Session 2017-19 Tuesday No. 149 4 September 2018

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

HOUSE OF LORDS

WRITTEN STATEMENTS AND WRITTEN ANSWERS

Written Statements ...... 1

Written Answers ...... 2

[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 Lord Bates Minister of State, Department for International Development 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 Baroness Chisholm of Owlpen Whip Earl of Courtown Deputy Chief Whip Lord Duncan of Springbank Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office and Scotland Office Baroness Fairhead Minister of State, Department for International Trade 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 Manzoor Whip Lord O'Shaughnessy Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Care Baroness Stedman-Scott Whip Baroness Sugg Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Transport, Whip Lord Taylor of Holbeach Chief Whip Baroness Vere of Norbiton Whip Baroness Williams of Trafford Minister of State, Home Office Lord Young of Cookham Whip Viscount Younger of Leckie Whip

© Parliamentary Copyright House of Lords 2018 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/

Written Statements 4 September 2018 Page 1

Quality and safety of organs, tissues and cells Written Statements State aid Tuesday, 4 September 2018 State aid Studying in the UK or EU EU Exit Erasmus+ in the UK [HLWS904] Workplace rights Lord Callanan: My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of Workplace rights State for Exiting the European Union, Dominic Raab, has Notices were published on gov.uk during the made the following statement: parliamentary recess. These can be found here: Technical Notices https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/how-to- As announced by the Prime Minister and Secretary of prepare-if-the-uk-leaves-the-eu-with-no-deal State for Exiting the European Union on 18 July 2018, the Copies of notices were also placed in the Libraries of Government is publishing a series of technical notices both Houses to ensure all Members had access, and we during August and September. On Thursday 23 August, will continue to ensure that technical notices are made we published 25 of these notices and will publish more in available to Members. the coming weeks. These notices are designed to inform Slides on the Framework for the UK-EU partnership people, businesses and stakeholders about steps they may need to take in the event of a ‘no deal’ scenario. The UK negotiating team are also producing presentations for discussion with the EU, in order to Notices were published on the following areas: inform development of the future framework. Overview Slides have been published in the following areas over UK government's preparations for a no deal scenario the parliamentary recess: Applying for EU-funded programmes Financial Services The government’s guarantee for EU-funded Open and Fair Competition programmes These were published on gov.uk during the Horizon 2020 funding parliamentary recess and were also deposited in the Delivering humanitarian aid programmes Libraries of both Houses. Copies can also be found here: Civil nuclear and nuclear research https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/framewor Nuclear research k-for-the-uk-eu-partnership-financial-services Civil nuclear regulation https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/framewor k-for-the-uk-eu-partnership-open-and-fair-competition Farming Farm payments Pensions Update Receiving rural development funding [HLWS905] Importing and exporting Baroness Buscombe: My honourable Friend the Trade remedies Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Pensions & Trading with the EU Financial Inclusion (Guy Opperman MP) has made the Classifying your goods in the UK Trade Tariff following Written Statement. Exporting controlled goods Throughout the last decade, government has worked closely with the pensions, financial services and consumer Labelling products and making them safer community to rebuild the UK’s pension savings culture. Labelling tobacco products and e-cigarettes Through automatic enrolment, 10 million people will be Developing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) newly saving or saving more into a workplace pension Producing and processing organic food scheme, with an estimated £20 billion extra pension Money and tax saving by 2019/20. VAT for businesses The pension freedoms have given people much greater choice about when and how they use their pension Banking, insurance and other financial services savings. Regulating medicines and medical equipment The Government has a significant programme of work Batch testing medicines ahead to increase confidence in workplace pensions, by Ensuring blood and blood products are safe improving: How medicines, medical devices and clinical trials • The provision of information to, and financial would be regulated capability of, individuals, in order that they can make Submitting regulatory information on medical products informed and more confident financial decisions. Page 2 4 September 2018 Written Statements

• The way pensions are run, making them more secure; Finally, collective forms of pension saving offer improving transparency; and responding more quickly interesting new possibilities, and the Department is when things go wrong. currently working through proposals for the first Improving the provision of information to, and financial Collective Defined Contribution schemes in the UK. We capability of, individuals intend to launch a formal consultation in the autumn. The pensions dashboard will offer people the This is an ambitious programme of work, which has the opportunity to access their pension information in a clear potential to further transform the pensions landscape and and simple form – bringing together an individual’s benefit consumers. savings in a single place online. The work that the Department for Work and Pensions Social Housing Green Paper has done in assessing feasibility for a pensions dashboard [HLWS903] has made it clear that we should not underestimate the Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: My Rt Hon. Friend, the size or complexity of the challenge. An industry-led Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local dashboard, facilitated by government, will harness the Government (James Brokenshire), has today made the best of industry innovation. We will continue to engage following Written Ministerial Statement. with industry on this model and Government will protect pension savers and personal information by legislating On 14 August, my Department published our Social where necessary. This will build on the Government’s Housing Green Paper ‘A new deal for social housing’ ‘Check your State Pension’ online service for the State which proposes fundamental reform to ensure social Pension. We will shortly report on the findings from the homes provide an essential, safe, well managed service Feasibility Study. for all those who need it. The Social Housing Green Paper was laid before Parliament on 14 August (CM 9671). To improve financial capability and understanding we have taken through Parliament the Financial Guidance Everyone deserves a decent, affordable and secure and Claims Act 2018, which gives us the power to place to live. It’s the most fundamental of human needs. introduce the Single Financial Guidance Body. This will While we have made important strides to build the homes bring together the services currently delivered by the we need in recent years, I recognise we have much further Money Advice Service, the Pensions Advisory Service to go when it comes to making our housing market work and Pension Wise. The creation of the SFGB is a genuine for all parts of our society – not least for residents in opportunity to improve provision of free and impartial social housing. Our Green Paper is an important step government sponsored money and pensions guidance and towards this. debt advice so that people - especially those who are It is based on conversations with almost 1,000 residents struggling, can make informed choices about their at 14 events across the country, with over 7,000 finances. submitting their views and ideas online. We have heard The appointments of the Chair and Chief Executive of what people love about social housing – stories of the new organisation have recently been announced, and people’s pride in their homes and communities. But we we expect to establish the body as a legal entity in also heard what needs to change. The Green Paper is October when the Chair and Chief Executive take up their underpinned by five principles: roles. It will then launch in January when it takes on its 1) Ensuring that homes are safe and decent. Residents delivery functions of money and pension guidance, and were not only concerned about safety, but also the quality debt advice. and maintenance of their homes. The Government has Improving security and transparency identified opportunities to accelerate a social sector early response to recommendations in Dame Judith Hackitt’s We have legislated to introduce a new Master Trust Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire accreditation regime from 1 October 2018 for multi- Safety by supporting residents and landlords to engage on employer pension providers wishing to continue to issues of building safety. The Green Paper will also operate in the automatic enrolment market. consider whether the Decent Homes Standard is We will strengthen the powers of the Pensions demanding enough and delivers the right outcomes. Regulator to ensure that peoples’ pensions are protected. 2) Swift and effective resolution of disputes. Residents The Department recently consulted on proposals to raised issues about how complaints were dealt with when improve the Regulator’s powers so that they can be more things go wrong. We want to make the process of proactive, punish wrongdoing and get involved earlier handling and resolving complaints faster, easier and more when employers make changes which could affect their effective. As part of this, the Green Paper asks whether pension schemes. We’re currently considering the the ‘democratic filter’ should be reformed or removed. In responses, and hope to publish our conclusions towards addition, we want to explore whether more could be done the end of this year. We’re also investigating how to to strengthen mediation opportunities so landlords and facilitate consolidation of DB schemes, including looking residents can resolve disputes locally, and help residents at the establishment of ‘superfunds’, and intend to publish to access the right advice. a consultation on this in the autumn. Written Statements 4 September 2018 Page 3

3) Empowering residents. We want to ensure residents Supported Housing and Rough Sleeping are empowered, with more transparency about the information they receive from landlords. The Green Paper [HLWS902] contains proposals to assess landlords against standards Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: My Rt Hon. Friend, the that matter to residents, to publish these assessments, and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local to strengthen the regulatory framework for social housing. Government (James Brokenshire), has today made the We want to make sure the regulatory framework as a following Written Ministerial Statement. whole remains fit for purpose and published a Call for On 9 August, I announced that housing benefit will Evidence which seeks views on how the current remain in place to fund supported housing, alongside regulatory framework is working, alongside the Green publication of the Government’s response to the October Paper. We are also seeking views on how to ensure 2017 consultations on possible alternative funding residents’ voices are heard and strengthening their choice options. We also announced that we will not be pursuing over the services they receive. the Sheltered Rent model. This demonstrates our 4) Elimination of stigma. Stigma was one of the most commitment to protect some of the most vulnerable consistent themes raised by residents. We are seeking people in our communities, by ensuring vital services are views on a number of proposals to tackle this including in place. ways to celebrate thriving communities, encourage I am also keen to work with providers, local authorities, greater professionalisation amongst housing management membership bodies and resident representatives to staff and promoting good social housing design. We are develop a robust oversight regime, to ensure quality and also exploring options for improving neighbourhood value for money across the sector. Alongside this management and addressing anti-social behaviour, enhanced oversight, my Department will undertake a another key issue for residents. review of housing related support in order to better 5) Boosting the supply of social housing and supporting understand how housing and support fit together. home ownership. Residents told us that they wanted to Taken together, this gives the sector the confidence they see more affordable homes delivered. We published the need to continue to invest in supply. Right to Buy Receipts Consultation which sets out our On 13 August, I announced a cross-government Rough proposals for exploring new flexibilities around how local Sleeping Strategy setting out the first steps towards authorities can use their Right to Buy receipts. We will achieving our commitment to halve rough sleeping by also explore how we can help people living in affordable 2022 and end it by 2027. This builds upon the work of the home ownership schemes, such as Shared Ownership, Rough Sleeping Initiative announced in March, and set progress more easily to owning outright. outs the further action we will take to support those After listening carefully to social housing residents, we currently sleeping rough. are proposing not to implement the provisions in the To develop the strategy my Department has worked Housing and Planning Act to make fixed term tenancies across Government through the Rough Sleeping and mandatory for local authority tenants at this time. Homelessness Reduction Taskforce, and with the We recognise the benefits of fixed term tenancies in the homelessness sector and local areas through the Rough right circumstances to help social landlords make best use Sleeping Advisory Panel, to set out our long-term vision of their housing stock and that flexibility will remain. But for how both local and central government will work we remain keen to ensure that victims of domestic abuse together to build a country where no one needs to sleeps do not risk losing their lifetime tenancy if they are granted rough again. a new tenancy after fleeing abuse. We will bring forward The strategy is based around three core pillars: Prevent, new legislation to ensure that councils honour their Intervene and Recover, with a focus on moving to a ‘rapid lifetime tenancy in these cases. rehousing’ approach. Taken together with initiatives my In addition, on 16 August, I launched the £200 million Department had already committed to prior to publishing Voluntary Right to Buy Midlands pilot. The pilot will this strategy, this represents over £150 million of funding enable thousands of tenants across the Midlands to buy dedicated to reducing rough sleeping over the next two their home from their housing association, at a discount years. In addition, we confirmed additional funding for funded by the Government. The pilot builds on the small health services for people sleeping rough. We will refresh scale pilot with five housing associations in 2016/17, and the Strategy on an annual basis, setting out the progress will test two key aspects of the voluntary agreement with we have made and ensuring that our interventions remain housing associations not tested in the initial pilot – the relevant and targeted. We are also developing a delivery portable discount and one-for-one replacement overall of plan, to be published in the autumn. the homes sold. Eligible tenants in the Midlands will need We will prevent rough sleeping by providing timely to register their interest on the MHCLG website, with the support to those at risk by, for example: registration open until 16 September. To give all prospective purchasers an equal chance of participating, • piloting suitable accommodation and tailored for those places on the pilot will be allocated by ballot. leaving prison so they do not end up on the streets; Page 4 4 September 2018 Written Statements

• researching the nature and scale of LGBT victims of domestic abuse, modern slavery, as well as homelessness to determine what measures need to be how best to support homeless LGBT people. put in place to prevent this; We will help people recover, find a new home quickly • ensuring that local authorities investigate rough and rebuild their lives by, for example: sleeper deaths to understand and tackle the root causes; • providing affordable accommodation for those leaving and hostels and domestic abuse refuges, and to support them • implementing the duty to refer on certain public in managing this accommodation; bodies as part of the Homelessness Reduction Act, to • investing money from dormant bank accounts into ensure that more people get the help they need faster. housing for those on the streets or at risk of rough We will intervene to help people already on the street sleeping; get swift, targeted support by, for example: • launching a new fund to help up to 5,000 former • rolling out a new initiative, Somewhere Safe to Stay, rough sleepers and those at risk to sustain their to help up to 6,000 people who are new to the streets or tenancies by working with them to boost financial vulnerable to rough sleeping, offering support to rapidly independence and access training and employment identify issues that led them to sleeping rough; opportunities; and • introducing ‘navigators’ – specialists who will act as • launching a £50 million fund for homes outside trusted confidantes – who will help people sleeping London for people ready to move on from hostels or rough access the appropriate services and refuges but need additional support. accommodation; We recognise that this is a challenging commitment but • providing up to £30 million for health services for are confident this strategy will pave the way towards people sleeping rough, informed by the findings of a achieving our 2027 vision. We are clear, however, that health provision audit to be carried out this year; and this is just the first step. • providing training for frontline staff on how to best The Rough Sleeping Strategy was laid before help people under the influence of Spice, those who are Parliament on 13 August (Cm 9685).

Page 2 4 September 2018 Written Answers

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The UK works Written Answers closely with international partners to disrupt serious and organised criminality linked to the Afghan drugs trade, a Tuesday, 4 September 2018 proportion of which is conducted by the Taliban. Abduljalil Abdulla al-Singace This work involves operational cooperation, joint operations and the provision of capacity building. It has Asked by Lord Scriven led to significant operational results. For example, as set To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the out in the National Crime Agency’s Annual Report and Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 4 Accounts (available at July (HL8871), why they will not disclose the exact http://nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/publications/915-nca- date in which they last discussed the case of inmate Dr annual-report-account-2017-18/file ) 5.1 tonnes of heroin Abduljalil Al-Singace with authorities in Bahrain. was seized in 2017 / 2018. [HL9808] The Answer includes the following attached material:

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Our Embassy in Bahrain NCA Annual Report Account 2017-18 [NCA Annual Report and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office continue to Accounts 2017-18.pdf] monitor the case of Dr Al-Singace and have raised it with the Government of Bahrain at senior levels. We do not The material can be viewed online at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- believe it is appropriate to disclose details of discussions answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-24/HL9872 on individual cases.

Affordable Housing: Rural Areas Air Force: Military Bases Asked by The Lord Bishop of St Albans Asked by Baroness Kennedy of Cradley To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment To ask Her Majesty's Government how many airbases they have made of the proposal that rural areas should in the UK have been closed since 2010. [HL9858] be exempt from section 106 of the Town and Country Earl Howe: Four stations have ceased to operate as Planning Act 1990 as recommended by the Institute for airbases since 2010. However, they continue to be Public Policy Research in their report A new rural operational as part of the Defence estate and two still have settlement: fixing the affordable housing crisis in active runways. rural England, published in June. [HL9891] Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: The revised National Planning Policy Framework was published on 24 July Air Routes 2018 and sets out the government’s planning policies for Asked by Baroness Randerson England and how these are expected to be applied. This includes policy that provision of affordable To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan housing should not be sought for residential developments to support unprofitable plane routes through that are not major developments, other than in designated enforcement of a Public Service Obligation; and how rural areas where policies may set out a lower threshold of many routes they anticipate might not be commercially 5 units or fewer. The national planning policy framework viable. [HL9806] also states that in rural areas planning policies and Baroness Sugg: We expect the majority of domestic decisions should be responsive to local circumstances and routes from an expanded Heathrow to be commercially support housing developments that reflect local needs. viable with support from Heathrow, as many are today. Further to this we have set out a new approach to Both easyJet and Flybe have already published indicative viability. This will mean that developers know the routes that they would expect to serve from an expanded contributions that they are expected to make and local Heathrow. communities are clear about the infrastructure and If new capacity coupled with the commercial incentives affordable housing they will get. offered by Heathrow does not deliver sufficient domestic connectivity then the Government has committed to ring- Afghanistan: Drugs fence slots at appropriate times of day, and an exemption Asked by The Marquess of Lothian from Air Passenger Duty, which can save £26 from a domestic return ticket. All of these measures can be To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are delivered through the use of Public Service Obligations. taking together with international partners, to (1) The Government’s approach to domestic connectivity disrupt and dismantle Afghan drug trafficking will be set out in an Aviation Strategy Green Paper, organisations, and (2) separate those groups from the published later this year. Taliban. [HL9872] Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 3

Amyloidosis Lord O'Shaughnessy: The information is not available in the requested format. The following table shows the Asked by Lord Black of Brentwood number of prescription items and the Net Ingredient Cost. To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people British National Formulary 4.3 Antidepressants dispensed in the have been diagnosed with amyloidosis in each of the community in England last five years for which figures are available. [HL9684] Year Prescription Items Net Ingredient Cost Lord O'Shaughnessy: Amyloidosis is the name for a 2007 33,839,594 £276,107,573 group of rare, serious conditions caused by a build-up of 2008 35,960,539 £247,355,066 an abnormal protein called amyloid in organs and tissues throughout the body. 2009 39,140,459 £230,062,853 The information is not held in the format requested. 2010 42,787,966 £220,372,789 Hospital Episode Statistics data show that in the financial 2011 46,677,813 £270,177,163 year of 2012-13 there were 1,716 finished admission episodes that had a primary diagnosis of amyloidosis. In 2012 50,167,201 £211,145,435 the following years there were 2,111 (2013-14), 2,589 2013 53,326,550 £282,121,595 (2014-15), 2,668 (2015-16) and 2,703 (2016-17) admissions, respectively, that had a primary diagnosis of 2014 57,147,928 £265,003,747 amyloidosis. Admissions do not represent the number of 2015 61,021,611 £284,745,611 patients, as a person may have more than one admission 2016 64,703,568 £266,560,175 within the period. 2017 67,530,375 £235,074,205 Antarctic: Krill Total 552,303,604 £2,788,726,212 Asked by Lord Hunt of Chesterton Source : Prescription Cost Analysis To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool taking, if any, to collaborate with other countries to To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment seek to (1) control, and (2) conduct research into, the they have made of the side effects of anti-depressants; commercial fishing of krill close to the edge of the and for how long on average anti-depressants are taken Antarctic ice sheet. [HL9645] by patients. [HL9760] Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK has been Lord O'Shaughnessy: Antidepressants are an proactive within the Commission for the Conservation of important group of medicines which help patients who Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) to suffer depressive illness and anxiety disorders. As with all strengthen the regulation of krill fishing around medicines, anti-depressants may be associated with side Antarctica. The British Antarctic Survey has led on a effects in some individuals, and information on side range of relevant scientific activities, including with effects is included in the product information for international partners, to determine the abundance of krill, prescribers (the Summary of Product Characteristics) and the factors that influence it's distribution, and the crucial patients (the Patient Information Leaflet). role that krill plays in the Antarctic ecosystem. Work also includes studies to explore the overlap between fishing The safety of the use of anti-depressants in routine vessels and krill-eating seabirds and marine mammals, clinical practice is continually monitored by the and the risks to these predators. The UK has proposed to Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency CCAMLR that krill fishing activities should be moved (MHRA). The MHRA monitors all data including reports offshore to avoid any potential overlap with the foraging of suspected adverse drug reactions submitted by areas of breeding wildlife. The UK has therefore healthcare professionals, patients and carers through the welcomed the recent announcement by the Association of Yellow Card scheme, as well as published and Responsible Krill Harvesting Operators (ARK) to unpublished data. As new data emerges it is carefully voluntarily implement such measures. The UK also evaluated and, where appropriate, product information for recently secured agreement by CCAMLR to protect prescribers and patients is updated and advice issued. marine areas that are newly exposed by ice shelf collapse It is not possible to estimate how long on average or retreat around the Antarctic Peninsula. patients receive antidepressants. The British National Formulary recommends that patients should be reviewed Antidepressants every 1–2 weeks at the start of antidepressant treatment. Treatment should be continued for at least four weeks (six Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool weeks in the elderly) before considering whether to To ask Her Majesty's Government how many anti- switch an antidepressant due to lack of an adequate depressants have been dispensed by the NHS in each of response. In cases of partial response, the guidance is to the past ten years; and what was the total cost to the continue for a further 2–4 weeks, and elderly patients may NHS. [HL9757] take longer to respond. Page 4 4 September 2018 Written Answers

Following remission, antidepressant treatment should We recognise that employers want and need flexibility. be continued at the same dose for at least six months We have already extended the amount of time employers (about 12 months in the elderly), or for at least 12 months have to spend their levy (from 18 to 24 months), and have in patients receiving treatment for generalised anxiety introduced transfers, to make the system as effective as disorder as the likelihood of relapse is high. Current possible. We will avoid making any changes that could guidance advises that patients with a history of recurrent compromise the quality of apprenticeships. We will keep depression should receive maintenance treatment for at listening to employers’ feedback as the system develops least two years. further. We also meet regularly with business groups and individual employers to understand the impact of the changes and use their feedback to inform any further Antidepressants: Children reforms. Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool The changes we have made to the apprenticeship system are transforming lives. Few countries can match To ask Her Majesty's Government how many anti- the energy and range of reforms currently being pursued depressants have been dispensed to (1) people under 18 in England. We are helping employers to create high years old, and (2) primary school children in each of the quality apprenticeships at all levels that give people of all past ten years; and what was the total cost to the NHS. ages and backgrounds the skills they need. [HL9759] We are using the employer Diversity Champions, Lord O'Shaughnessy: The information is not available comprised of over 65 members including employers, local in the format requested and could only be obtained at authorities and schools, has been developed to engage and disproportionate cost. inspire employers and communities to ensure apprenticeships are undertaken by people from a diverse range of backgrounds, reflecting the widest spectrum of Apprentices our society. Asked by Lord Ouseley Apprentices: Construction To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the numbers of apprenticeship starts have decreased since Asked by Lord Hylton the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy; what To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they factors have contributed to any such decrease; and what are taking to reverse the decline in new apprenticeships steps they are taking to increase the number of for the construction industry, in particular in small and apprenticeship starts. [HL9559] medium-sized firms; and what steps they are taking to Lord Agnew of Oulton: The number of people starting ensure that the Building Crafts College and other apprenticeships has dropped. A key reason for this was smaller providers of training are able to contribute as because we have radically reformed what an fully as possible in the training of apprenticeships. apprenticeship is. The old apprenticeship frameworks [HL9484] were said by employers not to be equipping apprentices to Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Institute for do the job. Training was often of poor quality or was non- Apprenticeships is working with a range of sectors, existent. Instead, we are asking employers to lead the including construction, to design and deliver new high design of new apprenticeship standards, putting them in quality apprenticeship standards that will meet the skills the driving seat to give apprentices the skills that needs of industry. There are currently 52 construction businesses need. The number of people starting on these standards approved for delivery, with 43 further standards new standards is growing fast. Over 40% of individuals in development. We have seen a 338% growth in completing an apprenticeship are now starting on new apprenticeship starts at higher levels (Level 4 and above) standards, compared to 2.5% this time last year. in construction and planning this year, compared to the We are creating quality apprenticeships that will change same period last year. To support smaller employers who the lives of apprentices and the prospects of businesses do not pay the levy take on apprentices, the government and we are continuing to take steps to grow provides at least 90% of training and assessment costs. apprenticeships starts. The Institute for Apprenticeships We recently released additional funds for providers who have introduced their Faster and Better process to speed were successful in our procurement drive to fund up and simplify standards development. apprenticeships amongst smaller employers, taking the The apprenticeship levy is an important part of the total amount of investment to nearly £560 million. We changes to raise apprenticeship quality; creating long- recognise, however, that a number of smaller, niche term, sustainable investment in training. Only around 2% providers were unsuccessful in the procurement. We have of employers pay the levy, but they have generated almost recently introduced the ability for levy paying employers 50% of starts so far in 2017/18. We will continue to work to transfer up to 10% of their levy funds to other closely with employers to help them take advantage of the employers, including small and medium-sized enterprises levy and wider funding changes, to invest in the long-term in their supply chains, and we continue to make skills needs of their business. subcontracting an option; such initiatives have helped Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 5 providers who were unable to continue in delivering high learners. The ESFA does not monitor or collect quality apprenticeship training. information on the size of the employers supported by We are encouraging employers to take advantage of these contracts. these changes to enable them to grow their apprenticeship The ESFA require apprenticeship training providers to programmes and invest in the long-term skills required of declare details of their subcontracting relationships. The their business. We meet regularly with business groups first subcontractor declaration for these particular and individual employers to understand the impact of the contracts is in progress and will close on 25 July 2018. A reforms and use their feedback to inform any further summary of providers’ subcontracting relationships will changes. be published by the ESFA on GOV.UK in August 2018 in a document named ‘List of declared subcontractors’. The Apprentices: Small Businesses ESFA does not hold information to indicate the percentage of funding retained by a provider when Asked by Lord Ouseley subcontracting these particular contracts. To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have received about the Education Apprentices: Taxation and Skills Agency considering bids with minimum contract award limits for the training of apprenticeships Asked by Baroness Cavendish of Little Venice for small and medium-sized employers who are non- To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they levy payers; and how they are responding to such intend to use the apprenticeship levy funds made representations. [HL9561] available by the fall in apprenticeship starts to reinstate Lord Agnew of Oulton: A minimum contract value the contracts which were removed from experienced was set for awards under the non-levy apprenticeship small training providers. [HL9577] procurement, which we concluded in December 2017. Lord Agnew of Oulton: Any unspent apprenticeship Following notification of initial award, we received 29 funds in levy payer accounts are used to support levy- complaints from providers that were unsuccessful due to paying employers who spend more than the funds the application of the minimum contract value. available in their accounts and to fund apprenticeship The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) training for non-levy payers. referred these providers back to the specific elements of The procurement for apprenticeship training for non- the invitation to tender that explain the reasons for the levy payers was managed in accordance with the Public application of the minimum contract level, as well as the Contracts Regulations 2015. We did not remove contracts process that was used to do so (attached). The ESFA from training providers, but as with any procurement, directed them to guidance on the use of sub-contracting some bidders were not successful. We are not able to and levy transfers as further ways of supporting non-levy revisit the decisions made at that time, nor are we able to payer access to apprenticeship training. award funding to bidders that were not successful, as the The Answer includes the following attached material: procurement is now closed. Invitation_to_tender_for_apprenticeship_delivery [HL9561_invitation_to_tender.pdf] Armed Forces: Technology

The material can be viewed online at: Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-16/HL9561 To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential for unmanned transport Asked by Lord Sharkey systems to supply troops on the front line. [HL9747] To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Earl Howe: The Defence Scientific and Technology contracts for the training of apprentices for small and Laboratory (DSTL) is leading the Ministry of Defence's medium-sized employers who do not pay the research in this area, working with the US Department of Apprenticeship Levy have been awarded by the Defense to accelerate and demonstrate the effective use of Education and Skills Agency to date; what is the total new robotic and autonomous systems technologies. value of those contracts; how many of the awardees do This includes the 'Last Mile Challenge' innovation not have the facilities to provide such training and sub- initiative which has challenged industry and academia to contract; and what percentage of those contracts’ value look at how delivery drones and resupply robots can is typically retained by an awardee who subcontracts provide vital reinforcements to frontline troops. The training. [HL9666] challenge is worth a total of £3.8 million over the next 12 Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Education and Skills months with prototypes being built for demonstration Funding Agency (ESFA) currently contracts with 713 later this year. Four of the five successful organisations training providers for an overall value of £562 million. are British-led with a wide range of sub-contractors from These contracts run from January 2018 to March 2019 small and medium sized enterprises, industry and and support apprenticeship delivery for 16-18 and adult academia. Page 6 4 September 2018 Written Answers

These capabilities and other emerging military For example, the independent “Made Smarter” review, technologies will be tested and evaluated at the published in October 2017, estimated that digital Autonomous Warrior, Army Warfighting Exercise in technologies, such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and November 2018. The exercise, which involves all three additive manufacturing, could add £455 billion to the UK Services, DSTL, the US Army and around 50 industry manufacturing economy over the next decade. participants, will test a range of research projects This would represent an increase in manufacturing including in surveillance, long-range and precision sector growth of between 1.5 and 3 percent per annum, targeting, enhancing mobility and the re-supply of forces, creating an estimated net gain of 175,000 jobs throughout urban warfare and enhanced situational awareness. The the economy. lessons identified will support decision making for future investment in ground-breaking technology and innovation Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to ensure the Army and British industry remain at the cutting edge of technology and combat tactics. Asked by Viscount Waverley To ask Her Majesty's Government what involvement Army and Police: Northern Ireland the UK has with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Asked by Lord Tebbit Bank. [HL9530] To ask Her Majesty's Government how many (1) Lord Bates: The UK became a founding member of the members, and (2) former members of the security Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in 2015, forces have been charged with offences relating to their with a 3.18% shareholding, representing a capital duties in Northern Ireland since the signing of the Good contribution of $3.05 billion (of which 20% will be paid- Friday Agreement. [HL9674] in over five years, and 80% is callable). The Chancellor of the Exchequer represents the UK at Lord Duncan of Springbank: The Government does the AIIB Board of Governors. The UK also holds one of not hold figures on prosecutorial decisions as this is a the 12 seats on the AIIB Board of Directors, representing matter for the prosecuting authorities (in this case the the Wider Europe Constituency (Denmark, Hungary, Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland) who act Iceland, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland and the independently of Government. UK). We are aware, however, that since 2011 the following The UK is an active and committed shareholder of the decisions have been taken in relation to offences Bank, in pursuit of the UK’s objectives of supporting connected to the security situation in Northern Ireland that economic growth in Asia, deepening economic ties took place prior to the signing of the Belfast Agreement globally, supporting the development of international on 10 April 1998. financial institutions, and creating opportunities for • There have been seven prosecutions of republican British businesses. paramilitaries. Of the five concluded cases there have been two convictions, one acquittal and two cases in Asylum: Education which proceedings were discontinued (one following the death of the defendant); Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno • There have been four prosecutions related to alleged To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they loyalist paramilitary activity. Convictions have been have to ensure that asylum seekers are able to finish the secured in two cases and two cases are currently active; academic year in school once they have turned 18. • There have been three prosecutions of soldiers with [HL9662] one ‘no prosecution’ decision currently under review. Baroness Williams of Trafford: When asylum seekers All of these cases are currently active. reach the age of 18 years, they may continue to study pending a final decision on their application. If the Artificial Intelligence and Automation application is refused, consideration will be given to the Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick impact that removal action may have on the welfare and development of the child at their current stage of To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment education, and this will be weighed against the possible they have made of the benefits and costs of artificial effects of delaying removal. intelligence and automation for the British economy. [HL9613] Asylum: English Language Lord Bates: Artificial intelligence and automation Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno present enormous opportunities for our economy. Some studies suggest that artificial intelligence could add 10% To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to UK GDP by 2030. Other studies highlight the benefits to provide asylum seekers arriving in the UK with that artificial intelligence and automation could bring to opportunities to learn English free of charge. [HL9663] specific sectors. Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 7

Baroness Williams of Trafford: Not everyone who for disabled passengers. The CAA is working closely with makes their own way to the UK to seek asylum will be London Heathrow and other UK airports to support them found to be in need of protection and many will have in their work on implementing improvement plans so that travelled through other safe countries to get to the UK. all airports are fully accessible for disabled passengers. The Government does not fund English classes for asylum In addition, the Department for Transport also launched seekers. its Inclusive Transport Strategy today (25 July 2018), Asylum seekers aged 19 or over become eligible for a which will look to improve accessibility at UK airports in 50% contribution to the costs of English language classes conjunction with the Aviation Strategy. through the Adult Education Budget, when they have been legally in the UK for longer than six months and are Bahrain: Political Prisoners awaiting a decision on their asylum claim, or have failed in their claim but have been granted support under the Asked by Lord Scriven Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the reports of the deterioration of prison Asylum: LGBT People conditions for female political inmates in Bahrain’s Isa Town Detention Centre. [HL9605] Asked by Lord Scriven Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Government To ask Her Majesty's Government how many monitors events in Bahrain closely. Where we have people who claimed asylum on the basis of their sexual concerns on specific issues, including prison conditions, orientation or gender identity have been subject to we raise these with the Bahraini authorities. We enforced removal from the UK in the last 24 months; encourage those with concerns about treatment in and of those removed, which countries they were detention to report these to the relevant human rights returned to; and how many were returned to each oversight bodies. We encourage the Government of country. [HL9516] Bahrain to deliver on its international and domestic Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Home Office human rights commitments. recently published information on the number of people claiming asylum on the basis of sexual orientation. Bahrain: UN Human Rights Council Unfortunately, specific information on the numbers removed and the country of removal is not currently Asked by Lord Scriven published and could only be obtained by a manual check To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment of each record. The overlying data can be found at: they have made of the concerns expressed by Olivier de https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/asylum- Frouville at the meeting of the UN Human Rights claims-on-the-basis-of-sexual-orientation Council on 4 July about alleged reprisals against The Answer includes the following attached material: Bahraini activists attending Human Rights Council sessions, including Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei. [HL9664] Asylum claims on the basis of sexual orientation [asylum-claims- basis-sexual-orientation.pdf] Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK will continue to engage the Government of Bahrain on its reform agenda. The material can be viewed online at: If we have concerns about human rights, including http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- alleged reprisals, we will continue to raise them at an answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-12/HL9516 appropriate level, both in private and in public. We have received assurances from the Bahraini Aviation: Disability authorities that there have been no reprisals against the Asked by The Marquess of Lothian family members of Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei. We understand that he has been able to continue with his To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the work in the UK. report by the Civil Aviation Authority, Airport We encourage those with concerns about any form of accessibility report 2016/17, published in 2017, what mistreatment to report these to the appropriate oversight action they have taken to encourage airports and body. We urge these oversight bodies to carry out swift airlines to reduce waiting times and improve the quality and thorough investigations into any such claims. of the assistance provided to disabled passengers at Heathrow and other UK airports. [HL9868] Bank Services Baroness Sugg: The Department for Transport is Asked by Lord Bird looking at measures to improve accessibility at airports and on aircraft through our Aviation Strategy which is To ask Her Majesty's Government how many due to be published in 2019. This will build on the Civil working people in the UK they estimate do not have Aviation Authority, Airport accessibility reports, through bank accounts; and what steps they are taking to assist which the CAA have stepped up their compliance activity such people; and what particular measures they are and efforts to improve the quality of assistance available taking relating to those of this total who are homeless or Page 8 4 September 2018 Written Answers

sleeping rough or may previously have been such. committed to using its powers to act should LINK behave [HL9833] in a way that conflicts with its statutory objectives. Lord Bates: The Government does not make estimates Regarding bank branches, the decision to close a branch of the number of working people who do not have access is a commercial issue for the management team of the to bank accounts. However, in 2017, the FCA published bank involved. However, Government believes it is the results of the Financial Lives Survey which estimated important the impact on communities must be understood, that 1.3 million UK adults (3% of the UK adult considered and mitigated where possible. population) were unbanked, i.e. have no current account The Government supports the industry’s Access to or alternative e-money account. The Financial Lives Banking Standard which commits banks to ensure Survey report contains further information on the personal and business customers are better informed characteristics of the unbanked and their preferences to about branch closures and the reasons for them closing. It have a bank account. The FCA intend to repeat the also helps customers to understand the options they have Financial Lives Survey on a regular basis in future. locally to continue to access banking services, including specialist assistance for customers who need more help. The Government takes financial inclusion very seriously and is working to ensure everyone can have The Access to Banking Standard is monitored and enforced by the independent Lending Standards Board. access to financial services. With regards to those who are sleeping rough or are homeless, the Government Government also considers it important that all recognises that it can be difficult for such individuals to customers, wherever they live and especially those who access bank accounts due to their lack of permanent are vulnerable, can still access over the counter services. address. That is why we support the Post Office’s Banking Framework Agreement, which enables 99% of banks’ Under the Payment Accounts Regulations 2015, the 9 personal and 95% of banks’ small business customers to largest UK current account providers are required to offer withdraw cash, deposit cash and cheques, and make fee-free basic bank accounts to consumers who are either balance enquiries at a Post Office counter via its network unbanked or who are not eligible for a standard current of 11,600 branches. account. Regulation 23 specifically states that consumers with no fixed address are to be considered eligible and in Regulation 18 specifies that firms must not discriminate Boris Johnson against consumers by reason of their place of residence. Asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton As these accounts are particularly suitable for more To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the daily vulnerable customers, Government encourages the banks cost to the Exchequer of the continued occupation of who provide them to be flexible with identification and the Foreign Secretary's residence at Carlton Gardens by verification checks, within the remit of the Joint Money former Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson. [HL9763] Laundering Steering Group (JMLSG) guidance. The JMLSG guidance encourages firms to consider a wide Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: There is no additional range of evidence to prove identification and to act cost to the Exchequer and the Foreign and reasonably where customers do not have more Commonwealth Office is able to use the residence for conventional forms of identification. official engagements as normal. Former Ministers are expected to leave official residences as quickly as Bank Services: Rural Areas practicable at the end of their tenure, taking into account their personal circumstances and family requirements. Asked by Lord Bird The former Foreign Secretary did so on 31 July. Until then, he continued to be responsible for paying the To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are running costs of the private living area in the residence, taking to ensure continued access to (1) free automated for example council tax and utilities. The Foreign and teller machines, and (2) bank branches, particularly in Commonwealth Office pays the annual rent on the rural communities. [HL9832] property under a lease arrangement with the Crown Lord Bates: The Government recognises that Estate. Other costs, such as maintenance, would be widespread free access to cash remains extremely incurred whether or not the residence was occupied. important to the day-to-day lives of many consumers and businesses across the UK. Government has been engaging Brakes: Carbon Fibre Composites and will continue to engage with the regulators and industry, including LINK (the scheme that runs the UK’s Asked by Lord Freyberg ATM system), to ensure that it is maintained. To ask Her Majesty's Government what research has The Government established the Payment Systems been carried out into carbon fibre particulates released Regulator (PSR) in 2015 with a statutory objective to by carbon fibre braking systems used in domestic and ensure that the UK’s payment systems work in the motorsports vehicles, and commercial and military interests of their users. As part of this, the PSR is closely aircraft; whether such airborne particulates have monitoring developments within ATM provision and has properties similar in effect to asbestos fibres; and if Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 9

there has been no research, whether they will any, for leaving without an agreement that commission a study to look into the long-term department is undertaking. [HL9421] consequences on public health of using such materials. [HL9781] Asked by Lord Blencathra Baroness Sugg: The Government has not carried out To ask Her Majesty's Government what specific research into the carbon fibre particulates planning the Department for International Trade is released by carbon fibre braking systems used in vehicles undertaking to prepare for the UK leaving the EU or aircraft. without a withdrawal agreement; whether they will The Government will be launching a call for evidence publish or place in the Library of the House any such on particulate emissions from tyre and brake wear soon. plans; and what further preparations, if any, for leaving without an agreement that department is undertaking. [HL9422] Brexit Asked by Lord Blencathra Asked by Lord Blencathra To ask Her Majesty's Government what planning the To ask Her Majesty's Government what planning the Cabinet Office is undertaking to prepare for the UK Department for Transport is undertaking to prepare for leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement; the UK leaving the EU without a withdrawal whether they will publish or place in the Library of the agreement; whether they will publish or place in the House any such plans; and what further preparations, if Library of the House any such plans; and what further any, for leaving without an agreement that preparations, if any, for leaving without an agreement department is undertaking. [HL9417] that department is undertaking. [HL9472] Asked by Lord Blencathra Asked by Lord Blencathra To ask Her Majesty's Government what planning To ask Her Majesty's Government what planning the the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Department for Work and Pensions is undertaking to Strategy is undertaking to prepare for the UK leaving prepare for the UK leaving the EU without a the EU without a withdrawal agreement; whether they withdrawal agreement; whether they will publish or will publish or place in the Library of the House any place in the Library of the House any such plans; and such plans; and what further preparations, if any, for what further preparations, if any, for leaving without an leaving without an agreement that department is agreement that department is undertaking. [HL9473] undertaking. [HL9418] Asked by Lord Blencathra Asked by Lord Blencathra To ask Her Majesty's Government what planning the To ask Her Majesty's Government what Department of Health and Social Care is undertaking to planning the Department for Digital, Culture, prepare for the UK leaving the EU without a Media and Sport is undertaking to prepare for the UK withdrawal agreement; whether they will publish or leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement; place in the Library of the House any such plans; and whether they will publish or place in the Library of the what further preparations, if any, for leaving without an House any such plans; and what further preparations, if agreement that department is undertaking. [HL9474] any, for leaving without an agreement that department is undertaking. [HL9419] Asked by Lord Blencathra Asked by Lord Blencathra To ask Her Majesty's Government what planning the To ask Her Majesty's Government what planning the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is undertaking to Department for Education is undertaking to prepare for prepare for the UK leaving the EU without a the UK leaving the EU without a withdrawal withdrawal agreement; whether they will publish or agreement; whether they will publish or place in the place in the Library of the House any such plans; and Library of the House any such plans; and what further what further preparations, if any, for leaving without an preparations, if any, for leaving without an agreement that department is undertaking. [HL9475] agreement that department is undertaking. [HL9420] Asked by Lord Blencathra Asked by Lord Blencathra To ask Her Majesty's Government what planning HM To ask Her Majesty's Government what Treasury is undertaking to prepare for the UK leaving planning the Department for International the EU without a withdrawal agreement; whether they Development is undertaking to prepare for the UK will publish or place in the Library of the House any leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement; such plans; and what further preparations, if any, for whether they will publish or place in the Library of the leaving without an agreement that department is House any such plans; and what further preparations, if undertaking. [HL9476] Page 10 4 September 2018 Written Answers

