disability inclusive response and recovery light’ nutritional labelling scheme. group should be established to ensure that disabled All sectors of the drinks industry have been challenged people are central in the decision making relating to to reduce sugar levels in juice-based drinks by 5% by economic and social recovery following the pandemic. 2021. The reductions can be achieved through reducing [HL6704] the number of calories and/or portion size of products and Baroness Stedman-Scott: The Government notes the shifting consumer purchasing towards lower or no added recommendations in the report by Oxford University on sugar products. “An Affront to Dignity, Inclusion and Equality”. Public Health England oversees the voluntary sugar The Cabinet Office Disability Unit continues to work reduction and wider reformulation programme on behalf with disability stakeholders and across Government of the Government, as set out in all chapters of the Departments to ensure that the needs of disabled people childhood obesity plan and the 2019 Prevention Green are considered in the UK Government’s response to Paper. We have seen some important successes including COVID-19. the average sugar content of drinks subject to the soft drinks industry levy decreasing by 28% between 2015 and We are clear that consideration of equality impacts 2018. must be integral in all key policy decisions. All equality and discrimination laws and obligations continue to apply We will be setting out our responses to the during the COVID-19 pandemic. consultations on restricting promotions of products high in fat, sugar and salt by location and by price, and calorie The Government remains committed to the United labelling in the out-of-home sector as soon as we can. Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and to the progressive realisation of the rights for disabled people that it sets out. Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency: The National Strategy for Disabled People is a key Fringe Benefits and Pay manifesto commitment for this Government and its delivery remains important for ministers, including No. Asked by Earl Attlee 10. Its significance is even greater, as we re-build the To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the salary UK’s economy and society following the COVID-19 range for Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency- pandemic. We are now focusing on meaningful employed heavy vehicle testers who undertake tests at engagement with stakeholders, strengthening our authorised testing facilities; and what travel allowances evidence base and keeping momentum to deliver the high are available to them. [HL6430] ambition strategy that the Prime Minister has called for. Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Vehicle Standards Drinks: Sugar Assessors (VSA) conduct heavy goods vehicle (HGV) tests at Authorised Testing Facilities (ATF). Asked by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle The basic annual salary for a VSA is £21,167 plus a To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment technical recruitment allowance of £2,590 per annum. In they have made of the effectiveness of warning labels addition, they receive one of two payments dependent on on sugary drinks including on (1) carbonated soft their committed availability to be scheduled for testing as drinks, (2) fruit-flavoured drinks and, (3) energy drinks. follows: [HL6282] Written Answers 20 July 2020 Page 17

Option A: Lord Agnew of Oulton: VAT is a broad-based tax on An annual payment of £2,400 for being scheduled consumption and the standard rate of 20 per cent applies between 06:00 – 22:00 Monday to Friday and 06:00 – to most goods and services. As was acknowledged at 18:00 Saturday Budget 2020, VAT makes a significant contribution towards the public finances and helps fund the Option B: Government's spending priorities including health, An annual payment of £3,500 for being scheduled in schools, and defence. line with Option A above plus: Although the Government keeps all taxes under review, 06:00 – 18:00 Sunday there are no plans to change the VAT treatment of electric 06:00 – 18:00 Bank Holiday vehicles at present. 22:00 – 06:00 Monday – Friday 18:00 – 06:00 Saturday – Sunday & Bank Holidays Electricity Generation: Carbon Emissions This means the financial package available to VSAs is Asked by Lord Ravensdale between £26,157 and £27,257. This is subject to normal Civil Service pay review which, following TU To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment negotiation, is effective from 1 October annually. they have made of the potential for investment in zero emissions electricity systems to stimulate economic VSAs may have a lease car provided by the Driver and recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, including (1) Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and can claim work additional renewables capacity, (2) additional nuclear relate mileage at the rate set by HMRC: currently this is capacity, and (3) storage, transmission and distribution 8p or 9p mile dependent on engine size. DVSA systems. [HL6508] employees who use their own car for work purposes can claim either 25p or 35p per mile depending on the length Lord Callanan: In his speech of 30 June, my Rt. Hon. of employment. Friend the Prime Minister made clear that in recovering from COVID-19, we must build back better, build back Education: Travellers greener, build back faster, and to do that at the pace that Asked by Baroness Whitaker this moment requires. Our economy must be cleaner, more sustainable, and more resilient. To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their Renewable and low carbon energy are important in the expected timetable for implementing the Council of delivery of our Net Zero target and will help drive new Europe Committee of Ministers’ recommendation of 1 jobs and growth across the UK. July that the governments of Member States should include Roma and Travellers’ history in school The Government announced on 2 March 2020 that, in curricula and teaching materials. [HL6546] addition to offshore wind, onshore wind and solar projects can bid for contracts in the next Contracts for Difference Baroness Berridge: The history curriculum gives allocation round planned for 2021. At the budget, my Rt. teachers and schools the freedom to use specific examples Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer announced from history to teach pupils about the history of Britain an ambitious support package for our low-carbon and the wider world. economy including £800 million funding to deploy the Gypsy, Roma and Travellers’ history can already be first carbon capture and storage cluster in the UK. These taught as part of schools offering a broad and balanced announcements reflect our commitment to reach our net curriculum. Resources are available from experts in the zero target, through a sustainable, diverse, and resilient communities themselves and bodies such as the Historical energy system and capture economic opportunities in Association. doing so. As part of Holocaust education, a wide array of Nuclear power has the potential to play a key role in resources are available to help teachers explain the achieving net zero and as the Prime Minister noted in his persecution by the Nazis of different groups of people. 30 June speech is an important UK innovation sector. We The Holocaust Educational Trust’s Lessons from consulted on a Regulated Asset Base (RAB) financing Auschwitz programme and the knowledge and training model to enable new nuclear projects last year and are provided by the Centre for Holocaust Education include considering the responses we received – we will publish information and resources to support an understanding of our response in due course. We also awarded an initial the Holocaust and the Nazi’s persecution of other non- £18m R&D grant, under the Industrial Strategy Challenge Jewish groups including the genocide of the Roma. Fund, to a Rolls-Royce led consortium developing an SMR design last year, with a decision to be taken on Electric Vehicles: VAT possibility of further grant of c.£200m later in 2020. Economic recovery post Covid-19 is clearly a new Asked by Baroness Randerson context in which future investment decisions will be To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they taken. have, if any, to extend the reduction in VAT announced Electricity storage has a key role to play in on 8 July to the purchase of electric vehicles. [HL6688] decarbonising our energy system. We are facilitating Page 18 20 July 2020 Written Answers investment in storage through delivering the actions set development and implementation of the listed agreements out in the Smart Systems and Flexibility Plan, including and bodies is not held centrally. Compiling it would be a creating a best-in-class regulatory framework and complex exercise incurring disproportionate costs. We reforming markets. Energy network regulation is a matter have therefore provided the information that is readily for Ofgem, as the independent regulator, and Ofgem is available below. considering how the upcoming network price controls, for As a Party or Member of these Conventions, example, can help stimulate the recovery while delivering Agreements and Bodies, the UK is required to make net zero at the lowest cost to consumers. Government will financial contributions to support their development and continue to engage with Ofgem on these issues. implementation. Details of the mandatory and voluntary financial contributions made will be publicly available in Environment Protection: Treaties their financial records. The UK’s mandatory contributions to the conventions and bodies listed amount to more than Asked by The Earl of Caithness £18 million since 2015[1]. To ask Her Majesty's Government how much money The UK also implements these agreements through they have spent in each financial year since 2015 to financing a large number of cross-cutting programmes support the development and implementation of (1) and activities. One example is the world-renowned the Convention on Biological Diversity, (2) the United Darwin Initiative which delivers on multiple international Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, (3) commitments and on the UK’s wider ambitions for the the United Nations Convention to Combat protection of global biodiversity. The Darwin Initiative Desertification, (4) the Ramsar Convention, (5) the has committed £57 million since 2015. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species Staff resources are in place to work directly on UK of Wild Animals, (6) the African–Eurasian Waterbird input to the listed agreements and organisations and also Agreement, (7) the Convention on International Trade on programmes to implement them. Given the cyclical in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, (8) the timetable of the global meetings of the Conventions and Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Agreements and the changing nature of the topics which Wildlife and Natural Habitats, and (9) the they cover, staff resources are adjusted over time to Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on ensure the UK is able to participate effectively in them. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services; and for each such For this reason, it is difficult to accurately quantify the agreement and body, how much of that money was (a) a staff resources that have been involved since 2015. voluntary, and (b) a mandatory, contribution. [HL6439] The UK Government is fully committed to putting Asked by The Earl of Caithness nature at the heart of our plans for tackling the interlinked To ask Her Majesty's Government what (1) strategies, global crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. Our and (2) resources, they have (a) put, or (b) are putting, departure from the EU presents an important opportunity in place to ensure that the UK continues (i) to benefit for the UK to play a stronger global role and in some from, and (ii) to engage with, biodiversity-related areas this will require additional resource. Efforts are multilateral environmental agreements following the underway to make sure that resources are available in UK's departure from the EU. [HL6440] order that we seize these opportunities, starting with securing an ambitious set of post-2020 global biodiversity Asked by The Earl of Caithness targets at CBD COP15 and successful hosting of COP-26. To ask Her Majesty's Government how much staff [1] Based on current exchange rates. Some resource from the Department for Environment, Food, subscriptions are paid in non-sterling currencies. and Rural Affairs in each financial year since 2015 has been used to support the development and EU Countries: British Nationals Abroad implementation of (1) the Convention on Biological Diversity, (2) the United Nations Framework Asked by Viscount Waverley Convention on Climate Change, (3) the United Nations To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Convention to Combat Desertification, (4) the Ramsar Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 6 Convention, (5) the Convention on the Conservation of July (HL6037), to list the countries in the EU which (1) Migratory Species of Wild Animals, (6) the African– do, or (2) do not, adequately protect the interests of UK Eurasian Waterbird Agreement, (7) the Convention on citizens resident in those countries. [HL6540] International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, (8) the Berne Convention on the Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Withdrawal Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Agreement protects the rights of EU citizens in the UK Habitats, and (9) the Intergovernmental Science-Policy and UK nationals in the EU who are lawfully resident by Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020. It [HL6441] ensures they can continue to live, work, study and access benefits and services, such as healthcare, broadly as they Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The information do now. As is the case with other parts of EU law, the requested on money spent and staff resources to support Withdrawal Agreement has direct effect in the EU and is Written Answers 20 July 2020 Page 19 binding on all Member States. These protections have schemes that prevent surface water flooding to qualify for supremacy over any national legislation in Member States more funding. that could be inconsistent with the Withdrawal Agreement In July 2018 the Government published the Surface now or in the future. We do not assess, at this time, that Water Management Action Plan. This sets out the steps any Member States are not adequately protecting citizens' we are taking, with the Environment Agency and others, rights but we are closely monitoring the situation across to manage the risk of surface water flooding. It includes the EU and we are providing the latest advice to UK 22 actions both to improve our understanding of the risks nationals resident there via our Living in Guides on and to strengthen delivery. These cover: improving risk GOV.UK. assessment and communication; making sure Furthermore, the Government wrote to the European infrastructure is resilient; clarifying responsibilities for Commission on 14 May to set out our view on where surface water management; joining up planning for progress on implementation could improve. The European surface water management; and building local authority Commission responded on 28 May, agreeing to work to capacity. address them in advance of the Part Two provisions As a result of the Government's Strategic Policy coming into effect at the end of the transition period. The Statement to Ofwat, the 2019 Price Review includes more Government is working closely with all Member States on than £1 billion to reduce the impact of flooding on correct and timely implementation of the Withdrawal communities across England and Wales. Agreement, via our network of Embassies, High Last week the Government published its long-term plan Commissions and Consulates. The Specialised Committee to tackle the risks of flooding and coastal erosion. The on Citizens' Rights has also started its work to oversee the plans include £200 million for innovative projects such as implementation and application of Part Two. Any sustainable drainage systems and nature-based solutions breaches that we become aware of, leading to a loss of like temporary or permanent water storage areas which rights for UK nationals, during the transition period or in also boost wildlife. These will support 25 areas at risk of the future, will be raised at this Committee and escalated flooding to test and demonstrate innovative actions to to the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee if adapt to a changing climate and improve their resilience. required. In addition, up to £170 million will be spent to accelerate work on shovel-ready flood defence schemes Flood Control that will begin construction in 2020 or 2021. 22 areas across the country will benefit from this immediate boost Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick to jobs supporting the local economy as communities To ask Her Majesty's Government what recover from the impact of coronavirus. assessment they have made of any improvements required to protect communities from flash flooding and Flood Control: Yorkshire and the Humber more frequent flooding events. [HL6514] Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The UK Climate To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they Projections 2018 (UKCP18) provide crucial information have to hold the summit on flooding to put in place about how we can expect our climate to change over defensive measures in Yorkshire, announced in future decades. More intense rainfall, more extreme response to the November 2019 floods. [HL6513] weather and wetter winters are projected to increase the threat of damage and disruption as a result of all types of Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The Government flooding. recognises the impact that flooding has had on individuals and local communities and sympathises with all those The Government is investing £1.2 billion for a state-of- affected. Following the November flooding, the the-art supercomputer to improve severe weather and Government worked quickly to respond and activated the climate forecasting which will help to predict storms more Government Flood Recovery Framework and Property accurately and select the most appropriate locations for Flood Resilience grants to aid people in getting back on flood defences. Forecasting improvements will also help their feet as quickly as possible. to predict better the likelihood of rain that might lead to flooding from surface water. Last week the Government published its long-term plan to tackle the risks of flooding and coastal erosion. The We have committed to double the amount we invest in plans include £200 million for innovative projects such as the flood and coastal defence programme in England to sustainable drainage systems and nature-based solutions £5.2 billion over six years, better protecting 336,000 like temporary or permanent water storage areas which homes and non-residential properties. According to also boost wildlife. These will support 25 areas at risk of Environment Agency modelling, this will reduce national flooding to test and demonstrate innovative actions to flood risk by up to 11% by 2027. adapt to a changing climate and improve their resilience. In April we announced changes to how the Government In addition, up to £170 million will be spent to funding is allocated to flood projects, including the accelerate work on shovel-ready flood defence schemes introduction of a new risk category which will enable that will begin construction in 2020 or 2021. 