Session 2019-21 Thursday No. 41 19 March 2020

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

HOUSE OF LORDS

WRITTEN STATEMENTS AND WRITTEN ANSWERS

Written Statements ...... 1 Written Answers ...... 3

[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 and Earl Howe Deputy Leader of the House of Lords Lord Agnew of Oulton Minister of State, 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, and Department for International Trade Lord Bethell Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Care 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 Keen of Elie Advocate-General for and Ministry of Justice Spokesperson Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay Whip Baroness Scott of Byfleet 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, Baroness Williams of Trafford Minister of State, Viscount Younger of Leckie Whip

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Written Statements 19 March 2020 Page 1

Provisions will also be made to enable the postponement Written Statements of other electoral events over the course of the year (such as by-elections) and to make necessary consequential Thursday, 19 March 2020 amendments associated with the postponement of polls which may, for example, include measures relating to Armed Forces Reservists: Covid-19 incumbent office holders, the nomination of candidates [HLWS165] and election expenses. This includes the particular circumstances of new unitary councils in Baroness Goldie: My hon. Friend the Minister for the Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire to ensure the Armed Forces (James Heappey MP) has made the new Buckinghamshire council goes live on 1st April 2020 following Written Ministerial Statement. and that the shadow unitary councils in Northamptonshire A new order has been made under section 56(1B) of the are established in May 2020. We understand the Warwick Reserve Forces Act 1996 to enable Reservists to be called council tax referendum (and the proposed above-threshold into permanent service to support HM Forces in tax increase) is not now taking place. connection to the UK’s response to the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Where the May 2020 scheduled elections have been postponed, the term of current elected representatives will Defence is committed to assisting HMG by ensuring be extended to May 2021. For those elected in 2021 as a that there are effective and proportionate contingency result of the postponement their will be plans in place to mitigate the potential impacts that the three years ending in 2024 rather than four years. COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak might have on the welfare, health and security of UK citizens and economic For recall petitions, the timing of a recall poll is stability of the UK. Defence is taking prudent steps to prescribed in legislation and any alteration to enable ensure that we can provide support to other Government postponement will require the measures being brought Departments when requested. forward. The timing of Parliamentary by-elections are within the discretion of the political parties and As part of this support, Reserve Forces will be on and do not require a legislative remedy for postponement. standby to deliver a range of Defence outputs such as (but not limited to): the reinforcement of Regular sub-units, The will be introduced in Parliament today, liaison officer roles and the provision of specialist skills. however we recognise that there will be a small number A particularly important role may be the planned of polls between now and the date of Royal Assent which reinforcement of Regional Points of Command, to enable will not be covered by these provisions. We appreciate their 24/7 operation and resilience. We would also expect that this presents difficult and challenging circumstances Reserves to be drawn upon to support the implementation for Returning Officers and others running polls, who are of contingency plans developed by Other Government rightly statutorily independent and responsible for Departments. delivering polls. Running a poll in present times is likely to come with significant concerns about the wellbeing of The order shall take effect from the day on which it is those involved, which may be unfair to both staff and the made and shall cease to have effect 12 months from the public. As such it would be both reasonable and date on which it is made. consistent with the national position to suspend any poll scheduled within this period, including those due to take Electoral Events: Postponement place today, Thursday 19th March. [HLWS169] The Government will give its full support to Returning Lord True: My Hon. Friend, the Minister of State for Officers and others running polls who make the decision the Cabinet Office (Chloe Smith) has today made the to suspend their polls. We have consulted with the Crown following Written Ministerial Statement: Prosecution Service (CPS), who have assured me that On Friday 13th March, the Prime Minister announced prosecution in these circumstances is highly unlikely. that the scheduled elections in May this year would be Ensuring the health and safety of the public is our postponed by 12 months. The decision to postpone was number one priority and I am grateful for the support of taken following advice from the Government’s medical the electoral in helping this effort. We experts in relation to the response to the Covid-19 virus. appreciate all of the hard work of Returning Officers and Additional risks include to polling station safety, the others during these difficult and challenging possible demands on local authority electoral staff to circumstances. support other key services, and the impracticality or potential impossibility of campaigning activity. European (Withdrawal) Act and Common We will shortly be bringing forward measures within Frameworks the Coronavirus Bill to postpone the scheduled local and mayoral elections due to take place in and the [HLWS166] scheduled Police and Crime Commissioner elections due Lord True: My Rt Hon. Friend, the of the to take place in England and on 7th May this year Duchy of Lancaster (Michael Gove) has today made the until the next ordinary day of election on 6th May 2021. following Written Ministerial Statement: Page 2 19 March 2020 Written Statements

