Session 2019-21 Tuesday No. 43 24 March 2020

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

HOUSE OF LORDS

WRITTEN STATEMENTS AND WRITTEN ANSWERS

Written Statements ...... 1 Written Answers ...... 6

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

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

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Written Statements 24 March 2020 Page 1

• The lender must establish that the SME has a viable Written Statements business proposition assessed according to its normal commercial lending criteria. However, where there are Tuesday, 24 March 2020 some concerns over the short-term business performance due to Covid-19 impacts, provided the Contingencies Fund Bill lender reasonably believes that the finance will help the [HLWS177] business to ‘trade out’ of any short-term cashflow difficulty, then the business is considered eligible for The Earl of Courtown: I have made a statement under the scheme; and Section 19(1)(a) of the Human Rights Act 1998 that, in my view, the provisions of the Contingencies Fund Bill • Subject to the lender’s policy, businesses can access are compatible with the convention rights. A copy of the CBILS loans up to a value of £250,000 without the statement has been placed in the Library of the House. lender undertaking an assessment of their security position (currently, only businesses that have been Departmental Contingent Liability: assessed by the lender as having insufficient security can access EFG loans). Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan The new scheme was launched on 23 March, will run Scheme for an initial period of six months, and will be extended as [HLWS172] required. The Government will be subject to a greater Lord Callanan: My Right Honourable friend the contingent liability than is the case for the Enterprise Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Finance Guarantee, and I will be laying a Departmental Strategy (Alok Sharma) has today made the following Minute today containing a description of the liability statement: undertaken. I am tabling this statement for the benefit of For more information on this and other support for Honourable and Right Honourable Members to bring to business, please go to: their attention the details of the Coronavirus Business https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/ Interruption Loan Scheme announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 11 March 2020. Media Matters The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme [HLWS178] will be facilitated by the Government-owned British Business Bank and delivered through its delivery partners. Baroness Barran: My Right Honourable Friend the Lenders will offer loans of up to £5 million to support Secretary of State for Digital, Culture Media and Sport, small and medium sized businesses with a turnover up to Oliver Dowden MP, has made the following Statement: £45 million that are affected by the coronavirus outbreak. On 22 January 2020, DCMS informed the House that There will be no limit on the number and aggregate value my predecessor had issued a Public Interest Intervention of loans that can be made under the scheme. Notice (PIIN) in respect of the acquisition by Daily Mail The scheme is based on the British Business Bank’s and General Trust (DMGT) of JPI Media Publications existing Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme, is Ltd, and thus the i newspaper. available on a temporary basis and can be extended as The PIIN triggered the requirement for the Competition required. The key parameters of the scheme are as and Markets Authority (CMA) to report to me on follows: jurisdictional and competition matters, and for Ofcom to • The percentage of the remaining balance of each loan report on the following media public interest that is guaranteed by the Government will be increased consideration: to 80 per cent (currently 75 per cent of each EFG loan • the need for, to the extent that it is reasonable and is guaranteed); practicable, a sufficient plurality of views in newspapers in each market for newspapers in the • A cap on gross Government liability at the level of the United Kingdom or a part of the United Kingdom. lender’s whole CBILS portfolio of 75 per cent of losses (currently the Government’s gross liability is capped at I received the CMA and Ofcom reports on by the 20 per cent of losses across the lender’s whole EFG deadline of 13 March and have today published these on portfolio); the gov.uk website. • A government grant (the 'business interruption I accept the CMA’s findings that whilst it is, or may be, payment') will be provided for the benefit of businesses, the case that a relevant merger situation has been created, equal to the fees and interest incurred on the facility for the merger does not give rise to a realistic prospect of a the first twelve months. The maximum grant payable is substantial lessening of competition in any market. capped at a level that will allow a significant majority I have also agreed with Ofcom that the merger does not of businesses to be compensated in full. A lower cap raise concerns in relation to plurality of views in applies to businesses in some sectors; newspapers. Page 2 24 March 2020 Written Statements

In light of this, and having considered representations A full departmental Minute has been laid in the House submitted by interested parties in response to the PIIN, of Commons providing more detail on this contingent DCMS has written to the parties today confirming my liability. decision not to refer the merger for a Phase 2 investigation. RAF Battle Honours: Operation TELIC The role of the Secretary of State in this process is (Post-war) quasi-judicial and procedures are in place to ensure that I [HLWS173] act independently and have followed a process which is fair and impartial. Baroness Goldie: On the 10 October 2017, the Minister in the House of Lords made a Written Notification of Contingent Liability Ministerial Statement announcing the award of Battle Honours to squadrons of Her Majesty’s Royal Air Force, [HLWS180] for their participation in Operation TELIC Post-War Lord Agnew of Oulton: My right honourable friend Consolidation and Reconstruction Phase during the period the Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rishi Sunak) has today 1 May 2003 – 22 May 2011. made the following Written Ministerial Statement. I am today announcing that Her Majesty The Queen has The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of been graciously pleased to approve the award of a Battle England decided at its meeting ending on 19 March to ask Honour to one further squadron of Her Majesty’s Royal for an expansion in the maximum limit of purchases that Air Force for their participation in Operation TELIC Post- may be undertaken by the Asset Purchase Facility (APF). War Consolidation and Reconstruction Phase during the This will encompass up to £200 billion of further period 1 May 2003 – 22 May 2011. purchases of gilts and corporate bonds to support the Battle Honours may be “awarded to commemorate any economy through the disruption caused by Covid-19. notable battle, action or engagement in which aircrew or Royal Air Force Regiment personnel played a memorable In light of the evidence on the impact of Covid-19 on part”. There are two levels of Battle Honour within the the global and domestic economy, and conditions in the Royal Air Force. The first is the award of a Battle Honour UK and international government bond markets, the MPC which recognises that a squadron played a notable and judged further asset purchases financed by the issuance of significant role in the campaign. The second, higher level central bank reserves should be undertaken to enable the confers the right to emblazon the Battle Honour on the MPC to meet its statutory objectives. The MPC expects Standard itself. This ultimate accolade is reserved for that purchases of corporate bonds will improve the those squadrons which are involved in direct availability of credit to UK companies and that further confrontation with an enemy and demonstrate gallantry purchases of gilts will reduce borrowing costs, raise asset and spirit under fire. prices, affect expectations and confidence, and thereby support the economy. I have therefore authorised an In addition to the twenty-seven Battle Honours and increase in the total size of the APF of £200 billion. This eight Battle Honours with the right to emblazon will bring the maximum total size of the APF from £445 previously approved for squadron’s participation on to £645 billion. Operation TELIC, one further operational flying squadron has been approved for the award of a Battle Honour. In line with the requirements in the MPC remit, the A Battle Honour is awarded to: amendments to the APF that could affect the allocation of credit and pose risks to the Exchequer have been No. 78 Squadron RAF. discussed with Treasury officials. The risk control framework previously agreed with the Treasury will RAF Battle Honours: Operations in remain in place, and HM Treasury will keep monitoring Afghanistan risks to public funds from the Facility through regular risk oversight meetings and enhanced information sharing [HLWS175] with the Bank. Baroness Goldie: I am today announcing that Her Majesty The Queen has been graciously pleased to There will continue to be an opportunity for the approve the award of Battle Honours to squadrons of Her Treasury to provide views to the MPC on the design of Majesty’s Royal Air Force for their participation in the schemes within the APF, as they affect the operations in Afghanistan during the period 7 October Government’s broader economic objectives and may pose 2001 to 31 December 2014. risks to the Exchequer. Battle Honours may be “awarded to commemorate any The Government will continue to indemnify the Bank notable battle, action or engagement in which aircrew or and the APF from any losses arising out of, or in Royal Air Force Regiment personnel played a memorable connection with, the facility. If the liability is called, part”. There are two levels of Battle Honour within the provision for any payment will be sought through the Royal Air Force. The first is the award of a Battle Honour normal supply procedure. which recognises that a squadron played a notable and significant role in the campaign. The second, higher level Written Statements 24 March 2020 Page 3 confers the right to emblazon the Battle Honour on the approve the award of Battle Honours to squadrons of Her Standard itself. Battle Honours with emblazonment are Majesty’s Royal Air Force, for their participation in reserved for those squadrons which are involved in direct Operation VULCAN (Bosnia) during the period August confrontation with an enemy and demonstrate gallantry to September 1995 and Operation BARRAS (Sierra and spirit under fire. Leone) during the period August to September 2000. Six operational flying squadrons and nine Royal Air Battle Honours may be “awarded to commemorate any Force Regiment squadrons were awarded the highest notable battle, action or engagement in which aircrew or honour of a Battle Honour with the right to emblazon. Royal Air Force Regiment personnel played a memorable Battle Honours were approved for twenty-six operational part”. There are two levels of Battle Honour within the flying squadrons for their participation in operations in Royal Air Force. The first is the award of a Battle Honour Afghanistan. which recognises that a squadron played a notable and A Battle Honour with the right to emblazon significant role in the campaign. The second, higher level ‘AFGHANISTAN 2001-2014’ on their Squadron confers the right to emblazon the Battle Honour on the Standard is awarded to: Standard itself. This ultimate accolade of Battle Honours with emblazonment is reserved for those squadrons which No. 7 Squadron RAF No. 3 Squadron RAF Regiment are involved in direct confrontation with an enemy and No. 18 (Bomber) Squadron RAF No. 15 Squadron RAF Regiment demonstrate gallantry and spirit under fire. The highest honour of Battle Honour with the right to No. 27 Squadron RAF No. 27 Squadron RAF Regiment emblazon has been awarded to two squadrons for their No. 28 (Army Cooperation) No. 34 Squadron RAF Regiment participation on Operation VULCAN. Squadron RAF The highest honour of Battle Honour with the right to No. 47 Squadron RAF No. 51 Squadron RAF Regiment emblazon has been awarded to one squadron for their participation on Operation BARRAS. No. 78 Squadron RAF No. 58 Squadron RAF Regiment A Battle Honour with the right to emblazon ‘BOSNIA No. 1 Squadron RAF Regiment No. 63 Squadron RAF Regiment 1995’ on their Squadron Standard is awarded to: No. IV (Army Cooperation) Squadron RAF No. II Squadron RAF Regiment No. 6 Squadron RAF A Battle Honour is awarded to: A Battle Honour with the right to emblazon ‘SIERRA No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron RAF No. 30 Squadron RAF LEONE 2000’ on their Squadron Standard is awarded to:

No. II (Army Cooperation) No. 31 Squadron RAF No. 7 Squadron RAF. Squadron RAF Reserve Forces’ and Cadet Associations: No. 3 (Fighter) Squadron RAF No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron RAF Annual Report No. IV (Army Cooperation) No. 39 Squadron RAF Squadron RAF [HLWS176] Baroness Goldie: My hon. Friend the Minister for the No. V (Army Cooperation) No. 51 Squadron RAF Squadron RAF Armed Forces (James Heappey MP) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement. No. 8 Squadron RAF No. LXX Squadron RAF I am today publishing the report of the Review of the No. IX (Bomber) Squadron RAF No. 99 Squadron RAF Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations 2019. The Review’s purpose was to assess and challenge the No. 10 Squadron RAF No. 101 Squadron RAF continuing requirement, efficiency and good governance No. 12 (Bomber) Squadron RAF No. 120 Squadron RAF of the thirteen RFCAs and, their Joint Committee, the Council of RFCAs. The Review was undertaken by MOD, No. XIII Squadron RAF No. 201 Squadron RAF and an independent Challenge Panel was appointed to No. 14 Squadron RAF No. 206 Squadron RAF assure its robustness and impartiality. The Review was conducted with the full participation of the RFCA No. 23 Squadron RAF No. 216 Squadron RAF community, and gathered evidence from a wide range of stakeholders across government, Defence and the RFCAs’ No. XXIV Squadron RAF No. 617 Squadron RAF customers at the national and regional levels. I would like to thank all those who contributed to the Review. RAF Battle Honours: Operations Vulcan and The Review concluded that the functions of the RFCAs Barras remain valued and necessary and the RFCAs should continue in their role of key partner to Defence – a point [HLWS174] made clear by the wide range of beneficiaries of the Baroness Goldie: I am today announcing that Her RFCAs’ work. The Review makes a number of Majesty The Queen has been graciously pleased to recommendations to strengthen the relationship between Page 4 24 March 2020 Written Statements

