Session 2021-22 Tuesday No. 8 25 May 2021

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

HOUSE OF LORDS

WRITTEN STATEMENTS AND WRITTEN ANSWERS

Written Statements ...... 1 Written Answers ...... 4

[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, Treasury and Cabinet Office Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Lord Ashton of Hyde Chief Whip Baroness Barran Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Lord Benyon Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 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 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 Frost Minister of State, Cabinet Office Baroness Goldie Minister of State, Ministry of Defence Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office 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 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 Lord Stewart of Dirleton Advocate-General for Scotland 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 Lord Wolfson of Tredegar Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice Viscount Younger of Leckie Whip

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Written Statements 25 May 2021 Page 1

Consultation on the Use of Force in Mental Written Statements Health Units Tuesday, 25 May 2021 [HLWS54] Lord Bethell: My Hon. Friend the Minister of State Airport and Ground Operations Support (Minister for Patient Safety, Suicide Prevention and Scheme Mental Health) (Nadine Dorries), has today made the following written ministerial statement: [HLWS51] Today, I am pleased to announce the launch of the Baroness Vere of Norbiton: My Honourable Friend, Government’s consultation on the statutory guidance for the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Transport (Robert the Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Act 2018. Courts) has made the following Ministerial Statement: The Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Act 2018, also I am tabling this statement for the benefit of hon. known as Seni’s Law, was introduced into the House of Members to bring to their attention spend under the Commons by the Honourable Member for Croydon North Industrial Development Act 1982 (“the Act”). in July 2017 and received Royal Assent in November On 24 November the Government announced the 2018. The Act is named after Mr Olaseni Lewis, who died introduction of the Airport and Ground Operators Support as a result of being forcibly restrained whilst he was a Scheme (the Scheme) with the intention of supporting voluntary patient in a mental health unit. airports and ground handlers who have experienced the The purpose of the Act is to clearly set out the measures impact of COVID-19 on their business whilst maintaining which are needed to both prevent the use of force and high levels of fixed costs during the 2020/21 financial then ensure accountability and transparency about the use year. The aim was to open the Scheme in January and of force in mental health units. By promoting good ensure grant payments were made to eligible businesses practice, identifying poor practice, and through a greater by the end of the financial year. Grant payments would be understanding of where there are problems or issues for made using powers in sections 7 and 8 of the Act. specific groups, we can address this nationally as well as Section 8(8) of the Act states that financial assistance locally. The statutory guidance sets out how we expect for any one project shall not exceed £30m, except so far mental health units to meet the requirements of the Act. as such excess has been authorised by a resolution of the This consultation will seek views on the clarity, content House of Commons. The need to act and ensure that and approach of the proposed guidance. support was provided promptly meant that the This is vitally important to minimise restrictive Government were previously unable to seek such interventions in mental health units which affected 12,000 authorisation from the House of Commons. individuals in 2019/20, and disproportionately those with Section 8(9) of the Act provides that the Secretary of protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. State shall lay a statement concerning the financial This is a landmark piece of legislation which enjoys the assistance before each House of Parliament if they are support of patients, people with lived experience, satisfied that the payment or undertaking to pay financial voluntary and charitable sector organisations and the assistance in excess of £30m was urgently needed and it NHS. Today’s launch represents a significant step would have been impracticable to obtain the approval of forward in our efforts to prevent the use of force in mental the Commons House of Parliament by way of a health units which would not have been possible without resolution. the tireless campaigning of the Honourable Member for The need to provide urgent support to airports and Croydon North and the Lewis family. ground handlers who play a vital role in the infrastructure This consultation is part of the Government’s wider of the country made it impracticable to seek authorisation reform agenda to improve support for individuals with by way of a resolution, for payments under the scheme in severe mental illnesses. The Government published its excess of £30m and I am therefore tabling this statement. Mental Health Act White Paper on 13 January 2021 The details of the spend on the Scheme, which opened for which sets out proposals for once in a generation reforms applications at the end of January, are set out below: to the Mental Health Act, responding to and building on

Total of Scheme Commercial Ground Sir Simon Wessely’s Review of the Act. We are also Grants Airports Handling working hard to achieve our NHS Long Term plan Operators commitment to give 370,000 adults and older adults with

£86,925,171.00 £65,075,462.00 £21,849,709 severe mental illnesses greater choice and control over their care and support them to live well in their The Government remains committed to supporting the communities by 2023/24. sector and has recently announced that the Scheme will be The consultation will conclude on 17th August 2021. renewed for the first six months of the financial year The Government’s intention is to publish the final 2021/22. Consent for the use of powers in sections 7 and statutory guidance and begin commencement of the Act in 8 of the Act for the renewed Scheme will be sought November 2021. separately. Page 2 25 May 2021 Written Statements

Covid-19 Health Inequalities: Quarterly impacted frontline healthcare workers, investigating any Report practical barriers to vaccine uptake by ethnicity, and improving the quality of ethnicity data in health records. [HLWS53] My fourth and final report will provide a further update Baroness Berridge: My Hon. Friend the Minister for and will include recommendations on how this work to Equalities (Kemi Badenoch) has made the following address COVID-19 disparities should be taken forward, as statement to the House of Commons: part of our longer-term strategy to tackle health I am publishing today the third of my quarterly reports inequalities. to the Prime Minister on progress to address COVID-19 health disparities among ethnic minority groups. Research Collaboration Advice Team Vaccination offers the clearest path out of the pandemic [HLWS52] and remains the key step in addressing the disparities in risks and outcomes from COVID-19. My report Lord Callanan: My Honourable friend the Minister for summarises the unprecedented programme of measures Science, Research and Innovation (Amanda Solloway) taken to tackle misinformation and to increase both has today made the following statement: vaccine confidence and uptake among ethnic minorities. The Integrated Review sets an ambition for the UK to Over the last quarter the government, together with be a science and technology superpower by 2030. national and local partners, has responded quickly, International research collaboration will be central to effectively and flexibly to drive vaccine uptake. Measures achieving this objective, and our research sector needs to include: be both open and secure. • A bespoke plan for vaccinations during Ramadan, The Government works with research institutions, including the use of ‘twilight jabbing’; funding bodies and industry to ensure national security risks are understood and responded to appropriately. I and • Establishing vaccination centres at around 50 different the Secretary of State for BEIS, as well as our officials, religious venues, with many more acting as pop-up have discussed these issues at all levels within the sites, to build trust and confidence within local research community. We expect institutions and communities; individuals to make sure international collaboration is • Piloting family vaccinations with a view to encourage safe, sustainable and secure. uptake among multi-generational households, where the I am therefore pleased to announce that the Department risk of infection may be higher; for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) will • Allocating over £7 million of additional NHS funding this year launch the Research Collaboration Advice Team to local sustainability and transformation partnerships (RCAT). The new unit will provide an efficient route by to enable targeted engagement in areas with health which researchers can access advice, as well as seek inequalities and with communities that are not vaccine confidential consultation on sensitive and emerging confident; and issues. Its leadership will operate from Manchester and • Providing local health leaders with comprehensive advisers will be distributed across the UK, available to data on vaccine uptake among those most at risk from researchers from across the country. Advisers’ COVID-19, allowing them to take targeted action. responsibilities will be limited to guidance, and they will My report also sets out progress with the Community not have enforcement responsibilities. Champions scheme, which was launched in January. The The RCAT will be a BEIS unit, but its advisers will 60 local authority areas participating in the government- work closely with officials in the Departments for funded scheme recruited 4,653 individual Community Education, International Trade and Defence, the Foreign, Champions by the end of March, who are now playing a Commonwealth & Development Office and the National vital role in combatting misinformation and driving Technical Authorities. This initiative complements a vaccine uptake. number of measures already in place to manage risk These combined efforts have led to increases in both within international collaboration, including: positive vaccine sentiment and vaccine uptake across all • guidelines published by Universities UK, on behalf of ethnic groups over the last quarter. Vaccine confidence the sector and with government support, to help has increased in three consecutive research periods and universities to tackle security risks related to the vast majority of people say they have already been international collaboration; vaccinated, or would be likely to accept a vaccine. • the Trusted Research campaign, run by National The government is not complacent. The relatively low Cyber Security Centre and Centre for the Protection of uptake rates for some ethnic groups and emerging new National Infrastructure in partnership with BEIS and the variants remain areas of concern. The government will Cabinet Office; continue to encourage everyone to take the vaccine when • one of the toughest export controls regimes in the offered. world, including guidance recently published by the My report sets out a number of next steps, including Department for International Trade specifically for improving our understanding of how the pandemic has academics; Written Statements 25 May 2021 Page 3

• the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s tailored to the UK economy and supports our national Academic Technology Approvals Scheme, a pre-visa interest. screening regime expanded to cover a wider set of India, as the world’s largest democracy, enjoys many technologies and all researchers in proliferation shared values with the United Kingdom, as well as strong sensitive fields; cultural links. It is expected to become the second biggest • guidance from the Intellectual Property Office on economy in the world by the mid-2030s, presenting protecting Intellectual Property known as the Lambert significant trade and investment opportunities as a key Toolkit; and partner for us in the increasingly important Indo-Pacific • our work with partners and allies, including the G7, to region. On 4 May 2021, the Prime Minister launched the create international frameworks that support open, United Kingdom-India Enhanced Trade Partnership secure science collaborations. (ETP) with Prime Minister Modi of India as part of the My Department is working hard to promote research ‘2030 Roadmap’ between the two countries, which collaboration, putting science and technology at the heart includes a declaration of our shared intent to begin work of our international partnerships. As a package, these towards a comprehensive FTA. A future comprehensive measures are enabling this effort by making sure deal could provide opportunities for businesses across the collaboration is safe, sustainable and secure. United Kingdom in key sectors of mutual interest such as healthcare, technology and services. It would boost an already strong economic relationship too; bilateral trade United Kingdom-India Free Trade more than doubled between 2007 and 2019, standing at Agreement: Consultation around £23bn at the end of this period, and the bilateral [HLWS50] investment relationship currently supports nearly half a million jobs across both countries. As in all negotiations, Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: My Rt Hon Friend the we remain committed to upholding our high Secretary of State for International Trade (Liz Truss MP) environmental, labour, product and food safety, and has today made the following statement: animal welfare standards in any trade agreement with This morning, the Department for International Trade India, as well as protecting the National Health Service launched a public consultation on a future Free Trade (NHS). Agreement (FTA) with India. This consultation will make sure that the public, business, civil society and trade The online consultation opens today on GOV.UK and unions across our nation, can have their say on will be live for 14 weeks. It will be accompanied by an Government’s approach to a future trade agreement with information note that sets out the definition and scope of India. As with all consultations, my Department and I will an FTA, along with detailed analytical information on the continue to engage Parliament and the Devolved United Kingdom’s current trade and investment Administrations throughout the scoping of an FTA with relationship with India. Government aims to complete India. Today’s announcement is consistent with the scoping before the end of this year, with the results Government’s approach of consulting widely ahead of informing our approach to full FTA negotiations. launching trade negotiations, to ensure our position is