I am today laying before Parliament a report, ‘The This Government remains committed to increasing the European Union (Withdrawal) Act and Common transparency of the work of our security and intelligence Frameworks: 26 September 2019 to 25 December 2019". and law enforcement agencies, and this next iteration of I am laying this report because it is a legal requirement the Transparency Report is a key part of that commitment. under the EU (Withdrawal) Act 2018 for quarterly reports Publishing this Report ensures that the public are able to be made to Parliament on the progress of the work to to access, in one place, a guide to the range of powers develop common frameworks. The report is available on used to combat threats to the security of the United Gov.uk and details the progress made between the UK Kingdom, the extent of their use and the safeguards and Government and devolved administrations regarding the oversight in place to ensure they are used properly. development of common frameworks. This report details progress made during the sixth 3-month reporting period, and sets out that no ‘freezing’ regulations have been Independent Reviewer of Terrorism brought forward under section 12 of the European Union Legislation Report: Operation in 2018 of the (Withdrawal) Act. A copy of the ‘The European Union Terrorism Acts (Withdrawal) Act and Common Frameworks: 26 [HLWS168] September 2019 to 25 December 2019’ report has been placed in the library of both Houses. The publication of Baroness Williams of Trafford: My rt hon Friend the the report reflects the Government’s continued Secretary of State for the Home Department (Priti Patel) commitment to transparency. has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement: HM Government Transparency Report: Jonathan Hall QC, the Independent Reviewer of Disruptive Powers 2018-19 Terrorism Legislation, has prepared a report on the operation in 2018 of the Terrorism Acts. [HLWS167] In accordance with section 36(5) of the Terrorism Act Baroness Williams of Trafford: My rt hon Friend the 2006, I am today laying this report before the House and Secretary of State for the Home Department (Priti Patel) copies will be available in the Vote Office. It will also be has today made the following Written Ministerial published on GOV.UK. Statement: I have today laid before the House the fourth iteration I am grateful to Mr Hall for his report. I will carefully of the Government Transparency Report on the use of consider its contents and the recommendations he makes disruptive powers (CP 212). Copies of the Report will be and will respond formally in due course. made available in the Vote Office and online on gov.uk.

