Vol. 786 Monday No. 37 11 December 2017

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

HOUSE OF LORDS

WRITTEN STATEMENTS AND WRITTEN ANSWERS

Written Statements ...... 1

Written Answers ...... 6

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

Minister Responsibilities Baroness Evans of Bowes Park Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal Earl Howe 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 and Treasury Spokesman Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for 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 Lord O'Shaughnessy Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health, Whip Baroness Stedman-Scott Whip Baroness Sugg Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Transport Lord Taylor of Holbeach Chief Whip Baroness Vere of Norbiton Whip Baroness Williams of Trafford Minister of State, Home Office and Women and Equalities Spokesperson Lord Young of Cookham Whip Viscount Younger of Leckie Whip and Wales and Scotland Office Spokesperson

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Written Statements 11 December 2017 Page 1

annually for developing countries and $36 - $50 billion Written Statements annually for developed countries. Monday, 11 December 2017 After due consideration the Government has decided to opt in to negotiating mandate as proposed by the Council. Cape Town Convention: MAC Protocol As the negotiating mandate is currently restricted so as to preserve the EU negotiating position it is not therefore [HLWS326] depositable within Parliament. Lord Henley: My hon Friend the Minister for Small The Government will continue to work with the Business, Consumers and Corporate Responsibility Scrutiny Committees if and when it considers whether to (Margot James), has today made the following statement: opt in to a Council Decision to sign and conclude the The UK has opted-in to a proposal authorising the EU MAC Protocol. I will also update Parliament on the to open negotiations on the conclusion of a Protocol to the Government’s opt-in decisions at these stages. Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment on Matters specific to Mining, Agricultural Competitiveness Council and Construction Equipment (the MAC Protocol) [HLWS327] The Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment, or Cape Town Convention (‘CTC’) as it is Lord Henley: My hon Friend the Minister for commonly known, is an international private law treaty Universities, Science, Research and Innovation (Joseph which aims to reduce the cost of raising finance for Johnson) has made the following Written Ministerial certain high value mobile equipment. Three protocols to Statement: the CTC have been adopted covering aircraft, rail and The Competitiveness Council took place on 30 space assets. The UK ratified the Aircraft Protocol in November and 1 December in Brussels. The UK was 2015. Adoption of such protocols is viewed as boosting represented by Lord Henley on the first day and by Jo growth in the relevant manufacturing industries (hence Johnson on the second. the UK adoption of the Aircraft Protocol). EU Industrial Strategy A key feature of the CTC is to reduce the cost of raising Discussions focussed on the recent publication of a finance through the operation of special insolvency renewed EU Industrial Policy Strategy. Ministers agreed provisions aimed at giving finance and leasing companies that European industry needed to adapt to changes in the greater certainty and control over recovering assets global economy and the digital revolution. The EU should subject to security or leasing agreements in the event of improve investment in research and development and payment default or insolvency. support for SMEs, and strengthen its internal market. The The CTC project is undertaken under the auspices of UK noted that its recently-published industrial strategy UNIDROIT, the intergovernmental organisation focused identified many of the same challenges and drivers of on harmonisation of private international law. growth, and stressed its commitment to an open, liberal UNIDROIT is currently in the process of concluding a market economy based around fair competition and high new protocol covering mining, agricultural and standards. construction assets. A number of Member States cautioned against arbitrary On 23 August 2017, ahead of the meeting of the second targets for industrial output, emphasising that support to session of the Committee of Governmental Experts on 2 – industry was one policy among others to boost Europe’s 6 October 2017, the Council presented a draft Council competitiveness alongside a commitment to free trade and Decision to authorise the Commission to open access to global value chains. Others called for greater negotiations on the conclusion of the MAC Protocol sectoral support and called for the Commission to propose together with draft negotiating directives. a longer-term vision for EU industrial policy towards We fully recognise the importance of international 2030. Ministers agreed Council Conclusions. efforts to reduce the cost of raising finance for equipment Single Digital Gateway vital for economic growth, particularly in lower and Ministers voted to adopt the proposed general approach middle income countries where financing costs can on the Single Digital Gateway. Member States generally significantly inhibit investment and development. expressed support for the objectives of the proposal and Reduced financing costs will also lead to increased agreed that easier access to good quality online demand, providing a boost to manufacturing including information and procedures was important for the internal UK businesses in the mining, agricultural and market. There was broad agreement that the Presidency construction sectors. The three sectors are all major had struck a good balance between ambition and exporters from the UK with certain niche manufacturers flexibility. Voting in favour of the General Approach, the selling up to 95% of their production overseas. Between UK noted its strong support for e-government initiatives them the three industries employ over 50,000 people in and underlined the importance of maintaining a focus on the UK. They are vital elements of our industrial strategy. user needs. The Commission welcomed the agreement but Preliminary economic assessment of the MAC Protocol noted the extension of the implementation period to five suggests the benefits may amount to $32 – $48 billion years. Page 2 11 December 2017 Written Statements

Unified Patent Court EU Space Programmes A number of Member States joined the Presidency and The Council then held a debate on the future direction the Commission in pressing those Member States yet to of EU space programmes, in light of the recent mid-term complete ratification of the Unified Patent Court to evaluations. The UK outlined the links to the UK’s finalise preparations so the court can become operational Industrial Strategy, highlighting the importance of in 2018. The UK re-stated its commitment to passing the international collaboration and the desire for the UK to final necessary domestic legislation currently before discuss future cooperation with the EU on space Parliament. programmes as soon as possible. European Defence Industrial Development Programme Council conclusions on Horizon 2020 (EDIDP) Next was a discussion on the Council Conclusions on The Presidency noted the EDIDP would run from 2019 Horizon 2020. Ministers agreed the conclusions in to 2020, providing €500m towards the joint development document 15320/17. The UK set out its interest for an of defence prototypes and increasing European industrial ambitious science and innovation agreement with the EU competitiveness. Timelines were ambitious with a general and stressed the need to focus on EU added value, approach anticipated at the 12 December General Affairs simplification and international collaboration in Council. The Commission was looking for a €1.5bn fund Framework Programme 9 (FP9). after 2020, covering both defence research and prototype development. The Mission-oriented approach in the ninth EU RDI Framework Programme Other items The Council then discussed the Missions-Orientated Vice President Ansip updated the Council on the Approach to FP9. The Commissioner (Moedas) implementation of the Digital Single Market. He encouraged Member States to engage fully in the described the paradigm-shifting and multi-faceted impact forthcoming consultation process. The UK highlighted the of digitalisation on the world. He urged Ministers to help need to ensure continued focus on basic research and progress initiatives rapidly and ambitiously. The emphasised the need to avoid duplication of efforts Presidency and Commission noted the provisional undertaken at national level. agreement on geoblocking with the European Parliament. Other Items Hungary introduced a paper expressing concern about the impact of the tobacco track and trace implementing The European Commission gave an update on the legislation on SMEs. Commissioner Andriukaitis European Open Science Cloud. Hungary gave an update emphasised its importance for public health and tackling on the Extreme Light Infrastructure project, which was on illicit tobacco trade and underlined that its impact had schedule to begin operations in 2018. Bulgaria then been considered carefully. The final text included a presented its presidency plans. Their priorities for science number of SME derogations. and innovation include the next Framework Programme The Commission presented its recent public (FP9), the future of the ITER project and the transfer of procurement package, stressing that more strategic use of knowledge, data and research results to innovators and procurement could help deliver environmental and social researchers. They will also focus on the roadmap for the objectives. Savings of €200bn per annum were possible governance and funding of the European Open Science through increased professionalism. The Commission Cloud and the European super computer EuroHPC. confirmed that all elements were voluntary. Ministers had a lunchtime discussion on the automotive Economic Crime and Anti-corruption industry; the UK and others stressed the fast-changing [HLWS325] nature of the sector. Germany and the Commission Baroness Williams of Trafford: My rt hon Friend the provided an update on the SME Action programme. Secretary of State for the Home Department (Amber Bulgaria presented its plans for its Presidency. Rudd) has today made the following Written Ministerial Day Two – Space and Research Statement: The Formal Competitiveness Council (Space and Economic crime and corruption do great harm to Research) took place in Brussels on 1 December. Jo individuals, businesses, the integrity of our financial Johnson, Minister of State for Universities, Science, system and the UK’s international reputation. We must do Research and Innovation represented the UK in the more on economic crime to safeguard our prosperity, and morning and Katrina Williams represented the UK in the the UK’s reputation as a world-leading place to do afternoon. business. Council conclusions on the Mid-term evaluation of the The Government is making a step-change in its Copernicus programme response to the threat. A broad and deep public-private The Council adopted conclusions on the Commission’s partnership is at the heart of this new approach. The recent mid-term evaluation of the Copernicus earth- Minister of State for Security will become the Minister of observation space programme, which underline the State for Security and Economic Crime. Further, the importance of maintaining its free and open data policy. Government will: Written Statements 11 December 2017 Page 3