Asked by Lord Blencathra whether they will publish or place in the Library of the House any such plans; and what further preparations, if To ask Her Majesty's Government what planning any, for leaving without an agreement that department the Home Office is undertaking to prepare for the UK is undertaking. [HL9541] leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement; whether they will publish or place in the Library of the Lord Callanan: As we continue to make progress in House any such plans; and what further preparations, if negotiations, we are increasingly confident that we will any, for leaving without an agreement that department secure a deal with the EU and in recent months the is undertaking. [HL9477] prospect of leaving negotiations with ‘no deal’ has receded significantly. However, as a responsible Asked by Lord Blencathra government we are preparing for all possible outcomes. To ask Her Majesty's Government what planning the Departments’ plans are well developed and are designed Ministry of Defence is undertaking to prepare for the to respond to all scenarios, including the unlikely UK leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement; possibility that we leave the EU without a deal in place. whether they will publish or place in the Library of the Some delivery of contingency plans has already become House any such plans; and what further preparations, if evident, and more will become public over the coming any, for leaving without an agreement that department weeks and months. Parliament has been regularly updated is undertaking. [HL9536] on these preparations for ‘no deal’ and we will continue to provide updates. Asked by Lord Blencathra Asked by Lord Inglewood To ask Her Majesty's Government what planning the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan Government is undertaking to prepare for the UK to publish a concise and comprehensive comparative leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement; economic analysis of the impact of (1) a no deal whether they will publish or place in the Library of the situation, (2) the arrangements set out in The future House any such plans; and what further preparations, if relationship between the United Kingdom and the any, for leaving without an agreement that department European Union, and (3) remaining in the EU, before is undertaking. [HL9537] any meaningful decision about Brexit. [HL9791] Asked by Lord Blencathra Lord Callanan: The Government is undertaking a wide range of continuing analysis and preparatory work, across To ask Her Majesty's Government what planning a range of scenarios, looking at the implications of the the Ministry of Justice is undertaking to prepare for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Our overall programme of UK leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement; work is comprehensive, thorough and is continuously whether they will publish or place in the Library of the updated. House any such plans; and what further preparations, if any, for leaving without an agreement that department The Government has confirmed that when we bring is undertaking. [HL9538] forward the vote on the final deal, we will ensure that Parliament is presented with the appropriate analysis to Asked by Lord Blencathra make an informed decision. At this stage of the To ask Her Majesty's Government what planning the negotiation, it would not be practical or appropriate to set Northern Ireland Office is undertaking to prepare for out the details of exactly how the Government will the UK leaving the EU without a withdrawal analyse the final deal. agreement; whether they will publish or place in the Library of the House any such plans; and what further Brexit: Public Consultation preparations, if any, for leaving without an agreement Asked by Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top that department is undertaking. [HL9539] To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Asked by Lord Blencathra Written Answer by Lord Callanan on 5 January To ask Her Majesty's Government what planning the (HL3922), whether they have given any further Scotland Office is undertaking to prepare for the UK consideration to systematically finding out the views of leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement; the British population on the nature of a negotiated whether they will publish or place in the Library of the Brexit, such as through citizens' assemblies. [HL9762] House any such plans; and what further preparations, if Lord Callanan: As stated by the Prime Minister and any, for leaving without an agreement that department again in my answer on 5th July, the Government is is undertaking. [HL9540] committed to securing the best possible deal for the Asked by Lord Blencathra United Kingdom - a deal that works for all parts of the UK and the UK economy. The British people voted to To ask Her Majesty's Government what planning the leave the EU and we will deliver on their instruction. Wales Office is undertaking to prepare for the UK However, we will continue to engage on EU exit issues leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement; with a wide range of organisations from all sectors Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 11 including academia, businesses and industry bodies, as British Overseas Territories well as the public, in order to inform our negotiations with the EU. Asked by Viscount Waverley To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have received any proposals from the governments of any of Brexit: White Papers the British Overseas Territories to alter the status of Asked by Lord Tebbit those Territories' relationships with the United Kingdom. [HL9677] To ask Her Majesty's Government at what time the White Paper The Future Relationship between the Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: As I have stated United Kingdom and the European Union (Cm 9593) previously, and as set out in the 2012 White Paper, we was made available to (1) Members of the House of believe that the fundamental structure of our Lords, (2) Members of the House of Commons, (3) the constitutional relationship with the Overseas Territories is BBC, (4) the EU, and (5) heads of other governments. the right one. However, we are happy to consider any [HL9520] proposals on changes to constitutions put forward by any of the Overseas Territories. Officials are currently Lord Callanan: The White Paper on the Future reviewing two such proposals. Relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union was published on the GOV.UK website Asked by Viscount Waverley and shared in a letter to the Chairs of the European Union To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any Committee and the Commons Exiting the European British Overseas Territory has made representations to Union and European Scrutiny Committees at the moment them regarding new UK legislation; if so, which the Secretary of State stood up to make his statement. Territory; and on what subject. [HL9678] Copies of the White Paper were put in the libraries of Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Some Overseas both Houses at 0930 on 12 July but due to an Territories with financial centres, namely Anguilla, administrative error, the White Paper was not distributed Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and to Members of the House of Commons ahead of the Montserrat have expressed concern about new legislation debate. There was no intent on the Government’s part to on sanctions and anti-money laundering (the Sanctions withhold information from the House and the Secretary of and Anti-Money Laundering Act), which became law on State has apologised for this oversight. 23 May 2018; in particular the requirement to establish a Asked by Baroness Coussins publicly accessible register of the beneficial ownership of companies registered in each government's jurisdiction. To ask Her Majesty's Government who was responsible for producing the translated versions of The Separately, the aforementioned Territories and Gibraltar future relationship between the United Kingdom and have made representations over the potential use of an the European Union; and what assessment they have Order in Council as specified in the Act, believing this to made of the criticisms of those translations. [HL9772] be constitutional overreach by the UK. Lord Callanan: The Department for Exiting the The Prime Minister held a conference call with leaders European Union worked with the Foreign and of affected Territories on 24 May to discuss the issue and Commonwealth Office to translate the executive summary a further discussion was held at the Joint Ministerial of the White Paper into all official EU languages and Council in June. Shortly after the passage of this Welsh. These translations have been well received by legislation I visited Anguilla, the Cayman Islands and stakeholders in Member States who have rightly engaged Montserrat, where I held discussions on this topic. with the content of the UK’s proposal. As with any Similarly, in late July I visited the British Virgin Islands Government document, where any errors are noticed they and met with representatives of the financial services are corrected. industry and government of BVI. The Government understands the strength of feeling on this issue and is committed to working collaboratively with affected British Nationals Abroad: EU Countries Territories on implementation. Asked by Viscount Waverley Broadband: Rural Areas To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their Asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering estimate of the numbers of UK citizens residing in other EU member states who do not own property in the UK. To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they [HL9821] have to extend the Better Broadband Subsidy voucher scheme beyond 31 December for the provision of Baroness Williams of Trafford: We do not hold this broadband in the hardest to reach rural areas. [HL9553] data.

Page 12 4 September 2018 Written Answers

Lord Ashton of Hyde: The Department is currently smart appliances, smart controls and modern methods of considering how it can most effectively use vouchers to construction. extend broadband coverage and an announcement will be made in due course. Burma: Press Freedom Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool Broadband: Urban Areas To ask Her Majesty's Government what support they Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark are giving to the United Nations Special Rapporteurs To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they who have called for the immediate and unconditional have to address the poor broadband speeds in some release of Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo following their areas of the UK's conurbations, cities, and towns. arrest and detention for reporting on human rights [HL9703] violations in Rakhine State. [HL9412] Lord Ashton of Hyde: In those areas where decent Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK shares the view broadband is not available, we are introducing a of the UN Special Rapporteurs for Burma and for broadband Universal Service Obligation so that by 2020 Freedom of Expression that Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo everyone across the UK will have a clear, enforceable should be released without delay. The former Foreign right to request high speed broadband of at least 10 Secretary and the Minister for Asia and the Pacific have Megabits per second. We will keep the speed and quality made public calls to this effect since the journalists' arrest parameters under review to make sure that it keeps pace in December 2017, and have made official representations with consumers' evolving needs. in meetings with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the Burmese Ambassador. The UK supports the work of In addition, the Government’s ambition is for full fibre all UN Special Rapporteurs. The former British to 15 million premises by 2025 and nationwide coverage Ambassador asked the Burmese Government to reverse by 2033. On 23 July, the Government published its Future its decision to refuse Special Rapporteur Yanghee Lee Telecoms Infrastructure Review, setting out approach to access to Burma in his meeting with the Minister of the achieving our targets by promoting competition and Office of State Counsellor on 11 January. commercial investment. The Government is also investing in full fibre Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool connectivity through our £280 million Local Full Fibre To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Networks programme. In March 2018, funding was they have made of the conditions in which Wa Lone allocated to 13 successful bidders, with projects in several and Kyaw Soe Oo are incarcerated; and what UK cities, including London, Manchester, Cambridge, representations they have made to the government of Cardiff, and Belfast. Burma about reports that they have been denied (1) sleep during interrogation, and (2) access to medical Buildings: Carbon Emissions attention. [HL9413] Asked by Lord Teverson Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK is deeply concerned by reports that Reuters journalists Wa Lone To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they and Kyaw Soe Oo have been denied sleep during intend to make it mandatory for new build residential, interrogation and access to medical attention. The former and commercial properties to be zero carbon; and if so, Foreign Secretary raised his concerns about their when. [HL9617] continued detention when he met State Counsellor Aung Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: The Building San Suu Kyi during his visit to Burma in February. The Regulations already require very energy efficient new Minister for Asia and the Pacific publicly expressed his homes. The minimum energy performance standard for disappointment on 8 July about the decision to proceed to new homes has been increased by over 30 per cent since a trial, and raised his concerns over the case in his 2010. meeting on 11 July with Burmese Ambassador U Kyaw Zwar Minn. Our Embassy officials have regularly The next steps for reviewing these requirements are set attended the pre-trial hearings and will continue to attend out in the Government's Clean Growth Strategy, which court sessions during the trial. sets out our intention to consult on strengthening energy requirements where cost effective, affordable, safe and Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool practical to do so. To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they The Prime Minister has set out the Government's intend to discuss the obligations under Article 19 of the ambition as part of a ‘Clean Growth Mission’ under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with the UK’s Industrial Strategy to halve the total use of energy government of Burma; and whether they intend to call in new homes compared to today’s standards for new for a revision of Burma’s Official Secrets Act to bring it build. This will consider what role energy performance into line with that government's obligations to respect requirements will have to support a wider approach press freedom and the right of journalists to carry out alongside innovation including more efficient appliances, their duties freely and safely. [HL9414] Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 13

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK has been a Business Interests consistent, vocal advocate of democratic freedoms in Burma, including freedom of expression. The former Asked by Lord Macpherson of Earl's Court Foreign Secretary raised the UK's concerns about freedom To ask Her Majesty's Government how many former of expression in Burma with State Counsellor Aung San (1) ministers, and (2) civil servants have taken up Suu Kyi during her visit to the UK in May 2017, and his business appointments without getting approval from specific concerns about the continued detention of the Prime Minister and Advisory Committee on Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo when he Business Appointments since 2015. [HL9653] met her during his visit to Burma in February 2018. The UK will continue to urge the Burmese authorities to Lord Young of Cookham: The Advisory Committee protect its citizens' right to a free press in line with on Business Appointments publish details of all advice international norms. given to former ministers and senior civil servants on their website, including where they are aware of a breach of the process. However the specific information Bus Services: Finance requested is not recorded centrally. Asked by Lord Snape Asked by Lord Macpherson of Earl's Court To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans, if have made of the impact of cuts to local authority any, they have to strengthen the business appointment funding on the provision of supported bus services. process for former ministers and civil servants. [HL9517] [HL9654] Baroness Sugg: Central and local government support Lord Young of Cookham: The Government’s view for local bus services consists of payments for supported remains that the current Business Appointment Rules services, Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) and system provides the right balance between preventing concessionary travel reimbursement (effectively a subsidy conflicts of interest, and ensuring the public sector can to concessionary passengers). In 2016/17, estimated total attract the skills and capability it needs, whilst also net support paid in England was £2.21 billion, of which recognising the common law freedoms of individuals to £1.03 billion or 47% was for concessionary travel. In real earn a living without unreasonable hindrance. terms, annual total net support for bus services since However, as set out in the Government response to the 2010/11 has averaged 23% more than in the 1996/97 to Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs 2009/10 period. Committee’s most recent report on the subject, we have Local authorities are best placed to decide how to introduced a number of administrative changes to provide supported bus services, reflecting local needs. strengthen the process at a Departmental level, and ensure The Government encourages local authorities, operators consistency in the way the Rules are applied. This and local communities to work in partnership, and we includes issuing new guidance to Departments on have seen some excellent examples of how this can drive administering the Rules, and requiring the Chairs of growth. For instance, bus usage in Bristol has increased Departmental Audit and Risk Committees to take by 42% since 2009/10 where there is a collaboration responsibility for monitoring compliance with the Rules between the local authorities and the local bus operator as part of their existing governance processes. First Bristol; whilst the Liverpool City Region Bus The full Government response is attached. Alliance – between Merseytravel, Arriva and Stagecoach The Answer includes the following attached material: – has achieved impressive strong patronage growth, with the Alliance reporting that bus journeys made by all Government Response to PACAC [Government response to paying passengers went up by 16.2 per cent overall in the PACAC .pdf] three years up to Autumn 2017. The material can be viewed online at: Asked by Lord Snape http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-18/HL9654 To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions have taken place between the Secretary of State for Transport and the Secretary of State for Housing, Cameroon: Commonwealth Communities and Local Government about cuts to local authority funding and their impact on supported local Asked by Lord Boateng bus services. [HL9518] To ask Her Majesty's Government what Baroness Sugg: The Secretary of State for Transport representations they have made to the Commonwealth regularly meets with the Secretary of State for Housing, Secretariat about the compliance of Cameroon with the Communities and Local Government where a number of Harare Declaration and its continuing membership of issues are discussed, including funding. the Commonwealth. [HL9732]

Page 14 4 September 2018 Written Answers

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK High Cannabis: Medical Treatments Commissioner to Cameroon discussed the situation in Cameroon with the Secretary General of the Asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton Commonwealth during her visit in December, and again To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have in January. The UK will continue to discuss this with the carried out any research into the number of potential Commonwealth Secretariat, as it does a range of issues beneficiaries of a relaxation of the current restrictions relating to the Commonwealth's fundamental political on the use of medicinal cannabis. [HL9533] values, which are enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter. Asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that research into the use of medicinal Cameroon: Human Rights cannabis as a potential treatment will be shared following the UK exiting the EU. [HL9534] Asked by Lord Boateng Lord O'Shaughnessy: The Government has not To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment commissioned research into the number of patients that they have made of the willingness and capacity of the might benefit from use of cannabis-based medicinal government of Cameroon to investigate alleged human products. rights abuses in Anglophone Cameroon. [HL9733] The Government values the strong collaborative Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The British Government partnerships that we have across the European Union in is clear that human rights are universal and must apply the areas of science, research and innovation, and as part equally to all, and that all allegations of abuse must be of exit negotiations is working to ensure that we have the investigated, including in Cameroon. We welcome the best possible environment in which to support clinical decision of the Government of Cameroon to open trials and new medicines after we leave the EU. The investigations into alleged abuses in Anglophone regions Government will continue to monitor and share the and other parts of the country. We want to see an end to emerging evidence on the therapeutic use of cannabis- violence, and a meaningful process of dialogue to address based medicinal products. the core issues in Cameroon. We will continue to engage with the Government of Cameroon on these and wider Caribbean: Hurricanes and Tornadoes issues and underline that all parties have a responsibility to work for peace and stability, and to use legal and Asked by Lord Naseby peaceful means to voice grievances. To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will publish their report on their successes and failures of Asked by Lord Boateng the response to Hurricane Irma in 2017 with appropriate To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment redaction of individual names. [HL9800] they have made of the capacity of the Commonwealth Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: In my response to Secretariat to promote human rights in Cameroon. previous questions by the Noble Lord, I noted that a [HL9734] lessons learnt process had taken place following the 2017 Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Commonwealth hurricane season involving a range of Departments of Her Secretariat plays a valuable role in supporting member Majesty's Government, led by the Foreign and states, including Cameroon, to uphold the values and Commonwealth Office (FCO). To protect the integrity of principles enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter, to this and future lessons learnt processes, the FCO does not which member states reaffirmed their "unwavering propose to make the results externally available. commitment" at the Commonwealth Heads of However, the progress made by Departments against Government Meeting in April (CHOGM). actions identified in the lessons learnt exercise was made available to the House in the form of a Written Ministerial At CHOGM the UK announced £0.5 million of funding Statement on 4 July. On 16 July I held a "drop-in" session to fund additional human rights advisers in the for Members of both Houses to discuss hurricane Commonwealth Secretariat's Small States Office in preparation and recovery. Geneva, to support the engagement of Commonwealth states with the UN Human Rights Council and its Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland Universal Periodic Review process. We will continue to support the Commonwealth Secretariat in promoting Asked by Lord Empey Commonwealth values and principles, including through To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions our High Commission in Cameroon, as well as across all they have had with local councils in Northern Ireland member states through our network of High about the transfer of some of the functions of the Commissions. Electoral Office for Northern Ireland to local authorities. [HL9688] Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 15

Lord Duncan of Springbank: The delivery of Government is not introducing new responsibilities and is elections in Northern Ireland is the responsibility of the not planning to stipulate what the role should be. Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland and there is The ‘Supporting Mental Health in Schools and no suggestion that that will change. If the Chief Electoral Colleges’ survey published in 2017 suggested that around Officer wishes to pursue the possibility of local half of schools already have a mental health lead in place. authorities assisting in the delivery of some aspects of The Government will provide all schools with the elections, under her direction, that will in the first instance opportunity to train a lead in how to put in place a whole be a matter for her. school approach to mental health. Given the links between obesity and both physical and mental health, Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland: whole school approaches can include activity to tackle Finance obesity such as that set out by the Government in the attached document, ‘Childhood obesity: a plan for action’. Asked by Lord Empey The qualitative research accompanying the survey To ask Her Majesty's Government what indicates that some schools already include both physical representations they have received from the Electoral and mental health in such approaches, and make links to Office for Northern Ireland regarding the implications the teaching of personal, social, health and economic of the current budget allocation for its activities. education. On 19 July, my right hon. Friend the Secretary [HL9687] of State launched a consultation on proposals to make Lord Duncan of Springbank: Officials regularly hold health education compulsory in schools. Under these discussions with the Chief Electoral Officer and her staff proposals pupils will be taught about the benefits of a on this and a range of other issues. healthier lifestyle for both their physical and mental wellbeing. We expect that many schools will choose to Child Tax Credit make the teaching of health education part of a whole school approach to mental health overseen by a Asked by The Lord Bishop of Durham designated senior lead. To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the The Answer includes the following attached material: report by HMRC, Child and Working Tax Credits HL9686_Childhood_obesity_a_plan_for_action Statistics: Provisional Awards Geographical Analysis [HL9686_Childhood_obesity_a_plan_for_action .pdf] April 2018, published on 28 June, in relation to the policy to provide support via Child Tax Credit for a The material can be viewed online at: maximum of two children, whether they have http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- undertaken an analysis to determine why the total answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-19/HL9686 number of affected household in the first year of the policy is substantially lower than the estimate published Children: Poverty in their impact assessment of July 2015; and if so, what are the reasons for the difference between the projected Asked by Lord Bird and actual outcomes. [HL9843] To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Lord Bates: The difference between the estimate in the they have made, or intend to make, of the report of the Impact Assessment and the statistic published in “Child Resolution Foundation, Living Standards Audit 2018, Tax Credit and Universal Credit claimants: statistics published on 24 July, and its conclusion that the related to the policy to provide support for a maximum of proportion of children in poverty has risen by 21 per 2 children, April 2018” is due to a combination factors, cent in the five years to 2016, rather than their estimate including improvements to the methodology used to of 11 per cent. [HL9830] identify the affected population, divergences between the Baroness Buscombe: Benefit under-reporting in economic determinants used to model the policy and household surveys is a well-known, long standing issue. actual outturn, and changes in the underlying claimant To date it has not been possible to accurately resolve this. population. No formal analysis of the separate impact of The Resolution Foundation’s report published on 24 July these factors has been made. attempts to correct this issue. However, they do not have accurate information on which households are under- Children: Obesity reporting. Consequently, they use a series of assumptions Asked by Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe to select a number of households in the survey, allocating them additional income from benefits. This means the To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the role of conclusions in the report will be sensitive to the the designated senior lead on mental health in schools households selected; different assumptions will give will cover child obesity. [HL9686] different results. Lord Agnew of Oulton: It will be for schools to decide DWP is currently working towards a more accurate whether to put a designated senior lead for mental health solution to correct this issue, whereby survey records are in place and what responsibilities they should cover. The combined with administrative data to improve the quality Page 16 4 September 2018 Written Answers of the survey data. Making this correction is likely to Clinical Commissioning Groups reduce the number of individuals classed as being in low income. Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether Clinical Commissioning China: Religious Freedom Groups have a robust process of debate and challenge in Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool relation to commissioning decisions. [HL9789] To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they Lord O'Shaughnessy: No such formal assessment has intend to support the complaint recently filed by taken place, however clinical commissioning groups Alessandro Amicarelli to the United Nations Working (CCGs) have a duty to involve their patients, carers and Group on Arbitrary Detention against China for its use the public in decisions about the services they of arbitrary detention against unregistered religious commission. General practitioners (GPs) know the needs believers. [HL9466] of their local population best, all GP practices have to be a member of a CCG and CCGs have an obligation to reflect Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We remain deeply their members’ concerns. concerned about the persecution of Christians, Muslims, CCGs are independent statutory organisations and thus Buddhists, Falun Gong practitioners and others on the are, in principle, self-governing, however they are grounds of their religion or belief in China. The freedom accountable to NHS England and it has the power to to practise, change or share ones faith or belief without intervene where it believes a CCG is not carrying out its discrimination or violent opposition is a human right that duties. all people should enjoy. Her Majesty’s Government remains committed to promoting and defending the right to freedom of religion or belief for all individuals. The Coastal Areas: Regeneration UK has a close working relationship with UN bodies and Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark is committed to upholding the rule of law and rules-based international system. My officials continue to monitor the To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment progress of the complaint filed by Alessandro Amicarelli they have made of the role of the arts in revitalising and await the outcome. seaside towns. [HL9704] Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: Promoting the arts is an important element in ensuring that our seaside towns China: Trade continue to grow and prosper. We have helped establish Asked by Viscount Waverley 146 Coastal Community Teams around the English coastline, which have produced Economic Plans setting To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their out both the short and longer term priorities to enable strategy towards China’s belt and road initiative; and their area to promote jobs and economic growth. The arts how that initiative affects UK interests. [HL9529] will play a particular role in the tourism offer in many of Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The British Government the Economic Plans the Coastal Community Teams have welcomes the opportunities presented by the Belt and developed. In addition, through the Coastal Communities Road Initiative; if implemented well, we believe it will Fund and the Coastal Revival Fund, we are supporting have a significant impact on economic development in the many regeneration and heritage projects involving the arts Asia and Pacific region. During the Prime Minister’s visit in coastal towns. to China in January, the UK and China agreed to work together to identify how best we can cooperate on the Colombia: Armed Conflict Initiative and ensure it meets international standards. We are currently taking forward the practical cooperation Asked by Baroness Coussins agreed at the UK-China Economic and Financial To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they Dialogue in December 2017. Sir Douglas Flint, former are taking following the declaration by the paramilitary Chair of HSBC, has been appointed the UK Financial and group Aguilas Negras that the non-governmental Professional Services Envoy for the Belt and Road. In organisations Sisma Mujer and Somos Defensores are addition, we are working with China to jointly identify regarded as military targets, given that those two NGOs infrastructure projects. It is in everyone’s interests to are in receipt of funds from the UK. [HL9776] ensure that the Initiative adheres to international standards and best practice, including to encourage responsible Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are aware of the list investment and sustainable development, in order to be a of 'military targets' announced by the group that calls success in driving global growth and enhancing itself the Aguilas Negras, or 'Black Eagles'. As well as development outcomes. NGOs, the list also includes prominent politicians, journalists and other human rights defenders. The British Embassy in Bogota has publicly denounced these threats. Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 17

Asked by Baroness Coussins Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Colombia's 52 year conflict has claimed over 8 million victims including To ask Her Majesty's Government what more than 7 million displaced persons. In recent years, representations they have made to the government of only the conflict in Syria has seen a larger number of Colombia about the humanitarian crisis in Chocó, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) caused by internal specifically in relation to the reports of sexual violence conflict. being used by armed actors. [HL9777] Speaking times at the Human Rights Council are Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Our Embassy in Bogota limited, so it is impossible to cover every country of has raised the situation in Choco with the Colombian concern in the UK intervention. On this occasion, the UK authorities. chose to prioritise raising Iraq, Syria, South Sudan and the In September 2017, members of our Embassy in Bogota Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the situation accompanied a UK delegation including the honourable for IDPs had deteriorated significantly during recent Lady, on a visit to Choco, organised by the NGO months. ABColombia. Since then, Embassy staff have visited the Concerns about major displacements in Colombia were region twice. also included the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's The Foreign and Commonwealth Office worked closely 2017 Human Rights report, published on 16 July. with NGOs in preparation for Colombia's Universal Periodic Review at Geneva in May, raising concerns about violence against human rights defenders and Common Customs Tariffs conflict related sexual violence. Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have Colombia: Human Rights plans for Britain to maintain the EU’s common external Asked by Baroness Coussins tariff permanently; and if so, what assessment they have made of whether this could constrain their ability to To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their strike trade deals with non-EU countries. [HL9612] response to the killing of nine human rights defenders in Colombia in the first week of July. [HL9773] Baroness Fairhead: The UK will be leaving the Customs Union and Single Market. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are concerned about reports of violence against human rights defenders and In line with the Government’s White Paper ‘The future social activists in Colombia. Illegal armed groups are relationship between the United Kingdom and the responsible for the majority of these attacks. In response, European Union,’ the UK will be free to conduct tariff th I welcome the recent commitment by both President negotiations with other countries after 29 March 2019, Santos and President-elect Duque to new special for post Implementation Period tariffs. protective measures for social leaders, especially in rural We are looking at a full spectrum of options for the areas. future tariff regime and are considering carefully the Asked by Baroness Coussins evidence available before making a final decision that will serve the best interest of British industry and consumers. To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will encourage the government of Colombia to invite the Community Nurses UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders to visit Colombia. [HL9774] Asked by Baroness Cox Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK encouraged the To ask Her Majesty's Government what measures Colombian Government to invite the UN Special they are taking to address the impact of the reduction in Rapporteur for Human Rights in our submission to the number of district nurses in England from 7,700 in Colombia's Universal Periodic Review in May of this 2010 to 4,400 in 2018, as reported by NHS Digital. year. The British Ambassador in Bogota has also raised [HL9837] with the incoming Foreign Minister. Asked by Baroness Cox Colombia: Internally Displaced People To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on patient safety and Asked by Baroness Coussins wellbeing of the falling numbers of district nurses in To ask Her Majesty's Government whether it is their England reported by NHS Digital. [HL9838] assessment that Colombia has the highest number of Lord O'Shaughnessy: Community health services play internally displaced persons in the world; and why, at a crucial role in keeping people living healthier for longer the 38th session of the Human Rights Council, they did through proactively managing health in a setting where not include Colombia in the references made to patients feel most comfortable. Having the right countries where there are large numbers of internally workforce is fundamental to ensure this can happen and displaced persons. [HL9775] Page 18 4 September 2018 Written Answers the Government acknowledges the challenge of meeting Barclay) announced that some postgraduate students increased demand for care from community nurses. starting district nursing courses will be eligible to receive NHS Digital’s data, which is drawn from the Electronic up to £10,000 as a 'golden hello’. The Government Staff Record, shows a drop in the number of full-time announced £10 million to support this and we are equivalent district nurses across the National Health currently considering how this is best delivered on the Service. However, because of changes, made in 2009, to ground. Health Education England has agreed to provide the way that community health services are commissioned funding for all community nursing specialist practice – i.e. to a range of different types of provider – this does qualifications until 2020. In addition to this, we are not represent the full picture and there will be many expanding routes into district nursing by developing an district nurses providing NHS funded services in apprenticeship. organisations that do not provide a return to the Electronic Employers across the National Health Service are Staff Record. responsible for rostering their staff effectively, including providing cover for staff who are on training, to ensure However, we are not complacent, which is why we are increasing the supply of registered nurses to meet the they can deliver excellent patient care. Health Education growth in demand and have announced additional clinical England is currently considering how to further support the community nursing workforce. placement funding that will enable around 5,000 more nursing students to enter training each year from Health Education England has advised they are grateful September 2018. This is a historic increase. to Dr Bob Brown, Queen’s Nursing Institute, for raising his concerns regarding the future development of the We are committed to developing and supporting the district nurse workforce. A full written response to Dr wellbeing of the whole community workforce to deliver Brown’s letter is being sent imminently. safe, quality patient-centred care. Health Education England is currently considering how to further support the community nursing workforce. Corruption Asked by Baroness Cox Asked by Lord Rooker To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment To ask Her Majesty's Government whether closed they have made of the financial challenges faced courts are being used for settlements and penalties by nurses in England where they take a reduction in relating to financial corruption where a trial has not salary for the duration of the one-year education taken place; and if so, why. [HL9717] programme to qualify as a district nurse. [HL9839] Lord Keen of Elie: Where a Deferred Prosecution Asked by Baroness Cox Agreement (DPA) is reached for an economic crime, it must include a declaration in open court that the DPA is To ask Her Majesty's Government what measures in the interests of justice and its terms are fair, reasonable they are taking to reduce any impact on patient care and proportionate. The SFO has entered into 4 DPA’s to resulting from the absence of funding to backfill a post date: in each case the final hearing was held in public. when a registered nurse in the district nursing team undertakes a year-long programme of education in Counter-terrorism order to qualify as a district nurse. [HL9840] Asked by Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb Asked by Baroness Cox To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their provided with all documents produced by counter response to the letter sent on 22 June by Dr Bob Brown, terrorism police as advice to their partners about Trustee of the Queen’s Nursing Institute and chair the whether an individual constitutes a terrorist or domestic Community Nurse Executive Network, to Health extremist; whether they are consulted prior to the Education England, which highlighted the lack of publication of such advice to partners; and whether they funding from Health Education England to support can veto or edit the publication both in print or online. district nurse education after September. [HL9841] [HL9850] Lord O'Shaughnessy: Community health services play Baroness Williams of Trafford: Counter terrorism a crucial role in keeping people living healthier for longer police produce assessments of risk. Police retain through proactively managing health in a setting where operational independence for such documents. The Home patients feel most comfortable. Having the right Office is not provided with all such documents. workforce is fundamental to ensure this can happen and the Government acknowledges the challenge of meeting Asked by Lord Pearson of Rannoch increased demand for care from community nurses. To ask Her Majesty's Government what support they We want to do more to support nurses, including those receive as part of their counter-terrorism strategy from facing financial difficulty, who undertake the one-year Muslim communities in reducing support for sharia education programme to qualify as a district nurse. On 9 law, abrogation, Taqiyya, Al Hijra and the pursuit of a May 2018, the Minister of State for Health (Stephen world caliphate. [HL9877] Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 19

Baroness Williams of Trafford: We recognise the cryptocurrency exchanges of being targeted by fundamental importance of working in partnership with cybercriminals. [HL9489] all communities to reduce the risk of radicalisation.That is Lord Bates: This Government is taking the increased why we supported 181 community-based projects in use of cryptoassets seriously. We want to harness the 2017/18, reaching over 88,000 participants. potential benefits of the underlying distributed ledger Almost half of these projects were delivered in schools, technology, while managing the risks posed by aimed at increasing young people’s resilience to terrorist developments in cryptoassets to consumers and markets. and extremist ideologies. Prevent does not target a specific faith or ethnic group - it deals with all forms of The Government has set up a Cryptoasset Taskforce extremism. comprising of HM Treasury, the Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority. The Taskforce’s objectives Crossrail 2 Line include exploring the impact of cryptoassets, and the potential benefits and challenges of the application of Asked by Baroness Randerson distributed ledger technology in financial services. It will also assess what, if any, regulation is required in response. To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are The Taskforce will deliver a report in September 2018. taking to safeguard Network Rail land while the final route for Crossrail 2 is being considered. [HL9513] HM Treasury is also liaising with the National Crime Agency and the National Cyber Security Centre to better Baroness Sugg: The Department for Transport understand their approach to the cyber security risks to safeguarded a section of the proposed Crossrail 2 route in consumers of cryptoassets. 2015, stretching from Wimbledon to Tottenham Hale. Our current position is not to update safeguarding directions before the outcomes of the Independent Cybercrime: Small Businesses Affordability Review, Government agreement to a route, Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick and public consultation on an update to safeguarding directions. To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are We have asked Transport for London and Network Rail taking to encourage and enable small businesses to (1) to monitor potential development on areas which are not improve their cyber security, and (2) build a robust IT currently safeguarded which they believe might be infrastructure. [HL9455] required in future to deliver Crossrail 2. Officials are Lord Ashton of Hyde: As part of the 2016-2021 regularly updated and we keep the case for safeguarding National Cyber Security Strategy the Government created under constant review to ensure the potential route can be the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to be the protected in a cost effective manner. authority on the UK’s cyber security environment, sharing knowledge, addressing systemic vulnerabilities and Crowdfunding providing leadership on key national cyber security issues. Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark In October 2017, the NCSC published a Small Business To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Guide which is freely available on its website. Following they have made of peer to peer lending and its potential this guidance will significantly increase the protection of for growth. [HL9434] small businesses against the most common forms of Lord Bates: The Government believes that peer-to- cybercrime. The guide cannot guarantee protection from peer (P2P) lending delivers innovative financial services all types of cyber attack, but it sets out easy, low-cost for both businesses and consumers that can provide steps that can be to protect an organisation’s data, assets competition to the major banks and is keen to see the and reputation. The NCSC also manages the Cyber sector continue to grow and evolve. Essentials scheme, another tool which businesses can take to protect themselves against a whole range of the most The Government has implemented a proportionate, common cyber attacks. principles-based regulatory regime for P2P lending, balancing the need for consumer protection with allowing In addition, the Government recently introduced the the sector to grow and evolve. Data Protection Act (2018), which requires organisations P2P business lending grew by 51% in 2017, totalling to have appropriate technical and organisational cyber £1.78bn of lending, according to the British Business security measures in place to protect personal data. Bank’s Small Business Finance Markets Report 2017-18. Cycling Cryptocurrencies: Cybercrime Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark Asked by Baroness Kennedy of Cradley To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment are taking, if any, to increase the level of cycling in they have made of the risk to those using England. [HL9863] Page 20 4 September 2018 Written Answers