Written Answers 19 March 2020 Page 3

them to best deliver the agreed coverage outcomes. Written Answers However, we expect that consumers will feel the benefit of the programme long before its conclusion and the Thursday, 19 March 2020 operators will consult with communities as roll out plans become clearer. 4G: Rural Areas Asked by The Lord Bishop of St Albans Aerospace Industry: Research To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the Asked by Lord Jones announcement about the delivery of 4G mobile signal To ask Her Majesty's Government how much money to 95 per cent of the country on 25 October 2019, how in total they gave to the aerospace industry for research many full 'not-spot' communities in England will and development in (1) 2015, (2) 2016, (3) 2017, and benefit from the Government's investment in the Single (4) 2018. [HL2269] Rural Network. [HL2563] Asked by Lord Jones Asked by The Lord Bishop of St Albans To ask Her Majesty's Government how much money To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the they plan to provide to the aerospace industry for announcement about the delivery of 4G mobile signal research and development in 2020–21. [HL2270] to 95 per cent of the country on 25 October 2019, what assessment they have made of the proportion of the Lord Callanan: Industry and Government have made a population that live in full 'not-spot' communities that joint commitment to invest £3.9 billion in aerospace R&D will benefit from that delivery. [HL2564] from 2013 to 2026. The Government’s share of £1.95 billion is managed through the Aerospace Technology Baroness Barran: The Government wants the UK to Institute Programme. An annual breakdown of have high-quality mobile coverage where people live, expenditure and budgets for the years requested is set out work and travel, and we are committed to extending in the table below: geographic mobile coverage further to 95% of the UK, as well as providing an uninterrupted mobile signal on all Fiscal Year Expenditure (£m) Allocated Budget (£m) major roads. 2015/16 126 150 Subsequent to the 25 October 2019 announcement, the Government announced on 9 March that it had agreed a 2016/17 146 148 deal with the mobile network operators to deliver the 2017/18 149 150 Shared Rural Network programme. This will see Government and industry jointly invest to increase 4G 2018/19 140 154 mobile coverage throughout the UK to 95% geographic 2019/20 n/a 150 coverage by the end of 2025. While the biggest improvements in coverage arising 2020/21 n/a 150 from the Shared Rural Network will be in Scotland and Wales, there will be improvements across all four nations. Antisocial Behaviour 4G geographic coverage in England is currently 97% from at least one operator and 81% from all four Asked by Lord Browne of Belmont operators. As a result of the programme, this will increase To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they to 98% coverage from at least one operator, and 90% have to introduce new powers for police forces to tackle from all four by the end of 2025. anti-social behaviour. [HL2258] Today, 97% of UK premises outdoors are covered by 4G data services from all operators, while almost all UK Baroness Williams of Trafford: It is important that premises have 4G data coverage from at least one the police and local agencies have the powers they need to operator. The Shared Rural Network will provide tackle local issues quickly and effectively. That is why we guaranteed additional coverage to 280,000 premises reformed the tools and powers available to tackle anti- across the UK, both in areas that currently have no social behaviour through the Anti-social Behaviour, coverage from any operator, and those that have coverage Crime and Policing Act 2014. We currently do not plan to from at least one operator but not all four. There will also introduce any new powers. be further indirect improvements over time, including The powers in the Act are deliberately local in nature, better indoor coverage in around 1.2m business premises and it is for local agencies to determine whether their use and homes. is appropriate in the circumstances. We keep anti-social We do not currently have specific details on the precise behaviour policy under review through the Anti-social impact that the Shared Rural Network will have on Behaviour Strategic Board which brings together key individual communities across the whole of the UK, partners. including those in England. Exact site deployment plans It is for Chief Constables and Police and Crime will be managed by the operators themselves in order for Commissioners, as operational leaders and elected local Page 4 19 March 2020 Written Answers representatives, to decide how best to respond to priority for the FCA. While many firms have made individual crimes and local crime priorities but to help significant progress, the Treasury and the FCA want to ensure that the police have the resources they need to do see this issue being taken seriously by all firms so that so, we are recruiting 20,000 officers over the next three vulnerable customers receive consistently fair treatment. years. The Treasury continues to work with firms and the FCA to ensure that the needs of vulnerable customers are met. Arts Buildings: Demolition Asked by Baroness Quin Asked by The Earl of Caithness To ask Her Majesty's Government how many firms in the creative industry sector formerly based in the UK To ask Her Majesty's Government, following their have relocated to the EU in (1) 2016–18, (2) 2019, and policy of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, what (3) since 31 January 2020. [HL2559] plans they have to instruct local authorities to refuse planning applications for demolition and rebuilding Baroness Barran: DCMS does not track this properties when an existing building can be refurbished information. to modern standards. [HL2320] Beyond the transition period, the UK has set out its proposals to the EU in a range of areas, making clear that The Earl of Courtown: Planning permission may be we want a Canada- relationship, based on a required to demolish a building, but if not required, the comprehensive Free Trade Agreement supplemented by applicant may still be required to seek prior approval from other international agreements. the local planning authority before demolition. Where the demolition of one or more buildings is required as part of a redevelopment, details of the demolition can be Bank Services included in the planning application. This will give the local planning authority the opportunity to consider Asked by Lord Browne of Belmont demolition alongside other aspects of the development To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment including energy efficiency. Where appropriate, the local they have made of the steps taken by the banking sector planning authority may impose conditions on demolition to meet the needs of vulnerable customers. [HL2254] if planning permission is granted. Lord Agnew of Oulton: This Government believes that individuals, regardless of their background or Children: Social Services income, should have access to useful and affordable financial products and services, including a bank account. Asked by Baroness Eaton Basic bank accounts are a key financial inclusion To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment policy, enabling people, including those that are they have made of the report commissioned by the vulnerable, to manage their money on a day-to-day basis Local Government Association Profit making and risk effectively, securely and confidently. These are bank in independent children's social care placement accounts that are fee-free for all everyday banking providers, published in January. [HL2155] services and have no overdraft facility. The 9 largest Baroness Berridge: The government is clear that the personal current account providers in the UK are legally needs of the child are paramount when making decisions required to offer fee-free basic bank accounts to about care placements. The child’s safety, suitability and customers who do not have a bank account or who are the quality of a child’s placement in care is our priority. ineligible for a bank’s standard current account. As at 31 March and 31 August 2019, 92% of Independent The Treasury publishes data on basic bank accounts Fostering Agencies and 82% of the active and inspected annually. The December 2019 publication shows that in private children’s homes were judged good or outstanding total there are nearly 7.5 million basic bank accounts open by Ofsted. We believe that a mix of provision can provide in the UK. quality and increase placement options for local UK banks’ and building societies’ treatment of their authorities. customers is governed by the Financial Conduct The government is taking action to support local Authority (FCA). The FCA requires firms to identify authorities in the provision of high quality social care. particularly vulnerable customers, and to deal with such This includes investing part of our £200 million customers appropriately. This includes older people, Children’s Social Care Innovation programme in three disabled people, and those who may lack the capacity to projects to improve the supply of placements, and manage their account on their own. investing an extra £1 billion of new funding for adult and Further to this, the FCA recently concluded the first children’s social care to support local authorities meet the stage of a consultation on firms’ treatment of vulnerable rising demand and protect the most vulnerable in society. customers and it will be issuing a second consultation in We have also committed to reviewing the system, so the spring. Protecting vulnerable customers is a key children receive the best possible care. Written Answers 19 March 2020 Page 5

Coronavirus A laying date has not been set and no decisions have been taken about the nature of any further consultation. Asked by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the Developing Countries: Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, what plans they have to relax the Asked by Baroness Sheehan rules on the length of time between when a member of NHS staff retires and when they can join a temporary To ask Her Majesty's Government what actions they staff bank. [HL2314] are taking to protect the safety of (1) UK health workers, and (2) in-country frontline health workers in Lord Bethell: NHS England is working with its developing countries, following the outbreak of professional leads, the respective regulators, NHS COVID-19. [HL2362] Employers and the Department to determine how best to engage with retirees / leavers who are willing to return to Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Government take work for a period of time to provide the extra capacity the safety of healthcare workers very seriously. The needed to meet the demands of COVID-19. COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control guidance has NHS England has been developing with stakeholders a been updated to ensure that healthcare workers are clear and straightforward re-registration process and protected and all hospitals remain safe, now and in the simplified employment checks. NHS England will future. identify what training is required to support returners and Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are will develop guidance to help employers to engage with absolutely essential to ensure all healthcare workers are these staff and provide advice and support to all staff over protected from infection with COVID-19. this period. The UK has announced up to £241 million of aid funding to support the global efforts to combat the Coronavirus: Mortality Rates outbreak of COVID-19. As part of this, we are supporting the World Health Organisation and UNICEF to strengthen Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick infection prevention and control in health facilities, to To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment protect health workers in developing countries. they have made of the risk of mortality from COVID-19 amongst smokers. [HL2301] Doctors: Refugees Lord Bethell: Public Health England has not Asked by Baroness Finlay of Llandaff undertaken a specific risk of mortality from COVID-19 To ask Her Majesty's Government how many doctors amongst smokers. who were refugees have been registered with the General Medical Council in each of the last three years. Data Processing: Public Sector [HL2328] Asked by Lord Wallace of Saltaire Lord Bethell: The General Medical Council (GMC) does not hold information on the total number of refugees To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, and if so, or former refugees that are on the medical register. when, they will lay before Parliament the Framework for Data Processing by Government document, as The following figures are based on doctors who provided for in section 191 of the Data Protection Act declared their refugee status to the GMC. 2018. [HL2571] 2017 23