• Establish a new Ministerial Economic Crime Strategic transfer from the Cabinet Office to the Home Office. This Board chaired by the Home Secretary, to agree strategic change will be effective immediately. priorities across Government; ensure resources are allocated to deliver those priorities; and scrutinise EU Council: UNHCR Executive Committee performance and impact against the economic crime threat. [HLWS329] • Create a new multi-agency National Economic Crime Baroness Williams of Trafford: My rt hon Friend the Centre (NECC) hosted in the National Crime Agency to Minister of State for Immigration (Brandon Lewis) has task and coordinate the law enforcement response, today made the following Written Ministerial Statement: working in the closest possible partnership with the The Government has taken the decision not to opt in to private sector. EU Council Decision on UNHCR Executive Committee • Create a dedicated team to use the power in the Conclusion on machine-readable travel documents for Criminal Finances Act 2017 to forfeit criminal money refugees and stateless persons. held in suspended bank accounts. The UNHCR Conclusions urge States who have not yet • Legislate to give the National Crime Agency powers done so to take necessary measures to introduce machine- to directly task the Serious Fraud Office, who will readable Convention Travel Documents for refugees and continue to operate as an independent organisation. stateless persons lawfully staying in their territory at the • Publish draft legislation on the creation of a register of earliest convenience. The Conclusions also encourage the beneficial ownership of overseas companies and existing national systems for civil documentation to other entities that own property in the UK or participate include refugees and stateless persons and to limit fees for in Government contracts. refugees and stateless persons. They commit Member States to further strengthening international solidarity and • Reform of the Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) burden-sharing to facilitate the transition to machine- regime, in partnership with the private sector, law readable travel documents to refugees and stateless enforcement and regulators, to reduce tick-box persons. The EU Commission published a Council compliance, direct the regime to focus on the highest Decision seeking agreement to an EU position supporting threats, help firms better protect themselves and these Conclusions. improve law enforcement outcomes. The UK already offers travel documents to recognised • Review disclosure procedures to explore how to make refugees and stateless persons which exceeds the prosecutorial processes more effective and efficient. recommendation to issue machine-readable travel The Attorney-General will lead this work. documents. Home Office travel documents are machine- • Support a Law Commission review of the Proceeds of readable and also include a biometric chip that contains a Crime Act 2002 to identify improvements to our digital facial image of the document holder, similar to the powers to confiscate proceeds of crime. British passport. Furthermore, the UK already complies In addition, the Government is today publishing the with the points on costs of refugee travel documents; we UK’s first cross-government Anti-Corruption Strategy, align with the 1951 and 1954 UN Conventions which and the Prime Minister has appointed John Penrose MP as state that signatory states should charge no more than is her Anti-Corruption Champion. A copy will be available charged for a national passport. from Gov.UK and placed in the House Library. The Government is committed to taking all opt-in The Strategy provides a framework to guide UK decisions on a case-by-case basis, putting the national government efforts against corruption both domestically interest at the heart of the decision making process. As the and internationally for the period up to 2022. It sets six UK is compliant with the Conclusions, the UK has priorities to: decided not to opt in to this Council Decision. • reduce the insider threat in high risk domestic sectors (ports and borders, prisons, policing, defence); Help to Save Accounts • strengthen the integrity of the UK as a centre of global [HLWS324] finance; Lord Bates: My honourable friend the Economic • promote integrity across the public and private Secretary to the Treasury (Stephen Barclay) has today sectors; made the following Written Ministerial Statement. • reduce corruption in public procurement and grants; The government is committed to supporting people at • improve the business environment globally; and all income levels and all stages of life to save. • work with other countries to combat corruption. Help to Save is a government backed savings account to There will be ministerial oversight of implementation help working people on low incomes build up their and my department will provide an annual written update savings. They will be able to pay in up to £50 a month to parliament on progress. and receive a 50% government bonus on their savings. To support the delivery of these commitments, Subject to the approval of the House, Help to Save will responsibility for the Joint Anti-Corruption Unit will begin with a trial in January 2018, rolling out in stages to Page 4 11 December 2017 Written Statements increasing numbers and available to all those eligible for more weeks each year, they are able to graduate from October 2018 at the latest. within only two years, and with significantly lower Introducing it in this controlled way will allow HM student debt – good news for the student and for the Revenue and Customs to thoroughly test and develop it at taxpayer. every stage so that it provides the best customer I believe there is significant untapped potential for experience possible, and a quality service for savers over accelerated courses, starting first with degrees, in higher the lifetime of the scheme. education. They offer benefits to students of lower costs, From January, HM Revenue and Customs will start to more intensive study, and a quicker commencement or invite Working Tax Credits customers into the trial, return to the workplace. Innovative providers would like gradually increasing their numbers, with the expectation to offer more of these courses but face significant that Universal Credit customers will start to be invited in financial and operational disincentives in the current from April. Eligible customers will still have the full 5 system. years to register for Help to Save from the end of the trial, But for these accelerated courses to become more and the overall cost of the programme to government will mainstream, we need to be upfront about why more be the same. universities are not already offering them. Many Today regulations will be laid in the Commons which universities are concerned about changing existing models will set out the detail of how Help to Save will operate. and the costs associated with doing that. This includes The draft regulations were subject to a consultation and a extra teaching hours, capacity to research, or not being summary of the responses and changes made have today able to rent out rooms over the holidays. A three-year been published at course condensed into two is more expensive to run. https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/draft- That is why I am proposing a balanced package that legislation-help-to-save-accounts ensures universities are able to cover these additional costs but must charge at least 20% less in tuition for an Higher Education accelerated two year degree than they can for its three year equivalent. [HLWS330] The launch of the OfS and the new fee arrangements Viscount Younger of Leckie: The Higher Education will help incentivise greater provision. This in turn will and Research Act 2017 (HERA) achieved Royal Assent give students a genuine choice of accelerated degrees on 27 April 2017. It set out a number of significant across the full range of undergraduate courses. reforms that will improve the value for money that students receive from their investment in higher In the debate in Parliament on the passage of the Bill, education. These include the establishment of a new we committed to consult on the detail of our proposals. regulator, the Office for Students (OfS), with a remit to The consultation that I am launching today fulfils that drive value for money, a rigorous framework for commitment so far as accelerated degrees are concerned. assessing teaching and student outcomes, and provisions The proposals on which we are consulting are: that make it easier for students to switch provider. • Arrangements enabling greater provision and take-up The Act also includes a power for the Government to of accelerated degree courses will be in place in set higher annual fee amounts for courses completed on Academic Year 2019/20, subject to Parliament passing an accelerated basis, which can be matched by higher secondary legislation which sets fees and loans specific corresponding student loan amounts. This measure will to accelerated degrees. provide valuable new options to prospective students. • Accelerated degree courses subject to the new fee The way in which degrees are currently taught and arrangements will be undergraduate first degree studied has stayed largely unchanged for many years. The qualifications recognisably provided within a more vast majority of providers offer a traditional three years of intense period of study than other equivalent courses. study regardless of subject, spread out across thirty weeks • The OfS will support and encourage more providers to a year and with a long summer vacation every year. It is offer accelerated degree courses, over a more diverse wrong that this is the only choice that most students have. range of subjects than are currently offered. The growing dominance of the classic three-year residential degree reflects more the convenience of the • The OfS will also act as regulatory gatekeeper, sector and financial incentives on providers than the needs determining whether degree courses meet the statutory of students for flexible ways of pursuing higher definition of ‘accelerated courses’. education. And it may be deterring some from higher • The current means-tested living cost support package education, and slowing the return of others to productive (the “long course loan”) available to students whose work. courses last for longer than 30 weeks and three days Students on accelerated degree courses can secure a each academic year will continue to provide degree qualification in their preferred subject, studying maintenance for students on accelerated degrees on the the same content for the same number of weeks over the same terms. life of the course as the standard equivalent degree, • The annual tuition fee and loan upper limit for subject to the same quality assurances. But by studying accelerated degree students at Approved (fee cap) Written Statements 11 December 2017 Page 5