Page 4 25 May 2021 Written Answers

Cause of death is defined using the International Written Answers Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th edition (ICD-10). Deaths where the underlying cause Tuesday, 25 May 2021 was Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are defined by the ICD-10 codes B20 to B24. Accident and Emergency Departments: Table 1 provides the number of deaths, in England and Standards Wales, where HIV was either mentioned on the death Asked by Baroness Finlay of Llandaff certificate as a factor that contributed to the death or was the underlying cause of death. Figures are provided for To ask Her Majesty's Government when the 12-hour deaths registered in 2010 to 2019, the latest available 10- waiting times from the time of arrival at an Emergency year period of finalised mortality data. Department will be published. [HL31] Please note that ONS mortality statistics are based on Asked by Baroness Finlay of Llandaff the cause of death that was reported by the doctor or coroner when they certified the death. More information To ask Her Majesty's Government how many on the process of death certification and cause of death Emergency Departments currently collect data on 12- coding is available in the User guide to mortality hours from the time of arrival at the Department. statistics[1] Public Health England publish an alternative [HL32] source of data on HIV deaths[2], which is based on a Lord Bethell: NHS England and NHS Improvement specialised database of HIV diagnosis, AIDS, and deaths are considering a 12 hour measure in emergency data. departments as part of its clinically-led review of Yours sincerely, standards and have undertaken a public consultation. Professor Sir Ian Diamond They will respond in due course. All emergency departments are collecting data. Table 1: Number of deaths with ICD-10 codes related toHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) mentioned on AIDS: Death the death certificate, England and Wales, deaths registered in 2010 to 2019 [3] [4] [5] [6] Asked by Lord Black of Brentwood Year Deaths “involving” of which, deaths “due To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people HIV to” HIV have died from AIDS-related illnesses in the UK in 2010 320 248 each of the last ten years for which figures are available. [HL138] 2011 258 192 Lord True: The information requested falls under the 2012 278 209 remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, 2013 275 208 asked the Authority to respond. Professor Sir Ian Diamond | National Statistician 2014 308 159 The Lord Black of Brentwood 2015 308 171

House of Lords 2016 299 156 London 2017 297 162 SW1A 0PW 18 May 2021 2018 292 139 Dear Lord Black, 2019 276 124 As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Source: ONS Statistics Authority, I am replying to your Parliamentary Question asking how many people have died from AIDS- [1] related illnesses in the UK in each of the last ten years for https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/ which figures are available (HL138). birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/methodologies/userguide tomortalitystatisticsjuly2017 The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is responsible for publishing statistics on deaths registered in England [2] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hiv- and Wales. National Records Scotland (NRS) and annual-data-tables Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency [3] Figures are for deaths registered, rather than deaths (NISRA) are responsible for publishing the number of occurring in each calendar year. deaths registered in Scotland and Northern Ireland [4] Deaths include non-residents. respectively. Mortality statistics are compiled from [5] The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth information supplied when deaths are certified and Edition (ICD-10) definitions are as follows: Human registered as part of civil registration. Immunodeficiency Virus (B20-B24). Written Answers 25 May 2021 Page 5

[6] Deaths "involving" a cause refer to deaths that had visit St Helena, Ascension, the Falklands Islands or any this cause mentioned anywhere on the death certificate, other current 'green list' territories. whether as an underlying cause or not. Deaths "due to" a The destinations which airlines fly to is a commercial cause refer only to deaths that had this as the underlying decision for the airline. cause of death.

Aviation and Shipping: Carbon Budgets Bahrain: Political Prisoners Asked by Lord Carlile of Berriew Asked by Lord Oates To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are To ask Her Majesty's Government why emissions taking to impress upon the government of Bahrain the from international aviation and shipping are not need to comply with international law in connection included in the draft Carbon Budget Order 2021. with the detention of political prisoners. [HL20] [HL75] Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Defending human rights Lord Callanan: The Government has laid legislation and promoting democracy around the world is a core for the UK’s sixth carbon budget and this marks a priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and decisive step towards net zero by 2050. It builds on the Development Office and its diplomatic network. The UK series of ambitious plans we have announced since government monitors events closely and we regularly committing to net zero emissions in law, including engage with senior members of the Bahraini government through my Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister’s Ten to discuss matters of importance, including human rights. Point Plan and our new UN climate target to reduce emissions in 2030 by at least 68% compared to 1990 levels – the highest reduction target made by a major Bahrain: Prisoners’ Release economy to date. We have committed to include international aviation and shipping emissions in the Sixth Asked by Lord Carlile of Berriew Carbon Budget and will bring forward legislative To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to proposals in due course. the recent COVID-19 outbreak in Jau prison in Bahrain, Asked by Lord Oates whether they will make representations to the government of Bahrain to guarantee the safe, To ask Her Majesty's Government when they will unconditional release of prisoners of conscience, publish regulations under section 30 of the Climate including Hassan Mushaima. [HL19] Change Act 2008 to include emissions from international aviation and shipping in the Sixth Carbon Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We regularly discuss the Budget. [HL76] challenges of managing Covid-19 in prisons with senior members of the Bahraini Government and continue to Lord Callanan: The Government has laid legislation engage with the Government of Bahrain to support its for the UK’s sixth carbon budget and this marks a reform agenda, and to deliver on its international and decisive step towards net zero by 2050. It builds on the domestic human rights commitments. We continue to series of ambitious plans we have announced since monitor and raise the case of Hassan Mushaima and committing to net zero emissions in law, including others, as necessary, at senior levels with the Bahraini through my Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister’s Ten Government. Point Plan and our new UN climate target to reduce emissions in 2030 by at least 68% compared to 1990 levels – the highest reduction target made by a major Batley Grammar School: Harassment economy to date. We have committed to include Asked by Lord Vinson international aviation and shipping emissions in the Sixth Carbon Budget and will bring forward legislative To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are proposals in due course. taking to protect the Batley Grammar School teacher who spoke about the Charlie Hebdo event from threats Aviation: British Overseas Territories reportedly made by Islamists; and what steps they are taking to apprehend the individuals making such Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham threats. [HL114] To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Home Office has have to charter aircraft for tourists wishing to visit (1) been in close contact with West Yorkshire Police, who St Helena, (2) Ascension, (3) Falkland Islands, and (4) worked with local partners to take swift action to protect any other 'green list' territories which have no current the individual involved in recognition of the significant regular air services, in order to boost the tourism sector interest both locally, nationally and across various media in those territories. [HL48] outlets. Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Government has no We expect the police to take appropriate and plans to charter additional aircraft for tourists wishing to proportionate action in relation to any threats made, and Page 6 25 May 2021 Written Answers we will continue to engage with them as appropriate in and (2) the Paris Agreement, extended to them as of relation to this case. May 2021. [HL82] We are committed to tackling those who spread views Lord Callanan: The UK Overseas Territories that promote violence and hatred against individuals and Bermuda, Gibraltar, the Cayman Islands and the Falkland communities in our society, and must stand up to those Islands have had UK ratification of the United Nations who seek to undermine our fundamental values. Framework Convention on Climate Change extended to them. Currently no UK Overseas Territories have had UK Bicycles: Repairs and Maintenance ratification of the Paris Agreement extended to them. Asked by Lord Berkeley The Department is consulting with UK Overseas Territories as to whether they would like to have the UK’s To ask Her Majesty's Government how many 'Fix ratification of the Paris Agreement extended to them. Your Bike vouchers' were distributed (1) in total, and (2) in each region, in the four releases; and what is the total cost of the scheme to date. [HL134] British Overseas Territories: Darwin Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Department has now Initiative released over 400,000 Fix Your Bike vouchers, as well as Asked by Lord Randall of Uxbridge fixing many more bikes via the Dr Bike pop-up maintenance stations which it funded. This is consistent To ask Her Majesty's Government to ask Her with the Secretary of State’s commitment that the Majesty’s Government when they intend to launch the Government would help fix up to half a million bikes. increased Darwin Plus project funding for the UK The regional distribution of vouchers is as set out in the Overseas Territories, as announced in the Budget on 11 table below. In a small number of cases, an invalid or March 2020. [HL80] unmatched postcode was given when registering, meaning Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: We expect the that vouchers cannot be assigned to a region. There are increased Darwin Plus scheme to be launched later in also some vouchers waiting to be redeemed by customers. 2021 with the first payments being made in 2022. A total of just over £20 million was allocated to the Fix Because of the increased funding we also expect to Your Bike voucher scheme and Dr Bike "pop-up" cycle support a greater number of projects under the current maintenance initiatives in 2020/21. Over half of this has Darwin Plus round. These projects will be announced in already been spent. The final total spend will depend on due course. how many of the remaining vouchers are redeemed over the coming months. Buildings: Safety Region Number of vouchers Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick East Midlands 33,107 To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment East of England 43,406 they have made for the timeline for the (1) introduction, London 67,097 and (2) progress, of the Building Safety Bill. [HL234]

North East 17,653 Lord Greenhalgh: The Building Safety Bill was published in draft on 20 July 2020 and has undergone pre- North West 53,503 legislative scrutiny by the HCLG Select Committee. The Government has been considering the Committee’s report South East 68,239 and recommendations and will introduce the Bill as soon South West 42,504 as Parliamentary time allows. We recognise that these are important public safety measures; that is why the West Midlands 36,940 Government is committed to progressing the Bill as Yorkshire and Humberside 34,106 quickly as possible, so that reforms can be implemented in a timely manner and residents can feel safe, and be Total 396,555 safe, in their homes.