Asked by Lord Wallace of Saltaire 2018 30

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to section 2019 48 191(5) of the Data Protection Act 2018, which other persons may the Secretary of State “consider it appropriate to consult” before preparing the Framework European Reference Networks for Data Processing by Government document and Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick laying it before Parliament. [HL2572] To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Baroness Barran: The Data Protection Act 2018 gives they have made of the role of European Reference the Secretary of State a discretionary power to publish a Networks in relation to access to medical health Framework for Data Processing by Government, which expertise, following the United Kingdom’s departure contains guidance about the processing of personal data in from the European Union. [HL2510] connection with the exercise of government functions. The Act requires the Secretary of State to consult the Lord Bethell: United Kingdom patients will continue Information Commissioner and other persons he considers to access the world-leading rare disease clinical expertise appropriate when developing the Framework, and to lay in the UK as they do now, and we will continue to the final version in Parliament before it comes into effect. collaborate with international experts. The Government Page 6 19 March 2020 Written Answers continues to monitor and analyse overall staffing levels through our arm’s length body the British Film Institute, across the National Health Service and adult social care, in order to support the production, distribution and and we are working across Government to ensure there exhibition of British films, both throughout the UK and will continue to be sufficient staff to deliver the high- abroad. This week’s Budget also allocated £4.8 million to quality services on which the public relies following expand the work of the British Film Commission to European Union exit. promote the UK as a destination of choice for studio From January 2021, the Government will be space investment. introducing a new Points Based Immigration System, in order to attract the brightest and best talent from across the world. To further facilitate the migration of skilled Fisheries workers to support the NHS, there will be a fast-track Asked by Lord Browne of Belmont NHS Visa for certain medical professionals with NHS job offers, including for doctors, nurses and allied health To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they professionals. Details will be announced by the Home intend to take to ensure good terms for UK fishermen at Secretary in due course. the end of the EU withdrawal transition period. [HL2257] Females: Discrimination Lord Gardiner of Kimble: At the end of the transition period, the UK will be an independent coastal state with Asked by Lord Watson of Invergowrie rights under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment control and manage the resources in our waters. they have made of the UN Development On 27 February 2020, the Government published the Programme's Gender Social Norms Index, published on UK’s approach to the future relationship with the EU. The 5 March, in particular of the high percentage of people Government is ready to consider an agreement on reported as holding at least one bias against women in fisheries that reflects the fact that the UK will be an relation to politics, economics, education, violence or independent coastal state at the end of 2020. However, reproductive rights. [HL2477] any such framework agreement should set out the scope Baroness Sugg: These findings are very concerning, and process for annual negotiations on access to the but consistent with other evidence. The most recent parties’ exclusive economic zones and fishing World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report opportunities. Fishing opportunities should be negotiated suggests growing disparity between women and men for a annually based on the best available science for shared second year running in political empowerment, access to stocks provided by the International Council for health and education and participation in the labour force. Exploration of the Seas. The UK will not accept the Common Fisheries Policy’s ‘relative stability’ mechanism Gendered norms and discriminatory social norms for sharing fishing quotas, which is outdated and based on underpin the lack of progress towards gender equality and historical fishing activity from the 1970s. Future fishing empowerment of girls and women worldwide. opportunities should be based on the principle of zonal That is why, at the heart of DFID’s Strategic Vision for attachment, which better reflects where the fish live. Gender Equality is a call to action to challenge and Negotiations with the EU commenced on 2 March. The change the unequal power relations between men and Government is committed to securing good terms for women, and the negative attitudes and discriminatory fishers in the whole of the UK. practices that hold girls and women back. Rigorous evaluations conducted under DFID’s flagship What Works to Prevent Violence Programme have shown Further Education: Mergers that it is possible to shift social norms within the timeframe of a programme. Approaches that engaged Asked by The Lord Bishop of Winchester whole communities to challenge harmful norms achieved To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are significant reductions in Violence Against Women and taking to facilitate local college mergers which (1) are Girls of around 50%. in the interests of learners, (2) build financial resilience, and (3) ensure that provision serves Film local communities, especially in areas of disadvantage. [HL2306] Asked by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth Baroness Berridge: Further education (FE) colleges To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they can sometimes benefit from structural change to are taking to promote British films. [HL2317] strengthen quality of delivery for learners, financial Baroness Barran: The government is committed to health, or enhance their capacity to respond to local ensuring that the UK remains a world leader in film. Last labour market needs. The College Oversight: Support and year, the government invested nearly £1 billion through Intervention guidance (also attached), published in April the creative sector tax reliefs, as well as around £70 2019, sets out how structural change is delivered in the million in grant in aid and National Lottery funding sector. Written Answers 19 March 2020 Page 7