Baroness Sugg: The Government’s statutory Cycling breathing space and a statutory debt repayment plan. The and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS), published in government is working in close conjunction with April 2017, sets out a number of actions to increase the stakeholders to design a scheme that works for all those level of cycling, alongside £1.2 billion of funding that who would benefit from the scheme’s protections. may be invested in cycling and walking in England over The government will consult on a single policy the period to 2021. proposal based on this work later this summer, and then Since the publication of the Strategy, the Department intends to lay regulations to establish the scheme in 2019. has identified additional funding for cycling and walking schemes, including around £77 million of support for Defence: Expenditure schemes via the National Productivity Investment Fund. The Government also announced a new £1.7 billion Asked by Lord Truscott Transforming Cities Fund in the Autumn Budget which To ask Her Majesty's Government what percentage of will allow a number of cities to support projects aimed at GDP they spend on UK defence, excluding pension improving local connectivity by boosting cycling and provisions. [HL9629] walking. The Department has commenced a major programme of technical support to help 44 local Earl Howe: When the Ministry of Defence's pension authorities in England develop their Local Cycling and expenditure, as reported in accordance with NATO's Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs). definitions of defence spending, is removed, the UK's The Government launched a call for evidence on how to remaining expenditure on defence spending in financial improve safety for cycling and walking in March 2018 as year 2017-18 equalled 1.97% of GDP using the Office for part of the CWIS Safety Review. The Department for Budget Responsibility's GDP forecast. Transport is currently assessing over 13,000 responses and will publish its response in due course. Department for International Trade: Reviews Data Protection Asked by Lord Watts Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark To ask Her Majesty's Government how many To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment independent reviews the Department for International they have made of the level of fines available to be Trade has commissioned into its policy or imposed by the Information Commissioner where administration over the last year; and what was the total organisations are found to have broken the law. cost of those reviews. [HL9464] [HL9433] Baroness Fairhead: The Department for International Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark Trade does not hold this information. To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to take further action to protect people's data. [HL9436] Department for Transport: Reviews Lord Ashton of Hyde: The General Data Protection Asked by Lord Watts Regulation (GDPR) and the new Data Protection Act To ask Her Majesty's Government how many 2018 (DPA) strengthen standards on data protection, independent reviews the Department for Transport has ensuring they are up to date for the modern age. The commissioned into its policy or administration over the GDPR allows the Information Commissioner to impose last year; and what was the total cost of those reviews. fines up to £18 million or 4% of global turnover. These [HL9526] are significantly higher fines than were available under the Data Protection Act 1998 where the maximum fine Baroness Sugg: Independent government reviews that could be imposed was £500,000. We will continue to come in many different forms. Without defining a specific work with the Commissioner to monitor and evaluate the type of review, for example a government funded inquiry, impact of the fines over the months and years ahead. it is not possible to determine an answer. The Department for Transport therefore does not hold this information. Debts Developing Countries: Females Asked by Lord Bird Asked by Baroness Hodgson of Abinger To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to meet their timetable for implementing the To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there will breathing space debt scheme as announced by the be a sustained focus on women and girls in developing Economic Secretary to HM Treasury in October 2017. countries in the forthcoming Department for [HL9831] International Development Spending Review. [HL9846] Lord Bates: The government is currently undertaking a Lord Bates: Gender equality is a top development detailed policy design process on the introduction of priority and a top priority for the UK. Our manifesto and Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 21 legislative commitments put girls and women at the heart Lord O'Shaughnessy: The provision of National of development and humanitarian spending. The process Health Service bereavement services is a local matter. for agreeing Spending Review commitments will These services may offer a range of support to bereaved commence in the autumn, under a Treasury lead. people and are typically designed to support people regardless of the circumstance of that bereavement. Driving: Licensing There are also a number of charities and support networks that that specialise in providing support to those Asked by Viscount Waverley who have lost a loved one in particular circumstances, To ask Her Majesty's Government how many UK such as drowning. citizens resident in other EU member states, having exchanged their UK driving licences for licences in Duchy of Cornwall: Property Transfer those states, will need to exchange their current licences for UK licences after the UK’s withdrawal from the Asked by Lord Berkeley EU; and whether those licences will be issued on the To ask Her Majesty's Government whether Duchy of same conditions as their original UK licence. [HL9754] Cornwall property used by Bishop Peter Ball was Baroness Sugg: We do not hold comprehensive data on transferred into the private ownership of the Prince of the number of UK licence holders who exchange their Wales; and, if so, whether the transfer was approved by licences for EU licences. The treatment of driving HM Treasury; and, if so, whether at (1) an licences is part of wider negotiations and will depend on independently audited commercial rate, or (2) a the outcome of the final deal between UK and the EU. discounted rate. [HL9731] UK citizens who are already resident in another EU Lord Bates: This is a matter for the Duchy of member state, can exercise their current right to exchange Cornwall. The Duchy of Cornwall Management Acts their UK driving licence for one of the state where they 1863 and 1982 set out the requirement for HM Treasury are resident. If they remain resident in the EU after exit, approval. I understand that the property was fully there should be no requirement for the licence holder to marketed and disposed by the Duchy of Cornwall estate at then re-exchange their EU licence back to a UK licence. arms-length to a third party in 2015. If the licence holder moves back to the UK from the EU and becomes resident, they will be able to re-obtain a UK Economic Situation licence with the same categories, on the basis that they Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick passed their driving test in the UK. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Asked by Lord Kilclooney they have made of the effects of Brexit on the UK To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment economy to date. [HL9671] they have made of the status of the UK driving licences Lord Bates: The UK economy is resilient. The used in other EU nations after Brexit; and whether this economy has grown every year since 2010, and in 2017, issue has been discussed in the Brexit negotiations. growth remained solid at 1.7%. In their Spring Statement [HL9865] 2018 forecast, the Office for Budget Responsibility Baroness Sugg: The treatment of driving licences will expected that the UK economy will continue to grow in depend on the outcome of the final deal. We are seeking a 2018 and throughout the forecast period. The labour deal to ensure mutual driving licence recognition after the market continues to show strength with both the UK leaves the EU, so that UK driving licences will employment level and employment rate at record highs, continue to be recognised as they are today. Such a deal is and unemployment at the lowest rate in 40 years. The UK in the interests of both sides and we have started these government wants to protect jobs and support growth discussions. through an economic partnership with the EU, and Irrespective of the outcome of our negotiations, our proposals for our future relationship with the EU are set ratification of the 1968 Vienna Convention and 1949 out in the White Paper. Geneva Convention will ensure that UK licence holders can continue to drive after exit throughout the EU and Election Offences: Referendums EEA using an international driving permit document if Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark necessary. To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the Drownings offences which may be committed in respect of the conduct of referendums; and what are the penalties that Asked by Lord Storey may be imposed by the courts on persons found guilty To ask Her Majesty's Government what support not of each of those offences. [HL9594] available in other circumstances is provided by public Lord Young of Cookham: The Electoral Commission services to families where a member of the family has has a duty under the Political Parties, Elections and died in a drowning accident. [HL9667] Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA) to regulate political Page 22 4 September 2018 Written Answers funding and spending at elections and referendums. The Baroness Sugg: The Department for Transport has not ‘Offences and proposed sanctions’ document on their undertaken any detailed assessment of the affordability of website sets out the offences and contraventions in electric bikes. However, the Cycle to Work scheme can PPERA, including the offences and actions which can be be used to help with the purchase of electrically assisted taken in respect of the conduct of referendums. pedal cycles, and is one of the many ways in which the In addition, the Electoral Commission can refer serious Government is supporting active travel choices, as set out offences to the prosecuting authorities in the 2017 Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy. The Department for Transport is currently in the process The penalties that courts can impose are set in Schedule of updating the Cycle to Work Scheme guidance and will 20 of PPERA. If a person is found guilty, penalties may make a further announcement later in the year. vary from an unlimited fine to a prison sentence of up to a year. Asked by Baroness Randerson The table of offences and sanctions is attached. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment The Answer includes the following attached material: they have made of a whether a higher uptake of electric bikes through the Cycle to Work Scheme would have Table of offences and sanctions for EP [Table of offences and any impact on public finances. [HL9888] sanctions for EP .pdf] Baroness Sugg: The Cycle to Work Scheme can be The material can be viewed online at: used to assist with the purchase of electrically assisted http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-17/HL9594 pedal cycles, and is one of the many ways in which the Government is supporting increased uptake in cycling, as Electoral Register: Northern Ireland set out in the 2017 Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy. The Government has not undertaken any Asked by Lord Empey detailed assessment of the impact of a higher uptake of electric bikes through the Cycle to Work Scheme on To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment public finances. they have made of the effectiveness and uptake of the new system of online registration of voters in Northern Asked by Baroness Randerson Ireland. [HL9689] To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Lord Duncan of Springbank: Electoral registration is they have made of the impact of (1) salary sacrifice an operational matter for the Chief Electoral Officer for mechanisms, and (2) the Cycle to Work Scheme in Northern Ireland. increasing the uptake of electric bikes through those The Electoral Office report that for the first month of schemes. [HL9889] the digital service being in operation, 18 June to 17 July Baroness Sugg: The Department for Transport has not 2018, approximately 79% of all applications to register to undertaken any detailed assessment of the impact of (1) vote in Northern Ireland were made using the online salary sacrifice mechanisms, and (2) the Cycle to Work service. Scheme in increasing the uptake of electric bikes through those schemes. Electric Vehicles: Bicycles The Cycle to Work scheme can already be used to assist Asked by Baroness Randerson the purchase of electrically assisted pedal cycles, and is one of the many ways in which the Government is To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have supporting active travel choices, as set out in the 2017 made an assessment of whether the Cycle to Work Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy. The Scheme can support the uptake of electric bikes by Department for Transport is currently in the process of people with mobility problems. [HL9886] updating the Cycle to Work Scheme guidance and will Baroness Sugg: The Cycle to Work scheme can make a further announcement later in the year. already be used to assist with the purchase of electrically assisted pedal cycles, and is one of the many ways in Employment: Discrimination which the Government is supporting active travel choices, Asked by Baroness Thomas of Winchester as set out in the 2017 Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy. The Department for Transport is currently in the To ask Her Majesty's Government whether process of updating the Cycle to Work Scheme guidance consideration has been given to amending the Equality and will make a further announcement later in the year. Act 2010 so that employees who experience one off or recurring health conditions lasting less than 12 months Asked by Baroness Randerson are protected by that Act’s provisions. [HL9620] To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Equality Act they have made of the affordability of electric bikes for 2010 provides protection from discrimination for those (1) vulnerable groups, and (2) people with mobility that meet the definition of one or more of the protected problems. [HL9887] characteristics covered by the Act and this includes Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 23

conditions that might last less than 12 months but are the House of Lords, and (c) the House of Commons. likely to recur. [HL9835] We recognise that there are concerns that the Lord Callanan: Between January and June 2018, 572 protections offered by the Act may not be available to Explanatory Memoranda on EU proposals and other people with fluctuating mental health conditions, and this documents were submitted for scrutiny. is one of the issues the Government is considering in its Across both Houses there were 35 occasions when the work on extending protection for those with mental health Government supported decisions in the EU Council of disorders. Ministers before the scrutiny procedures had been However, the Act is intended to provide protections completed. from discrimination for employees who qualify as As with previous six-monthly periods, the largest disabled, rather than general employment protection for category of instruments were fast-moving and sensitive those who experience episodes of ill health. Common Foreign and Security Policy/EU restrictive A number of important statutory employment rights measures proposals where there were 32 such instruments already apply to all workers as soon as they start work or adopted before scrutiny could be completed. once they have passed a qualifying period, including The figures requested are set out below: protection against unlawful deductions from wages and against unfair dismissal. This includes protection from Department (1 & b). (2 & c). (a).No. of Total no. of House of House overrides in overrides unlawful sanctions by employers for legitimate sickness Lords Commons both Houses absences. override override at same time

Amending the Act in the way raised in the Question Department for 2 2 2 2 would therefore risk duplicating these existing Digital, protections, as well as significantly increasing the scope Culture, Media of the Act beyond its protection of disability. and Sport Foreign and 32 31 30 33 Enterprise Advisers Commonwealth Office Asked by Baroness Garden of Frognal Totals 34 33 32 35 To ask Her Majesty's Government what financial arrangements the Careers and Enterprise Company have made for the expansion of Enterprise Adviser EU Citizenship Networks. [HL9694] Asked by Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Enterprise Adviser To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan Network is expanding. Since its launch by The Careers to negotiate with the EU an offer to UK citizens living and Enterprise Company in 2015, over 2,000 Enterprise outside of Northern Ireland but in Great Britain the Advisers have signed up to the network, and 1,700 of opportunity to become EU citizens. [HL9761] these are already working with schools and colleges to support their careers and enterprise provision. As part of Lord Callanan: EU treaty provisions make clear that the government’s careers strategy, all schools and only citizens of EU Member States are able to hold EU colleges will have access to an Enterprise Adviser by the citizenship. Therefore, when the UK ceases to be a end of 2020. member of the European Union, British nationals will no longer hold EU citizenship, unless they hold dual Enterprise Advisers are senior volunteers from the nationality with another EU Member State. world of work and are unpaid for this role. However, the department will be providing grant funding to The Careers and Enterprise Company to expand the Enterprise EU External Trade: USA Adviser Network in line with the ambition in the strategy Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark by, for example, recruiting and training volunteers from business. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effects on the British economy of EU Action: Parliamentary Scrutiny a trade war between the EU and the United States. [HL9861] Asked by Lord Boswell of Aynho Baroness Fairhead: Increased tariffs can have To ask Her Majesty's Government, for each damaging impacts on our domestic industries as well as government department, from January to June 2018, on on consumers. Further escalation of trade tensions how many occasions the Scrutiny Reserve Resolution between the EU and US would be damaging to both the was overridden in (1) the House of Lords, and (2) the EU and US economies. House of Commons; and in respect of how many The Government has been engaging directly with the documents an override occurred in (a) both Houses, (b) US administration, including through 5 Ministerial visits Page 24 4 September 2018 Written Answers to the US, meetings with senior administration figures and In addition, the Department for International Trade will the recent visit of President Trump to the UK. shortly be publishing an export strategy. We welcome the agreement between President Juncker and President Trump to open negotiations to avoid further Farmers: Supermarkets escalation that would harm businesses and consumers. Asked by Baroness Kennedy of Cradley Exports To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support fairness in the supply chain for Asked by Viscount Waverley farmers and growers. [HL9854] To ask Her Majesty's Government which markets of Lord Gardiner of Kimble: It is important that farmers interest to the UK’s private sector exporters are and growers are treated fairly by other operators in the restricted by (1) a sanctions regime, or (2) the UK’s supply chain. The Groceries Code Adjudicator plays an foreign policy which limits ministerial support for those important role in making sure that businesses who supply exporters. [HL9901] directly to large supermarkets are treated lawfully and Baroness Fairhead: HMG actively promotes fairly. international trade within a rules based international Many farmers and producers do not supply order. Maintaining this sometimes requires the application supermarkets directly, and earlier this year the of sanctions. The UK currently implements multilateral Government announced a package of measures to help trade sanctions set by the UN, EU, and OSCE relating to: farmers by improving transparency and integrity in the Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burma, supply chain. These measures included: Central African Republic, China, Democratic Republic of • A £10 million collaboration fund to support farmers to the Congo, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, North come together and strengthen their position in the Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, supply chain. This fund will be launched later this year. Tunisia, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen, and Zimbabwe. • A commitment to explore with industry how the These sanctions regimes contain measures which may collection and dissemination of market data can be restrict the activities of UK exporters. improved in the longer-term to drive greater supply There are no policy restrictions on Ministerial support chain transparency. for exporters to markets not otherwise subject to • Launching consultations on mandatory written sanctions. contracts in the dairy sector and on carcase classification for sheep. The latter is underway and Exports: Finance closes on 23 rd August. We are also acting to tackle the late payment culture Asked by Viscount Waverley across all sectors. The Small Business Commissioner was To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they appointed in October 2017, and earlier this year the intend to inform exporters of the public and private Chancellor announced a call for evidence on how to sector financing services available to them; and if so, eliminate unfair payment practices to small businesses, how. [HL9900] which will seek views on how the Government can go further to deliver a fair payment culture. Baroness Fairhead: UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK’s award-winning Export Credit Agency (ECA),and was awarded ‘best ECA 2017’ by Global Trade Review Females: Human Rights and Euromoney’s Trade Finance. Over a five-year period Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick UKEF has provided £12.3bn of support for UK exports, helping 191 companies sell to 75 overseas markets in the To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment last year. they have made of a report from the Equality and Human Rights Commission which suggests that Information on the range of services provided by UKEF women’s rights, including employment protection can be found on great.gov.uk. Additionally, UKEF is rights and funding for women’s services, may be working to increase awareness of the services they offer threatened by Brexit. [HL9813] to exporters. Initiatives include a new bank partnership model, allowing smaller companies to access UKEF Baroness Williams of Trafford: The EHRC has finance directly from their high street bank; exporter fairs, submitted this report to the United Nations as part of its connecting overseas buyers to UK exporters; and a multi- work on monitoring the Convention on the Elimination of channel UKEF marketing campaign under the “GREAT” All forms of Discrimination Against Women. branding.. The Government is firmly committed to tackling the UKEF’s Export Finance Managers located across the major injustices across Great Britain that hold women country also provide information to exporters on public back, including eliminating violence against women and and private sector financing options. girls and closing the gender pay gap. We have already Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 25 made significant progress on safeguarding and improving Lord Bates: The UK is home to the world’s preeminent women’s rights. financial centre and the government is committed to The draft EU Withdrawal Agreement, once finalised maintaining and enhancing this position. In addition to and agreed will allow the UK to continue participation in our natural advantages, such as a central time zone and EU programmes until their closure, including the Rights, the English language, we have strengths across all the Equality and Citizenship Fund, which promotes non- major sectors – banking, asset management, and discrimination, combats racism, xenophobia, homophobia insurance – alongside a globally respected regulatory and other forms of intolerance as well as promoting rights system, and world-class legal and professional services. and equality. As the Chancellor of the Exchequer set out in his This Government has already made a clear commitment Mansion House speech in June, the government has a to protect workers’ rights, and ensure that they keep pace long-term vision for the future of UK financial services, with the changing labour market, including in our recent based on ensuring the continued innovation, resilience, white paper on the future relationship between the UK and openness of the sector. This includes strengthening and the EU. We do not need to be part of the EU to have the UK’s already world-leading positions in the markets strong protections in the workplace. The UK already goes of the future, whether in Fintech, green and sustainable beyond EU minimum standards in a number of areas, finance, or rupee and renminbi products. such as entitlement to annual leave, paid maternity leave and parental leave. Financial Services: Euro Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick Financial Services To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Asked by Baroness Quin they have made of whether the City of London will be To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions able to continue with euro clearing after Brexit; and they have had with representatives of (1) the City of whether this would be likely to require direct oversight London Corporation, and (2) the City of London from EU regulators. [HL9609] financial services sector about the proposals for the Lord Bates: Euro-denominated clearing forms an financial services sector in The future relationship important part of the overall financial structure in between the United Kingdom and the European London, generating economic efficiencies from which Union (Cm9593), published in July. [HL9883] many firms in the UK, in Europe and internationally Lord Callanan: Ministers and officials from my benefit. Department and across Government continue to engage Euro-denominated contracts are not only traded by EU broadly across all sectors - including the financial services firms but also by firms located in the UK and other third sector - and across the UK to hear the business’ priorities country jurisdictions. Many of these transactions would and issues relating to our exit. not be impacted by the UK’s exit from the EU. The Secretary of State and all the ministers in my The Chancellor has proposed a new partnership that Department met with business leaders from across the will focus on developing a mutually agreed and objective economy to discuss the White Paper at Chevening House framework which maximises the provision of the most on 20 July. This included a deep dive session on financial important international financial services offerings services with major firms and financial institutions, which between the UK and the EU, in a way that is enduring, included discussions on the proposed new economic and reliable and ensures financial stability risks can properly regulatory arrangement. be managed. In addition, ministers and officials in the Treasury continue to engage closely with firms across the Financial Financial Services: Trade Competitiveness Services sector on the White Paper and wider EU exit Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick issues. The proposals outlined in the White Paper set out an To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they ambitious and credible proposition for a close future have, if any, to ensure that the City of London remains relationship on financial services with the EU. This would a truly competitive, global financial hub after Brexit; provide stable and predictable access to each other’s and if they do, whether such plans would involve cuts markets, while recognising that the UK and the EU will to corporation tax. [HL9816] exercise autonomy over regulatory decisions through Lord Bates: The UK is home to the world’s preeminent domestic equivalence processes, and protect financial financial centre and the government is committed to stability. maintaining and enhancing this position post-Brexit. In Asked by Viscount Waverley addition to our natural advantages, such as a central time zone and the English language, we have strengths across To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are all the major sectors – banking, asset management, and taking to advance the UK’s position as an international insurance – alongside a globally respected regulatory financial centre. [HL9898] system, and world-class legal and professional services. Page 26 4 September 2018 Written Answers

Alongside these strengths, we also already have a Strategy consults for advice about the health and competitive tax offer. The UK corporation tax rate is the environmental effects of flame retardants; and whether lowest in the G20 at just 19 per cent, and is legislated to that Department will make its final policy decisions fall to 17 per cent in 2020. All together, these factors have about flame retardants available for scrutiny. [HL9710] made the City of London the world’s leading financial Lord Henley: The Department works with experts centre and will continue to do so. across government including the Department for As the Chancellor of the Exchequer set out in his Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Public Health Mansion House speech in June, the government has a England, the Food Standards Agency and the Fire long-term vision for the future of UK financial services, Services. We also consider the latest scientific research based on ensuring the continued innovation, resilience, from academia. Any proposals for legislative change will and openness of the sector. This includes strengthening be subject to public consultation. the UK’s already world-leading positions in the markets of the future, whether in Fintech, green and sustainable Asked by The Countess of Mar finance, or rupee and renminbi products. To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Fire Resistant Materials Strategy is taking to promote innovation and market uptake of flame-resistant chemical-free materials such Asked by The Countess of Mar as mixtures of wool and cotton. [HL9711] To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Lord Henley: The Department welcomes any they have made of the study by the University of innovative approaches that deliver consumer safety and Central Lancashire, Flame retardants in UK furniture comply with existing fire safety regulations, including increase smoke toxicity more than they reduce fire methods which do not use flame retardants. growth rate, published in April; whether they have consulted with their Chief Scientist in forming that assessment; and whether, following that study, they Flood Control intend to reconsider the efficacy of current flame Asked by Lord Shipley retardants. [HL9707] To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Lord Henley: The Department welcomes the paper by they have made of the financial impact on taxpayers of University of Central Lancashire and it forms part of the evidence we are considering in reviewing the legislation protecting new homes from flooding where those regulating the safety of furniture. homes have been built in areas of high flood risk. [HL9894] Asked by The Countess of Mar Lord Gardiner of Kimble: Planning guidelines since To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they 2008 have been clear that development in areas at risk of take to ensure that all flame retardants are safe (1) in flooding should be avoided unless it is made safe, does normal use, (2) during fires, and (3) at the end of life not increase flood risk elsewhere and is appropriately when they are disposed of. [HL9708] flood resilient and resistant. This was reinforced in the national planning policy framework (NPPF) and Lord Henley: Manufacturers and distributors must strengthened in the revised NPPF published on 24 July. ensure all consumer products are safe before they are placed on the UK market, including those that use flame The government’s funding policy published in May retardants. The Department for Environment, Food and 2011 states that new properties built after 1 January 2012, Rural Affairs have lead responsibility for environmental or existing buildings converted into housing after that policy and restrictions on chemicals. date, should not be counted when risk management authorities are making the case for government funding Asked by The Countess of Mar support to build or improve flood defences. To ask Her Majesty's Government why products labelled flame resistant do not contain details of the Food chemicals used in them. [HL9709] Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool Lord Henley: All products must be safe before they To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment can be placed on the UK market. While there is no legal they have made of the report by the Food Research requirement for products labelled flame resistant to Collaboration, Feeding Britain: food security after contain details of chemicals used in them, manufacturers Brexit, published on 23 July; and how they intend to may voluntarily provide any further details that would be respond to each of its 15 recommendations. [HL9828] helpful to their consumers. Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The Government has noted Asked by The Countess of Mar this report. The Government regularly assesses the UK’s To ask Her Majesty's Government whom the food security through its own channels, including through Department for Business, Energy and Industrial the UK Food Assessment. Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 27

The UK Food Assessment is a comprehensive analysis Infrastructure Commission's National Infrastructure of all aspects of food security. It draws on a wide range of Assessment 2018, published in July, that introducing indicators which are updated with varying frequency and mandatory separate food waste collections in England which we monitor on an ongoing basis. We have by 2025 would save (1) up to £400 million in capital commenced a review of the overall assessment which will costs, and (2) £1.1 billion in operational costs for local be published in 2019 . authorities in total between 2020 and 2050, including The UK has a high degree of food security with access the cost of weekly collections. [HL9739] to a diverse range of sources of supply, including Asked by Baroness Featherstone domestic production. This will continue to be the case after we leave the EU. Food supply is highly resilient with To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are diversity and flexibility throughout the supply chains, and taking to encourage local authorities who have waste industry can respond quickly to ensure ongoing supply. contracts to renew in the next three years to introduce mandatory separate food waste collections following Leaving the EU provides us with a major opportunity to the recommendations of the National Infrastructure set up new frameworks for supporting our farmers to Commission's National Infrastructure Assessment 2018, grow more, sell more and export more great British food. published in July. [HL9740] We will work with all those who have an interest in the future of food and farming as we develop a new approach Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The UK government has that works for our industry. committed to work towards no food waste being sent to landfill by 2030 in its Clean Growth Strategy, published Food: UK Trade with EU in October 2017. 113 local authorities out of 326 in England currently offer a separate food waste collection Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick service and we encourage all local authorities to consider To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their introducing separate food waste collection when response to reports that food controls at borders may be opportunities arise to include these in collection contracts. suspended in the event of a no-deal Brexit. [HL9815] In the 25 Year Environment Plan, we committed to Lord Callanan: We are increasingly confident that we working to support an increase in the number of councils will secure a deal with the EU and that the prospect of with separate food waste collections. We will outline our leaving negotiations with ‘no deal’ has receded plans for this in our Resources and Waste Strategy, which significantly. However, a responsible government should will be published this autumn. This will include how we prepare for all potential outcomes, including the unlikely will fulfil our commitments to the circular economy scenario in which no mutually satisfactory agreement can package where bio-waste including food waste recycling be reached. That is exactly what we are doing. must be offered for households. In the event of a no deal scenario, the Government’s We recognise the energy generation potential of food objective is to ensure that movement through ports is as waste, when collected separately and sent to anaerobic frictionless as possible, whilst maintaining safety and digestion (AD), though we need to be conscious of some security. This extends to the food, fishery and farming of the unintended consequences for air pollution that can sectors. arise. We will consider the recommendations of the 2018 Food: Waste Disposal National Infrastructure Assessment in the development of the Resources and Waste Strategy. Asked by Baroness Featherstone To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to establish separate mandatory food waste collections Football: World Cup in England by 2025 as recommended by the National Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark Infrastructure Commission in its National Infrastructure Assessment 2018, published in July; and if so, when. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment [HL9735] they have made of the possibility of a joint bid to host the 2030 Football World Cup comprising the Football Asked by Baroness Featherstone Associations of England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Scotland and Wales; and what support they would give they have made of the recommendation of the National to any such bid. [HL9590] Infrastructure Commission that mandatory food waste Lord Ashton of Hyde: The matter of hosting the 2030 collections should be introduced in England to support FIFA World Cup is a question for the home nations’ the production of biogas. [HL9738] football associations to first consider. FIFA has yet to Asked by Baroness Featherstone publish details of the bidding process and no assessment has been made but the government is very much willing To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment to sit down with the relevant partners and discuss any they have made of the figure provided in the National proposal to bid for the World Cup in 2030. Page 28 4 September 2018 Written Answers

Free School Meals appropriate policy mix to improve fuel poor homes to that standard over the 2020s. Asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their latest Gambling assessment of the impact of the changes to free school meals entitlement following the Free School Lunches Asked by Lord Chadlington and Milk, and School and Early Years Finance To ask Her Majesty's Government how many (Amendments Relating to Universal Credit) (England) meetings have taken place between HM Treasury and Regulations 2018 (SI 2018/148) coming into force. gambling companies, or their representatives, in the [HL9532] past year. [HL9542] Lord Agnew of Oulton: The department is working closely with local authorities and schools to support them Lord Bates: Details of ministerial meetings with in implementing the changes to free school meal external bodies are published on the gov.uk website. eligibility that were introduced in April. This has included Officials meet regularly with stakeholders from across the provision of guidance, webinar sessions, regular the gambling sector to hear their views on the gambling communications and responding to queries received via market, and a range of economic and policy issues. the department’s Eligibility Checking Service. The latest Asked by Lord Chadlington government statistics on free school meal rates are based on data collected before this change was introduced To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are (January 2018 census). The next publication will be in taking to ensure that gambling operators minimise the June 2019 (based on the January 2019 census). The addictive nature of gambling products. [HL9543] government is committed to reviewing the threshold level Lord Ashton of Hyde: Protecting vulnerable people at the end of the Universal Credit rollout period. from gambling-related harm is a priority for the Government and where there is evidence that a particular Fuel Poverty product or environment is causing harm, we will take Asked by Lord Bird action. The government Review of Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility in May sought to ensure the right To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment balance between socially responsible growth of industry, they have made, or intend to make, of the report by the and the protection of the most vulnerable, including Institute for Public Policy Research, Beyond ECO: the children, from gambling-related harm. We have future of fuel poverty support, published on 3 July, and committed to reduce the maximum stake on B2 machines its conclusion that they are set to miss their 2030 target from £100 to £2 and the Gambling Commission will work of delivering energy efficiency measures for fuel poor with industry to improve player control measures on these households as set out in their report Cutting the cost of and other category B gaming machines. keeping warm – a fuel poverty strategy for England (Cm9019), published 3 March 2015, by at least sixty The Gambling Commission regularly reviews its regulatory requirements to take account of developments years. [HL9834] in technology and in the market and in response to Lord Henley: We recently announced that the Energy emerging risks and issues. It recently concluded a review Company Obligation will be entirely focused on low of the online gambling sector, which identified a number income households from later in 2018, in a new scheme of key areas where it plans to consult on enhancing that will run to 2022. We also committed in the Clean protections. It also identified areas for further work, Growth Strategy to extending energy efficiency support including reviewing game and product characteristics to from 2022 to 2028 at least at the current level of ECO, identify whether particular features pose greater risk of bringing the total investment to over £6bn over the next harm than others. It intends to conduct further research decade. As part of this we will review the best form of into the relationship between in-game features and the support beyond 2022, recognising the need to both save potential to incentivise negative gambling behaviour. carbon and meet the Government’s commitment to upgrade all fuel poor homes to EPC Band C by 2030. Research such as the July IPPR report provide valuable Gambling: Credit Cards inputs to decision making around achieving the target. Asked by Lord Bird The latest statistics show that there were nearly 800,000 fewer E, F or G rated fuel poor homes in 2016 compared To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment to 2010 and that we had reached 91% of fuel poor homes they have made of the effect of a ban on the use of were rated E or above in line with our 2020 milestone. credit cards for all forms of gambling, especially in regard to online gambling; and whether they have The initial focus of our work on fuel poverty has been received any representations about such a ban. to improve the least energy efficient homes. We are aware [HL9681] that this focus on the worst homes has meant that we have not yet begun to improve the proportion of fuel poor Lord Ashton of Hyde: The Government has received homes rated C or above and we will be assessing the representations on the use of credit cards in gambling. In Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 29

March 2018, the Gambling Commission announced the is a priority for Government and DHSC updated the conclusions from its attached review of online gambling National Suicide Prevention Strategy last year to which can be found at: strengthen its key areas for action. http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/PDF/Online- review-March-2018.pdf Gambling: Young People Among the changes proposed, the Gambling Commission announced that it would conduct further Asked by Lord Chadlington work to understand the risks of gambling on credit cards To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are before consulting on options for change. taking to ensure that gambling operators protect young people from gambling-related harm. [HL9546] Gambling: Mental Health Lord Ashton of Hyde: Protecting children and other Asked by Lord Chadlington vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment gambling is a priority for government and under the they have made of the case for additional research to be legislation in place is a core licensing objective for the undertaken about the residual neurological impact of Gambling Commission. Online and land-based operators rapid highs and lows from gambling, particularly in offering gambling services to people in Great Britain must connection with the long-term effects on mental health. be licensed by the Commission and must have effective [HL9836] policies and procedures designed to prevent underage gambling. The Licence conditions and codes of practice Lord O'Shaughnessy: There are currently no plans to (LCCP) set out social responsibility requirements for undertake research about the residual neurological impact gambling operators, including to protect children and of rapid highs and lows from gambling, particularly in vulnerable people. connection with the long-term effects on mental health. The Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB), the However the Public Health Research programme, part of Gambling Commission’s expert adviser, recently the National Institute for Health Research, is published a report on children, young people and commissioning research on the effectiveness of gambling. In response, the Commission has set out further interventions to prevent or reduce problem gambling. The commitments to protect children and young people, deadline for applications to undertake this research was including carrying out targeted compliance and 24 July. enforcement activity to identify and tackle any weaknesses in the age verification processes. It recently Gambling: Suicide concluded a review of the online gambling sector and Asked by Lord Chadlington announced that it will consult on requiring all consumers to be age-verified before they are able to deposit money To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration or access free-to-play games. they have given to commissioning research into gambling-related suicides to ensure that sufficient information is available about such deaths. [HL9638] Gaming Machines Lord Ashton of Hyde: The charity GambleAware, Asked by The Lord Bishop of St Albans which commissions research, education and treatment for To ask Her Majesty's Government what meetings problem gamblers, has established an expert steering civil servants and ministers had with stakeholders group to help build a better shared understanding of between 1 January and 11 July about the reduction in gambling-related harms, chaired by the deputy chair of stakes on fixed-odds betting terminals from £100 to £2; the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB), and what were the (1) dates, (2) locations, and (3) expert advisers to the Gambling Commission. attendees, of each of those meetings. [HL9449] RGSB recently published a paper mapping out Lord Ashton of Hyde: Ministers and officials from methodology that could be used to quantify and monitor DCMS have regular meetings with stakeholders to discuss the social and economic impact of gambling-related a range of issues including B2 stake reduction. Details of harms.The proposed model details nine metrics across Ministerial meetings are published on a quarterly basis on three key areas (resources, health and relationships), gov.uk. including the number of suicides and suicide attempts. As part of this work it will look at what research needs to be done and the paper sets out an initial proposal for Gaza: Humanitarian Aid secondary analysis of key survey datasets, to help to give Asked by Lord Ahmed insight into the relationship between self-harm, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts and problem gambling. To ask Her Majesty's Government what The Department of Health and Social Care is also representations they have made to the government of working with DCMS and other stakeholders to examine Israel regarding the safety of British humanitarian the issue of gambling-related suicide. Suicide prevention workers travelling to Gaza as part of the Freedom Page 30 4 September 2018 Written Answers

Flotilla; and what responses they have received to any working in the region. The UK stands by its assurances to such representations. [HL9824] Gibraltar never to enter into arrangements under which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the sovereignty Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: On 30 July, officials of another State against their freely and democratically from our Embassy in Tel Aviv sought consular access expressed wishes. Furthermore the UK has given an from the Israeli authorities to a British national who was assurance that it will not enter into a process of detained aboard the flotilla that was travelling to Gaza. sovereignty negotiations with which Gibraltar is not This access was granted. Embassy officials also discussed content. This is the so called “double lock” guarantee”. the travelling flotilla with the Israeli authorities on 6 June. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against all travel to Gaza (including the waters off Gaza). Gospel Oak-Barking Railway Line Asked by Lord Ahmed Asked by Baroness Randerson To ask Her Majesty's Government what support is To ask Her Majesty's Government why the network available to any British citizen aboard the Freedom rail electrification works on the Gospel Oak to Barking Flotilla. [HL9825] line have taken longer than expected, following the original revised completion date. [HL9514] Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises British nationals against Baroness Sugg: Delays to the completion of the Gospel all travel to Gaza and is unable to provide routine Oak to Barking rail electrification project, delivered by consular assistance. Any British nationals in Gaza who do Network Rail, were owing to difficulties in design of the require emergency assistance should contact the British scheme, which led to delays in installation of the new Consulate General in Jerusalem. infrastructure. The electrification scheme is now complete and the delay will not impact on the introduction of the General Practitioners: Insurance new electric rolling stock, which will bring significant benefits to both passengers and lineside neighbours. Asked by Lord Mawson To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Government Departments: Loans they have made of the difference in the insurance Asked by Lord Morris of Aberavon premium paid by GPs in England and Scotland; and what assessment they have made of the reasons for such To ask Her Majesty's Government which Government difference. [HL9874] organisations, other than the Student Loans Company, charge borrowers more than four per cent for loans. Lord O'Shaughnessy: General practitioners (GPs) are [HL9507] required to have adequate and appropriate indemnity or insurance arrangements to cover clinical negligence Lord Bates: The Government has issued many loans liabilities. over the years and interest rates have varied considerably over time. Given this, details of all loans issued and the We do not have data showing the difference on rates applied are not held centrally by HM Treasury. insurance premiums, which are a very small proportion of the market in England. The Department is aware that there is a difference in the cost of clinical negligence Government Departments: Telephone indemnity subscriptions paid by GPs in England and Services Scotland. No assessment has been made for the reasons Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark for such difference. Health is a devolved matter and it is for the devolved To ask Her Majesty's Government how many administrations to make their own decisions about health departments provide 0845 numbers for use by the policies in their own territories. public; and what action, if any, they are they taking to provide cheaper alternatives. [HL9592] Gibraltar: Spain Lord Young of Cookham: This information is not held centrally. Departments are responsible for their number Asked by Viscount Waverley prefix choices. To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions Third party telecommunications providers are an they have had with the new government of Spain integral part of the Government supply chain to ensure regarding Gibraltar. [HL9631] that citizens can communicate with Government easily. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK continues to The Government published guidance setting out clear engage constructively with the Government of Gibraltar principles for departments to use and a copy attached. and our European partners, including Spain, to address the The Answer includes the following attached material: practical implications arising from our EU exit. We are confident all sides are committed to finding a mutually Customer phone lines draft guidance October 2015 [Customer agreeable resolution benefitting everyone living and phone lines draft guidance October 2015 .pdf] Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 31

The material can be viewed online at: Govia Thameslink Railway: Timetables http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-17/HL9592 Asked by Baroness Randerson To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Government Equalities Office: Reviews Written Answer by Baroness Sugg on 25 June Asked by Lord Watts (HL8516), when the Secretary of State for Transport became aware of problems arising from the Rail To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Industry Readiness Board's decision to introduce new independent reviews the Government Equalities Office timetables for Thameslink Railway. [HL9885] has commissioned into its policy or administration over the last year; and what was the total cost of those Baroness Sugg: The Department for Transport reviews. [HL9528] received advice from the Rail Industry Readiness Board that a three week transition period for implementing the Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government new timetable would allow for minimal disruption. As Equalities Office does not hold this information few as three weeks before the timetable change Govia Thameslink Railway personally informed the Secretary of Government Securities State that they were ready. Asked by Lord Teverson Green Finance Institute To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they Asked by Lord Teverson intend to issue a sovereign green bond; and if so, when. [HL9615] To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect the Green Finance Institute to become operational. Lord Bates: Before issuing a new type of bond, such as [HL9616] a sovereign green bond, the government would need to be satisfied that – among other factors – they would provide Lord Bates: We are working with the City of London cost-effective financing for the taxpayer, and there would Corporation to develop and determine a timeline for be sustainable demand. launching its new global Green Finance Institute, which The UK’s private sector green bond market is well we expect will become operational within the next 12 established, facilitated by the London Stock Exchange’s months. comprehensive specialist offering. There are now over 64 In response to the first recommendation of the Green green bonds listed on the LSE in seven currencies, worth Finance Taskforce, the Chancellor announced the over $20 billion. Institute’s creation during his Mansion House address. It will initially be supported by funding from both the Sovereign green bonds were recently recommended by government and the City of London Corporation, where the Green Finance Taskforce’s report in March 2018. The the Institute will be housed in the first instance. government is developing its response to this recommendation, and will respond in due course. Guardianship (Missing Persons) Act 2017 Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark Asked by Baroness Hamwee To ask Her Majesty's Government what UK Treasury Bills are available for purchase on any given day. To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect [HL9748] to lay regulations under the Guardianship (Missing Persons) Act 2017 to enable the provisions of that Act Lord Bates: Treasury bills are typically sold by the UK to be implemented. [HL9549] Debt Management Office (DMO) via regular tenders each Friday morning. Maturities currently offered for sale are Lord Keen of Elie: The Government intends to bring one-month, three-month and six-month bills. Alongside the Guardianship (Missing Persons) Act 2017 into force the results of each Friday morning’s tender, the DMO also in July 2019 and will lay the necessary regulations and announces the amounts for sale via tender for the other secondary legislation before Parliament in time to following Friday. achieve this. In addition, on any business day, the DMO can sell Gulf States: Overseas Aid either new or existing Treasury bills (which match those previously sold at a tender) bilaterally on request from its Asked by Lord Scriven counterparties, provided that such issuance is consistent To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the current with the DMO’s cash management operational involvement, if any, of the National Security Council in requirements. the Gulf Strategy Integrated Activity Fund. [HL9807] Finally, Treasury Bill Primary Participants (banks) may also offer a market-making service in all Treasury bills to Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The National Security their own counterparties on any business day. Council is responsible for agreeing the Gulf Strategy, which guides Integrated Activity Fund priorities. Page 32 4 September 2018 Written Answers

Gulf Strategy Unit female political prisoner Hajer Mansoor Hassan. [HL9811] Asked by Lord Scriven Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Our Embassy in Bahrain To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office continue to Written Answer by the Minister for the Cabinet Office monitor the case of Mrs Mansoor. We have raised the on 19 October 2016 (HC47638), which department case at senior levels with the Government of Bahrain. provided the funding for the administration costs of £70,004 for the Gulf Strategy Integrated Delivery Team We understand family members of Mrs Mansoor have in the financial year 2015–16. [HL9810] been in direct contact with the oversight bodies. The UK continues to urge the oversight bodies in Bahrain to carry Lord Young of Cookham: Funding for the Integrated out thorough and swift investigations into any claims of Delivery Team was allocated by the Treasury to the mistreatment or other concerns about treatment in Cabinet Office in financial year 2015-16. detention.

