House of Lords

Session 2017-19 Monday No. 290 24 June 2019

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

HOUSE OF LORDS

WRITTEN STATEMENTS AND WRITTEN ANSWERS

Written Statements ...... 1

Written Answers ...... 3

[I] indicates that the member concerned has a relevant registered interest. The full register of interests can be found at http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/standards-and-interests/register-of-lords-interests/ Members who want a printed copy of Written Answers and Written Statements should notify the Printed Paper Office. This printed edition is a reproduction of the original text of Answers and Statements, which can be found on the internet at http://www.parliament.uk/writtenanswers/. Ministers and others who make Statements or answer Questions are referred to only by name, not their ministerial or other title. The current list of ministerial and other responsibilities is as follows.

Minister Responsibilities Baroness Evans of Bowes Park Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal Earl Howe Minister of State, Ministry of Defence and Deputy Leader of the House of Lords Lord Agnew of Oulton Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Lord Ashton of Hyde Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Baroness Barran Whip Baroness Blackwood of North Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Care Oxford Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and Wales Office Baroness Buscombe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions Lord Callanan Minister of State, Department for Exiting the European Union Earl of Courtown Deputy Chief Whip Lord Duncan of Springbank Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office and Scotland Office Lord Gardiner of Kimble Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Baroness Goldie Whip Lord Henley Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Lord Keen of Elie Advocate-General for Scotland and Ministry of Justice Spokesperson Baroness Stedman-Scott Whip Baroness Sugg Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for International Development Lord Taylor of Holbeach Chief Whip Baroness Vere of Norbiton Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Transport, Whip Baroness Williams of Trafford Minister of State, Home Office and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for International Development Lord Young of Cookham Cabinet Office Spokesperson, Treasury Spokesperson and Whip Viscount Younger of Leckie Whip

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Non-performing loans Written Statements Under any other business, the Commission provided an Monday, 24 June 2019 update on the implementation of the Action Plan to tackle non-performing loans in Europe.

ECOFIN EU Environment Council [HLWS1610] [HLWS1608] Lord Young of Cookham: My right honourable friend Lord Gardiner of Kimble: My Hon Friend the the Chancellor of the Exchequer (Philip Hammond) has Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the today made the following Written Ministerial Statement. Environment (Dr Thérèse Coffey), has today made the A meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs following statement. Council (ECOFIN) was held in Luxembourg on 14 June The next EU Environment Council will take place on 2019. 26 June, in Luxembourg. I will be attending to represent ECOFIN was preceded by meeting of the European the UK. Investment Bank (EIB) Board of Governors: On environment items, the main legislative focus will Annual EIB Board of Governors meeting be a general approach on the Regulation on water–reuse. In addition, there will also be an exchange of views on the The meeting included: statements from the Chairman, Environment Implementation Review (EIR), as well as President and Chairman of the Audit Committee; a the adoption of Council Conclusions on a sustainable EU Governors discussion; a presentation on the annual report Chemicals Policy. of the Audit Committee; and a vote for partial renewal of the Audit Committee. The UK was represented by Mark Any other business (AOB) will include information Bowman (Director General, International Finance, HM from the Commission and the Presidency on four items: Treasury) during the EIB meeting. • Clean Planet for all: Strategic long-term vision for a Following this, EU Finance Ministers discussed the climate neutral economy (information from the following at ECOFIN: Presidency). Early Morning Session • A discussion on current legislative proposals (information from the Presidency): The Eurogroup President briefed the Council on the outcomes of the 13 June meeting of the Eurogroup, and a discussion on Regulation on LIFE; and the European Commission provided an update on the a discussion on Shipping monitoring, reporting and current economic situation in the EU. verification. Banking Union • Reports on main recent international meetings The Council endorsed the progress report on the (information from the Presidency and the Commission): Banking Union. triple Conference of the Parties to the Basel (COP Financial Transaction Tax 14), Rotterdam (COP 9) and Stockholm (COP 9) Conventions (Geneva, 29 April – 10 May 2019); and The Council received a progress update in relation to the enhanced co-operation on financial transaction tax. fourth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-4) (Nairobi, 11 - 15 March 2019). G20 follow-up • Communication on the draft integrated national The Romanian Presidency and Commission presented energy and climate plans (presentation by the the main outcomes of the G20 meeting of Finance Commission). Ministers and Central Bank Governors, which took place on 8-9 June in Fukuoka, Japan. There are currently five member state led AOBs: European Semester • Workshop on the “Future Environment Action Programme” (information from the Austrian The Council discussed a horizontal note on the draft delegation); 2019 Country Specific Recommendations, and progress towards the Europe 2020 targets. • Possible European measures to support clean mobility and in particular, electromobility (information from the Stability and Growth Pact Bulgarian delegation); The Council adopted Council decisions and • Conference on carbon pricing and aviation taxes recommendations on the implementation of the Stability (information from the Netherlands delegation); and Growth Pact. • G7 Environment Ministers meeting (information from Clean Planet the French delegation); and The Council held an exchange of views on a strategic • Work programme of the incoming Presidency long-term vision for a climate-neutral economy. (information from the Finnish delegation).

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High Speed Rail (West Midlands to Crewe) Midlands to Crewe) Bill. This document summarises the Bill work that has already been done to assess, control and mitigate the environmental impacts of HS2 Phase 2a, and [HLWS1609] explains why the government continues to take the view Baroness Vere of Norbiton: My Honourable Friend, that the HS2 Phase 2a project is worthy of its support. the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Transport (Nusrat Copies of the Statement of Reasons will be made Ghani) has made the following Ministerial Statement. available in the libraries of both Houses. I am today publishing the Statement of Reasons The Statement includes the following attached material: Command Paper for the High Speed Rail (West Midlands to Crewe) Bill. The Command Paper is titled the HS2 [190624 HS2.pdf] ‘Government overview of the case for HS2 Phase 2a and its environmental impacts’. This is required by The material can be viewed online at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- Parliamentary Standing Order 224A to assist the House answers-statements/written-statement/Lords/2019-06-24/HLWS1609/ during the third reading of the High Speed Rail (West