Structural reviews, led by the FE Commissioner’s team Hate Crime Operational Guidance and supported by the Education and Skills Funding [hate_crime_operational_guidance.pdf] Agency (ESFA) and department officials provide a means The material can be viewed online at: of assessing the structural solutions for a college for the http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- future. Reviews assess potential options against the needs answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2020-03-05/HL2277 of learners, the long term financial sustainability of potential solutions and consult with key local stakeholders Health Services: Older People such as local authorities to ensure their views are heard and local circumstances are taken into account. Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick Post-merger support is provided by the ESFA and the To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they FE Commissioner Team to monitor colleges on their have, if any, to use virtual reality therapy to treat older performance after mergers have completed. people advised to have limited social interaction due to The Answer includes the following attached material: the outbreak of COVID-19. [HL2459]

HL2306_attachment Lord Bethell: The Department is exploring how best [HL2306_College_Oversight_document_Aug_19.pdf] we can support older people advised to have limited social interaction. There are no plans at present to treat The material can be viewed online at: older people in their homes with virtual reality therapy. http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- However we are rapidly expanding our video- answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2020-03-05/HL2306 conferencing capability and the implementation of remote capabilities underpins many of the aims of the NHS Long Gaza: Coronavirus Term Plan. Asked by Baroness Tonge Higher Education: Admissions To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Asked by Baroness Royall of Blaisdon they have made of the impact of COVID-19 on the population of Gaza. [HL2465] To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Viscount Younger of Leckie on 6 Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: There are currently no November 2018 (HL10959), whether they are now in a known cases of COVID-19 in Gaza, however DFID is in position to ensure that higher education providers have close contact with the World Health Organisation should access to free school meals data at the start of the an outbreak occur. There are concerns that Gaza’s already undergraduate admissions cycle as part of measures to overburdened healthcare system would not be able to widen access to higher education. [HL2232] cope with a widespread outbreak of the virus, especially given the lack of reliable access to clean water and energy Baroness Berridge: Everyone with the talent and in the strip. We will continue to monitor the situation capability to succeed in higher education should have the closely. opportunity to benefit from a high-quality university education, regardless of age, background or where they grew up. Hate Crime: Gender So that providers are identifying talent in areas of Asked by Lord Lucas disadvantage, they need to use good-quality and meaningful data. We encourage higher education To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their policy providers to use a range of measures including individual- concerning the recording of incidents involving the level indicators, area data (such as Participation of Local protected characteristic of sex under the Equality Act Areas, Index of Multiple Deprivation or postcode 2010 as hate crimes. [HL2277] classification from ACORN), school data, intersectional Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Home Office data such as Universities and Colleges Admissions collects and publishes statistics annually on the number of Service’s (UCAS) Multiple Equality Measure, and hate crime offences recorded by the police in England and participation in outreach activities. Wales, broken down by five centrally monitored strands: We are actively considering how we can make available race, religion, sexual orientation, disability and free school meals data, taking in to account relevant data transgender identity. protection legislation, and will continue to work closely Operational guidance for recording of hate crimes is set with UCAS and the Office for Students to this end. In out by the College of Policing and the latest published general, we are looking to make data as illuminating as guidance is available here: possible. The government believes that every young person with https://www.report- the potential should have the opportunity to access higher it.org.uk/files/hate_crime_operational_guidance.pdf education, if it is right for them. A person’s background The Answer includes the following attached material: or start in life should not determine their future. Page 8 19 March 2020 Written Answers