providers would be set at 20% higher than the standard Annex A - consultation principles [Annex A Accelerated level. For example, based on current fee limits, the Degrees.pdf] annual accelerated limit for a TEF-rated provider would be £11,100 (vs £9,250 for the three-year equivalent). Annex B - assumptions and analysis [Annex B Accelerated Degrees.pdf] This would give students who opt for accelerated degrees a £5,500 or 20% saving in the total cost of Annex C - response to the call for evidence [Accelerated Degrees tuition fees Annex C.pdf] • The annual tuition fee loan limit for students at Approved providers (i.e. those outside the fee cap The material can be viewed online at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- system) would be also be set at the standard level plus answers-statements/written-statement/Lords/2017-12-11/HLWS330/ 20%. For example, based on current loan limits, students at TEF-rated Approved providers would have Review of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 an annual tuition fee loan limit of £7,398 (vs £6,165 for the three-year equivalent). [HLWS328] • Existing quality assurance arrangements for Baroness Williams of Trafford: My hon Friend the accelerated degrees should continue to apply, including Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Crime, after the OfS becomes responsible for monitoring them Safeguarding and Vulnerability (Victoria Atkins) has on 1 April 2018. today made the following Written Ministerial Statement: This balanced package offers students significant My rt hon Friend the Home Secretary is today laying savings on the costs of graduating, while also addressing before the House the Home Office report on its review of the additional in-year costs providers incur by condensing the Scrap Metal dealers Act 2013 (Cm 9552). the final standard third year of teaching into the first two The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 was introduced in years of the accelerated degree course. The 20% uplift in October 2013 as a response to high levels of metal theft at annual fee revenue should cover the extra costs associated that time. The purpose of the Act was to reduce these with accelerated provision for most courses in most thefts by strengthening regulation of the scrap metal providers. industry. Section 18 of the Act commits the Government Accelerated degrees are referenced in the Industrial to review the Act within five years of commencement and Strategy published last month, which notes their potential to publish a report which assesses whether it has met its to widen choice for students. And they have enjoyed intended objectives and whether it is appropriate to retain cross-party support since Shirley Williams championed or repeal it or any of its provisions. them in the 1960s. In the passage of the Higher Education and Research Bill this year, MPs and peers from all sides As set out in today’s Home Office report, we are called for government to support them. The proposals I satisfied that the Act has made a positive contribution to am announcing today will remove the barriers to the falls in levels of metal theft that have occurred since it accelerated degrees, and make them a real choice for was commenced. We are satisfied, therefore, that the Act many more future students. should be retained. The Statement includes the following attached material: Copies of the report are available from the Vote Office and also on the Government’s website at gov.uk. Accelerated Degrees: Government Consultation [Accelerated Degrees Consultation.pdf]

Page 6 11 December 2017 Written Answers

conclusions on the impact of these reforms before Written Answers employers have had time to adjust. Monday, 11 December 2017 The government will continue to monitor the number of apprenticeship starts and work closely with employers to ensure the success of these reforms. Antibiotics: Research Asked by Lord Crathorne Brofiscin Quarry To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they Asked by The Countess of Mar have to support small UK companies which are To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment researching and trying to produce new antibiotics, in they have made of whether capping the limestone particular through the use of market entry rewards. quarry at Brofiscin has prevented non-biodegradable [HL3658] PCBs and other toxic materials from leaching into the Lord O'Shaughnessy: The Government has invested underlying aquifer affecting water supplies in England. in a range of research to address antimicrobial resistance [HL3712] (AMR). Specific investments aimed at small and medium Asked by The Countess of Mar sized enterprises include a competition call worth £4 million in 2016/17 launched by Innovate UK to To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment reinvigorate AMR research and innovation networks in they have made of whether or not the water supplies for the United Kingdom. This call particularly focused on the Birmingham contain residues of non-biodegradable need for collaborative working with industry, including PCBs and other toxins as a result of leaching from small and medium sized enterprises, to bring products to Brofiscin quarry. [HL3713] market. The UK is also spending £50 million in a Global Lord Gardiner of Kimble: Brofiscin quarry is on an AMR Innovation Fund which aims to invest in global aquifer (water bearing strata/rock), which is research and development for the benefit of people living hydrogeologically disconnected from the aquifer beneath in low- and middle-income countries. As part of this, it Elan Valley reservoirs and the associated aqueduct that will consider how to provide access to finance for those contribute to Birmingham public water supply. The researchers who struggle to access traditional funding distance that separates the two locations is significant; sources, including small and medium sized enterprises. therefore there is no pathway for contamination to migrate In response to the independent review on AMR chaired from the quarry to the Elan aquifer. The Elan aquifer is by Lord O’Neill, the Government committed to the nearest aquifer to Brofiscin quarry that contributes to strengthening support for market entry rewards in Birmingham’s public water supply and the Environment international fora including the G7 and G20 to address Agency does not consider Brofiscin quarry to present any market failure in antibiotics. The Department is currently risk to Birmingham’s water supply. working through the G20 to make tangible progress in Natural Resources Wales is responsible for regulating developing market incentives. the Brofiscin quarry site. Any risks relating to this site are a matter for the devolved Welsh Government. Apprentices Burma: Rohingya Asked by Lord Birt Asked by Lord Carlile of Berriew To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the release of figures by the Department for Education on recent deal signed between Myanmar and Bangladesh 23 November showing that the number of people starting apprenticeships has dropped by 59 per cent in allowing the return to Myanmar of thousands of the last year, what assessment they have made of the Rohingya Muslims, what representations they are making to the government of Myanmar encouraging it reasons for that decrease; and how they plan to reverse to guarantee the safety and political and social rights of that trend. [HL3599] those returnees. [HL3604] Lord Agnew of Oulton: There has been 1.1 million apprenticeship starts in England since May 2015. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK proposed and secured unanimous support for a UN Security Council The 59% drop in starts only covers the period from Presidential Statement on 6 November which urged the May to July 2017, and followed a sharp rise in the Government of Burma to ensure the voluntary return of preceding months, meaning that overall apprenticeship all refugees in conditions of safety and dignity to their starts in 2016/17 are only down by 2.8% overall. homes, and to allow equal access to full citizenship for all In April 2017, the government introduced changes to individuals. the apprenticeship system including the introduction of The Minister for Asia and the Pacific underlined this the apprenticeship levy and the new digital call in his meetings with Burma's Minister of Defence, the Apprenticeship Service. It is too early to draw Deputy Foreign Minister, and Aung San Suu Kyi's Chief Written Answers 11 December 2017 Page 7 of Staff on 20 and 21 November. He stressed the need to Commonwealth: Indigenous Peoples ensure security for returnees. Asked by Lord Alderdice On 23 November, Bangladesh and Burma signed a memorandum of understanding on the return of refugees To ask Her Majesty's Government what legal or to Rakhine State. We understand that a joint working treaty obligations they retain in respect of First Nation group will be set up, with the aim of the process of returns peoples in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. commencing within two months. [HL3596] The UK Government will press for quick progress on Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK does not have implementation of this bilateral agreement. But we will be any prevailing legal or treaty obligations with respect to clear that any returns must be safe, voluntary and the native/ indigenous populations in Canada, Australia, dignified and there must be appropriate international or New Zealand. All previous relevant obligations binding oversight. upon the UK Government have been passed to and confined to the Governments of Canada, Australia, and Church Schools New Zealand as the independent and sovereign successor states of the UK’s Dominions. Asked by Lord Murphy of Torfaen Asked by Lord Alderdice To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect to agree the Church Supplemental Agreement. To ask Her Majesty's Government when was the last [HL3715] time they raised through the Commonwealth the problems facing First Nation peoples. [HL3597] Lord Agnew of Oulton: The department is currently considering the changes proposed by the Church of Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK Government is England Education Office and Catholic Education Service fully committed to promoting and protecting human rights to the Church Supplemental Agreement and will respond for all individuals, including indigenous people. We have in due course. not recently raised issues affecting indigenous people in a Commonwealth forum. However, we regularly participate Church Schools: Admissions in discussions regarding indigenous peoples in various other fora, including the UN General Assembly, the Asked by Lord Murphy of Torfaen Human Rights Council and the UN Permanent Forum on To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Indigenous Issues. they have made of the impact of removing the 50 per cent cap on faith-based admissions on pupils from Cyprus: Military Bases ethnic minority backgrounds who seek a place in a Asked by Lord Sharkey Catholic school. [HL3716] To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Asked by Lord Murphy of Torfaen Written Answer by Earl Howe on 24 November To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment (HL3241), how the proportion of Greek Cypriots and they have made of the impact of the removal of the 50 Turkish Cypriots employed at the Cyprus Sovereign per cent cap on faith-based admissions on the ethnic Base areas in 2017 compares with the proportion of diversity of Catholic schools. [HL3717] Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in the 2011 censuses; and what assessment they have made of how Asked by Lord Murphy of Torfaen they have fulfilled their obligations under Paragraph 2 To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment of Section 7 of Part II of Annex B of the 1960 Treaty of they have made of the regional demand from parents for Establishment to have regard as far as possible to the places in Catholic schools; and how the removal of the proportionate numbers of the Communities in Cyprus. 50 per cent cap on faith-based admissions will meet that [HL3632] demand. [HL3718] Earl Howe: The 2011 censuses indicate that the Asked by Lord Murphy of Torfaen proportion of Greek and Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus was 83 per cent and 17 per cent respectively. The proportion To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment of Greek and Turkish Cypriots employed in the Sovereign they have made of the impact of the removal of the 50 Base Areas in 2017, is approximately 0.12 per cent and per cent cap on faith-based admissions on the ability of 0.08 per cent of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot the Catholic Church to open new schools. [HL3719] populations as identified in the 2011 censuses. Lord Agnew of Oulton: The proposal to remove the The proportion of Greek and Turkish Cypriot nationals 50% cap on faith admissions in faith free schools is set employed by the Sovereign Base Area Administration out in the ‘Schools that work for everyone’ consultation (SBAA) and British Forces Cyprus in the Sovereign Base document (copies available in the House Library). The Areas (SBAs) are 88 per cent and 12 per cent department plans to respond on this consultation in due respectively. The SBAA has reviewed the balance of its course. employment and concluded that it is compliant with Page 8 11 December 2017 Written Answers

