p a r l i a m e n t a r y d e b a t e s (hansard ......2020/04/21 · 10,000 dairy farmers continue...

Tuesday

21 April 2020

P A R L I A M E N T A R Y D E B A T E S

(HANSARD)

HOUSE OF LORDS

WRITTEN STATEMENTS AND

WRITTEN ANSWERS

Written Statements ................................................ 1

Written Answers ..................................................... 5

Session 2019-20

No. 45

[I] indicates that the member concerned has a relevant registered interest. The full register of interests can be found at

http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/standards-and-interests/register-of-lords-interests/

Members who want a printed copy of Written Answers and Written Statements should notify the Printed Paper Office.

This printed edition is a reproduction of the original text of Answers and Statements, which can be found on the internet

at http://www.parliament.uk/writtenanswers/.

Ministers and others who make Statements or answer Questions are referred to only by name, not their ministerial or

other title. The current list of ministerial and other responsibilities is as follows.

Minister Responsibilities

Baroness Evans of Bowes Park Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal

Earl Howe Deputy Leader of the House of Lords

Lord Agnew of Oulton Minister of State, Cabinet Office and Treasury

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International

Development

Lord Ashton of Hyde Chief Whip

Baroness Barran Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Baroness Berridge Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Department for

International Trade

Lord Bethell Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Care

Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton

Waldrist

Whip

Lord Callanan Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial

Strategy

Earl of Courtown Deputy Chief Whip

Lord Gardiner of Kimble Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural

Affairs

Baroness Goldie Minister of State, Ministry of Defence

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Foreign and

Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development

Lord Greenhalgh Minister of State, Home Office and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local

Government

Lord Grimstone of Boscobel Minister of State, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Department

for International Trade

Lord Keen of Elie Advocate-General for Scotland and Ministry of Justice Spokesperson

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay Whip

Baroness Scott of Byfleet Whip

Baroness Stedman-Scott Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions

Baroness Sugg Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department

for International Development

Lord True Minister of State, Cabinet Office

Baroness Vere of Norbiton Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Transport

Viscount Younger of Leckie Whip

© Parliamentary Copyright House of Lords 2020

This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence,

which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/



http://www.parliament.uk/writtenanswers

http://www.parliament.uk/writtenanswers

Written Statements 21 April 2020 Page 1

Written Statements Tuesday, 21 April 2020

Delivery of Critical Services: Government

Action

[HLWS188]

Lord Gardiner of Kimble: My Right Hon Friend the

Secretary of State (George Eustice) has today made the

following statement.

Coronavirus presents unprecedented challenges to the

businesses we rely on to provide essential services which

keep people safe – including food supply, water and

waste.

Many businesses in these sectors have benefited from

Government schemes to support all businesses, including

the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, Coronavirus

Business Interruption Loan Scheme, and the Small

Business Grant Scheme and support for the self-

employed.

Beyond this, the Government has taken specific action

to support the food, farming, water and waste sectors in

the delivery of critical services.

Fisheries: The fishing sector has seen considerable

impacts because of the closure of restaurants both here

and in Europe and severe market disruption. Last week

we announced a new £10 million support scheme to

help the catching and aquaculture sector in England and

boost local supply chains. Vessel owners and

aquaculture businesses will receive payments to help

cover their fixed costs. On Monday we began to contact

eligible vessel owners. The MMO has published the

details of the scheme on gov.uk.

Dairy: In particular, the dairy sector has felt a

significant impact as a result of the coronavirus

pandemic. Between 5 and 10 per cent of total milk

production goes to the food service trade and there is

therefore a small proportion of milk production that

currently has no home. The vast majority of Britain's

10,000 dairy farmers continue to supply their contracts

at the usual price and larger processors have been

largely unaffected by the market disruption because of

their scale and diversified nature. In order to support the

affected farmers, on Friday we announced that we will

set aside some elements of competition law to make it

easier for processors to come together and voluntarily

work out how to ease production down in order to

create the space in the market for that milk that

currently has no home and to support a recovery in the

spot price. We have asked the Agriculture and

Horticulture Development Board (which supports the

interests of dairy farmers and the wider farming

industry) and Dairy UK (which represents the

processors) to coordinate a proposal and discussions are

already underway.

Livestock: There has been a drop in demand in various

cuts, for example steaks, leading to carcass balance

problems in the beef, poultry meat and pig meat sectors.

We have encouraged supermarkets to put steaks on

promotion and, while the price of beef cattle has

reduced in recent weeks, retailers are also reporting an

increase in meat sales. Although the price of beef cattle,

poultry and pigs has dropped, it still remains higher

than in previous years. Quite a lot of beef, poultry meat

and pig meat has gone into storage so we continue to

monitor this market closely.

Waste: The waste sector has been impacted by social

distancing, staff shortages and an increase in waste

produced by households compared to a decrease in

demand for commercial collections. Defra has

published guidance to local authorities to help them

prioritise their waste streams to keep important services

like black bin bag collections moving, and worked with

the waste sector to develop an online platform called

WasteSupport which facilitates the sharing of resources

between local authorities and commercial operators.

This was launched by the sector at the end of last week.

We are looking at how we can keep other services

operating such as household waste recycling centres,

and are aware of reports of increases in fly-tipping.

Supermarkets: following a significant spike in

consumer demand, we have now seen stock levels in

supermarkets improve and panic buying has stopped.

To support the food sector, the government temporarily

relaxed competition law and regulations relating to

driver hours and delivery times so that the sector could

work together to keep putting food on the shelves.

Ornamental horticulture: the closure of garden centres

has had an impact on some specialist plant producers in

the ornamental horticultural sector. Online sales have

been able to continue and the Government is keeping

the situation under review but concluded last week that

it was too early to ease any restrictions on such retail

environments. The First Secretary set out the five tests

on which the Government would base any assessment

of easing the current measure. We must all continue to

stay at home, in order to protect the NHS and save

lives.

The Government will continue to support these

essential services; I want to thank all those who have

rallied in an extraordinary way to respond to this

unprecedented challenge.

Schools: Capital Funding

[HLWS187]

Baroness Berridge: My right honourable friend the

Minister of State for School Standards (Nick Gibb) has

made the following Written Ministerial Statement.

Today, I am confirming £2.2bn of capital funding to

maintain and improve the condition of the school estate

and to create new school places. Funding allocations were

published on 15 April 2020. This investment will support

the Government’s priority to ensure that every child has

the opportunity of a place at a good school, whatever their

background.

http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statement/Lords/2020-04-21/HLWS188/


21 April 2020 Written Statements

As part of our investment of £23 billion in the school

estate by 2021, we have now announced over £1.4 billion

of condition funding for the financial year 2020-21. This

package includes:

• £800 million for local authorities, large multi-

academy trusts and academy sponsors, and dioceses,

and other large voluntary aided school groups, to invest

in maintaining and improving the condition of their

schools.

• Over £400 million available through the Condition

Improvement Fund for essential maintenance projects at

small and stand-alone academy trusts, voluntary aided

schools and sixth-form colleges.

• Over £200 million of Devolved Formula Capital

allocated directly for schools to spend on capital

projects to meet their own priorities.

In addition, we have announced nearly £750 million of

new funding to create new school places needed for

September 2022. This funding, which is over and above

our commitment to invest £23 billion in the school estate

by 2021, will allow local authorities to plan ahead with

confidence, and to invest strategically to ensure they

deliver good school places for every child who needs one.