Homelessness • No new commercial tour bookings to be accepted. Existing bookings taking place from Monday 16 March Asked by Lord Browne of Belmont onwards have been cancelled but tickets will be To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment refunded. they have made of the success of their strategy to • Events in Westminster Hall or in the larger Committee address homelessness between January 2019 and Rooms (known as ‘mass lobbies’) are not being January 2020. [HL2256] facilitated during the period. The Earl of Courtown: Because housing is a devolved • In order to limit numbers, APPGs are not to invite issue, we would advise you to contact the Northern non-passholding guests on to the Parliamentary Estate. Ireland authorities for information about temporary • All pass holders, including Members, are not to bring accommodation in . non-passholding guests on to the Parliamentary Estate The Government is clear that no one should be without who are visiting for non-Parliamentary business-related a roof over their head. That is why we have now purposes or for social purposes. committed to end rough sleeping within this Parliament Subsequently the Speakers and political leadership and to fully enforce the Homelessness Reduction Act agreed further restrictions, which came into force on (HRA). Tuesday 17 March. These extended to cover the exclusion The latest published statutory homelessness data (April- of non-essential visitors from coming onto the June 2019) offers promising signs regarding the impact of Parliamentary estate, including member tours, school the HRA: visits, visitors to the galleries of both Houses (save the Under the HRA more households are being offered press gallery), and democratic access tours. Currently, statutory support, with more single people receiving help visitors on official business continue to be allowed onto than ever before. 65 per cent of households owed a duty the Estate. This includes civil servants briefing Ministers were single households, compared to 30 per cent prior to and committee witnesses. the introduction of the HRA. These measures will last until further notice, and the Most households at risk of homelessness are having it Lord Speaker and political leadership of the House are successfully prevented. 57 per cent of the households keeping matters under review. whose prevention duty ended in this period secured their existing accommodation or were helped to find alternative Immunity from Prosecution: Heads of State accommodation. 40 per cent of the households whose Asked by Lord Marlesford relief duty ended in this period were helped to find accommodation. To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they Local authorities will now receive an additional £63 have to review the immunities given to heads of states million in 2020/21 through the Homelessness Reduction from crimes committed in the UK. [HL2507] Grant to carry out these duties. This is part of a £437 Baroness Sugg: Heads of State enjoy the same million package to tackle homelessness and rough privileges and immunities as apply to the head of a sleeping over 2020/21. diplomatic mission, as provided for by Section 20 of the In addition, the most recent national figures from the State Immunity Act 1978, which we will give Official 2019 Rough Sleeping Snapshot, showed that consideration to as part of our day to day business by the number of people sleeping on our streets on a single reference to specific cases as they arise. Any waiver of night fell for the second year in a row. The number of the immunity must be made expressly by the sending those sleeping rough on one night in 2019 was 9 per cent States. lower than the previous year. This follows year-on-year increases prior to 2018. Manufacturing Industries: Research House of Lords: Coronavirus Asked by Lord Jones To ask Her Majesty's Government how much money Asked by Lord Truscott in total was proposed for British manufacturing's To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker what plans there research and development in 2019; and how much they are to ban visitors to the House of Lords. [HL2523] estimate to provide in (1) 2020, and (2) 2021. [HL2271] Lord McFall of Alcluith: An initial set of measures to Lord Callanan: The Office for National Statistics reduce visitor access to the House of Lords and the wider estimates that expenditure on R&D performed in UK Parliamentary Estate, as part of the Parliamentary businesses was about £25.0bn in 2018, of which about response to Covid-19, were introduced from Monday 16 £16.3 billion was related to manufactured products. Most March. These were as follows: of this was financed by businesses themselves. Data for • No new banqueting bookings to be accepted. Existing 2019 is planned for release in November. bookings taking place from Monday 16 March onwards The Government announced in Budget 2020 that it will have been cancelled but deposits will be refunded. be increasing overall R&D funding to £22 billion by Written Answers 19 March 2020 Page 9

2024/24 and further plans will be set out at Spending hybrid vehicles to 2035, or earlier if a faster transition Review later this year. appears feasible. The consultation was published on 20 UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the agency that February. directs research and innovation funding in the UK, This follows our manifesto commitment and reflects the supports research into new processes and materials across independent Committee on Climate Change advice that different areas of manufacturing and supports businesses the phase out date should be 2035 or ideally 2030, and engaged in R&D through Innovate UK. that only battery electric or other zero emission vehicles should be permitted to be sold after this point. Motor Vehicles: Exhaust Emissions As part of this consultation, we are asking what the accompanying package of support will need to be to Asked by Baroness Randerson enable the transition and to minimise the impacts on To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment businesses and consumers across the UK, building on the they have made of the case for production of a significant demand and supply side measures already in standardised formula for assessing vehicular carbon place. We are already engaging with stakeholders on this footprint in manufacture to produce a reliable issue and plan to conclude the consultation in the summer. comparative assessment system for the vehicle market. [HL2291] NHS: Finance Lord Callanan: Vehicle manufacture is a global Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath industry and consequently, there is no agreed approach that can be used to inform consumers of the comparative To ask Her Majesty's Government which NHS carbon footprint of the production of different vehicles. organisations are subject to legal directions; and what in The Government does not currently have any plans to each case is the predicted deficit for the current inform consumers about the comparative carbon footprint financial year. [HL2336] generated by different electric vehicles in their Lord Bethell: Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) production. We expect the transition to zero emission are the only National Health Service organisation which motoring to be industry-led, supported by measures set legal directions can be applied to. There are currently five out in our Road to Zero strategy. CCGs subject to NHS England directions. These are NHS In 2018, the Department for Transport developed the Vale of York CCG, NHS Wirral CCG, NHS Cambridge Transport Energy Model. This was published alongside and Peterborough CCG, NHS Shropshire CCG and NHS the Road to Zero strategy to provide a clear assessment of Southport and Formby CCG. the relative environmental impacts of different road NHS Vale of York CCG planned for a deficit of vehicle technologies and fuels. The Model showed that approximately £19 million, and the latest published UK battery electric vehicles have substantially lower forecasts say they expect to meet this plan. greenhouse gas emissions than conventional vehicles, NHS Wirral CCG planned to break even, and the latest even when accounting for the energy mix of the published forecasts say they expect to meet this plan. electricity to charge the battery, as well as the electricity used for battery production. NHS Cambridge and Peterborough CCG planned for a deficit of approximately £75 million, and the latest Electric vehicle emission values are highly dependent published forecasts say they expect to meet this plan. on the electricity mix of the country in which the vehicle is charged, and the country in which the vehicle, battery, NHS Shropshire CCG planned for a deficit of and other parts are manufactured. Emission values will approximately £23 million, and the latest published also vary according to model type, car size, and miles forecast said they would meet that plan. driven. To obtain full environmental benefits, electric NHS Southport and Formby CCG planned to break vehicles and their batteries need to be manufactured using even, and the latest published forecast said they would electricity from carbon-free sources. meet that plan.