British Overseas Territories: Climate Cataracts: Surgery Change Convention Asked by Lord Low of Dalston Asked by Lord Randall of Uxbridge To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment To ask Her Majesty's Government which of the they have made of the efficacy of immediate sequential British Overseas Territories have had (1) the United bilateral cataract surgery in treating patients at risk of Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, sight loss. [HL59] Written Answers 25 May 2021 Page 7

Asked by Lord Low of Dalston All three products already include warnings relating to renal failure and therefore veterinary surgeons in the UK To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are are aware of the risk of renal failure with the use of taking to support consistency in the uptake of the Metacam in cats. immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery to tackle the backlog in cataract surgery. [HL60] In 2019, the marketing authorisation holder for Metacam was requested to provide an analysis of all cases Lord Bethell: No such assessment has been made. of renal failure and death in cats. The company provided Immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) data comparing the use of the product and the frequency is supported by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, of cases in the United States (US) with those in the EU. who advise that ISBCS can help reduce patient visits to This demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of off- hospital whilst providing an optimum visual outcome, in label use (use of the product not in accordance with the appropriately selected and assessed patients. product information), renal failure and fatalities in the US Clinical commissioning groups are required to consider compared with the EU. Vets are allowed to use veterinary the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s medicinal products off-label in certain circumstances. guidelines, which state that bilateral cataract surgery However, the Metacam data does not indicate that the should be considered for routine cases for those who are incidence of such use is as prevalent in the EU or the UK suitable, in making commissioning decisions. as in the US. It was concluded that vets in the EU and UK were already aware of the risks of renal failure with off- Asked by Lord Low of Dalston label use and the product information included sufficient To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they warnings relating to the correct use and associated risks. have to (1) work with NHS Digital, commissioners and The company was requested to continue specifically to providers to encourage an appropriate reimbursement monitor cases of renal failure in cats. for the treatment of bilateral cataracts, and (2) ensure Based on a review of the data over the past 10 years, the that the payment reflects the number of eyes treated, incidence of renal failure in the UK following use of rather than the number of procedures performed. [HL61] Metacam in cats has gradually decreased from one in 200,000 to one in a million, supporting the view that vets Lord Bethell: Following the National Outpatient are now even more aware of the risks associated with off- Transformation Programme for ophthalmology, NHS label use. England and NHS Improvement conducted a survey into local pricing of bilateral cataracts in late 2020. NHS The Veterinary Medicines Directorate will continue to England and NHS Improvement will utilise the results of consider the scientific evidence to inform further action as this survey to publish local pricing guidance to be used required and the consistency of product information and alongside the 2021-22 National Tariff Payment System. warnings for all meloxicam products.

Cats: Meloxicam Children: Poverty Asked by Lord Blencathra Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the US To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are Food and Drug Administration including boxed taking to reduce and eliminate child poverty in the warning labels on Metacam (Meloxicam) due to the United Kingdom. [HL50] risks associated with acute renal failure and death in Baroness Stedman-Scott: This Government is wholly cats, what steps they are taking to ensure similar committed to tackling child poverty. Throughout the warnings are in place on all boxes of Metacam sold to pandemic, our priority has been to protect family incomes vets in the UK. [HL10] by spending £407 billion to protect jobs, keep businesses Asked by Lord Blencathra afloat and help families get by. Including spending an additional £7.4 billion last year to strengthen the welfare To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps the system for those most in need, taking our total Veterinary Medicines Directorate are taking to draw to expenditure on welfare support for people of working age the attention of veterinary surgeons the acute dangers to to an estimated £112bn in 2020/21. cats of a repeat injection dose of Metacam In December 2020 we introduced our Covid Winter (Meloxicam). [HL11] Grant Scheme providing funding to Local Authorities in Lord Benyon: There are three Metacam products England to enable them to support people with food and authorised for use in cats in the UK: essential utility bills during the coldest months. It will now run to the 20th June as the Covid Local Support - Metacam 5 mg/ml solution for injection for dogs and Grant, with a total investment of £269m. cats. As the economy recovers, our ambition is to help - Metacam 2mg/ml solution for injection for cats. parents move into and progress in work as quickly as - Metacam 0.5 mg/ml oral suspension for cats and possible based on clear evidence around the importance of guinea pigs. parental employment, particularly where it is full-time, in Page 8 25 May 2021 Written Answers substantially reducing the risks of child poverty. We are assessment they have made of the impact of this on investing over £30 billion in our ambitious Plan for Jobs their infrastructure plans. [HL73] which is already delivering for people of all ages right Lord Callanan: There are weaknesses in the current across the country. business model of the construction sector, with low margins and a high level of reliance on subcontracting, Children’s Social Care Independent Review: which have contributed to poor productivity compared to Civil Servants other sectors. The Government is working with the construction industry to address these issues, including by Asked by Baroness Blower investing £420m through the Transforming Construction To ask Her Majesty's Government how many civil Challenge in the development and commercialisation of servants are working on the Independent review of innovations that will improve the productivity, children’s social care. [HL209] profitability, and sustainability of the industry. The Government has also published the Construction Asked by Baroness Blower Playbook, which sets the objective of ensuring that the To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the job industry can make a fair profit on work undertaken, titles of civil servants employed (1) full-time, and (2) through a more strategic and collaborative approach to part-time, on the Independent review of children’s contracting and working with the industry. This will social care. [HL210] strengthen the financial position of firms in the industry, and incentivise investment by firms to improve their Baroness Berridge: The independent review of performance. children’s social care is led by Josh MacAlister. The review team is made up of 20 civil servants from across government from a range of backgrounds and disciplines. Cycling: Accidents It is led by a senior civil servant who is Head of the Review team. There are 4 Heads of Team covering: Asked by Lord Mawson Analysis and Research; Engagement and Participation; To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people Policy and Planning and Stakeholders and Public have been (1) injured, and (2) killed, in cycling Engagement. Across these teams are 5 team leaders, five accidents that have taken place (a) in a city, and (b) senior policy advisers, three policy advisers, a senior after dark, in the last 12 months. [HL63] information officer and a senior research officer. Of these 20 civil servants, 5 work part-time. Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Statistics on reported personal injury road accidents in Great Britain are Chiltern Tunnel: Construction compiled from data reported by the police in the STATS19 collection system. Asked by Lord Berkeley In 2019, 14,616 people were injured and 46 people To ask Her Majesty's Government what conditions were killed in reported road accidents in Great Britain the Environment Agency has imposed on HS2 in which involved at least one pedal cycle and occurred in an connection with the construction of the Chiltern Tunnel; urban area. and whether they will publish copies of all documents In 2019, 3,786 people were injured and 29 people were issued by the Environment Agency in connection with killed in reported road accidents in Great Britain which their consent to construction of the Chiltern tunnel. involved at least one pedal cycle and occurred in [HL6] darkness. Darkness means half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise. Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The conditions imposed on the construction of the Chiltern Tunnel are Road safety statistics are reported on a calendar year within the relevant consents that have been issued by the basis. The latest annual published statistics are for 2019. Environment Agency. The consent for the construction of Data on reported personal injury road accidents in Great the tunnel (HS2/P10191) will be deposited in the Library Britain for 2020 will be published in September 2021. of the House. The related consents for water discharge Asked by Lord Mawson (EPR-QB3092NR) and waste treatment (FB3709KP) at the Chilterns Tunnel South Portal are held on the public To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they register. collect data on the percentage of cycling accidents that take place after dark where the cyclist does not have Construction: Finance lights on their bicycles; and if so, how many such accidents took place in England's cities in the last 12 Asked by Lord Moylan months. [HL64] To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Statistics on reported they have made of the UK construction sector's personal injury road accidents are compiled from data financial structure, including capital structure; and what reported by the police in the STATS19 collection system. Written Answers 25 May 2021 Page 9

STATS19 does not record whether a cyclist involved in States where there is an expiry date to the interim an accident has lights on their bicycle, but does include arrangements, the Department for Transport and our contributory factors assigned by police officers which diplomatic Posts are working hard to reach a swift give an indication of which factors the attending officer agreement. thought contributed to the accident, without assigning blame. Elections: Proof of Identity In urban areas of England in 2019, the contributory Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark factor ‘Not displaying lights at night or in poor visibility’ was assigned to a pedal cyclist in 134 personal injury road To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they accidents. This represents 2% of such accidents where a have to estimate the cost to local authorities of their police officer attended the scene and at least one proposals for mandatory voter ID. [HL356] contributory factor was reported. Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark Road safety statistics are reported on a calendar year basis. The latest annual published statistics are for 2019. To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan Data on reported personal injury road accidents in Great to increase funding to local authorities as part of their Britain for 2020 will be published in September 2021. proposals for mandatory voter ID. [HL357] Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark Cycling: Safety Measures To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Asked by Lord Mawson they have made of how many individuals do not possess acceptable identification as required by their proposals To ask Her Majesty's Government what advice they for mandatory voter ID. [HL358] have issued to police forces in England about the prosecution of cyclists not using lights on their bicycles Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark after dark. [HL65] To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Government has not they have made of which local authorities have the issued any such advice. The enforcement of cycling lowest proportion of individuals with acceptable offences is entirely an operational matter for individual identification as required by their proposals for chief officers of police. mandatory voter ID. [HL359] Lord True: As legislation is brought forward to enable Cyprus: Military Bases the national roll out of voter identification, appropriate Asked by Lord Randall of Uxbridge impact assessments, which include information on costs, will be provided for Parliament in the normal way. To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans, if any, they have to extend the United Nations Framework Further information on photographic identification Convention on Climate Change to the Cyprus ownership for voting can be found here. Sovereign Base Areas. [HL81] Epidemiology: Research Lord Callanan: The Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia comprise a UK Overseas Territory on the Asked by Lord Mendelsohn island of Cyprus. UK ratification of the United Nations To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Framework Convention on Climate Change has not been they have made of the impact of the recent cuts to extended to the Sovereign Base Areas. The Department Overseas Development Assistance on research and will consult with the Sovereign Base Areas should they preparedness for future pandemics; and how many formally request the extension. grants for research into pandemics and global health have been affected by these cuts. [HL72] Driving Licences: EU Countries Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have prioritised our Asked by Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer aid to be more strategic and remain a force for good across the world. Following a thorough review, the To ask Her Majesty's Government when UK citizens FCDO's aid budget has been allocated in accordance with in EU Member States with whom reciprocal UK strategic priorities against a challenging financial arrangements on driving licences have not been signed climate of COVID. FCDO will now work through what will lose their right to drive in those countries. [HL226] this means for individual research programmes, in line Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The UK has secured with the priorities we have identified. either permanent or interim arrangements with all EU We will focus our research on the core priorities for Member States so that valid UK licence holders resident poverty reduction, including COVID recovery, pandemic in the EU can continue to drive. The vast majority of the preparedness and other international health priorities. interim arrangements do not have an expiry date, pending Overall, we have committed up to £1.3 billion of aid finalisation of a permanent agreement. In EU Member spending to counter the health, socio-economic and Page 10 25 May 2021 Written Answers