Annex B, Part II, Section 7, Para 2 under the 1960 Treaty the Home Office are derived wholly, or in part, from of Establishment. Our compliance will continue to be kept EU legislation. [HL3612] under review. Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Home Office Details of the Cypriot contractors employed in the does not hold information centrally on which statutory SBAs are held by private contractors, who have no instruments relating to the responsibilities of the Home obligation to provide us with this information. Office are derived wholly or in part from EU legislation. Contractors work for a variety of employers across the For the purposes of exiting the EU, Government island and there is no certainty of when their staff are departments have been analysing the UK statute book and working in the SBAs as opposed to under other directly applicable EU law in their areas of responsibility contractual obligations they have elsewhere on the island. to enable an assessment of the scale of the changes For private contractors, therefore, the information is not needed. This is likely to include the repeal, but also the held in the format requested. amendment, of provisions in Acts but we are not in a Disability Living Allowance position to give a sense of scale at this time. Asked by Lord Truscott Immigration To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have Asked by Lord Green of Deddington any plans to means test Disability Living Allowance. [HL3644] To ask Her Majesty's Government, in each year between 2007 and 2016, how many people were Baroness Buscombe: We have no plans to means test granted leave to remain following (1) 10 years of legal Disability Living Allowance. residence as set out in paragraph 276B(i)(a) of the Gaza: Travel Restrictions Immigration Rules, and (2) 20 years illegal residence in the UK as set out in paragraph 277ADE(1)(iii) of the Asked by Baroness Tonge Immigration Rules. [HL3611] To ask Her Majesty's Government what Baroness Williams of Trafford: Paragraph 276B(i)(a) representations they have made to the administration in refers to the requirements for indefinite leave to remain. Gaza concerning prospects for opening the Rafah Accordingly this answer provides data on indefinite rather crossing and allowing people with visas to leave. than limited leave to remain. [HL3639] Grants of indefinite leave to remain on the basis of long Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have not raised this residence are published in settlement table se_03 , here: issue with the administration in Gaza. The UK retains a https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigratio policy of no contact with Hamas in its entirety. We n-statistics-april-to-june-2016/list-of-tables#settlement encourage the Palestinian Authority (PA) to fully resume The figures prior to July 2012 will also include grants on its government functions in Gaza, and ensure that the the basis of 14 years lawful and unlawful long residence. reconciliation process is compliant with the Quartet That provision was removed in July 2012. Principles. Officials from our Consulate-General in The 20 year long residence rule was implemented from Jerusalem frequently urge the PA to take steps to improve 9 July 2012. These grants of leave to remain are conditions in Gaza. We have also raised the opening of categorised as Private Life in the published statistics, the Rafah crossing with Egypt. available at tables ex_01 and ex_01q here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigratio Higher Education n-statistics-april-to-june-2017/list-of-tables#extensions Asked by Lord Storey The 20 year qualifying period in this category can also include periods of lawful leave, as well as illegal To ask Her Majesty's Government what evaluation residence. they have made of the Higher Education Degree The Answer includes the following attached material: Datacheck facility system. [HL3637] Viscount Younger of Leckie: The Higher Education Private Life Grants - Table ex_01 and ex_01q [Private life Degree Datacheck (HEDD) system represents 103 grants.xlsx] universities. It is run by Prospects, the commercial branch Tables se_03 [Table se_03.xls] of the Higher Education Careers Service Unit – an agency of sector bodies Universities UK and Guild HE. The material can be viewed online at: The department has not evaluated the HEDD system. http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-11-27/HL3611 Home Office: EU Law Asked by Baroness Kramer Asked by Baroness Hamwee To ask Her Majesty's Government whether To ask Her Majesty's Government which statutory individuals who have been granted indefinite leave to instruments in force relating to the responsibilities of remain are obliged to apply for British citizenship; if so, Written Answers 11 December 2017 Page 9

why; and if not, what information such individuals are Israel: Freedom of Expression given by the UK Border Agency in this regard upon arrival in the UK. [HL3625] Asked by Baroness Tonge Baroness Williams of Trafford: Individuals who are To ask Her Majesty's Government what action settled in the UK are not obliged to apply to naturalise as they are taking with their international partners to British citizens. The Government believes that citizenship support and encourage free speech in Israel, following is a personal choice, and is a privilege and not a right, and reports of intimidation and public order offences it would not be appropriate to compel all those who settle committed by far-right groups in that country. [HL3641] in the UK to become British. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Government stands Entrants to the UK will normally need to remain in the up for and strongly supports the right of freedom of UK for a period of at least five years before being eligible expression. We welcome the repeated public to settle in the UK and so it would be premature to commitments of the Israeli Government, including the provide them with information on citizenship at the point President and Prime Minister, to uphold and protect of their arrival. Where someone wishes to naturalise they Israel’s longstanding tradition of freedom of expression. can find relevant information on the GOV.uk website. Israel: Palestinians Asked by Baroness Kramer Asked by Baroness Tonge To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there has been any change in the terms on which indefinite leave To ask Her Majesty's Government what to remain in the UK is (1) granted, and (2) applied to representations they are making to the government of those who were previously granted such leave, in the Israel regarding reports of the detention of a nine year past year. [HL3626] old boy during raids in the occupied West Bank in November. [HL3640] Baroness Williams of Trafford: In the past year there have been a number of policy amendments across specific Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: While we have not ILR routes. Information relating to these amendments, raised this specific issue with the Israeli authorities, the and the specific ILR routes these affect, are UK continues to have strong concerns about continued communicated via the GOV.UK website. reports of ill-treatment of Palestinian minors in Israeli https://www.gov.uk/government/publications?departme military detention, notably the use of painful restraints nts%5B%5D=uk-visas-and-immigration and insufficient notification of legal rights. Our Ambassador to Israel raised concerns with Israeli There has been no change in terms for those persons Attorney-General Mandelblit on 3 October, and the who have been granted ILR in the past year. Individuals Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt also raised our who hold ILR in the United Kingdom have no restriction concerns with the Israeli authorities during his visit to on their right to live and work in the United Kingdom. Israel in August 2017. They are able to apply for benefits in the same way as We will continue regularly to raise this issue with the British citizens. Israeli authorities, and to press them to secure necessary The Answer includes the following attached material: improvements to the practices surrounding the military Tables as_19 and as_20 [Tables as_19q and Table as-20_q.xlsx] detention of minors. We will also continue to work closely with our European partners in country. The material can be viewed online at: Asked by Baroness Tonge http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-11-27/HL3626 To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the government of Israel regarding reports by the UN Office for the Indigenous Peoples Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs that the Israeli Asked by Lord Alderdice military have issued orders demarcating areas where three Palestinian herding communities are located, To