22 areas Page 20 20 July 2020 Written Answers across the country will benefit from this immediate boost improve the charging experience for current and future to jobs supporting the local economy as communities users, including compelling fuel retailers to install recover from the impact of coronavirus. Up to chargepoints. The Government has had a number of approximately £50 million of this funding will be discussions with representatives of fuel retailers about the invested in Yorkshire to bring forward flood schemes in provision of electric vehicle chargepoints at service Leeds, Sheffield and Hebden Bridge. stations and petrol forecourts, and we shall continue to We are continuing to work on preparations for a explore options with them. focused roundtable with Yorkshire MPs, and other In May, the Government published an ambitious vision stakeholders, which Defra will host. Officials were for rapid charging infrastructure along strategic roads in working to identify a date before the Covid-19 restrictions England over the next decade, setting out the number of came into effect. We are seeking to make alternative rapid chargepoints that will be located across motorways arrangements. and major A roads to meet the future demand for electric vehicle charging. Currently, a driver is never more than Food: Safety 25 miles away from a rapid (50 kilowatt) chargepoint anywhere along England’s motorways and major A roads, Asked by Lord Rooker with a total of 809 open-access rapid chargepoints, as of 1 To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment January 2020. This includes an average of 2 rapid they have made of research conducted by the University chargepoints at motorway service areas with more being of Southampton into foodborne pathogens and the rolled out over the next year. effect of chlorine washing of salad products and meat, The UK is well placed to be a leader in hydrogen fuel in particular the study Viable but nonculturable Listeria cell powered transportation and we are supporting monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica Thompson hydrogen where the market favours its use. The UK has induced by chlorine stress remain infectious, published one of the largest hydrogen refuelling station networks in on 18 April 2018. [HL6325] Europe. The Government’s £23m Hydrogen for Transport Lord Bethell: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has Programme is increasing the uptake of fuel cell electric advised that it is aware of this research. The FSA’s view vehicles and delivering new refuelling stations and is that whilst it is plausible that viable but nonculturable upgrading some existing stations, as well as deploying cells could potentially cause foodborne disease, to date hundreds of new hydrogen vehicles. there is no documented evidence that demonstrates this occurs in the food chain. There remains a high level of uncertainty over the likelihood of occurrence and Genito-urinary Medicine: Equality conditions that would be needed for this to happen but the Asked by Lord Black of Brentwood FSA will continue to review the literature and monitor the latest developments on the topic. To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the upcoming National Sexual and Garages and Petrol Stations: Alternative Reproductive Health Strategy will tackle sexual health inequalities experienced by (1) BAME communities, Fuels (2) trans and non-binary, including gender diverse, Asked by Lord Oates people, (3) gay and bisexual men and women, and (4) people living in poverty. [HL6434] To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to introducing a requirement on petrol Lord Bethell: The development of the national sexual forecourts to provide (1) electric recharging, and (2) health and reproductive health strategy was paused during hydrogen refuelling, facilities; and what assessment the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that we are moving they have made of the feasibility of such a policy. forward with the Government’s COVID-19 recovery [HL6503] strategy, work on the strategy will be restarting shortly. We will consider issues around inequalities, tackling Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Government’s view stigma and discrimination and other relevant issues as part is that the market is often better placed to identify the of the strategy development. right locations for chargepoints and we encourage the private sector to invest in and operate a self-sustaining public network supported by the right policy framework. Green Homes Grant Scheme On 1 April 2020, there were 17,947 public electric vehicle charging devices available in the UK, 3,107 of which Asked by The Lord Bishop of Salisbury were rapid devices. In the first three months of 2020, To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the 1,436 more devices were available in total, an increase of announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of 9%. Rapid devices also increased by 283, up 10% on the the green homes grant on 8 July (HC Deb, col 976), previous quarter. whether (1) clergy housing, and (2) buildings open to The Automated and Electric Vehicles Act (AEVA) the public and run by charities, such as churches, are provides the Government with a range of powers to eligible for that grant. [T] [HL6798] Written Answers 20 July 2020 Page 21

Lord Callanan: In his Summer Economic Update, my Baroness Barran: The National Cyber Security Centre Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer (NCSC) provides a range of guidance to the public on announced a £2bn Green Home Grant scheme that will how to secure their devices and accounts when using support homeowners and landlords in England to improve online services: the energy efficiency of their properties, reducing energy https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/information- bills and carbon emissions, and supporting a green for/individuals-families. economic recovery. The funding will be spent on paying for accredited They generally do not produce guidance for members tradespeople to install a range of measures, for example of the public on how to secure specific devices, but insulation, to improve the energy performance of their encourage that they read the information provided by the homes. manufacturer. Further detail on eligibility will be announced before In May 2019, in light of US sanctions against Huawei, the full launch of the scheme. the NCSC published advice for Huawei customers detailing the potential impact on customers in the UK. High Speed 2 Railway Line: Annual Reports The NCSC updates its advice when necessary. Asked by Lord Berkeley Hydrogen To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will Asked by Lord Oates place in the Library of the House copies of all reports required to be produced under section 2 of the High To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Speed Rail (Preparation) Act 2013; and, if so, to include they have made of the steps taken by the EU to the dates on which those reports were presented to establish the Clean Hydrogen Alliance; and what steps Parliament. [HL6432] they are taking to establish a formal working group for regular engagement with industry in the UK about the Baroness Vere of Norbiton: There have been four use of hydrogen as an energy source. [HL6504] reports published under the High-Speed (Preparation) Act 2013, covering the periods from: Lord Callanan: We recognise that the scale up and 21 November 2013 - 31 March 2015, published in demonstration of hydrogen’s potential in meeting Paris November 2015 commitments is a global challenge. We are an active member of Mission Innovation and the International 1 April 2015 – 31 March 2016, published in October Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy. 2016 Since the UK has left the European Union, we are seeking 1 April 2016 - 31 March 2017, published in October to engage and cooperate with the EU on hydrogen 2017 through normal diplomatic channels. Therefore, the UK 1 April 2017 - 31 March 2018, published in March will not attend EU meetings or working groups on this 2019 topic other than in exceptional circumstances. Whilst the The expenditure report of 1 April 2015 – 31 March UK is leaving the EU single market, it remains an 2016, was placed in the libraries of both Houses in important part of the gas supply system for North West October 2016. Europe. The UK, including industry, can expect to work cooperatively with its neighbours to sustain this mutually We will place the other copies of the published reports in the libraries of both Houses, as well as the upcoming beneficial relationship into the future as the methane gas report covering the period 1 April 2018 – 31 March 2019, market is decarbonised, potentially leading to a European hydrogen market. once published. The answer includes the following attached material:

HS2 Prep Act 2013-15 (HS2 Preparation Act 2013 Expenditure Immigration: EU Nationals Report - Nov 2013 - Mar 2015.pdf) Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno HS2 Prep Act 2016-17 (hsr-preparation-act-annual-expenditure- To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any new report-2016-2017-web-edition.pdf) UK–EU arrangements relating to the welfare of immigrants have been put in place since the UK’s HS2 Prep Act 2017-18 (hs2-annual-expenditure-report-2017-18- withdrawal from the EU. [HL6519] web-document.pdf) Baroness Williams of Trafford: EEA citizens, and Huawei: Security their family members, resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 have until 30 June 2021 to apply for status under the Asked by Viscount Waverley EU Settlement Scheme. Those who obtain this status have To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance, if secured their rights in UK law and so are able to access any, they provide to members of the public about the benefits and services in the UK on at least the same basis security of Huawei products. [HL6594] as they were before being granted that status. No-one’s Page 22 20 July 2020 Written Answers access to benefits is restricted or reduced by virtue of an influenza virus and we will take any appropriate action application to the EU Settlement Scheme. based on robust scientific and clinical advice. In the future points-based immigration system, EEA citizens coming to the UK will be subject to the same Influenza: Research rules as non-EEA citizens, including in relation to access Asked by Lord Campbell-Savours to benefits and services. This includes the same safeguards and exceptions for those in genuine need. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the studies published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the In Vitro Fertilisation University of Sydney and China Agricultural University Asked by Baroness Deech on the G4 influenza virus. [HL6349] To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Lord Bethell: The article Prevalent Eurasian avian-like report by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology H1N1 swine influenza virus with 2009 pandemic viral Authority Fertility treatment 2018: trends and figures, genes facilitating human infection published in published on 30 June, which reported that "since 2013, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on 29 the number of egg and embryo storage cycles increased June 2020 describes a surveillance study of pigs in fivefold to just under 9,000 cycles in 2018", what plans slaughterhouses and a veterinary hospital in China carried they have to expedite legislation to remove the 10-year out between 2011 and 2018. time limit for which frozen eggs and embryos can be Of the 30,934 samples from 10 different provinces, 165 stored. [HL6352] tested positive for the Eurasian-avian (EA) like H1N1 swine influenza. Of those testing positive, 77 were Lord Bethell: The Government ran a public selected for genetic sequencing, and 29 were identified as consultation between 11 February and 5 May 2020, having the Genotype 4, described by the authors. The use seeking views about changing the statutory storage limits of a ferret model indicated that the Genotype 4 virus can for embryos and gametes. The Department is currently infect and transmit. analysing responses. We intend to publish a Government response to the consultation later this year, which will our A serological study (analysis of antibodies in the blood) outline our plans. of farm workers on 15 farms over the period of the study, suggests that approximately 10-12% of farm workers had In the meantime, the Government has given a two-year detectable, specific antibody to G4 H1N1 viruses, extension to all those with embryos and gametes in indicative of previous infection. The publication is not storage, who have been affected by delays to treatment clear if these were farms that were directly related to the caused by the response to COVID-19. The Human surveillance programme. It would also not be possible to Fertilisation and Embryology (Statutory Storage Period determine when these infections occurred. for Embryos and Gametes) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020 were laid on 3 June 2020 and cover anyone who has The New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats not been able to access treatment as a result of the Human Advisory Group is reviewing the risk associated with the Fertilisation and Embryology Authority temporarily genotype 4 (G4) reassortant Eurasian avian-like (EA) suspending fertility treatment services on 23 March 2020. H1N1 virus, described in this publication. Infrastructure: Skilled Workers Influenza: Disease Control Asked by Lord Storey Asked by Lord Campbell-Savours To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are they have made of the skills shortage in the UK for the monitoring (1) the prevalence, and (2) the pandemic infrastructure projects announced by the Prime Minister potential, of the G4 influenza virus. [HL6350] on 30 June. [HL6528] Lord Bethell: We continually assess the most Baroness Berridge: The Employer Skills Survey 2019 significant threats that the United Kingdom and its gathered labour market intelligence on employer skills citizens could face, including natural hazard risks such as needs and training activity among employers across all a pandemic influenza. sectors in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. It is the The Government continues to review and improve fifth in the biennial series of Employer Skills Surveys surveillance for potentially zoonotic and new and dating back to 2011. Previous findings are published at: emerging infections, with early detection through horizon https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employer- scanning and epidemic intelligence activities, research, skills-survey-2017-uk-report. and continually improving diagnostic techniques for the Findings from the 2019 survey will be published identification of zoonotic pathogens. alongside these on GOV.UK in due course. In line with our standard practice, Public Health The survey collects information from employers England is undertaking a risk assessment of the G4 relating to difficulties they have had filling vacancies as a Written Answers 20 July 2020 Page 23 result of skills shortages in applicants, along with Intelligence and Security Committee: Russia information on relevant skills lacking in existing staff. This allows a targeted examination of more detailed skills Asked by The Lord Bishop of Salisbury requirements for specific sectors. To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the In addition, to assess skills gaps in the future we are Written Answer by Lord True on 29 June (HL6029) and setting up The Skills and Productivity Board, which will the remarks by the Home Secretary on 22 June that bring together leading experts to offer independent “appointments to the [Intelligence and Security] analysis and identify new and emerging skills needs. Committee are taking place and an announcement will be made in due course on when that will be coming The Construction Industry Training Board are forward” (HC Deb, col 1085), when they estimate they delivering a skills stability plan to ensure that the will be able to make the announcement about the construction sector continues to focus on training and appointment of the Intelligence and Security skills following the COVID-19 outbreak. Committee; and what steps they are taking to ensure that the Committee is (1) appointed before Parliament Integrated Review of Security, Defence, adjourns for the summer recess, and (2) able to publish the report Russia, sent to the Prime Minister on 17 Development and Foreign Policy October 2019. [T] [HL6521] Asked by Lord Touhig Lord True: The Intelligence and Security Committee To ask Her Majesty's Government how many civil was reconstituted on 14 July 2020. servants in (1) the Cabinet Office, (2) Number 10, (3) The report is the property of the Committee, not the the Ministry of Defence, (4) the Foreign and Government, and it will be up to them to choose when Commonwealth Office, and (5) the Department for they wish to publish it. I am sure the Committee will take International Development, are working on the note of the Rt. Reverend Prelate’s interest in the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development publication of the Report. and Foreign Policy. [HL6538] Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Prime Minister will Iran: Arms Trade lead the Integrated Review, which will report into the Asked by Lord Turnberg National Security Council, with support from a cross- Whitehall team in Cabinet Office and a small team in To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they Downing Street. This is a whole-of-government effort have to encourage the United Nations to renew the with colleagues from all Government departments sanctions on Iran when they are due for review in contributing. October. [HL6652] Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK remains committed to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action Intelligence and Security Committee (JCPoA), a reciprocal deal that lifts sanctions in exchange Asked by Lord Strasburger for tough nuclear limits. Iran has broken the nuclear limits in the JCPoA and we are working to bring Iran back into To ask Her Majesty's Government when the members compliance through the deal's Dispute Resolution of the Intelligence and Security Committee will be Mechanism. nominated. [HL6087] UNSCR 2231, which underpins the JCPoA, includes a Asked by Lord Butler of Brockwell number of clauses designed to allow sanctions to expire on fixed dates: the UN travel ban and the UN To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the conventional arms embargo are due to expire in October Written Answer by Lord True on 29 June 2020. E3 Foreign Ministers made clear on 19 June that (HL5988), what are the current circumstances delaying the planned expiry of the UN conventional arms embargo the reappointment of the Intelligence and Security would have major implications for regional security and Committee of Parliament. [HL6301] stability. We share concerns about Iranian proliferation, Asked by Lord Lucas and have repeatedly set out concerns about Iranian destabilising behaviour. We are working closely with To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are remaining JCPoA parties to address these issues, as well taking to facilitate the appointment of the Intelligence as with other members of the UN Security Council. and Security Committee of Parliament; and what estimate they have made, if any, of when that There are also other sanctions regimes which restrict Committee will be appointed. [HL6492] Iranian ability to proliferate weapons in the region that will remain in place after the arms embargo expire. These Lord True: The Intelligence and Security Committee include UNSCRs 1540, 1701 and 2216, which prohibit was reconstituted on 14 July 2020. the proliferation of weapons to Lebanese Hizballah and