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connection with a successful Company Voluntary Written Answers Arrangement, worth significantly more than would be received if the Company Voluntary Arrangement is not Monday, 24 June 2019 successful and Arcadia Group Ltd becomes insolvent. This represents appropriate protection, in challenging Africa: Visas circumstances, and is equitable in the context of the wider Company Voluntary Arrangements process. Asked by Lord Judd In assessing the turnaround plan presented by Arcadia, To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment The Pensions Regulator has been informed by the analysis they made of the letter, published in The Observer on 9 carried out by professional advisers to the trustees. The June, from 70 senior leaders from universities and Pensions Regulator has considerable expertise in research institutes across the UK warning that “visa restructuring situations and this includes people in its refusals for African cultural, development and academic regulatory teams with a background working in big leaders ... [are] undermining 'Global Britain’s' chartered accountancy firms and restructuring operations reputation as well as efforts to tackle global in banks. challenges"; and what steps they intend to take in Asked by Lord Myners response. [HL16197] To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Baroness Williams of Trafford: All visa applications Pensions Regulator (1) regarded an additional payment are considered on their individual merits and on the basis into the Arcadia Pension Fund to be an adequate of the evidence available, in line with the immigration contribution to the deficit, and (2) supported the rules. We welcome international academics and recognise Company Voluntary Arrangements proposed by Sir their contribution to the UK’s world-leading education Philip and Lady Green; and if so, why. [HL16270] sector. Baroness Buscombe: The best support for a defined When we are informed of large academic events, UKVI benefit pension scheme is an ongoing trading employer. strategic engagement teams can assist event organisers Working with the shareholders, pension trustees and and attendees with the visa application process. Pension Protection Fund, The Pensions Regulator were pleased to be able to agree a £310m package of support Arcadia Group: Pensions last week that would provide greater certainty for the Asked by Lord Myners Arcadia pension schemes. This comprises security to the value of £210m, together with the £100m in cash from To ask Her Majesty's Government why the Pensions Lady Green. The Pensions Regulator remain satisfied that Regulator has allowed the owners of Arcadia Group to the arrangement is the right one for members and the phase their contribution to address that company’s Pension Protection Fund in challenging circumstances and pension deficit over a period of time instead of a single is equitable in the context of the wider Company up-front payment; whether the Pensions Regulator is Voluntary Arrangements process. using financial advisers to determine whether Arcadia’s The Pension Regulator’s goal is to protect the interests business plan will eventually cover the deficit; and if of members of the Arcadia schemes as far as possible in so, who are those advisers. [HL16210] these difficult circumstances. A successful outcome will Baroness Buscombe: The pensions framework mean ongoing Deficit repair contributions payments from established by Parliament in the Pensions Act 2004 sets the company, enabling the schemes to become fully out that ongoing employers may address the funding of funded in due course. Had the Company Voluntary their scheme deficits over a reasonable period of time. Arrangement votes failed, or if the Company Voluntary This responsibility falls on the company rather than its Arrangements are successfully challenged, the position of owners, other than where The Pensions Regulator has the pension schemes would be/will be much less certain. used its anti-avoidance powers. This approach of Deficit repair contributions from Arcadia Group Limited, spreading funding of deficits was established to balance initially £25m per annum (paid in equal monthly the needs of schemes with those of their sponsoring instalments) and escalating in subsequent years, would employers. cease. The amount recovered by the pension schemes The Arcadia trustees and the Arcadia group took an would be significantly less in an uncontrolled insolvency approach which was similar to many other schemes and than under the terms of the Company Voluntary employers in establishing recovery plans to address their Arrangement. On this basis The Pensions Regulator schemes’ deficits over a number of years. In response to a supported the Company Voluntary Arrangement. request to vary those recovery plan payments, made in conjunction with the Arcadia Group’s Company Armed Forces: Gambling Voluntary Arrangements proposals, The Pensions Asked by The Lord Bishop of St Albans Regulator, working alongside the trustees and the Pension Protection Fund, has negotiated robustly to secure an To ask Her Majesty's Government how many (1) enhanced package of support for the pension schemes in Fixed-Odd Betting Terminals and (2) Electronic Page 4 24 June 2019 Written Answers

Gaming Machines, are on property belonging to the Bahrain: Human Rights Ministry of Defence. [HL16428] Asked by Lord Scriven Asked by The Lord Bishop of St Albans To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment To ask Her Majesty's Government how much money they have made of the government of Bahrain warning was made from Fixed-Odds Betting Terminals located citizens in Bahrain of legal consequences if they follow on Ministry of Defence property in (1) 2015, (2) 2016, anti-government social media accounts, and of the (3) 2017, and (4) 2018; and who was the beneficiary of impact of such a warning on the freedoms and rights of any such money. [HL16429] the citizens of Bahrain. [HL16330] Asked by The Lord Bishop of St Albans Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We continue to To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment encourage the Government of Bahrain to protect freedom they have made of gambling-related harm amongst (1) of expression for all of its citizens, in line with its veterans, and (2) those currently serving in Her international obligations. The UK supports freedom of Majesty's Armed Forces; and whether the Ministry of expression and freedom of speech as both a fundamental Defence has conducted any research into gambling right in itself and as an essential element of a full range of participation rates in those groups. [HL16430] human rights. Asked by The Lord Bishop of St Albans Buildings: Climate Change To ask Her Majesty's Government what provision is available to problem gamblers who are currently Asked by Lord Patten serving in Her Majesty's Armed Forces. [HL16431] To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Asked by The Lord Bishop of St Albans Written Answer by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth on 14 May (HL15410), why the building regulations do not To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they take account of the contribution of glass cladding to have made, if any, of the number of problem gamblers global warming. [HL16213] who are currently serving in Her Majesty's Armed Forces. [HL16432] Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: The Building Regulations set minimum energy performance standards Earl Howe: Gambling as an addiction has serious for new homes and non-domestic buildings. The principal implications for Defence; as a security risk, financially, a way that developers demonstrate compliance is through a mental health issue and as a wider welfare impact on whole building energy calculation. For a new building, Service personnel; families; veterans and their families. the properties of the glazing and façade would be taken Gambling addiction is difficult to target and deal with into account in the calculation of overall energy effectively as most activity is carried out when Service performance and therefore the carbon emissions from the personnel are off duty or at home. However, the Ministry building. of Defence (MOD) is working to raise financial awareness among Service personnel; all three Services provide links on their welfare sites to several financial Business: Cybercrime advisory sites including MoneyForce, Joining Forces Credit Union, the Services Insurance and Investment Asked by Viscount Waverley Advisory Panel and GamCare, a national charity and To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance and leading provider of information, advice and free support they provide to businesses in relation to cyber counselling for the prevention and treatment of problem security; and whether they intend to introduce systems gambling. for businesses to assess the adequacy of (1) their The MOD has not funded or conducted any research on protection against cyber threats, and (2) their cyber problem gambling among Service personnel or veterans. security skills. [HL16336] We are aware that in 2017 the Forces in Mind Trust Lord Ashton of Hyde: The National Cyber Security (FiMT) supported a gambling study by Swansea Centre (NCSC) was created in 2016 as part of the University, the preliminary findings of which suggested Government's five-year, £1.9 billion National Cyber UK veterans may be at an increased risk of developing Security Strategy and provides guidance and support to gambling problems than non-veterans. In 2018, FiMT businesses and public sector organisations on all matters awarded Swansea University £279,503 to undertake a relating to cyber security. This includes the Small survey to understand and explore the levels of gambling Business Guide, a Response and Recovery guide, a toolkit participation and attitudes to gambling in ex-Service for Boards and an "Exercise In a Box" to help personnel. organisations assess their cyber resilience. Through the The requested information on the numbers of betting Cyber Essentials Scheme, companies are already able to terminals and gaming machines on MOD property and the assess whether they have put in place security measures to revenue generated and beneficiaries is not held centrally protect themselves against the majority of untargeted and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. cyber attacks. Written Answers 24 June 2019 Page 5