This funding was announced on 15 April 2020. Full

details have been published on the Department for

Education section on the GOV.UK website.

Support for Education Settings and

Providers

[HLWS189]

Baroness Berridge: My right honourable friend the

Secretary of State for Education (Gavin Williamson) has

made the following Written Ministerial Statement.

Support for education settings/providers

I am writing to inform the House of further steps this

Government is taking to support the education system and

children and young people manage the consequences of

COVID-19.

Attendance in schools

Schools have been closed to all but the children of

critical workers and vulnerable children since Monday,

March 23. They will remain closed until further notice,

except for children of critical workers and vulnerable

children, who are encouraged to attend where it is

appropriate for them to do so.

Today we have published the numbers of children of

critical workers and vulnerable children in attendance at

schools since 23 March and up to 17 April. The figures

are available on Gov.uk. Attendance statistics will now be

published on a weekly basis, looking back at the previous

school week. Further data will be available next Tuesday,

covering the period up to 24 April.

Key findings are as follows –

• Figures show the attendance rate amongst pupils in

educational establishments was 0.9% during the week

commencing 6 April, which would have been the first

week of the Easter holidays, having originally been

above 3% in the first week of schools being closed

except for children of critical workers and vulnerable

children.

• 24,000 of the children in attendance on Friday 17

April were classed as vulnerable; 62,000 of the children

in attendance on Friday 17 April were children of

critical workers.

• Statistics also show that the number of teachers

attending school has been falling, which suggests that

schools are adapting to lower numbers of pupils and the

latest advice on social distancing.

These figures illustrate the incredible effort families all

over the country are making as we fight the coronavirus,

with well over 90% of children staying home.

Supporting attendance of vulnerable children and

young people

Our first priority has always been protecting the

wellbeing of children and young people, but particularly

those vulnerable young people with special educational

needs or a social worker.

Schools remain open for them, as they also do for

children of critical workers, and we encourage vulnerable

children and young people to attend educational settings

unless they have underlying health conditions that put

them at severe risk.

We have refreshed our guidance in relation to this

group to set out our expectations of how educational

settings and local authorities should encourage and

support vulnerable children and young people at this time

and how non-attendance should be followed up. This can

be found on Gov.uk.

Free School Meals

We thank schools for continuing to support those

children that are eligible for free school meals, including

during the Easter break. We know that support is being

provided through their existing schools food suppliers or

through the national voucher scheme Government has put

in place. Today I can confirm that Aldi will be added to

the list of supermarkets where vouchers will be

redeemable. That is in addition to Sainsbury’s, Tesco’s,

Waitrose, M&S, Asda and Morrison’s.

New support for remote education and access to social

services

Most children are not attending schools, and we are

extremely grateful for how schools and colleges have

adapted so rapidly to new ways of working by moving

resources online, working remotely and changing the way

they support their students and each other.

We have already published an initial list of high quality

online educational resources including how to support

physical and mental wellbeing and materials for teaching

children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Many commercial providers have also offered high

quality educational resources at discounts or for free.

In addition, to support the hard work of schools in

delivering remote education, the Oak National Academy


https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-attendance-in-education-and-early-years-settings

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-attendance-in-education-and-early-years-settings

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-vulnerable-children-and-young-people


Written Statements 21 April 2020 Page 3

was launched on Monday 20 April. This brand-new

enterprise has been created by 40 teachers from some of

the leading schools across England, backed by

government grant funding. It will provide 180 video

lessons each week, across a broad range of subjects from

maths to art to languages, for every year group from

Reception through to Year 10.

The BBC has also launched its own education package

across TV and online, featuring celebrities and some of

the best teachers – helping to keep children learning and

supporting parents.

This is alongside new guidance we published on

Sunday 19 April for parents on how best to support their

child’s education and development at home. This can be

found on Gov.uk.

To ensure that as many children as possible can access

online learning, we have ordered laptops to help

disadvantaged young people who would otherwise not

have access and are preparing for exams (in year 10).

We will also provide laptops or tablets for care leavers

and children with social workers (including families with

pre-school age children) to help them stay in touch with

the services they need, keeping them safe as well as

supporting home learning.

And if disadvantaged children in year 10, care leavers

and children with a social worker at secondary school

cannot access the internet, we’ll provide free 4G routers

to get them connected while schools are closed. We are

also working with some of the major telecommunications

providers to exempt certain educational resource sites

from data charges.

For 16-19 year olds, colleges, schools or other

providers can support those without access to devices or

connections through their flexible bursary funding. Where

additional funding is needed to provide this support,

providers can apply to have their bursary funds topped up

to ensure those who need it have access.

NSPCC Helpline

To further protect children from harm, we are

continuing to support NSPCC’s Childline and are

working with them to expand the adult helpline by

providing them with £1.6 million. This means children

have someone to call, and more adults will be able to raise

concerns and seek advice about the safety and wellbeing

of any child they are worried about.

Care leavers

We recognise that young people who have left care or

are just about to, whether that’s from a foster family or

residential care, are especially vulnerable right now.

I am asking local authorities to ensure no one has to

leave care during this period, by looking very carefully at

whether it is safe for those young people who would have

been due to move out of their care to do so and to give

care leavers extra support.

The £1.6 billion of additional funding announced by the

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local

Government on Saturday will help local authorities give

care leavers, and other vulnerable groups, the support that

they need at this difficult time.

Flexibility to use early years entitlement funding to

secure childcare for critical workers and vulnerable

children

It is vital that we secure sufficient childcare for critical

workers and vulnerable children through the COVID-19

pandemic, and ensure the sector is able to function and

allow parents to return to work afterwards. I want to thank

the local authorities, childminders, nurseries and schools

that are working together to ensure sufficient childcare in

their areas. To help them do this, we are providing a range

of financial support.

As most early years providers have mixed private and

public incomes, we have published guidance setting out

how providers can access the Coronavirus Job Retention

Scheme (CJRS) while still receiving early entitlement

funding. This confirmed that providers can access the

CJRS to cover up to the proportion of its pay bill which

could be considered to have been paid for from that

provider’s private income.

We will also be publishing guidance to support local

authorities to use their free entitlement funding

differently, redistributing it – in exceptional cases and in a

clearly focused and targeted way – in order to secure

childcare for the children of critical workers and for

vulnerable children, where their usual arrangements are

no longer possible.

This ability to redistribute will enable local authorities

to ensure that critical workers, including NHS staff, are

able to access childcare where they need it. Any setting

which sees their early entitlement funding reduced in

order to fund childcare places elsewhere will be able to

increase the proportion of their salary bill eligible for the

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme in line with the

department’s guidance on access to the scheme.

This statement has also been made in the House of

Lords.

Whiplash Reform Programme:

Implementation

[HLWS190]

Lord Keen of Elie: My right honourable friend the

Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Robert

Buckland) has made the following Written Statement.

I would like to provide an update on next steps for the

Whiplash Reform Programme.