ask Her Majesty's Government when was the last resulting in 419 people being at heightened risk of time they raised through the United Nations the forcible transfer. [HL3642] problems facing First Nation peoples. [HL3598] Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK is gravely Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Her Majesty's concerned by Israeli proposals to relocate Bedouin Government is committed to defending the human rights population from the E1 area, which the UN has said could of all individuals, including indigenous people. The constitute forcible transfer. We regularly raise our Government regularly participates in discussions concerns with the Israeli authorities, including through regarding indigenous peoples in various United Nations our Embassy in Tel Aviv. These plans could have a fora, including the General Assembly, the Human Rights negative impact on the communities concerned and will Council, and the Permanent Forum on Indigenous issues. likely open the way for further settlement expansion – endangering the viability of the two-state solution. We Page 10 11 December 2017 Written Answers continue to follow developments closely. Staff from the Redthread, undertake work in London hospitals and pilots British Consulate General visited Jabal al-Baba on 9 its approach shortly in Nottingham and Birmingham. November, and both Ein al-Hilweh and Umm al-Jammal on 22 November. We also provide legal aid to the Libya: Bomb Disposal community at Jabal al-Baba through our support to the Norwegian Refugee Council. Asked by Lord Alderdice Asked by Baroness Tonge To ask Her Majesty's Government how they will check, and address, any delay or obstruction by the To ask Her Majesty's Government what authorities in Misrata of the transfer to Sirte and representations they are making to the government of Benghazi of UK de-mining equipment. [HL3595] Israel regarding reports by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs of a blockage by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The provision of this the Israeli military of roads connecting southern Hebron equipment is to support a training programme in Misrata to the rest of the West Bank, placing residents at risk of for Libyan Government of National Accord military and forcible transfer. [HL3643] police units clearing mines and ordnance in Sirte. The equipment was delivered to Sirte on 27 October 2017. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: While we have not This will enable the return of families and allow other raised this specific issue, we have consistently called on reconstruction and development activities to take place in the Israeli Government to ease movement and access safety following the removal of Daesh from that city. The restrictions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. training programme is being funded by the Governments of Germany and the United States, and is being delivered Knives: Crime by a contractor. The British Embassy in Tripoli is closely following progress: our Defence Attaché has visited Asked by Lord Laming Misrata to inspect the equipment and view the training, as well as meeting with the local authorities in Sirte. We To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they have also provided £1 million so far this year leading to intend to take in response to Home Office figures which training for more than 60 Explosive Ordnance Disposal show an increase in the number of deaths as a result of operators from Benghazi, including police officers and knife crime amongst under 19s. [HL3775] National Safety Authority staff, and we will fund a Baroness Williams of Trafford: Our work to tackle £200,000 mine risk education project in Benghazi to start knife crime is centred on four key strands: working with in December. the police on operations and enforcement; work on the legislative framework; to work with retailers on Local Government: Pay responsible sales of knives; and early intervention and prevention. Asked by Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate We are encouraging police forces to undertake a series To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they of coordinated national weeks of action to tackle knife intend to establish independent pay review bodies to crime under Operation Sceptre. It includes targeted stop determine the remuneration of all local authority and searches, weapon sweeps, test purchases of knives workers, to avoid possible conflicts of interest between from retailers, the use of surrender bins, and educational worker and political representatives. [HL3623] activities. A record thirty-two police forces took part in Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: Local government pay the week of action in July. is a devolved matter and that position remains unchanged. We have agreed a set of commitments with major It is right that independent locally elected local retailers to prevent the underage sales of knives in their government employers in conjunction with local stores and online. The agreement also covers staff training government trade unions are free to negotiate and make and displays and packaging. decisions on pay within the limits of what they decide We are keeping the legislative framework under review they can afford. and we have taken action to ban zombie knives in August 2016. In addition on 14 October we launched a Medical Records consultation on new legislation on offensive weapons. Asked by Lord Warner The proposals include placing restrictions on the online sale of knives, creating a new offence of possession of an To ask Her Majesty's Government whether an offensive or dangerous weapon in a private place, and NHS doctor denying an NHS patient access to their updating existing legislation. We have launched a medical records would be grounds for disciplinary community fund to support local communities to tackle action by their professional body, employer or knife crime. contracting authority. [HL3647] We are also supporting youth violence intervention and Lord O'Shaughnessy: Patients have a legal right to prevention work in hospital emergency departments apply for access to their medical records and do not need including supporting the voluntary sector organisation, to give a reason. A patient who is denied access to their Written Answers 11 December 2017 Page 11 medical records can make a complaint to the Information referral to the NICE High Specialised Technology Comissioner and/or the relevant contracting authority programme in each of the last three years; and of those, and/or the General Medical Council (GMC) and/or the how many were (1) accepted, (2) rejected, and (3) relevant employer. referred to other assessment processes for There are some circumstances where exemptions may consideration. [HL3666] apply to a patients right to access this information and it Asked by Baroness Masham of Ilton would be a matter for the relevant body to whom the complaint is made to investigate further and decide on To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they appropriate action. have made of the number of technologies expected to be considered for referral to the NICE Highly Doctors have a responsibility to be familiar with and Specialised Technology assessment process over the follow GMC guidance, and must use their judgement in next two years. [HL3667] applying the principles to the various situations they face in practice. They must be prepared to explain and justify Lord O'Shaughnessy: We have made no estimate on their decisions and actions, and serious or persistent the number of technologies expected to be considered for failure to follow the guidance will put a doctor’s referral over the next two years. registration at risk. The following table shows the number of technologies considered for ministerial referral to the National Institute Medical Treatments for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Highly Specialised Technology (HST) programme in each of the Asked by Baroness Masham of Ilton last three years: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many technologies have been considered for ministerial Financial year 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 (so far) Accepted (HST guidance has 2 5 2 started) Rejected by NICE 1 (topic was not prioritised by 1 0 NICE for guidance) Referred to other assessment 1 (topic is now being developed 2 0 processes for consideration under Single Technology Appraisal process) Topic still under consideration 8 8 24 by NICE Company withdrew Marketing 3 0 1 Authorisation for the indication/no longer pursuing a license in this indication Total potential HST topics 15 16 (including 8 still under 27 (including 9 still under considered by NICE per consideration from 2015/16) consideration from 2016/17) financial year