We are undertaking a comprehensive review of the Chemicals: Regulation UK’s cyber regulatory and incentives landscape. This builds on our last review in 2016, to understand what has Asked by The Countess of Mar worked well, and where further action is needed to drive To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the the necessary improvements in cyber security behaviours Written Answer by Lord Gardiner of Kimble on 4 June and practices. This will be done with acknowledgement of (HL15892), why, if the terms DecaBDE and the broader asks being placed on business as we look to DecaPBDE are interchangeable, DecaBDE has been grow and secure the digital economy. It will include banned whilst production of DecaPBDE continues. consideration of whether and how businesses should be [HL16317] required to assess the adequacy of their cyber security and whether they have the skills they need to manage cyber Lord Gardiner of Kimble: DecaBDE refers to security risk. Decabromodiphenyl Ether, a substance which falls under a wider group of chemicals known as Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs). DecaBDE has not been Business: Education produced in the UK since the late 1990s. DecaPBDE is not a term that is generally used to describe this or any Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick other substance and no such substance is produced in the To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are UK. taking to improve the development of entrepreneurial skills as part of the UK education curriculum. [HL16332] Children: Day Care Lord Agnew of Oulton: There are already a number of Asked by Baroness McGregor-Smith opportunities in schools for pupils to develop their To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they entrepreneurial skills. The new business GCSE, which have to change the provision of free childcare for was first taught in the 2017/18 academic year, is intended children from when they are born. [HL16262] to enable pupils to develop as commercially minded and enterprising individuals. In 2014, financial literacy was Lord Agnew of Oulton: The government is committed made statutory within the national curriculum for the first to making childcare more affordable and more accessible. time, as it is now taught as part of the citizenship We plan to spend around £3.5 billion on our early curriculum for 11-16 year olds. Schools are also able to education entitlements this year alone – more than any cover enterprise and entrepreneurship teaching within previous government. All 3 and 4-year-olds and the most their personal, social, health and economic education. disadvantaged 2-year-olds can access 15 hours a week of early education. From September 2017, this government In addition to this the government’s careers strategy, doubled the childcare entitlement for eligible working published in December 2017, aims to give young people parents of 3 and 4-year-olds to 30 hours a week. Tax-Free from all backgrounds the opportunity to learn from Childcare provides additional financial help from employers about work and the skills that are valued in the government to help with any additional costs, worth up to workplace. It introduces a new expectation that all £2,000 per child per year for children under 12 (or up to secondary schools should offer every young person at £4,000 per year for disabled children under 17). Those least seven encounters with employers as part of a high- parents in receipt of Universal Credit can claim up to 85% quality careers programme during their education, of their childcare costs. The Childcare Choices website including those who are self-employed. supports families’ understanding of what might be The Careers & Enterprise Company’s network of available to them. This can be found at: enterprise advisers supports the delivery of this ambition. www.childcarechoices.gov.uk. The government has no Enterprise advisers are senior business volunteers who plans to extend the package of free childcare to children help schools to work with local businesses. The network from birth. is already operating in over half of secondary schools and colleges, and will be available to all of them by 2020. Character education is also important, and the great Commonwealth: Trade majority of schools provide this through the culture and Asked by Viscount Waverley ethos of the school, and through extra-curricular activities. Studies have found that skills such as self- To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the UK confidence, tenacity and resilience have a strong role to High Commissioner or a trade official attended the play in outcomes in adult life, such as being in work, recent Commonwealth SME Summit in Nairobi; if not, wage levels, or doing well in higher education. One of the why not; and if so, what conclusions they drew from five foundations for building character is the world of that summit. [HL16337] work, which includes entrepreneurship.

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Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: A representative of the group, and make provision for them.” This framework can British High Commission in Nairobi attended the Intra- be found here and attached: Commonwealth SME Trade Summit in Nairobi in May, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/initial- which noted the trend for the rising value of digital teacher-training-government-response-to-carter-review. processes in SMEs' production and the need for SMEs to For training to be effective, it must be tailored to the adapt to the increased global competition through digital needs of the teacher. That is why decisions relating to technologies. The conclusions drawn included the need continuous professional development (CPD) rightly rest for Governments to promote national data policies and with schools, headteachers, and teachers themselves. To devise policies designed to protect infant domestic e- support schools, in 2016, the department published the commerce platforms from the practices of larger, ‘Standard for Teachers’ Professional Development’ and established companies. A recurring theme was the need to we have re-convened the CPD Expert Group to develop build SME digital capacity, with a role for tech hubs and recommendations that ensure that all teachers have access incubators. In March, the UK also co-chaired the first to high-quality, meaningful support and CPD. meeting of the Digital Cluster of the Commonwealth The Answer includes the following attached material: Connectivity Agenda for Trade and Investment when Kenya joined representatives from 18 other HL16312_ A_framework_of_core_content_for_ITT [HL16312_ Commonwealth countries to discuss how the A_framework_of_core_content_for_initial_teacher_training_(ITT) Commonwealth can support development and increase _July_2016.pdf] trade by creating a more enabling environment for digital trade. HL16312_Teachers'_Standards_July_2011 [HL16312_Teachers'_Standards_July_2011.pdf]