The Government remains firmly committed to

implementing these measures which are intended to

control the number and cost of whiplash claims. Under

the Programme, we will increase the small claims track

limit for road traffic accident related personal injury

claims to £5,000; as well as introduce a fixed tariff of

damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity for

whiplash injuries, and a ban on the making or accepting

of offers to settle a whiplash claim without a medical

report.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/supporting-your-childrens-education-during-coronavirus-covid-19

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/supporting-your-childrens-education-during-coronavirus-covid-19


21 April 2020 Written Statements

The Government indicated on 27 February 2020 that

after careful consideration it had decided to implement the

whiplash reforms in August 2020. However, it is apparent

that the current Covid-19 pandemic has had an

unprecedented impact on the medical, legal and insurance

sectors. While the whiplash reform measures remain

important, the Government is committed to acting to ease

the disruption and pressures caused by the Covid-19

outbreak where it can.

As a result, the Government has considered

representations from key stakeholder groups and agrees

that now is not the time to press ahead with significant

transformational change to the personal injury sector.

We have therefore decided to delay the implementation

of the whiplash reform programme to April 2021. This

will enable key sectors of this country’s business to focus

their energies on delivering their response to Covid-19,

and will allow the Government to focus on delivering key

services in the justice area during this difficult time.

The Government will continue to monitor

developments in relation to the current pandemic and will,

if necessary, make further announcements in regard to the

implementation of these important reforms.

Written Answers 21 April 2020 Page 5

Written Answers Tuesday, 21 April 2020

A56

Asked by Lord Greaves

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the

funding for new road proposals announced in the

Budget 2020 on 11 March will include a new road from

the eastern end of the M65 to join the A59 west of

Skipton, the “A56 and village bypass”, or a part of that

proposal. [HL2546]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Second Road

Investment Strategy, published alongside the Budget,

refers to the Central Pennines study which is continuing

to consider how road connections from the eastern end of

the M65 in Colne could be improved. No funding has

been committed for the construction of any new

infrastructure as a result of this study yet.

Agriculture and Fisheries

Asked by Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment

they have made of the implications for any delay in

dealing with the Agriculture Bill and the Fisheries Bill

for preparations for (1) the UK’s departure from the

transition period at the end of December, and (2)

businesses adjusting to the new regimes. [HL2687]

Lord Gardiner of Kimble: We are working to ensure

that essential Parliamentary business can continue as far

as possible during this period.

With reference to the Agriculture Bill, the Government

remains committed to reforming English agricultural

policy, so that we can reward our farmers and land

managers for protecting our environment, improving

animal welfare and providing a supply of healthy, home-

grown produce. We know that farmers and land managers

need as much certainty as possible. The Government will

reflect on any delays to Parliamentary business and

legislation and provide more information in due course.

The Government remains committed to progressing the

Fisheries Bill. The Bill will allow us to manage our

fisheries more sustainably and appropriately after the

transition period. As with agriculture, however, we know

that fishers need certainty. This is why the European

Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 will convert the body of

EU law in force at that time into retained EU law,

appropriately amended by statutory instruments. We

continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure they

are informed and prepared.

Agriculture: Pest Control

Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick

To ask Her Majesty's Government what (1)

legislative, and (2) policy, measures they plan to put in

place to (a) encourage UK farmers to adopt a whole

system integrated pest management approach, and (b)

discourage such farmers from not adopting such an

approach. [HL2704]

Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The Government is

continuing to develop its approach to pesticides. The

National Action Plan for the Sustainable use of Pesticides

will be published for consultation later this year and will

be the first step in this process. It will detail our plans to

support Integrated Pest Management at a whole farm

level.

Air Pollution

Asked by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch

To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the

Budget 2020’s commitment to provide £304 million to

help local authorities improve air quality, what

assessment they have made of the likely annual

reduction in overall nitrogen dioxide emissions.

[HL2626]

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: Emissions of

nitrogen oxides (NOx) reduced by 33% from 2010-18[1]

and we are projecting a further 12% reduction in

emissions between 2018 and 2020[2], ensuring that we

comply with the 2020 NOx emissions target under the

Gothenburg Protocol. We are currently working with

local authorities with the worst air pollution

concentrations to ensure that they take robust action to

accelerate air quality improvement. The financial

commitment awarded in the Budget will provide local

authorities with the funds to take the necessary action and

support individuals and businesses that are impacted by

local air quality plans.

[1]

https://naei.beis.gov.uk/resources/Annex_I_Emissions_re

porting_2020_GB_v2.0.xls

[2]

https://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/gb/un/clrtap/projected/envxm

o40w/index_html

Air Pollution: Death

Asked by Baroness Altmann

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people

they estimate have died from illnesses resulting from

poor air quality or air pollution; and whether either (1) a

monthly, or (2) a quarterly, breakdown of those figures

is available for each such year. [HL2728]

http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2020-03-12/HL2546





https://naei.beis.gov.uk/resources/Annex_I_Emissions_reporting_2020_GB_v2.0.xls



https://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/gb/un/clrtap/projected/envxmo40w/index_html




21 April 2020 Written Answers

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The Committee

on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants estimates that the

mortality burden of the air pollution mixture (based on

both PM2.5 and NO2) in the UK is equivalent to 28,000 to

36,000 deaths per year. Mortality burden is a statistical

way of assessing the impact of diseases and pollution. The

equivalent figures at a monthly or quarterly period are not

available.

Public Health England has, however, estimated the

fraction of adult mortality attributable to long-term

exposure to particulate air pollution at local authority

level in the Public Health Outcomes Framework. This is

available to view and search online at:

https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/public-health-

outcomes-framework.

Aircraft: Monitoring

Asked by Baroness Randerson

To ask Her Majesty's Government how the Civil

Aviation Authority monitors the operation and

maintenance of foreign registered aircraft based in the

UK; and what assessment they have made of the

number of US-registered aircraft which are habitually

based in the UK. [HL2761]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The US Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA) listed 729 American registered

aircraft as resident in the UK on 17 July 2019. This

includes business aviation and private non-commercial

operators. The Business aviation owners will be regulated

in accordance with the Commercial Air Transport rules.

The UK CAA conducts Aircraft Continuing

Airworthiness Monitoring (ACAM) surveys each year

and American registered and other non-UK registered

aircraft are included in those samples.

Aircraft: Registration



they have made of the reasons why owners of high

performance light aircraft based in the UK choose to

register such aircraft on the US aircraft register under a

Trust arrangement, rather than the UK aircraft register.

[HL2764]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The operation of non-UK

registered aircraft in the UK is permitted under

regulations made by the International Civil Aviation

Organisation (ICAO).

The government commissioned an independent review

into the UK approach to general aviation (GA) safety.

This report is currently out for consultation, and can be

viewed on the CAA’s website. While it looks at GA

safety in the round, it found that traditionally the two

main reasons why people may register aircraft on the US

register are the ability to use a US Federal Aviation

Administration Pilot Instrument Rating, and a sometimes-

different approach to maintenance requirements.

These reasons are becoming less significant with the

development of the new European Basic Instrument

Rating to provide greater and easier access to Instrument

Flight Rules (IFR) flying and the introduction of a new

Part M Light maintenance regime for private non-

commercial aircraft.

Full findings on the use of N-Registered aircraft in the

UK GA sector are available at Appendix C-2 5.0 of the

aforementioned review.

Airports: Coronavirus

Asked by Baroness Goudie

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are

taking to ensure social distancing occurs at airports in

England. [HL2857]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Government has

provided clear instructions to the public and to businesses

on the steps they need to take to prevent the spread of

COVID-19, including new guidance on social distancing.