Hajer Mansoor Hassan Heathrow Airport Asked by Lord Scriven Asked by Baroness Randerson To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will To ask Her Majesty's Government how much make any representations to the Bahraini authorities in they estimate will be spent on additional transport links relation to the targeting of Hajer Mansoor Hassan by in the South East as a result of the additional traffic the head of Bahrain’s Isa Town Prison, Major Maryam created by a third runway at Heathrow; and whether Albardoli, following the engagement of her son-in-law, they plan to match such spending with additional Sayed Alwadaei, with the UN and the UK Parliament. investment in transport in the North. [HL9801] [HL9604] Baroness Sugg: The Government has been clear that Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We encourage those the costs for works on the transport network which are with concerns about treatment in detention to report these physically needed to enable the Heathrow Northwest to the appropriate oversight body in Bahrain. We urge Runway scheme to operate will be funded by the these oversight bodies to carry out swift and thorough promoter, not taxpayers. investigations into any such claims. We understand that the National Institution for Human Rights and the Government’s policy for funding airport surface access Ministry of Interior Ombudsman are aware of this case improvements is set out in the 2013 Aviation Policy and are monitoring the situation, and have been in touch Framework. with Ms Mansoor. We have raised the case with the Asked by Baroness Randerson Government of Bahrain and continue to monitor the situation. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Civil Aviation Authority's Asked by Lord Scriven statement that price rises for consumers may be needed To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to Written to unlock the wider benefits of Heathrow expansion. Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 16 April [HL9802] (HL6839), what assessments have since been made on Baroness Sugg: In 2016 the Secretary of State for the ability of Bahraini human rights defender, Sayed Transport set out his clear ambition for airport charges to Ahmed Alwadaei, to continue his work in the UK given remain close to current levels. Heathrow has recently the recent threats and reprisals facing his imprisoned written to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) reaffirming mother-in-law, Hajer Mansoor Hassan. [HL9606] its commitment to work with airlines to deliver this Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have received ambition. In addition, the CAA set out in its April assurances from the Bahraini authorities that there have consultation that there are credible scenarios in which been no reprisals against the family members of Sayed expansion can be delivered in line with the Secretary of Alwadaei. We understand that he has been able to State’s ambition. continue his work in the UK. Asked by Baroness Randerson We encourage those with concerns about treatment in To ask Her Majesty's Government whether detention to report these to the appropriate oversight population impact estimates for Heathrow expansion body. We urge these oversight bodies to carry out swift will be extended to include air quality impacts beyond and thorough investigations into any such claims. the two kilometres analysed currently when Heathrow Asked by Lord Scriven Airport Limited develops its surface access strategy and mitigation actions on air pollution. [HL9803] To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Baroness Sugg: As part of the development consent Bahrain in relation to the failure of their oversight process, the applicant will be required to undertake a bodies to conduct swift investigations into the case of detailed assessment of the environmental impacts of their Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 33 scheme, including air quality, and put forward an Heathrow Airport: Noise appropriate package of mitigations. Asked by Baroness Randerson The Airports National Policy Statement makes clear that development consent would not be granted if the To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have Secretary of State for Transport is not satisfied that the defined a minimum noise respite for people living in scheme would be compatible with air quality obligations. areas that may be affected by the proposed expansion of Heathrow Airport. [HL9884] Asked by Baroness Randerson Baroness Sugg: The Airports National Policy To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they Statement makes clear that it would be for the applicant to plan to contribute to the cost of a third runway should put forward plans for a runway alternation scheme that Heathrow Airport Limited be unable to raise the level provides communities with predictable periods of respite. of investment it anticipates. [HL9804] The details of such scheme, including timings, duration Baroness Sugg: The Government is clear that the and scheduling would be defined through consultation Northwest Runway scheme at Heathrow will be financed with local communities and relevant stakeholders as part by the private sector without Government support – and of the planning process. These will then be considered by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), as the independent the Planning Inspectorate and the Secretary of State for economic regulator, has a duty to ensure that Heathrow Transport in determining any Development Consent Airport can finance its airport operations. Order application.

Heathrow Airport: Air Pollution Heathrow Airport: Road Traffic Asked by Baroness Randerson Asked by Baroness Randerson To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has they have made of the compatibility of the planned been made to ensure that no extra airport related road expansion of Heathrow airport with air quality traffic will result from the increase in passenger obligations; and whether Heathrow airport itself, or capacity after the North West Runway is built; whether traffic in the surrounding area, has ever breached they intend to make this an legally binding requirement existing legal limits on air quality standards. [HL9603] on Heathrow Airport Ltd; and if not, why not. [HL9602] Baroness Sugg: We have assessed the impact of the Baroness Sugg: The Airports National Policy Government’s 2017 UK Plan for Tackling Roadside Statement was designated on 26 July 2018, paving the Nitrogen Dioxide Concentrations, and updated aviation way for a development consent application from demand forecasts, on the Heathrow Northwest Runway Heathrow. scheme’s compliance with air quality limit values. Heathrow airport is already well connected by rail and Our analysis helped inform the Government’s view that tube and will benefit from transport improvements which the Heathrow Northwest Runway scheme can be are already in construction or planned, such as Crossrail, delivered in compliance with air quality obligations, with HS2 and the proposed Western Rail Link. a suitable package of policy and mitigation measures. The Airports National Policy Statement sets out that Heathrow Airport should continue to strive to meet its Following designation of the Airports National Policy public pledge to have landside airport-related traffic no Statement (NPS), it will now be for the promoter to greater than today. undertake a detailed assessment of the air quality impacts of the scheme, including during construction, and put As part of a Development Consent Application, forward to the Planning Inspectorate an appropriate Heathrow would need to undertake detailed assessments package of mitigations that address air quality impacts of the impacts of expansion. Only once the detailed and demonstrate compliance with air quality obligations. assessments have been carried out, can these impacts can be fully assessed. In order to grant development consent, the Secretary of State for Transport would need to be satisfied that, with This pledge may become a legally binding requirement mitigation, the scheme would be compliant with legal as part of the development consent process. obligations. Heathrow Airport Ltd is situated in the Greater London Hereditary Peers: By-elections Urban Area Zone for the purpose of reporting compliance Asked by Lord Grocott with nitrogen dioxide (NO2) limit values to the European Commission. This Zone is currently non-compliant with To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker whether on the day on which the result of a hereditary peers by-election is (NO2) limits. The 2017 UK Plan for Tackling Roadside Nitrogen Dioxide Concentrations sets out how we will due to be announced in the Chamber notice can be achieve compliance in the shortest possible time, given on the House of Lords annunciator. [HL9697] supported by a £3.5 billion investment into air quality and Lord McFall of Alcluith: Notice will be given on the cleaner transport. House of Lords annunciator on the day on which the Page 34 4 September 2018 Written Answers result of a hereditary peers by-election is due to be Asked by Lord Truscott announced in the Chamber, with effect from the next by- To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment election. they have made of the (1) adequacy, and (2) timeliness Asked by Lord Grocott of the compensation received by property owners affected by the HS2 project. [HL9628] To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker whether notice can be given on the Order Paper of the announcement of Baroness Sugg: The Government recognises the any hereditary peers by-election. [HL9698] impact building a project on the scale of HS2 has on people and businesses along the route. It is determined to Lord McFall of Alcluith: An italic note will appear on ensure they are properly compensated in a timely manner the Order Paper on the day on which the result of a and treated with compassion, dignity and respect. hereditary peers by-election is due to be announced in the Chamber, with effect from the next by-election. That is why the Government introduced an exceptional package of property compensation schemes across the Hernias: Surgery whole route that are generous and comprehensive, and go beyond what is required by law. The schemes will remain Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath in place until one year after HS2 is operational. To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool report by the British Hernia Society and the Royal To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment College of Surgeons, A dangerous waiting game, they have made of the likelihood that HS2 will go published 17 July, what assessment they have made of significantly over budget; and whether they will whether clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) are consider using the funds allocated to HS2 to improve delaying patients from accessing groin hernia surgery existing infrastructure, including railway lines in the without clinical justification; and whether they plan to north of England, and commuter services. [HL9826] intervene when CCGs delay treatment in such a way. [HL9646] Baroness Sugg: HS2 Ltd remain committed to delivering a transformational project for the UK. Each Lord O'Shaughnessy: We have made no such Phase of the HS2 project is subject to ongoing oversight assessment. It is for clinical commissioning groups by the Department for Transport and to regular (CCGs) to determine what services they commission as assessment by the Infrastructure Projects Authority (IPA) these are statutory, independent and autonomous bodies. to assess the likelihood of successful delivery. The IPA We expect NHS England to assess CCGs to ensure they recently described the HS2 programme as ‘on target to be are commissioning both efficiently and effectively to completed on time and on budget’. meet the needs of its local population. Where a CCG is not meeting this standard, we would expect NHS England Phase 2a and 2b of HS2 are intended to improve to intervene. connectivity between Birmingham and the East Midlands, Leeds and Manchester and other destinations in the North High Speed 2 Railway Line of England and Scotland. The Department continues to work with Transport for the North to develop services Asked by Lord Birt between destinations in the North of England and with regions across the UK to improve commuter services. To ask Her Majesty's Government how many houses, premises and plots of land have been requisitioned so far to enable the construction of HS2; and in how many Hippopotamus: Ivory instances the due proportion of the compulsory Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham purchase price was not paid upfront. [HL9535] To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the Baroness Sugg: As of 30 June 2018, HS2 Ltd have proposal for a cull of hippos to be conducted by trophy permanently acquired 170 properties through Compulsory hunters on the Luangwa River in Zambia, whether they Purchase Orders (CPO) and/ or private agreements. A will bring forward consultation and legislation to ban party whose land is compulsorily acquired for HS2 Phase the trade in ivory from hippos; and whether they plan to One can make a request for an advance payment at any bring forward amendments to the Ivory Bill to include time. On the basis adequate information is available upon hippo ivory. [HL9796] which to assess matters, a payment is due upon the date of possession or three months from the date of request, Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The Ivory Bill will enact a whichever is later. Alternatively, a payment will be due ban in commercial dealing in elephant ivory in the UK on the dates/events identified in any private agreement that could directly or indirectly fuel the poaching of between the parties. There is no requirement for a elephants. There is a delegated power within the Bill to payment in advance of possession although HS2 Ltd can allow the Secretary of State to extend the Bill to cover provide financial assistance up to a value of £250,000 for other ivory bearing species, such as the hippopotamus, businesses who require cash-flow support in advance of a through a regulation. The Government has committed to compulsory purchase. consulting on extending the ban as soon as possible. This Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 35 consultation is necessary in order to ensure compliance The Answer includes the following attached material: with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), otherwise the whole ban would be put at risk. Working with care providers to understand costs [HL9845 - Cost_of_Care_Report.pdf]

The material can be viewed online at: Hippopotamus: Zambia http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-24/HL9845 To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Home Office: Reviews they have made of the proposal for a cull of hippos to be conducted by trophy hunters on the Luangwa River Asked by Lord Watts in Zambia. [HL9794] To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The UK Government has independent reviews the Home Office has not made an assessment of the proposal for a cull of commissioned into its policy or administration over the hippos on the Luangwa River in Zambia. last year; and what was the total cost of those reviews. [HL9461] Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Home Office To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment regularly commissions independent reviews to get an they have made of the impact the proposed cull of external perspective on its policy and administration. hippos to be conducted by trophy hunters on the Information on numbers and, where incurred, costs is not Luangwa River in Zambia will have on the ban on the held centrally. trade in ivory contained in the Ivory Bill. [HL9797] Lord Gardiner of Kimble: No assessment has been Hong Kong: Politics and Government made of the impact of the proposed cull of hippos to be Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool conducted by trophy hunters on the Luangwa River in Zambia on the ban on the trade in ivory contained in the To ask Her Majesty's Government what Ivory Bill. The Government has announced it will consult representations they have made to the government of as soon as possible on extending the ivory ban to hippos. (1) the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and This consultation will allow an assessment to be made of (2) and the People’s Republic of China, about (a) Hong all the appropriate evidence. Kong’s basic freedoms, including freedom of expression, and (b) its autonomy. [HL9635] Home Care Services: Pay Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Government regularly discusses a range of issues with the Asked by Baroness Gardner of Parkes Governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance Region and the People’s Republic of China, including they provide to local authorities regarding the Hong Kong’s rights and freedoms, the implementation of payment for travel time to carers travelling between the Sino-British Joint Declaration, and the importance of clients; and whether local authorities are required to ‘One Country, Two Systems’. check if any external contractors they use to provide The Prime Minister discussed Hong Kong with both caring services are paying those costs. [HL9845] Premier Li and President Xi during her visit to China earlier this year. She underlined the UK’s ongoing Lord O'Shaughnessy: The Government provides commitment to the successful implementation of ‘One online guidance on the steps employers and others must Country, Two Systems’, and stressed that rights and take to comply with the National Minimum Wage, which freedoms in Hong Kong should be fully respected. states that the hours of work that count for minimum wage purposes include any time when a worker is The Government issued the following statement on 17 travelling from one work assignment to another. July: The Government is clear that local authorities should “We note with concern the Hong Kong Special have regard to the cost of care when setting prices. This is Administrative Region Government plans to prohibit the set out in the statutory guidance to the Care Act 2014. continued operation of the Hong Kong National Party. The rights to stand for election, of free speech and of In 2016 the Department worked with local government, freedom of association are enshrined in the Basic Law of the care sector and the Chartered Institute of Public the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Finance and Accountancy to produce a guide to Hong Kong Bill of Rights. The UK does not support understanding providers’ costs and fair fees – this was Hong Kong independence, but Hong Kong’s high degree published in January 2017. A copy of Working with care of autonomy, and its rights and freedoms, are central to its providers to understand costs: A guide for adult social way of life, and it is important they are fully respected.” care commissioners is attached.

Page 36 4 September 2018 Written Answers

Housing: Construction Hunt Saboteurs Association as a domestic extremist organisation in their advice to partners and others Asked by Lord Shipley regarding the use of symbols. [HL9851] To ask Her Majesty's Government what Baroness Williams of Trafford: These decisions are assessment they have made of the number of new operational ones for policing. Peaceful protest is a vital homes built in areas of high flood risk in England in part of a democratic society. It is a long-standing tradition each of the last five years. [HL9893] in this country that people are free to gather together and Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: The Department to demonstrate their views, provided that they do so produces statistics on the estimated percentage of new within the law. residential addresses created in National Flood Zone 3. Those for England for each year from 2013-14 to 2016-17 Ibrutinib period are given in attachedTable 1. Asked by Lord Touhig Figures for the estimated proportion of dwellings built in England within flood risk areas for years before 2013- To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the 14 are given in attached Table 2, these figures are not reply by Lord O'Shaughnessy on 7 June (HL Deb, col directly comparable with the latest figures due to an 1405), what was the outcome of his meeting with update to the statistics production methodology. To put patients' groups regarding the use of Ibrutinib in these figures in context. The total number of new build England. [HL9676] completions for the last five financial years for which Lord O'Shaughnessy: On 22 May I met with the figures are currently available are given in attached Table Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia Association, and Lord 3. Forsyth regarding the use of ibrutinib in England. The revised National Planning Policy Framework Following this meeting, I met with NHS England and the clarified the strong planning safeguards against flood risk National Institute of Health and Care Excellence to that are in place. to remove uncertainty and help ensure discuss the treatment criteria set by NHS England for they are properly implemented. The Framework is clear ibrutinib. As a result, NHS England committed to that local planning authorities should consider the strict receiving, and reviewing by the end of July, any further tests in national planning policy that protect people and evidence that patients and clinicians wish to submit on property from flooding, and where these tests are not met, this matter and will review the criteria in light of all development should not be allowed. evidence submitted. Where development in flood risk areas is necessary, national planning policy is clear that it should be safe, Immigrants: Detainees resilient and not increase flood risk elsewhere. The Answer includes the following attached material: Asked by Baroness Hamwee

Table 1 [180807 Three associated table1 - HL9893.xlsx] To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer by the Minister for Immigration on 16 July (HC Table 2 [180807 Three associated tables -2 - HL9893.xlsx] Deb, col 11), whether all of the 44 children held in immigration detention, in the last period for which table 3 [180807associated table -3 - HL9893.xlsx] numbers are available, were held with their families immediately prior to return; whether all were held at The material can be viewed online at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- Tinsley House; and whether any were detained for answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-24/HL9893 longer than 72 hours. [HL9579] Baroness Williams of Trafford: There were 44 Asked by Lord Shipley children held in immigration detention between January To ask Her Majesty's Government how many (1) and December 2017. 11 children were removed from the cases have been considered, and (2) applications have UK, with five being returned from Gatwick Pre-Departure been approved, by the Planning Inspectorate in relation Accommodation and six from the Family Unit within to applications to build new homes in areas of high Tinsley House Immigration Removal Centre. All 11 flood risk in each of the last five years. [HL9895] children who were returned were held with their families prior to return for less than 72 hours. Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government does not hold the data requested. Immigration Asked by Lord Empey Hunt Saboteurs Association To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Asked by Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb they have made of any change in immigration numbers To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are from non-EU countries between the last two years for aware of counter terrorism police having labelled the which figures are available. [HL9690] Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 37

Asked by Lord Empey The latest available estimates of long term international migration of non-EU immigrants entering the UK broken To ask Her Majesty's Government how many non-EU down by country of last residence (assumed to align to immigrants entered the UK in the last year for which country of origin in your question) is for year ending figures are available, broken down by country of origin. December 2016 from the International Passenger Survey [HL9692] (IPS). A breakdown by country of last residence can be Lord Young of Cookham: The information requested found in the table International Passenger Survey 3.01, falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Citizenship by Country of Last or Next Residence and is Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply. summarised in Table 2[3]. Letter from John Pullinger CB, National Statistician, to Table 1: UK Immigration, emigration and net The Lord Empey, dated 24 July 2018. migration of non-EU citizens Dear Lord Empey, Year ending December: Year ending December: As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK 2017 2016 Statistics Authority, I am replying to your Parliamentary Estimate [4] +/- CI Estimate +/- CI [5] Question asking what assessment has been made of any change in immigration numbers from non-EU countries Immigration 311,000 23,000 265,000 20,000 between the last two years for which figures are available Emigration 84,000 10,000 90,000 10,000 (HL9690); and how many non-EU immigrants entered the UK in the last year for which figures are available, broken Net +227,000 25,000 +175,000 23,000 down by country of origin (HL9692). Migration The Office for National Statistics (ONS) released the Source: Office for National Statistics, Home Office, Central Statistics latest estimates (for the year ending December 2017) of Office Ireland, Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency Long-Term International Migration (LTIM) on 16 July Table 2: UK Immigration and net migration of non-EU 2018[1]. Table 1 shows the immigration, emigration and citizens by country of last residence net migration estimates for the UK of non-EU citizens for 2016 years ending December 2016 and December 2017 and the Confidence Intervals (CI) associated with these estimates. Country of last Estimate +/- CI 5 residence: Non-EU immigration (311,000) is similar to the level seen in 2011. The latest increase (Table 1) follows a low European Union level of non-EU study immigration in the year ending September 2016, which was not reflected in the most Immigration 10,000 5,000 comparable visa and Higher Education Statistics Agency Net Migration +6,000 6,000 (HESA) data. We therefore advise users to avoid comparing the latest year on year change for students and Non-European Union non-EU migration as a whole, but instead to look at the Immigration 212,000 20,000 broader evidence and longer time series, allowing a better assessment of trends and showing that non-EU Net Migration +133,000 22,000 immigration has remained relatively stable over the past few years. Source : Office for National Statistics The data sources of Table 1 and Table 2 for year ending Within the latest publication an illustrative revised trend December 2016 differ because Table 2 is based solely on was used to adjust for the unusual pattern in the non-EU IPS estimates and Table 1 is based on the adjusted LTIM student immigration in the year ending September 2016 estimates, as described above. and we concluded that net migration has been broadly stable over the last year. Yours sincerely Estimates of LTIM to and from the UK are produced by John Pullinger ONS primarily based on data from the International [1] Passenger Survey (IPS), with adjustments made for https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/ asylum seekers and people whose intentions change populationandmigration/internationalmigration/bulletins/ regarding their length of stay. Northern Ireland Statistics migrationstatisticsquarterlyreport/july2018revisedfromma and Research Agency (NISRA) data on migration to and ycoveringtheperiodtodecember2017 from Northern Ireland, based on GP registrations. LTIM [2] estimates are based on the United Nations definition of a https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/ long-term international migrant, that is, someone who populationandmigration/internationalmigration/topicspeci changes their country of usual residence for a period of ficmethodology one year or more. Further detail on the methodology [3] related to international migration is available via the ONS https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/ website[2]. populationandmigration/internationalmigration/datasets/in Page 38 4 September 2018 Written Answers ternationalpassengersurveycitizenshipbycountryoflastorne they will direct them to support services outside of the xtresidencetable301 Home Office. [4] Year includes provisional estimates for 2017 The contact centre staff are trained to identify, support and escalate any vulnerable cases, including vulnerable [5] CI = Confidence Interval. These table use 95% children, vulnerable adults and those with assisted digital confidence intervals (CI) to indicate the robustness of needs. These customer enquiries are then referred on to each estimate . the appropriate team. Asked by Viscount Waverley We continually review training guidance and To ask Her Majesty's Government whether UK procedures for our contact centre staff to ensure any citizens not owning property in the UK will be required vulnerable groups are identified and supported as to satisfy immigration authorities of income and necessary. property in the UK when applying for either EU or non- EU spouses and close family members to enter and Immigration: EU Nationals reside in the UK after Brexit. [HL9819] Asked by Viscount Waverley Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government is To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will considering a range of options for the future immigration ensure the continuity of rights for all EU citizens after system. We will build a comprehensive picture of the Brexit. [HL9818] needs and interests of all parts of the UK, including different sectors, businesses and communities, and look to Lord Callanan: The Prime Minister has been clear that develop a system that works for all. safeguarding the rights of EU citizens living in the UK, and UK nationals living in the UK, is her first priority for We will make decisions on the future immigration negotiations. system based on evidence and engagement. That is why we have asked the independent Migration Advisory We have reached an agreement with the EU on the Committee to advise on the economic and social impacts rights of EU citizens living in the UK, as set out in the of the UK’s exit from the EU. When building the new draft legal text of the Withdrawal Agreement. The system, various aspects including the creative sector will agreement confirms that all EU citizens legally resident in be taken into account, to ensure the future immigration the UK by December 2020 will be able to continue living system works for sectors. their lives broadly as now. We will set out proposals in the autumn. The Home Office published a Statement of Intent on 21 June, providing further details about how EU citizens and Immigration Controls their families can obtain settled status. The process will be straightforward and streamlined and we will support Asked by Lord Empey applicants to get the right outcome. To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have We have published a White Paper on the EU any plans to modify the rules that apply to potential (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill which will implement the non-EU immigrants to the UK. [HL9691] Withdrawal Agreement we reach with the EU in UK law. This sets out the detail on how the Bill will legislate for Baroness Williams of Trafford: We keep all the key elements of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the immigration routes under regular review. agreement on citizens’ rights.

Immigration: Children and Young People Immigration: Windrush Generation Asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett Asked by Lord Beecham To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the To ask Her Majesty's Government whether those statement by the Minister of Immigration on 21 June affected by the Home Office's wrongful detention of (HC Deb, cols 508–20) that vulnerable EU citizens Windrush immigrants who have received compensation applying for settled status will be provided with have been required to sign non-disclosure agreements; assistance at contact centres, whether comparable and if so, why. [HL9679] support is provided for children and young people applying for limited leave to remain or citizenship; and Asked by Lord Beecham if not, why not. [HL9750] To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Baroness Williams of Trafford: All customers, Windrush immigrants have received compensation; and including children and young people, have access to how many of them, if any, have been required to sign customer contact centre services when making an non-disclosure agreements. [HL9680] application in any category. Staff at the centre will Baroness Williams of Trafford: There has been a signpost the customer to the most appropriate part of single payment of compensation for unlawful detention in guidance available on GOV.UK, and where appropriate a Windrush generation case and this was subject to a Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 39 confidentiality agreement. It has been long-standing minority representatives and recently met with officials practice under successive governments for the Home from the Indian Government's National Commission for Office to agree confidentiality when settling immigration Minorities. and asylum compensation claims, when appropriate. However, we intend to take a different approach in setting up the Windrush compensation scheme. We have Informers: Children committed to establishing a compensation scheme which Asked by Baroness Kennedy of Cradley is tailored to meet the needs of those affected. Nobody who receives compensation through the Windrush To ask Her Majesty's Government how many compensation scheme will be bound by any condition of children under the age of 18 are used as covert human confidentiality, unless requested by the individual in intelligence sources (CHIS) in England and Wales, question. broken down by police force; and what was the total number of children used as CHIS in year since 2010. Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick [HL9741] To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they Asked by Baroness Kennedy of Cradley have made towards developing a compensation scheme for those affected by the Windrush scandal; and when To ask Her Majesty's Government how many any compensation is expected to be paid to those successful convictions in the last five years have been affected. [HL9722] based on the evidence of children under the age of 18 acting as covert human intelligence sources. [HL9742] Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government has made it clear we intend to put in place a compensation Asked by Baroness Kennedy of Cradley scheme quickly and carefully to redress what has gone To ask Her Majesty's Government how many wrong. applications for authorisation for children under the age On 19 July, we launched the Windrush Compensation of 18 to act as covert human intelligence sources were Consultation. The consultation period will run for 12 rejected in each year since 2010, broken down by police weeks ending on 11 October. force. [HL9744] I would encourage people to respond to the Asked by Baroness Kennedy of Cradley consultation, to help inform the design of the scheme. To ask Her Majesty's Government what advice, Following consultation, the scheme will open as soon as training and guidance is issued to police and possible. intelligence officers to ensure that children under the age of 18 who are used as covert human intelligence Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society sources are protected and treated in line with the requirements of the Protection of Children Act 1999 Asked by The Marquess of Lothian and the requirements of the UN Convention on the To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Rights of the Child. [HL9745] they have made of the activities and purpose of the Asked by Baroness Kennedy of Cradley Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society. [HL9867] To ask Her Majesty's Government how they intend to Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have made no improve the independent inspections of the use of assessment of this organisation. children under the age of 18 as covert human intelligence sources (CHIS); and whether they have any India: Nationality plans to ensure that these inspections are carried out before these children are deployed as CHIS. [HL9746] Asked by The Lord Bishop of St Albans Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Regulation of To ask Her Majesty's Government what Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) is the legislation representations they have made to the government of which governs the use of covert human intelligence India regarding reports that many Bengali-Muslim's in sources (‘CHIS’). RIPA provides that restrictions on Assam State may lose their status as citizens of India. certain groups of CHIS can be imposed in secondary [HL9892] legislation. In 2000 the then Government put in place the Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Our Deputy High Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Juveniles) Order Commission in Kolkata is closely monitoring the 2000 which established an enhanced set of safeguards in updating of the National Register of Citizens in Assam. relation to the use of juveniles as CHIS. The British High Commission in New Delhi and our While investigators may wish to avoid the use of young network of posts across India maintain a continuous people as CHIS, we must recognise that some juveniles assessment of human rights, including those of religious are involved in serious crimes, as perpetrators and minorities. This includes raising issues with Indian victims. Consequently, young persons may have unique officials where appropriate. We engage directly with access to information that is important in preventing and Page 40 4 September 2018 Written Answers prosecuting gang violence and terrorism. This includes involving juveniles, the inspectors pay particular attention the troubling ‘county lines’ phenomenon which, along to see that the issues of welfare and so on have been with the associated violence, drug dealing and properly addressed”. exploitation, has a devastating impact on young people, The Investigatory Powers Commissioner, and vulnerable adults and local communities. previously the Surveillance Commissioner, is responsible Those operating these powers have access to extensive for deciding what statistics to collect and publish. guidance to ensure that the powers are used appropriately Statistics on the number of juvenile CHIS authorisations and that juveniles are suitably safeguarded. This includes or the outcomes of cases in which they are used are not the codes of practice and internal guidance. By way of collected centrally or published but we know, from example the CHIS guidelines issued by the National discussions with investigators, that juvenile CHIS are Police Chiefs Council runs to some 380 pages, which authorised in very small numbers as young people will includes a chapter dedicated to Juvenile CHIS. not normally be deployed in this role unless there is no The welfare of the CHIS is taken very seriously in any other way to achieve the same result. Going forward, deployment and the code of practice provides clear Lord Justice Fulford will collect statistics on the number guidance on this issue saying at paragraph 6.13: of juvenile CHIS in place and will consider how this “Any public authority deploying a CHIS should take information and his oversight in this area can into account the safety and welfare of that CHIS when appropriately be included in his annual reports in the carrying out actions in relation to an authorisation or future. tasking, and the foreseeable consequences to others of Asked by Baroness Kennedy of Cradley that tasking. Before authorising the use or conduct of a CHIS, the authorising officer should ensure that a risk To ask Her Majesty's Government how many assessment is carried out to determine the risk to the children under the age of 18 were recruited as covert CHIS of any tasking and the likely consequences should human intelligence sources in each year since 2010, the role of the CHIS become known. This should consider broken down by police force. [HL9743] the risks relating to the specific tasking and circumstances Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Regulation of of each authorisation separately, and should be updated to Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) is the legislation reflect developments during the course of the deployment, which governs the use of covert human intelligence as well as after the deployment if contact is maintained. sources (‘CHIS’). RIPA provides that restrictions on The ongoing security and welfare of the CHIS, after the certain groups of CHIS can be imposed in secondary cancellation of the authorisation, should also be legislation. In 2000 the then Government put in place the considered at the outset and reviewed throughout the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Juveniles) Order period of authorised activity by that CHIS.” 2000 which established an enhanced set of safeguards in Welfare is even more important in cases involving relation to the use of juveniles as CHIS. young persons and the legislation requires that any While investigators may wish to avoid the use of young decision to authorise the use of a juvenile as a CHIS must people as CHIS, we must recognise that some juveniles be accompanied by an enhanced risk assessment that are involved in serious crimes, as perpetrators and takes into account the physical and psychological welfare victims. Consequently, young persons may have unique of the young person. access to information that is important in preventing and Additionally, in 2015 the National Police Chiefs prosecuting gang violence and terrorism. This includes Council endorsed and published the National Strategy for the troubling ‘county lines’ phenomenon which, along the Policing of Children and Young people. This strategy with the associated violence, drug dealing and says “It is crucial that in all encounters with the police exploitation, has a devastating impact on young people, those below the age of 18 should be treated as children vulnerable adults and local communities. first. All officers must have regard to their safety, welfare Those operating these powers have access to extensive and well-being as required under S10 and S11 of the guidance to ensure that the powers are used appropriately Children Act 2004 and the United Nations Convention on and that juveniles are suitably safeguarded. This includes the Rights of the Child.” the codes of practice and internal guidance. By way of Since 2000 the police and other public authorities have example the CHIS guidelines issued by the National been applying those safeguards on the rare occasions Police Chiefs Council runs to some 380 pages, which where juveniles have been deployed as CHIS. Their use includes a chapter dedicated to Juvenile CHIS. has been subject to the oversight of the Surveillance The welfare of the CHIS is taken very seriously in any Commissioner and more recently the Investigatory deployment and the code of practice provides clear Powers Commissioner. The Commissioner, like his guidance on this issue saying at paragraph 6.13: predecessors, provides the guarantee of impartial and independent scrutiny of the use of these tactics. In relation “Any public authority deploying a CHIS should take to Juvenile CHIS there is enhanced oversight with the into account the safety and welfare of that CHIS when former Chief Surveillance Commissioner, Lord Judge, carrying out actions in relation to an authorisation or making clear during a debate on this issue in Parliament tasking, and the foreseeable consequences to others of on 18 July 2018 that “...in relation to any CHIS activity that tasking. Before authorising the use or conduct of a Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 41