Page 24 20 July 2020 Written Answers the Houthis. The EU arms embargo and UN ballistic Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced missile restrictions on Iran will also remain in place until persons, published on 13 May, what discussions they 2023. There is an independent EU Iran human rights intend to have with the government of Iraq about (1) sanctions regime, which places trade restrictions on adopting "a comprehensive legal and policy framework specified goods and technology which may be used to to address the situation of survivors of conflict-related repress the civilian population of Iran and on specified sexual violence, many of whom remain in goods and technology which may be used for interception displacement, including by providing reparation and monitoring services in Iran. These EU trade through a comprehensive, inclusive and survivor restrictions do not have an expiry date. centred reparation programme and expanding the proposed Yazidi reparations law and survivors’ grants" Iran: Nuclear Power and (2) undertaking "comprehensive dialogue with communities affected by ISIL atrocities, in particular Asked by The Marquess of Lothian ethnic and religious minorities, to establish transitional To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment justice mechanisms, to seek the truth about violations they have made of the causes of the incident at the and to provide reparation, rebuilding trust between the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran on 2 July. [HL6675] population and the State and providing institutional guarantees of non-repetition". [HL6552] Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Following an explosion on 2 July in a building at the Natanz facility, Iran's Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK is committed to Supreme National Security Council said they knew the championing wider restorative justice efforts for survivors cause but due to "security concerns" further details would of conflict-related sexual violence and holding be released at an "appropriate time". We will continue to perpetrators to account. The UK has provided significant monitor Iran's response to this explosion. The IAEA have support to survivors of sexual violence in Iraq. Our confirmed that the location where the incident occurred Embassy in Baghdad has regular discussions with the did not contain nuclear materials. Government of Iraq and the UN Investigative Team for the Accountability of Daesh (UNITAD), encouraging Iran: Prisoners close co-operation between them to achieve justice for the victims of Daesh's crimes in Iraq. We welcome the fact Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick that UNITAD is expanding its engagement with witnesses, survivors and impacted communities. To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with the government of Iran We are supporting the development of inclusive and about the release of (1) Nazanin Zaghari-Radcliffe, (2) representative reconciliation processes, involving Yazidis Anoosheh Ashoori, and (3) British-Iranian nationals and other minorities who faced appalling suffering under held in that country. [HL6572] Daesh, at both national and community levels in Iraq. We also remain committed to supporting Iraq to prevent Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Government Daesh resurgence, as the Foreign Secretary reaffirmed to remains concerned about the welfare of British-Iranian new Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein on 25 June. dual nationals detained in Iran, including Nazanin Zaghari-Radcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori. Iran does not recognise dual nationality and therefore does not permit Israel: Visas access to British-Iranian detainees. Asked by Baroness Tonge We continue to urge the Iranian Government to To ask Her Majesty's Government whether a immediately release all UK dual nationals arbitrarily distinction is made between Israelis who live in Israel detained in Iran - to enable them to return to their families and those who live in the Occupied Palestinian in the UK. Territories when deciding whether Israelis are eligible We continue to raise their cases at the most senior for the six-month visa waiver to the UK. [HL6532] levels, and discuss them at every opportunity with our Iranian counterparts. Our Ambassador in Tehran Baroness Williams of Trafford: Nationals or citizens consistently raises all of our dual national detainees with of Israel who hold a full Israeli passport do not require a the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Our Embassy in visa to come to the UK as a visitor or for any other Tehran continues to request consular access to our purpose, for less than six months. Each applicant is detained dual nationals, and we have been supporting assessed against a set of suitability and eligibility criteria their families since being made aware of their detentions. under the Immigration Rules. Applicants are considered on their merits, regardless of where they live. Iraq: Internally Displaced People Large Goods Vehicles: Coronavirus Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool Asked by Earl Attlee To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the recommendations to the UN Human Rights Council in To ask Her Majesty's Government whether heavy the report Visit to Iraq: Report of the Special goods vehicle (HGV) operators are expected to carry Written Answers 20 July 2020 Page 25

out six-weekly safety inspections during the COVID-19 adequacy of current hate crime legislation. Also, the pandemic; whether they are conducting such Home Office has funded multiple projects aimed at inspections; and if so, why it is not possible to carry out tackling homophobic, biphobic and transphobic hate statutory MOT tests on HGVs. [HL6429] crime including: Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Heavy goods vehicle • Kick It Out, who produced resources to raise (HGV) operators are expected to maintain their vehicles awareness of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic in order to ensure their safety at all times. During the abuse in football stadia; COVID-19 pandemic, specific guidance relating to • Barnardo’s, who worked with schools in East Ridings periodic maintenance inspections was published by the of Yorkshire to promote understanding of LGBT lives Traffic Commissioners, setting out circumstances in and prevent homophobic, biphobic and transphobic hate which inspection periods may be extended. crime; Primary legislation identifies annual testing for heavy • Galop, who produced and distributed a series of goods vehicles as distinct from the MOT scheme. For factsheets and research to understand tackle online most heavy vehicles the statutory annual tests are an homophobic, biphobic and transphobic abuse; and independent check which supplements the periodic • The Proud Trust who worked with the British maintenance inspections. Permitting a wider range of Transport Police and rail companies to make public testers for the statutory annual HGV test would require transport safer for LGBT people and encourage the significant work to establish a regime which assures the reporting of hate crime. quality and independence of testing and manages road The Government will continue to work with the police, safety risk and financial incentives. stakeholders including Galop and Stonewall and others to understand the concerns of LGBTQ+ communities and Large Goods Vehicles: Testing what should be done to address those concerns. Asked by Earl Attlee Local Government: Coronavirus To ask Her Majesty's Government how many heavy goods vehicles have been issued with a certificate of Asked by Baroness Eaton temporary exemption from plating or testing under To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment section 53(5) of the Road Traffic Act 1988, during each they have made of the role of local government in of the last five calendar years before 31 December supporting the Government's jobs and skills recovery 2019. [HL6428] plan following the COVID-19 pandemic. [HL6660] Baroness Vere of Norbiton: There were no heavy Lord Greenhalgh: On 8th July the Chancellor goods vehicles issued with a certificate of temporary announced measures across a range of targeted work- exemption from plating or testing under section 53(5) of based training offers to support people to build the skills the Road Traffic Act 1988 during each of the last five they need to get into work. This amounts to investment of calendar years before 31 December 2019. £1.6 billion in employment support schemes, which will substantially expand existing provision. This includes LGBTQ People: Hate Crime £111 million to triple traineeships for 16-24 year olds will help more young people gain the skills to progress to Asked by Lord Cashman apprenticeships, further education and other employment. To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are We are providing employers with £2,000 for each young taking to support LGBTQ+ young people who have person they hire as an apprentice and offering £1,500 for been victims of (1) transphobic, and (2) racist, abuse. each new apprentice hired aged over 25. We are also [HL6404] providing £101 million for school and college leavers to study high value Level 2 and 3 courses when there are not Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government has employment opportunities available to them, providing made it clear that all forms of abuse and hatred are funding of £17 million to almost triple the number of unacceptable. Sector-Based Work Academy placements, and giving the The UK has a robust legislative framework to respond National Careers Service an extra £32 million funding so to hate crimes, which target race, religion, sexual it can provide careers advice to 269,000 more customers. orientation, disability and transgender identity. The Through our Plan for Jobs we have set out how we will Government published the hate crime action plan (Action support people to stay in and access good jobs as we drive Against Hate: The UK Government’s plan for tackling forward our recovery. This includes investing £2 billion hate crime) in 2016 and refreshed this Plan in October to directly support hundreds of thousands of young people 2018. through the Kickstart Scheme which will provide fully As part of the 2018 refresh and LGBT Action Plan the subsidised jobs for young people across the country. same year, the Government committed to a public As part of raising the participation age legislation local awareness campaign to address the unacceptability of all authorities have duties to track all academic age 16 and 17 hate crimes, and to a Law Commission review of the year olds, identify those not in education, employment or Page 26 20 July 2020 Written Answers training or at risk of becoming so and supporting them to Lord Callanan: As part of developing our bid and re-engage in education or training. This includes a making the acquisition of OneWeb, the UK Government September guarantee where local authorities need to undertook appropriate due diligence. ensure that all year 11 students and year 12 students on a OneWeb has met with the Royal Astronomical Society one year course have a suitable offer of education or as well as representatives from the UK Space Agency and training for the following September. We are working European Space Agency to discuss the potential impact of closely with local authorities to support these duties and its operations on astronomy. We will continue to support monitor September guarantee offers. this dialogue on an ongoing basis Across these areas the government recognises the need BEIS and the UK Space Agency will continue to to work closely with local government to support these support the UK science and astronomy community in various interventions and is proactively taking forward addressing this issue. The community is working with conversations with local government on delivery of these colleagues from the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), programmes. the European Astronomical Society and the International Astronomical Union to clarify what actions could be Medicines and Medical Devices Safety taken to mitigate interference for the UK community and Independent Review our international partners. OneWeb has been engaging with the community and Asked by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle met with the RAS and representatives from the UK Space To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the Agency in January. The RAS is now seeking further findings of the report by the Independent Medicines and discussions with both Government and OneWeb to Medical Devices Safety Review First Do No Harm, consider potential impacts on science and risk mitigations. published on 8 July, what plans they have to appoint an independent patient safety commissioner to monitor the Police: Israel relevant financial interests of medical professionals offering advice or oversight of medicines and medical Asked by Baroness Tonge devices. [HL6608] To ask Her Majesty's Government what training Lord Bethell: We have just received the report by the British police officers have received from the Israeli Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety police force in (1) the UK, and (2) Israel, in the last five Review, led by Baroness Cumberlege. years. [HL6534] As we have advised this week, it is now time for us to Baroness Williams of Trafford: We are not aware of consider this report and its recommendations carefully. any British police officers having received training from We will consider how this recommendation fits with the the Israeli police force, nor the Israeli Defence Force, in structures we already have in place. the UK or Israel in the last 5 years.

National Security Adviser Prisoners' Release: Older People Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Asked by Lord Hylton To ask Her Majesty's Government what To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they assessment they have made of the impact of the new have to extend the End of Custody Temporary Release National Security Adviser being a political appointee on scheme in prisons in England and Wales, in particular his ability to carry out the full functions of that role. to allow for the release of elderly prisoners. [HL6559] [HL6865] Lord Keen of Elie: On 4 April, the government Lord True: As with previous National Security announced the End of Custody Temporary Release Advisers, David Frost will be the principal adviser to the scheme (ECTR). This scheme enables risk-assessed Prime Minister and Cabinet on national security strategy, prisoners, who are within two months of their release policy, capability and civil contingencies. I refer the noble date, to be temporarily released from custody, as part of Lady to the statement I made on 30 June 2020. the national approach to managing public services during the pandemic. The government does not plan to extend Oneweb the scheme. Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark Prisons: Staff To ask Her Majesty's Government what Asked by Lord Ramsbotham consultations, if any, they have undertaken with (1) the European Southern Observatory, (2) the Square To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they Kilometre Array, (3) the Vera Rubin Observatory, and have, if any, to launch (1) a whistleblowing hotline for (4) other relevant research consortia, on the UK-led prison staff, and (2) a campaign for such staff to raise consortium’s acquisition of OneWeb. [HL6489] awareness of their rights. [HL6791] Written Answers 20 July 2020 Page 27

Lord Keen of Elie: We recognise the importance of the refuges, in support of this critical provision during the physical, emotional and social wellbeing of employees is COVID-19 outbreak. paramount; particularly during these difficult times. To date, £8.76 million of this funding has already been Whistleblowing procedures are already in place for staff allocated to 122 successful charity bids across the who wish to raise any concerns, including a Reporting country, providing almost 1,600 bedspaces. Wrongdoing Integrity Hotline. This allows HM Prison Additionally, Government issued guidance to domestic and Probation staff to raise any concerns they may have. abuse safe accommodation providers in support of their Relevant guidance for employees and managers is service delivery during these unprecedented times. It available through the intranet and the ‘My Hub’ service. ensured front-line domestic abuse support workers were HMPPS is currently reviewing and updating its included in the key workers list, and that domestic abuse whistleblowing policy, which we aim to publish later this refuges are included in the Local Resilience Forums list to year, following consultation with the trade unions. enable them to request urgent PPE supplies. We are also taking action to address unacceptable behaviours within HMPPS. In the coming months and Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation: will be putting in place a dedicated Unit to support our objective of reducing discrimination, bullying and Hydrogen harassment. This will include a phone line to provide Asked by Lord Oates advice and guidance. To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are Staff have access to a range of easily accessible services taking to incentivise the production of hydrogen should they have concerns about the workplace or their through the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation. own well-being. We constantly monitor these services to [HL6505] ensure they meet the needs of staff with such concerns. Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Under the Renewable Protective Clothing: Coronavirus Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) certificate trading scheme, renewable hydrogen supplied in the UK for use Asked by Lord Mawson in road vehicles and certain non-road mobile machinery is To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are eligible for support. It is categorised as a development taking to resolve the reported disruption to deliveries of fuel, which potentially benefits from a higher tradeable personal protective equipment to the UK; and by what certificate value. date they expect such disruptions to have been resolved. [HL3418] Satellites Lord Bethell: The Government has brought together Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark the National Health Service, industry and the armed To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment forces to create a personal protective equipment (PPE) they have made of the compatibility of the planned distribution network, delivering critical PPE supplies to OneWeb satellite constellation with the UK’s those who need it. obligations to (1) the European Southern Observatory, We are doing everything we can on every front on the and (2) other intergovernmental research organisations. international procurement of medical supplies. There is a [HL6488] joint unit within the Department for International Trade and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office that uses our Lord Callanan: The UK Space Agency is working extensive overseas networks and United Kingdom-based with UK Research and Innovation and the science expertise to coordinate international procurement of community - including through our membership of medical and other critical supplies. international bodies - to ensure mitigation options are properly considered that may be necessary for the UK to There is a 24-hour helpline that allows National Health continue to meet its obligations to the European Southern Service and social care providers to request emergency Observatory and other intergovernmental research drops of PPE to meet immediate need. organisations. Government will be encouraging a responsible and engaged approach from One Web. Refuges: Coronavirus Asked by Baroness Helic Shipping: Coronavirus To ask Her Majesty's Government what specific steps Asked by Lord Patten they took to provide additional support for domestic violence shelters during the period when restrictions To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they were in place to address the COVID-19 pandemic. have made of the number of (1) vessels, and (2) crew [HL6476] members, registered abroad, currently stranded in UK ports. [HL6506] Lord Greenhalgh: The Government has made £10 million available specifically for domestic abuse Baroness Vere of Norbiton: There are currently 4,028 charitable safe accommodation providers, including Foreign National crew on board 25 cruise vessels that are Page 28 20 July 2020 Written Answers not registered in the UK or within the wider Red Ensign Lord Keen of Elie: The Government does not hold the Group. 1,250 of these crew require repatriation. information requested. The Solicitors Disciplinary We have so far repatriated 7,752 Foreign National crew Tribunal is an independent Tribunal established under the from cruise ships not registered with the UK or the wider Solicitors Act 1974. Red Ensign Group. We continue to work with the industry, unions and Space Technology: Research maritime charities to provide support and assistance to all Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark seafarers in the UK. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Social Media: Epilepsy they have made of the implications of the OneWeb satellite constellation for astronomy and other space Asked by Lord Stevenson of Balmacara science research; and what steps they will take to mitigate interference. [HL6487] To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the prevalence of the deliberate Lord Callanan: OneWeb has met with the Royal sharing of material capable of causing an epileptic Astronomical Society as well as representatives from the seizure on social media platforms, and (2) the case for UK Space Agency and European Space Agency to discuss including measures against such behaviour in their the potential impact of its operations on astronomy. We forthcoming online harms legislation. [HL6584] will continue to support this dialogue on an ongoing basis. Baroness Barran: The Online Harms White Paper sets out the government’s plans for world leading legislation to make the UK the safest place to be online. We intend to Su Zhimin establish in law a new duty of care on companies towards Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool their users which will be overseen by an independent regulator. The ‘duty of care’ will ensure companies take To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment risk-based and proportionate steps to keep their users safe. they have made of reports of the death of Bishop James The regulator will also have the power to require Su Zhimin of Baoding following his arrest and companies to publish transparency reports, which will disappearance in China in 2003. [HL6654] improve users’ understanding about the prevalence of Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are aware of the harmful content and the countermeasures companies are reports of the death of Bishop James Su Zhimin. We taking. We will publish a full response to the white paper remain concerned by restrictions placed on Christians and consultation later this year, which will set out final details other religious groups in China, including reports of regarding the scope of the duty of care and the obligations individuals being detained for their beliefs. The freedom on companies. We will follow this with legislation. to practice, change or share ones faith or belief without In addition to this new legislation, it is important to discrimination or violent opposition is a human right that make sure that the criminal law is fit for purpose to deal all people should enjoy. with online harms. DCMS and the Ministry of Justice have engaged the Law Commission on a second phase of Technology: Coronavirus their review of abusive and offensive online communications. This will include considering whether Asked by Lord Freyberg co-ordinated harassment by groups of people online could To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they be more effectively dealt with by the criminal law, have to competitively tender for future technology whether it is targeted at individuals with epilepsy or products and services that were commissioned during others. The Law Commission will review existing the first stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. [HL6152] communications offences and make specific recommendations about options for reform, to ensure that Lord Bethell: The Department and its agencies have criminal law provides consistent and effective protection always secured digital and technology products and against such behaviour. services in accordance with the requirements of United Kingdom procurement laws and will continue to do so; in Solicitors: Disciplinary Proceedings responding quickly to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has made direct awards where permitted under regulation 32 Asked by Lord Mann of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. To ask Her Majesty's Government which solicitors were (1) fined, (2) struck off, and (3) received other Trade Agreements: Israel disciplinary action from the Solicitors Disciplinary Asked by The Marquess of Lothian Tribunal, for charging coalminers out of the compensation scheme for (a) vibration white finger, and To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the (b) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. [T] implications of the government of Israel’s planned [HL6785] annexation of parts of the West Bank on the UK–Israel Written Answers 20 July 2020 Page 29

trade and partnership agreement, in particular UK • £17 million to triple the number of sector-based work preferential imports from Israel; and whether any such academy placements. implications have been discussed with the government • Paying businesses to take on new apprentices – an of Israel. [HL6677] extra £2,000 for each apprentice under 25 and £1,500 Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: The United Kingdom for apprentices over 25. does not recognise the Occupied Palestinian Territories, • £32 million to help 269,000 more people receive including settlements, as part of Israel. advice from the National Careers Service. For this reason, goods imported from the settlements • £101 million for school/college leavers to study high are not entitled to benefit from trade preferences under the value courses when there are not employment United Kingdom-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement. opportunities available to them. We will maintain this approach. HM Government has maintained a dialogue with Israel and we will continue to Travel: Coronavirus work towards a negotiated two-state solution, using the diplomatic means we have at our disposal. Asked by Lord Myners To ask Her Majesty's Government how frequently Training: Coronavirus they intend to update the list of countries exempt from the UK COVID-19 travel quarantine rules; what (1) Asked by The Earl of Shrewsbury criteria, and (2) data, will be used to inform such decisions; whether the implementation of changes to the To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they list of exempt countries will be subject to a notice have to provide financial support to training and skills period; and if so, what will be the length of any such providers to ensure the provision of suitable resources notice period. [HL6502] to train, re-train and upskill those whose employment has been affected by COVID-19. [HL6526] Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Secretary of State for Transport made a Written Ministerial Statement on travel Baroness Berridge: We will continue to pay grant corridors on 6 July 2020 setting out the criteria and data funded providers their scheduled monthly profiled that the Government has used when making decisions on payments for the remainder of the 2019/20 funding year travel corridors. and funding allocations for 2020/21 have been confirmed. Payments will be made in line with the national profile. The Health Regulations relating to the self-isolation requirements remain under constant review and are We have also invested £100 million to develop a updated as required. Public health remains our top National Retraining Scheme to support working adults priority, and we will not hesitate to remove countries and prepare for future changes to the economy and to help territories from the list urgently if the health risks are seen them retrain into better jobs, and have committed £2.5 to increase such that there is a risk to the UK public’s billion for a National