Motor Vehicles: Sales Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Incentive Asked by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth Scheme To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass Written Answer by Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 26 To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they February (HL1555), when they intend to consult on have to arrange a debate on the report into the bringing forward the ending of the sale of new petrol Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme, following its and diesel cars and vans from 2040 to 2035 or earlier if publication on 13 March. [HL2505] a faster transition appears possible. [HL2252] Baroness Evans of Bowes Park: My Noble Friend the Baroness Vere of Norbiton: On the 4 February the Government Chief Whip does not intend to schedule such Prime Minister announced a consultation on bringing a debate in Government time. Members who wish to forward the end to the sale of new petrol, diesel and initiate a debate of their own are able to do so by tabling a Page 10 19 March 2020 Written Answers question for short debate. Members can also seek to police uplift programme. They will start from April 2020, initiate a debate by entering the ballot for one of the lasting throughout the duration of the campaign. monthly pairs of balloted debates. The Answer includes the following attached material:

Ombudsman Police Workforce - England and Wales [police-workforce-sep19- hosb0220.pdf] Asked by Lord Moonie The material can be viewed online at: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- have to reform the ombudsman system. [HL2091] answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2020-03-05/HL2255 Lord True: The government published a draft Public Priti Patel Service Ombudsman Bill in December 2016, setting out plans to introduce a new Public Service Ombudsman. Asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they Palestinians: Textbooks have to publish a report at the conclusion of their Asked by Lord Turnberg inquiry into allegations of bullying by the . [HL2200] To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of school books published by Lord True: I refer the noble Lord to my answer on the Palestinian Authority containing incitement to 12th March 2020 to Lord Young of Cookham ( Official hatred and violence. [HL2466] Record, House Of Lords,Vol. 802. Col. 1158 ). Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK government is Sewers deeply concerned about allegations of incitement in the Palestinian Authority’s school textbooks. The UK secured Asked by Lord Bradshaw EU agreement to lead an independent review of the To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the textbooks which is underway. We expect interim findings Written Answer by Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton by June 2020 and full findings later in the year. Waldrist on 9 March (HL1921), whether a housing The International Development Secretary reiterated our development is allowed to proceed before additional concerns in a call to the Palestinian Authority’s Education wastewater infrastructure has been provided. [HL2424] Minister just last month. The Earl of Courtown: The developer is responsible Police: Recruitment for providing effective drainage to serve their development and agreeing this with the local planning Asked by Lord Browne of Belmont authority. There is also statutory provision for developers to fund additional sewerage infrastructure required to To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment accommodate flows from a proposed development. If they have made of the level of police recruitment during there are concerns arising from a planning application the last 12 months. [HL2255] about the capacity of wastewater infrastructure, applicants Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Home Office can be asked to provide information about how the collects and publishes data on joiners in the annual police proposed development will be drained and wastewater workforce statistics, which can be found here: dealt with; and if they build their development in breach of the permission, they may face enforcement action by https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/police- the local planning authority. workforce-england-and-wales In 2018/19, 9,427 police officers joined the 43 police Spain: Holiday Accommodation forces in England and Wales, accounting for 8% of officers. Excluding those who transferred from other Asked by Lord Wigley forces, joiners accounted for 6% of all officers. This was a To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions 16% increase on the previous year and the highest number they have had with the government of Spain about of joiners in a financial year since 2008/09. ensuring that adequate safety standards are maintained The Government is also delivering on the people’s in Spanish hotels and similar accommodation used by priorities by recruiting 20,000 additional police officers British holidaymakers. [HL2479] over the next three years. In October 2019 the Home Office confirmed officer allocations for every force in Baroness Sugg: Our Embassy and network of England and Wales in the first year of the uplift. Consulates in Spain is in regular contact with the relevant authorities, hoteliers' associations and tourism trade https://www.gov.uk/government/news/home-office- bodies in Spain to ensure British nationals can enjoy their announces-first-wave-of-20000-police-officer-uplift holidays safely and responsibly. We work in close The Home Office has announced plans to publish partnership with these bodies on our safety campaigns. quarterly updates outlining the progress on delivering the For example, the Consulate in Mallorca are part of a Written Answers 19 March 2020 Page 11 working group of authorities and tourism sector bodies domestically grown timber, reducing current reliance on looking at safety issues. imports. Increasing the use of domestically grown timber in Television: Licensing construction is a goal of the Clean Growth Strategy and 25 Year Plan for the Environment. This can lock up Asked by Lord Foulkes of Cumnock carbon in the long term and create a market for domestic To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment timber. they have made of the number of people over 75 years old who will be confined to their homes due to COVID- Training 19; and, in the light of that assessment, what plans they have to postpone the withdrawal of free TV licences for Asked by Lord Lee of Trafford those over 75. [HL2428] To ask Her Majesty's Government what support they Baroness Barran: The Department of Health and are giving to employers to upskill all workers. [HL2218] Social Care is responsible for the government's response Baroness Berridge: The government is taking steps to to COVID-19 and any assessment of the number of improve productivity, employment levels and social people over 75 years old who could be confined to their inclusion. Programmes including reforms to technical homes due to COVID-19. Although careful and scientific education such as apprenticeships, funded or co-funded consideration is being given to all policy options, no final skills provision through the Adult Education Budget, decisions have been taken over interventions that would access to Advanced Learner Loans and the National require this. Retraining Scheme enable adults to gain the skills that The future of the over 75 licence fee concession is a they need to progress or reskill. matter for the BBC from 1 June 2020. This reform was The government has started testing the first part of the subject to public discussion and debated extensively National Retraining Scheme, Get Help to Retrain, in 6 during the passage of the Digital Economy Act 2017 areas across England. Get Help to Retrain is a digital through Parliament. service that will help users to understand their current However, the BBC and the government have been skills, explore alternative occupations and find and sign discussing the national Coronavirus situation. Changes to up to training. We will continue to test and further the TV licence for people aged over 75 had been due to improve the service in 2020. come into effect on 1 June. But during this time we do not We are also providing an extra £3 billion to develop a want anyone to be worried about any potential change. National Skills Fund that helps adults to learn new skills The BBC’s priority over the coming period will be to and to prepare for the economy of the future. We are do everything it can to serve the nation at this uniquely planning to consult widely on the fund and will be keen to challenging time. As the national broadcaster, the BBC hear the views of employers. has a vital role to play in supplying information to the public in the weeks and months ahead. UK Trade with EU: Wales Recognising the exceptional circumstances, the BBC Asked by Lord Murphy of Torfaen Board has therefore decided to change the start date of the new policy. The current plan is to now bring it into place To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions on 1 August and the BBC will keep the issue under they have had with the about the review as the situation continues to evolve. current negotiations for a UK/EU trade deal. [HL2284] Lord True: The Joint Ministerial Committee on EU Timber Negotiations, attended by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Asked by The Earl of Caithness Lancaster and ministers from the Devolved Administrations alongside other ministers, met in Cardiff To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they on 28 January and discussed negotiations with the EU. have to reduce the amount of timber imported annually; The UK Government also engaged both with the Welsh and what plans they have to enable England to become Government and the other Devolved Administrations on a net exporter of timber. [HL2322] the UK’s approach to the negotiations ahead of its Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: This spring we publication on 27th February and following the first round will consult on an English Tree Strategy, including of negotiations with the EU. measures to support our domestic timber industry. The UK Government is committed to working closely We are working to understand the scope for increasing with the devolved administrations throughout negotiations UK-sourced timber in buildings, and our commitment to with the EU to ensure a future relationship that works in increase tree planting will increase the supply of the interests of the whole of the UK.