humanitarian impacts of the pandemic. Scientific and China Hong Kong technological innovation runs through every one of the seven priority themes for our ODA spend. UK expertise Year FCDO FCDO in science, research and development has led to one of the 2021 260 - 289 40 -49 first effective and affordable COVID-19 vaccines. We will remain a world-leading aid donor and across Her Majesty's Government we will spend more than £10 Gambling billion this year to address poverty, climate change and Asked by The Lord Bishop of St Albans global health threats - including ensuring that developing countries have access to COVID-19 vaccines and To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment treatments. they have made of the six recommendations in the report by the Centre for Social Justice Not a Game – A call for effective protection from the harms of Fisheries: Channel Islands gambling', published in May, in creating a co-operative Asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering framework for effective affordability checks. [HL373] To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions Baroness Barran: The Government is carrying out a they have had with the European Union on the Review of the Gambling Act 2005 and making sure we implementation of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation have the right balance between freedom of choice and Agreement in relation to fishing rights and quotas in the protection from harm is a core objective. We welcome contributions to the debate, including the report by the waters around the Channel Islands. [HL62] Centre for Social Justice, and we will consider its Lord Benyon: We have had regular engagement, at all recommendations carefully alongside the responses to our levels, with the European Union on implementation of the call for evidence. UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement in relation to fishing in the Channel Islands’ territorial seas and will General Practitioners continue to do so. Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno Foreign, Commonwealth and Development To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there are Office: Staff restrictions preventing GP practices from being sold to investors based outside of the UK. [HL235] Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool Lord Bethell: Legislation sets out which individuals To ask Her Majesty's Government how many and companies are eligible to hold contracts to provide Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office staff primary medical services. Eligibility varies slightly were based in (1) Hong Kong, and (2) China, in (a) between contract type but there is no distinction in the 2018, (b) 2019, (c) 2020 and (d) 2021. [HL1] eligibility criteria between companies registered in the United Kingdom and those registered overseas. All Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have interpreted the contract holders and providers of National Health Service question to mean how many staff were employed by the core primary medical services are subject to the same then Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and requirements, regulation, and standards. Patients should Department for International Development (DfID) in receive high-quality NHS care when they need it, that is China and Hong Kong in each of the financial years, (a) free at the point of use. 2018, (b) 2019 and (c) 2020 and as Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in 2021. All the figures shown are based on the headcount as Global Navigation Satellite Systems at 31 March in each year. They include both UK Based Asked by Lord West of Spithead Staff and Country Based Staff. To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they The figures below cover our Embassies and Consulates have taken to involve experts across different in Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Wuhan. organisations in the development of a resilient, high And our Consulate General in Hong Kong. integrity Position, Navigating and Timing (PNT) China and Hong Kong staff numbers 2018 to 2020 as Legacy System-of-Systems. [HL119] departments. Then as FCDO in 2021. Asked by Lord West of Spithead China Hong Kong To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Callanan on 25 February Year FCO DfID FCO DfID (HL13332), what are the timescales for the cross 2018 230-259 12 60-69 0 government review being led by the Deputy National 2019 240-269 10 50-59 0 Security Advisor into future governance for the development of resilient Position, Navigation and 2020 250-279 11 50-59 0 Timing arrangements for UK users, including Written Answers 25 May 2021 Page 11

promotion of Global Navigation Satellite System and commencement of the pre-local election period, and other Position, Navigation and Timing sources. [HL120] prorogation of Parliament. Lord True: A team in the Cabinet Office has developed a Position Navigation and Timing (PNT) Holyhead Port: Road Traffic strategy that seeks to define the high-level requirements Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno for resilient PNT systems. This work has included engaging subject matter experts across a full range of To ask Her Majesty's Government what changes are Government departments, including those leading in being made to improve traffic conditions at the port of maritime, aviation, energy and communications sectors. Holyhead; and what changes are being made in the Views have also been taken from selected PNT industry surrounding area in order to improve access to the port. members to ensure peer review and robust challenge. The [HL306] review of current governance arrangements, which aims Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Union Connectivity to ensure that coordination of PNT across government is Review, led by Sir Peter Hendy CBE is focusing on put on sustainable footing, is nearing completion and is improving transport connectivity between England, expected to be concluded shortly. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The review is carefully considering and evaluating all strategically Greensill: David Cameron significant routes across the UK, including access to ports such as Holyhead. Asked by Lord Myners To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Hospitality Industry: Vacancies Written Answer by Lord True on 29 April (HL15167), Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick whether they will now answer the question put, namely, further to the summary report published by the To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists on 26 March they have made of the impact of the UK–EU Trade and following its investigation into Rt Hon David Cameron, Cooperation Agreement on staff shortages in the whether the Registrar had sight of any contract of hospitality sector. [HL112] employment between Mr Cameron and Greensill Lord Callanan: We are in regular dialogue with the companies; and whether (1) any such contracts, or (2) hospitality sector to understand how business operating related job descriptions, made any reference to lobbying models are affected by both leaving the EU and the duties. [HL179] COVID-19 pandemic. Lord True: As outlined in my response on 29 April, the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists is a statutory Housing: Green Belt independent office holder responsible for maintaining the Asked by Lord Patten lobbying register. The Registrar's investigations and decisions must be made independently of the To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Government. they have made of the accuracy of the Office for Details of the Registrar’s investigations are published National Statistics’ population growth forecasts when on the website of the Office of the Registrar of Consultant used in planning for future house building needs in Lobbyists at https://registrarofconsultantlobbyists.org.uk green belt areas of England; and whether algorithms are and his Office can be contacted at [email protected]. used in the construction of the forecasts. [HL79] Lord True: The information requested falls under the High Speed Rail (West Midlands–Crewe) Act remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond. 2021 Professor Sir Ian Diamond | National Statistician Asked by Lord Rosser The Rt. Hon, the Lord Patten of Barnes To ask Her Majesty's Government when they intend House of Lords to publish the report of the consultation required under London section 60 of the High Speed Rail (West Midlands– SW1A 0PW Crewe) Act 2021; and why they did not publish that 20 May 2021 report before 1 May 2021. [HL185] Dear Lord Patten, Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Government As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK published the report on 13 May, as soon as possible after Statistics Authority, I am responding to your the Queen’s speech. There were a range of factors that Parliamentary Question asking what assessment has been unfortunately delayed publication of the report. This made of the accuracy of the Office for National Statistics included receiving 499 responses which was much more population growth forecasts when used in planning for than expected so the report took longer to produce, future house building needs in green belt areas of Page 12 25 May 2021 Written Answers

England; and whether algorithms are used in the ]6] https://blog.ons.gov.uk/2021/05/17/meeting-the- construction of the forecasts (HL79). challenges-in-population-estimation/ The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes population estimates and the methods used are set out in Housing: Insulation the Mid-year Population Estimates Quality and Methodology Information paper.[1] Similar quality and Asked by Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown methodology information papers are published for To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are national population projections[2], subnational population taking to protect leaseholders from the costs of projections[3] and household projections[4]. Each round dangerous cladding. [HL168] of our mid-year population estimates and population projections is fully quality assured and where appropriate Lord Greenhalgh: We have been clear that building (such as for subnational outputs) includes reviewing owners and industry should make buildings safe without differences between local authorities and small passing on costs to leaseholders – where they haven’t geographies. stepped up, we have stepped in. The Government has announced a globally unprecedented investment of over The ONS’ projections are not forecasts but are based on £5 billion in building safety and hundreds of thousands of the continuation of recent trends and do not take into leaseholders will be protected from the cost of account social or economic factors that could affect the remediating unsafe cladding from their homes. Lower-rise population in the future. As such, they do not try to buildings between 11 and 18 metres will gain new predict any potential demographic consequences of future protection from the costs of remediating dangerous political or economic changes. cladding through a Government backed financing scheme. Individual local authorities have responsibility for The Government is conscious of the need to make any planning future housing needs through their own local financing scheme affordable for leaseholders. That is why plans. The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local we have said that the financing scheme will have a £50 a Government (MHCLG) are responsible for setting out month cap. Now that the financing solution has been guidance and policy on the use of ONS statistics for the announced, we will publish more details on how it will purposes of planning. work as soon as we are in a position to do so. You may be aware of the recent Office for Statistics Regulation report[5] about the ONS’ population Housing: Planning Permission projections and estimates, which found that at the national level, the ONS’ approach to projections and estimates was Asked by Lord Patten fit for purpose. The ONS has published a National Statistical blog explaining how the Centre for Ageing and To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Demography (responsible for population estimates and planning applications for the construction of new homes projections) at the ONS will meet the challenges raised by in England have been granted over the last 10 years; the report[6]. and how many of these applications have yet to commence building. [HL78] Yours sincerely, Professor Sir Ian Diamond Lord Greenhalgh: In the 10 years to December 2020, 434,600 planning applications for dwellings have been [1] granted (excluding those granted under permitted https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/ development rights), of which 55,400 were major populationandmigration/populationestimates/methodologi applications and 379,200 were minor applications es/midyearpopulationestimatesqmi (source: Live tables on planning application statistics: [2] District planning application statistics (PS2)). https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/ We do not hold information on the number of populationandmigration/populationprojections/methodolo applications that have been granted and are yet to gies/nationalpopulationprojectionsqmi commence building. [3] For more information on planning application statistics, https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/ please visit: populationandmigration/populationprojections/methodolo gies/subnationalpopulationprojectionsqmi https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/planning- applications-statistics. [4] The Answer includes the following attached material: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/ populationandmigration/populationprojections/methodolo Planning application statistics [210519 gies/householdprojectionsinenglandqmi Planning_Application_Statistics_-_Statistical_Release - HL78.pdf] [5] https://osr.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/news/osr- The material can be viewed online at: publishes-its-review-of-population-estimates-and- http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- projections-produced-by-the-office-for-national-statistics/ answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2021-05-11/HL78 Written Answers 25 May 2021 Page 13