CHIS, the authorising officer should ensure that a risk Infrastructure assessment is carried out to determine the risk to the CHIS of any tasking and the likely consequences should Asked by Baroness Featherstone the role of the CHIS become known. This should consider To ask Her Majesty's Government when they will the risks relating to the specific tasking and circumstances respond to the National Infrastructure of each authorisation separately, and should be updated to Commission's National Infrastructure Assessment 2018, reflect developments during the course of the deployment, published in July. [HL9737] as well as after the deployment if contact is maintained. The ongoing security and welfare of the CHIS, after the Lord Bates: The government welcomed the publication cancellation of the authorisation, should also be of the National Infrastructure Assessment (NIA), and is considered at the outset and reviewed throughout the considering the recommendations. period of authorised activity by that CHIS.” As set out in the National Infrastructure Commission’s Framework Document, the government will respond to Welfare is even more important in cases involving the NIC’s recommendations as soon as practical, and young persons and the legislation requires that any endeavour to respond within 6 months, and no longer than decision to authorise the use of a juvenile as a CHIS must a year. be accompanied by an enhanced risk assessment that takes into account the physical and psychological welfare of the young person. Inheritance Tax: Siblings Additionally, in 2015 the National Police Chiefs Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool Council endorsed and published the National Strategy for To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the the Policing of Children and Young people. This strategy answer by Baroness Williams of Trafford on 20 July says “It is crucial that in all encounters with the police (HL Deb, col 1413), what estimate they have made of those below the age of 18 should be treated as children (1) the savings in social and other state costs of free first. All officers must have regard to their safety, welfare care provided for siblings living in sibling-couple and well-being as required under S10 and S11 of the households, and (2) the annual income to HM Treasury Children Act 2004 and the United Nations Convention on as a result of the tax applied to siblings when one the Rights of the Child.” sibling-couple partner dies. [HL9755] Since 2000 the police and other public authorities have Lord Bates: The government does not have an estimate been applying those safeguards on the rare occasions of the savings in social care from free care provided by where juveniles have been deployed as CHIS. Their use siblings living in these circumstances. has been subject to the oversight of the Surveillance The government has not assessed the inheritance tax Commissioner and more recently the Investigatory liabilities in these circumstances. All individuals benefit Powers Commissioner. The Commissioner, like his from a £325,000 tax free threshold for inheritance tax. predecessors, provides the guarantee of impartial and independent scrutiny of the use of these tactics. In relation to Juvenile CHIS there is enhanced oversight with the Insurance Companies former Chief Surveillance Commissioner, Lord Judge, Asked by Baroness Quin making clear during a debate on this issue in Parliament on 18 July 2018 that “...in relation to any CHIS activity To ask Her Majesty's Government what involving juveniles, the inspectors pay particular attention representations they have received from the insurance to see that the issues of welfare and so on have been industry about their proposals for the services sector properly addressed”. outlined in The future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union (Cm 9593), The Investigatory Powers Commissioner, and published in July. [HL9882] previously the Surveillance Commissioner, is responsible for deciding what statistics to collect and publish. Lord Callanan: Ministers and officials from my Statistics on the number of juvenile CHIS authorisations Department and across Government continue to engage or the outcomes of cases in which they are used are not broadly across all sectors - including the services industry collected centrally or published but we know, from - and across the UK to hear the business’ priorities and discussions with investigators, that juvenile CHIS are issues relating to our exit. authorised in very small numbers as young people will Representatives from services, including insurance, and not normally be deployed in this role unless there is no other industries met with the Secretary of State and all the other way to achieve the same result. Going forward, ministers in my Department to discuss the proposals made Lord Justice Fulford will collect statistics on the number in the White Paper at Chevening House on 20 July. of juvenile CHIS in place and will consider how this The proposals outlined in the White Paper set out an information and his oversight in this area can ambitious and credible proposition for a close future appropriately be included in his annual reports in the relationship on financial services with the EU. This would future. provide stable and predictable access to each other’s markets, while recognising that the UK and the EU will Page 42 4 September 2018 Written Answers exercise autonomy over regulatory decisions through held regular bilateral meetings with financial and policy domestic equivalence processes, and protect financial teams from a variety of international broadcasting firms stability. regarding the implications of our exit from the EU for these companies. COBA has been instrumental for Intelligence Services: Detainees enhancing the government’s understanding of sector’s priorities and concerns relating to EU Exit. Asked by Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts As set out by the recently published Brexit White paper, To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the the UK is seeking the best possible arrangement for statement made by the Minister for Europe and the broadcasting that will work for the broadcasting sector, Americas on 2 July (HC Deb, col 26) with respect to and we are committed to continue working with COBA the publication of the Intelligence and Security members to understand their needs and concerns. Committee reports into detainee mistreatment and rendition, what criteria they will take into account as part of their "careful consideration of calls for a judge- Iran: Terrorism led inquiry"; and whether they intend for the update Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass "within 60 days of publication of the reports" to take the form of a ministerial statement. [HL9583] To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the arrest of an Iranian diplomat in Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: As Baroness Goldie said Germany in connection with the planned terrorist bomb on 2 July, the Government will aim to provide a full and attack on a meeting of the National Council of formal response to the Intelligence and Security Resistance of Iran in Paris on 30 June. [HL9655] Committee's Detainee Inquiry within 60 days of the publication of their reports. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are concerned by reports that an Iranian diplomat may have been involved with a plot against a conference in Paris, and understand Intelligence Services: Equality that investigations are ongoing in a number of European Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick countries. We are not aware at this stage of a link to the UK. To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the report by the Intelligence and Security Committee of Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass Parliament, Diversity and Inclusion in the UK To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they Intelligence Community, published on 18 July, what have taken with European allies, including Germany plans they have to address the lack of gender and ethnic and Belgium, to ensure Iran cannot use its embassies to diversity of those in senior positions in security and harbour suspected terrorists. [HL9656] intelligence agencies. [HL9670] Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We work closely with Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: I refer the noble Lord to our European partners on security and counter-terrorism the Prime Minister's statement of 18 July. The issues. We are clear that the Vienna Convention on Government will give full consideration to the Diplomatic Relations requires that the premises of a conclusions and recommendations of this important diplomatic mission are not used in any manner report, and will respond formally within 60 days of the incompatible with the functions of the mission as report's publication. described in the Convention or by other rules of general international law. International Broadcasting Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass Asked by Baroness Quin To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in the To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions light of the expulsion of Russian diplomatic staff they have had with the Commercial Broadcasters following the Novichok nerve agent case, they plan to Association to ensure that international broadcasters expel Iranian diplomatic staff following the planned and TV channels based in the UK will be able to terrorist bomb attack on a meeting of the National continue to broadcast after Brexit as at present. Council of Resistance of Iran in Paris on 30 June; if so, [HL9564] when; and if not, why not. [HL9657] Lord Ashton of Hyde: The government has been Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We understand that engaging extensively with the Commercial Broadcasters European partners’ investigations into this incident are Association (COBA) and its members to discuss the ongoing. We continue to work closely with our European impact of Brexit on international broadcasters based in the partners on security and counter-terrorism issues. UK. Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass Over the past year, DCMS has hosted a number of ministerial roundtables on the topic of Brexit, attended by To ask Her Majesty's Government what the COBA members. Ministers and officials have also representations they have made to the government of Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 43

Germany to encourage it to extradite to Belgium the Israel: Discrimination Iranian diplomat arrested in connection with the planned terrorist bomb attack on the meeting of the Asked by Baroness Tonge National Council of Resistance of Iran in Paris on 30 To ask Her Majesty's Government what June. [HL9658] representations they have made to the government of Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have not received or Israel about the bill currently before the Knesset that made specific representations from other governments on could support the establishment of segregated religious the arrest of an Iranian diplomat in Germany but we are and racial communities. [HL9627] concerned by reports that an Iranian diplomat may have Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The ‘Nation-State Bill’ been involved with a plot against a conference in Paris. has passed through the Knesset into law. The final We work closely with our European partners on security wording of the legislation did not contain the clause and counter-terrorism issues. which would have explicitly allowed a community composed of people of the same faith or nationality to maintain an exclusive community. As part of their regular Islam diplomatic work with Israeli authorities and legislators, Asked by Lord Pearson of Rannoch British diplomats in Israel discussed the Nation State Bill alongside other legislation and developments. Israel’s To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment, long standing commitment to equality for all its citizens is if any, they have made of the influence of the Deobandi one of its great strengths as a fellow democracy. As movement on madrassas and mosques in the UK. friends of Israel we would be concerned about any [HL9878] development that would undermine this commitment. Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: The Deobandi movement is part of the rich diversity of the Islamic faith Israel: Gaza in the UK and its followers play an important role in Asked by Baroness Tonge many mosques and madrassas. As set out in our Integrated Communities Strategy, the Government is To ask Her Majesty's Government what (1) firmly committed to the principle of freedom of religion representations they are making, and (2) action and belief and we are working with local faith institutions they will take following the tightening of the blockade to help make sure they are well-equipped to support local on Gaza by Israel despite the pre-existing humanitarian faith communities. crisis within the Strip. [HL9569] Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Officials from our Islam: Legal Systems Embassy in Tel Aviv raised concerns regarding the additional restrictions imposed on Gaza with the Office of Asked by Lord Pearson of Rannoch the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) on 18 July. The further restrictions To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the support in UK Muslim that Israel has placed on Gaza will have a detrimental communities for sharia law; whether in making any effect on the ordinary citizens of Gaza. A further deterioration to the already dire humanitarian situation in such assessment they considered abrogation, Taqiyya, Gaza is in no-one’s interests. Israel should therefore Al Hijra and the pursuit of a world caliphate to be part reverse this decision. We also recognise that Hamas' of sharia law; and what assessment they have made of actions are unacceptable, and the damage being caused by the impact of support for sharia law on the terrorist fires in Southern Israel has been significant. We will threat in the UK. [HL9876] continue to monitor the situation and raise concerns as Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government has appropriate. The Government has recently announced a made no assessment of the support in UK Muslim new £38 million programme to support economic communities for Sharia law nor of the impact of support development in Gaza and the West Bank. We will also be for Sharia law on the terrorist threat. releasing £38.5 million for the UN Relief and Works Agency to help vulnerable Palestinian refugees, as well as In Britain we have a long tradition of freedom of £2 million to UNICEF, to help provide Gazans with worship and religious tolerance, where many people of access to clean water and sanitation. different faiths follow religious codes and practices. The Government doesn’t prevent individuals from regulating Asked by Baroness Tonge their lives through religious beliefs provided their actions To ask Her Majesty's Government what don’t conflict with the law. representations they are making to the government of The Government recently confirmed in its response to Israel about the damage being done to crops in Gaza by the independent review of Sharia law that Sharia law has herbicide sprays being used by Israel close to the no jurisdiction in England and Wales. border. [HL9571] Page 44 4 September 2018 Written Answers

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Whilst we have not Asked by Baroness Tonge raised this specific issue, officials from our Embassy in To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions Tel Aviv regularly discuss the situation in Gaza with the Prime Minister had with President Trump about his Israeli authorities and did so most recently on 18 July Middle East peace plan during his recent visit. with the Coordinator of Government Activities in the [HL9573] Territories (COGAT). The Government has recently announced a new £38 million programme to support Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: A wide range of topics economic development in Gaza and the West Bank. We related to the Middle East were discussed. We continue to will also be releasing £38.5 million for the UN Relief and engage with the US Administration on the Middle East Works Agency to help vulnerable Palestinian refugees, as Peace Process. well as £2 million to UNICEF, to help provide Gazans Asked by Baroness Tonge with access to clean water and sanitation. To ask Her Majesty's Government what Asked by Baroness Tonge representations they have made to the government of Israel about (1) the closure of two universities in East To ask Her Majesty's Government what Jerusalem, and (2) the banning of an academic representations they are making to the government of conference due to be held to discuss the status of Israel about the missile attack by Israel on al-Kateeba in Muslim endowment and property, and the protection of western Gaza. [HL9572] Islamic status and Christian heritage in Jerusalem. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Whilst we have not [HL9625] raised this specific incident with the Israeli authorities, we Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: While we have not are concerned by the escalation of violence in Gaza and raised these issues, we will continue to press the Israelis Southern Israel, and have urged restraint from all sides. and Palestinians strongly on the need to refrain from We appreciate Egyptian and UN efforts to reduce taking actions which make peace more difficult. tensions. The people of Gaza and Israel deserve peace and security. The Government has recently announced a new £38 million programme to support economic development Ivory in Gaza and the West Bank. We will also be releasing Asked by Lord Inglewood £38.5 million for the UN Relief and Works Agency to help vulnerable Palestinian refugees, as well as £2 million To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the to UNICEF, to help provide Gazans with access to clean estimated total number of items in the UK which fall water and sanitation. within the Ivory Bill's definition of pre-1947 items with low ivory content. [HL9793] Asked by Baroness Tonge Lord Gardiner of Kimble: During the consultation on To ask Her Majesty's Government what our ivory ban, we sought evidence from the antiques trade representations they have made to the government of and others, including on the nature and number of items Israel regarding the destruction of the Arts and Crafts in the UK that are made of or contain ivory. However, the Village in Gaza. [HL9626] data available is limited and we are therefore unable to specify how many items fall under this exemption. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have not raised this However, once the ban is in force, we will be specific issue with the Israeli authorities. publishing headline data on the number of exemption certificates that have been issued for each category of Israel: Palestinians exemption. Asked by Baroness Tonge Ivory: Registration To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Asked by Lord Inglewood Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 9 July (HL8938), when they expect to discuss with the To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the government of Israel the bill currently before the estimated total annual gross cost of the registration Knesset that would impose a five-year prison term for scheme outlined in the Ivory Bill in respect of pre-1947 anyone filming or distributing footage on social media items with low ivory content; and how many items that documents confrontations between Israeli soldiers they anticipate will be registered each year. [HL9792] and Palestinians. [HL9568] Lord Gardiner of Kimble: We are working on the Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Officials from our design and development of the new IT system to facilitate Embassy in Tel Aviv continue regularly to discuss the registration process, in line with the principles of concerns with the Israeli authorities relating to Knesset managing public money. Those registering items will legislation. need to pay a fee to cover the costs of registration. Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 45

The data available does not provide an exact number of Large Goods Vehicles: Taxation items in the UK that are made of or contain ivory. We are therefore unable to anticipate how many items owners Asked by Lord Morris of Aberavon may wish to sell, and subsequently register, each year To ask Her Majesty's Government how much in HGV under this exemption. Levy was paid in 2017 in respect of lorries registered in We will, however, once the ban is in force, be (1) the Republic of Ireland, and (2) other EU member publishing headline data on the number of exemption states; which EU member states lorries subject to the certificates that have been issued for each category of HGV Levy came from in 2017; and how is payment of exemption. the Levy enforced. [HL9799] Baroness Sugg: In 2017-18, HGV levy revenue from non-UK hauliers was £50m. Of this, approximately £4m Knives: Crime was from vehicles registered in the Republic of Ireland, Asked by Lord Bird £45m was from vehicles registered in other EU Member States, and £1m was from vehicles registered elsewhere. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment There were vehicles from all EU Member States paying they have made of the finding in the Youth Violence the HGV levy during 2017-18. Commission’s Interim Report, published in July, that The HGV levy is enforced by the Driver and Vehicle current approaches to reducing knife crime are Standards Agency (DVSA). Vehicles are stopped at the ineffective and the focus should be to tackle the root roadside and, if they have not paid the right levy, the causes of serious violence. [HL9766] vehicle is held until a fine of £300 is paid. The DVSA Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government has targets vehicles that are known not to have paid the levy, noted the findings of the Youth Violence Commission’s and it also checks for levy compliance of vehicles that are Interim Report published on 18 July. stopped for other reasons. On 9 April 2018, the Government published the Serious Violence Strategy to set out the action it is taking to Legal Aid Scheme: Immigration address serious violence, and in particular, the recent Asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett increases in knife crime, gun crime and homicide. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment The strategy represents a step change in the way we they have made of the removal of non-asylum think and respond to serious violence. Our approach is not immigration cases from the scope of legal aid on young solely focused on law enforcement, very important as that migrants with limited leave to remain. [HL9749] is, but depends also on multi-partnership working and a ‘public health’ approach across a number of sectors such Lord Keen of Elie: The Government is currently as education, health, social services, housing, youth undertaking a post-implementation review of the impact services, victim services and others. of the legal aid changes made under the Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012. An In particular, the strategy stresses the importance of assessment of the impact of recent changes to the early intervention to tackle the root causes of serious provision of legal aid for non-asylum immigration cases violence and provide young people with the skills and will be made as part of the review process. resilience to lead productive lives free from violence. We have recently announced our intention to amend the scope of legal aid for unaccompanied and separated Lakeside Energy from Waste migrant children. This scope change will be informed by evidence gathered as a result of the review and delivered Asked by Baroness Randerson with the help of a consultative group. To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will ensure that the Lakeside Energy from Waste plant is Liothyronine replaced with facilities of at least the same capacity as Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath now. [HL9805] To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Baroness Sugg: The Government used publicly Written Answer by Lord O'Shaughnessy on 4 July available data on waste disposal held by the Environment (HL8857), whether patient groups were consulted in Agency to confirm that the Lakeside energy from waste relation to the discussions on Liothyronine (T3) at the plant is not a strategic asset and the loss of the capacity meetings of the Regional Medicines Optimisation can be absorbed. Therefore there is neither a statutory nor Committee held in January and May 2018. [HL9701] a policy reason to mandate replacement of the plant. Nevertheless, the Government understands that Heathrow Lord O'Shaughnessy: The Regional Medicines Airport Limited is currently working with the owners to Optimisation Committees (RMOCs) membership includes re-provision the plant. patient representation. The comments of patients and of national endocrinology clinical experts have been Page 46 4 September 2018 Written Answers instrumental in the development of the further advice Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath regarding arrangements for the on-going prescribing of To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will liothyronine. The advice will be shared more widely for commission research on the impact of the withdrawal of comment before being authorised by the RMOCs, liothyronine (T3) and its subsequent replacement with including with patient groups and other relevant T4 on (1) the health and well being of patients, and (2) stakeholders. the cost to the NHS. [HL9787] Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath Lord O'Shaughnessy: The Department has no plans to To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment commission such research. NHS England will continue to they have made of the risk to patients of being denied monitor the implementation of the guidance Items which access to liothyronine (T3) where they had previously should not be routinely prescribed in primary care: achieved good health outcomes when using the guidance for CCGs published in November 2017 and will medicine. [HL9785] review it at regular intervals to address any unintended consequences. A copy of the guidance is attached. NHS Lord O'Shaughnessy: The Department has made no Clinical Commissioners will reiterate to clinical assessment. When publishing its guidance, NHS England commissioning groups (CCGs) by the end of July 2018 advised clinical commissioning groups that individuals that the intention of the guidance was to end the routine currently being prescribed liothyronine should be prescription of liothyronine only where it was clinically reviewed by a consultant National Health Service appropriate to do so. endocrinologist with consideration given to switching to levothyroxine, but only where clinically appropriate. The Answer includes the following attached material: The responsibility for prescribing and any necessary Items which should not be routinely prescribed [items-which- follow-up rests with the doctor or prescriber who has should-not-be-routinely-precscribed-in-pc-ccg-guidance.pdf] clinical responsibility for that particular aspect of a patient's care. Decisions on which drugs are prescribed The material can be viewed online at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- should be based on clinical assessments. Good answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-23/HL9787 communication between practitioners and patients is essential and prescribers should always involve patients in Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath decisions about the treatment proposed, including informing them of any possible side effects from their To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will prescribed medicines. ensure that the appropriate funds will be made available when an endocrinologist has prescribed liothyronine Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (T3) for an NHS patient. [HL9788] To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they Lord O'Shaughnessy: It is the responsibility of clinical intend to review local and regional guidance by NHS commissioning groups (CCGs) to make decisions on bodies which do not follow current national guidance in funding in their local areas. NHS England expects CCGs relation to the prescribing of liothyronine (T3). to have due regard to Items which should not routinely be [HL9786] prescribed in primary care: Guidance for CCGs, Lord O'Shaughnessy: We have no intention to review published in November 2017. A copy of the guidance is guidance by National Health Service bodies. However, attached. The guidance is clear that liothyronine can and we are informed by NHS England that the joint clinical should be prescribed by an endocrinologist when it is working group has agreed that NHS clinical clinically appropriate to do so, providing the funding has commissioners will reiterate to clinical commissioning been agreed with the commissioner. groups (CCGs) by the end of July 2018 that the intention If an individual cannot get a medicine their prescriber of the guidance published last November was to end the feels is the most appropriate, under local commissioning routine prescription of liothyronine only where it was arrangements, the prescriber can make an Individual clinically appropriate to do so. Funding Request on behalf of the patient for that CCGs are accountable to NHS England, which has a medicine to be provided. key role to ensure that they, as statutory organisations, The Answer includes the following attached material: deliver the best possible services and outcomes for Items which should not routinely be prescribed [items-which- patients within their financial allocation. Where there are should-not-routinely-be-prescribed-in-pc-ccg-guidance.pdf] concerns about CCGs failing or at risk of failing to discharge its functions, NHS England has the ability to The material can be viewed online at: exercise formal powers to either provide enhanced http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- support to a CCG, or in rare circumstances to intervene. answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-23/HL9788 Although the Department ultimately holds NHS England Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath to account for its commissioning activity, including that of CCGs, the Health and Social Care Act 2012 ensures To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will commissioning activity meets the requirements of each take steps to withdraw PrescQIPP guidance to Clinical local area. Commissioning Groups in the East of England on Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 47

prescribing liothyronine (T3) as it has not been updated understand risk both across the local government finance to reflect current national guidelines. [HL9790] system as a whole and in relation to individual councils. As part of our preparations for Spending Review 2019 we Lord O'Shaughnessy: PrescQIPP is an independent will be engaging extensively with local government and social enterprise and any decision to withdraw this with other Government Departments to fully understand guidance is a matter for PrescQIPP. forward financial pressures on the sector. Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) are responsible for deciding whether and how they take that guidance into account when making decisions. However, NHS England Local Government: Telephone Services expects CCGs to have due regard to the Items which Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark should not routinely be prescribed in primary care: Guidance for CCGs published in November 2017 by To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment NHS England and NHS Clinical Commissioners when they have made of local authorities using 0845 numbers considering the prescribing of liothyronine. A copy of the to deliver services; and what action, if any, they plan to guidance is attached. take to encourage them to use cheaper alternatives. The Answer includes the following attached material: [HL9591] Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: The use of 0845 Items which should not routinely be prescribed [items-which- numbers for customer services was made illegal in 2014. should-not-routinely-be-prescribed-in-pc-ccg-guidance.pdf] The Department expects that local authorities are fully The material can be viewed online at: compliant with the law and has therefore made no http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- assessment of local authorities using 0845 numbers in the answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-23/HL9790 delivery of services. Listed Events Local Housing Allowance: Care Leavers Asked by Lord Grocott Asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will publish the current sporting occasions which are To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan classified as listed events for media coverage. [HL9782] to implement the recommendation in the Social Security Advisory Committee’s report Young People Lord Ashton of Hyde: The Broadcasting Act 1996 (as Living Independently, published in May, to extend the amended) gives the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, exemption for care leavers from the Shared Media and Sport the power to designate key sporting and Accommodation Rate of Local Housing Allowance other events as “listed events”, to ensure that such events until they reach age 25. [HL9798] are made available to all television viewers, particularly those who do not have subscription television. Ofcom Baroness Buscombe: The Government has no plans at publishes this list in its code of listed events, which I present to implement the recommendation in the Social attach: Security Advisory Committee’s report “Young People https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/35 Living Independently” to extend the exemption for care 948/ofcom_code_on_sport.pdf leavers from the Shared Accommodation Rate until age The Answer includes the following attached material: 25. We will, however, keep this under review as the current lack of data means we are unable to be clear about OFCOM code on Sport [ofcom_code_on_sport.pdf] the size of the problem. We continue to work with the Department for Education to develop the evidence base The material can be viewed online at: and consider evidence from stakeholders on the impact http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- that the shared accommodation has on care leavers. answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-23/HL9782 Since 2011 the Government has provided around £1 Local Government Finance billion in Discretionary Housing Payment funding to local authorities to help support vulnerable people, including Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark care leavers, mitigate rent shortfalls. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the comments by the Chief Lotteries Executive of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy who said that there was a "heightened Asked by The Earl of Clancarty risk of more councils over the next four years falling To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the into special financial measures as a result of the response by Viscount Younger of Leckie on 16 July ( unrelenting pressure on budgets". [HL9493] HL Deb, col 1126) that "current evidence suggests that Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: The Department while players see the two types of lottery as distinct, engages with the sector and collects and analyses there is little danger of product substitution", what is qualitative and quantitative information to assess and that evidence. [HL9639] Page 48 4 September 2018 Written Answers

Lord Ashton of Hyde: The Government is currently MPAs are a devolved responsibility and so matters consulting on reforms to society lottery sales and prize relating to Lamlash Bay fall under the remit of the limits. Our aim in reforming society lotteries is to allow Scottish Government. for further growth in the sector, whilst ensuring that The consultation on the Third Tranche of Marine growth does not have a detrimental impact on the Conservation Zones closed on 20 July. As part of this National Lottery. consultation, we asked for views on whether we should The consultation options have been informed by expert establish Highly Protected Marine Areas in the future. advice from the Gambling Commission, which was These are areas where most or all human activities would requested following a CMS Select Committee enquiry on not be permitted society lotteries in March 2015. This advice has been published alongside the consultation, which I attach, and Medical Treatments can be found at: Asked by Lord Mendelsohn http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/PDF/consultat ions/Society-lottery-advice-provided-to-DCMS-002.pdf To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the In its comprehensive advice, the Gambling Commission Written Answer by Lord O'Shaughnessy on 26 June advised that small changes to existing limits are likely to (HL8564), whether they will publish details of NHS have minimal impact on the National Lottery, and that England's process for developing treatment criteria. while society lotteries offer a differentiated product with [HL9504] smaller prizes, substitution between the two is likely to Lord O'Shaughnessy: NHS England has advised us remain minimal. In conclusion, it said: that with regard to its process for developing treatment “In the context of society lotteries and the National criteria, it develops treatment criteria for cancer and other Lottery in GB, the [academic] studies would suggest that high cost drugs to support implementation of National whilst society lotteries offer a differentiated product with Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance smaller jackpot prizes, substitution between the society and to ensure approved treatments are available as lotteries and the National Lottery is likely to remain intended, with access funded consistently across the minimal. Lifting restrictions on the society lottery sector country. These criteria are developed by relevant expert may enable society lotteries to increase their sales but clinical advisers, drawn from NHS England’s 42 Clinical under existing conditions and therefore under small Reference Groups (CRGs). These CRGs have been changes to existing limits the impact on the National established to support clinical commissioning across the Lottery is likely to be small.” entire specialised commissioning portfolio. The Answer includes the following attached material: Furthermore, NICE and NHS England are working closely to ensure that the process for translating NICE Gambling Commission advice to DCMS [Society-lottery-advice- recommendations into clinical commissioning criteria is provided-to-DCMS-002.pdf] fully aligned. This collaboration will ensure the steps for The material can be viewed online at: the setting of treatment criteria are fully integrated into http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- the process NICE follows when developing its guidance. answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-18/HL9639 This process will include consideration of the evidence submitted to NICE, advice from NHS England, and Marine Protected Areas consideration of how any potential recommendations will be implemented. These draft treatment criteria will then Asked by Lord Birt be subject to stakeholder consultation as part of the NICE To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the process and updated, as appropriate, in light of feedback Written Answer by Lord Gardiner of Kimble on 9 July received. Once this process has been fully finalised with (HL8894), what assessment they have made of the NICE, full details will be published. information published by the Lundy Management Asked by Lord Mendelsohn Forum and the Community of Arran Seabed Trust in respect of Lamlash Bay, and the Atlas of Marine To ask Her Majesty's Government how they review Protection in respect of Flamborough Head that indicate treatment criteria; and in how many cases treatment that the total area of all no take zones in UK waters is criteria have been amended since their implementation. approximately 2.7 square miles. [HL9576] [HL9506] Lord Gardiner of Kimble: Defra has made no Lord O'Shaughnessy: NHS England is responsible for assessment of the information referred to. the processes it uses to translate recommendations by the Once a Marine Protected Area is designated, matters National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) relating to fisheries management become the remit of into its treatment criteria. NHS England’s treatment either local Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authorities criteria are under constant review and are amended as (IFCAs) or the Marine Management Organisation. In the appropriate to reflect feedback from stakeholders case of Flamborough Head, Northern Eastern IFCA is the including clinicians, companies, licensing agencies and responsible authority. NICE and to reflect changes to NHS England policies. Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 49

Given that its treatment criteria are reviewed on an inequalities, determine health outcomes and uptake of ongoing basis, NHS England is unable to provide the health services for these communities. The initial scoping number of cases where the treatment criteria have been exercise is due to be completed later this year. amended since their implementation. The Government is committed to ensuring that attention is focussed on developing national and local services to Mental Health: Gambling reduce unfair gaps in outcomes between ethnic groups. The Government’s ethnicity facts and figures online Asked by Lord Chadlington resource brings together information from across To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Government about how ethnicity affects people's they have made of the number of people diagnosed with everyday lives. mental health problems caused by gambling-related Asked by Baroness Whitaker harm. [HL9578] To ask Her Majesty's Government what data, if any, Lord O'Shaughnessy: The Government has not made they collect in relation to the diagnosed mental health any formal assessment of people diagnosed with mental status, and self-harm and suicide rates among self- health problems caused by gambling-related harm. We are identifying Gypsies and Travellers within the secure currently developing a new version of the Improving estate; and how such recorded data compares with that Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) dataset to of other ethnic groups whose ethnicity is recorded on improve data collection in this area that we will use to NOMIS or is otherwise monitored. [HL9634] capture gambling related mental health problems in the future. We are aiming to introduce the updated dataset by Lord O'Shaughnessy: Data on people detained in the the end of 2019, which will also enable us to evaluate secure estate, including secure mental health hospitals, IAPT outcomes for people with gambling problems. prisons and immigration removal centres, are collected in different ways across Government. Across the secure Mental Health: Travellers estate, data on ethnicity is collected through self-reporting which impacts the ability to provide ethnic breakdowns Asked by Baroness Whitaker with confidence. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment The Mental Health Services Data Set (MHSDS) collects they have made of the recent study by the University of data on people in contact with National Health Service Essex, The Cumulative Effect of Racial Discrimination funded secondary mental health, autism and learning on the Mental Health of Ethnic Minorities in the UK; disability services, including secure mental health and what monitoring they undertake or evidence they hospitals. The MHSDS uses ethnicity codes which align collect in relation to the impact of racism on the mental with the 2011 Census and NOMIS ethnic groups and health and wellbeing of Gypsy, Traveller and Roma includes a category for ‘White (Gypsy or Irish Traveller)’. people. [HL9633] It does not collect data on suicide and self-harm rates of people identifying as gypsies or travellers. Lord O'Shaughnessy: It is planned that The Cumulative Effect of Racial Discrimination on the Mental Prison recording systems such as the Prison National Health of Ethnic Minorities in the UK will be examined as Offender Information System (p-NOMIS) do not hold part of a wider piece of work to be undertaken by the clinical data, although individual prisoners’ records may voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) refer to aspects of it where relevant. An example is that a Health and Wellbeing Alliance programme. This is to vulnerable prisoner being supported through the examine effective strategies to reduce racial disparities in Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) mental health. The programme is overseen by the process may have mental health needs that are noted in Department, NHS England and Public Health England, their ACCT documents, so that non-clinical staff are who work together with VCSE organisations to drive aware of them and will respond appropriately. transformation of health and care systems; promote p-NOMIS records incidents of self-harm and all deaths equality; address health inequalities and help people, of prisoners, including suicide. For ethnic monitoring it families and communities to achieve and maintain uses the same classifications as the 2011 census. The wellbeing. It is anticipated that work will begin later this specific option for Gypsies or Travellers is ‘White (Gypsy summer. or Irish Traveller)’. Anyone not identifying themselves as The impact of racism on the mental health and such may use another, such as ‘White (other)’ or ‘Other. wellbeing of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people is not It is not possible to calculate rates of self-harm or suicide routinely monitored. by ethnicity with confidence. The Department has commissioned NHS England to Data on people detained in immigration removal centres scope out whether data collection within the National is recorded by nationality. Data is not routinely recorded Health Service could be improved to include more of the on people who may identify as gypsy or traveller. The protected characteristics listed under the Equality Act Office for National Statistics, which is the official source 2010. The Government is committed to improving NHS of suicide data for the United Kingdom, does not collect data collection to better understand the extent of data on suicide registrations by ethnicity. Page 50 4 September 2018 Written Answers

Migrant Workers: Emergency Services Ministers: Resignations Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno Asked by Lord Tebbit To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan To ask Her Majesty's Government which ministers to give asylum seekers working in emergency services have resigned their Government appointments since the whose leave to remain expires priority status to remain Chequers Summit meeting on 7–8 July; and what in the UK. [HL9661] Government positions each of those ministers held. [HL9675] Baroness Williams of Trafford: Asylum seekers are not allowed to work in the UK unless their claim has been Lord Young of Cookham: The following ministers outstanding for at least 12 months through no fault of have resigned from Government after the Chequers their own. The policy is designed to protect the resident Summit: labour market so that access to employment is prioritised • Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP, former Secretary of State for British citizens and lawful residents, including those for Foreign Affairs granted refugee status. • Rt Hon David Davis MP, former Secretary of State for Those who need protection are granted leave with full Exiting the European Union access to the labour market and mainstream benefits and • Guto Bebb MP, former Minister for Defence can apply for settlement after five years. Refugees should Procurement apply for settlement before their five years’ leave expires – doing so will enable them to continue to work whilst • Steve Baker MP, former Parliamentary Under- their settlement application is decided. All settlement Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union applications are considered on their individual merits. • Andrew Griffiths MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary We have no plans to change this policy. of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Ministers: Directors Government: Reviews Asked by Lord Rooker Asked by Lord Watts To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any To ask Her Majesty's Government how many ministers are acting as directors of companies; and if so, independent reviews the Ministry of Housing, whether derogations from the Ministerial Code have Communities and Local Government has commissioned been granted to such ministers. [HL9718] into its policy or administration over the last year; and Lord Young of Cookham: The Ministerial Code states what was the total cost of those reviews. [HL9462] that Ministers must ensure that no conflict arises, or could Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: Departments do not reasonably be perceived to arise, between their public hold this information. duties and their private interests, financial or otherwise On appointment to office, Ministers provide their Money Laundering: EU Law Permanent Secretary with a written list of all relevant Asked by Lord Harris of Haringey interests known to them, which might be thought to give rise to a conflict. This is a requirement of the Ministerial To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they Code. The personal information which Ministers disclose have made in implementing the 5th EU Anti-Money is treated in confidence, however, a list of those interests Laundering Directive; and when it will come into force. which are relevant to the Minister’s portfolio is published [HL9580] online. Asked by Lord Harris of Haringey The list includes relevant interests which are additional to those already disclosed in the Parliamentary Registers. To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the UK will continue to apply the terms of the 5th EU Anti- A statement covering relevant Ministers' interests is Money Laundering Directive in the event of the UK published twice yearly. The last list is attached and the leaving the EU. [HL9582] next list will be published shortly The Answer includes the following attached material: Lord Bates: The Fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (5AMLD) entered into force in July of this year, List of Ministers Interests December 2017 [List of Ministers with a transposition deadline of January 2020. This falls Interests December 2017.pdf] during the Implementation Period, and so the UK will transpose this Directive. The material can be viewed online at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- The Government will consult on the transposition of answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-19/HL9718 5AMLD in due course. Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 51

Asked by Lord Harris of Haringey Multinational Companies: Taxation To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Asked by Lord Morris of Aberavon Financial Conduct Authority will have responsibility for enforcing the 5th EU Anti-Money Laundering To ask Her Majesty's Government what Directive. [HL9581] representations they have made to the European Commissioner for Competition to set up a system to Lord Bates: The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is ensure that large industries that have substantial already responsible for the anti-money laundering (AML) operations in EU countries, but pay a large part of their supervision of UK credit and financial institutions and taxes elsewhere, pay appropriate taxes in the EU certain other categories of firm specified in the Money countries where their operations are based. [HL9660] Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017. Lord Bates: The UK has led global efforts to tackle multinational tax avoidance. The Fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (5AMLD) We were at the forefront of the Organisation for contains measures that include bringing new categories of Economic Co-operation and Development’s Base Erosion firm into scope of national AML regimes. The and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Project, which sought to Government will consult on its approach to transposing address gaps and mismatches in the international tax 5AMLD in due course. system and align tax with economic substance. We have swiftly implemented the project’s Motor Vehicles: Manufacturing Industries recommendations in domestic legislation, introducing a new restriction on the deductibility of multinationals’ Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark interest expense and rules to prevent multinationals exploiting differences in how countries tax financial To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment instruments and entities. they have made of the current health of the UK car We worked closely with the EU Commission and other industry. [HL9862] Member States on the Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive, Lord Henley: The UK’s automotive industry is world which seeks to implement the recommendations of the leading and global demand for UK designed, engineered, BEPS project and ensure a coordinated response in the and manufactured vehicles is strong. We are determined EU to tackling tax avoidance by multinationals. to ensure that the UK continues to be one of the most We are engaging constructively with the EU competitive locations in the world for automotive and Commission’s recent proposals on digital taxation, which other advanced manufacturing. Ministers regularly meet seek to better ensure that digital businesses pay tax in the senior automotive executives, both through the countries in which they generate value. Automotive Council and individually, to discuss a wide range of matters. Museums and Galleries: Conditions of Employment Motorway Service Areas Asked by Baroness Grender Asked by The Marquess of Lothian To ask Her Majesty's Government what actions they To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment have taken, following the ruling of the Supreme Court they have made of the price of fuel at motoring service in Pimlico Plumbers Ltd and another v Smith, to ensure areas; and what steps they will take to ensure motorists that workers in museums and galleries in the UK that are aware of differences in prices. [HL9501] are public bodies have appropriate rights. [HL9641] Baroness Sugg: The retail fuels market is subject to Asked by Baroness Grender UK competition law under the Competition and Markets To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they Authority (CMA), formerly the Office of Fair Trading have, following the ruling of the Supreme Court (OFT). in Pimlico Plumbers Ltd and another v Smith, to advise The Department for Transport has written twice to the those museums and galleries in the UK that are public CMA setting out our concerns to ensure that motorists bodies about sick pay and holiday pay. [HL9642] benefit from the lower retail fuel prices and better Asked by Baroness Grender services that can result from competition. We are now working with them to examine whether the use of new To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment technology to increase the transparency of fuel prices can they have made of the number of people who work for deliver more competitive fuel prices for consumers at UK museums and galleries that are public bodies who motorway forecourts, without compromising safety. are on the payroll and taxed at source but inaccurately described as freelance, following the Supreme Court Page 52 4 September 2018 Written Answers

ruling in Pimlico Plumbers Ltd and another v Smith. Music: Education [HL9695] Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark Asked by Baroness Grender To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are To ask Her Majesty's Government what advice they taking to enable children to play a musical instrument at have given to those UK museums and galleries that are school. [HL9705] public bodies regarding the employment status of workers who have been employed for 10 years or more. Lord Agnew of Oulton: Music is a statutory subject in [HL9696] the National Curriculum for 5-14 year olds in state maintained schools. The National Curriculum for music Lord Ashton of Hyde: The Department for Digital, aims to ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to learn Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Ministry of a musical instrument. To support that, between 2016-2020 Defence both sponsor museums and galleries in England; we are spending £300 million on a network of music these are all Arm’s Length Bodies (ALBs). The Border education hubs. The hubs ensure that every child aged 5- Force, part of the Home Office, also supports a collection 18 has the opportunity to learn a musical instrument; (Seized!), housed in a DCMS museum ALB. All provide opportunities to play in ensembles; ensure that Government ALBs, including museums and galleries, are clear progression routes are available and affordable for responsible for their own employment policies and all; and ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to sing processes, including ensuring that they comply with regularly. In 2015/16, 662,871 pupils learned to play a employment laws. musical instrument through whole class ensemble The Government will be considering the Pimlico teaching that was provided or supported by music Plumbers LTD and another v Smith judgment as we education hubs. prepare the response to our employment status consultation. The outcome of this consultation should National Exhibition Centre help provide clarity for all public bodies, including ALBs, regarding the status and rights of individuals who work Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool for them, as well as advice on sick and holiday pay. More information regarding the consultation can be found here, To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have and is attached: caused inquiries to be made about the origins of the 20 unidentified skinless human bodies in an exhibition at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/employ the National Exhibition Centre and the circumstances in ment-status. which these people died; what assurance they have that National museums in Scotland, Wales and Northern they are not cadavers of disappeared Chinese political Ireland are sponsored by the respective devolved and religious prisoners; and whether they are arranging administrations. for the bodies to be examined to see whether there is any remaining evidence of the removal of organs. The Answer includes the following attached material: [HL9756] EMPLOYMENT STATUS CONSULTATION [FINAL_- Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have no evidence to _Employment_Status_consultation_- suggest that the ‘Real Bodies’ exhibition at the National _FOR_UPLOADING_and_PRINTING.pdf] Exhibition Centre contains cadavers of Chinese political The material can be viewed online at: or religious prisoners. The Foreign and Commonwealth http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- Office has not been approached by any UK government answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-18/HL9641 department to make formal representations to the Chinese authorities. Music Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark To ask Her Majesty's Government what contact they have had, if any, with the Birmingham Coroner to To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment establish what is known about the origins of the 20 they have made of the extra steps to be taken to support skinless human bodies being exhibited at the National the live music industry. [HL9706] Exhibition Centre; and whether inquests will be opened Lord Ashton of Hyde: The live music industry is a to establish the facts involved in their deaths. [HL9758] vital part of the UK’s music ecosystem, contributing £1bn Lord Keen of Elie: Coroners are independent judicial to the economy in 2016. We have undertaken a number of office holders and as such it would be inappropriate for measures to support live music. Most recently, we Ministers to intervene in or comment upon the decisions announced that the Agent of Change principle will be of the Birmingham and Solihull Senior Coroner. included in the National Planning Policy Framework, helping to protect music venues when new housing is The exhibition at the National Exhibition Centre has built. We will continue working with industry on a range been licenced by the Human Tissue Authority in line with of issues affecting the live sector. the provisions of the Human Tissue Act 2004. Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 53