Defence and the RFCAs, ensuring the RFCAs are on a and from the Public Administration and Constitutional stable, sustainable footing to continue to deliver advocacy Affairs Committee. and support for Reserves and Cadets across the UK. When Parliamentary time allows, the Government is Defence is currently working with other government minded to bring forward primary legislation to set the departments and the RFCAs to understand how best to framework for future boundary reviews, including the implement the recommendations. This will be announced next review due to begin in early 2021. Such provisions in due course. would cover the number of constituencies, the frequency The Report will be placed in the library of the House. of reviews, the boundary review process, and the process by which those recommendations are brought into legal UK Parliamentary Boundaries effect. Maintaining 650 seats [HLWS179] Legislation currently provides that, on implementation Lord True: My Hon. Friend, the Minister of State for of the 2018 Boundary Review recommendations, the the Cabinet Office (Chloe Smith) has today made the number of constituencies in the UK shall be 600. The following Written Ministerial Statement: Government is minded to instead make provision for the In the written statement of 19 March, ‘Postponement of number of parliamentary constituencies to remain at 650. electoral events’ (HCWS174 and HLWS169), the In doing so, we would also remove the statutory Government outlined its proposals for urgent electoral obligation to implement the 2018 Boundary Review legislation to postpone forthcoming elections as part of recommendations and the statutory obligation on the the wider steps to tackle the spread of the coronavirus. Government to make arrangements to review the Working to ensure the health and safety of the British reduction in constituencies to 600 by 30 November 2020. public is the Government’s top priority. We still however Under current legislation the Boundary Commissions have a responsibility to govern, plan for the future and are required to report on their next review by October ensure that where possible, essential Parliamentary 2023. In order to meet this deadline they would have to business continues and legal obligations are met. begin that review in early 2021. Without changes to The House of Commons may debate the Government’s primary legislation, there would be a legal obligation for policy stance on UK Parliamentary boundaries on Friday the Boundary Commissions to undertake that review on 27 March, in light of the Private Members’ Bill tabled by the basis of 600 constituencies. the Hon. Member for Wellingborough (Peter Bone). This is a change in policy from the position previously I believe clearly setting out the Government’s emerging legislated for under the Coalition Government. Since that policy position would provide clarity for Parliament, the policy was established in the Coalition Agreement, the public and electoral administrators. Given this policy area United Kingdom has now left the European Union. The is of direct relevance to the Commons, it is important that UK Parliament will have a greater workload now we are the first Chamber is properly informed. taking back control and regaining our political and economic independence. It is therefore sensible for the This is also pertinent because at present, the number of parliamentary constituencies to remain at 650. Government is legally required to give effect to the recommendations from the Boundary Commissions as set Electoral quota tolerance out in their 2018 reports - including reducing the number The Boundary Commissions are generally required to of constituencies to 600. In this statement I lay out the propose constituencies whose electorates vary in size by Government’s thinking on this matter. no more than +/- 5% from the average (“the electoral quota”). The Government is not minded to amend this Need for equal and updated boundaries tolerance level which achieves equal and fair boundaries The Conservative Government committed, in its 2019 whilst allowing the Boundary Commissions the flexibility Manifesto, to delivering updated and equal UK to take account of other factors, such as physical Parliamentary boundaries with the essential aim of geographical features and local ties, subject to the making sure that every vote counts the same - a overriding principle of equality in constituency size. cornerstone of democracy. Equal representation The last boundary review to be implemented in England Updated and equal boundaries will ensure that every was based on data from 2000; the last to be implemented constituent nation in the United Kingdom has equal in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland used data from representation in the UK Parliament, and deliver parity of 2001-2003. In effect, our current constituencies reflect representation across the United Kingdom's how the UK population was at the beginning of the constituencies. century. Today’s youngest voters have been born since then: this disregards significant changes in demographics, Under the existing legislation, passed in 2011, there are house building and geographical migration. four protected constituencies where the electoral quota tolerance does not apply on account of their unique The Government has also taken into account geography: Orkney and Shetland, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, representations from colleagues on all sides of the House, and two seats for the Isle of Wight. The Government is Written Statements 24 March 2020 Page 5 not minded to make changes to these protected change the means of bringing the Boundary constituencies, or to propose any more protected Commissions’ recommendations into effect. The new constituencies given the need to ensure equal recommended constituency boundaries will be brought representation. into effect automatically by the Order in Council. Boundary review cycle This change would provide certainty that the Under the current legislation, boundary reviews must recommendations of the independent Boundary take place every five years. As the Government also Commissions - developed through a robust and impartial intends to repeal the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011, process that is open to extensive consultation - would then future boundary reviews will inevitably be decoupled be implemented without interference. Parliament, of from the cycle of general elections. We need to strike a course, would remain sovereign and can amend primary balance between regularly updated parliamentary legislation as it sees fit. constituencies and the disruption caused to local Engagement with political parties communities and their MPs by boundaries changing at The Government is keen to establish the broad support every general election. of Parliament for such changes and will engage with the The Government is minded to consider that conducting political parties represented in the UK Parliament on such boundary reviews every eight years strikes the right proposals. balance. An eight-year review cycle would generally This will include engagement with the Parliamentary allow for updated constituencies to be in place for two Parties Panel on the technical measures planned. These general elections before being reviewed in time for a third include provisions relating to the length of time the general election. Boundary Commissions have to conduct their reviews Implementing the recommendations of the independent within the boundary review cycle and the process Boundary Commissions involved in the reviews, such as public hearings and Currently, at the end of a boundary review, the consultation. I hope there is scope for broad cross-party Government lays the reports of the independent and agreement on such improvements. impartial Boundary Commissions before Parliament. The In due course, the Government hopes that such reforms recommendations contained in the reports are then will strengthen democratic accountability of Parliament to brought into effect by way of an Order in Council that the British people. must be approved by Parliament by the affirmative I hope this provides clarity on the Government’s policy procedure before it can be made. intent over this Parliament. Of course, as stated above, the The Government is minded to continue to provide that Government’s immediate legislative priority will be the reports are still laid before Parliament (by the Speaker taking the necessary steps to protect the health and safety who is Chair of the Boundary Commissions) but would of the British public.

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such, we will continue to support and celebrate cultural Written Answers cooperation with EU Member States - with whom we share our history and values - as well as with partners Tuesday, 24 March 2020 around the world to ensure the UK’s vibrant cultural and creative industries continue to thrive. Aerospace Industry Asbestos Asked by Baroness Randerson Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the annual value of the aerospace sector to the UK economy. To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they [HL2449] intend to (1) maintain the total prohibition on the use of asbestos, and (2) rule out any instance of permitting Lord Callanan: In 2018, the UK aerospace sector had products containing up to one per cent of asbestos as an annual turnover of around £33 billion, the majority of per regulations in the United States, after December which was generated through exports. Between 2009 and 2020. [HL2312] 2019, the sector had an average gross value added (GVA) of £9 billion, accounting for 5% of the UK’s total Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: At the end of the manufacturing GVA. During this period, productivity transition period, the European Union (Withdrawal) Act growth in the sector (measured by GVA per job) grew at a 2018 (as amended by the European Union (Withdrawal pace of over four times that of the UK economy as a Agreement) Act 2020) will convert the Registration, whole Evaluation, Authorisation & restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation into domestic law. All existing EU REACH restrictions will be carried over to UK REACH Animal Products and Food: Imports at that point, including those relating to asbestos. Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick The Government has no plans to revise these restrictions or alter the way asbestos is regulated in the To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their policy UK. on the maintenance of sanitary and phytosanitary standards for imported (1) agrifood, and (2) animal, Asylum products after the transition period. [HL2589] Asked by Baroness Finlay of Llandaff Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The Government remains committed to promoting robust food standards nationally To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people and internationally, to protect animal and plant health and qualified for asylum in the UK in each of the last three consumer interests, and ensure that consumers can have years; and how many of those people were known to be confidence in the food they buy. We will keep our qualified doctors. [HL2327] existing UK legislation, and the EU (Withdrawal) Act Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Home Office 2018 carried over EU law into UK law, ready for the end does not record the number of those that have been of the Transition Period. Decisions on food safety and granted asylum in the UK over the past three years that sanitary and phytosanitary standards will be based on are known to be qualified Doctors. independent, science and evidence-based advice. The Home Office publishes a range of data on asylum seekers and refugees in the ‘Immigration Statistics Arts: UK Relations with EU Quarterly Release’. The number of asylum grants for the last three years is within the table below and can be found Asked by Lord Black of Brentwood in table ASY_02a of the published Immigration statistics To ask Her Majesty's Government why any reference www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration- to the creative industries was omitted from the statistics-year-ending-december-2019/list-of- proposals contained in The Future Relationship with the tables#asylum-and-resettlement EU: The UK’s Approach to Negotiations (CP211), 2017 2018 2019 published in February. [HL2412] Total grants 6,779 6,931 10,804 Baroness Barran: The creative industries are diverse in nature, and therefore a number of cross-cutting areas Asylum 5,957 5,557 9,404 within the proposals will be relevant to them. We want a Humanitarian 146 582 642 relationship with the EU which is based on friendly Protection cooperation between sovereign equals, and centred on Discretionary 84 104 71 free trade. As part of this, the UK is committed to Leave supporting its thriving cultural and creative economy. In UASC Leave 417 344 181 2018, the Creative Industries contributed over £111bn to the UK economy, exporting over £35bn in services. As Other Grants 175 344 506 Written Answers 24 March 2020 Page 7