Immigration in territory occupied by Israel from being injured or killed by Israeli security forces. [HL100] Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK has been clear To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the current that we need an immediate de-escalation on all sides, and time delay from application to granting indefinite leave an end to targeting of civilian populations. The UK offers to remain for those who qualify for this status. [HL47] our condolences to the families of those civilians killed. Baroness Williams of Trafford: We are deciding Civilian deaths, both in Israel and Gaza are a tragedy. cases within published service standard, unless there is a Every effort must be made to avoid loss of life, especially specific reason we cannot, in which case we will contact that of children. the customer. Our service standard for the processing of Israel has a legitimate right to self-defence, and the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) cases remains six right to defend its citizens from attack. In doing so, it is months. vital that all actions are proportionate, in line with Performance against service standards for ILR International Humanitarian Law, and make every effort to applications are included in the Migration Transparency avoid civilian casualties. We call on all sides to reduce data which is published here: tensions, restore calm and avoid provocation. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/migration- Asked by Baroness Janke transparency-data#uk-visas-and-immigration. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by Human Rights Watch Insects: EU Countries A Threshold Crossed, published on 27 April; and Asked by Lord Hylton what plans they have to raise the issues in that report with the government of Israel. [HL44] To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to consult all European countries about the Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are aware of the reported declines in insect populations. [HL41] Human Rights Watch report released on 27 April and will review the findings. Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The UK Government is committed to action for pollinators, Asked by Baroness Janke globally and at home. We regularly discuss and share To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they information on research, policy and practical activities will take to protect the livelihoods of Palestinians living with a number of countries, in and beyond Europe, on in land occupied by Israel from Israeli settlers reported declines and how best to address them. supported by Israeli forces. [HL46] The UK is a member of ‘Promote Pollinators’, an Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We condemn any international coalition of the willing, with 60 members, incidence of violence by settlers against Palestinians. We including countries in Europe and across the world, have repeatedly raised the issue of incidents of settler committed to action to protect pollinators. violence with the Israeli authorities. We continue to stress We have also supported collaborative international the importance of bringing those responsible to justice research which has underpinned such initiatives, and of the Israeli security forces providing appropriate including a major global review of the status and threats protection to the Palestinian civilian population and to insect pollinators, published in 2015 by the ensuring their livelihoods are not negatively impacted. Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and We continue to raise this issue with the relevant Israeli Ecosystem Services. authorities. The UK continues to play a leading role in the Asked by Baroness Sheehan development of an ambitious post-2020 global framework for biodiversity to be adopted at the 15th Conference of To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. We will take to protect the rights of Palestinians to will be supporting ambitious targets to bend the curve on peacefully demonstrate against the restrictions imposed biodiversity loss by 2030 - including in areas which will on them by the government of Israel. [HL99] help to recover insect populations, such as ecosystem restoration and species recovery - supported by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK continues to strengthened reporting and review mechanisms to help urge the Israeli Government to respect the fundamental facilitate the implementation of the targets. rights and freedoms of peaceful, legal protestors. The UK worked actively to urge the parties to work with mediators towards an immediate ceasefire. We also Israel: Palestinians fully supported Egyptian, Qatari and UN efforts to that Asked by Baroness Sheehan end, working closely with the US. The UK welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza on 20 To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they May, which is an important step to ending the cycle of will take to protect unarmed Palestinian children living violence and loss of civilian life. Hamas must end all Page 14 25 May 2021 Written Answers attacks on Israel. It is also now important for Israel to and (3) astronomy; and what plans they have to facilitate rapid humanitarian access in and out of Gaza. reducing the adverse effects of light pollution. [HL43] As the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have made Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: Defra has clear, this cycle of violence must stop, and every effort published or contributed to a range of assessments of the must be made to avoid loss of life. impact of artificial light on insects and wider biodiversity, as well as global and national assessments of the drivers of biodiversity loss more generally. Jerusalem: Palestinians There has been no systematic research on or appraisal Asked by Baroness Sheehan of the effects of urban lighting on migratory or resident birds. There is some evidence that artificial lighting can To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they assist nocturnal feeding for some species under certain will take to protect Palestinians from being evicted circumstances and prolong activity of birds beyond their from their homes in Sheik Jarrah, East Jerusalem, to normal periods. More significantly, there is evidence that make way for Israeli settlers. [HL101] shows strong light sources can disorient birds in flight and Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK regularly raises lead to direct mortality due to collisions with the light forced evictions of Palestinians from property with the sources, their associated structures, and the ground. Government of Israel. The Fourth Geneva Convention, In particular research suggests that artificial light can which applies to all occupied territories, prohibits have an adverse effect on migratory birds’ ability to demolitions or forced evictions absent military necessity. undertake long distance migrations. Birds attracted to The UK is clear that in all but the most exceptional of light are not only at risk of death or injury due to collision circumstances, evictions are contrary to International with buildings and other structures, but are also at risk of Humanitarian Law. The practice causes unnecessary exhaustion, starvation, or predation. suffering to Palestinians and is harmful to efforts to However, neither national nor global research has promote peace. identified artificial light as a significant threat to UK bird The Minister of State for the Middle East and North populations. The UK’s recent report to the EU under Africa tweeted on the 8 May outlining our concern over Article 12 of the Birds Directive identified a medium tensions in Jerusalem linked to the threatened eviction of threat to storm petrels from ‘attraction to and incineration Palestinian families from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah. by flares from oil platforms and rigs’. We continue to urge Israel to cease such actions. UK Government officials have met with relevant Officials at the British Embassy in Tel Aviv continue to stakeholders including the Commission for Dark Skies raise the issue regularly with the Israeli Authorities. but have not made an assessment of the impact of light pollution on astronomy. Jerusalem: Religious Freedom The National Planning Policy Framework sets out how the possible ecological impacts of artificial light should be Asked by Baroness Janke considered in the planning system. It makes clear that To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they policies and decisions should limit the impact of light will take to protect religious freedom in East Jerusalem. pollution on local amenity, dark landscapes, and nature [HL45] conservation, including where there may be impacts on wildlife and ecosystems. Defra has contributed to Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK continues to be associated guidance published by the Ministry of firmly committed to Freedom of Religion or Belief as a Housing, Communities and Local Government. human rights priority. Our Embassy in Tel Aviv and Consulate General in Jerusalem regularly raise issues of Living Wage religious freedom with the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority. The UK recognises that Jerusalem Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham holds particular significance for many groups, especially the three Abrahamic faiths. We encourage all parties to To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they maintain calm, avoid provocation and uphold the Status have, if any, to increase the minimum wage to a living Quo to ensure the safety and the security of the Al Haram wage. [HL51] Al Sharif / Temple Mount and all who worship there. Lord Callanan: Through the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage (which applies to those age 23 and above) the Government protects the lowest paid Lighting: Pollution within our society. The Government sets the National Asked by Lord Hylton Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates annually and has a target for the National Living Wage to reach To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment two-thirds of median earnings by 2024, providing they have made of the evidence of the impact of urban economic conditions allow. The Low Pay Commission, light pollution on (1) migrating birds, (2) resident birds, which is an independent and expert body, makes annual Written Answers 25 May 2021 Page 15 recommendations to the Government on the appropriate vulnerable west of Nepal through our £50 million Climate rates. Smart Development programme. This programme The Living Wage Foundation regularly publishes a rate includes work to increase afforestation, protect slopes and called the ‘Living Wage’. This rate differs from the remove CO2. This support is provided through Nepal's National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates local governments but the implementation is mainly by because the Low Pay Commission considers the wider community user groups and community forestry groups impacts on businesses and the economy before making (both local NGOs). In addition, the UK is supporting the their recommendations to the Government. We commend British Council to work with local NGOs to develop tree employers who pay more when they can afford to do so. planting toolkits and campaigns to offset emissions. The Living Wage Foundation is clear their measure is voluntary. Overseas Aid and UK Export Finance: Carbon Emissions Local Government: Liverpool Asked by Baroness Blackstone Asked by Lord Storey To ask Her Majesty's Government how many To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the countries that have received UK Export Finance or announcement that government-appointed Overseas Development Assistance since 2016 commissioners will be introduced to oversee parts of have credible long-term decarbonisation strategies, Liverpool City Council, what relationship they expect including nationally determined contributions. [HL7] the commissioners will have with elected city Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The Government councillors. [HL107] is committed to using Official Development Assistance Lord Greenhalgh: On 24 March 2021, the Secretary of and export finance to support countries on their pathway State announced his proposed intervention package for to decarbonisation. Since 2011/12, UK International Liverpool City Council, which includes the appointment Climate Finance has provided 33 million people with of Commissioners. improved access to clean energy, avoided 31 million The Secretary of State’s intention is for the Council to tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and installed 2,000 continue to take decisions with support from MW in clean energy capacity. Examples of UK Export Commissioners, with elected city councillors continuing Finance for decarbonisation include £27 million of their essential role of community leadership and support for a solar-powered clean water project in Ghana engagement through representing the ward for which they and over £230 million of support for off-shore wind farms are elected, decision-making and scrutiny. However, the in Taiwan. Secretary of State is ‘minded to’ empower The Government's new policy on support for the fossil Commissioners to take decisions on the Council’s behalf fuel energy sector overseas is a further demonstration of if necessary. He is clear that Commissioners’ powers the UK's commitment to alignment with the Paris should be used only as a last resort if the Council fails to Agreement. 76 countries that have received UK ODA or deliver the necessary changes, at the necessary speed. export finance since 2016 have submitted new or updated The Secretary of State has invited Liverpool City NDCs to the United Nations Framework Convention on Council to make representations on his proposed Climate Change (UNFCCC) as at 14 May 2021. As intervention package by 24 May 2021. This timetable COP26 President, the UK acknowledges the considerable allows the Council, including the new Liverpool City value of collective efforts to accelerate progress on clean Mayor and her cabinet, to respond to his proposals energy. That is why the UK is actively seeking following the local elections that took place on 6 May commitments from other countries to adopt more 2021. The Secretary of State will carefully consider all the ambitious NDCs and Long-Term Strategies, including representations submitted to him and update the House on adopting an approach to fossil fuel investment as his decision in due course. ambitious as the UK's.