Most importantly, we are reiterating that it is paramount

for all transport sector employers and staff to follow

Public Health England’s advice on health and safety in

the workplace in light of COVID-19.

Airports are following PHE advice, as well as their

existing internal protocols on preventing the spread of

infectious diseases. Additionally, PHE has provided

specific guidance to flight crews on the measures they

need to take to keep themselves and the public safe,

including advice on social distancing and the safe use of

personal protective equipment.


To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions

they have had with the governments of countries with

airports from which planes are flying to the UK about

encouraging social distancing at such airports.

[HL2858]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The UK is a world leader

in preparing for and managing disease outbreaks, and we

have a world-renowned team of clinicians, public health

experts and scientists working round the clock to keep

this country safe. We are working closely with the World

Health Organisation, other G7 countries and the wider

international community to ensure that we are ready for

all eventualities. Additionally, FCO teams are working

around the clock to gather and provide on the ground

intelligence to understand current the situation in each

individual country.

The UK Government has issued clear instructions on

what to do to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Extensive

guidance is being provided to individuals entering the UK

from countries where there are cases of COVID-19 being

reported, including instructions regarding self-isolation as

the primary means to contain the spread of the disease.

UK Airports are following Public Health England advice,

as well as their existing internal protocols on preventing

the spread of infectious diseases, and PHE has provided

https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/public-health-outcomes-framework










specific guidance to flight crew on social distancing and

the safe use of personal protective equipment.


To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan

to close airports during the COVID-19 pandemic; and if

so, when. [HL2860]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Airports are continuing to

provide essential connectivity to get Britons home, deliver

vital freight, and connect regions. The Government

recognises this important contribution and is considering

how best to support airports in continuing to provide this

service.

A decision to temporarily close London City Airport

from 25 March has been taken by the airport as part of the

COVID-19 response and we are grateful for their offer to

support emergency flights as we seek to tackle COVID-

19.

We are working with the industry to ensure that UK

nationals overseas are able to return home and freight

continues to flow in and out of the country.

Most importantly, we are reiterating that it is paramount

for all transport sector employers to follow Public Health

England’s advice on health and safety in the workplace in

light of COVID-19.

Asked by Lord Davies of Gower

To ask Her Majesty's Government what financial

support they plan to give large airports which are forced

to remain open as key national infrastructure during the

COVID-19 pandemic. [HL2930]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Government

recognises that airports are critical in enabling essential

air services across the country and overseas, including

getting Britons home from abroad, delivering essential

supplies, and connecting isolated communities. We are

working to make sure that a network of infrastructure

remains in place across the UK to continue to deliver

these services.

Measures announced by the Chancellor in recent days,

including a scheme for firms to raise capital, flexibilities

with tax bills and financial support for employees, are

available to the sector to draw upon during this period.

Ministers and officials at the DfT will continue to stay

in close contact with the aviation sector, so that the

Government is kept fully aware of the latest developments

and understands where additional policy measures could

address specific industry issues, and can therefore ensure

UK nationals overseas are able to return home and that

freight continues to flow in and out of the country.

Ambulance Services: Essex

Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath


they have made of the research by the Health Services

Journal, published on 5 March, which showed that there

was an average wait time of over 33 minutes for a

Category 2 emergency ambulance between April and

September 2019 in all Clinical Commissioning Groups

in the Mid and South Essex sustainability and

transformation partnership. [HL2692]

Lord Bethell: No assessment has been made. All

English ambulance services have adopted the Ambulance

Response Programme model, and report data at trust level

against the Ambulance Quality Indicators. There is no

central data collection at clinical commissioning group

level and no further assessment will be made, as it is a

matter for local commissioners.

Animals: Markets

Asked by Lord Blencathra

To ask Her Majesty's Government what

representations they plan to make to the United Nations

to implement a global ban of so-called 'wet' markets.

[HL2917]

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The UK is at the

forefront of international efforts to regulate global trade in

wild animals and my officials regularly raise the issue of

the illegal wildlife trade with other governments and with

international authorities. The World Animal Health

Organisation, of which the UK is a member, will be

addressing wildlife trade at the next general session in

May 2020. Pandemics arise as a combination of events

and are a global concern. The origin of the Covid-19 virus

is not yet clear, although it has been linked to viruses

occurring in animals.

Apprentices: Coronavirus

Asked by Lord Aberdare


taking to ensure that apprentices, including those on

higher and degree courses, will have their courses

funded to completion, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[HL2905]

Baroness Berridge: We understand that apprentices,

including those undertaking higher level and degree

apprenticeships, may face disruption to their learning as a

result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

We are supporting employers and training and

assessment providers to make use of distance-learning

tools, wherever it is possible and practicable to do so, to

enable as many people as possible to continue with and

complete their apprenticeships.

We recognise that some apprentices may be unable to

undertake training at present and that training providers

may not currently be able to deliver it. We have therefore

temporarily changed the funding rules to allow employers

and providers to initiate a break in learning of over 4

weeks to ensure that apprentices can promptly resume

their learning when they can do so.









Funding remains available for all apprentices

continuing their apprenticeships, including higher level

and degree apprenticeships.

Further guidance for apprentices, employers and

providers can be found at:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-

19-apprenticeship-programme-response.

We are keeping this guidance under review and will

publish updates as the situation evolves.

Asked by Lord Aberdare

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they

intend to provide funding to public sector training

providers for the breaks in learning caused by the

COVID-19 pandemic as opposed to these funds being

drawn from employers' levy funding. [HL2906]

Baroness Berridge: We are working with training

providers, end-point assessment organisations and

external quality assurance organisations during this

challenging time to support employers and apprentices.

We are encouraging training providers to deliver

training to apprentices remotely and via e-learning as far

as it is practicable. Where that is not possible and a break

in learning of more than 4 weeks is necessary, payments

to the training provider will be suspended for the duration

of the break in learning. For levy-paying employers, this

means that payments from their apprenticeship service

accounts will be paused. Further guidance for employers

and training providers is available at:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-

19-apprenticeship-programme-response.

Where the COVID-19 outbreak results in loss of

income due to ceased or reduced delivery of training,

training providers should consider their eligibility and

apply for the wide range of financial support that HM

Treasury has announced for businesses. Full details of this

substantial package of support can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-

to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-

support-for-businesses.

Asked by Baroness Garden of Frognal

To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration

they have given to postponing the consultation by the

Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

on changes to the funding recommendation process

during the COVID-19 pandemic. [HL2939]

Baroness Berridge: This is a matter for the Institute for

Apprenticeships and Technical Education. I have asked its

Chief Executive, Jennifer Coupland, to write to the noble

Lady and a copy of her reply will be placed in the

Libraries of both Houses when it is available.

Apprentices: Recruitment

Asked by Baroness Garden of Frognal

To ask Her Majesty's Government what incentives

and support they plan to provide to encourage

employers to continue to recruit apprentices in the

coming months. [HL2938]

Baroness Berridge: This is a difficult time for

apprentices, employers and providers of apprenticeship

training, assessment and external assurance. We are

committed to supporting apprentices and employers so

that we can continue to build the skills capabilities that

the country needs. While we recognise that many

employers will not feel that they are in a position to

recruit apprentices during a period of considerable

uncertainty, a comprehensive package of support remains

available to those that do.