Civil Service: Location Lord Callanan: The deadline for implementing the EU Copyright Directive is 7 June 2021. The United Kingdom Asked by Lord Allen of Kensington left the European Union on the 31 January and the To ask Her Majesty's Government how many of the transition period will end on 31 December 2020. 22,000 civil service roles due to be moved out of Therefore, the United Kingdom will not be required to London will be (1) of Grade 7 or below, and (2) of implement the Directive, and the Government has no Grade SCS1 and above; and when they expect these plans to do so. roles will be filled. [HL2596] Coronavirus: Northern Ireland Lord True: The Government has committed to relocating a minimum of 22,000 Civil Service roles Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick outside of central London over the next decade, this will To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions include the West Midlands alongside other parts of the they have had with the Northern Ireland Executive on UK. There is now a policy presumption against the the containment of COVID-19 in Northern Ireland. creation of new public bodies in London. [HL2561] As part of the Places for Growth programme, the Government will seek to establish sustainable career Viscount Younger of Leckie: The UK-wide response pathways into senior grades so that London is not the only to Covid-19 has been a collaboration between the UK route for progression to the Senior Civil Service. The Government and the Devolved Administrations. It is programme is working with departments and public important that Ministers and officials continue to bodies to develop plans that ensure that roles across all cooperate fully and openly regarding the response to grades are relocated. Covid-19. NIO Ministers have been attending COBR meetings alongside the NI Health Minister and the First Minister COE Parliamentary Assembly and deputy First Minister for Northern Ireland. The Asked by Lord Balfe Department is also speaking regularly to the Northern Ireland party leaders. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment NIO officials maintain close regular contact with the NI they have made of any reputational damage to the UK Civil Service, coordinating the public health response, caused by parliamentarians they appoint to the ensuring provision for Northern Ireland is included in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Coronavirus Bill currently going through Parliament, and joining political groupings which include establishing a UK-wide approach to Covid-19 parliamentarians with extremist views. [HL2411] preparations. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: All members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe are Domestic Appliances: Labelling elected or appointed from the members of their national parliaments. Membership of the political groupings within Asked by Lord Shipley the Parliamentary Assembly is a matter for the political To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration groups themselves. they have given to requiring manufacturers to fit white goods with a standardised rating plate in an identical position on all such goods for the purpose of easy College of Policing: Recruitment product identification. [HL2455] Asked by Lord Wasserman Asked by Lord Shipley To ask Her Majesty's Government when they plan to To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration advertise for a permanent Chair of the College of they have given to improving the traceability of white Policing. [HL2473] goods. [HL2456] Baroness Williams of Trafford: The process to recruit Lord Callanan: The Government recognises the value a permanent Chair of the College of Policing will of being able to identify a product following a product commence shortly and will follow the process set out in safety incident. Under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) the Governance Code on Public Appointments. Regulations 2016, before placing electrical equipment on the market, a manufacturer must ensure that it bears a Copyright: EU Law type, batch or serial number to allow for its identification. Research commissioned by the Office for Product Asked by Baroness Quin Safety and Standards (OPSS) has identified a number of To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their policy potential systems for the indelible marking of white regarding UK implementation of the 2019 Copyright goods. OPSS will further explore with key stakeholders Directive. [HL2557] the barriers which are currently preventing industry from implementing such a system. Page 8 24 March 2020 Written Answers

Domestic Appliances: Registration investment to support the Executive in delivering the public’s priorities. The Northern Ireland economy will Asked by Lord Shipley benefit from other announcements in the Budget on tax To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration cuts, including an increase to National Insurance they have given to the introduction of compulsory thresholds and the Employment Allowance. product registration of white goods at point of sale. The Budget also allocated an additional £260m to [HL2454] Northern Ireland for Covid-19 related measures. The Budget and subsequent announcements by the Chancellor Lord Callanan: The Government encourages has provided the Northern Ireland Executive with over consumers to register their domestic appliances and is £900m to support people and business in Northern Ireland taking proactive steps to increase the rates of product through the impacts of Covid-19. registration in the UK. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has undertaken research to survey over 4,000 consumers to understand their attitudes to product Electric Vehicles safety, including product registration. Asked by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth In January 2020, OPSS began a product registration To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are research trial with the aim of increasing product taking to promote the use of electric cars by the public registration rates by applying behavioural principles. The sector. [HL2419] trial will monitor the rates of product registration and the data collected will be used to develop further initiatives to Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Budget 2017 included a increase product registration by consumers. The commitment to “electrify 25% of cars in central Government keeps all options under review and is keen to Government department fleets by 2022” and, as part of ensure that any activity to increase the rate of product the Road to Zero Strategy published in July 2018, the registration is evidence based and proportionate. Government announced a further commitment to make 100% of the central Government car fleet ultra-low Domestic Appliances: Secondhand Goods emission vehicles (zero emission or plug in hybrid) by 2030. Public sector organisations must use the product Asked by Lord Shipley specifications set out in the Government Buying Standards (GBS) when procuring goods or services. For To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration all vehicles the default is zero or ultra-low emission at the they have given to improving the safety of white goods tailpipe. As a minimum, vehicles should meet Euro 6 that are sold second hand. [HL2457] emission standards. Lord Callanan: The law requires that only safe We are investing nearly £2.5 billion, with grants products may be placed on the market, whether they are available for plug in cars, vans, lorries, buses, taxis and new or second hand. Electrical products placed on the motorcycles, as well schemes to support charge point market must comply with the legal safety requirements of infrastructure at homes, workplaces and on residential the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (or of streets. This includes extra funding announced at Budget the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 if 2020 of £532 million for consumer incentives for ultra- they were placed on the market before December 2016). low emission vehicles, made up of £403 million for the The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is plug-in car grant (PICG), extending it to 2022-23; and rolling out training to front line Trading Standards £129.5 million to extend the plug-in grants for vans, taxis Officers on the safety of second-hand electrical goods and motorcycles to 2022-23. Central Government and the later this year. In addition, OPSS will be publishing good wider public sector are able to take advantage of these practice guidance on the responsibilities for those who schemes. sell second-hand electrical goods. The Chief Executive of OPSS has also written to the Charity Retailers Electric Vehicles: Manufacturing Industries Association, urging them to ensure electrical products sold in charity shops are safe. The Association covers Asked by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth almost 9,000 charity and second-hand shops in the UK. To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to promote the manufacture of electric cars in the Economic Situation: Northern Ireland UK. [HL2418] Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Lord Callanan: The Government is seeking to lead the world in the decarbonisation of transport. We are To ask Her Majesty's Government what consulting to bring forward the phaseout of petrol and assessment they have made of the effect of Budget diesel cars and hybrid models by 2035, or earlier. 2020, announced on 11 March, on the Northern Ireland Last October, the Government announced up to £1 economy. [HL2560] billion of additional funding to support electric vehicle Viscount Younger of Leckie: In the Budget, Northern technologies in the UK. This funding will support Ireland was provided with £216m in additional research and development, as well as establish UK supply Written Answers 24 March 2020 Page 9 chains for the large-scale production of electric vehicles. in order to establish a Family Drug and Alcohol Court This will be done through major investments in the team. [HL2398] manufacturing of batteries, electric motors, power Baroness Berridge: We are investing approximately electronics, and hydrogen fuel cells. £17 million in the Supporting Families: Investing in The UK’s Automotive Sector is innovative, productive, Practice (SFIP) programme to roll out innovation models competitive, and well-placed to emerge successfully from that have evidence of successfully keeping families these challenging times. together. Through this programme, we are testing the impact that Exports Family Drug and Alcohol Courts (FDACs) can have in improving outcomes for children and families. Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick The evaluation work carried out by the What Works for To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent Children’s Social Care will help us to identify how best to assessment they have made of the effectiveness of their support vulnerable children and their families through Export Strategy. [HL2647] FDACs. Viscount Younger of Leckie: We launched the Export FDACs offer important support to families. Those local Strategy in August 2018 with the goal of strengthening areas who were unsuccessful in the SFIP programme can the UK’s position as a global trading nation. choose to establish or commission these services locally. The government will be sharing the evaluation of the I’m pleased to say that UK exports are at a record high, programme to help with broader set up. with the latest figures showing exports of £705.1 billion in the 12 months to January 2020. That is an increase of 7% year-on-year. Financial Markets Asked by Lord Myners Family Drug and Alcohol Court To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to secure extra dollar swap arrangements to Asked by Lord Wasserman support trade and financial settlements. [HL2586] To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Lord Agnew of Oulton: Dollar swap line arrangements ministerial visits have been made to Family Drug and are made between central banks, and are therefore a Alcohol Court teams in the last twelve months; and matter for the Bank of England. which teams have been visited. [HL2396] Baroness Berridge: There have been no ministerial Gender Recognition visits made to Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) teams in the last twelve months. Whilst there have been Asked by Lord Lucas no ministerial visits to FDAC teams in the past 12 To ask Her Majesty's Government under which months, the government’s Supporting Families: Investing circumstances a service provider may require a person in Practice programme is currently investing over £17 to provide a gender recognition certificate as a million to enable local authorities to adapt one of three condition of providing services. [HL2348] successful targeted Innovation Programme projects that have the strongest evidence of successfully keeping Baroness Berridge: A Gender Recognition Certificate families together. Local authorities will be supported to is a private, legal document which a person would not embed one of three models and one of these models is usually be required to produce as a condition of accessing FDACs. Expressions of Interest were invited from all services, in the same way that a person would not usually local authorities. The successful local authorities for be asked to produce their birth certificate. If evidence of FDACs were announced on 9 August 2019. Local gender is required to access a service, it will normally be authorities will be ready to start on 1 April 2020 and possible to provide it in the form of other documents, for evaluation will take place over a two-year period. example a driving licence or a passport. Findings are scheduled to be published in Summer 2022. The Equality Act allows service providers to offer services to one sex only, for example men’s or women’s Asked by Lord Wasserman toilets or changing rooms. Transgender people can be To ask Her Majesty's Government how they propose excluded from single-sex facilities if service providers to support Family Drug and Alcohol Court teams have a legitimate reason for doing so and if exclusion is beyond the end of the Supporting Families: Investing in the least discriminatory way to proceed. Practice programme. [HL2397] Asked by Lord Wasserman Government Departments: Construction To ask Her Majesty's Government what support they Asked by Baroness Young of Old Scone will offer to areas which were unsuccessful in applying To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the for Supporting Families: Investing in Practice funding announcement in Autumn Budget 2017, published on Page 10 24 March 2020 Written Answers