Education: Travellers The material can be viewed online at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- Asked by Lord Judd answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2019-06-12/HL16312 To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance and training they provide to teachers and educational Election Offences: Prosecutions institutions about Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture; Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass and how they ensure full understanding amongst teachers of that culture. [HL16312] To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth on 3 Lord Agnew of Oulton: Our education reforms, July 2017 (HL3), 15 September 2017 (HL1448), and 13 including those aimed at improving teaching, encouraging October 2017 (HL1671), and by Lord Duncan of good attendance and behaviour, and strengthening the Springbank on 21 December 2017 (HL3975), 16 March curriculum and examination system, are designed to 2018 (HL6045), 20 November 2018 (HL11393 and deliver opportunity and high standards for all pupils, HL11394), and 17 May (HL15556), what has been the whatever their background. Teachers, schools and local total number of criminal charges for electoral abuse in authorities also have access to information and best (1) Northern Ireland, and (2) elsewhere in the UK, since practice in supporting Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils, 2010. [HL16200] as well as advice from community representative organisations. Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Home Office The government does not prescribe the content of initial holds data for the outcomes of crimes recorded by police teacher training (ITT) courses. It is for individual ITT forces in England and Wales. providers to determine the content, structure and Since 2010 there have been 231 known recorded proportion of courses. However, courses must be charges for the Home Office criminal offence codes designed so that teacher trainees can demonstrate that which cover crimes related to electoral abuse. This does they meet all of the Teachers' Standards at the appropriate not include offences of tampering with nomination or level. The Standards set out the key elements of effective ballot papers which cannot be separately identified in the teaching and the minimum expectations for the data held centrally. professional practice and conduct of teachers. These As policing is a devolved matter, data for Scotland and include the requirements that they have a clear Northern Ireland are not held by the Home Office. understanding of the needs of all pupils, including Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils. In order to be awarded Financial Services Qualified Teacher Status, trainees must satisfy the Standards. Asked by Lord Myners The Teachers’ Standards can be found here and To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions attached: www.gov.uk/government/publications/teachers- they have had with the Financial Conduct Authority standards. about establishing an independent review into the (1) The ‘Framework of Core Content for ITT (2016)’ role of corporate directors of open-ended investment states, “Providers should ensure that trainees are equipped funds, (2) limitations placed on unlisted and illiquid to identify the needs of all pupils, avoiding labelling by investments in such funds, and (3) systemic risks Written Answers 24 June 2019 Page 7

arising from daily dealing in the units of investment Gaza: Fisheries funds. [HL16271] Asked by Baroness Tonge Lord Young of Cookham: This is a matter for the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which is To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment operationally independent from Government. The they have made of the consequences of frequent question has been passed on to the FCA. The FCA will alterations to the fishing zones that the government of reply directly to Lord Myners by letter. A copy of the Israel allows fishermen in Gaza to use. [HL16230] letter will be placed in the Library of the House. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We regularly raise with Asked by Lord Myners the Government of Israel the urgent need to ease all access and movement restrictions on Gaza, including To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment fishing limits. This would help to restore the fishing they have made of any (1) systemic risk arising from industry as regular alterations to the zone, often as a open-ended investment funds investing in leveraged punitive measure, cause uncertainty and insecurity. The sub-investment grade bonds and debt issues by UK would like to see a permanent increase in the size of developing world nations denominated in G7 the fishing zone off the coast of Gaza in line with the limit currencies, and (2) risks arising from such maturity of 20 nautical miles stipulated in the Oslo accords. transformation. [HL16272] Lord Young of Cookham: The question has been Gender Recognition: Children passed to the Bank of England. The Bank of England will Asked by Lord Moonie reply directly to Lord Myners by letter. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House. To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they intend to take to prevent the illegal supply of puberty- blocking drugs to British children and adolescents by Foreign Investment in UK Dr Helena Webberley, who was recently suspended from the Medical Register by the General Medical Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick Council and who is advertising services from Spain. To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are [HL16205] taking to help attract foreign direct investment into the Baroness Barran: It is unacceptable if patients are UK after Brexit. [HL16224] being put at risk by a service that deliberately places itself Viscount Younger of Leckie: The Department for beyond the jurisdiction of United Kingdom regulators. International Trade promotes the UK as a foreign direct The Department is working closely with the Care investment (FDI) destination across our entire global Quality Commission and relevant professional regulators network, with dedicated specialist support for investors to explore how it can close the loopholes that allow a across the world. We will continue to demonstrate the small number of online organisations to operate without UK’s strengths, including an open, liberal economy, a the necessary oversight. business-friendly environment and a world-class talent. Hebron GAM Greensill Supply Chain Finance Fund Asked by Baroness Tonge Asked by Lord Myners To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the consequences for Palestinian To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are children in Hebron of the removal of the Temporary investigating, or intend to investigate, the International Presence in Hebron by the government of (1) management of, (2) investment valuations used by, Israel. [HL16231] and (3) relationships between managers and businesses invested in, the GAM Greensill Supply Chain Finance Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are concerned by Fund. [HL16211] Israel's decision not to extend the mandate for Hebron's international monitoring mission. The mission has been in Lord Young of Cookham: The Financial Conduct Hebron for over 20 years and fulfilled an important role in Authority (FCA) is the conduct regulator for the financial reducing tensions in the city between Israeli settlers and services industry in the UK. The FCA will not normally Palestinian communities. Our Ambassador to Israel raised make public the fact that it is or is not investigating a our concerns over this decision with the Israeli authorities particular matter, in order to protect the effectiveness of on 29 January. The former Minister for the Middle East any investigation it carries out. The FCA has been made discussed our concerns with the Israeli Ambassador to the aware of this Parliamentary Question. UK on 31 January and in a tweet on 2 February. Page 8 24 June 2019 Written Answers

High Speed One: Shareholders Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The significant protests in Hong Kong show the strength of feeling among the Asked by Lord Berkeley people of Hong Kong. We are pleased to see that, in the To ask Her Majesty's Government which current most part, the people of Hong Kong have peacefully shareholders of HS1 hold more than five per cent of the exercised their rights to freedom of speech and assembly, shares; and what changes to the shareholding have been as guaranteed in the Sino-British Joint Declaration. made since the sale of shares by them and the However all allegations of inappropriate use of force by government of France. [HL16241] the Hong Kong police should be fully investigated by the Hong Kong SAR Government. Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Government auctioned the concession to operate the network in 2010, We welcome the Chief Executive's statement that she to HS1 Ltd. HS1 Ltd was owned by Borealis would not proceed with the second reading of the bill, if Infrastructure and the Canadian Teachers’ Pension Plan, the fears and anxieties of the people of Hong Kong were two Canadian pension funds until it was sold in 2017. not addressed. It is vital that Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and the rights and freedoms set down in the • Original ownership profile Joint Declaration are respected in full. Borealis (50%) The most recent 6 monthly report on Hong Kong Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board (50%) published on 27 March, made clear our view that judicial independence in Hong Kong remains robust. The • New ownership profile proposals themselves have no direct impact on judicial Equitix – 35% and InfraRed independence. However we are concerned that the proposals could risk leaving the extradition process open Korean Pension Fund (30%) to political interference, and could, in future, undermine HICL (21.8%) Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and the rights and Others (13.2%) freedoms guaranteed in the Joint Declaration.