Responsibility for hosting the exhibition and maintaining England and Wales (ICAEW) and 21 other industry ethical standards lies with the National Exhibition Centre. bodies. The guide sets out the different sources of finance available to smaller businesses and is also available as an NATO online interactive version. The Government-backed British Business Bank’s Start- Asked by Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom Up Loans provide funding and support to new To ask Her Majesty's Government what was meant by entrepreneurs. the word "additional" in the NATO Brussels Summit Declaration of 11 July which stated in paragraph 14 that NHS: Finance "Allies will offer an additional 30 major naval Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick combatants, 30 heavy or medium manoeuvre battalions, and 30 kinetic air squadrons, with enabling forces, at 30 To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment days readiness or less". [HL9636] they have made of the findings of the Office for Budget Responsibility, 2018 Fiscal Sustainability Report, Asked by Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom published in July, that there will not be a Brexit To ask Her Majesty's Government what contribution dividend to fund their spending pledges for the health they intend the UK to make to NATO's Four 30s service. [HL9672] initiative. [HL9637] Lord Bates: The OBR Fiscal Sustainability Report Earl Howe: The maritime, land, and air assets that will (FSR) stated that “there will be direct savings from the net deliver NATO's "4-30s" Readiness Initiative will be in contributions to the EU budget that the UK will no longer addition to the capabilities already committed to the have to make” after leaving the EU. These savings can be NATO Response Force. However, the specific allocated to domestic priorities. requirements are being defined by NATO and national As the Prime Minister set out, the NHS is the contributions will be confirmed when that process is government’s number one spending priority. The complete. announcement stated that the government’s commitment to the NHS will be partly funded by money that we will Network Rail: Assets no longer spend on our annual membership subscription to the European Union after we have left. In addition, Asked by Lord Bird taxpayers will need to contribute a bit more in a fair and To ask Her Majesty's Government what (1) general balanced way. The Chancellor will set out further details consultation, and (2) consultation with Network Rail's at a future fiscal event. railway arch tenants, they intend to take as part of their Asked by Lord Bird consideration of alternative options to the proposed sale of Network Rail's non-operational portfolio. [HL9829] To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that NHS resources are targeted Baroness Sugg: The Government is committed to the towards preventative health and social care. [HL9767] sale of Network Rail’s commercial estate in a way that delivers value for money to the taxpayer, supports local Lord O'Shaughnessy: The importance of effective economic growth through the increased investment in the prevention was recognised in the National Health Service estate that a new owner will bring, and also respects Five Year Forward View and has been reinforced in the Network Rail’s tenants. Government’s mandate to NHS England. One of the six principles set for the new NHS long-term plan and funding settlement is “focusing on the prevention of ill- New Businesses: Females health, so people live longer, healthier, happier lives and Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick take greater responsibility for their own care”. In addition, the annual NHS public health functions To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are agreement (under section 7A of the NHS Act 2006) sets taking to increase awareness among female out a range of public health and preventative services to entrepreneurs of the resources available to support them be commissioned by NHS England on behalf of the and help them grow their businesses. [HL9457] Secretary of State for Health. Ring-fenced NHS funding Lord Henley: We want to make sure all entrepreneurs of £1,205 million is allocated for these functions in can find the information they need to help to grow their 2018/19. business and that includes our 1.2million female-led The Better Care Fund (BCF) requires local authorities businesses. and clinical commissioning groups to pool budgets for the Access to funding is important for business growth. purposes of integrated care. Local areas have to submit Raising awareness of the options available is a key plans that comply with four national conditions including function of the Government-owned British Business Bank maintaining the NHS contribution to adult social care in (BBB), which publishes the Business Finance Guide, in line with inflation. The Government’s policy framework partnership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in for integration and the BCF envisages integrated, Page 54 4 September 2018 Written Answers preventative, person-centred care becoming the norm, so Offences against Children that people can be supported to live at home for longer and avoid the need for commissioned health and care Asked by Lord Pearson of Rannoch services. To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps, if any, they are taking to refer to the Independent Office for Nigeria: Violence Police Conduct for investigation officers in Greater Manchester Police, Thames Valley Police, West Mercia Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool Police, and Northumbria Police for any failure in their statutory duty to protect children from so-called To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the “grooming gangs”. [HL9879] Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 19 July (HL9364), in what ways President Buhari has Asked by Lord Pearson of Rannoch "strongly condemned" the killing of Nigerian Christians To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will by Fulani militia; and whether any people have been (1) set up a national independent inquiry into whether charged with, and (2) prosecuted for, those killings. police forces across the country failed to fulfil their [HL9729] statutory duty to protect children from so-called Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: President Buhari has “grooming gangs” during the period 1995 to 2015. repeatedly condemned the violence and expressed his [HL9880] concern for the lives lost. This year, he has made public Baroness Williams of Trafford: In March 2015 the statements in February, when he ordered the arrest of Home Office established the Independent Inquiry into those carrying illegal arms, announced the deployment of Child Sexual Abuse to consider the extent to which additional security, and offered his condolences to the institutions – including the police – have failed in their victims. In April, addressing the congregation at a duty to protect children from sexual abuse and Catholic Church, he described as "vile, evil and satanic" exploitation. The Inquiry has announced an investigation the killing of worshippers and two priests at a Catholic examining institutional responses to the sexual church in Benue State. He called on Nigerians to refrain exploitation of children by organised networks. from reprisal attacks. In June, he spoke about the killings in Plateau State, and reiterated his Government's This Government attaches the highest priority to determination to bring those responsible to justice. We are tackling child sexual exploitation. We have declared it a not aware of anyone having been charged. We call on national threat and this categorisation remains in force to communities not to take the law into their own hands but empower police forces to apply their best skills and to work with security forces and the authorities to bring expertise to tackle the problem. those responsible to justice in accordance with the rule of The Independent Office for Police Conduct operates law. independently of Government and the Home Secretary does not have the power to refer matters to it for investigation. Obesity: Children Asked by Lord Pearson of Rannoch Asked by Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe To ask Her Majesty's Government what support To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan programmes have been set up for the victims of so- to engage directly with obese children and their parents called "grooming gangs"; what has been the cost of any to raise their awareness of obesity, offer such programmes; and what compensation, if any, those encouragement, and support them to lose weight. victims have received. [HL9881] [HL9685] Baroness Williams of Trafford: This Government Lord O'Shaughnessy: Public Health England’s attaches the highest priority to tackling all forms of sexual (PHE’s) Change4Life and Start4Life programmes exploitation and to ensuring that all victims, whether they continue to engage directly with obese children and are a child or an adult, get the support they need. families with information on leading a healthy lifestyle, In each of the last three years the Government has including inspiring them to eat well and move more. allocated around £7.2m in funding to sexual violence PHE is currently exploring how digital technology support services to provide independent, specialist could help to extend access of behavioural approaches to support to female and male victims of sexual violence, children and families who might benefit the most from including victims of child sexual abuse. This includes support to adopt healthier lifestyles and achieve a £1.7m to rape support services across England and Wales healthier weight. PHE is taking a user centred approach to to provide specialist support to victims of child sexual this programme and is working with families to abuse and exploitation. A further £4.7m has been understand their needs and develop approaches allocated to Police and Crime Commissioners specifically collaboratively. to commission services supporting victims of child sexual abuse and exploitation. Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 55

In 2017/18 the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme Baroness Williams of Trafford: Guidance on the paid out £154 million to victims of violent crime, appropriate level of spoken and written English overseas including victims of childhood sexual abuse. students are required to meet when applying for a visa to undertake a degree course is provided by the Home Office to universities. This is contained within the guidance ‘Tier Older Workers 4 of the Points Based System: Guidance for Sponsors Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick Document 2: Sponsorship Duties’ from paragraph 5.6 – 5.19 located on GOV.UK To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sponsor-a- have, if any, to address age discrimination in the tier-4-student-guidance-for-educators. workplace and to ensure that older workers remain Students studying a course at degree level or above competitive. [HL9614] must be able to demonstrate they are competent at level Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR) in all four components (reading, To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have writing, speaking and listening). Higher Education any plans to (1) encourage more people over 50 years Institutions (HEI) may set the level of English language old to participate in the work place, and (2) increase ability to a higher level than that set out in Home Office training and skills opportunities available for this age guidance, however the minimum level must be met. group. [HL9669] If the student is applying to study at an HEI, the Baroness Buscombe: The number of workers aged 50 institution can assess whether the student meets the and over currently in employment is at a record high of required level of English language ability. If the student is 10.1 million - an increase of 1.4 million over the last 5 not studying at an HEI, they will need to demonstrate years and an increase of 2.2 million over the last 10 years. their English language ability by being successful in a The Equality Act 2010, already provides strong secure English language test (SELT) from one of our protection against direct and indirect age discrimination in approved test providers. employment and makes it unlawful for an employer or an employment service provider such as a recruitment Overseas Trade agency, to discriminate against an older employee or job applicant because of their age, and this applies both where Asked by Lord Farmer the employer is making arrangements to fill a job, and in To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment respect of anything done during the course of a person’s they have made of whether, under World Trade employment. DWP continues to work with businesses and Organisation rules, novation would enable the UK to stakeholder organisations to support older workers to continue to trade with countries that currently have free remain in and return to work and challenge outdated trade agreements with the EU; and on what tariff terms. perceptions about older workers. [HL9844] The Government is committed to supporting people Baroness Fairhead: The Government is committed to aged 50 and over to remain in and return to the labour ensuring continuity for the effects of the UK’s existing market and in Feb 2017, published a new strategy ‘Fuller free trade agreements, including preferential tariff terms, Working Lives: A Partnership Approach’. The Strategy is as we leave the EU. To achieve this, the UK will enter led by employers, but also sets out the case for action by into new agreements with partner countries in place of the individuals, and the role of Government in supporting EU free trade agreements in which we participate as a older workers to remain in and return to work. The Member State, in line with WTO rules on Regional Trade Strategy and supporting evidence base are available on Agreements. Necessary changes will be made to ensure the gov.uk website. Additionally, the Government that these preferential trading arrangements can continue announced a National Retraining Scheme in the Autumn to operate in a bilateral context. Tariff terms vary from Budget 2017 - an ambitious, far-reaching programme to treaty to treaty and we intend to replicate the effect of drive adult learning and retraining. The National those already agreed with the EU, as far as possible. Retraining Scheme will give individuals the skills they need to progress in work, redirect their careers and secure the high-paid, high-skilled jobs of the future, focusing on Palestinians: Demonstrations those individuals and places who need it most. Asked by Baroness Tonge Overseas Students: English Language To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the Palestinian Asked by Lord Storey Authority regarding the Palestinian Authority Security Force breaking up a non-violent Palestinian To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they issue demonstration in Ramallah. [HL9624] guidance to universities on the appropriate level of spoken and written English for overseas students Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Our Consul General in undertaking a degree course. [HL9720] Jerusalem raised our concerns over the actions of the Page 56 4 September 2018 Written Answers

Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces and police Baroness Buscombe: Whilst designing Personal during the demonstration held in Ramallah on 13 June Independence Payment (PIP), the Department considered with senior officials from the PA multiple times in June the relevance of what data should be collected and and July. The PA has accepted that there were mistakes in recorded to support the good management of a PIP claim. the policing and has undertaken to learn from these PIP is based on needs arising from a long-term health mistakes. condition or disability so gender is not a factor in the decision making process in PIP. Parliament: ICT However, the collection of data on gender supports the good management of PIP claims as it supports our Asked by Lord Lucas communications with claimants. To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker when he expects the sharing of contact information between Outlook and Planning: Nature Conservation other applications on parliamentary mobile devices to Asked by Lord Stunell resume; and whether he is aware of any other large organisations which have similar restrictions on the To ask Her Majesty's Government what account they sharing of contact information between applications in plan to take of the Court of Justice of the European this way. [HL9873] Union's judgment on 12 April (C-323/17) relating to the conservation of natural habitats in the drafting of the Lord Laming: The Senior Deputy Speaker has asked revised National Planning Policy Framework. [HL9721] me, as Chairman of the Services Committee, to respond on his behalf. The issue relates to a new security feature Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: The Government is introduced as part of Apple’s iOS update, which affected currently examining the implications of this judgment, the sharing of contact information between the Outlook which, amongst other things, concerns both the habitats app and other apps on Apple devices. The Parliamentary regulations and the National Planning Policy Framework Digital Service is currently working with Microsoft to (NPPF). introduce a fix for this which meets Parliament’s security requirements to ensure that parliamentary data are held Plastics: Exports securely, and in particular to ensure that access to data Asked by Lord Beecham through non-parliamentary apps does not compromise security. Once they have a revised fix from Microsoft it To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they will be tested and then if viable released to users. intend to take in response to the report by the National Parliament’s approach towards the management of and Audit Office, The packaging recycling obligations, access to its data is common to that followed in many published 23 July, that expresses concerns about the organisations. export of plastic waste for recycling. [HL9764] Lord Gardiner of Kimble: We have already Personal Independence Payment committed to reforming the packaging waste regulations and will be consulting on proposals later this year. Asked by Lord Boateng As part of this process, we will review the National To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Audit Office report and take account of the Written Answer by Baroness Buscombe on 19 July recommendations where appropriate. (HL9263), whether they will publish the outcome of their consideration of how to give assurance that the Plastics: Recycling assessment process for Personal Independent Payments does not disproportionately affect BAME communities. Asked by Lord Mawson [HL9770] To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Baroness Buscombe: We are currently considering the they have made of the system of plastic bottle recycling approach we will take to this work and will decide on the used in Norway. [HL9875] most suitable method of disseminating the outcomes as Lord Gardiner of Kimble: As the Minister responsible part of that activity. for this policy area, in late 2017 Dr Thérèse Coffey Asked by Lord Boateng visited Norway to find out more about the deposit return scheme (DRS) in operation there. This includes To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic drinks containers Written Answer by Baroness Buscombe on 19 July within the scope of collection for recycling. (HL9263), on what evidence they determined that Minister Coffey met representatives of Infinitum AS gender is relevant to the needs arising from long-term (the DRS operator and administrator) and TOMRA (a health conditions or disabilities while ethnicity is not; manufacturer of reverse vending machines which accept and whether they will place a copy of that evidence in plastic bottles returned by consumers). The Minister also the Library of the House. [HL9771] tested reverse vending machines in a supermarket. Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 57

The Government has confirmed that it will introduce a Rank Age Total DRS in England, subject to consultation later this year. group This visit has informed the development of the Under 26 to 41 to Over consultation. 26 40 55 55 Chief Officer 0 1 206 8 215 Police: Retirement All Officers 7,226 59,330 56,824 1,713 125,093

Asked by Lord Trefgarne Notes 1.Excludes British Transport Police and officers seconded out to To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the present central services (e.g. the Home Office, the National Crime Agency). retirement age for police officers; and what is their The Answer includes the following attached material: estimate of how many officers (1) reached that age, and (2) retired during the last 12 months. [HL9896] Stats - Police Workforce England & Wales March 18 [hosb1118- police-workforce.pdf] Baroness Williams of Trafford: The retirement age for police officers depends on their pension scheme. Table JL4 [Table JL4.xlsx] Members of the 1987 Police Pension Scheme can take their pension after thirty years of service. This means that The material can be viewed online at: someone joining the scheme at 18 can retire at age 48. http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- The 2006 scheme members’ pension age is 55. And for answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-24/HL9896 the 2015 scheme it is 60 years with the option to take it from 55 with actuarial reduction. Pornography: Children The Home Office publishes information on the number Asked by Baroness Howe of Idlicote of police officers who retire, by Police Force Area, in the annual “Police workforce, England and Wales” statistical To ask Her Majesty's Government what was the bulletin. The latest release was published on 19th July, and response of the National Crime Agency to the evidence can be accessed here: submitted to it by The Times in April 2017 https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/police- concerning Facebook hosting illegal non-photographic workforce-england-and-wales-31-march-2018 child sex abuse images. [HL9481] Table JL4 of the accompanying data tables (see Baroness Williams of Trafford: The NCA received attached) shows the number of police officers who retired information from the Times and assessed it for potential in 2017/18. evidence relating to child sexual abuse, as it would with a report of child sexual abuse material from any source. The Home Office also publishes information on the age of officers, which is grouped into the following This resulted in safeguarding action taken in respect of categories: Under 26, 26 to 40 years old, 41 to 55 years identified children. old, and Over 55 years old. The exact age of the officer is Asked by Baroness Howe of Idlicote not collected. To ask Her Majesty's Government how many (1) Table D5 of the accompanying data tables at the link prosecutions, and (2) convictions have been made under above shows the number of officers in each of the four section 62 of the Coroner and Justice Act 2009 in the age groups, by rank. last five financial years. [HL9482] Table D5 Age of police officers1, by rank, as at 31 March 2018 Lord Keen of Elie: The number of prosecutions and England and Headcount convictions under section 62 of the Coroner and Justice Wales Act 2009 for the financial years from 2012/13 to 2016/17 Rank Age Total can be found in the table below. group Number of prosecutions and convictions under Section 62 of the Under 26 to 41 to Over Coroner and Justice Act 2009, possession of prohibited image of a child, 26 40 55 55 2012/13 to 2016/17 Constable 7,207 50,968 38,330 1,267 97,772 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 Sergeant 16 6,805 11,575 297 18,693 Prosecutions 18 17 18 24 40

Inspector 3 1,209 4,311 105 5,628 Convictions 14 7 11 27 53 Chief 0 234 1,348 21 1,603 A defendant who appears before both magistrates’ court Inspector and Crown Court may not do so within the same year, Superintendent 0 98 785 10 893 meaning for a given year convictions may exceed prosecutions or sentences may not equal convictions. Chief 0 15 269 5 289 Superintendent Defendants who appear before both courts may be convicted at the Crown Court for a different offence to Page 58 4 September 2018 Written Answers that for which they were originally proceeded against at Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath magistrates’ court. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assurances Asked by Baroness Howe of Idlicote they have received from PresQIPP that when providing guidance to Clinical Commissioning Groups on To ask Her Majesty's Government how many commissioning decisions it has taken the views of websites containing non-photographic child sex abuse patient stakeholders into account. [HL9849] images accessible in the UK but hosted overseas the National Crime Agency's Child Exploitation and Online Lord O'Shaughnessy: We have not made any Protection Centre have taken action against in assessment on the accuracy and advice provided by conjunction with international partners in the last five PrescQIPP. Nor have we made any assessment on financial years. [HL9483] whether the advice provided by PrescQIPP to clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) is consistent with national Baroness Williams of Trafford: When the NCA guidelines on the prescription of liothyronine to National receives notification or referrals relating to Manga and Health Service patients. We can confirm that we have not CGI material interpreted as representing a child or received any assurances from PrescQIPP on whether or children involved in sexual activity, where the material is not it has taken patient stakeholder views into account as deemed as prohibited it is investigated by law it is the responsibility of CCGs to seek any such enforcement, which may include preservation orders assurances. resulting in the material being taken down. PrescQIPP is an independent social enterprise and it is If the site is outside the UK, it is reported by the NCA for CCGs to decide whether and how they take that to the host country via Interpol channels to take guidance into account when making decisions. However, appropriate action. NHS England expects CCGs to have due regard to the guidance Items which should not routinely be prescribed in primary care: Guidance for CCGs, published in Poverty November 2017 by NHS England and NHS Clinical Asked by Lord Bird Commissioners when considering the prescribing of liothyronine. A copy of the guidance is attached. To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are The Answer includes the following attached material: taking to end the poverty premium. [HL9683] Items which should not routinely be prescribed [items-which- Lord Bates: Since 2010 there are 1,000,000 fewer should-not-be-routinely-precscribed-in-pc-ccg-guidance.pdf] people, including 300,000 fewer children, in absolute low income (before housing costs), both record lows. The material can be viewed online at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- The government has a range of policies to support answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-24/HL9847 households with their energy bills such as the Warm Home Discount, Energy Company Obligation and Winter Preventive Medicine: Finance Fuel Payment schemes. The government is also committed to ensuring that individuals, regardless of their Asked by Lord Bird background or income, have access to useful and To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are affordable financial products and services, and has taking to ensure that funding for preventative health established a Financial Inclusion Policy Forum, which measures is targeted to areas where the majority of provides leadership and ensures collaboration across avoidable deaths occur. [HL9765] government and with the sector in tackling financial exclusion. Lord O'Shaughnessy: The inclusion of weighting for deprivation, need due to age, and health inequalities in the setting of clinical commissioning group (CCG) PrescQIPP allocations contributes to ensuring that National Health Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath Service funding is distributed equitably across England to meet the health care needs of the population. CCGs have To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment a duty under the NHS Act 2006 to act with regard to the they have made of the accuracy of the information need to reduce inequalities in access to, and outcomes provided by PrescQIPP to Clinical Commissioning from, health services. Groups to aid their commissioning decisions. [HL9847] Since 2013 local authorities have received a public Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath health grant to support them in improving the health of local people. This is primarily allocated based on To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment historical NHS spend which tended to be greater in areas they have made of whether the advice provided by with the highest levels of health need. As a condition of PresQIPP to Clinical Commissioning Groups is the grant they receive local authorities must have due consistent with national guidelines on the prescription regard to reducing inequalities in outcomes from their of Liothryonine (T3) to NHS patients. [HL9848] health services. Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 59

Prison Officers Table 1: Band 3-5 prison officer leavers (headcount), by reason for leaving, 12 months ending 31 March 2016 to 12 months ending 31 Asked by Lord Beecham March 2018 To ask Her Majesty's Government how many prison Headcount officers were in post on 1 January 2017 in (1) prisons Reason for leaving 12 months 12 months 12 months managed by HM Prison Service, and (2) prisons ending 31 ending 31 ending 31 managed by contractors; and how many of those in each Mar 2016 Mar 2017 Mar 2018 category are still in post. [HL9470] Resignation 596 859 1,244 Lord Keen of Elie: On 31 December 2016 (the closest Medical retirement 150 142 109 data point available) there were 17,687¹ prison officers in bands 3 to 5 in post in public sector prisons in England Death 14 15 23 and Wales. Of these, 15,170 2 were still in post on 31 Voluntary Exit1 ~ ~ ~ March 2018. Voluntary Redundancy ~ ~ ~ The latest Information on prison staffing levels can be Compulsory Redundancy ~ ~ ~ found at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/her- majestys-prison-and-probation-service-workforce- Dismissal Other 4 44 80 quarterly-march-2018. Dismissal - Conduct 64 57 61 There are no comparable figures for privately managed Dismissal - Poor 8 6 6 prisons. The provision of management information performance relating to the number of officers in privately managed Dismissal - 324 330 151 prisons is not a contractual requirement. Private providers Unsatisfactory attendance/Medical continue to play an important role in the prison estate 2 providing safe, decent and secure services, in line with Inefficiency HMPPS performance standards. Transfer to other 38 58 72 Government dept. 1 Excludes band 3-5 officers who are based in HQ and 3 area services. These are band 3 to 5 officers who have not Public sector transfer ~ 3 ~ been allocated to a prison and are mainly officers who are Other4 59 39 43 on detached duty with no fixed location or are POELT Total (excl. retirements) 1,258 1,553 1,791 trainers. It may also include a few staff redeploying from closing establishments who are allocated to an area office Retirements 286 281 297 in the HR database before being reallocated to a prison in All band 3-5 officer 1,544 1,834 2,088 the database. leavers 2 This includes staff who may have left and returned at 1 This can be offered where the organisation wishes to any point after 31 December 2016 and before 31 March reduce staff numbers by offering an early exit scheme or 2018, and therefore may not reflect continuous service. an early exit package to an individual. There is no compulsion on individuals to accept the offer. 2 Since January 2017, information regarding dismissals Prison Officers: Termination of Employment as a result of medical inefficiencies have been recorded as Asked by Lord Beecham unsatisfactory attendances. Therefore, these categories have been combined. To ask Her Majesty's Government how many prison 3 officers have left HM Prison Service in each of the last Public sector transfers include healthcare staff three years for reasons other than reaching retirement transferring to NHS employment. These staff continue to age. [HL9471] work within establishments but under a different employer. Lord Keen of Elie: The number of band 3-5 prison 4 The 'Other' category largely consists of fixed-term officers who have left HM Prison Service by reason for appointments coming to the end of their contract. leaving in each of the last three years is presented in table Reductions in this category reflect the fall in recruitment 1 below. This information can also be found in table 11b since 2009, including fixed-term staff. in the latest set of HMPPS workforce statistics at the following link: ~ denotes suppressed values of 2 or fewer or other values which would allow values of 2 or fewer to be https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/her-majestys- derived by subtraction. Low numbers are suppressed to prison-and-probation-service-workforce-quarterly-march- prevent disclosure in accordance with the Data Protection 2018. Act, 1998.

Page 60 4 September 2018 Written Answers

Prisoners: Gambling Directors. They will be responsible for ensuring that assessments are made on progress against implementation Asked by Lord Chadlington of HMI Prisons recommendations for those To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they establishments not assessed by OSAG. have made of the number of people with prison Prison Group Directors provide oversight and sentences in connection with gambling-related harm. additional support, as required, to prisons. Depending on [HL9544] the recommendation, specialist support will be provided Asked by Lord Chadlington from the Safety Team and wider Prison Improvement programme. The Youth Custody Service has its own To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment arrangements in place to support establishments in they have made of the the level of support and care meeting recommendations from HMIP inspection reports. available to problem gamblers in prisons. [HL9545] We recognise the important role played by Inspectors Lord Keen of Elie: Although associated with offending and we are grateful for their recommendations. The in some individuals, gambling is not a risk factor that has Prisons Minister has agreed funding for HMIP to carry been frequently identified in the prison or probation out follow-up inspections in the most serious cases. The population in England and Wales. Her Majesty’s Prison Chief Inspector has welcomed this in his report. and Probation Service (HMPPS) does not hold official estimates of numbers of prisoners serving sentences in Public Libraries connection with gambling-related harm. HMPPS commissions providers to deliver a broad range Asked by The Marquess of Lothian of high quality, accredited, interventions to address the To ask Her Majesty's Government how many public particular risks and needs of offenders. All prisoners libraries have closed since 2010; what action they have irrespective of their sentence length are screened on taken to ensure that all the services previously provided entering prison for issues including debt and offered a by those public libraries are provided by other package of support in prisons and on release to address organisations; and what assessment they have made of their offending based on individual circumstances. the national research project conducted by SERIO to Support available to problem gamblers includes debt explore the service effectiveness and sustainability of advice but could also include referral to specialist community-managed libraries in England the results of organisations such as Gamblers Anonymous or Gamcare, which were published on 5 September 2017. [HL9871] as well as services provided through the chaplaincy and the Offender Learning and Skills Service (OLASS) such Lord Ashton of Hyde: The Department for Digital, as money management courses. Culture, Media and Sport monitors proposed changes to library service provision throughout England, but does not In addition, all prisoners are seen by healthcare services hold complete figures on the number of public libraries on reception and can be referred to mental health and closed from 2010 to date. addiction services to help address problem gambling. Local authorities in England have a statutory duty to Prisons and Young Offender Institutions: provide a comprehensive and efficient library service, and Inspections it is for individual local authorities to decide how best to provide a public library service that meets local needs Asked by Baroness Kennedy of Cradley within available resources. However, DCMS works with the Libraries Taskforce and local and central government To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they to promote good practice and innovation to sustain and are taking to help prisons and young offender improve library services in England. institutions implement the recommendations of inspection reports. [HL9490] In 2017, DCMS and the Libraries Taskforce commissioned research by SERIO about how community Lord Keen of Elie: Her Majesty’s Prison and managed libraries in England operate, and lessons that Probation Service (HMPPS) has given a commitment to can be learnt and shared about their effectiveness, improve the implementation of action plans that address efficiency and sustainability. Following consideration of the agreed recommendations in HMI Prisons inspection the report and its recommendations, DCMS and the reports. Libraries Taskforce has improved and strengthened The Operational and System Assurance Group (OSAG) information and guidance on community managed established last year, works with prisons to agree, submit libraries. For example, updating the Taskforce’s and publish their action plan following an HMI Prisons Community Managed Libraries toolkit for those running inspection report. OSAG assesses progress against the or considering establishing community libraries. DCMS agreed action plans in establishments of concern, such as and the Libraries Taskforce has also worked with partners those subject to the Urgent Notification process. to help community managed libraries to set up a peer HMPPS have introduced new management structures network, to build closer links and to share learning and including Prison Group Directors and Executive support between themselves. Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 61

Public Libraries: Finance available to such suppliers regarding their right to claim interest on overdue invoices. [HL9554] Asked by Lord Bird Lord Young of Cookham: Regulation 113 of the To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are Public Contract Regulations requires all contracting taking to deliver a properly funded and sustainable authorities to pay undisputed invoices within 30 days and future for libraries. [HL9768] ensure this payment term is passed down the supply Lord Ashton of Hyde: Local authorities in England chain. have a statutory duty to provide a comprehensive and Where undisputed invoices are not paid within 30 days, efficient library service, and it is for individual local interest becomes payable as set out in the late payment authorities to decide how to use their funds, including legislation. Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts how best to provide a public library service that meets (Interest) Act 1998, suppliers can claim statutory interest, local needs within available resources. DCMS works and debt recovery costs, on invoices not paid within the across central and local government to encourage agreed period. investment in libraries to ensure they can continue to The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial support delivery of local and national priorities and needs. Strategy have published a user guide on the late payment DCMS and the Local Government Association directive and a copy is attached. established the Libraries Taskforce, which works to The Answer includes the following attached material: promote good practice and innovation to assist library services and enable them to be sustainable for the long Users guide to the recast late payment directive [Users guide to the term. DCMS provides funding to Arts Council England, recast late payment directive.pdf] as the development agency for libraries; ACE is funding The material can be viewed online at: seven libraries organisations in its National Portfolio for http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- 2018 to 2022 at a total annual spend of £1.6 million, answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-16/HL9554 including Libraries Connected as a sector support organisation for libraries. Asked by Lord Mendelsohn DCMS has also provided direct funding support for To ask Her Majesty's Government how much library services in England, including a £2.6 million statutory interest was (1) liable to be paid and (2) paid, programme to support the installation or upgrade of wifi by public sector bodies to commercial suppliers as a in public libraries in England, and the £3.9m Libraries: result of invoices paid later than 30 days in each year Opportunities for Everyone fund, to support innovative since 2010. [HL9555] library service activity in 2017/18 to benefit disadvantaged people and places in England. Asked by Lord Mendelsohn To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Public Sector Debt commercial suppliers (1) claimed, and (2) received, statutory interest from public sector bodies due to late Asked by Baroness Neville-Rolfe payment of commercial debts in each year since 2010. To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their [HL9556] calculation of what the cumulative cost of debt interest Asked by Lord Mendelsohn would be by 2045/46 if they only balanced the current budget. [HL9712] To ask Her Majesty's Government how many public authorities have published their performance online in Lord Bates: The Managing Fiscal Risks document, relation to their duty to pay invoices from suppliers published by the Treasury on the 17 th July, projects that if within 30 days as required by section 113(7) of the the government only balanced the Current Budget every Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/102). year from 2021-22, then after taking account of economic [HL9557] shocks, annual debt interest costs in 2045-46 would rise to 4.3% of Gross Domestic Product. Lord Young of Cookham: This information is not held The cumulative cost of these interest payments from the centrally. current financial year to 2045-46 is projected to be £3.7 Under the Public Contracts Regulations, it is the trillion. responsibility of public sector buyers to publish annually the amount of interest paid to suppliers due to late Public Sector: Billing payment. Additionally, central government departments publish interest liable, under the late payment legislation, Asked by Lord Mendelsohn on a quarterly basis. From March 2017, it has been a To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the process requirement for public sector buyers to publish the total by which commercial suppliers can claim statutory amount of interest that they were liable to pay. interest on overdue invoices owed by public authorities, The Public Contracts Regulations require public bodies as provided for by the Late Payment of Commercial to publish on the internet each year statistics showing how Debts (Interest) Act 1998; and what guidance is they have complied with the obligation to pay undisputed Page 62 4 September 2018 Written Answers invoices within 30 days to their first tier suppliers/prime Pupil Exclusions contractors. Asked by Lord Ouseley We encourage businesses to report instances where this is not happening to the Mystery Shopper service. Mystery To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they Shopper will then investigate. are taking to prevent children being groomed for criminal gang activities when they have been excluded Asked by Lord Mendelsohn from school and left unsupervised. [HL9562] To ask Her Majesty's Government what sanctions are Lord Agnew of Oulton: The government supports used in the event of a public authority not complying schools in using exclusion where it is warranted, with the obligation to publish information regarding underpinned by statutory guidance issued by the their late payment performance online as set out in department. Following an exclusion, pupils are not section 113(7) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 unsupervised. There are clear duties in place to ensure (SI 2015/102). [HL9558] that full time education must be put in place for any pupil Lord Young of Cookham: Normal public law from the fifth day of an exclusion. remedies are available for failure by a contracting In the first five school days of an exclusion (or until the authority to comply with the requirement to publish start date of any alternative provision or the end of the information showing how far it has complied with its exclusion where this is earlier), the attached statutory obligations to make payment within 30 days under section guidance requires a head teacher to notify the pupil’s 113(7) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. parents of the days on which they must ensure that the pupil is not present in a public place at any time during The Mystery Shopper service assists in ensuring school hours. Any parent who fails to comply with this compliance with obligations under these Regulations, duty without reasonable justification commits an offence including the requirement to publish information under and may be given a fixed penalty notice or be prosecuted. section 113(7). We encourage businesses to report any The head teacher must notify the parents of the days on instances where this may not be happening to the Service which their duty applies without delay and, at the latest, who will then investigate. Contracting authorities must by the end of the afternoon session. give assistance to any Mystery Shopper investigation and must provide documents or information for the purpose of On the 9 April, The Home Office (HO) published the any such investigation within a set timeframe of 30 days. Serious Violence Strategy. This sets out the government response to tackling county lines and establishes a new balance between prevention and rigorous law enforcement Public Sector: Procurement activity. The strategy set out the government’s response to Asked by Viscount Waverley serious violence and outlines an ambitious programme To ask Her Majesty's Government whether Tenders involving 61 commitments and actions including a new Electronic Daily only contains public sector tenders £11 million Early Intervention Youth Fund to support from within the EU; and if so, on what website or communities for early intervention and prevention with websites UK public sector tenders will be published young people for financial years 2018/2019 and after Brexit; and from what date will this take effect. 2019/2020 and a new National County Lines Co- [HL9823] ordination Centre to tackle violent and exploitative criminal activity associated with county lines. Lord Young of Cookham: The awarding authorities that are eligible to publish notices on Tenders Electronic The attached HO guide for frontline practitioners on Daily can be found at the following link: child criminal exploitation was launched in July 2017 and https://simap.ted.europa.eu/european-public-procurement supports this work. The HO are also undertaking nationwide awareness-raising communication activity The future options for our procurement policies are about the threat of county lines targeted to young and being considered very carefully, but until that process is vulnerable people and how to avoid becoming involved complete it would be premature to comment on the and exploited by gangs. publication of UK tenders once we leave the European The Answer includes the following attached material: Union. The Answer includes the following attached material: HL9562_Exclusions_guidance [HL9562_Exclusion_from_maintained_schools_academies_and_p Government Response to PACAC [Government Response to upil_referral_units_in_England.pdf] PACAC.pdf] HL9562_HO_Child_exploitation_guidance The material can be viewed online at: [HL9562_HO_Child_exploitation_guidance.pdf] http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-23/HL9823 HL9562_Serious_Violence_Strategy [HL9562_Serious_Violence_Strategy.pdf] Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 63