Employers can still use the apprenticeship service to

find a suitable provider, advertise vacancies and manage

the recruitment of apprentices. In January 2020, we began

rolling out all aspects of the service to smaller employers

that do not pay the levy, giving them more control over

accessing funding for their apprenticeship choices. This

roll-out is continuing, with smaller employers able to

reserve funding for new apprenticeship starts through the

apprenticeship service.

We provide financial incentives to businesses interested

in recruiting apprentices, including paying 95% of

training costs for employers that do not pay the levy. The

government meets the full cost of training for the smallest

employers (those with under 50 employees) for 16 to 18

year old apprentices and some 19 to 24 year old

apprentices. We also provide additional payments of

£1,000 to both the employer and provider for hiring and

training 16 to 18 year olds and for 19 to 24 year olds who

have an Education, Health and Care Plan.

Guidance on the measures that we are taking to help

employers retain their apprentices and plan with more

certainty can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus

-covid-19-apprenticeship-programme-response.

This will continue to be updated as the situation

develops. We are also planning a number of campaigns to

stimulate employer interest in the recruitment of

apprentices during the period of economic recovery from

COVID-19.

Armed Forces: Coronavirus

Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they

have to use Armed Forces personnel, and in particular

any such personnel with specialist medical training, to

help address the COVID-19 pandemic. [HL2827]

Baroness Goldie: Defence has a number of existing

contingency plans in place to provide support to civil

authorities, including to the NHS. Our personnel are

already providing assistance in a number of capacities and

this includes those with specialist medical training.

Considering the likely additional call on military

assistance to mitigate COVID-19 related staff absences in

civil authorities, and the increasing volume of patients

requiring treatment by the NHS, Defence is constantly

http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-apprenticeship-programme-response







https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses






https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-apprenticeship-programme-response





monitoring and enhancing its plans, training and readiness

in order to support additional requests.

Armed Forces: Northern Ireland



they have had with the (1) government of Ireland, and

(2) political parties in Northern Ireland about the

commitments for the Armed Forces and veterans

contained in New Decade, New Approach, published on

9 January. [HL2823]

Viscount Younger of Leckie: The commitments in

New Decade, New Approach were agreed by all the NI

political parties as well as the UK and Irish Governments.

The Northern Ireland Office has been working with the

Ministry of Defence and senior officials in the

departments of Health, Communities and Education to

make progress on Armed Forces Covenant legislation.

Work is also underway with the Office of Veterans

Affairs and veterans’ organisations in Northern Ireland to

establish an NI Veterans Commissioner and carry out a

review of the veterans’ Aftercare Service.

As these are domestic commitments to be delivered by

the UK Government, discussions with the Irish

Government are not necessary. The Secretary of State for

Northern Ireland will continue to work with the First

Minister and deputy First Minister to implement New

Decade, New Approach. As part of this he will update

them on the progress that is being made on the

Government’s commitments and seek their support in

implementing an effective policy that works for all

stakeholders.

Army Reserve: Coronavirus

Asked by Viscount Waverley


they have made of (1) the first aid, (2) the trauma and

triage, and (3) the security and Chemical, Biological,

Radiological and Nuclear defence, capabilities of the

Army Reserve; and what plans they have, if any, to

deploy the Army Reserve to help address the COVID-

19 pandemic. [HL2986]

Baroness Goldie: Defence has a number of existing

contingency plans in place to provide support to civil

authorities, including to the NHS. Our personnel are

already providing assistance in a number of capacities and

this includes those with specialist medical training.

Considering the likely additional call on military

assistance to mitigate COVID-19 related staff absences in

civil authorities, and the increasing volume of patients

requiring treatment by the NHS, Defence is consistently

monitoring and enhancing its plans, training and readiness

in order to support additional requests.

Army: Northern Ireland

Asked by Lord Empey


have to treat former members of the Ulster Defence

Regiment and the Royal Irish Regiment who served in

Northern Ireland in the same manner as soldiers who

served both overseas and in Northern Ireland in the

conduct of any investigations into allegations of historic

misconduct, and any resulting prosecutions and claims

for compensation. [HL2739]

Asked by Lord Empey

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they

plan to make any distinction between (1) regular

soldiers who served in Northern Ireland, and (2)

soldiers of the Ulster Defence Regiment and Royal Irish

Regiment recruited locally during the Troubles, in any

proposals they may bring forward to address legacy

cases in Northern Ireland. [HL2742]

Viscount Younger of Leckie: This Government is

committed to ending vexatious claims in the courts

against members of our security forces. We have always

been clear that any legacy reform must be balanced and

proportionate, and it must deliver for all communities in

Northern Ireland. We will now begin a period of intensive

engagement with the NI Parties and the Irish Government

and other stakeholders on the detail of the proposals that

have been set out.

Arts: Coronavirus

Asked by Lord German

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether arts

organisations in receipt of public money will have to

repay that money if they cannot meet the grant payment

requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[HL2745]

Baroness Barran: The majority of Government

funding for arts organisations and individuals is provided

through our arm’s length body Arts Council England

(ACE). From the funding received ACE provides grants

to over 800 National Portfolio organisations (NPO’s) and

funds 30 Creative People and Places projects across the

UK. ACE operates independently of Government, which

protects both ACE and DCMS from questions of any

political involvement in arts funding decisions.

During the Covid 19 pandemic ACE will be relaxing its

funding conditions for National Portfolio Organisations

and Creative People and Places projects where necessary,

and are currently talking to each of them about how this

will work. Grant conditions will also be relaxed on

existing National Lottery Project Grants where necessary,

and ACE will be providing more information on its

website.








These measures, in conjunction with the initiatives

announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to support

businesses and organisations that have been impacted by

the pandemic, such as the Coronavirus Business

Interruption Loan Scheme and the deferral of VAT

payments for the next 3 months, will provide

organisations with more financial support during this

period of uncertainty.

Asylum: Applications

Asked by Lord Hylton

To ask Her Majesty's Government what provision

they are making for asylum applicants whose cases are

pending where a decision may be affected by

restrictions in place as a result of the COVID-19

pandemic; and in particular for applications from

survivors of torture. [HL2862]

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Home Office has

put in place a range of measures to support those in the

asylum system who are affected by the COVID-19

outbreak. We are monitoring the situation closely and

making adjustments to our processes and procedures

where necessary and appropriate.

We will continue to provide accommodation and

financial support to those who would otherwise be

destitute.

Asylum: Children


To ask Her Majesty's Government how many offers

to receive vulnerable unaccompanied children who are

currently in Europe have been received in (1) 2019, and

(2) 2020, by the Home Office from (a) local authorities,

(b) care and fostering agencies, and (c) private

individuals. [HL2580]

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Home Office

works closely with local authorities and third sector

partners in order to identify suitable placements for

unaccompanied children for transfer to the UK from

Europe under our existing obligations. The Home Office

also has regular engagement with a range of third sector

partners.

The Government remains fully committed to relocating

the specified number of 480 unaccompanied children to

the UK under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 (the

Dubs Amendment) as soon as possible. We will publish a

full data set on the transfers once we have fulfilled this

commitment.

Over 220 children were transferred to the UK under

section 67 when the Calais camp was cleared in late 2016.