22 November 2017, that “the Department for Transport, performance of infrastructure and boost construction the Department of Health, the Department for sector productivity. Education, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Defence will adopt a presumption in favour of offsite construction by 2019 across suitable capital H2O Asset Management programmes”, how often offsite options have been (1) Asked by Lord Myners offered as part of the decision on a contract, (2) agreed, and (3) rejected, by each such Department. [HL2480] To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the announcement by H20 Asset Management on 10 March Asked by Baroness Young of Old Scone that clients face "surprisingly large losses", what plans To ask Her Majesty's Government what reports by (1) they have to investigate that company's risk control the Department for Transport, (2) the Department of strategies and executive leadership. [HL2509] Health, (3) the Department for Education, (4) the Lord Agnew of Oulton: This is a matter for the Ministry of Justice, (5) the Ministry of Defence, and (6) Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which is the Government, have been made on the operationally independent from Government. The implementation and progress towards their policy of question has been passed on to the FCA. The FCA will those Departments adopting a presumption in favour of reply directly to the noble Lord by letter. A copy of the offsite construction by 2019; and whether any such letter will be placed in the Library of the House. reports have been published. [HL2481] Asked by Baroness Young of Old Scone Hereditary Peers: By-elections To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the total value of the offsite construction contracts which have Asked by Lord Grocott been awarded by (1) the Department for Transport, (2) To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker, further to the the Department of Health, (3) the Department for Written Answers by the Senior Deputy Speaker (Lord Education, (4) the Ministry of Justice, and (5) the McFall of Alcluith) on 4 July 2018 (HL8851) and 18 Ministry of Defence, in (a) 2017, (b) 2018, and (c) July 2018 (HL9279), what hereditary peer by-elections 2019. [HL2482] have taken place under the terms of the House of Lords Lord True: The requested contractual information is Act 1999 since the retirement of the Earl Baldwin of not held centrally by the Cabinet Office as these contracts Bewdley on 9 May 2018; and in each of those by- are awarded by departments and their delivery bodies. elections, how many (1) candidates, and (2) electors, Since the announcement of the presumption in favour there were; and what was (a) the number of votes cast of off-site construction, the government has continued to for the winning candidate, and (b) the percentage of the drive the agenda of modernising construction by working electorate who voted, in each case. [HL2681] with the Department for Transport, the Department of Lord McFall of Alcluith: Since the retirement of Earl Health, the Department for Education, the Ministry of Baldwin of Bewdley there have been hereditary peer by- Justice, and the Ministry of Defence, as well as publishing elections held following the deaths of Viscount Slim and documents such as The Construction Sector Deal and Lord Skelmersdale and the retirements of Lord Transforming Infrastructure Performance, which outlines Northbourne and Lord Glentoran. The details of each by- the government’s plan to improve the delivery and election are as follows:

Vacancy created Number of Number of Number of votes Turnout Full details by candidates electors cast for winner Lord Glentoran 11 47 26 91.48% https://www.parliament.uk/documents/lords- information-office/2018/Hereditary-peers- by-election-result-(Glentoran).pdf Lord Northbourne 11 31 14 93.54% https://www.parliament.uk/documents/lords- information-office/2018/Result-by-election- 28-11-18.pdf

Lord 16 785 110 32.99% https://www.parliament.uk/documents/lords- Skelmersdale information-office/2019/Result-by-election- 23-01-19.pdf Viscount Slim 14 31 18 90.32% https://www.parliament.uk/documents/lords- information-office/2019/Result-by-election- 27-03-19.pdf

Written Answers 24 March 2020 Page 11

Lord Rotherwick Asked by Lord Grocott Lord Selsdon To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker which peers would The Earl of Shrewsbury form the electorate in hereditary peer by-elections taking place under the terms of the House of Lords Act Lord Strathclyde 1999 for a (1) Conservative, (2) Crossbench, (3) Lord Swinfen Labour, and (4) Liberal Democrat, vacancy. [HL2682] Lord Trefgarne Lord McFall of Alcluith: The following members, Viscount Trenchard minus whichever member had created the vacancy, would Viscount Ullswater be the electorate for a hereditary peer by-election for a Viscount Younger of Leckie vacancy in each party or group. In the event of a by-election to replace a Conservative In the event of a by-election to replace a crossbench hereditary peer, the electorate would be: hereditary peer, the electorate would be: The Earl of Arran Lord Aberdare Lord Ashton of Hyde Viscount Brookeborough Lord Astor of Hever Lord Carrington Viscount Astor The Earl of Clancarty Earl Attlee Viscount Colville of Culross Lord Bethell The Earl of Cork and Orrery Lord Borwick Viscount Craigavon Lord Brabazon of Tara Lord Cromwell Viscount Bridgeman The Earl of Devon Lord Brougham and Vaux The Earl of Erroll The Earl of Caithness Viscount Falkland Earl Cathcart Lord Freyberg Lord Colgrain Lord Greenway Lord Colwyn Lord Hylton The Earl of Courtown The Earl of Listowel Lord Crathorne The Earl of Lytton Lord De Mauley The Countess of Mar Lord Denham Lord Mountevans The Earl of Dundee Lord Palmer Viscount Eccles Earl Peel Lord Elton Lord Ravensdale Lord Fairfax of Cameron The Earl of Rosslyn Lord Geddes Lord Russell of Liverpool Lord Glenarthur The Earl of Sandwich Viscount Goschen The Duke of Somerset Lord Henley Lord St John of Bletso The Earl of Home The Earl of Stair Earl Howe Lord Thurlow The Earl of Lindsay Lord Trevethin and Oaksey The Earl of Liverpool Lord Vaux of Harrowden Lord Lucas Viscount Waverley Lord Mancroft In the event of a by-election to replace a Labour The Duke of Montrose hereditary peer, the electorate would be: Lord Moynihan Lord Grantchester Lord Northbrook Viscount Hanworth Lord Reay Lord Rea Viscount Ridley Viscount Simon Page 12 24 March 2020 Written Answers