The material can be viewed online at: Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government’s http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- definition of extremism is set out in the 2015 Counter- answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-16/HL9562 Extremism Strategy. The strategy defines extremism as: ‘the vocal or active opposition to our fundamental values Pupils: Per Capita Costs including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty Asked by Lord Ouseley and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We also regard calls for the death of members To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment of our armed forces as extremist.’ they have made of research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies that school funding per pupil in England has There is no legal definition of extremism. It is an fallen by 8 per cent since 2009–10; and what are the operational matter for the police what definitions they implications for children's education of such a choose to use. reduction. [HL9560] Railways: Concessions Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Institute for Fiscal Studies' (IFS) most recent analysis takes account of Asked by Baroness Randerson spending on pupils aged three to five and 16 to 19, and To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they spending on education by local authorities. issued formal instructions to the Rail Delivery Group to The research recently published by the IFS extends deliver the 26–30 railcard trial; and if so, whether they their previously published analysis on funding for pupils will publish those instructions. [HL9509] aged five to 16, and is fully consistent with that analysis. Asked by Baroness Randerson The IFS have confirmed that per-pupil funding for pupils up to 16 will be more than 50% higher in 2020 than in To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the 2000. Written Answer by Baroness Sugg on 21 June (HL8450), what role the Department for Transport had, The results of this investment can be seen in the success if any, in the conception and delivery of the 26–30 of the education system. There are 1.9 million more railcard trial. [HL9510] children studying in good or outstanding schools since 2010, and the 2017 phonics screening check shows that Baroness Sugg: The Department for Transport did not there are now 154,000 more six year olds were on track to issue formal instructions. This was an industry led be fluent readers than in 2012. The gap between initiative designed to gather evidence to inform a national disadvantaged pupils and their peers, measured by the roll-out of a 26-30 railcard. department’s attainment gap index, has narrowed by Asked by Baroness Randerson 10.5% at key stage 2 and 10% at key stage 4 since 2011, the year the pupil premium was introduced. This means To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the better prospects for a more prosperous life as an adult for Written Answer by Baroness Sugg on 21 June disadvantaged pupils. (HL8450), why the 26–30 railcard was announced in The government has prioritised pre-16 schooling the Autumn Budget 2017 when the costs and delivery because of its crucial importance to pupil progression. were being borne by the Rail Delivery Group. [HL9511] The funding rate for 16 to 19 year olds was also protected, Baroness Sugg: As the 26-30 railcard could soon be in cash terms, in the 2015 spending review and additional incorporated into bids for new franchise competitions, any funding has been made available to help schools and impact of the card on revenues would then be passed on colleges with particular priorities. As announced last year, to the Government. As such, it makes sense for the additional funding is being provided to support measure to form part of the Budget announcement. institutions to increase participation in level 3 The industry is currently pursuing a trial of the 26-30 mathematics (an extra £600 for every additional student), railcard. The Government is supportive of this work and and to pilot extra support for post-16 basic mathematics. will continue to work actively with the industry to By 2019-20 the government will be spending around £1 monitor the progress of the trial and rollout of the billion a year to deliver 30 hours of free childcare and railcard. fund the increase in funding rates for the free entitlements Asked by Baroness Randerson that we introduced in April 2017. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Radicalism they have made of the impact of the 26–30 railcard trial on rail fare revenues. [HL9512] Asked by Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb Baroness Sugg: The Department is monitoring the 26- To ask Her Majesty's Government what definition 30 railcard trial closely and analysis of the trial forms part they use to establish which groups the police can of ongoing discussions between the Government and the reasonably label as domestic extremists; and which Rail Delivery Group. As the trial continues to progress, groups so labelled do not meet that definition. [HL9852] more data will become available to enable the Department Page 64 4 September 2018 Written Answers to come to a robust evaluation of its impact on rail fare Baroness Sugg: As part of the process for letting the revenues. next Cross Country franchise competition we have launched a public consultation which ends on the 30 th of Railways: Ombudsman August. We do ask a specific question on running additional services to new destinations (Question 11). Asked by Baroness Kennedy of Cradley Once all responses are received, we will assess the suggested options. To ask Her Majesty's Government whether staff employed in the railway industry will be able to make complaints to the new rail ombudsman. [HL9857] Railways: Timetables Baroness Sugg: The new Rail Ombudsman is being Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark established to investigate and rule on unresolved To ask Her Majesty's Government what lessons they complaints by passengers. have learnt from the problems with railway timetables Staff employed in the railway industry will be able to in recent weeks. [HL9435] use the Rail Ombudsman if, as a passenger, they are Baroness Sugg: We have been clear that the unhappy with the response from the rail company to a unacceptable disruption following the introduction of the complaint about their rail journey. May timetable must not be allowed to happen again. The May timetable change attempted to implement the Railways: Overcrowding most extensive change in years. As a result of the Asked by Baroness Kennedy of Cradley disruption, the rail industry has reviewed its approach for the next planned timetable change and recommended a To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment scaled-back approach to ensure passengers receive a more they have made of the risks to passengers from reliable service. The Government has accepted this overcrowded trains in hot weather. [HL9856] recommendation. Baroness Sugg: All Train Operator Companies must The Office of Rail and Road has also announced a comply with all relevant health and safety regulations. review into the recent timetable disruption headed by The Office of Rail and Road monitors and enforces Professor Stephen Glaister. This review will make compliance with the health and safety legislation on recommendations to the industry and Government about Britain’s rail network. future major changes. All passengers are being given hot weather advice announcements and train staff are giving assistance where Recycling necessary. Asked by Baroness Featherstone Railways: Sunderland To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the recommendation by the National Asked by Baroness Randerson Infrastructure Commission to introduce a target of 65 To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment per cent recycling of municipal waste by 2030. they have made of the feasibility of reinstating direct [HL9736] TransPennine Express services from Sunderland to Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The UK Government is Manchester Airport and Liverpool Lime Street. committed to increasing the amount of material we [HL9565] recycle across both households and businesses. The UK Baroness Sugg: As part of its franchise obligations, recycling rate has increased from 41.2% in 2010 to 44.9% TransPennine Express are required to carry out a Route in 2016 but we recognise that more needs to be done. Strategy Study on network connectivity to Manchester In our Resources and Waste Strategy, due to be released Airport and other regional airports, to be completed by 30 this autumn, we will outline our plans to increase September 2018. Service development recommendations recycling rates. We want to make it easier for households resulting from the study will be considered against other and businesses to recycle. We also want to stimulate proposals for implementation through the franchise markets for secondary materials to ensure there is a Service Option Scheme Fund. TransPennine Express may greater incentive to recycle. We will consider the recommend other service development proposals at any recommendations set out in the 2018 National time during the scheme period. Infrastructure Assessment on municipal waste targets when composing the Strategy. Asked by Baroness Randerson To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Refugees they have made of the merits of running direct services from Sunderland to destinations such as Birmingham, Asked by Lord Scriven Bristol, Exeter and Penzance, as part of the Cross To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Country franchise. [HL9566] applications for indefinite leave to remain submitted by Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 65

refugees have been delayed by the Home Office by at granted refugee status based on their sexual orientation or least 12 months since July 2017. [HL9809] gender identity. Baroness Williams of Trafford: We do not publish This is because all claims for international protection this data for this specific group of applicants but as per are considered in accordance with our international the In-Country migration statistics published in May obligations. Individual claims are considered against any 2018, 99.7% of settlement applications were decided relevant caselaw and the background of the latest within the six-month service standard. This figure will available country information. This is based on a careful include applications made by refuges on the Settlement and objective assessment of the situation in a given Protection route. country using evidence taken from a range of sources including media outlets; local, national and international The data can be found here: organisations, including human rights organisations; and https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/in-country- information from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. migration-data-may-2018 The Answer includes the following attached material: Our assessment of the situation for persons seeking asylum based on their sexual orientation or gender UKVI In Country Q1 [UKVI In Country Q1 - 2018.xlsx] identity or expression is set out in the relevant country policy and information notes, which are available on the The material can be viewed online at: Gov.uk website. Caseworkers also have access to an on- http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- demand request service, where they can ask for specific answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-23/HL9809 research on issues or countries not covered by a country policy and information note. Refugees: Children However, the country information forms the objective Asked by Lord Dubs background against which applications are decided. To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Crucially, decision makers must still consider the children initially relocated to the UK under section 67 individual facts and merits of a particular case to of the Immigration Act 2016 have subsequently been determine whether or not that person qualifies for asylum. reunited with family members; and whether those The Government takes its international responsibilities relocations will be included in the specified number of seriously and grants protection to those who qualify. 480 children to be transferred under section 67 of that Act. [HL9842] Revenue and Customs: Data Protection Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Dublin Asked by Viscount Thurso Regulation establishes a clear mechanism for To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment unaccompanied children who have claimed asylum in they have made of whether HMRC is able to access UK another EU Member State to be transferred here to have citizens' bank accounts and other personal data without their asylum claim assessed if they have a qualifying their permission and without judicial oversight. family member legally present in the UK, and where [HL9622] transfer is in the child’s best interests. Unaccompanied children who are relocated to the UK Lord Bates: Under longstanding powers HMRC can under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 are placed require banks and building societies to provide data on in the care of a local authority. Any child relocated under interest paid to, or collected on behalf of, their customers, section 67 occupying a space offered by a local authority without the customer’s permission or judicial approval. will count towards the specified number of 480. Local With the approval of the taxpayer or the First Tier authorities will review a child’s care needs on an ongoing Tribunal, HMRC can require additional information from basis. If a child has relatives in the UK, the local authority banks about a specific taxpayer that is reasonably required may subsequently decide that placement with that family to check the taxpayer’s tax position. These data and is in the child’s best interests. However, this is a decision information gathering powers, some of which have been for local authorities, not the Home Office. in continual use since their introduction at the end of the eighteenth century, are regularly reviewed. Refugees: LGBT People Rivers: Chilterns Asked by Lord Scriven Asked by Lord Stevenson of Balmacara To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will list from which countries they would grant To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have LGBTQ+ applicants refugee status based on their plans to take urgent steps to tackle drought, abstraction sexual orientation or gender identity. [HL9665] and pollution relating to the Chilterns Chalk Streams; and whether any such steps will involve putting Baroness Williams of Trafford: We are unable to OFWAT's voluntary abstraction incentive mechanism provide a list of countries from which applicants would be on a statutory basis. [HL9719] Page 66 4 September 2018 Written Answers

Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The Environment Agency to determine whether a local authority’s application for is working with partners to protect and restore the a lane rental scheme should be approved. [HL9600] Chilterns Chalk Streams. Where investigations have Asked by Baroness Randerson shown that levels of abstraction are unsustainable, the Agency works with Affinity Water to reduce pumping. To ask Her Majesty's Government what the cap will Since 2016, abstraction for drinking water has been be on lane rental charges for major works required to reduced on 5 Chilterns Chalk Streams with further install and replace apparatus; what discounts or fee reductions planned by 2025. This will mean that up to 70 waivers from lane rental charges will be considered for million litres of water per day will be kept in the natural joint works; and how they intend to define joint works. environment, improving flows and making the rivers [HL9601] more resilient to drought and periods of prolonged dry Baroness Sugg: The Secretary of State for Transport is weather. authorised to approve lane rental schemes. The The Government’s strategic policy statement sets a Department for Transport announced in February 2018 clear objective for Ofwat to challenge companies to that it would develop bidding guidance later this year that further the resilience of ecosystems that underpin water will set out how we will assess proposals from authorities and wastewater systems. We expect Ofwat to challenge that want to set up lane rental schemes. It also announced business plans that are weak on ecosystem resilience, that approval will be subject to certain conditions. These including their abstraction incentive mechanism (AIM) include that authorities must have a well-run permit proposals. From 2016/17, companies are required to scheme in place; schemes would apply to an authority’s report annually on their AIM performance. From 2020, own works; charges should be used to encourage certain companies will have stronger, financial incentives to behaviour e.g. more joint works; and schemes should be improve their AIM performance or risk incurring trialled for a period of time. The announcement also said financial penalties. that caps on lane rental charges should be put in place for major works to install and to replace apparatus so that Road Works these works are not unfairly penalised and delayed. Detail will be provided in the bidding guidance. Asked by Baroness Randerson The relevant legislation allows local authorities to To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the review charge up to £2,500 per day on the busiest roads at the of street works permit schemes being undertaken by busiest times. Authorities can offer discounts and waive Department for Transport will seek to streamline the charges in certain circumstances. number of different schemes operating across England and Wales. [HL9598] Rural Areas: Crime Baroness Sugg: Local highway authorities are Asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering empowered to develop and operate a street works permit scheme in line with legislation and guidance. Nearly two To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they thirds of authorities have already done so. The are taking to tackle rural crimes such as hare coursing Government would like to see all authorities operate such and fly-tipping. [HL9552] a scheme as evidence shows they are a much more Lord Gardiner of Kimble: We recognise that local effective way of managing street and road works on the police forces are taking steps to address hare coursing and local road network. We continue to work with local associated crimes and that this is an operational matter for authorities and utility companies on ways to improve the the police. The role of locally elected Police and Crime effectiveness and consistency of schemes. Commissioners is to hold their forces to account, including on how they tackle the crimes that matter most Road Works: Fees and Charges to residents and businesses. Asked by Baroness Randerson The government is committed to tackling fly-tipping in rural and urban areas. Local authorities and the To ask Her Majesty's Government whether major Environment Agency have a wide range of enforcement infrastructure works promoted as part of Government powers to tackle fly-tipping and we have recently policy, including (1) the roll out of fibre to the strengthened these. In 2016 we gave local authorities the premises, (2) major housebuilding programmes, and (3) power to issue fixed penalty notices for small scale fly- electric vehicle charging points, will be exempt from tipping and enhanced the local authorities and lane rental charges. [HL9599] Environment Agency’s ability to search and seize the Asked by Baroness Randerson vehicles of suspected fly-tippers. We recently consulted on the power to issue fixed penalty notices to To ask Her Majesty's Government which departments householders who fail in their duty of care and pass their and stakeholder groups will be consulted when approval waste to fly-tippers. Two thirds of fly-tips incidents for new lane rental schemes is sought by local involve household waste so this will help address the authorities; and what assessment process they will use main source of the crime. Subject to parliamentary Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 67 approval this new power will be available to local However, we have noted the noble Lady’s points on authorities and the Environment Agency later this year. this issue and will monitor the situation.

Salisbury Museum: Heritage Lottery Fund Service Industries: UK Trade with EU Asked by Lord Lexden Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment to assist Salisbury Museum in its bid for a Heritage they have made of whether they will be able to secure a Lottery Fund grant by making a donation from money trade deal on services following Brussels rejecting the made available to Salisbury by the Ministerial Recovery "enhanced equivalence" model proposed on the Brexit Group. [HL9866] white paper. [HL9814] Lord Ashton of Hyde: The Ministerial Recovery Lord Callanan: In its White Paper the Government is Group has to date agreed £7.5 million of government advancing a detailed proposal for a principled and funding to support businesses, boost tourism, and meet practical Brexit, including in financial services. unexpected costs as a result of the incidents in Salisbury The UK proposes a new economic and regulatory and Amesbury. The Department of Digital, Culture, arrangement with the EU in financial services. This would Media and Sport have made no plans to allocate part of maintain the economic benefits of cross-border provision this funding directly to Salisbury Museum, but the of the most important international financial services museum will benefit indirectly through the promotion of traded between the UK and the EU. the city and its cultural attractions. We have also listened to the other side’s concerns and Heritage Lottery Fund trustees make grant decisions understand the need for a new and fair balance in our independently from Government and it would be rights and obligations in relation to financial services. As inappropriate to support specific applications to HLF. The such, our proposal recognises the EU’s desire to have Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will control over its own decision making but it also reflects support and advise Wiltshire Council in any proposals the deeply integrated nature of UK and EU financial they have to bolster their cultural and heritage offering. markets. We have suggested how this could be done, by setting Sayed Alwadaei out that the new arrangement should include provisions for: Asked by Lord Scriven • common principles for the governance of the To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they relationship; have taken to address the statelessness of Hajer Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei, the daughter of Bahraini human • extensive supervisory cooperation and regulatory rights defender Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei; and whether dialogue; and the Home Office has processed Sayed Alwadaei’s • predictable, transparent and robust processes. application for Indefinite Leave to Remain. [HL9608] We believe this proposal is the best option for getting a Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Home Office good deal for both the EU and the UK, and we look does not routinely comment on individual cases. . forward to discussing it with them. Applications received by the Home Office are considered on their own merits in accordance with the Immigration Rules and Home Office policy. Shops: Publications Asked by Lord Bird School Meals: Meat To ask Her Majesty's Government how they intend to support the long-term prosperity of independent Asked by Baroness Hodgson of Abinger bookshops. [HL9769] To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Lord Henley: The Government wants all retailers to Written Answer by Lord Agnew of Oulton on 29 July thrive now and in the future. In March, the Department (HL9377), what plans they have to ensure that parents for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy established of children at state schools who do not wish their the industry-led Retail Sector Council to bring children to eat meat from animals that have not been Government and industry together to boost the sector’s pre-stunned prior to slaughter have the same ability to productivity and economic health. All retail activity in the identify such meat as those who wish their children to UK is represented on the Council, including independent eat meat slaughtered using Halal and Shechita methods. retailers. Government also engages with industry [HL9784] associations such as the British Independent Retailers Lord Agnew of Oulton: I refer the noble Lady to the Association to further understand the views of this answer I gave on 20 July 2018 to HL9377. important sector. Page 68 4 September 2018 Written Answers

In addition, on 16 July 2018 the Ministry of Housing, Social Enterprises Communities and Local Government announced a panel of experts, led by Sir John Timpson, to diagnose issues Asked by Lord Bird that currently affect the health of our high streets and To ask Her Majesty's Government how they are advise on the best practical measures to help them thrive working to promote social enterprise. [HL9682] now and in the future. Later this summer the expert panel, in conjunction with the Ministry of Housing, Lord Ashton of Hyde: HMG has had a longstanding Communities and Local Government, will put out a call policy to support social enterprises, as an important part for evidence seeking what members of the public and of a growing economy and a stronger society. Current young people in particular want from the high streets of areas of focus include: the future. • The forthcoming Civil Society Strategy will put social enterprises at the core of civil society and address strengthening the impact of the Social Value Act. Sky Lanterns • The Crown Representative for the Voluntary, Asked by Baroness Kennedy of Cradley Community and Social Enterprise sectors will ensure To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment that social enterprises have a powerful voice in both they have made of the risk to the public, property and commissioner and supplier communities. crops from sky lanterns. [HL9853] • In June the Minister for the Cabinet Office announced a package of measures for the future of public service Lord Gardiner of Kimble: In 2013, the UK and Welsh delivery which will increase the focus on social value in Governments jointly commissioned an independent study public procurement. entitled ‘ Sky lanterns and helium balloons: an assessment of impacts on livestock and the environment’ • We also continue to support and promote public to identify and assess their impacts and risks primarily to service mutuals, many of which are social enterprises, livestock and the environment, but also their fire risk and and social enterprise awareness campaigns such as the damage they do to crops. The report concluded that Social Saturday. while the impact on livestock and the environment is low, there is however a potential fire safety risk. There is a Social Rented Housing responsibility on individuals to recognise the impact these products can have, particularly on very dry land and in Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark periods of very hot weather such as we have experienced To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect in recent weeks. to publish the Green Paper on Social Housing announced on 19 September 2017. [HL9593] Slavery: Agriculture Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark Asked by Baroness Kennedy of Cradley To ask Her Majesty's Government when they will publish their Green Paper on social housing. [HL9864] To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to combat modern day slavery in agriculture. Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: Providing high quality [HL9855] and well managed social housing is a top priority for this government. Shortly we will publish a Green Paper that Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Gangmasters and sets out a new deal for social housing tenants. Labour Abuse Authority operates a licensing scheme to regulate businesses that provide temporary labour in high risk sectors in the agricultural, shell fish gathering and Social Security Benefits food processing and packaging sectors, to protect workers Asked by Lord Touhig from exploitation. The scheme is underpinned by licensing conditions, which require businesses to comply To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the with employment and other relevant law. answer by Baroness Buscombe on 19 July, stating that "on underpayments, I should be clear that no one In addition, section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, suffered a cash loss", what is their definition of a cash requires all businesses operating in the UK with a loss; what term a claimant should use to describe an turnover of £36 million or more to report on the steps they underpayment; what is the difference between an are taking to prevent and tackle slavery and human underpayment, a payment in full and an overpayment; trafficking in their supply chains. While many businesses and whether they consider an overpayment to be a cash in the agricultural sector may not meet the turnover benefit to the recipient. [HL9728] threshold, the legislation is having a knock on effect with many large businesses, including supermarket chains, Baroness Buscombe: No-one suffered a cash loss providing support and advice to smaller businesses in when they were converted from incapacity benefits to their supply chains to improve standards. Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) because where the amount of ESA they were entitled to was lower Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 69 than the previous incapacity benefit award, it was ‘topped Social Security Benefits: Children up’ to match their previous award by a transitional addition. Asked by The Lord Bishop of Durham We are unable to say whether someone has been To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the underpaid on conversion from incapacity benefit to ESA statistics related to the policy to provide support for a and is due arrears of benefit until we have gathered the maximum of two children published on 28 June by HM necessary financial information (by way of an ESA3 Revenue & Customs and the Department for Work and form) and reviewed their award. Pensions, of the 70,620 households affected, and not in receipt of an exception, what are the number of Overpayments are when a claimant is paid more in households with (1) 3 dependent children, (2) 4 benefit than they are entitled to. Underpayments are when dependent children, and (3) 5 or more dependent a claimant is paid less than they are entitled to. The children. [HL9478] Department seeks to recover overpayments of benefit in accordance with the appropriate legislation. Asked by The Lord Bishop of Durham To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the statistics related to the policy to provide support for a Social Security Benefits: Blood Diseases maximum of two children published on 28 June by HM Asked by Lord Boateng Revenue & Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions, what was the total number of children To ask Her Majesty's Government when they last affected over the period covered by these statistics, issued any guidance to Department for Work and excluding households in receipt of an exception. Pensions disability assessors on the functional effects of [HL9479] thalassaemia and sickle cell disease on claimants; and whether they have any plans to address this issue Lord Bates: The information requested in respect of specifically in the training programme undertaken by Child Tax Credit is set out in the attached table. assessors. [HL9423] The Answer includes the following attached material:

Baroness Buscombe: Guidance on Sickle Cell Disease, Table for HL9478&HL9479 [HL9478&HL9479.docx] including the functional effects, was developed and first issued to Centre for Health and Disability Assessments The material can be viewed online at: Healthcare Professionals in June 2014. It is quality http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-12/HL9479 assured by external specialist practitioners and regularly updated. It was most recently reissued on 18 December Asked by The Lord Bishop of Durham 2017. To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the The Personal Independence Payment assessment is not statistics related to the policy to provide support for a a medical assessment and there is no requirement for the maximum of two children published on 28 June by HM Disability Assessor to diagnose a condition and Revenue & Customs and the Department for Work and recommend treatment options. We do not issue guidance Pensions, what was the average reduction in awards for on specific clinical conditions to Capita and Independent households affected during the period covered by these Assessment Services. Their Disability Assessors are statistics, excluding households in receipt of an trained to be experts in disability analysis and have exception. [HL9480] knowledge of the functional effects of a wide range of health conditions. Each Provider develops their own Lord Bates: No household saw a cash reduction in guidance as part of their ongoing training their award as a result of the policy to provide support for a maximum of two children for the period covered by All Healthcare Professionals have access to a range of these statistics. resources as well as experienced clinicians to support them in assessing claimants with conditions that they may Social Security Benefits: Ethnic Groups not be familiar with. Asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett We work extensively with our Assessment Providers to make improvements to guidance and training to ensure To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they that all claimants receive objective, accurate and high conduct ethnic monitoring of social security benefits, quality assessments and have agreed to work directly with including Universal Credit; and if so, whether this the Sickle Cell Society and Thalassemia Society to review system collects data on the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller our current materials and approach. communities. [HL9752] Assessment Providers continue to engage with medical Baroness Buscombe: Claimants, including Universal experts, charities and relevant stakeholders to strengthen, Credit claimants, are given the option to provide their review and update their training programmes. ethnicity for monitoring purposes. We have published volumes of claimants broken down by ethnicity for some benefits. This is publically available and can be accessed Page 70 4 September 2018 Written Answers using DWP’s Stat-Xplore function on the gov.uk website, Ireland of the high rates of suicide and premature deaths or the Nomis service provided by the Office for National among Irish Travellers in the All Ireland Traveller Statistics. Health Study 2010; and what evidence, if any, they The data is not broken down to Gypsy, Roma and collect in the UK in relation to suicide rates among Travellers. These individuals are captured in the larger Gypsy, Traveller and Roma residents. [HL9632] ethnic group they identify with. Lord O'Shaughnessy: No assessment has been made of evidence from the Republic of Ireland of the high rates Social Services: Children of suicide and premature deaths among Irish Travellers in the All Ireland Traveller Health Study 2010. Asked by Lord Ouseley There are no official statistics collected on suicide rates To ask Her Majesty's Government what measures among Gypsy, Traveller and Roma residents in England. they plan to put in place to prevent vulnerable children The Office for National Statistics, which produces official being taken into local authority care for their own safety data on suicide rates in the general population based on due to underfunded local safeguarding services. registered deaths, advises that data would not be robust [HL9563] enough to produce any statistics on suicide by ethnicity. Lord Agnew of Oulton: The government wants every Suicide prevention is a priority for this Government child to be in the stable, loving home that is right for which is why we updated the National Suicide Prevention them. One of the key principles of the legislation which Strategy for England last year to strengthen its key areas underpins England’s child protection system is that for action. children are best looked after within their families. However, as a last resort, local authorities may apply to The National Suicide Prevention Strategy makes clear the independent courts for a decision about removing a that local authorities should tailor suicide prevention child from his or her family – for the child’s safety. In approaches to their local communities. Most local making these decisions, the courts must be satisfied that authorities now have a multi-agency suicide prevention the threshold for significant harm has been met and that plan in place. We expect local authorities to work with the taking the child from his or her family’s care will be in National Health Service and other local services and the child’s best interests. professionals to ensure their plans are tailored to the The government set out its vision for delivering demographics and associated risks of their local excellent children’s social care in ‘Putting Children First’. communities, including for groups such as Gypsy, This outlines our reform programme which seeks to: Traveller and Roma residents. improve the quality of social work practice; create systems and environments where great social work can Sunderland Station flourish; promote learning and multi-agency working Asked by Baroness Randerson where all involved in supporting children and families can work together; and support children who both enter and To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are leave the care system. taking to support the redevelopment of buildings at The 2015 Spending Review made available more than Sunderland Railway Station. [HL9567] £200 billion until 2020 for councils to deliver the local Baroness Sugg: Network Rail, Nexus and Sunderland services their communities want to see, including County Council are working collaboratively to develop a children’s services. In February, Parliament confirmed the scheme to improve Sunderland station. We will consider 2018-19 settlement for local government, which has proposals on a case by case basis, based on the economic provided a £1.3 billion increase in resources to local benefits and business case put forward by local partners. government over the next two years, from £44.3 billion in 2017-18 to £45.6 billion in 2019-20. In addition, the Syria: Detainees current business rates retention scheme is yielding strong results. Local authorities estimate that in 2018-19 they Asked by Lord Hylton will keep around £2.4 billion in business rates growth. This is on top of the core settlement funding. Funding for To ask Her Majesty's Government what children’s services is an un-ring fenced part of the wider representations they have made to the government of local government finance settlement. Local authorities the United States and the Syrian Defence Forces about have used this flexibility to increase spending on the most whether prisoners held by the Syrian Defence Forces in vulnerable children by around a £1 billion since 2010. eastern Syria will be moved to Guantanamo Bay. [HL9589] Suicide: Travellers Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK's long-standing position remains that the detention facility at Guantanamo Asked by Baroness Whitaker Bay should close. We continue to engage with the US To ask Her Majesty's Government, what assessment Government on this issue, as we do on a range of national they have made of evidence from the Republic of security issues. Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 71

Syria: Internally Displaced People allocated to local authorities on a per capita basis, with tariff amounts and payment terms clearly set-out in the Asked by Lord Hylton scheme’s funding instructions. The first 12 months of a To ask Her Majesty's Government what information refugee's resettlement costs are funded by central they have about people displaced in Deraa Province, government using the Official Development Assistance Syria who are refused access into Jordan; what budget. There is also an exceptional cases fund to assist assessment they have made of the number of such the most vulnerable refugees. people; and what steps they are taking to help meet their needs for shelter and subsistence. [HL9588] Takeovers: Foreign Companies Lord Bates: The offensive by the Assad regime and its Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark backers on the southwest of Syria has had a devastating impact on civilians. Over 250,000 people have reportedly To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they been displaced so far, some of them multiple times. Of have to increase the scrutiny of foreign takeovers in these, an estimated 160,000 civilians have now returned industries which are important to the resilience and home. security of the UK. [HL9859] DFID-funded partners, including the UN and the Lord Henley: The Government published the ‘National International Committee of the Red Cross, are providing Security and Investment’ White Paper consultation on 24 the most vulnerable people in the southwest, including July 2018. The White Paper sets out how the Government those in Deraa province, with water, basic shelter will reform its powers to protect national security from materials, hygiene items and cash grants, where and when hostile actors using ownership of, or significant influence access allows. or control over, businesses and assets in a way that may harm the country. Syria: White Helmets The Government is consulting for 12 weeks and will legislate when Parliamentary time allows. Asked by Baroness Cox To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the Taxation: Disclosure of Information statement on the resettlement of White Helmets by the Foreign Secretary and the International Development Asked by The Marquess of Lothian Secretary on 22 July, whether members of that group To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the will be resettled in the UK. [HL9778] consultation paper, Amending HMRC’s Civil Asked by Baroness Cox Information Powers, published on 10 July, which contained the proposal to remove the "requirement to To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the seek approval from the tribunal or the taxpayer before a statement on the resettlement of White Helmets by the third-party notice could be issued", what protection and Foreign Secretary and the International Development oversight they intend to introduce for taxpayers with Secretary on 22 July, whether they will ensure that regard to the provision of information from third before members of that group are relocated in the UK, parties. [HL9870] local councils will be informed of the controversial reports relating to the White Helmets and appropriate Lord Bates: The Government believes that every financial and security support will be given to those HMRC information power should have an appropriate councils. [HL9780] and proportional safeguard. The ongoing consultation asks for views on the appropriate safeguard to allow Baroness Williams of Trafford: Together with HMRC to use a third party information power effectively international partners, the UK is working to resettle whilst still protecting taxpayers’ rights. All responses will members of the White Helmets and their families. Any be considered before any final decisions are taken. resettlement to the UK would be in line with the established UNHCR process for identifying and resettling the most vulnerable refugees where resettlement is the Terrorism: Northern Ireland most appropriate durable solution for their circumstances Asked by Lord Tebbit and only where the eligibility criteria for our schemes is met. To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people We take the security of our resettlement process have been charged with terrorist offences connected extremely seriously. When potential cases are submitted with Northern Ireland since the signing of the Good by the UNHCR for consideration, they are carefully Friday Agreement. [HL9673] screened and considered for suitability for entry to the Lord Duncan of Springbank: Information on charges UK. We take the utmost care to ensure that those people for terrorist offences with a connection to Northern coming here undergo rigorous vetting. Ireland is held by a number of agencies. Northern Ireland As with all refugees resettled under the Vulnerable Office officials are currently undertaking a consolidation Persons Resettlement Scheme, funding would be exercise to confirm the answer to this question and I will Page 72 4 September 2018 Written Answers write to the Noble Lord once this exercise has been trading practices, such as dumped or subsidised imports, completed. or unforeseen surges in imports.

Tourism: Migrant Workers Trade Agreements Asked by Lord Pendry Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the tourism and hospitality To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment industries regarding the implications of the UK's they have made of whether close alignment to the EU withdrawal from the EU for employment levels of common rulebook will disadvantage the UK when overseas workers in those industries. [HL9753] pursuing new trade deals with foreign nations. [HL9611] Lord Callanan: The Government continues to engage broadly across the economy, to hear businesses' views as Baroness Fairhead: As the Prime Minister has said, we leave the EU, including those representing the tourism “there will be no limit to the possibility of us doing trade and hospitality industries. The Secretaries of State for deals around the rest of the world once we leave the DExEU and BEIS and the Chancellor of the Exchequer European Union…” co-chair a EU Exit Business Advisory Group to ensure The proposals in the white paper “The future business is not only heard but is influential throughout the relationship between the United Kingdom and the negotiations. The meeting is attended by senior officials European Union” would ensure the UK has an from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Institute independent trade policy. The UK would be able to have of Directors (IoD), Manufacturers’ Association (EEF), the ability to secure trade deals with other countries, British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and Federation of including the US. Small Businesses (FSB). DExEU Minister Robin Walker Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham has also twice attended the Tourism Industry Council and the former Immigration Minister Brandon Lewis MP held To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they a roundtable with the hospitality sector. have made on new trade deals with (1) Mexico, (2) The Government has also asked the independent Ethiopia, (3) the Philippines, (4) Egypt, and (5) Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to gather Vietnam; how many visits to those countries have been evidence on patterns of EU migration and the role of made since 23 June 2016 by ministers and officials of migration in the wider economy, ahead of our exit from the Department for International Trade; and what was the EU. In their interim report published in March, the the total cost of such visits. [HL9647] MAC reported that they had received 417 responses from Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham a wide range of sectors and businesses - a record for a MAC commission. The MAC is due to publish their final To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they report in September and the Government will take have made on new trade deals with (1) the Democratic account of their findings when designing our future Republic of Congo, (2) Iran, (3) Turkey, (4) Thailand, immigration system. and (5) Burma; how many visits to those countries have been made since 23 June 2016 by ministers and Trade officials of the Department for International Trade; and what was the total cost of such visits. [HL9648] Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they they have made of reports from the recent G20 Summit have made on new trade deals with (1) South Africa, (2) that global growth may be adversely affected by Tanzania, (3) South Korea, (4) Colombia, and (5) ongoing trade tensions; and what steps will they take to Kenya; how many visits to those countries have been ensure that the UK is prepared for any escalation in made since 23 June 2016 by ministers and officials of trade tensions after Brexit. [HL9812] the Department for International Trade; and what was Baroness Fairhead: The UK remains concerned about the total cost of such visits. [HL9649] the current trade tensions and shares the assessment that Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham global growth could be adversely affected by these tensions. The UK is engaging with partners across the To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they globe to seek a resolution. We are clear that nobody have made on new trade deals with (1) Argentina, (2) benefits from trade wars. Ukraine, (3) Algeria, (4) Uganda, and (5) Iraq; how As the UK prepares for its independent membership of many visits to those countries have been made since 23 the World Trade Organisation (WTO), we are legislating June 2016 by ministers and officials of the Department for the full suite of tools permitted under the WTO in for International Trade; and what was the total cost of order to tackle injury to UK industry caused by unfair such visits. [HL9650] Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 73

Baroness Fairhead: The United Kingdom cannot Country Total visits (23 June 2016 – present) negotiate its own trade agreements while it is still a member of the European Union. The UK remains Thailand 3 committed to supporting ongoing EU negotiations with Burma 1 third countries and will remain a strong advocate for free trade. South Africa 3 As the UK leaves the EU, the Government is seeking to Tanzania 0 ensure continuity for our existing EU trade agreements, including those with: Algeria, Colombia, Egypt, Mexico, South Korea 3 South Africa (as part of the Southern African Development Community Economic Partnership Colombia 2 Agreement), South Korea and Ukraine, as well as with Kenya 1 Vietnam once the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement has been ratified. Argentina 2 The UK continues to support the implementation of the Ukraine 0 EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the East Africa Community (EAC), including Kenya. If all Algeria 0 EAC partners find a way to sign the EPA, the UK will Uganda 1 also seek to replicate the effects of this agreement before we leave the EU. Iraq 0 The Government is talking with a range of key trade Details of expenditure for DIT Ministerial travel partners to explore the best ways of delivering our overseas is published on the Gov.uk website on a priorities for our trade and investment relationships. quarterly basis: These include working groups with Colombia, Mexico, www.gov.uk/government/publications/dit-ministers- South Korea and Turkey, and commercial dialogues with meetings-hospitality-gifts-and-overseas-travel-january-to- Argentina and Thailand. march-2018. We have introduced legislation which enables the UK Asked by Viscount Waverley to put in place a trade preference scheme for developing countries which will, as a minimum, provide the same To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the current level of access as the EU’s scheme. Ethiopia, the public consultation process for Free Trade Agreements; Philippines, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burma, what criteria they will use to assess the merits of any Tanzania and Uganda are currently beneficiaries of the such consultations; whether the Department for EU scheme. International Trade have the necessary expertise to The Department for International Trade (DIT) is evaluate the results of any such consultation; and, if that working with all the listed countries on promoting trade expertise is not available, whether they intend to and investment relationships, including through our outsource that evaluation. [HL9899] overseas network of embassies and High Commissions. Baroness Fairhead: As set out in the HM The number of visits to these countries by Ministers from Government’s White Paper of 12 July 2018, the UK is DIT are given in the tables below. DIT’s Permanent preparing for an independent trade policy, including the Secretary (Antonia Romeo) and Second Permanent ability to pursue an ambitious bilateral trade agenda Secretary (Crawford Falconer) have not visited these following EU Exit on the 29th March 2019. This includes countries in the period specified. Visits to these countries the possibility to negotiate trade agreements with the US, by other DIT officials is not recorded centrally. Australia and New Zealand, and potentially seeking Country Total visits (23 June 2016 – present) accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Mexico 3 On 20 July 2018, the Department for International Ethiopia 1 Trade launched consultations related to these four potential future trade agreements. Philippines 1 The Department is committed to ensuring an inclusive Egypt 1 and transparent trade policy and trade agreements that benefit the whole of the UK. It therefore continues to Vietnam 2 engage with a broad range of stakeholders, to draw on DRC 0 their knowledge and seek views to inform the Government’s approach to negotiations. The 14-week Iran 0 public consultation on these four potential future trade Turkey 3 agreements is, as outlined in the Written Ministerial Statement “Launch of consultations on potential future