Since then we have been making further progress with

Greece and the other participating states, to transfer more

eligible children to move closer to achieving this

commitment.


To ask Her Majesty's Government what offer the

Home Office received from TACT Care, a fostering

charity, to place vulnerable unaccompanied children

from Europe in appropriate homes in the UK. [HL2581]


To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect

the Home for Good charity to receive the vulnerable

unaccompanied children that it identified as having

already been processed by the UN High Commissioner

for Refugees in Europe. [HL2582]



they have made of the comments by Compassion in

Politics reported in The Guardian on 29 December 2019

about delays in accepting vulnerable unaccompanied

children from Europe, particularly from Greece, for

care in the UK. [HL2583]


works closely with local authorities and third sector

partners in order to identify suitable placements for

unaccompanied children for transfer to the UK from

Europe under our existing obligations.

The Government remains fully committed to relocating

the specified number of 480 unaccompanied children to

the UK under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 (the

Dubs Amendment) as soon as possible. We will publish a

full data set on the transfers once we have fulfilled this

commitment.

Over 220 children were transferred to the UK under

section 67 when the Calais camp was cleared in late 2016.

Since then we have been making further progress with

Greece and the other participating states, to transfer more

eligible children to move closer to achieving this

commitment.

Asylum: Finance

Asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett


have to suspend all terminations of asylum support

temporarily as part of their response to the COVID-19

pandemic. [HL2955]

Baroness Williams of Trafford: Following public

health guidance, we have put in place a number of

measures to support people in the asylum system who are

affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, including working

closely with providers to make sure the most vulnerable

people within the system receive the support they need.

Aviation

Asked by Lord Myners

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many

commercial passenger flights have landed in the UK








over the last two weeks from (1) China, (2) Iran, (3)

Italy, and (4) Spain. [HL2884]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Department for

Transport does not currently hold official statistics on the

number of commercial passenger flights that have landed

in the UK over the last two weeks. The Civil Aviation

Authority (CAA) collects data relating to the movements

of commercial flights occurring at UK airports, and this

data is received from UK airports up to two months after

the end of each month in adherence to statistical

regulation (EC) 437/2003 on statistical returns in respect

of the carriage of passengers, freight and mail by air.

Aviation: Coronavirus


To ask Her Majesty's Government what support they

plan to give to flying schools and clubs whose

operations have been disrupted by measures to prevent

the spread of COVID-19. [HL2928]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The aviation industry,

including General Aviation, is in an increasingly difficult

financial position with significantly reduced demand.

A number of measures to support the industry have

already been announced, including Time to Pay support

with taxes, financial support for employees. and the Bank

of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF).

The Government is working urgently to develop further

measures, as necessary.

HMRC is ready to provide guidance and support as

appropriate to all businesses and self-employed

individuals who are experiencing temporary financial

difficulties due to Coronavirus.



have to temporarily defer the regulatory deadlines and

charges on (1) airports, and (2) airlines, during the


Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Civil Aviation

Authority (CAA) is working with airlines and airports to

consider the use of established flexibility within the

regulatory framework to help manage and mitigate the

impacts of the Covid-19 outbreak. It has also decided to

delay the implementation of its recently proposed charge

increases for three months to assist the UK aviation

industry.

More widely, the Government is urgently considering

additional options to provide support to the UK aviation

industry . A number of measures which could support the

sector have already been announced, including Time to

Pay, financial support for employees, and the Bank of

England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF).

We recognise that the current situation is increasingly

difficult for the transport sector and, across Government,

we are engaging with the sector’s leadership to support

workers, businesses and passengers.


To ask Her Majesty's Government what temporary

tax relief they plan to give (1) airlines, and (2) airports,

during the period in which their operations are limited

to prevent the spread of COVID-19. [HL2931]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The aviation sector is

important to the UK economy, and firms can draw upon

the unprecedented package of measures announced by the

Chancellor, including schemes to raise capital and

financial support for employees.

As Air Passenger Duty is paid on a per passenger basis,

the recent decline in passenger demand will have resulted

in a significant reduction in liability for airlines. HMRC

are also ready to help businesses, including airlines and

airports, in financial difficulty due to the coronavirus,

through the Time to Pay Scheme.

Asked by Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate


have to extend the deadlines for Class 1 and 2 aviation

medicals which are due to expire during the period of

measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. [HL2953]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The UK’s priority is to

ensure aviation safety is upheld while also reducing any

additional burdens on Aero-medical Examiners and GPs

during this period.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has already

granted an exemption to holders of a Part-MED Class 1

medical certificate that expires before 31st October 2020.

Holders of such a medical certificate will continue to have

their medicals validated until 22nd November 2020.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA),

which the UK is a member of, is currently considering

action in relation to Class 2 medicals.

We anticipate those affected by the deadline to be

minimal as a routine revalidation for Class 1 and 2

medical certificates only applies where certificates have

been expired for less than two years.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and

make any appropriate changes necessary.



have to ensure that (1) during, and (2) after, the

grounding of any aircraft due to the COVID-

19 pandemic all (a) UK registered commercial aircraft

comply with air worthiness certification, and (b)

commercial aircraft registered outside the UK comply

with valid air worthiness certification to enable entering

UK air space. [HL2988]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Civil Aviation

Authority (CAA) is working with UK airlines to

understand their plans for the storage of aircraft due to the

COVID-19 pandemic. Airlines have provided to the CAA

their plans to maintain aircraft whilst in storage to ensure

compliance with the regulations on continuing

airworthiness. The CAA will check UK airlines continue








to comply with these regulations as the aircraft return to

service. The CAA will also continue to audit aircraft

registered in other states to check that they are in

compliance with the international standards contained in

the Chicago Convention through the Safety Assessment

of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) programme.

Aviation: Licensing


To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the

report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch Report

on the accident to Piper PA-46-310P Malibu,

N264DB 22 nm north-north-west of Guernsey on 21

January 2019, published on 13 March, what assessment

they have made of the additional checks required to

ensure that pilots operating outside the Air Operations

Centre structure have the required licences, certificates

and ratings for the flights they undertake. [HL2759]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Each pilot has a legal

responsibility to make sure they can safely and legally

operate each flight they make. If pilots fail to comply they

are flying illegally and can be subject to prosecution.

Where the CAA has evidence that pilots are flying

without the correct licences and ratings they will take

appropriate action which can include prosecuting the

offenders.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) made a

recommendation that “the Civil Aviation Authority ensure

that the system in place to meet the requirements of

EASA Part ARA. GEN.220 is effective in maintaining

accurate and up-to-date records related to personnel

licences, certificates and ratings”. This was not designed

to stop a pilot who chooses to operate outside the

privileges of their licence, and it will not do so. Such

requirements (to check licences etc) already exist for

properly constituted operations in accordance with

commercial regulations (with an Air Operators

Certificate). The AAIB recommendation was intended to

ensure that routine changes to a pilot’s licence (such as

new ratings) are reflected accurately against the CAA’s

record for that pilot. Pilots of private flights do not have

their credentials checked every time they go flying, as

such a system would be disproportionate to the risks

associated with the activity.