Hong Kong: Extradition House of Lords Composition Asked by Lord Pendry Asked by Lord Farmer To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker what is the current ratification of the Sino-British Joint Declaration by the gender composition of the House of Lords broken down governments of China and the United Kingdom in 1984 by member's (1) country, and (2) region, of origin. and the registration of that Declaration with the United [HL16377] Nations in 1985, what representations they intend to Lord McFall of Alcluith: The House of Lords is make to the United Nations about the government of currently made up of 585 male and 215 female members; Hong Kong’s proposed extradition law. [HL16327] we do not hold data on the country or region of origin of Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Joint Declaration is members. a legally binding treaty registered with the UN. Its objectives apply to both signatories – the government of the People's Republic of China and the UK. It remains in Housing: Fire Prevention force, and remains acutely relevant to the conduct of life Asked by Lord Patten in Hong Kong. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment We welcome the Chief Executive's statement that she they have made of the risks attributed to the wooden would not proceed with the second reading of the bill, if cladding of flats and terraced homes in England. the fears and anxieties of the people of Hong Kong were [HL16215] not addressed. It is vital that Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and the rights and freedoms set down in the Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: In December 2018, the Joint Declaration are respected in full. Government banned combustible materials in the external walls of new high-rise residential buildings that contain flats, as well as hospitals, residential care premises, Hong Kong: Politics and Government student accommodation and residential accommodation in schools for those buildings which have a top storey more Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick than 18 metres above ground level. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment The Department started in December 2018 a technical they have made of (1) recent protests in Hong Kong, review of the statutory guidance to the Building and (2) the impact of plans to allow extradition to China Regulation dealing with fire safety. A call for evidence on the judicial independence of Hong Kong. [HL16286] was published on 18 December 2018 and closed on 15

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March 2019. The call for evidence asked for views on the Israel: West Bank trigger heights and thresholds used in the document. Asked by Baroness Tonge To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Iran: Nuclear Power they have made of the Israeli Civil Administration's Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick powers to demolish, within 96 hours, any type of new building in Area C of the West Bank without any To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they opportunity for appeal. [HL16226] have to review the UK’s participation in the Iran nuclear agreement following escalating tensions in the Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have repeatedly region. [HL16433] made clear to the Israeli authorities our serious concern at the increase in demolitions of Palestinian properties in Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We regard the Joint Area C of the West Bank. We call on them to cease the Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) as a crucial policy of demolitions and provide a clear, transparent agreement that makes the world a safer place by route to construction for Palestinians in Area C. neutralising the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran. We are urging Iran not to take escalatory steps and to continue to meet its commitments under the deal. While Iran is in Jerusalem: Archaeological Sites compliance, we remain fully committed to the JCPoA, a Asked by Baroness Tonge key achievement of the global nuclear non-proliferation architecture, which is in our shared security interests. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the security of archaeological sites in East Jerusalem. [HL16228] Israel: Lebanon Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have not made any Asked by Lord Hylton assessment of the security of archaeological sites in East To ask Her Majesty's Government how they assess Jerusalem. We regularly make clear our serious concerns progress in negotiations between Israel and Lebanon about the situation in East Jerusalem to the Israeli about offshore gas and oil, in particular over the Block authorities, both bilaterally and in co-operation with EU 9 oilfield; and whether they are able to provide partners. We are strongly opposed to any attempts to technical assistance to the parties involved with change the facts on the ground in the East Jerusalem. offshore resources in the eastern Mediterranean. [HL16308] Jerusalem: Religious Buildings Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We welcome attempts Asked by Baroness Tonge by all parties involved in negotiations over the maritime border to find a solution which is acceptable to all sides. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment A deal is in everyone’s interests and the UK stands ready they have made of the number of incursions onto the to support. Al-Aqsa compound by Israeli settlers and reports that they are supported by Israeli forces and encouraged by some Israeli politicians. [HL16229] Israel: Palestinians Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are concerned by Asked by Baroness Tonge recent tensions and violence at the Haram al Sharif/Temple Mount, and urge all parties to avoid To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment provocation and work to uphold the status quo. In our they have made of reports of the treatment by Israel of meetings with the Israeli authorities we regularly raise the Palestinian children who have been shot by Israeli need to respect the status quo on the holy sites in forces, prevented from immediate medical help and Jerusalem. The Minister for the Middle East expressed the taken into Israeli custody without family support. Government's concern at recent escalations at the Haram [HL16227] al Sharif/Temple Mount with Israel's Ambassador to Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We continue to have London on 11 June. strong concerns about continued reports of ill-treatment of Palestinian minors in Israeli military detention and to seek Lendy improvements to Israeli practices. Officials from our Embassy in Tel Aviv last raised our concerns with the Asked by Lord Myners Israeli Ministry of Justice on 6 June. We also regularly To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, when press Israel on the use of live fire, particularly against authorising Lendy, the Financial Conduct Authority children, and urge unimpeded access to medical (FCA) considered the company to be (1) an agent, or treatment. (2) a principal, in the relationship between the lender or Page 10 24 June 2019 Written Answers

borrower; or whether the FCA took no view on this The Sector Deal includes £32 million of joint funding matter. [HL16212] for an industry-led supply chain competitiveness programme to help improve productivity in the UK Lord Young of Cookham: This is a matter for the supply chain and assure international competitiveness. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which is operationally independent from Government. The We are determined to ensure that the UK continues to question has been passed on to the FCA. The FCA will be one of the most competitive locations in the world for reply directly to Lord Myners by letter. A copy of the the automotive sector. BEIS Ministers and officials letter will be placed in the Library of the House. regularly engage with the automotive industry, including bilaterals with manufacturers, interactions via trade Money Laundering associations, and through the Department’s participation in the Automotive Council. Asked by Baroness Stern To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they Opiates: Prescriptions have made in addressing the findings of the report by Asked by The Lord Bishop of Carlisle the Office for Professional Body AML Supervision (OPBAS) Anti-Money Laundering Supervision by the To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they Legal and Accountancy Professional Body Supervisors: have, if any, to ensure that individuals prescribed opioid Themes from the 2018 OPBAS anti-money laundering medication for chronic pain have their prescriptions supervisory assessments; and what areas they have reviewed on an annual basis. [HL16187] identified as key for OPBAS’s supervisory plans for Baroness Barran: The General Medical Council’s 2019. [HL16281] (GMC’s) ethical guidance Good practice in prescribing Lord Young of Cookham: In response to the and managing medicines and devices (2013) sets out that recommendation from the Treasury Select Committee with all prescriptions, it is expected that clinicians make following its recent Inquiry into Economic Crime, HM sure that suitable arrangements are in place for Treasury will publish a detailed consideration of the monitoring, follow-up and review, taking account of the process for responding to a recommendation from the patients’ needs and any risks arising from the medicines. Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering A copy of the GMC guidance is attached. Supervision (OPBAS) for the removal of a professional The Answer includes the following attached material: body’s status as an anti-money laundering (AML) supervisor, including management of changes in Prescribing_guidance [prescribing-guidance_pdf-59055247.pdf] supervisory responsibilities, by September 2019. The next The material can be viewed online at: steps in strengthening the UK’s approach to AML http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- supervision will be set out more fully through an answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2019-06-10/HL16187 Economic Crime Plan, which is due to be published in July 2019. This question has also been passed on to the Paedophilia: Social Media Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), within which OPBAS is housed. The FCA will reply directly to Asked by Lord Moonie Baroness Stern by letter. A copy of the letter will be To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are placed in the Library of the House. taking, or intend to take, to address the number of paedophiles operating on Twitter and other social media Motor Vehicles: Manufacturing Industries platforms. [HL16206] Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government set To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are out plans for tackling online harms and keeping children taking to increase productivity in the UK automotive safe online, including from child sexual exploitation and sector. [HL16225] abuse (CSEA), in the Online Harms White Paper. The White Paper sets out our plans for world-leading Lord Henley: The UK already has one of the most legislation to make the UK the safest place in the world to productive automotive sectors in the world. In 2018 be online and hold companies to account for tackling a productivity levels in the sector were at wide range of online harms. £100,600/employee, a real term increase of 4.6% over This includes an overarching statutory duty of care on 2017, and 42% higher than overall UK manufacturing companies: this will place a legal responsibility on productivity. The Government has a long-standing companies in scope to take reasonable steps to keep their programme of support to maintain the productivity and users safe and tackle illegal and harmful activity on their competitiveness of the UK automotive sector. Through services. This will be overseen and enforced by an our Industrial Strategy and landmark Automotive Sector independent regulator. Deal, we are placing the UK at the forefront of new automotive technology development. The regulator will issue codes of practice that set out what companies should do to fulfil their new duty of care. Written Answers 24 June 2019 Page 11