Index to Statements and Answers

Written Statements ...... 1 Motor Vehicles: Sales ...... 9 Armed Forces Reservists: Covid-19 ...... 1 NHS: Finance ...... 9 Electoral Events: Postponement ...... 1 Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Incentive European (Withdrawal) Act and Common Scheme...... 9 Frameworks ...... 1 Ombudsman ...... 10 HM Government Transparency Report: Palestinians: Textbooks ...... 10 Disruptive Powers 2018-19 ...... 2 Police: Recruitment ...... 10 Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation Priti Patel ...... 10 Report: Operation in 2018 of the Terrorism Acts . 2 Sewers ...... 10 Written Answers ...... 3 Spain: Holiday Accommodation ...... 10 4G: Rural Areas ...... 3 Television: Licensing ...... 11 Aerospace Industry: Research ...... 3 Timber ...... 11 Antisocial Behaviour ...... 3 Training ...... 11 Arts ...... 4 UK Trade with EU: Wales ...... 11 Bank Services ...... 4

Buildings: Demolition ...... 4 Children: Social Services ...... 4 Coronavirus ...... 5 Coronavirus: Mortality Rates ...... 5 Data Processing: Public Sector ...... 5 Developing Countries: Coronavirus ...... 5 Doctors: Refugees ...... 5 European Reference Networks ...... 5 Females: Discrimination ...... 6 Film ...... 6 Fisheries ...... 6 Further Education: Mergers ...... 6 Gaza: Coronavirus ...... 7 Hate Crime: Gender ...... 7 Health Services: Older People ...... 7 Higher Education: Admissions ...... 7 Homelessness ...... 8 House of Lords: Coronavirus ...... 8 Immunity from Prosecution: Heads of State ...... 8 Manufacturing Industries: Research ...... 8 Motor Vehicles: Exhaust Emissions ...... 9