To ask Her Majesty's Government what action is

being taken by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to

address urgently the findings of the Air Accidents

Investigation Branch over the issue of maintaining

accurate and up-to-date records relating to pilot and

engineer licences, certificates and ratings issued by the

CAA. [HL2762]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The CAA is actively

studying the recommendations from the Air Accidents

Investigation Branch and will take whatever action is

necessary. A programme to update its licensing

administration system is currently underway. At no time

have any issues with these systems affected its ability to

accurately process and issue licences.

Bahrain: Political Prisoners

Asked by Lord Scriven


announcement by the government of Bahrain on 12

March that it will release 1,486 detainees for

“humanitarian reasons, in the backdrop of current

circumstances", what representations they have made to

the government of Bahrain about the release of Sayed

Nizar Alwadaei, who was deemed arbitrarily detained

by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary

Detention on 7 January 2019; and what discussions they

have had with that government about the reasons why

Sayed Nizar Alwadaei and other vulnerable political

prisoners, including Hassan Mushaima and Abduljalil

al-Singace, were reportedly declared ineligible for

release. [HL2833]






circumstances” and the statement by Human Rights

Watch on 23 March which notes that “Bahraini

authorities have not released any prominent political

leaders or human rights defenders”,

what representations they have made to that

government about the release of political prisoners in

Bahrain including Nabeel Rajab, Hassan Mushaima and

Abduljalil al-Singace, who suffer from compromised

health conditions. [HL2835]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We welcome news of a

royal pardon for 901 Bahraini prisoners and the

conversion to alternative sentencing of a further 585

individuals' sentences. We have previously raised the

cases of Sayed Nizar Al Wadaei, Hassan Mushaima,

Abduljalil al-Singace and Nabeel Rajab at a senior level

with the Government of Bahrain, including health

concerns. We continue to monitor these cases.

Banks: Finance


To ask Her Majesty's Government whether it is their

policy to use counter cyclical capital adjustments for

banks to enhance resilience in order to cope with

economic downturns; and whether they mandate regular

stress tests. [HL2641]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Financial Policy

Committee (FPC) of the Bank of England is prescribed

the power to set the countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB)

rate for the United Kingdom. The FPC has set out its

approach to the use of the CCyB in a Policy Statement

published in April 2016 on the Bank of England website.

As part of a wider package of measures announced by the







Bank of England’s policy committees in response to the

economic shock of Covid-19, the FPC reduced the UK

CCyB to 0% on 11 March. This will support up to £190

billion of bank lending to businesses.

The Bank of England undertakes an annual stress test of

major UK banks to examine the potential impact of a

hypothetical adverse scenario on the resilience of the

banking system. The 2019 stress test showed the banking

system to be resilient to a scenario encompassing deep

simultaneous recessions in the UK and global economies

that are more severe overall than the global financial

crisis, combined with large falls in asset prices and a

separate stress of misconduct costs. On 20 March the

Bank of England announced it would cancel the 2020

stress test to ensure lenders can focus on meeting the

needs of UK households and businesses through the

economic shock caused by Covid-19.

Black Economy: Coronavirus

Asked by Lord Truscott


taking to prevent the emergence of a black market in

food, medicines, pharmaceuticals and other essential

supplies as a result of any shortage in such supplies due

to COVID-19. [HL2900]

Lord Callanan: Border Force, the National Crime

Agency, the Intellectual Property Office, Trading

Standards, and the Medicines and Healthcare Products

Regulatory Agency work together to ensure effective

controls are in place to prevent counterfeit goods from

entering the supply chain, and to ensure the legitimate

market for medicines and other essential products is

protected.

British Business Bank

Asked by Lord Mann

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether new

challenger banks have been accepted as an official

lender by the British Business Bank; if not, why not;

what estimate they have made of the time that it will

take for small and medium sized companies to be able

to speak to potential lenders to access the Coronavirus

Business Interruption Loan Scheme; and what plans

they have to ensure that access is given promptly.

[HL2876]

Lord Callanan: The priority for the British Business

Bank (BBB) has been to get the Coronavirus Business

Interruption Loan scheme up and running, delivering

urgently needed finance to UK SMEs. In order to achieve

that, the Bank has worked with the already existing

infrastructure and the 40 accredited lenders to make this

operational as soon as possible. Existing lenders range

from high-street banks to challenger banks, asset-based

lenders and smaller specialist local lenders.

Now that the scheme has successfully launched,

accrediting new partners is a top priority. The Bank has

put in place substantial additional resource to assist with

processing applications from new lenders as quickly as

possible.

The scheme went live on Monday 23 March, so

businesses are able to speak to lenders now and apply for

facilities. Businesses should check on the British Business

Bank’s webpage to find out which lenders are able to

provide the type of finance they are looking for.

British Nationals Abroad

Asked by Lord Wallace of Saltaire

To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they

have made of the total number of UK citizens resident

outside the UK; and whether they are confident in the

accuracy of that estimate. [HL2668]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We do not register

British nationals abroad, and do not therefore have

numbers of British nationals in each country.

British Overseas Territories: Coronavirus

Asked by Baroness Hooper


taking to include British Overseas Territories in the

support and protection being offered to individuals and

institutions within the UK for the duration of the


Baroness Sugg: The UK takes its responsibilities

towards the Overseas Territories extremely seriously. The

UK Government is procuring medical equipment and

support for each Territory immediately and we will stand

fully by the Overseas Territories in the long run as they

deal with the impacts of the pandemic. The UK is also

leading with partners and allies to support an effective

and co-ordinated global health response led by WHO and

we are working closely with the Overseas Territories to

ensure their needs are fully taken into account. As

Minister for the Overseas Territories, I am in constant

touch with the Premiers and Governors to ensure they

receive the support they need.

Burial

Asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton


Written Answer by Lord Keen of Elie on 10 March

(HL1844), whether private cemeteries should apply the

same standards and principles contained in the

“framework of regulation and guidance" applying to

local authority burial grounds. [HL2909]


To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have

received any reports of disputes at Tottenham Park

Cemetery and Camberwell Old Cemetery on mounding;

and what assessment they have made of reports that








there are examples of private cemeteries potentially

acting in breach of national guidance. [HL2910]


To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they

can take to enforce the recording of early burials that

are 'mounded' over. [HL2911]

Lord Keen of Elie: As indicated in my response to the

Noble Lord’s previous questions on the issue of

mounding (HL1843, 1844 and 1845), the Government

anticipates that those operating private burial grounds will

adhere to the standards and principles underpinning the

framework of regulation and guidance which applies to

local authority burial grounds.

However, I will ensure that the issues raised by the

Noble Lord are referred to the Law Commission in the

context of its forthcoming consideration of the law

governing the disposal of human remains, to which I also

referred in my previous response.

Bus Services: Finance


To ask Her Majesty's Government how much of the

£5 billion announced in the Budget 2020 on 11 March

for bus services over the next five years will be

allocated, or available, to areas which do not have an

elected mayor, a combined authority, or a strategic

transport plan. [HL2544]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The details of the £5

billion of new funding to overhaul bus and cycle links for

every region outside London will be announced in the

upcoming National Bus Strategy, to be published later

this year at the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Bus Services: North of England


To ask Her Majesty's Government how much of the

£5 billion announced in the Budget 2020 on 11 March

for bus services over the next five years will be

allocated, or available, to the areas covered by

Transport for the North; and what will be the role of

Transport for the North in the allocation of this funding.