Asked by Baroness Masham of Ilton Mental Health Services: Children and Young To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans NICE People has put in place to increase the capacity of the Highly Asked by Lord Porter of Spalding Specialised Technology appraisal process. [HL3668] To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have Lord O'Shaughnessy: The resources and capacity of any plans to provide additional funding for Child and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s Adolescent Mental Health Services post 2020. Highly Specialised Technology (HST) programme in [HL3628] future years will be considered alongside other priorities through the annual business planning process taking into Asked by Lord Porter of Spalding account the expected demand for HST guidance. To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to provide additional funding for child and adolescent mental health services in England and Wales post 2020. [HL3671] Page 12 11 December 2017 Written Answers

Lord O'Shaughnessy: The current Spending Review strategy, it will deliver increased insight into what drives period covers the four years from 2016-17 to 2019-20. the costs of harm and work in partnership with others to The Government will consider its plans for funding of develop interventions that improve safety and save money Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services following for the NHS, as demonstrated by its report Five years of 2020 as part of the next Spending Review. cerebral palsy claims: A thematic review of NHS Resolution data published in September. A copy of the NHS Litigation Authority report has been placed in the Library due to the size of the document. Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath The Answer includes the following attached material: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Delivering fair resolution [NHS-Resolution-Our-strategy-to-2022- they have made of the performance of the NHS 1.pdf] Litigation Authority. [HL3618] Lord O'Shaughnessy: The NHS Litigation Authority, Managing the costs of clinical negligence [Managing-the-costs-of- known as NHS Resolution from 1 April 2017, is clinical-negligence-in-trusts.pdf] accountable to the Department and its performance is The material can be viewed online at: subject to regular review through the Department’s http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- sponsorship arrangements. The Department’s assessment answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-11-27/HL3618 is that NHS Resolution is a well-run and efficient organisation and that it has had some success, within the Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath current legal framework, in containing the cost of To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment National Health Service litigation, a view that was they have made of the extent to which the NHS supported by the National Audit Office (NAO), in its Litigation Authority acknowledges fault in a timely report Managing the costs of clinical negligence in trusts manner. [HL3619] published in September 2017. A copy of the report is attached. Lord O'Shaughnessy: The NHS Litigation Authority, NHS Resolution has a responsibility to settle justified known as NHS Resolution from 1 April 2017, is claims fairly and promptly, and defend unjustified claims accountable to the Department and its performance is to secure NHS resources. Each case must be considered subject to regular review through the Department’s on its own merits and it is important that a proper sponsorship arrangements. The Department’s assessment investigation is undertaken. NHS Resolution aims to get is that NHS Resolution is a well-run and efficient to the right answer as quickly as possible in every case organisation and that it has had some success, within the and to help resolve claims sooner, and without the need current legal framework, in containing the cost of for court proceedings, NHS Resolution launched a new National Health Service litigation, a view that was mediation service in December 2016. The NAO report on supported by the National Audit Office (NAO), in its clinical negligence costs concluded that it is difficult to report Managing the costs of clinical negligence in trusts benchmark an optimal time for resolution and the published in September 2017. A copy of the report is Department is satisfied, that overall, NHS Resolution attached. strikes the right balance in settling claims in a timely NHS Resolution has a responsibility to settle justified manner. claims fairly and promptly, and defend unjustified claims In recognition that the organisation’s effectiveness in to secure NHS resources. Each case must be considered reducing NHS litigation costs could be improved by on its own merits and it is important that a proper expanding its remit and giving it a greater role in investigation is undertaken. NHS Resolution aims to get promoting learning from harmful incidents, the Secretary to the right answer as quickly as possible in every case of State announced earlier this year that the NHS and to help resolve claims sooner, and without the need Litigation Authority would be known as NHS Resolution for court proceedings, NHS Resolution launched a new from 1 April 2017 with a new five year strategy mediation service in December 2016. The NAO report on Delivering fair resolution and learning from harm: Our clinical negligence costs concluded that it is difficult to strategy to 2022 which gives it an enhanced focus on benchmark an optimal time for resolution and the mediation, learning and prevention, as well as litigation. Department is satisfied, that overall, NHS Resolution A copy of the five year strategy is attached. strikes the right balance in settling claims in a timely manner. NHS Resolution already works with NHS organisations, with the use of the claims scorecards, to In recognition that the organisation’s effectiveness in help them understand their claims data to better assess reducing NHS litigation costs could be improved by where local interventions would have the greatest impact expanding its remit and giving it a greater role in in reducing high volume or high costs claims. It also promoting learning from harmful incidents, the Secretary shares learning and best practice across the NHS through of State announced earlier this year that the NHS the development of guidance including cases studies Litigation Authority would be known as NHS Resolution derived from analysis of the national database of claims, from 1 April 2017 with a new five year strategy thematic guidance and national events. Through its new Delivering fair resolution and learning from harm: Our Written Answers 11 December 2017 Page 13 strategy to 2022 which gives it an enhanced focus on benchmark an optimal time for resolution and the mediation, learning and prevention, as well as litigation. Department is satisfied, that overall, NHS Resolution A copy of the five year strategy is attached. strikes the right balance in settling claims in a timely NHS Resolution already works with NHS manner. organisations, with the use of the claims scorecards, to In recognition that the organisation’s effectiveness in help them understand their claims data to better assess reducing NHS litigation costs could be improved by where local interventions would have the greatest impact expanding its remit and giving it a greater role in in reducing high volume or high costs claims. It also promoting learning from harmful incidents, the Secretary shares learning and best practice across the NHS through of State announced earlier this year that the NHS the development of guidance including cases studies Litigation Authority would be known as NHS Resolution derived from analysis of the national database of claims, from 1 April 2017 with a new five year strategy thematic guidance and national events. Through its new Delivering fair resolution and learning from harm: Our strategy, it will deliver increased insight into what drives strategy to 2022 which gives it an enhanced focus on the costs of harm and work in partnership with others to mediation, learning and prevention, as well as litigation. develop interventions that improve safety and save money A copy of the five year strategy is attached. for the NHS, as demonstrated by its report Five years of cerebral palsy claims: A thematic review of NHS NHS Resolution already works with NHS Resolution data published in September. A copy of the organisations, with the use of the claims scorecards, to report has been placed in the Library due to the size of the help them understand their claims data to better assess document. where local interventions would have the greatest impact in reducing high volume or high costs claims. It also The Answer includes the following attached material: shares learning and best practice across the NHS through Delivering fair resolution and learning from harm [NHS- the development of guidance including cases studies Resolution-Our-strategy-to-2022-1.pdf] derived from analysis of the national database of claims, thematic guidance and national events. Through its new Managing the costs of clinical negligence [Managing-the-costs-of- strategy, it will deliver increased insight into what drives clinical-negligence-in-trusts.pdf] the costs of harm and work in partnership with others to develop interventions that improve safety and save money The material can be viewed online at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- for the NHS, as demonstrated by its report Five years of answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-11-27/HL3619 cerebral palsy claims: A thematic review of NHS Resolution data published in September. A copy of the Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath report has been placed in the Library due to the size of the document. To ask Her Majesty's Government how they ensure that lessons learned through cases handled by the NHS The Answer includes the following attached material: Litigation Authority are passed on to the NHS rapidly Delivering fair resolution and learning from harm [NHS- to prevent future errors. [HL3620] Resolution-Our-strategy-to-2022-1.pdf] Lord O'Shaughnessy: The NHS Litigation Authority, Managing the costs of clinical negligence [Managing-the-costs-of- known as NHS Resolution from 1 April 2017, is clinical-negligence-in-trusts.pdf] accountable to the Department and its performance is subject to regular review through the Department’s The material can be viewed online at: sponsorship arrangements. The Department’s assessment http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- is that NHS Resolution is a well-run and efficient answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-11-27/HL3620 organisation and that it has had some success, within the Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath current legal framework, in containing the cost of National Health Service litigation, a view that was To ask Her Majesty's Government what percentage of supported by the National Audit Office (NAO), in its clinical cases brought against the NHS and managed by report Managing the costs of clinical negligence in trusts the NHS Litigation Authority in each of the past ten published in September 2017. A copy of the report is years resulted in (1) a finding of liability by the courts, attached. (2) a finding by the courts that there was no liability, (3) NHS Resolution has a responsibility to settle justified a settlement outside court alongside an admission of claims fairly and promptly, and defend unjustified claims liability, (4) a settlement outside court with no to secure NHS resources. Each case must be considered admission of liability, and (5) some other outcome. on its own merits and it is important that a proper [HL3621] investigation is undertaken. NHS Resolution aims to get Lord O'Shaughnessy: NHS Resolution, formerly to the right answer as quickly as possible in every case known as the NHS Litigation Authority, manages clinical and to help resolve claims sooner, and without the need negligence claims against the National Health Service in for court proceedings, NHS Resolution launched a new England on behalf of member organisations. NHS mediation service in December 2016. The NAO report on Resolution has provided the following information: clinical negligence costs concluded that it is difficult to Page 14 11 December 2017 Written Answers

Clinical claims closed (or settled as a Periodical Viscount Younger of Leckie: The Office for Students Payment Order) 2007/08 to 2016/17 as at 31 October currently exists in shadow form and will be legally 2017 are set out in the attached table due to the size of the constituted on 1 January 2018. In appointing the Chief data. Executive Officer (CEO) her current interests were In relation to settlements outside court with or without disclosed and discussed in terms of how they affect her an admission of liability, NHS Resolution has advised tenure as CEO. In making public appointments it is not that it does not collate details of all cases where usual practice to determine the future employment of admissions were made but it has provided the number of public appointees. settled cases where a damages payment was awarded or Asked by Lord Adonis not. To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the NHS Resolution has advised that there is no ‘other contract of the Chair of the Office for Students forbids outcome’ for cases. him from accepting remuneration or employment from The Answer includes the following attached material: a university in England after his term of office. Clinical claims closed [HL3621 attachment.docx] [HL3649] Viscount Younger of Leckie: The Office for Students The material can be viewed online at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- currently exists in shadow form and will be legally answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-11-27/HL3621 constituted on 1 January 2018. In appointing the Chair his current interests were disclosed and discussed in terms of how they affect his tenure as Chair. He attended a Pre- Northern Ireland Government Appointment Hearing before the Education Select Asked by Lord Hay of Ballyore Committee who endorsed his appointment. In making public appointments it is not usual practice to determine To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are the future employment of public appointees. taking to ensure that the Northern Ireland Executive is restored as soon as possible. [HL3698] Orphan Drugs Lord Duncan of Springbank: The Government remains determined to re-establish the fully functioning, Asked by Baroness Masham of Ilton inclusive devolved administration that works for everyone To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration in Northern Ireland. The issues dividing the parties are has been given by NICE to appraisal criteria for ultra- relatively small in number, focusing mainly around orphan conditions. [HL3669] culture, identity and the future stability of the devolved institutions. While not underestimating the challenges Lord O'Shaughnessy: For treatments to be considered involved the Government believes a way forward can be by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence found and an agreement reached. The Secretary of State (NICE) for the Highly Specialised Technologies (HST) for Northern Ireland remains in close contact with the programme, including ultra-orphan treatments, they are parties and the Irish Government in accordance with the subject to the elimination and prioritisation criteria set by three stranded approach to Northern Ireland affairs. NICE. The elimination criteria remove any unsuitable topics from potential consideration for guidance development through the HST programme, and the Nutrition: Mental Health criteria are as follows: Asked by Baroness Burt of Solihull - There is likely to be significant benefit to patients in terms of administration, efficacy or improved side effect To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment profile; have they made of the links between nutrition and mental health. [HL3653] - The new formulation or technology is at, or likely to be at a significantly different price; Lord O'Shaughnessy: The Scientific Advisory - There is appropriate evidence, such as would enable Committee on Nutrition has made no assessment of the evaluation, either available or anticipated to be available link between nutrition and mental health and currently has in the near future; no plans to do so. - The timing is right. NICE is committed to publishing timely guidance within six months of the marketing Office for Students: Business Interests authorisation; and Asked by Lord Adonis - The relevant clinical question(s) can be addressed by the application of the highly specialised technologies To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the evaluation methodology. This would exclude topics on contract of the Chief Executive of the Office for which guidance to NHS England would be of inadequate Students forbids her from accepting remuneration for value in the absence of broader guidelines on the clinical employment from a university in England after her term pathway within which the technology should be of office. [HL3648] contextualised. Written Answers 11 December 2017 Page 15