Reflecting the threat to national security or the physical Pensioners safety of children, the regulator will require companies to take particularly robust action to tackle terrorist or CSEA Asked by Lord Forsyth of Drumlean content. The Government will publish interim codes of To ask Her Majesty's Government what are (1) the practice providing guidance about tackling terrorist benefits, and (2) the concessions, provided exclusively activity and online CSEA later this year. to people of pensionable age; and what are the costs of In addition, the Home Secretary has been clear with each to the Exchequer. [HL16192] industry that they should be proactive in combatting child Lord Young of Cookham: In total, DWP expenditure sexual exploitation. The Home Secretary set out five key to people of pensionable age in 2017/18 was £123.8bn demands of industry at his speech at the NSPCC on 3 and this includes benefits payable to pensioners but not September, including stopping online grooming and live- exclusive to that group such as: Disability Living streaming of abuse. Allowance; Personal Independence Payment; Christmas As part of this commitment to protect children from Bonus; and Cold Weather Payments. Exclusive pensioner online harms, in November the Home Secretary co-hosted benefits are listed below : the Microsoft-led Hackathon in the US, where he met Pensioner benefit expenditure 2017/18 with leading industry stakeholders to identify robust ways to tackle and prevent child sexual abuse on the internet. A Attendance Allowance £5.74bn prototype tool was developed at the Hackathon that can Pension Credit £5.57bn be used to automatically flag potential conversations taking place between online groomers and children, which State Pension (bSP and nSP £97.38bn will be licensed free of charge to technology companies combined) worldwide. In June the Home Secretary also announced Winter Fuel Payments £2.1bn an additional £300,000 to take forward new technological innovations to target livestreaming of child abuse. Free TV Licences £655m

Pakistan: Minority Groups Pupils: Travellers Asked by Lord Gordon of Strathblane Asked by Lord Judd To ask Her Majesty's Government what To ask Her Majesty's Government what measures representations they have made to the government of they have in place to safeguard against bullying and Pakistan about addressing hate speech against harassment of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children in Christians and other minorities in schools, the schools and to prevent off-loading of Gypsy, Roma and workplace and places of worship. [HL16351] Traveller children when any such bullying and harassment occurs. [HL16313] Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We regularly raise our concerns about the protection of minority communities, Lord Agnew of Oulton: The government has sent a including religious minorities, with the Pakistani clear message to schools that bullying is unacceptable and Government at a senior level. I raised the treatment of should never be tolerated. All schools are legally required religious minority communities with Pakistan's Federal to have a behaviour policy with measures to prevent all Minister for Human Rights, Dr Shireen Mazari, during forms of bullying. The public sector Equality Duty means my visit to Islamabad in February. While in Pakistan, I that schools must have due regard to the need to eliminate also met a range of Pakistan's faith leaders to discuss unlawful discrimination, harassment, and victimisation. freedom of religion or belief. Schools must also have regard to the need to foster good relations between people who share a protected Under the Government's Magna Carta Fund for Human characteristic, including race, and people who do not Rights and Democracy, the UK has supported projects in share it. Policies should reflect this where appropriate. We Pakistan to promote greater tolerance and religious have issued guidance to schools about how to prevent and freedom. In November 2018, the Government announced respond to bullying as part of their overall behaviour a new £12m fund to bolster the work of civil society and policy. NGOs to promote respect and the value of religious The department is providing over £2.8 million of diversity and tolerance. funding between September 2016 and March 2020 to 4 We continue to urge the government of Pakistan to anti-bullying organisations to support schools tackle guarantee the rights of all people in Pakistan as laid down bullying. This includes the Anne Frank Trust, who have in the Constitution and in accordance with international developed the Free to Be debate programme, encouraging standards. It is vital that Pakistan guarantees the rights of pupils to think about the importance of tackling prejudice, all its citizens, regardless of ethnicity or belief. discrimination, and bullying.