Skills Fund over the course of this health from arrivals from these countries or territories. Parliament, which will support people to learn new skills and prepare for the economy of the future. Universities: Finance We are introducing new T levels from this September – high quality, practical courses designed by employers that Asked by Lord Storey will provide a credible alternative to A levels and prepare To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they students for skilled work or further study. have, if any, to support any UK university which faces We are currently reforming and simplifying the financial failure. [HL6527] qualifications system so that learners can easily find high- Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay: The government quality qualifications that give them the skills they need. understands that the COVID-19 outbreak poses With our proposals, any qualification, including existing significant financial challenges to the sector. In May ones, can be approved if they provide learners with the 2020, the government announced a package of measures knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers need. combining different ways to give further support to higher We have also been working across government to build education providers at this time of financial pressure. a package of support measures to boost skills among We have stabilised admissions and are pulling forward those who will be hardest hit by the labour market an estimated £2.6 billion worth of forecast tuition fee impacts of COVID-19. On 8 July my right hon. Friend, payments to ease cashflow pressure this autumn. We are the Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced measures also bringing forward £100 million of quality-related across a range of targeted work-based training offers to research funding for higher education providers in support people to build the skills they need to get into England in the current academic year. work. This amounts to investment of £1.6 billion in This is on top of the unprecedented package of support employment support schemes which will substantially for businesses already announced, to help pay wages, expand existing provision. This includes: keep staff employed and support businesses whose • £111 million to triple the number of traineeships. viability is threatened by the outbreak. We recently Page 30 20 July 2020 Written Answers confirmed universities’ eligibility for these schemes, challenges posed by COVID-19 across all education which the Office for Students estimates could be worth at settings to ensure we can continue to welcome least £700 million, depending upon eligibility and take- international students in the future. up. The government has worked with the Office for In June, the government announced further UK- wide Students to help clarify that providers can draw upon support in the form of the Department for Business existing funding to provide hardship funds and support Energy and Industrial Strategy’s research stabilisation disadvantaged students affected by COVID-19. Providers package. More details are available here: are able to use the funding – worth around £23 million per https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for- month for July, August and September – towards student university-research-and-innovation-during-coronavirus- hardship funds. covid-19. The Department for Education and the Department for In July, the government announced the higher education Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy have set up a restructuring regime, under which support for University Research and Knowledge Exchange restructuring can be given, as a last resort, when other Sustainability Taskforce to consider how best to respond steps to preserve a provider’s viability and sustainability to the challenges universities face on research as a result have not proved sufficient. More details are available of the COVID-19 outbreak. here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher- education-restructuring-regime. Yemen: Peace Negotiations To prevent exploitative admissions processes, the Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Office for Students introduced a temporary registration condition designed to address specific circumstances To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions relating to the impact of COVID-19. To ensure a fair, they have had with international partners about securing structured distribution of students across providers, a permanent ceasefire in Yemen. [HL6573] temporary student number controls have been put in place Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK continues to for full-time, undergraduate domestic and EU students for support the efforts of the UN Special Envoy Martin academic year 2020-21 (with certain specific Griffiths to secure the parties' agreement to proposals for exemptions). a nationwide ceasefire and resumption of the UN-led We are reminding providers, as part of existing political process. We engage regularly with international programmes and using established procedures, that the partners on Yemen, including through our role as department will consider purchasing land and buildings penholder in the UN Security Council. On 1 July, the where they can be used for new or expanding schools and Foreign Secretary wrote a joint op-ed with his Swedish colleges in England. In this financial year, we have and German counterparts calling for the international budgeted up to £100 million to acquire sites for planned community to back peace efforts. On 18 June, the projects in England. Minister for the Middle East and North Africa spoke with The government has been clear that our world-leading senior Yemeni leaders and the Special Envoy during a universities will always be open to international students. "virtual visit" and called for urgent action to secure peace Our review of the International Education Strategy this and avoid a humanitarian catastrophe. autumn will respond to the new context and the

Index to Statements and Answers

Written Statements ...... 1 China: Uighurs ...... 13 A303 Sparkford to Illchester Application: Update Common Purpose: Expenditure ...... 13 ...... 1 Company Accounts ...... 13 Building and Fire Safety ...... 1 Conflict Resolution: Females ...... 13 Community Match Challenge ...... 3 Contact Tracing: Coronavirus...... 13 Contingencies Fund Advance ...... 3 Coronavirus: Birmingham ...... 14 Crossrail: Annual Update ...... 3 Coronavirus: Demonstrations ...... 14 EFTA States and Switzerland: Future Coronavirus: Disease Control ...... 14 Relationship ...... 5 Coronavirus: Screening ...... 15 Public Service Pensions: Survivor Benefits ...... 5 Customs ...... 15 Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018: Report on Regulations ...... 6 Cyprus: Military Bases ...... 15 School Funding ...... 6 Diabetes: Coronavirus ...... 15 Service Complaints Ombudsman: Annual Report Disability: Coronavirus ...... 16 2019 ...... 7 Drinks: Sugar ...... 16 Transport for London: Extraordinary Funding and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency: Fringe Financing ...... 7 Benefits and Pay ...... 16 Unified Patent Court ...... 8 Education: Travellers ...... 17 Vaccine Taskforce ...... 8 Electric Vehicles: VAT...... 17 Written Answers ...... 9 Electricity Generation: Carbon Emissions ...... 17 A27: East Sussex ...... 9 Environment Protection: Treaties ...... 18 Aerobility: Finance ...... 9 EU Countries: British Nationals Abroad ...... 18 Agriculture: Employment ...... 9 Flood Control ...... 19 Animal Welfare ...... 9 Flood Control: Yorkshire and the Humber ...... 19 Animals: Antimicrobials ...... 10 Food: Safety ...... 20 Architecture: Ethnic Groups ...... 10 Garages and Petrol Stations: Alternative Fuels . 20 Arms Trade: Colombia ...... 10 Genito-urinary Medicine: Equality ...... 20 Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia ...... 11 Green Homes Grant Scheme ...... 20 Aviation: Coronavirus ...... 11 High Speed 2 Railway Line: Annual Reports .... 21 Bahrain: Coronavirus...... 11 Huawei: Security ...... 21 BBC: Finance ...... 12 Hydrogen ...... 21 Boarding Schools: Coronavirus ...... 12 Immigration: EU Nationals...... 21 Bus Services and Railways: Coronavirus ...... 12 In Vitro Fertilisation ...... 22 Business: Coronavirus ...... 12 Influenza: Disease Control ...... 22 Care Homes: Coronavirus ...... 12 Influenza: Research ...... 22 Cheltenham Hospital: Accident and Emergency Infrastructure: Skilled Workers ...... 22 Departments ...... 12 Index to Statements and Answers

Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy ...... 23 Intelligence and Security Committee ...... 23 Intelligence and Security Committee: Russia ..... 23 Iran: Arms Trade ...... 23 Iran: Nuclear Power ...... 24 Iran: Prisoners ...... 24 Iraq: Internally Displaced People ...... 24 Israel: Visas ...... 24 Large Goods Vehicles: Coronavirus ...... 24 Large Goods Vehicles: Testing ...... 25 LGBTQ People: Hate Crime ...... 25 Local Government: Coronavirus ...... 25 Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Independent Review ...... 26 National Security Adviser ...... 26 Oneweb ...... 26 Police: Israel ...... 26 Prisoners' Release: Older People ...... 26 Prisons: Staff ...... 26 Protective Clothing: Coronavirus ...... 27 Refuges: Coronavirus ...... 27 Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation: Hydrogen ...... 27 Satellites ...... 27 Shipping: Coronavirus ...... 27 Social Media: Epilepsy ...... 28 Solicitors: Disciplinary Proceedings ...... 28 Space Technology: Research ...... 28 Su Zhimin ...... 28 Technology: Coronavirus ...... 28 Trade Agreements: Israel ...... 28 Training: Coronavirus ...... 29 Travel: Coronavirus ...... 29 Universities: Finance ...... 29 Yemen: Peace Negotiations ...... 30