In the event of a by-election to replace a Liberal Iran: Palestinians Democrat hereditary peer, the electorate would be: Asked by Lord Polak Lord Addington The Earl of Glasgow To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the government of Iran's (1) Viscount Thurso. involvement in, and (2) policy of, encouraging peace There are some members sitting in the House as between Israelis and Palestinians. [HL2356] excepted hereditary peers who have changed their party or group affiliation. If a vacancy were created by one of Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Iran continues to support those members leaving the House, the seat in the House a number of militant and proscribed groups in the region, would revert back to the previous party or group. such as Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and However, while those members are not sitting in their Palestinian rejectionist groups. This support is original party or group, they do not form part of the concerning, and directly undermines prospects for electorate for any hereditary peer by-elections that may regional security and lasting peace in the region. We are arise in those groupings. clear that we want to see the creation of a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state - living in peace and security, side by side with Israel. We will continue to Hydroelectric Power work with likeminded partners to advance the Middle East Peace Process, countering those who embrace Asked by Lord Wallace of Saltaire violence. To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to support further micro-hydropower schemes on Mandarin Language: Education rivers within the UK as part of a transition to renewable energy. [HL2469] Asked by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth Lord Callanan: Meeting net zero is likely to lead to To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are electricity demand doubling by 2050 as other sectors are taking to promote the uptake of Mandarin in schools in electrified which will require a generation mix based England. [HL2420] primarily on renewables. The government acknowledges Baroness Berridge: The government believes that the valuable contribution of hydropower to the UK energy learning other languages is important in our globalised mix over many decades, including at times when other economy, as well as helping pupils to prepare for life. As renewables do not generate. Most hydro capacity was part of this aim, we are funding an intensive language installed during the last century in Scotland, with a programme which aims to see at least 5,000 young people smaller amount in Wales and England. Most of these on track towards fluency in Mandarin Chinese by 2020. installations are still operating. The programme started in 14 secondary schools in Government schemes have supported hydro over many 2016, building to 76 schools in the current academic year, years. Hydro is a mature technology and sites for large with around 5,000 pupils now studying Mandarin. The projects have generally been exhausted, leaving only Mandarin Excellence Programme is intellectually smaller schemes to be developed. It should be noted that enriching for students and gives them a significant projections from the comprehensive review for small advantage when they enter the world of work. Pupils on hydro deployment were met five years early. Introduced the programme study Mandarin for eight hours a week, at last year, the Smart Export Guarantee gives small scale least four hours of which are teacher-taught classroom low-carbon electricity generators, such as hydro, the right lessons – a significant increase on the time pupils usually to be paid for the renewable electricity they export to the spend on the subject. grid. More widely, the department has introduced the English Asked by Lord Wallace of Saltaire Baccalaureate performance measure, which includes languages, and has seen the proportion of GCSE entries To ask Her Majesty's Government what studies they from pupils in state-funded schools in a modern foreign have commissioned on the potential contribution that language increase from 40% in 2010 to 47% in 2019. The the harnessing of hydropower from rivers may make to reformed national curriculum now makes it compulsory the UK's energy requirements. [HL2470] for pupils in maintained schools to be taught a foreign Lord Callanan: Hydropower accounts for almost 2% language in key stage 2. of total electricity generation in the UK with a capacity of almost 2GW. Studies in Scotland, England and Wales Migrant Workers: Physiotherapy indicate that there is a maximum remaining technical potential of around 1.5GW for small-scale hydro across Asked by Baroness Masham of Ilton these countries, with the majority in Scotland. Economic To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are and environmental constraints mean that in practice the taking to ensure that the points-based immigration viable remaining resource is less than 1GW or 1% of total system enables registered physiotherapists to be eligible electricity generation capacity. for an NHS visa. [HL2445] Written Answers 24 March 2020 Page 13

Baroness Williams of Trafford: Physiotherapists are Office would be dealt with in line with the guidance in already eligible to come to the UK under Tier 2, the UK’s Managing Public Money. main route for skilled migrants. These roles will continue Information on employees’ personal data is sensitive, so to be eligible under the UK’s Points-Based Immigration I am unable to provide any details on staff members’ System. current employment or otherwise. The Government has also accepted the Migration Advisory Committee’s recommendation in their report on Police ICT Company: Finance “A Points-based System and Salary Thresholds for Immigration” on occupations which should be subject to Asked by Lord Wasserman formal pay scales. This means physiotherapists will need To ask Her Majesty's Government how much to be paid in line the ‘Agenda for Change’ pay scales. financial support they have given to the Police ICT The Government’s manifesto set out plans for Company since its establishment. [HL2476] improving the visa system for doctors, nurses and allied Baroness Williams of Trafford: To date, the Home health professionals, including physiotherapists. Further Office has invested £6,365,640 in the Police ICT details will be published in due course. Company. National Security: China In 2018 the Home Office made an initial investment of £3,500,000 for the development and subsequent Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool implementation of phase one of its transformation programme. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made in relation to their decision to award In 2019, The Home Office invested a further contracts to Huawei and other companies of the £2,865,640 for the second phase of the transformation implications of the government of China's National programme. Intelligence Law requiring Chinese organisations and citizens to support, assist and cooperate with the state Prisoners: Gender Recognition intelligence work. [HL2408] Asked by Lord Lucas Baroness Barran: Last year, the Government carried To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the out a comprehensive, evidence-based, review of the Written Answer by Lord Keen of Elie on 13 March telecoms supply chain, supported by security analysis (HL2223), what guidance is given to prison governors from our world-leading cybersecurity experts. This led to on how to assess the balance between the rights of our decision, announced on 28 January, that high risk transgender individuals in custody and those of others vendors should be excluded from those parts of the 5G in custody around them, as referred to in the Ministry of and full fibre networks that are critical to security (“the Justice Policy Framework on The care and management core”), and their presence in the rest of the UK’s networks of individuals who are transgender; what examples are should be limited to 35 per cent, with further restrictions provided to illustrate this guidance; and how this in sensitive geographic locations. guidance enables prison governors to assess the In making this decision, the Government took into appropriate balance between the risk to inmates of a account the full range of issues and risks. This included women's prison from being housed with a biologically consideration of the fact that Huawei is a Chinese male transgender prisoner who has a history of sexual company that is subject to China’s national intelligence offending and the risk of serious harm to the law. The controls we have set out on high risk vendors transgender prisoner if they were housed in a men's constitute some of the toughest security measures in the prison. [HL2635] telecoms sector in the world. Lord Keen of Elie: Governors do not have jurisdiction Northern Ireland Office: Art Works over the estate that a transgender individual is housed within. Rather, Complex Case Boards (CCBs) assess Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass cases of transfers of transgender individuals between the male and female estates. These are chaired by Prison To ask Her Majesty's Government who authorised the Group Directors (PGDs), who hold the ultimate payment to a civil servant as a result of offence responsibility for decisions. They are aided by experts and allegedly caused by a royal portrait on display in the staff who have expertise on transgender identity and/or on Northern Ireland Office; from which Department's the individual in question. budget that money came; whether that civil servant remains employed by the Northern Ireland Office; and All PGDs who chair such boards are specially trained— if so, in what role. [HL2506] in part using case studies, and many also have direct experience of cases. Additionally, there are core members Viscount Younger of Leckie: It would not be of the CCB process who are invited to all CCBs and have appropriate to comment on an individual case. Any experience of previous cases they have been involved compensation payments made by the Northern Ireland with. Page 14 24 March 2020 Written Answers