Page 12 24 June 2019 Written Answers

The department’s preventing and tackling bullying Lord Agnew of Oulton: The department will take a guidance is clear that schools should do all they can to collaborative and consultative approach in delivering the ensure bullied pupils continue to attend school. Removing recommendations of Edward Timpson’s review. bullied pupils from school, even for a short time, disrupts Over the summer, we will work with education leaders their education, and fails to address the causes of the to design a consultation on how to reform school problem. accountability for children who are excluded, and how we In 2017, the department wrote to all secondary schools, can enable schools to fulfil new accountabilities through reminding them of the rules surrounding exclusion. All reform to commissioning and funding arrangements for schools must notify the local authority when a pupil’s alternative provision. This consultation will launch in the name is to be deleted from the admission register. The autumn. law is clear that a pupil’s name can only be deleted from The department will also consult widely in responding the admission register on the grounds prescribed in to several of Edward Timpson’s other recommendations, regulation 8 of the Education (Pupil Registration) including the revision of guidance relating to behaviour (England) Regulations 2006, as amended. and exclusions, on improvements to the national data on Ofsted already considers records of pupils taken off roll exclusion, and on possible changes to the arrangements and has also recently consulted on proposals that will see for fixed term exclusion. a strengthened focus on this issue. From September 2019, where Ofsted inspectors find off-rolling, this will always Sewage: Tyne and Wear be addressed in the inspection report, and where appropriate will lead to a school’s leadership being judged Asked by Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville inadequate. To ask Her Majesty's Government when the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Roma Holocaust Memorial Day next plans to hold discussions with (1) Northumbrian Water, (2) Sunderland City Council, and (3) South Asked by Lord Judd Tyneside Council, on further reducing the impact of To ask Her Majesty's Government how they will be sewage discharges on beaches at (a) Sunderland, and represented at the Roma Holocaust Memorial Day (b) Whitburn. [HL16239] commemoration in Krakow on 2 August. [HL16311] Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The bathing beaches at Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The British Government Sunderland and Whitburn consistently achieve ‘Good’ or will be represented at the Roma Holocaust Memorial Day ‘Excellent’ quality under the Bathing Waters Directive. commemoration in Krakow on 2 August by The Rt Hon As required environmental standards are being met, the Lord Pickles, Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues. Environment Agency, which acts on behalf of the Government on local environmental planning matters, has School Exclusions Review no immediate plans to meet with Northumbrian Water or the local authorities about reducing the impact of sewage Asked by Baroness Morris of Yardley discharges. The Environment Agency will continue to To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they monitor bathing water quality and meet regularly with have to implement the recommendation in the Timpson Northumbrian Water to discuss any improvements when review of school exclusion to establish "a practice fund they are required. It also gives planning advice to local of sufficient value, longevity and reach". [HL16353] authorities such as Sunderland City Council and South Tyneside Council on any matters that concern bathing Lord Agnew of Oulton: In its response to Edward water quality. Timpson’s review of school exclusion, the government set out its intention to establish a practice programme to build Sewage: Whitburn on the excellent practice identified by Edward Timpson. This programme will embed effective partnership Asked by Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville working between local authorities, schools, alternative To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the provision, and other partners to better equip schools to average volume of storm sewage discharge has reduced intervene early for children at risk of exclusion and to since the completion of the scheme at the Whitburn ensure that the most effective provision is put in place for long sea outfall in December 2017 compared to the those who are excluded. average volume when using the previous system. Asked by Baroness Morris of Yardley [HL16237] To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are Lord Gardiner of Kimble: Based on the current taking to ensure that sector experts are regularly available data there has been an approximate 37% consulted on the implementation of the reduction in spill numbers and a 43% reduction in spill recommendations of the Timpson review of school volume since the completion of the enhancement works, exclusion. [HL16354] against the average for the previous ten year period. Written Answers 24 June 2019 Page 13

Prior to the completion of the enhancement works at State Retirement Pensions: Greater Whitburn long sea outfall, records showed an average of Manchester 27 storm sewage discharge ‘spills’ totalling around 660,000 cubic metres each year for the ten year period Asked by Lord Bradley from 2008 to 2017. To ask Her Majesty's Government how many In 2018, the first year of operation for the enhanced pensioners aged 75 and over receive (1) state pension, system, records show 17 storm sewage discharge ‘spills’ and (2) pensioner credit, in each of the ten districts of totalling around 380,000 cubic metres. Greater Manchester. [HL16301] Asked by Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville Baroness Buscombe: In November 2018, the number To ask Her Majesty's Government what the volume of pensioners aged 75 and over claiming the State Pension of storm sewage discharge has been since the and Pension Credit in the Greater Manchester districts can completion of the scheme at the Whitburn long sea be found in the table below. outfall in each month since December 2017 for which Pension Credit and State Pension Recipients by district figures are available. [HL16238] State Pension Pension Credit Lord Gardiner of Kimble: Verified data is provided for the total volume of discharge for each month between Bolton 21,321 4,859 January 2018 and December 2019 when discharge events Bury 15,189 2,790 occurred. Manchester 21,524 8,290 Date Volume of storm sewage 3 ) discharged (m Oldham 16,374 3,746