Page 74 4 September 2018 Written Answers free trade agreements” of 18 July 2018, an important Trade Agreements: Pacific Rim Nations element of that engagement. Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick The Department is putting in place the appropriate mechanisms to ensure that due consideration is given to To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they responses, so that they effectively inform our overall intend to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP); and approach to negotiations with partner countries. This if so, what assessment they have made of the length of includes securing appropriate analytical capability, as time that that it would take for the UK to join the TPP. well as strengthening policy development capacity [HL9610] through recruitment, training and close cooperation with Baroness Fairhead: As set out by the Secretary of other Government Departments. State in a Written Ministerial Statement on Wednesday 18th July, the UK will potentially seek accession to Trade Agreements: Japan Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans- Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) which includes some of the world's fastest growing economies that together represent To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment 13-14% of global GDP, and a total population of around they have made of the recently signed pact on free trade 500m people. If the UK were to join, it would be the agreed between the EU and Japan; and what assessment second largest economy in the group, and CPTPP’s they have made of whether any future deal between the coverage of global GDP would increase to around 17%. UK and Japan after Brexit would be (1) better than, (2) The launch of a 14-week public consultation clearly worse than, or (3) the same as this agreed deal. signals the UK’s intent. This will of course depend on a [HL9651] process of accession for new members being established. Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham The earliest we could seek accession could be after March 2019. To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to negotiate a new trade deal with Japan after Trade Agreements: USA Brexit; and if so, how long they anticipate such negotiations would take. [HL9652] Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick Baroness Fairhead: We welcome the recent signature To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). they have made of the impact on a potential future trade The UK and Japan are natural allies for free trade, and last deal with the US of maintaining a common rulebook for year total bilateral trade reached £28bn, a 14.8% increase all goods with the EU after Brexit. [HL9454] from the previous year. Baroness Fairhead: Under the UK’s proposal for its Last year, our Prime Ministers agreed to ‘elevate our future relationship with the EU, as set out in the security and prosperity partnership to the next level’ as Government’s White Paper ‘The future relationship the UK leaves the EU. As my Rt Hon Friend the Secretary between the United Kingdom and the European Union’, a of State for International Trade agreed with his future UK/US trade deal would be possible and remains a counterparts during his recent trip to Japan, we will take top priority. The UK would have freedom to negotiate in this forward by using the current EU-Japan EPA as a areas such as services, tariffs, and regulatory cooperation basis for a new and stronger partnership. and conformity assessment. There is a complementarity Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick between the UK and US economies and there would be substantial gains for both sides. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether the EU-Japan bilateral trade Treasury: Reviews deal signed this week will affect potential future trade arrangements between the UK and Japan after Brexit. Asked by Lord Watts [HL9668] To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Baroness Fairhead: We welcome the recent signature independent reviews HM Treasury has commissioned of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). into its policy or administration over the last year; and Last year, our Prime Ministers agreed to ‘work quickly to what was the total cost of those reviews. [HL9459] establish a new economic partnership between Japan and Lord Bates: Her Majesty’s Treasury announced the the UK based on the final terms of the EPA’ as the UK launch of an independent review of the Co-operative leaves the EU. Our aim is to transition the terms of the Bank on 6 March 2018 and an independent review into EPA smoothly as the basis for our future trade and build out of planning permissions into homes at the 2017 investment relationship, providing the continuity and Autumn Budget. certainty UK and Japanese businesses have told us are their priorities. Over the past year, HM Treasury published the following: Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 75

·an update on the progress of the independent review The above table does not include felling approved on into build out of planning permissions into homes, the Public Forest Estate which is exempt from the together with the Ministry of Housing, Communities & requirement for a licence or felling approved in legacy Local Government, on 13 March 2018 English Woodland Grant Schemes. ·delivering better outcomes for citizens: practical steps for unlocking public value’, an independent review which Turkey: British Nationals Abroad investigated how central government can ensure it is delivering maximum value for every pound spent on Asked by Lord Patten public services, on 17 November 2017 To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the ·growing a culture of social impact investing in the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 3 UK’, together with the Department for Digital, Culture, July (HL8831), what assessment they have made of (1) Media & Sport, on 14 November 2017 the prison conditions in which British nationals are held · an update setting out the progress made on the in Turkey, and (2) those prisoners' ability recommendations put forward by the Insurance Fraud to communicate regularly with family and friends in the Taskforce, on 9 August 2017 UK. [HL9596] Information on the cost of the independent reviews is Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Our consular staff do not not held centrally by HM Treasury. conduct formal assessments of prison conditions as they are not a monitoring body. A detained British national can Tree Felling: Licensing contact our Embassy with any concerns about prison conditions and impact on their welfare. Consular staff will Asked by Lord Clark of Windermere then raise these concerns directly with the appropriate To ask Her Majesty's Government how many felling authorities. licences have been issued by Forestry Commission The prisons in Turkey have a set procedure to ensure England in each quarter since 2015; and how many detainees have regular contact with friends and family. hectares those licences cover. [HL9640] Detainees are allowed visits from friends and family Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The Forestry following a request in advance through our Embassy. Commission’s record of the number of felling licences Detainees can apply for immediate family members to be granted and the area of land these covered from 2015 to placed on a telephone list so that they can call them date is reproduced in the table below. regularly. They can also send and receive letters or faxes. Period Number of Licences Area of land covered granted (hectares) Turkey: Detainees 2015 Asked by Lord Balfe Q1 (Jan - March) 598 5083 To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Q2 (April - June) 523 4990 Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 9 Q3 (July - Sept) 562 6384 July (HL9056), how many cases of detention in Turkey they have made representations about so far this year; Q4 (Oct - Dec) 611 7398 and to give the details for each such instance. [HL9469] 2016 Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It is not our policy to Q1 (Jan - March) 574 17040 reveal all details of private meetings with foreign Q2 (April - June) 603 13036 officials. As I said previously, we have raised a number of cases, including those of the civil society representatives Q3 (July - Sept) 880 13329 known as the Istanbul 10. Q4 (Oct - Dec) 681 14795 2017 Turkey: Religious Freedom Q1 (Jan - March) 942 19665 Asked by Lord Patten Q2 (April - June) 787 15132 To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Q3 (July - Sept) 799 23448 Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 10 Q4 (Oct - Dec) 687 13898 July (HL9039), whether they have received representations from British faith groups seeking to 2018 open buildings for worship in Turkey. [HL9597] Q1 (Jan - March) 694 14526 Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are not aware of any Q2 (April - June) 669 13043 such representations.

Page 76 4 September 2018 Written Answers

UK Membership of EU: Referendums humanity or war crimes. As of 1 June 2018 the Code of Conduct has been signed by 115 UN member states and 2 Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark observers. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of when the investigations and inquiries UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention into various aspects of the 2016 referendum campaign are likely to conclude and what consideration they have Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool given to updating the relevant legislation in the light of To ask Her Majesty's Government what support they any of findings. [HL9595] give to the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Lord Young of Cookham: The timescales of ongoing Detention. [HL9467] investigations and inquiries, including their likely conclusions, is a matter for the independent organisations Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK supported the conducting them, rather than the Government. establishment of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in 1991 and has subsequently voted in favour The Government will carefully consider the findings of the renewal of the Working Group’s mandate. The UK and recommendations that are made when they have cooperates with the Working Group when required, as it concluded. does with all UN human rights mechanisms.

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Unexplained Wealth Orders Disabilities Asked by Lord Rooker Asked by Baroness Thomas of Winchester To ask Her Majesty's Government how many To ask Her Majesty's Government whether unexplained wealth orders have been (1) applied for, (2) consideration has been given to incorporating the UN granted, and (3) refused since they became available; Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and how many are subject to appeal. [HL9713] into UK law prior to the UK’s exit from the EU in Asked by Lord Rooker March 2019. [HL9621] Baroness Buscombe: We are fully committed to the To ask Her Majesty's Government how many UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with unexplained wealth order applications have been dealt Disabilities. The UK as a general principle does not with by closed courts since they became available. incorporate international treaties into domestic law. [HL9714] However, the Equality Act 2010 (EA2010) enshrines the Asked by Lord Rooker rights of people in Great Britain with any of nine protected characteristics to live free from discrimination, To ask Her Majesty's Government how many harassment or victimisation and have equal opportunities applications for unexplained wealth orders relate to in domestic law. The decision to withdraw from the EU individuals based in each of the nations of the UK and does not change this. the Overseas Territories. [HL9715] Asked by Lord Rooker UN Security Council To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any of the unexplained wealth orders that have been applied for Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool have been settled by confiscation of wealth or other To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they assets. [HL9716] support calls for the introduction of a code of conduct Baroness Williams of Trafford: Three UWOs have that would restrain the veto power of the permanent been applied for, and all granted, since the power came members of the UN Security Council in cases of mass into force in January. All these applications were made atrocities such as genocide, crimes against humanity, without notice and heard in private. Law enforcement are and war crimes; and what assessment they have made currently exploring the use of more UWO in a number of of the likelihood that such a code will be introduced. cases. [HL9730] They relate to the investigation of assets totalling £22 Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK wholeheartedly million. Interim freezing orders have also been obtained supports the principle that the Security Council must act against the properties, in London and the South East, so to stop mass atrocities. That is why the UK signed up to they cannot be sold, As the orders all relate to ongoing the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency Group's investigations, it would be inappropriate to release further Code of Conduct in 2015. The Code of Conduct calls on information at the moment. The annual Asset Recovery all Council members not to vote against a credible draft Statistical Bulletin, published in September, will include resolution on timely and decisive action to end, or data on the number of UWOs obtained in the previous prevent, the commission of genocide, crimes against financial year. Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 77

Universal Credit • From 14 February 2018, removing the seven day waiting period that some claimants faced at the start of Asked by Lord Hylton their claim. To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan • From 11 April, providing an additional payment for to introduce any improvement to Universal Credit in claimants already receiving support towards their order to protect vulnerable groups, including housing costs of two weeks of their Housing Benefit to people with mental health problems, and families with support them as they transfer onto Universal Credit. children under school age. [HL9431] Claimants will not be required to repay this money. Baroness Buscombe: We are fully committed to We engage at a personal and individual level with all of providing personalised support for all claimants, our claimants and are committed to tailoring the support including vulnerable groups. Each individual’s we give, and any conditionality requirements, to the circumstances are different and therefore their barriers to specific circumstances of the individual. Our work work and the support required must be tailored to their coaches undergo a comprehensive training and needs. accreditation programme. Telephony or face to face services are also in place for those vulnerable claimants Work coaches are supported in building a strong who cannot self-serve online. relationship with their claimants through a comprehensive training and accreditation programme which includes Universal Support is available to help claimants with support to identify and help claimants with complex the transition to Universal Credit and we are investing needs. All work coaches delivering Universal Credit £200 million into budgeting and digital support to help receive training on supporting claimants with health claimants with the transition to Universal Credit. conditions. We are developing additional training in In 2016, the Department trialled a new process for JSA mental health that will be available to work coaches to sanctions in response to the Work and Pensions Select build their expertise and provide the most effective Committee’s recommendations to review the JSA support. The Department has also increased the numbers sanction process. The trial involved 6,500 claimants, with of Disability Employment Advisers who provide the findings (Jobseeker’s Allowance Sanctions Early additional support to the work coaches. Warning Trial Evaluation – Final report) published on 21 On 7 June we announced additional transitional May 2018. Given the low proportion of cases in which protection for those moving onto Universal Credit via claimants provided further evidence and the even lower managed migration to protect people who receive a proportion of cases where decision outcomes were Severe Disability Premium. We also announced changes changed, the Department has decided not to implement to make sure the protection we offer people that we move this trial process more widely, and will instead consider on to Universal Credit is not affected by them taking on a alternative processes. job, earning more or claiming childcare. As part of our test and learn approach we will continue The Government is also committed to providing to work closely with a wide range of stakeholders to additional support for working families, so we have ensure Universal Credit continues to be introduced in a increased childcare funding from 70 per cent of eligible measured and careful way. Universal Credit ensures costs in Tax Credits to 85 per cent in Universal Credit. claimants are better off when they move into work, by smoothing the transition into work and replacing the Asked by Lord Hylton benefits cliff edge of the past. To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their Asked by Lord Hylton assessment of the report by End Hunger UK, Fix Universal Credit, published in July; and what steps they To ask Her Majesty's Government what support they are taking to respond to the criticisms of Universal will provide to those who are unable to use online Credit made in that report. [HL9585] forms and communications in relation to Universal Credit. [HL9586] Baroness Buscombe: The Department follows a test and learn approach to Universal Credit, with a number of Baroness Buscombe: The Department is committed to changes being delivered following feedback from providing personalised support for all claimants, stakeholders and other interested parties during the last including vulnerable groups. Each individual’s few months. These include: circumstances are different and therefore their barriers to work and the support needed must be tailored to these • From 29 November 2017, introducing Freephone needs. numbers for Universal Credit phone lines. Face to face and telephony support is in place for those • From 3 January 2018, extending the repayment period vulnerable claimants who cannot self-serve online; the of Universal Credit advances to 12 months, with Universal Credit telephone helpline is now a free phone claimants now able to apply for up to 100 per cent of number. their estimated monthly entitlement upfront (and from July 2018 claimants can apply for an advance online). Universal Support provides Universal Credit claimants These can be paid on the same day where there is with additional help to use a computer to make or urgent need. maintain their claim (Assisted Digital Support), help in Page 78 4 September 2018 Written Answers managing their monthly Universal Credit payment and service. This enables Universal Credit agents and work possible advice on their finances (Personal Budgeting coaches to provide individuals with appropriate Support). personalised support. In certain circumstances, where a claimant is unable to Underlying this approach is the principle that not all manage their own affairs, an appointee can act on their individuals with a disability, health condition or other set behalf, taking responsibility for making and maintaining of personal circumstances will necessarily require any benefit claim. An appointee can be an individual, e.g. support, while some will only need support for a period of a friend or relative, an organisation or representative of an time. Our work coaches deliver a personalised journey organisation, e.g. a solicitor or local council. The process based on individual claimant needs. for enlisting a DWP appointee includes a visit to the The Department is looking to further improve our claimant and an interview with the potential appointee. system to better identify vulnerable claimants with the use Asked by Lord Freyberg of a new ‘pinning’ function. This involves testing methods to extract data on information recorded in the To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment claimant profile using text matching techniques. We have they have made of whether the level of identity plans to introduce a function to ‘pin’ key profile notes so verification required to sign up to Universal Credit is they are instantly visible to all staff helping a claimant. adequate; what reviews, if any, they have undertaken to The Department is beginning wider work to examine how ensure that online applications do not require a higher claimants tell us about their complex needs, how we standard of identity assurance than is applied elsewhere; record them and how we can extract data which can help and how they are trying to clear the current backlog of us monitor and improve support. face-to-face interview appointments. [HL9693] Asked by Lord Touhig Baroness Buscombe: DWP takes the security of Universal Credit very seriously, this includes verifying To ask Her Majesty's Government how they (1) who our claimants are; we continue to work to maintain identify, and (2) measure the number of, people having the high standards of our identity verification processes. difficulties with claiming Universal Credit. [HL9724] There are various ways in which a claimant can verify Baroness Buscombe: The Department is continually their identity for Universal Credit purposes: online using working to improve the claimant journey for Universal the gov.uk verify service; in person using primary and Credit. The Universal Credit Full Service Claimant secondary ID verification or; by using biographical Survey found that 98 per cent of claims are made online, questions. and that nearly half of claimants had help from others or In line with advice from the National Cyber Security from their jobcentre adviser to do so, demonstrating that Centre and best practice, we treat identity proofing as just those who need it are accessing the support available to one of many defences that combine to mitigate attempted them. fraud. In line with our “test and learn” approach to The survey also found that 31 per cent of claimants said delivering Universal Credit, we continuously assess the they need more on-going support with using their levels of security and fraud risk to both Government and Universal Credit digital account. To address this, we are our users, as it is critical that we strike the right balance investing up to £200 million into budgeting and digital between making the service as smooth as possible for support, to help claimants with the transition to Universal claimants and protecting the taxpayer against fraud. We Credit. This is delivered by the Department and through reviewed the level of identity required to strike this partners such as local authorities and other third party balance prior to the introduction of gov.uk Verify as an organisations. option for users to prove their identity online into the service and found that it, in combination with the other All jobcentres across the country have free Wi-Fi, and defences against fraud built into the service, gave a there are more than 8,000 computers available to support sufficiently strong level of proof. As Universal Credit customers who need help with making their claim continues to roll out, we are again reviewing the level of digitally and applying for jobs online. Work coaches will identity and the options available to further improve also assist anyone who needs assistance. If people cannot claimants’ experience while protecting DWP against get online we have also a freephone helpline available. fraud as part of wider efficiency improvements. Asked by Lord Touhig Asked by Lord Touhig To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they To ask Her Majesty's Government what success they measure the number of claimants of Universal Credit have had in identifying and tracking claimants of who are experiencing financial hardship; and if so, how Universal Credit whom they deem vulnerable. many such claimants there are. [HL9725] [HL9723] Baroness Buscombe: For many people who do Baroness Buscombe: Where notified by a Local experience financial difficulties, these pre-date their claim Authority or a claimant, DWP staff currently updates the to Universal Credit. For example, in their report published claimant profile with any temporary or long term complex on 11 July 2018, the National Federation of Arms-Length needs and how that affects the claimant’s ability to use the Management Organisations (ALMOs) of Social Housing Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 79 providers found that of those Universal Credit households and we will introduce protection for those who have in rent arrears, 76 per cent had arrears prior to moving already moved on to Universal Credit. onto Universal Credit. Asked by Lord Touhig In the Universal Credit Claimant survey, published in June 2018, 4 in 10 claimants reported they were having To ask Her Majesty's Government what difficulties keeping up with bills. In 2011/12 in the report improvements in payment timelines they expect to “Work and the welfare system: a survey of benefits and achieve for claimants of Universal Credit in 2018. tax credits recipients” from 2011/12, one in three main [HL9727] claimants said they run out of money before the end of the Baroness Buscombe: Around 80 per cent of new week/month always or most of the time, and a further claims are paid in full and on time. In many cases, where third said this happens more often than not or sometimes. full payment is not made on time by the end of the first Both surveys are available on gov.uk. assessment period, this is as a result of unresolved issues Unlike in the legacy system, we are investing around such as: some claimants have not signed their Claimant £200 million over the Universal Credit implementation Commitment or passed identity checks, and the others period into Universal Support to help claimants with have outstanding verification issues, such as for housing budget management and digital support. Our work and self-employed earnings. Whilst their verification is coaches work closely with claimants, ensuring they can on-going, many of these claimants receive a part payment identify any vulnerabilities such as financial hardship at for those elements of the claim that have been resolved. an early stage. They can then tailor support according to Within five weeks of the payment due date, 95 per cent of claimants’ individual needs and help to address these claims are paid in full. issues. DWP continues to monitor payment timeliness and we have made changes to improve payment timeliness. For We also have a system of advances and budgeting example, we have built processes into the system to make support to help people with the transition to Universal it easier and quicker for people to verify information such Credit. From 3 January 2018, we increased the repayment as their housing costs. period of Universal Credit advances to 12 months, with claimants able to get up to 100 per cent of their estimated Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick monthly entitlement upfront. These advances are available to claimants interest-free, and from July 2018, To ask Her Majesty's Government what are their plans to address payment errors and delays for people can be applied for online. attempting to claim Universal Credit. [HL9817] Asked by Lord Touhig Baroness Buscombe: Around 80 per cent of new To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they claims are paid in full and on time. In many cases, where have to reduce the number of Universal Credit full payment is not made on time by the end of the first claimants experiencing financial difficulties from four assessment period, this is as a result of unresolved issues in 10, as reported in their Universal Credit Full Source such as: some claimants have not signed their Claimant Survey, published in June. [HL9726] Commitment or passed identity checks, and the others have outstanding verification issues, such as for housing Baroness Buscombe: We have introduced a number of and self-employed earnings. Whilst their verification is measures to support and reduce the number of claimants on-going, many of these claimants receive a part payment facing financial difficulties. for those elements of the claim that have been resolved. We are investing up to £200 million into budgeting and Within five weeks of the payment due date, 95 per cent of digital support, to help claimants with the transition to claims are paid in full. Universal Credit and our work coaches work closely with DWP continues to monitor payment timeliness and we claimants, ensuring they can identify any vulnerabilities have made changes to improve payment timeliness. For or specific needs, such as financial difficulties, at an early example, we have built processes into the system to make stage. We have also invested £1.5 billion in a package of it easier and quicker for people to verify information such measures to support claimants financially in the first as their housing costs. assessment period. Advances are available to provide financial support From 3 January, claimants have been getting advances until the first payment and these can now be repaid over a of up to 100 per cent of their indicative monthly course of 12 months and can consist of up to 100 per cent entitlement within a few days. From 14 February, waiting of the indicative monthly award. We have also abolished days were removed, and from 11 April, claimants waiting days and now provide 2 weeks of housing support transitioning to Universal Credit from Housing Benefit to claimants moving to Universal Credit from Housing have been getting an additional 2 weeks of housing cost Benefit. payments. If a claim has been delayed due to error, DWP can also In June, we announced additional protection for people consider awarding an ex-gratia payment, as set out in the who receive Severe Disability Premium – they will stay guide of Financial Redress for Maladministration, on legacy benefits until Transitional Protection applies available on gov.uk, and which is attached. Page 80 4 September 2018 Written Answers

The Answer includes the following attached material: We review processes and learning materials continuously and have a strong quality assurance Financial Redress for Maladministration [HL9817 Financial framework in place. Redress for Maladministration FR.PDF]

The material can be viewed online at: USA: NATO http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2018-07-23/HL9817 Asked by The Marquess of Lothian To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, during Universal Credit: Care Leavers the UK visit of the President of the United States in July, the Prime Minister raised with him the importance Asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett of accuracy in statements concerning the proportion of To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have US military expenditure spent in Europe on NATO- any plans to collect information on self-identified care related defence. [HL9869] leavers in the Universal Credit system in a way that Lord Young of Cookham: The Prime Minister and the would allow aggregate statistics to be compiled, as is President discussed a wide range of foreign policy and the case for those claiming Jobseeker's Allowance. security issues both during his visit to the UK and at the [HL9751] NATO summit in Brussels immediately prior. Baroness Buscombe: Collection of data to monitor support for care leavers and other disadvantaged groups is USA: Refugees a priority for the Department. Our system already enables Asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead staff to record relevant details about an individual’s needs, and we are beginning work to explore ways in To ask Her Majesty's Government what which we collect and use this data to help us to monitor representations they have made to the government of support for care leavers and other disadvantaged groups. the United States to press for the reuniting of refugee children with their parents from whom they have been Universal Credit: Disqualification separated at the United States border in recent months. [HL9439] Asked by Lord Hylton Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Prime Minister was To ask Her Majesty's Government how many (1) clear that the separation of children from their parents at people, and (2) dependants are currently subject to the border was disturbing and wrong. President Trump Universal Credit sanctions; and what plans they have has now signed an Executive Order aimed at ending the for reducing that number. [HL9587] separation policy and US authorities are in the process of implementing this change. Of course, we hope the Baroness Buscombe: The number of people on children will soon be reunited with their families. Universal Credit with a sanction deduction in February 2018 was 31,720 against a total number of 774,600 Asked by Baroness Tonge people on Universal Credit at that time. To ask Her Majesty's Government what Under Universal Credit dependants in a household representations they are making to the government of cannot be sanctioned. the United States regarding refugees crossing the Texas As a sanction is only applied when a claimant fails to border into the United States. [HL9570] meet their conditionality requirements without good Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: During the recent visit to reason, the Department does not have expectations on the the UK by President Trump, the Prime Minister made numbers of sanctions that will be applied. clear in her joint press conference with the President that However, we take a number of steps to ensure the UK has a proud history of welcoming people who flee claimants are supported to meet their conditionality persecution. The Prime Minister has previously been clear requirements. Work coaches tailor claimants’ that the separation of children from their parents at the US conditionality requirements, and the support they require border was disturbing and wrong. President Trump has to meet them, to their individual circumstances and now signed an Executive Order aimed at ending the capabilities. They work with claimants to agree their separation policy and US authorities are in the process of conditionality requirements, explaining what could implementing this change. happen should they fail to meet them. Claimants are given every opportunity to explain why they failed to meet their USA: Russia agreed conditionality requirements before a sanction Asked by Lord Truscott decision is made. When considering whether a sanction is appropriate, a Decision Maker will take all the claimant’s To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment individual circumstances and any evidence of good reason they have made of the outcome of the Helsinki Summit provided, into account before deciding whether a sanction on 16 July between President Trump and President is warranted. Putin. [HL9630] Written Answers 4 September 2018 Page 81

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have been clear that Visas a functioning relationship between Russia and the US is in all our interests. As the Prime Minister set out at Asked by Viscount Waverley Chequers with President Trump, we welcome the To ask Her Majesty's Government how many times in initiative to meet with President Putin. each of the last five years have immigration officers We have also always been clear that as we engage refused permission for a short-term visitor visa on the Russia we do so from a position of unity and strength - grounds that they have not been satisfied that the holding out hope for a better future, but also clear and applicant intends to leave the UK at the end of the unwavering on where Russia needs to change its period being applied for, without giving the applicant behaviour for this to become a reality. And, as long as the opportunity to provide additional information. Russia persists in its efforts to undermine our interests [HL9822] and values, we must continue to deter and counter them. Baroness Williams of Trafford: Border Force does not hold the data in the requested format. Published data on refusals can be found at : https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigrati on-statistics-year-ending-march-2018/list-of-tables#visas Table vi_01_q: Entry clearance visa applications and resolution by category

Resolved of which

Quarter Applicant Category Applications Granted % Refused % Withdrawn Lapsed type

2017 Q1 Main Visitors 466,782 440,069 382,392 87% 56,934 13% 734 9 applicant

2017 Q1 Dependant Visitors 41,900 39,630 35,018 88% 4,519 11% 93 0

2017 Q2 Main Visitors 722,866 694,142 621,701 90% 70,927 10% 1,498 16 applicant

2017 Q2 Dependant Visitors 122,499 112,339 104,414 93% 7,702 7% 220 3

2017 Q3 Main Visitors 535,737 580,486 510,720 88% 67,906 12% 1,848 12 applicant

2017 Q3 Dependant Visitors 44,330 59,635 53,532 90% 5,967 10% 136 0

2017 Q4 Main Visitors 417,610 421,871 359,120 85% 61,777 15% 970 4 applicant

2017 Q4 Dependant Visitors 34,005 34,154 29,480 86% 4,569 13% 103 2

2017 2,382,326 2,096,377 88% 280,301 12% 5,602 46 As with all refugees resettled under the Vulnerable White Helmets: Syria Persons Resettlement Scheme, funding would be allocated to local authorities on a per capita basis, with Asked by Baroness Cox tariff amounts and payment terms clearly set-out in the To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the scheme’s funding instructions. There is also an statement on the resettlement of White Helmets by the exceptional cases fund to assist the most vulnerable Foreign Secretary and the International Development refugees. Secretary on 22 July, what estimate has been made of We take the security of our resettlement process the costs to (1) the Exchequer, and (2) local government extremely seriously. When potential cases are submitted of (a) exfiltrating members of that group from Syria to by the UNHCR for consideration, they are carefully the UK, (b) maintaining this group together with their screened and considered for suitability for entry to the families in the UK for five years, and (c) providing UK. We take the utmost care to ensure that those people additional security for local communities in the UK coming here undergo rigorous vetting. given the group’s reported links to jihadist extremists in Syria. [HL9779] Asked by Lord Truscott Baroness Williams of Trafford: In addition to the To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the costs of staff time associated with facilitating the statement by the Secretary of State for Foreign and departure of White Helmets personnel and dependents Commonwealth Affairs and the Secretary of State for from Syria we have agreed, with partners, to cover the International Development, Resettlement of White costs of their transportation and temporary stay in Jordan Helmets from Syria, published 22 July, whether there through the relevant UN agencies, as necessary. We are will be comprehensive background checks on those not yet in a position to estimate the final UK contribution. individuals before allowing them, or their family members, to settle in the UK. [HL9897] Page 2 4 September 2018 Written Answers

Baroness Williams of Trafford: We take the security NHS patients and other dependence forming medicines of our resettlement process extremely seriously. When prescribed in primary care. potential cases are submitted by the UNHCR for The Parliamentary under Secretary of State (Steve consideration, they are carefully screened and considered Brine) has commissioned Public Health England to for suitability for entry to the UK. We take the utmost review the evidence for dependence on, and withdrawal care to ensure that those people coming here undergo from, prescribed medicines including benzodiazepines. rigorous vetting. We retain the right to reject individuals The review was launched in January 2018 and is due to on security, war crimes or other grounds. report in spring 2019.

Wind Power Yusuf al-Jamri Asked by Lord Teverson Asked by Lord Scriven To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have taking to reduce renewable energy costs by permitting filed the case of Bahraini online activist Yusuf al-Jamri the growth on on-shore wind, following the under the UK Torture and Mistreatment Reporting recommendations of the report by the National Guidance. [HL9607] Infrastructure Commission, National Infrastructure Assessment 2018, published 10 July. [HL9618] Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office registers details of alleged torture Lord Henley: Onshore wind has deployed successfully whenever this comes to the attention of a UK official in to date with nearly 13GW of installed onshore wind the course of their duties, in line with the UK Torture and capacity now operational across the UK. The Government Mistreatment Reporting Guidance. does not believe that new large scale onshore wind power is right for England, but it could be right for other areas, Zambia: Hippopotamus where local public support exists. We welcome the publication of the National Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham Infrastructure Commission’s Assessment and are To ask Her Majesty's Government what considering their recommendations. The Government will representations they have made to the government of respond in due course. Zambia about the proposal for a cull of hippos to be conducted by trophy hunters on the Luangwa River. World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day [HL9795] Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The British Government is aware of the proposal for a cull of hippos on the To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they Luangwa River in Zambia and the High Commissioner intend to recognise World Benzodiazepine Awareness raised it with the Minister for Tourism and Arts on 27 Day annually on 11 July. [HL9702] June. The Minister of State for Africa (Harriett Baldwin Lord O'Shaughnessy: The Government currently has MP) raised the importance of protecting wildlife with the no plans to officially recognise World Benzodiazepine Government of Zambia when she visited on 25 and 26 Awareness Day. However, the Government is concerned July. We are committed to co-operating with the about the impact of long term use of benzodiazepines by international community to address the threats to endangered species such as hippos.

Index to Statements and Answers

Written Statements ...... 1 Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland: EU Exit ...... 1 Finance...... 15 Pensions Update ...... 1 Child Tax Credit ...... 15 Social Housing Green Paper ...... 2 Children: Obesity ...... 15 Supported Housing and Rough Sleeping ...... 3 Clinical Commissioning Groups...... 16 Coastal Areas: Regeneration...... 16 Written Answers ...... 2 Abduljalil Abdulla al-Singace ...... 2 Colombia: Armed Conflict ...... 16 Affordable Housing: Rural Areas ...... 2 Colombia: Human Rights ...... 17 Afghanistan: Drugs ...... 2 Colombia: Internally Displaced People ...... 17 Amyloidosis ...... 3 Common Customs Tariffs...... 17 Antarctic: Krill ...... 3 Community Nurses ...... 17 Antidepressants ...... 3 Corruption ...... 18 Apprentices: Construction ...... 4 Counter-terrorism ...... 18 Apprentices: Small Businesses ...... 5 Crossrail 2 Line ...... 19 Army and Police: Northern Ireland ...... 6 Crowdfunding ...... 19 Artificial Intelligence and Automation ...... 6 Cryptocurrencies: Cybercrime ...... 19 Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank ...... 6 Data Protection ...... 20 Asylum: Education ...... 6 Debts ...... 20 Asylum: English Language ...... 6 Defence: Expenditure ...... 20 Asylum: LGBT People ...... 7 Department for International Trade: Reviews ... 20 Bahrain: Political Prisoners ...... 7 Department for Transport: Reviews ...... 20 Bahrain: UN Human Rights Council ...... 7 Developing Countries: Females ...... 20 Bank Services ...... 7 Driving: Licensing ...... 21 Bank Services: Rural Areas ...... 8 Drownings ...... 21 Boris Johnson ...... 8 Duchy of Cornwall: Property Transfer ...... 21 Brakes: Carbon Fibre Composites ...... 8 Economic Situation ...... 21 Brexit ...... 9 Election Offences: Referendums ...... 21 Brexit: Public Consultation ...... 10 Electoral Register: Northern Ireland ...... 22 British Overseas Territories ...... 11 Electric Vehicles: Bicycles ...... 22 Broadband: Rural Areas ...... 11 Employment: Discrimination...... 22 Burma: Press Freedom ...... 12 Enterprise Advisers ...... 23 Business Interests ...... 13 EU Action: Parliamentary Scrutiny ...... 23 Cannabis: Medical Treatments ...... 14 EU Citizenship ...... 23 Caribbean: Hurricanes and Tornadoes ...... 14 EU External Trade: USA ...... 23 Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland ...... 14 Exports ...... 24 Exports: Finance ...... 24 Index to Statements and Answers

Farmers: Supermarkets ...... 24 Immigration: Children and Young People ...... 38 Females: Human Rights ...... 24 Immigration: EU Nationals...... 38 Financial Services ...... 25 Immigration: Windrush Generation ...... 38 Financial Services: Euro ...... 25 India: Nationality ...... 39 Financial Services: Trade Competitiveness ...... 25 Infrastructure ...... 41 Fire Resistant Materials ...... 26 Inheritance Tax: Siblings ...... 41 Food ...... 26 Insurance Companies ...... 41 Food: UK Trade with EU ...... 27 Intelligence Services: Equality ...... 42 Food: Waste Disposal ...... 27 International Broadcasting ...... 42 Free School Meals ...... 28 Israel: Discrimination ...... 43 Fuel Poverty ...... 28 Israel: Gaza ...... 43 Gambling: Mental Health ...... 29 Ivory ...... 44 Gambling: Suicide ...... 29 Ivory: Registration ...... 44 General Practitioners: Insurance ...... 30 Large Goods Vehicles: Taxation ...... 45 Gibraltar: Spain ...... 30 Legal Aid Scheme: Immigration ...... 45 Gospel Oak-Barking Railway Line ...... 30 Liothyronine ...... 45 Government Departments: Loans ...... 30 Listed Events ...... 47 Government Departments: Telephone Services . 30 Local Government Finance...... 47 Govia Thameslink Railway: Timetables ...... 31 Marine Protected Areas ...... 48 Green Finance Institute ...... 31 Medical Treatments ...... 48 Guardianship (Missing Persons) Act 2017 ...... 31 Mental Health: Gambling ...... 49 Gulf States: Overseas Aid ...... 31 Mental Health: Travellers ...... 49 Gulf Strategy Unit ...... 32 Migrant Workers: Emergency Services ...... 50 Hajer Mansoor Hassan ...... 32 Ministers: Resignations ...... 50 Heathrow Airport...... 32 Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Heathrow Airport: Noise ...... 33 Government: Reviews ...... 50 Heathrow Airport: Road Traffic ...... 33 Money Laundering: EU Law ...... 50 Hereditary Peers: By-elections ...... 33 Multinational Companies: Taxation ...... 51 Hernias: Surgery ...... 34 Music: Education ...... 52 High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 34 NHS: Finance ...... 53 Hippopotamus: Ivory ...... 34 Offences against Children...... 54 Home Office: Reviews ...... 35 Overseas Students: English Language ...... 55 Hong Kong: Politics and Government...... 35 Overseas Trade ...... 55 Housing: Construction ...... 36 Palestinians: Demonstrations ...... 55 Hunt Saboteurs Association ...... 36 Planning: Nature Conservation ...... 56 Immigration Controls ...... 38 Plastics: Exports ...... 56 Index to Statements and Answers

Plastics: Recycling...... 56 Tourism: Migrant Workers ...... 72 Preventive Medicine: Finance ...... 58 Trade ...... 72 Prison Officers ...... 59 Trade Agreements: Japan ...... 74 Prisoners: Gambling ...... 60 Trade Agreements: Pacific Rim Nations ...... 74 Prisons and Young Offender Institutions: Trade Agreements: USA...... 74 Inspections ...... 60 Treasury: Reviews ...... 74 Public Libraries ...... 60 Tree Felling: Licensing ...... 75 Public Libraries: Finance ...... 61 UK Membership of EU: Referendums ...... 76 Public Sector Debt ...... 61 Universal Credit ...... 77 Public Sector: Billing ...... 61 USA: NATO ...... 80 Pupil Exclusions ...... 62 USA: Refugees ...... 80 Pupils: Per Capita Costs ...... 63 USA: Russia ...... 80 Radicalism ...... 63 Visas ...... 81 Railways: Concessions ...... 63 White Helmets: Syria ...... 81 Railways: Sunderland ...... 64 Wind Power ...... 2 Railways: Timetables ...... 64 World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day ...... 2 Recycling ...... 64 Yusuf al-Jamri ...... 2 Refugees ...... 64 Zambia: Hippopotamus ...... 2 Refugees: Children ...... 65 Refugees: LGBT People ...... 65 Revenue and Customs: Data Protection ...... 65 Rivers: Chilterns ...... 65 Road Works ...... 66 Road Works: Fees and Charges ...... 66 Rural Areas: Crime ...... 66 Social Enterprises ...... 68 Social Rented Housing ...... 68 Social Security Benefits ...... 68 Social Security Benefits: Children ...... 69 Social Security Benefits: Ethnic Groups ...... 69 Social Services: Children ...... 70 Suicide: Travellers ...... 70 Sunderland Station...... 70 Syria: Detainees ...... 70 Syria: Internally Displaced People ...... 71 Syria: White Helmets ...... 71