Nepal: Forests Police and Crime Commissioners: Wiltshire Asked by The Earl of Sandwich Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan provide support for reforestation in Nepal in response to to require the Conservative Party to reimburse the full climate change; and if so, how this support is divided costs of re-running the election of the Police and Crime between (1) the government of Nepal, (2) Nepalese Commissioner in Wiltshire. [HL164] non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and (3) international NGOs. [HL97] Lord True: Statutorily independent Returning Officers are responsible for running Police and Crime Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK government Commissioner elections. Legislation provides for costs does not currently have a dedicated forestry programme in that are necessary for the efficient and effective running Nepal. We do however support forestry in the climate of a poll to be reimbursed to Returning Officers; the Page 16 25 May 2021 Written Answers statutory mechanism is for these to be reimbursed from of journalists remains a priority for this office. We have the Consolidated Fund on submission of a claim for such used our presidency of the G7 this year to promote media expenditure. There is no statutory mechanism for these freedom, securing strong language in the G7 Foreign costs to be recovered from elsewhere by the Government. Ministers' communique committing members to champion media freedom, support the work of the Media Freedom Coalition and lead by example in undertaking Post Office: Directors measures to improve media freedom. Asked by Lord Mendelsohn Prison Sentences To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any (1) legal, or (2) contractual, impediment exists that would Asked by Lord Harries of Pentregarth stop them from exercising their rights as shareholder to To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their replace the current Board of the Post Office. [HL67] timetable for implementing the plans set out in their A Lord Callanan: The Articles of Association of Post Smarter Approach to Sentencing white paper (CP 292), Office Limited entitle my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of published on 16 September 2020; and in particular, State to remove either the Post Office Limited’s directors when they plan to reduce the time periods after which or the chair of the company by notice in writing, but he some sentences become spent for the purpose of must act reasonably in doing so and give reasons for such criminal records checks in order to improve offender a decision. rehabilitation. [HL37] Lord Wolfson of Tredegar: The legislative reforms Press Freedom announced in A Smarter Approach to Sentencing White Paper will be brought forward in the Police, Crime, Asked by Lord Hylton Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Bill. This bill was To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment introduced on 9 March and, as confirmed in the Queen’s they have made of the number of journalists (1) killed, Speech, has been carried forward to the next session. (2) arrested, and (3) imprisoned, in the course of their For the first time, sentences over four years will be able work in the last five years; and what steps they will take to become spent, and rehabilitation periods will be to protect freedom of journalists to report. [HL40] reduced for community and custodial sentences of less than four years. These changes will come into effect once Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Far too many journalists the PCSC Bill has received Royal Assent. have been killed, arrested and imprisoned over the last five years. The situation appears to have deteriorated Work is also underway on the non-legislative reforms during this time, including the number of journalists set out in the White Paper. We are on track to deliver the threatened, abused or attacked. This is why the former Pre-Sentence Report pilot on time, and the Community Foreign Secretary launched a global media freedom Sentence Treatment Requirement Programme is now campaign in November 2018, to shine a spotlight on operating in courts across 14 areas in England, with eight media freedom and increase the cost to those abusing more to come online during 2021. The Call for Evidence media freedom and persecuting journalists. The Media on Neurodiversity also set out in the White Paper closed Freedom Coalition was one initiative created under the on 15 January 2021, and evidence from this is being campaign. The Coalition is a partnership of countries reviewed with a full report due this Summer. working together to advocate for media freedom and safety of journalists and hold to account those who harm Private Education: Pensions journalists for doing their job. It continues to expand, and consists of 47 members who have pledged to improve Asked by The Marquess of Lothian media freedom at home and abroad. It has issued a To ask Her Majesty's Government how many number of statements including, this year, on cases related independent schools have (1) withdrawn, or (2) to Uganda, China, Belarus and Myanmar, as well as to announced their intention to withdraw, from the mark World Press Freedom Day. Another initiative of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, since the September 2019 campaign was the establishment of the Global Media announcement of an increase in required employer Defence Fund, managed by UNESCO. Following its first contributions. [HL221] project round in 2020, over 40 projects, aimed at enhancing journalists' legal protection and access to Baroness Berridge: 163 independent schools withdrew specialised legal assistance, as well as supporting from the England and Wales Teachers’ Pension Scheme investigative journalism, were selected for funding. The (TPS) between September 2019 and 30 April 2021. 59 projects are reported to be benefitting over 1100 independent schools withdrew from the TPS prior to journalists and 65 media lawyers. Three years after the September 2019, following confirmation of the increased launch of the campaign, media freedom and the defence employer contribution rate in April 2019.

Written Answers 25 May 2021 Page 17

A further 23 independent schools have provided notice I also work closely with the Prime Minister’s Special of leaving the TPS which has not yet taken effect. Envoy for FoRB, Fiona Bruce MP. In addition to championing FoRB, Mrs Bruce represents the UK at Pupil Exclusions meetings of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance to advocate for the rights of individuals being Asked by Lord Lucas discriminated against or persecuted on the basis of their To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the new faith or belief, including members of non-religious national Behaviour Survey, outlined by the Education communities. Secretary in his speech to the Confederation of School Trusts on 28 April, will set out the connection between the details of pupil behaviour and any sanctions Retail Trade applied; if not, whether the survey will record the Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick details of behaviour that results in exclusions; and whether such information will be linked to the unique To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment pupil number so that related pupil characteristics can be they have made of the BRC's Retail Sales Monitor, explored. [HL224] published on 11 May; and what steps they are taking to reduce the shop vacancy rate. [HL110] Baroness Berridge: This government is committed to improving behaviour and discipline in schools because we Lord Callanan: In order to mitigate against a rise in know the impact poor pupil behaviour can have on the number of vacant units, the Government has education as well as teacher wellbeing and retention. introduced a range of measures to protect businesses that On 28 April, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of are struggling to pay their rent due to Covid-19. The State for Education, announced that a new termly national moratorium on commercial landlord’s right to forfeiture Behaviour Survey will be running during the next for the non-payment of rent (Section 82 Coronavirus Act academic year to give a regular snapshot of the state of 2020) is extended to the end of June 2021. Landlords are behaviour in our schools. Further details on its scope will also prevented from using winding up petitions and be made clear in due course. statutory demands to pursue rent debt and the use of Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) has also Statistics on suspensions and permanent exclusions can been suspended, both extended until 30 June 2021. be found from the National Statistics release ‘Permanent and fixed-period exclusions in England 2018 to 2019’ In order to help inform the Government’s strategy to across state-funded schools. This includes the reasons exit these protections, and to gather evidence on the schools report for excluding and exclusion by different progress of negotiations regarding rent debt between pupil characteristics. The release is available here: landlords and tenants, a Call for Evidence was launched https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/permanent-and- on 6 April. This closed on 4 May and the Government fixed-period-exclusions-in-england-2018-to-2019. will make an announcement on future policy ahead of 30 June 2021. We continue to reduce the financial burden on retailers Religious Freedom by providing eligible retail, hospitality, and leisure properties in England with 100% business rates relief Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool until 30 June 2021. This will be followed by 66% To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment business rates relief for the period from 1 July 2021 to 31 they have made of the treatment of non-religious people March 2022, capped at £2 million per business for globally and, in particular, in countries where the properties that were required to be closed on 5 January human rights of non-religious people are not being 2021, or £105,000 per business for other eligible upheld. [HL4] properties. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Members of non- We have introduced reforms to the use classes to enable religious communities continue to be victims of more flexible use of existing buildings. These came into harassment and persecution, despite progress over recent force on 1 September 2020. The use class reform creates a years with the promotion of freedom of religion or belief new ‘commercial, business and service’ use class which for all. The UK Government remains deeply concerned encompasses a wide range of uses which will attract about the severity and scale of violations and abuses of people to high streets and town centres. This includes freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all in many parts offices and other business uses, shops, cafes, gyms and of the world. Protecting freedom of religion or belief for any other uses which are suitable in a town centre. The all faiths, and none, remains a priority for the UK new class also allows for mixed uses to reflect changing Government. As the Minister responsible for Human retail and business models. These reforms will help Rights, I underlined these points at the All-Party support high streets and town centres as they seek to Parliamentary Humanist Group Annual General Meeting recover from the economic impact of Covid-19 on 24 May. Businesses will have greater flexibility to change use Page 18 25 May 2021 Written Answers without planning permission, allowing them to adapt and Baroness Berridge: As part of the three year increase diversify more quickly to meet changing circumstances. to core funding, the biggest in a decade, schools have received a £2.6 billion increase in funding in financial Roads: Carbon Emissions year 2020/21 and will receive a further £4.8 billion increase in 2021/22, compared to 2019/20. The Asked by Lord Newby Department has also provided a range of funding and To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they support to schools since March 2020 to help with the have to amend their road transport infrastructure policy challenges of responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. This to require that they take account of (1) the UK's includes making available: commitments under the Paris Agreement, and (2) the • Exceptional costs funding. The Covid Exceptional commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Costs fund was established to reimburse schools for [HL295] costs such as additional cleaning. Schools have been Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Government is paid £139 million for all claims within the published satisfied that plans for road infrastructure are consistent scope of the fund across both application windows. with Net Zero and the UK's commitments under the Paris • £1 billion catch-up funding announced in June 2020, Agreement, matters which we keep under consideration. including a one off £650 million catch-up premium and The upcoming Transport Decarbonisation Plan will set £350 million to support tutoring across the National out a credible and ambitious pathway to deliver Tutoring Programme and 16 to 19 tuition fund, which transport’s contribution to carbon budgets and meeting will go to schools, colleges and other 16 to 19 net zero by 2050. providers. Royal Albert Hall • A further £700 million recovery package announced in February 2021, including a new one off £302 million Asked by Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts Recovery Premium for state primary and secondary schools in academic year 2021/22, £200 million for To ask Her Majesty's Government when they will summer schools, and a further £200 million expansion make a decision about the Charity Commission's to tutoring including support for early language request to refer the Royal Albert Hall to the charity development. tribunal. [HL38] • Free school meals support. Schools have been able to Lord Stewart of Dirleton: The Charity Commission use either the national voucher scheme, where costs sought the previous Attorney General’s permission to were met centrally, or claim back additional funding to refer a number of questions to the Tribunal concerning the provide meal parcels or locally arranged vouchers for Corporation of the Hall of Arts and Sciences – the Royal children who would be eligible for free school meals Albert Hall – which is a registered charity. While the while children were educated from home. This funding Charity Commission has the power to refer questions to has been in addition to the free school meals and the Tribunal, it may only do so with the consent of the universal infants free school meals funding that is with Attorney General, as set out in section 325 of the schools. As well as this, the free school meals Charities Act 2011. supplementary grant was extended into 2020/21. This The issues concerned in this case are complex. The grant provides schools with extra funding to meet the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has engaged with the costs of providing meals for newly eligible students parties since the original request was made in order to before the lagged funding system catches up. The explore the issues, which involve both modern charity law Department has made available over £760 million to and its application to an organisation established over 150 support this. years ago. This engagement has helped to refine the • Remote education support. The Department has issues. invested over £400 million to support access to Before taking a decision on whether to consent to the technology and online social care services, including latest iteration of the Commission’s request, the previous delivering 1.3 million laptops. Attorney General asked the Commission and the Corporation to try to find a way forward without recourse • Mass testing support. The Department has made over to litigation. The AGO is awaiting an indication from the £100 million available on costs relating to the initial roll parties regarding the outcome of that process. out of rapid mass testing. My right hon. Friends, the Prime Minister and the Schools: Finance Secretary of State for Education, have appointed Sir Kevan Collins as Education Recovery Commissioner to Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick advise on the approach for education recovery, including To ask Her Majesty's Government how schools will to consider how schools and the system can use evidence be funded to continue to deliver the additional services and more effectively target resources and support at they are providing as a result of the COVID-19 pupils and areas in greatest need. pandemic. [HL89] Written Answers 25 May 2021 Page 19