If a transgender female must legally be housed in the may not be directly comparable with figures for earlier female estate, but a CCB deems their risk too high to be periods. managed safely within the general population, HMPPS Probate users can telephone the national Courts and have alternative provision to enable this – namely through Tribunal Service Centres with queries relating to Probate location on HMP Downview E Wing. applications. In the month of February 2020, calls were The ‘Care and management of individuals who are answered within 3 minutes on average. transgender’ Policy Framework was published on gov.uk Official statistics are not held or published on the within the Prison & Probation Policy Frameworks average length of time to grant probate after the filing of collection. Operational guidance was also published to an inheritance tax form. accompany the Policy Framework which is available to all Governors and staff, to help them care for and manage Pupils: Gender Recognition transgender individuals. Additionally, E Learning on how best to care for and manage transgender individuals is Asked by Lord Lucas also available to all Governors and staff. To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their policy on the involvement of parents in discussions between a Probate school and a pupil concerning the pupil’s wish to Asked by Baroness Hodgson of Abinger identify as a gender other than the one they were assigned at birth; and which agencies a school should To ask Her Majesty's Government how long, on consult, or ask permission from, before deciding to average, it takes to gain grant of probate following an exclude parents from any such discussions. [HL2220] application for probate. [HL2618] Baroness Berridge: The department strongly believes Asked by Baroness Hodgson of Abinger that that all children should be supported whilst growing To ask Her Majesty's Government whether people up, so they can thrive and reach their potential in a safe can telephone a probate registry to find out how their and respectful environment. We recognise these issues are application is progressing; and what is the average complex and sensitive matters to navigate. Schools and length of time for such telephone calls to be answered. school leaders are well placed to work with parents, [HL2619] pupils and the appropriate range of public services available to support individual children. Asked by Baroness Hodgson of Abinger To ask Her Majesty's Government how long, on Rape: Prosecutions average, it takes to be granted probate after filing Asked by Lord Beecham inheritance tax forms with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs. [HL2622] To ask Her Majesty's Government what action, if any, they have taken in response to the failure of the Crown Lord Keen of Elie: Her Majesty’s Courts & Tribunals Prosecution Service to share the findings of its internal Service (HMCTS) internal management information review into unprosecuted rape cases with the HM (which is not subject to the rigorous quality assurance Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate Rape processes of official statistics) has been used to show Inspection 2019. [HL2605] average times from receipt of an application to a grant being issued in February 2020. Lord Keen of Elie: The scope and data set for the Measure Average Weeks to Median to issue HMCPSI inspection was much broader than CPS’ internal issued report. It therefore would not have been appropriate to share the report itself while the inspection was ongoing. Submission to issue for 7 3 The report subsequently was shared with both the all grants issued in the month (including those inspectorate and the Attorney General’s Office in January. stopped for queries or I am pleased that the CPS has already accepted all missing recommendations made in HMCPSI’s Rape Inspection documentation) 2019 report and remains a partner in the ongoing cross- From submission to 4 3 Government rape review. This will provide valuable issue for grants issued insight into this complex area across the whole criminal in the month that were justice system, and the CPS is committed to addressing not stopped. any issues the review highlights openly and honestly. These figures include applications made via the online service and use the receipt date of the digital application Renewable Energy: Exports for recording the time of issue, rather than the time the necessary supporting documentation is sent to HMCTS in Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick order to start processing the application. The data has To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are been extracted from the HMCTS Reform Core Case Data taking to support exports by the renewable energy system, which is a new system in active development, and sector. [HL2649] Written Answers 24 March 2020 Page 15

Viscount Younger of Leckie: The Department for National Skills Fund to help people learn new skills and International Trade (DIT) undertakes a range of activities prepare for the economy of the future. The fund will help to support exports from the renewable energy sector, ensure that businesses can find and hire the workers they including those under the ‘GREAT’ campaign. DIT’s need and help people fulfil their potential. renewable energy sector team engages with UK exporters, and our international network of trade and investment Toilet Paper: Shortages advisors offers further help to exporters, with renewable energy and clean growth key themes. Asked by Lord Blencathra For example, last year the Department worked closely To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment with Taiwan, signing a Memorandum of Understanding to they have made of reports of shortages of toilet paper; open up Taiwan’s offshore wind opportunities for UK and what discussions they have had with newspaper companies. The offshore wind sector deal commits DIT operators about whether newspapers can be printed to and industry to increase offshore wind exports fivefold to be used as an alternative to toilet paper. [HL2417] £2.6 billion by 2030. Lord Callanan: The Government is in regular contact with businesses, including retailers, to discuss the impact Skilled Workers: Vacancies of Coronavirus on industry, including supply chains, and preparedness planning. Asked by Lord Browne of Belmont On 9 March, we announced an extension of delivery To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they hours for supermarkets and other food retailers, to help have made of the percentage of job vacancies which the industry respond to Coronavirus. The new measures remain unfilled because of skill shortages among enable food retailers to increase the frequency of potential applicants; and what steps they are taking to deliveries to their stores, so they can move stock quickly introduce training courses and apprenticeships to fill from warehouses across the country to replenish their that gap. [HL2253] shelves. Baroness Berridge: The Employer Skills Survey 2017 The Government has also introduced new measures to identified 1,007,000 vacancies, of which 226,000 were support businesses to keep food supply flowing on to skill-shortage vacancies (SSVs) – representing 22% of all shelves and into homes. For example, we have vacancies. This percentage has remained broadly stable temporarily relaxed competition laws, allowing over several waves of the survey – 23% in 2015. supermarkets to work together. The rules on driver’s Employers were most likely to report SSVs for Skilled hours have also been flexed to allow a higher frequency Trades (42% of all Skilled Trades vacancies were SSVs), of deliveries to stores, so shelves can be replenished at Machine Operatives (31% of all these vacancies were pace. SSVs) and Professionals (30% of all these vacancies were SSVs). These proportions are also in line with 2015 Trade Agreements percentages. We are awaiting results of the 2019 survey. Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick We have put in place a range of measures to tackle skills gaps. We are making apprenticeships longer, better, To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has with more off-the-job training and proper assessment at been made by the Secretary of State for International the end, with new standards across all levels being Trade with her counterparts in non-EU countries on any designed and driven by the industry so they can equip opportunities for trade deals after the transition period. people with the skills they need. We will be investing up [HL2648] to £500 million a year in T levels, a high quality technical Viscount Younger of Leckie: While there are many alternative to A levels, which will be more rigorous than other markets the UK will look to for new agreements in current vocational courses and involve employers in their the future, our shared values and strength of trade with the development to ensure the qualifications have real labour United States, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, make market value. them the right places to focus our initial attention. We We also investing up to £290 million of capital funding have published our negotiation objectives for a UK-US to establish 20 new Institutes of Technology, which will free trade agreement. We will publish more details on our be the pinnacle of technical training offering higher approach to other priority partners in due course. technical education and training in key sectors such as We are also continuing our programme to replicate the digital, construction, advanced manufacturing and effects of existing EU trade agreements to ensure engineering. continuity for UK businesses following the transition We have also invested £100 million into establishing a period. By the time we left the EU, we had signed trade National Retaining Scheme, which will help prepare continuity agreements with 48 countries. adults for future changes to the economy, including those My Rt Hon Friend the Minister of State for Trade brought about by automation, and help them retrain into Policy (Conor Burns) is leading for the Department on better jobs. On top of this we are investing an extra £3 engagement with Nations beyond US, Japan, Australia billion, over the course of this Parliament, for a new and New Zealand. Page 16 24 March 2020 Written Answers