The importance of each topic is considered against the NHS England’s National Programme Board for End of prioritisation criteria that help the Department decide life Care with all key system partners and stakeholders, which topics should be referred to NICE for guidance including Together for Short Lives (TFSL), a range of development through the HST programme. The activity is ongoing to achieve this. It is right that clinical prioritisation criteria are as follows: commissioning groups have autonomy to shape services - The target patient group for the technology in its locally, and it is important that, where needed, more is licensed indication is so small that treatment will usually done to provide them with tools, evidence, support and be concentrated in very few centres in the NHS; guidance to demonstrate the benefits of delivering the Government’s vision for end of life care. NHS England, - The target patient group is distinct for clinical reasons; Public Health England and the Ambitions Partnership - The condition is chronic and severely disabling; (comprising national organisations across the statutory - The technology is expected to be used exclusively in and voluntary sectors, including TFSL) have provided a the context of a highly specialised service; wealth of support over the first year, including: currencies - The technology is likely to have a very high to improve transparency in specialist palliative acquisition cost; commissioning; new guidance on cost effective commissioning; data about end of life care to assist - The technology has the potential for life long use; and Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships (STP) as - The need for national commissioning of the they develop their plans for services; and seven technology is significant. evaluations of different approaches to 24/7 models of care. Palliative Care: Children Early in 2017, NHS England will be holding workshops Asked by Lord Carlile of Berriew with a range of STP leads to provide practical advice and support on developing effective end of life care services To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they and demonstrating the value they can bring. In addition, intend to commission a review into the consistency of TFSL has been commissioned by NHS England to regional commissioning of services families with promote the adoption of best practice approaches to children in need of palliative care. [HL3603] children’s that are recommended by the National Institute Asked by Lord Carlile of Berriew for Health and Care Excellence, and report back on barriers to implementation locally. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment The Answer includes the following attached material: they have made of the findings by the charity Together for Short Lives in its report Commissioning children’s One year on [Government_response_choice_in_end_of_life_care palliative care in England: 2017 edition that (1) only 35 one year on.pdf] per cent of clinical commissioning groups are implementing HM Government’s guidance set out in Our commitment to you for end of life care [choice-response.pdf] Our Commitment to You for End of Life Care, and (2) that 46 per cent have no plans to do so; and whether What's important to me [CHOICE_REVIEW_FINAL_for_web.pdf] they intend to conduct a review into how implementation levels can be improved and made The material can be viewed online at: consistent throughout England. [HL3606] http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-11-27/HL3603 Lord O'Shaughnessy: In July 2016, the Government set out its commitment to everyone at the end of life in the Government response to the independent What’s Police important to me. A Review of Choice in End of Life Care. A copy of the Review is attached. Our Commitment to Asked by Baroness Harris of Richmond you for end of life care: The Government Response to the To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they Review of Choice in End of Life Care (the Choice have made of the number of (1) police officers, and (2) Commitment) set out what everyone should expect from police community support officers, in England and their care at the end of life and the actions we are taking Wales, broken down by police force area. [HL3772] to make high quality and personalisation a reality for all, both adults and children, and to end variation in end of Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Home Office life care across the health system by 2020. A copy of the collects and publishes statistics on the number of police Government Response is attached. On 21 September 2017 officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) we published One year on: the government response to employed by each police force in England and Wales on a the review of choice in end of life care setting out the bi-annual basis. These data are published in the ‘Police good progress made in delivering this over the first year. workforce, England and Wales’ statistical bulletins, which A copy is attached. can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/police- Through the Mandate, we have asked NHS England to workforce-england-and-wales-31-march-2017 deliver the Choice Commitment, and working through Page 16 11 December 2017 Written Answers

Table H5 of the accompanying data tables contains Russia: Yukos information on the number of police officers, by police force area, and table H7 contains data on the number of Asked by Baroness Falkner of Margravine PCSOs by police force area: To ask Her Majesty's Government what https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ representations they will make at the next meeting of attachment_data/file/629865/police-workforce-tabs- the Ministers' Deputies of the Council of Europe during jul17.ods consideration of the non-payments by the Russian The Answer includes the following attached material: Federation to the former majority shareholders of Yukos of the 1.9 billion euros awarded by the European Police Workforce - Tables H5 and H7 [police-workforce Table H5 Court of Human Rights. [HL3607] - H7.xlsx] Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Meetings of Ministers' Police Workforce, Eng & Wales Stats - March 2017 [hosb1017- Deputies of the Council of Europe are confidential. We police-workforce.pdf] consider that the Russian Government should implement the European Court of Human Rights' ruling of July 2014. The material can be viewed online at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- The UK has made this point on many occasions answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-11-30/HL3772 previously and will continue to press Russia to fulfil its international obligation to comply with the Court's judgement. Religious Freedom Asked by Lord Suri Sahel To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Asked by The Marquess of Lothian Foreign and Commonwealth Office intends to establish To ask Her Majesty's Government when the current a fund for programmes supporting freedom of religion scoping mission to assess the UK's future involvement or belief. [HL3638] in the Sahel, including potential support to the G5 Sahel Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The protection of Joint Force, will be completed; and whether its Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) continues to be a conclusions will be made public. [HL3706] priority for the UK Government. Projects that directly Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The scoping mission support FoRB overseas are funded through the Foreign will be completed in mid-January. The situation in the and Commonwealth Office (FCO)'s Magna Carta Fund Sahel is deteriorating, so the UK Government is looking for Human Rights and Democracy. In 2017/18 the Magna at a range of options to protect UK interests in the region Carta Fund will spend £758,717 on six FoRB projects. and support EU partners' endeavours. The conclusions We will open for bids to support FoRB work in the will be made public early next year. 2018/19 financial year, early in the next calendar year. Smoking Russia: Council of Europe Asked by Lord Faulkner of Worcester Asked by Baroness Falkner of Margravine To ask Her Majesty's Government when the approval To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the process for proposals for a grant for 2017–18 to support suspension of Russia's annual payment to the Council implementation of the Tobacco Control Plan under of Europe, what discussions they have had with section 64 of the of the Health Services and Public Thorbjørn Jagland, the Secretary General, regarding the Health Act 1968 will be completed. [HL3609] possibility of Russia's withdrawal from the Council of Asked by Lord Faulkner of Worcester Europe. [HL3608] To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any plans Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK Ambassador to to support implementation of the Tobacco Control Plan the Council of Europe has had regular discussions with for England will contain provisions for future year the Secretary General to the Council of Europe over funding to cover the full length of the Plan from 2017 to Russia's refusal to pay the second instalment of their 2022. [HL3610] budgetary payment for 2017. In addition, my right honourable friends in the other place, the Member for Lord O'Shaughnessy: The Department is still Rutland and Melton, Sir Alan Duncan, and the Member considering the scope and procurement process for grants for Aylesbury, David Lidington, separately met the to support the implementation of the Tobacco Control Secretary General on 28 November 2017. We are Plan. Cabinet Office standards require all new grants to be considering all possible scenarios and are working with subject to competition. Our intention is to make any the Secretary General and other Member States on this future grant available on a multi-year basis, subject to an matter. Russia has an obligation to pay its subscription as appropriate business case and satisfactory performance on a member and should start paying again without delay. the part of the funded bodies. Written Answers 11 December 2017 Page 17