Slaughterhouses: Inspections This raises legitimate concerns that some referrals are being made late in the process to frustrate immigration Asked by Lord Patten action and that legitimate referrals are not being made in a To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the timely way. The New Plan for Immigration will address Written Answer by Lord Gardiner of Kimble on 26 both concerns. April (HL14806), who is responsible for conducting tests to ensure overseas vets have adequate English; and Social Services: Fees and Charges whether they have had representations from the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers on this Asked by Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown matter. [HL77] To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they Lord Benyon: The Royal College of Veterinary have to introduce legislation to protect people from Surgeons, the regulatory body for the UK veterinary having to sell their homes to pay for the costs of care. profession, has the power to ensure that overseas vets [HL167] wishing to practise in the UK have adequate English Lord Bethell: We are committed to bringing forward a language skills. Rather than Defra, the Food Standards proposal for social care this year. The reform of social Agency (FSA) has received representations from the care and its funding arrangements are complex areas and Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) a range of options for how to deliver on this commitment which refer to Official Veterinarian (OV) communication are being considered. skills. The FSA continues to engage and respond to AIMS on these important matters. The FSA has a contract in place with its Service Delivery Partner to ensure that OVs St Vincent and the Grenadines: Volcanoes who are supplied from overseas have adequate English Asked by Lord West of Spithead language skills. To ask Her Majesty's Government (1) in what Slavery: Victims location, and (2) at what notice, was HMS Medway when the volcano erupted in St Vincent on 9 and 12 Asked by Baroness Stroud April. [HL116] To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Baroness Goldie: Between 9 and 12 April HMS statement in the Home Office press release 'Alarming Medway was at Naval Station Mayport, United States, rise of abuse within modern slavery system', published undergoing unscheduled repair work for hull damage on 20 March, that “Our generous safeguards for victims sustained from a tug during a berthing incident. As a are being rampantly abused by child rapists, people who result, she was not available for tasking. pose a threat to national security and failed asylum seekers with no right to be here”, how many people that Asked by Lord West of Spithead took advantage of the modern slavery safeguards in To ask Her Majesty's Government whether HMS each of the last five years fit the profiles described. Medway has visited St Vincent since the volcano [HL108] eruptions on 9 and 12 April. [HL117] Baroness Williams of Trafford: We are committed to Baroness Goldie: HMS Medway has not visited St. ensuring victims of modern slavery are identified quickly Vincent since the eruptions on 9 and 12 April, and the and provided with the support they require to start to Ministry of Defence have not received any requests for rebuild their lives. UK military support from the Government of St. Vincent In March 2021, the Government published a report on and the Grenadines. issues raised by people in immigration detention. This provides data on some of the concerns we are seeking to UK Internal Trade: Northern Ireland address through the New Plan for Immigration. This is available at: Issues raised by people facing return in Asked by Lord Dodds of Duncairn immigration detention - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the There are concerns about the potential for a referral to response by Lord Frost on 29 April (HL Deb, col 2397) the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) to be used to that "because of legislation passed by the EU, Northern frustrate Immigration Enforcement processes or to gain Ireland does not benefit from certain TRQs in the same access to support inappropriately. way as the rest of the UK", what tariff rate quotas For example, there has been a growth in NRM referrals (TRQs) are affected; what is the specific legislation being made after a person enters immigration detention. from the European Parliament referred to; and what In 2019, 16% of people detained within the UK following steps they are taking to ensure that Northern Ireland can immigration offences were referred as potential victims of benefit from those TRQs in the same way as the rest of modern slavery. This is up from just 3% in 2017. the UK. [HL145]

Page 20 25 May 2021 Written Answers

Lord Frost: On 16 December 2020, the EU unilaterally Asked by Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown introduced Regulation 2020/2170 on the application of To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are Union tariff rate quotas (TRQs) and other import quotas. taking to address the economic impact of the Protocol The UK has underlined to the Commission that this is a on Ireland/Northern Ireland. [HL169] matter requiring urgent consideration as part of addressing issues with the operation of the Protocol. If Lord Frost: We have provided extensive support for strictly applied, the Regulation would mean that businesses, including through the Trader Support Service importing goods subject to any EU tariff rate quotas or and the Movement Assistance Scheme. We have also other import quotas directly into Northern Ireland would invested in promoting growth and opportunities in be unable to access either EU or Great Britain quotas, and Northern Ireland, including through £500m of funding for would need to pay the EU tariff. This would leave the PEACE Plus programme over seven years and Northern Ireland importers in a uniquely disadvantaged through our £400m New Deal for Northern Ireland. position compared to their counterparts in Great Britain However, we recognise the significant impact that the and the EU. Protocol has had on businesses in Northern Ireland, We have already taken steps to put arrangements in despite the extraordinary efforts they have made to adapt place to ensure that steel from the United Kingdom or the to new requirements. Indeed it is hard to see that the way Rest of the World can be brought into Northern Ireland the Protocol is currently operating can be sustainable for without being subject to tariffs. This avoids disruption to long. That is why we are committed to working urgently businesses and operators in Northern Ireland. and in good faith, through the structures of the Withdrawal Agreement, to find pragmatic ways forward However, this is an issue requiring a broader and more on the issues that have been identified. We hope that, in permanent solution and we continue to discuss this with order for those discussions to make the progress we need, the EU. there can be a common sense, risk-based, approach from Asked by Lord Dodds of Duncairn the EU. We continue to consider all our options in meeting our overriding responsibility for sustaining the To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the process peace and prosperity of everyone in Northern Ireland. which applies for the making of laws in Northern Ireland on matters covered by the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. [HL147] UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement Asked by Lord Dodds of Duncairn Asked by Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town To ask Her Majesty's Government what role members To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are of (1) the UK Parliament, and (2) the Northern Ireland taking to establish the Civil Society Forum as provided Assembly, have in regards to the passing of laws for for in the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Northern Ireland on matters covered by the Protocol on [HL151] Ireland/Northern Ireland. [HL148] Asked by Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town Lord Frost: The relevant implementing legislation for To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions rules applied in Northern Ireland was brought forward and they have had with the EU about the establishment of passed through the UK Parliament and Northern Ireland the Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, as provided Assembly. This will continue to be the case for the for in the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement; transposition of any new rules made applicable by the and what has been the outcome of any such discussions. Protocol which require domestic implementation. [HL152] Where new EU legislation is brought forward which Lord Frost: The Trade and Cooperation Agreement amend or replace acts contained within the Annexes to the provides for a Civil Society Forum - composed of a Protocol, Article 15 provides for appropriate information balanced representation of UK and EU business and civil and exchanges of information through the Joint society groups - to discuss the implementation of aspects Consultative Working Group. A representative of the of the Agreement. Northern Ireland Executive forms part of the UK delegation to this group. Where a new EU law is brought We are in contact with the EU about the operational forward that is within scope of the Protocol but which guidelines for the conduct of this Forum and will work to neither amends nor replaces an EU act listed in the facilitate its first meeting this year. Protocol, Article 13 provides that Joint Committee We will, of course, continue to engage with business agreement is required for it to be applied in Northern and civil society in the usual way, including on issues Ireland. Again the Northern Ireland Executive will form relating to TCA implementation. part of the UK’s delegation at the Joint Committee and As for the Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, it is a will be consulted as part of the position to be adopted in matter for Parliament to consider the potential shape of such cases. We have committed to providing the the Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, within the appropriate means for Parliamentary scrutiny of framework set out in the Trade and Cooperation legislation within scope of the Protocol. Agreement. Written Answers 25 May 2021 Page 21