Trade: Northern Ireland United Arab Emirates: Foreign Relations Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Asked by The Marquess of Lothian To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the current they have had with international counterparts on the state of bilateral relations with the United Arab administration of trade between Northern Ireland and Emirates. [HL2437] Great Britain. [HL2590] Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK has a Viscount Younger of Leckie: The UK Government longstanding close relationship with the UAE, based on has agreed arrangements which avoid a hard border on the historically strong people, historic and economic links. island of Ireland in a Protocol to the Withdrawal We cooperate on a number of issues from trade, defence Agreement. and regional security issues to cultural cooperation, We are considering the best way to implement the climate change and girls' education. Protocol and we will continue to engage with the EU. In developing our policy, alongside WTO rules, we are also Universities: Freedom of Expression taking into consideration a broader set of international Asked by Lord Blencathra obligations, including those under the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. This work will inform To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment communications with international counterparts, where they have made of universities rescinding invitations relevant. from speakers; and what plans, if any, they have to reduce funding to universities when that happens. [HL2413] UK Trade with EU: Northern Ireland Baroness Berridge: The government does not support Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick no-platforming of individuals or organisations. To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for they have had with representatives of the Northern Education has made it clear that he is concerned about the Ireland business community on (1) the future trading cases reported in the press where external speakers are arrangements with the EU, and (2) the Protocol on alleged to have been no-platformed, students and their Ireland/Northern Ireland. [HL2562] societies are reportedly having their voices restricted and academics are not able to pursue research projects. It is Viscount Younger of Leckie: The Government is important that universities take robust action to prevent committed to engagement with the business community in this happening. Northern Ireland in relation to the Protocol and our future trading arrangements with the EU. The Secretary of State This government has committed to strengthen academic and Minister of State for Northern Ireland have had the freedom and free speech in universities and ensure they opportunity to engage with a range of business are places where free speech and debate can thrive – this representatives in Northern Ireland in recent weeks, and includes considering the underpinning legal framework. look forward to continuing positive and constructive We have made it clear that if universities do not uphold discussions during the coming months. free speech, the government will. Visas Unified Patent Court Asked by Lord Bowness Asked by Lord Anderson of Ipswich To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment intend to seek equality of treatment after 31 December they have made of the impact on research-led SMEs of for EU citizens visiting the UK who will be entitled to a the reported decision to withhold the UK's participation six month visa and UK citizens visiting the EU who in the Unified Patent Court and the associated Unitary could be restricted to a 90 day visa, if an agreement is Patent. [HL2410] not reached. [HL2422] Lord Callanan: Following publication of the Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government has Government’s approach to negotiations with the EU on announced that EU, EEA and Swiss nationals will be able th 27 February, the Government will not be seeking to continue to travel to the UK for holidays or short-term continued participation in the Unitary Patent and Unified trips without needing a visa from the end of the transition Patent Court. Participating in a court that applies EU law period following the UK’s departure from the EU. and is bound by the CJEU is inconsistent with our aims of From 1 January 2021, EU nationals intending to come becoming an independent self-governing nation. to the UK on a long-term basis to live, work or study will All businesses, including SMEs, will be able to need to do so under the Future Points-Based System. This maintain patents in the UK and challenge or enforce them is without prejudice to those who acquire status through before UK courts as they do currently. the EU Settlement Scheme. Written Answers 24 March 2020 Page 17

The EU has also legislated not to impose visas on UK Youth Justice Board tourists or short-term visitors. In line with the Schengen Border Code, UK nationals who intend to stay in the Asked by Lord Wasserman Schengen area for longer than 90 days in any 180-day To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they period may need a visa or permit from the relevant have for the future of the Youth Justice Board. Member State to do so. [HL2471] These arrangements are not dependent on whether or Lord Keen of Elie: The Youth Justice Board will not the Government concludes a Comprehensive Free continue to fulfil its role in overseeing the youth justice Trade Agreement with the EU. system. Once a new chair is appointed, they may wish to discuss their vision for the future of the Youth Justice Wind Power: Planning Permission Board with Ministers. Asked by Baroness Hayman Youth Offending Teams: Finance To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the announcement on 2 March that Contracts for Difference Asked by Lord Wasserman will in future be open to onshore wind projects, what To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment plans they have to review the planning regime for they have made of the adequacy of current funding onshore wind projects in England. [HL2547] streams to fund youth diversion activity undertaken by Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist: Onshore youth offending teams. [HL2472] wind has deployed successfully to date and is an Lord Keen of Elie: Ministry of Justice funding for important part of our energy mix. The Government Youth Offending Teams (YOTs) is delivered through the currently has no plans to revisit national planning policy Youth Justice Board (YJB), which provides an annual for onshore wind energy schemes. The National Planning grant to local authorities to deliver youth offending Policy Framework confirms planning’s important role in services. Though varying by YOT, on average this makes tackling climate change and making the transition to a up less than a third of the funding YOTs receive. Local low carbon economy, setting out that plans should authorities and partner agencies provide the rest of their provide a positive strategy for energy supply from funding. The YJB does not specify how the grant should renewable sources. In the case of wind energy, national be spent. planning policy sets out that planning permission for new wind energy projects should only be granted if the Local authorities hold the statutory responsibility to development site is in an area identified as suitable for deliver youth justice services in their area and services are wind energy development in a local or neighbourhood designed according to local context and needs. Diversion plan and, following consultation, it can be demonstrated from the criminal justice system is not a statutory that the planning impacts identified by the affected local requirement for Youth Offending Teams, however they community have been fully addressed and the proposal may choose to pay for these activities based on locally has their backing. identified needs and priorities.

Index to Statements and Answers

Written Statements ...... 1 Hereditary Peers: By-elections ...... 10 Contingencies Fund Bill ...... 1 Hydroelectric Power ...... 12 Departmental Contingent Liability: Coronavirus Iran: Palestinians ...... 12 Business Interruption Loan Scheme ...... 1 Mandarin Language: Education ...... 12 Media Matters ...... 1 Migrant Workers: Physiotherapy ...... 12 Notification of Contingent Liability ...... 2 National Security: China...... 13 RAF Battle Honours: Operation TELIC (Post- Northern Ireland Office: Art Works ...... 13 war) ...... 2 Police ICT Company: Finance...... 13 RAF Battle Honours: Operations in Afghanistan . 2 Prisoners: Gender Recognition ...... 13 RAF Battle Honours: Operations Vulcan and Barras ...... 3 Probate ...... 14 Reserve Forces’ and Cadet Associations: Annual Pupils: Gender Recognition ...... 14 Report ...... 3 Rape: Prosecutions ...... 14 UK Parliamentary Boundaries ...... 4 Renewable Energy: Exports ...... 14 Written Answers ...... 6 Skilled Workers: Vacancies ...... 15 Aerospace Industry ...... 6 Toilet Paper: Shortages ...... 15 Animal Products and Food: Imports ...... 6 Trade Agreements ...... 15 Arts: UK Relations with EU ...... 6 Trade: Northern Ireland ...... 16 Asbestos ...... 6 UK Trade with EU: Northern pIreland ...... 16 Asylum ...... 6 Unified Patent Court ...... 16 Civil Service: Location ...... 7 United Arab Emirates: Foreign Relations ...... 16 COE Parliamentary Assembly ...... 7 Universities: Freedom of Expression ...... 16 College of Policing: Recruitment ...... 7 Visas ...... 16 Copyright: EU Law ...... 7 Wind Power: Planning Permission ...... 17 Coronavirus: Northern Ireland ...... 7 Youth Justice Board ...... 17 Domestic Appliances: Labelling ...... 7 Youth Offending Teams: Finance ...... 17 Domestic Appliances: Registration ...... 8 Domestic Appliances: Secondhand Goods ...... 8 Economic Situation: Northern Ireland ...... 8 Electric Vehicles ...... 8 Electric Vehicles: Manufacturing Industries ...... 8 Exports ...... 9 Family Drug and Alcohol Court ...... 9 Financial Markets ...... 9 Gender Recognition ...... 9 Government Departments: Construction ...... 9 H2O Asset Management ...... 10