3 January 2018 10387.50 m Rochdale 15,231 3,798

3 March 2018 95323.50 m Salford 16,157 4,255

3 April 2018 114946.50 m Stockport 27,258 4,239

3 July 2018 46641.00 m Tameside 17,049 3,790

3 August 2018 55095.00 m Trafford 19,359 3,006

3 September 2018 37882.50 m Wigan 26,354 5,416 October 2018 16317.00 m 3

November 2018 0 m 3 Technology: New Businesses

December 2018 0 m 3 Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are Social Rented Housing taking to continue to increase the number of UK technology business start-ups after Brexit. [HL16222] Asked by Lord Pendry Lord Ashton of Hyde: We are confident the digital To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they technology sector and its startup community will continue have to deliver 90,000 homes for social rent each year to go from strength to strength. As outlined in our Digital in order to assist with (1) the backlog of provision of Strategy and Charter, our ambition is to ensure the UK is affordable housing, and (2) homelessness, as part of the best place in the world to start and grow a digital their forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review. business - and that ambition remains after we leave the [HL16325] EU. Tech Nation and Dealroom have released figures showing that investment in UK tech reached £6.8 billion Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: We have already ($8.7bn) last year and has already reached £3.8 billion announced an additional £2 billion of long term funding ($4.8bn) in the first half of 2019, showing that the UK certainty for housing associations. This extra funding will tech ecosystem is still world-leading and remains in a deliver more affordable homes and stimulate the sector’s strong position. wider building ambitions, through strategic partnerships. Through our extensive engagement with the sector, we Our ten year funding commitment through strategic understand that the primary barriers to growth for startups partnerships marks the first time any government has are having adequate access to both finance and talent. invested such long-term funding in new homes through That is why for finance, Government announced a new housing associations. £2.5 billion British Patient Capital programme, which is We will seek to build on the progress that has been expected to attract a further £5 billion in private made on building new social homes as we approach this investment, in order to support UK companies with high year’s Spending Review. Page 14 24 June 2019 Written Answers growth potential to access the long-term investment they Lord Ashton of Hyde: The BBC is responsible for the need to grow and go global. collection and enforcement of the licence fee, not the To continue to attract international talent, we have Government. Third party sites offering TV Licensing doubled the number of Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visas to services are not endorsed by TV Licensing and customers 2,000, and taken doctors and nurses out of the Tier 2 visa are always advised to contact TV Licensing directly or go cap, freeing up many more skilled worker visas to other to the official site at www.tvlicensing.co.uk. Further sectors, including tech. At the end of March this year, information is available to the public on the official TV Home Office launched the new Start-Up and Innovator Licensing website at: visa routes for entrepreneurs, which will replace a route https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/faqs/FAQ312 exclusively for graduates, opening it up to other talented However, the Government expects the BBC to consider business founders. what steps it can take to reduce the impact of these third In the Autumn Budget 2017 we also announced party services where customers are being misled. investment of £21 million to expand Tech City UK into a Asked by Lord Truscott nationwide network – Tech Nation – aimed at accelerating the growth of the digital tech sector across To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the the country. The funding will help Tech Nation support decision by the BBC to abolish free TV licences for 40,000 entrepreneurs and up to 4,000 start-ups as they people over 75, whether they intend to cease to provide scale their businesses across the UK including Belfast, funding to that organisation. [HL16289] Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Newcastle. And at London Tech Asked by Lord Truscott Week last week, the PM launched a study into tech competitiveness - this will identify key opportunities and To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment support mechanisms for business growth in the digital they have made of any change to the consumption of tech sector. TV and radio content; and whether they intend to abolish the TV licence fee. [HL16290] Television: Licensing Lord Ashton of Hyde: The BBC is a world-class Asked by Lord Beecham broadcaster and a cultural institution producing some of the best television and radio in the world. As the To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are Secretary of State said in the House on 12 June 2019: ’the taking to ensure that households with people over the BBC is a fundamental part of the social and economic age of 75 entitled to, but not in receipt of, pension credit fabric of this country. It is important for people of all exercise their entitlement to that benefit and continue to ages, but particularly older people who value television as receive free TV licences. [HL16240] a way to stay connected with the world’. The Licence Fee Lord Ashton of Hyde: The Government agreed with is part of a funding settlement agreed with the BBC as the BBC at the 2015 funding settlement that responsibility part of the Royal Charter. The Government has for the over 75s licence fee concession transfers to the committed to maintain the licence fee funding model for BBC from June 2020. The BBC has decided to restrict the the BBC for the duration of the new 11 year Charter concession to those over 75 in receipt of Pension Credit, period, which began in 2017. and has outlined a number of measures to keep those affected informed and encourage take up of Pension War Memorials: Greater London Credit. These measures include running outreach events and a public information campaign, and working with Asked by Lord West of Spithead older people’s groups, charities and voluntary To ask Her Majesty's Government which government organisations. The Secretary of State told the House on 11 department owns the Royal Naval Division memorial June that he will discuss with the BBC further measures on Horse Guards Parade; and which department is the BBC can implement to help older pensioners, responsible for its upkeep. [HL16339] including promoting take up of Pension Credit. Asked by Lord West of Spithead Asked by Lord Truscott To ask Her Majesty's Government which government To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they department is responsible for the supply of water to the have to take action against third party organisations Royal Naval Division memorial on Horse Guards which charge TV licence fee payers for services which Parade; and why that water does not run continuously. are provided for free by TV Licensing. [HL16360] [HL16340] Asked by Lord Truscott Lord Agnew of Oulton: In 2015, the Department for To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Education took ownership of the Old Admiralty Building Written Answer by Lord Ashton of Hyde on 13 June (OAB) freehold. One of the key responsibilities, linked to (HL16067), what action they are taking to prevent third the freehold, is to act as the custodian of the Royal Naval parties from misleading BBC customers and such Division memorial. As part of this, the department is customers incurring unnecessary costs. [HL16361] responsible for the maintenance of the memorial. Written Answers 24 June 2019 Page 15

Since taking the freehold, the department has been Water companies have a statutory duty to provide clean undertaking a major refurbishment of the OAB. This and reliable water to customers under the Water Industry includes significant construction work and, to enable this, Act 1991. To fulfil this duty there is a statutory the building services have been temporarily requirement to maintain water resources management disconnected/reduced. plans, which balance water supply and demand at least The refurbishment programme is due to complete in twenty-five years into the future. November 2019. Once the building services are re- The government, the Environment Agency and Ofwat commissioned, the water supply to the memorial will be issued guidance to water companies in 2016 on how they connected. should be planning to supply water to a growing In early 2020, the freehold for the OAB will transfer to population, while protecting and enhancing our Government Property Agency and they will become the environment, including taking appropriate action to custodian of the Royal Naval Division memorial. respond to climate projections. Water companies are currently revising their plans. The government is taking steps to improve water Water Supply resources planning to ensure that there is better Asked by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch collaboration between water companies and other water using sectors on their water supply resilience. This To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are includes the Environment Agency developing a National taking to balance the demands for water from a growing Framework for water resources, which use evidence to population with the amount of water in the environment illustrate the regional and national challenge of water that can sustainably be withdrawn as a result of the availability. The government has also consulted on impact of climate change. [HL16245] legislative improvements to ensure that water companies’ Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The government is plans are informed by effective collaboration. working closely with other water regulators and the water The Environment Agency is also implementing the industry to improve the resilience of water supplies. The abstraction plan, published in 2017. This includes work to government recognises continued action is required and it bring together the Environment Agency, abstractors and is committed to a ‘twin track approach’, of reducing catchment groups to develop local solutions to protect and demand for water and increasing supply in parallel. enhance the environment, and improve access to water.

Index to Statements and Answers

Written Statements ...... 1 Motor Vehicles: Manufacturing Industries ...... 10 ECOFIN ...... 1 Opiates: Prescriptions ...... 10 EU Environment Council ...... 1 Paedophilia: Social Media ...... 10 High Speed Rail (West Midlands to Crewe) Bill . 2 Pakistan: Minority Groups ...... 11 Written Answers ...... 3 Pensioners ...... 11 Africa: Visas ...... 3 Pupils: Travellers ...... 11 Arcadia Group: Pensions ...... 3 Roma Holocaust Memorial Day ...... 12 Armed Forces: Gambling ...... 3 School Exclusions Review ...... 12 Bahrain: Human Rights ...... 4 Sewage: Tyne and Wear ...... 12 Buildings: Climate Change ...... 4 Sewage: Whitburn ...... 12 Business: Cybercrime ...... 4 Social Rented Housing ...... 13 Business: Education...... 5 State Retirement Pensions: Greater Manchester 13 Chemicals: Regulation...... 5 Technology: New Businesses ...... 13 Children: Day Care ...... 5 Television: Licensing ...... 14 Commonwealth: Trade ...... 5 War Memorials: Greater London ...... 14 Education: Travellers...... 6 Water Supply ...... 15 Election Offences: Prosecutions ...... 6 Financial Services ...... 6 Foreign Investment in UK ...... 7 GAM Greensill Supply Chain Finance Fund ...... 7 Gaza: Fisheries ...... 7 Gender Recognition: Children ...... 7 Hebron ...... 7 High Speed One: Shareholders ...... 8 Hong Kong: Extradition ...... 8 Hong Kong: Politics and Government...... 8 House of Lords Composition ...... 8 Housing: Fire Prevention ...... 8 Iran: Nuclear Power ...... 9 Israel: Lebanon ...... 9 Israel: Palestinians ...... 9 Israel: West Bank ...... 9 Jerusalem: Archaeological Sites ...... 9 Jerusalem: Religious Buildings ...... 9 Lendy ...... 9 Money Laundering ...... 10