Asked by Baroness Deech rights obligations. Some of the anti-Semitic actions and speeches in and around the Durban conference and its To ask Her Majesty's Government how many various follow-up events gave rise to serious concerns. members will be appointed to (1) the Partnership We will consider UK attendance in the light of Council, (2) each of the 19 Specialised Committees, developments between now and the commemoration and (3) each of the four Working Groups established by event, including the likelihood of any recurrence. the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement; and what plans they have to disseminate information about (a) the membership, and (b) the proceedings of those Universal Credit: Deductions bodies. [HL27] Asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett Lord Frost: Each of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement’s committees is co-chaired by a representative To ask Her Majesty's Government (1) how many, and of the UK and the EU. I am the UK co-chair of the (2) what proportion of, new universal credit payments Partnership Council. Senior officials in the relevant have deductions as a result of repayment of (a) government departments will be the co-chairs of the budgeting loans and advances, (b) universal credit Specialised Committees and Working Groups. advances, (c) universal credit overpayments, and (d) tax The UK delegation for each meeting will be decided to credit overpayments, in each month from March 2019 ensure appropriate expertise based on the agenda. to the most recent month for which data are available. [HL54] We are committed to facilitating appropriate Parliamentary scrutiny of our actions in these committees, Baroness Stedman-Scott: We carefully balance our and discussions are ongoing with the relevant duty to the taxpayer to recover overpayments with our Parliamentary committees. We will share draft agendas support for claimants. Safeguards are in place to ensure with Parliament before each Partnership Council and deductions are manageable; from 12 April 2021, we meetings of the Specialised Committees, and issue a further reduced the cap on deductions from Universal statement on the proceedings before Parliament before Credit awards to 25 per cent and lengthened the payback and after each meeting of the Partnership Council. period from 12 months to 24 meaning in effect someone can receive 25 payments over 24 months, giving them more flexibility over the payments of their UC award. UK-EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement: This will also allow claimants to retain more of their Devolution award, giving additional financial security. Asked by Lord Dodds of Duncairn New Claims Advances are available which allows claimants to receive up to 100 per cent of their estimated To ask Her Majesty's Government what consultations UC payment upfront. Advances are designed to ensure they plan to have with the devolved governments on the that the most vulnerable claimants receive the money they proposed Parliamentary Partnership Assembly set out in need to live on during their transition to UC. Claimants the UK–EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement. have the option to spread twenty-five UC payments over [HL149] twenty-four months, giving them more flexibility over the Lord Frost: It is a matter for the UK Parliament, which payments of their UC award. is of course composed of members across the UK, From 3rd April 2020, deductions from Universal Credit reflecting views from across the UK, to consider the for some government debt, such as Tax Credits, benefit potential shape of the Parliamentary Partnership overpayments and Social Fund Loans were suspended for Assembly, within the framework set out in the Trade and 3 months, which resulted in many claimants seeing an Cooperation Agreement. increase in the amount they received while allowing staff to prioritise processing the unprecedented number of new benefits claims. UN World Conference against Racism Customers can contact the Department if they are Asked by Baroness Deech experiencing financial hardship in order to discuss a reduction in their rate of repayment, depending on To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they financial circumstances. have, if any, to withdraw from events commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and The information requested is provided in the attached Programme of Action. [HL30] spreadsheet. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The United Kingdom is The Answer includes the following attached material: committed to combatting all forms of racism, including Spreadsheet [Spreadsheet.xlsx] anti-semitism, both at home and abroad. We believe that one of the most effective ways to tackle injustices and The material can be viewed online at: advocate respect among different religious and racial http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- groups is to encourage all states to uphold their human answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2021-05-11/HL54 Page 22 25 May 2021 Written Answers

Universities: Coronavirus appropriate plans in place to control and manage any local outbreaks and to minimise transmission of COVID-19. Asked by Baroness Bull If students have concerns about their tuition, including To ask Her Majesty's Government what funding the return to in-person teaching, there is a process in support they plan to provide to enable universities to place. They should first raise their concerns with their continue utilising PCR testing as their campuses university. If their concerns remain unresolved, students reopen. [HL267] at providers in England or Wales can ask the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education to consider Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay: We have worked their complaint. We expect providers to ensure that with higher education providers to offer twice-weekly continuing and prospective students receive the clear, asymptomatic testing using lateral flow device (LFD) accurate, and timely information they need to make tests to all students residing in their term-time informed decisions. Whilst the OfS does not get involved accommodation or accessing university facilities, and to in student complaints, students can notify it of issues all staff. This is playing an important role in identifying which may be of regulatory interest to it. The OfS uses cases of the virus and breaking chains of transmission. this information as part of its regulatory monitoring We have supported higher education providers in activity and keeps HE providers under review to ensure recovering the costs for the set-up and running of that they comply with the ongoing conditions of asymptomatic testing sites. registration. The OfS has produced a guide for students to From May, higher education providers can offer their support them in this process. This is available here: staff and students home test kits which can be collected https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/for-students/ofs- from a location on campus. and-students/notifications/. Anyone that tests positive for COVID-19 through an LFD test is offered a confirmatory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test free of charge, and the same applies to Veterinary Services students and staff in the higher education sector. Asked by Lord Blencathra Universities: Remote Education To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to reports of private equity companies purchasing veterinary Asked by Baroness Fox of Buckley practices to turn them into "cash-generating units", whether they will hold urgent discussions with the To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons about amending universities are continuing to use predominantly remote their Code of Conduct to apply to commercial learning; what assessment they have made of reports of companies running veterinary practices. [HL12] complaints by students that they are being discouraged from returning to campus; and what plans they have to Asked by Lord Blencathra reinforce the guidance that graduate and post-graduate To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they students are entitled to face-to-face teaching. [HL34] have to investigate the takeover of private veterinary Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay: From the start of the practices by private equity firms with no veterinary pandemic, the higher education (HE) sector has put in qualifications and allegations of profiteering. [HL8] significant resources and worked hard to provide learning Asked by Lord Blencathra materials and minimise the disruption to students. There have been some innovative and resourceful approaches to To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions deliver high-quality learning online, and we welcome the they have had with the (1) British Veterinary huge amount of time and resources universities and other Association, and (2) Royal College of Veterinary HE providers have devoted to ensuring that online Surgeons, about possible diminution of veterinary care teaching is of the high quality expected by students, Her in veterinary companies owned by private equity Majesty's Government, and the Office for Students (OfS). firms concerned with maximising profits instead of Since early January, we estimate that 19% of students making animal health and welfare their first were on courses in scope for a return to face-to-face consideration. [HL9] learning, and from 8 March 2021 this proportion Lord Benyon: Anyone practising as a veterinary increased to 49%. From 17 May 2021, all students have surgeon, regardless of the ownership of the practice, been able to return to in-person learning. needs to be registered with the Royal College of As autonomous institutions with a range of specific Veterinary Surgeons and has a duty to provide care circumstances, we expect HE providers to make their own ensuring that animal health and welfare is their first judgments to facilitate the return of students for face-to- consideration. Any concerns about the ownership or face teaching, whilst following the latest public health commercial practices of businesses should be directed to guidance. We expect providers to continue work the Competition and Markets Authority. alongside local authorities and other agencies to put

Index to Statements and Answers

Written Statements ...... 1 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme . 1 Office: Staff ...... 10 Consultation on the Use of Force in Mental Gambling ...... 10 Health Units ...... 1 General Practitioners ...... 10 Covid-19 Health Inequalities: Quarterly Report .. 2 Global Navigation Satellite Systems ...... 10 Research Collaboration Advice Team ...... 2 Greensill: David Cameron ...... 11 United Kingdom-India Free Trade Agreement: High Speed Rail (West Midlands–Crewe) Act Consultation ...... 3 2021 ...... 11 Written Answers ...... 4 Holyhead Port: Road Traffic ...... 11 Accident and Emergency Departments: Standards Hospitality Industry: Vacancies ...... 11 ...... 4 Housing: Green Belt ...... 11 AIDS: Death ...... 4 Housing: Insulation ...... 12 Aviation and Shipping: Carbon Budgets ...... 5 Housing: Planning Permission ...... 12 Aviation: British Overseas Territories ...... 5 Immigration ...... 13 Bahrain: Political Prisoners ...... 5 Insects: EU Countries ...... 13 Bahrain: Prisoners’ Release ...... 5 Israel: Palestinians ...... 13 Batley Grammar School: Harassment ...... 5 Jerusalem: Palestinians ...... 14 Bicycles: Repairs and Maintenance ...... 6 Jerusalem: Religious Freedom ...... 14 British Overseas Territories: Climate Change Lighting: Pollution ...... 14 Convention ...... 6 Living Wage ...... 14 British Overseas Territories: Darwin Initiative .... 6 Local Government: Liverpool ...... 15 Buildings: Safety ...... 6 Nepal: Forests ...... 15 Cataracts: Surgery ...... 6 Overseas Aid and UK Export Finance: Carbon Cats: Meloxicam ...... 7 Emissions ...... 15 Children: Poverty...... 7 Police and Crime Commissioners: Wiltshire ..... 15 Children’s Social Care Independent Review: Civil Post Office: Directors ...... 16 Servants ...... 8 Press Freedom ...... 16 Chiltern Tunnel: Construction ...... 8 Prison Sentences ...... 16 Construction: Finance ...... 8 Private Education: Pensions ...... 16 Cycling: Accidents ...... 8 Pupil Exclusions ...... 17 Cycling: Safety Measures ...... 9 Religious Freedom ...... 17 Cyprus: Military Bases ...... 9 Retail Trade ...... 17 Driving Licences: EU Countries ...... 9 Roads: Carbon Emissions ...... 18 Elections: Proof of Identity ...... 9 Royal Albert Hall ...... 18 Epidemiology: Research ...... 9 Schools: Finance ...... 18 Fisheries: Channel Islands ...... 10 Slaughterhouses: Inspections ...... 19 Index to Statements and Answers

Slavery: Victims ...... 19 Social Services: Fees and Charges ...... 19 St Vincent and the Grenadines: Volcanoes ...... 19 UK Internal Trade: Northern Ireland ...... 19 UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement ...... 20 UK-EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement: Devolution ...... 21 UN World Conference against Racism ...... 21 Universal Credit: Deductions ...... 21 Universities: Coronavirus ...... 22 Universities: Remote Education ...... 22 Veterinary Services ...... 22