Asked by Lord Rennard Somalia and Somaliland: Overseas Aid To ask Her Majesty's Government how much funding Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool they provided under section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 to support To ask Her Majesty's Government whether aid has implementation of the Tobacco Control Plan for been provided in transitional livelihood support to England published in 2011; and to which organisations. former Al-Shabaab supporters through Adam Smith [HL3630] International on behalf of the Department for International Development's Somalia and Somaliland Asked by Lord Rennard programmes, in each of the last six years; and if so, how To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they much. [HL3804] have to provide funding under section 64 of the Health Lord Bates: No aid has been provided by the Services and Public Health Act 1968 to support Department for International Development through Adam implementation of the Tobacco Control Plan for Smith International or any other channel for this purpose England published in July. [HL3631] in any of the last six years. Lord O'Shaughnessy: Over the duration of the previous Tobacco Control Plan, 2011–2015, the Somalia: Overseas Aid Department awarded £750,000 of funding to Action on Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool Smoking and Health, supporting the implementation of tobacco control policies. To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will From 2012, these grants were awarded under Section 64 place in the Library of the House copies of of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968. correspondence detailing operational and reputational Unfortunately, the Department’s financial system does risks relating to the Department for International not provide the level of detail to confirm whether funding Development's Somalia programme; and what was made under the legal power of Section 64 prior to assessment they have made of the conclusion of the this date. report by the Independent Commission for Aid Impact, UK Aid in a Conflict Affected Financial Grants Procurement Grand Total Comments Year Country: Reducing Conflict and Fragility in Somalia, that those risks "were the subject of anxious 2015/16 125,000 125,000 Grant to consideration within and between departments”. support [ ] the HL3805 Tobacco Lord Bates: Internal correspondence on risks is often Plan of the sensitive nature and is not therefore in the public 2014/15 150,000 150,000 Grant to domain. The specific reference in the ICAI report on support Somalia to the “anxious consideration” of risks refers to a the Tobacco specific project. The report goes on to say that: “We Plan found, from records of the discussions and interviews with DFID and FCO managers, that the Local Strategy 2013/14 175,000 175,000 Grant to support Board addressed the various concerns raised mainly by the DFID about the value and risks of the programme, agreed Tobacco modifications and safeguards, and monitored progress, Plan reporting to the higher-level committees as appropriate”. 2012/13 150,000 150,000 Grant to support Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool the Tobacco To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent Plan assessment they have made of the ability of (1) the Department for International Development, and (2) the 2011/12 150,000 150,000 Grant to support Conflict, Stability and Security Fund, to measure the the impact of their operations in Somalia on conflict and Tobacco fragility, with particular regard to whether they are Plan doing more good than harm. [HL3806] The Department is still considering the scope and Lord Bates: A variety of tools and methods are used procurement process for grants to support the both by the Department for Internation al Development implementation of the Tobacco Control Plan. Cabinet and the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund to measure Office standards require all new grants to be subject to the impact of programming and ensure that HMG funded competition. Our intention is to make any future grant projects do no harm. These include conflict sensitivity available on a multi-year basis, subject to an appropriate analyses, enhanced monitoring of results and impacts business case and satisfactory performance on the part of (including by independent third parties), and where the funded bodies. Page 18 11 December 2017 Written Answers required the use of more formalised Overseas Security Government has provided the Police Service of Northern and Justice Assessments. Ireland with the additional resources they asked for to tackle the SEVERE threat from terrorism, this includes Sovereignty: Northern Ireland £160m in Additional Security Funding to PSNI in this spending review period. Asked by Lord Patten To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they Type 45 Destroyers intend to call a border poll in Northern Ireland; and if Asked by Lord Empey so, when. [HL3670] To ask Her Majesty's Government by when the Royal Lord Duncan of Springbank: The UK Government Navy's fleet of Type 45 Destroyers will have undergone remains fully committed to the Belfast Agreement. This the propulsion improvement programme; and at what includes the obligation for the Secretary of State to call a cost. [HL3660] border poll if he believes there is majority support for a united Ireland. It is, however, the Secretary of State’s Earl Howe: I refer the noble Lord to the answer given view that a majority of the people of Northern Ireland by my hon. Friend, the Minister for Defence Procurement continue to support the current political settlement, (Harriett Baldwin), in the House of Commons on 4 including Northern Ireland’s position within the United December 2017 to Question number 116327. Kingdom. As set out in the Government’s Northern The Answer includes the following attached material: Ireland manifesto at the General Election the circumstances set out in the 1998 Agreement that require 116327 - WQnA extract on Type 45 Destroyers a border poll on Irish unification are therefore not [20171204_116327_Type_45_Destroyers.docx] satisfied. The material can be viewed online at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- Sudan: Human Rights answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-11-28/HL3660 Asked by The Earl of Sandwich UN Human Rights Council: Elections To ask Her Majesty's Government, whether, during Asked by Lord Alderdice their current dialogue with the government of Sudan, they have raised issues of human rights and To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they freedom of expression in (1) universities, (2) places of have taken to promote the "competitive HRC worship, and (3) non-governmental organisations; and membership elections" for the United Nations Human what progress they have made in discussing those Rights Council they called for in the joint concluding issues with the government of Sudan. [HL3788] statement of the 35th Session of the UNHRC in June. [HL3594] Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Sudan remains a Human Rights Priority Country for the Foreign & Commonwealth Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Her Majesty's Office, and although there have been limited Government is committed to the defence of human rights improvements in some areas, we continue to be concerned worldwide and strongly supports the work of the Human by reports of restrictions on freedom of expression, civil Rights Council (HRC). Recent steps to encourage society, and freedom of religion or belief. competitive elections to the HRC include our participation in public pledging events by HRC As part of our ongoing dialogue, officials from our membership candidates in Geneva and New York. We are Embassy in Khartoum regularly raise our concerns about considering with like-minded member states a number of human rights, including with regard to universities, places ideas relating to the membership and functioning of the of worship, and non-governmental organisations, with HRC, following on from the Joint Statement at its 35th Government officials at all levels. Human rights and Session. freedom of expression were also a key topic of discussion at the fourth session of the UK-Sudan Strategic Dialogue on 16 October. Universities: Finance Asked by Lord Adonis Terrorism: Northern Ireland To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Chief Asked by Lord Hay of Ballyore Executive of the Higher Education Council for England as Accounting Officer has a duty to intervene in cases To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are of serious abuse of funding on the part of universities. taking to support the Police Service of Northern Ireland [HL3591] in tackling terrorism in Northern Ireland. [HL3699] Viscount Younger of Leckie: As Accounting Officer Lord Duncan of Springbank: The Police Service of for the Higher Education Funding Council for England Northern Ireland and others who work to keep people safe (HEFCE), the Chief Executive Officer has a duty to have our full support for the public service they give. This safeguard the public funds the council allocates. Through Written Answers 11 December 2017 Page 19 the Memorandum of Assurance and Accountability, Permanent Secretaries, at (a) the Department for which HEFCE has with all the institutions it funds, the Education, and (b) the Department for Business, Energy council monitors universities’ management of public and Industrial Strategy, any concerns about poor value money. HEFCE has power, under the Further and Higher for money in public spending caused by excessive Education Act 1992, to intervene in cases of salaries for vice-chancellors and other senior mismanagement. administrators in England’s universities. [HL3593] Viscount Younger of Leckie: The Chief Executive of Universities: Pay the Higher Education Funding Council for England meets Asked by Lord Adonis regularly with officials and with the Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation who is a To ask Her Majesty's Government, in respect of the Minister at both the Department for Education, and the duty of the Chief Executive of the Higher Education Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Funding Council for England to safeguard the efficient (BEIS). use of public funds, what assessment they have made of the value for money of salaries paid to vice-chancellors. They discuss a range of issues relating to the delivery of [HL3592] value for money in our higher education sector, which has included issues related to senior pay as well as issues Viscount Younger of Leckie: The government is related to teaching, research and others aspects of the determined to ensure that students and taxpayers can be activities of higher education providers. confident that they get a good deal from higher education (HE). The Chief Executive met the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Education in November 2016 and Over recent years, the government has become senior pay was not discussed. She has not met the increasingly concerned about the level of remuneration Permanent Secretary for BEIS. for senior staff in the HE sector. It has asked the Higher Education Funding Council for England to look at this issue using its regulatory powers, which has resulted in Zimbabwe: Foreign Relations updated guidance to the sector on senior pay and greater transparency in relation to vice-chancellor salaries. Asked by The Marquess of Lothian Holding universities to account for value for money has To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they been a key objective of the HE reforms, enacted in the have taken to improve relations with Zimbabwe since Higher Education and Research Act, and it continues to President Mnangagwa took office. [HL3710] guide the government’s work as the Office for Students (OfS) is launched. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Minister for Africa visited Zimbabwe on 23-24 November. He met a range of The OfS has a statutory duty to promote value for political leaders, including President Mnangagwa, as well money in the sector. The government will ask the OfS to as business representatives, non-governmental use its powers to take action to protect value for money organisations and civil society to discuss the UK's support for students and taxpayers in the future. for free and fair elections and economic reform in Asked by Lord Adonis Zimbabwe. The Foreign Secretary had a bilateral meeting with the Zimbabwean delegation in the margins of the To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Chief African Union/EU Summit in Abidjan on 29 November. Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England has raised with (1) Ministers, and (2) the

Index to Statements and Answers

Written Statements ...... 1 Orphan Drugs ...... 14 Cape Town Convention: MAC Protocol ...... 1 Palliative Care: Children...... 15 Competitiveness Council ...... 1 Police ...... 15 Economic Crime and Anti-corruption ...... 2 Religious Freedom ...... 16 EU Council: UNHCR Executive Committee ...... 3 Russia: Council of Europe ...... 16 Help to Save Accounts ...... 3 Russia: Yukos ...... 16 Higher Education ...... 4 Sahel ...... 16 Review of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 ...... 5 Smoking ...... 16 Written Answers ...... 6 Somalia and Somaliland: Overseas Aid ...... 17 Antibiotics: Research...... 6 Somalia: Overseas Aid ...... 17 Apprentices ...... 6 Sovereignty: Northern Ireland ...... 18 Brofiscin Quarry ...... 6 Sudan: Human Rights ...... 18 Burma: Rohingya...... 6 Terrorism: Northern Ireland ...... 18 Church Schools ...... 7 Type 45 Destroyers ...... 18 Church Schools: Admissions ...... 7 UN Human Rights Council: Elections ...... 18 Commonwealth: Indigenous Peoples ...... 7 Universities: Finance ...... 18 Cyprus: Military Bases ...... 7 Universities: Pay ...... 19 Disability Living Allowance ...... 8 Zimbabwe: Foreign Relations...... 19 Gaza: Travel Restrictions ...... 8 Higher Education ...... 8 Home Office: EU Law ...... 8 Immigration ...... 8 Indigenous Peoples ...... 9 Israel: Freedom of Expression ...... 9 Israel: Palestinians ...... 9 Knives: Crime ...... 10 Libya: Bomb Disposal ...... 10 Local Government: Pay ...... 10 Medical Records ...... 10 Medical Treatments ...... 11 Mental Health Services: Children and Young People ...... 11 NHS Litigation Authority ...... 12 Northern Ireland Government ...... 14 Nutrition: Mental Health ...... 14 Office for Students: Business Interests ...... 14