[HL2543]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The details of the £5

billion of new funding to overhaul bus and cycle links for

every region outside London will be announced in the

upcoming National Bus Strategy, to be published later

this year at the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Business: Coronavirus


To ask Her Majesty's Government what advice they

are giving, further to their advice on COVID-19, to

industries where social interaction is a key element of

the role of a business, in particular property sales,

letting and management. [HL2685]

Lord Bethell: On 27 March, the Government published

new guidance for those who are buying, selling or letting

properties during the pandemic. This guidance includes

advice to both the public and industry.

Buyers who are due to move into an empty property are

being advised to go ahead, but others have been told to

delay their transaction.

The Government stressed that while there was no need

to pull out of a purchase, people must currently stay at

home to help prevent COVID-19 from spreading.


To ask Her Majesty's Government what financial

support they are planning to give to the leisure and

entertainment sector, including theatres, restaurants and

pubs, if any such businesses cannot claim against their

insurance for any losses incurred as a result of COVID-

19. [HL2723]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The government understands

that the leisure and entertainment sectors are particularly

affected by this crisis. For businesses which have a policy

that covers pandemics, the government’s actions will

allow them to make an insurance claim against their

policy. In addition, the government is providing £10,000

grants to over 700,000 small businesses across England,

and increased grants for qualifying retail, hospitality and

leisure businesses of up to £25,000 per property.

More generally, the Chancellor has announced an

unprecedented package of measures to protect businesses

and workers, including an initial £330 billion of loan

guarantees. This is on top of compensation for statutory

sick pay announced in the Budget. On Friday 20 March

the Chancellor announced the Coronavirus Job Retention

Scheme to help firms continue to keep people in

employment. Businesses can put workers on temporary

leave and the government will pay them cash grants of

80% of their wages up to a cap of £2,500, providing they

keep the worker employed.

The government stands ready to take whatever action

may be necessary to support businesses through this

economic and human crisis.

Asked by Viscount Trenchard

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether all festival

businesses whose financial viability have been affected

by the COVID-19 pandemic will be eligible to receive

loans equal to the amount of financial damage they

have suffered as a direct result of the pandemic; and

whether any such loans will require owners or directors

of these businesses to pledge their personal assets.

[HL2852]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The government has

announced a significant package of financial support for

all businesses and organisations, including through the

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. Details











of this package are available at:

www.businesssupport.gov.uk. The government has taken

new legal powers in the COVID-19 Bill, enabling it to

offer whatever further financial support it thinks

necessary to support businesses.

Business: Databases



have to establish a database of businesses which have

(1) retained as many workers as possible, (2) dismissed

workers and are claiming taxpayer help, (3) volunteered

to assist in the COVID-19 pandemic by developing new

technology or services, and (4) been found to have

profited illegally or unethically, during the COVID-19

pandemic. [HL2918]

Lord Callanan: Officials in this department are

engaging regularly with industry and the business

community to discuss preparedness planning and to

gather data, feedback and to ensure the best policy

response is developed.

A wide range of UK and international businesses have

offered to help provide services, including designing and

building new devices, manufacturing components or

transporting them to NHS hospitals.

The Government has received an overwhelming

number of offers from the UK supply base in response to

Covid-19. Suppliers are keen to offer a range of goods

and services to help organisations and departments stay

operational. The offers are coming through a number of

different routes and the Crown Commercial Service is

now coordinating these offers to create one central log.

We are aware that, in a small minority of cases, cyber

criminals and fraudsters are attempting to exploit

opportunities around the coronavirus outbreak and so the

Government have issued appropriate guidance to follow

to identify fraudulent activities and scams, through Action

Fraud. We are also working with social media to combat

disinformation.

Carbon Emissions

Asked by Baroness Liddell of Coatdyke


they have made of the potential use of (1) carbon

capture, (2) carbon storage, and (3) hydrogen, to

decarbonise (a) heating, (b) transport, and (c) heavy

industry. [HL2756]

Lord Callanan: Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage

(CCUS) and hydrogen are likely to play an essential role

in helping the UK achieve net zero by 2050. For example,

our analysis suggests that around 270TWh of hydrogen

could be needed across the economy by 2050, which

could increase considerably depending on application

across heat and transport sectors. Low carbon hydrogen

could be produced through gas reformation with CCUS,

electrolysis, or biomass gasification. The precise split of

this across end uses will depend on a variety of factors

including cost, availability and technical application.

Charter Flights: Safety


To ask Her Majesty's Government what additional

measures they intend to introduce to raise awareness

among passengers of (1) the dangers and (2) the

potential legal repercussions, of being carried on a so-

called "grey" charter flight. [HL2760]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The CAA conducts

awareness campaigns with the aim of highlighting to the

consumer the dangers of illegal operations, and what to

look for when chartering an aircraft to ensure the flight is

legal. One such campaign, called "Legal to Fly", is

currently underway. So far this has seen the CAA

distribute awareness material aimed at prospective

passengers to over 200 UK airfields and commercial

operators. This will be followed by a wider campaign

aimed at the general travelling public that may seek to use

small charter flights.


To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will

review urgently the legislation relating to cost sharing

of flights and day leasing of aircraft. [HL2763]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Department for

Transport and the CAA keep all existing legislation under

constant review, in order to maintain the UK's high

standards of aviation safety. Cost-sharing was not

applicable to the accident involving Emiliano Sala,

although the Air Accidents Investigation Branch report

refers to the practice in a more general context. American

registered aircraft are subject to US cost-sharing rules

which apply the ‘common purpose’ principle. There was

no common purpose between the pilot and passenger on

the accident flight, and so cost-sharing was not applicable.

Chemicals: Regulation

Asked by Baroness Redfern

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the new

system for regulating chemicals which requires

technical information to be submitted by businesses to

the Health and Safety Executive within two years of the

end of the implementation period will be used to

improve environmental standards. [HL2645]

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: After the

transition period, we will maintain an effective regulatory

system for the management and control of chemicals

which safeguards human health and the environment and

can respond to emerging risks. One of the chemicals

regulation regimes, UK REACH, will require submission

of information by industry within two years to

demonstrate their understanding of the risks and safe

management of a given substance.

http://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/








This information is required to operate an effective

regulatory regime, to understand the hazards and risks of

chemicals markets and to ensure their safe use. It will

inform the assessment of the risks specific substances

pose to human health and the environment and therefore

any additional steps that are necessary to mitigate these

risks such as identifying Substances of Very High

Concern.

Children in Care: Female Genital Mutilation

Asked by Baroness Tonge


children have been taken into care as a result of the

introduction of female genital mutilation safeguarding

in 2015. [HL2843]


To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, after a

child has been taken into care to safeguard against

female genital mutilation (FGM), written reports on that

child’s wellbeing are completed; and if so, whether

those reports are reviewed to ensure that FGM

safeguarding is in the child’s best interest. [HL2848]

Baroness Berridge: Female genital mutilation (FGM)

has been illegal in the UK since the Female Circumcision

Act of 1985, later the Female Genital Mutilation Act

2003, so safeguarding girls from FGM has been a

responsibility of relevant services from much earlier than

2015. In 2015, the mandatory reporting of known cases of

FGM was introduced.

Data on the children who enter care does not identify

the cases where FGM was the reason for a child being

taken into care. Any such cases would be included in the

broader category of “abuse or neglect”. Therefore, the

department cannot say how many girls entering care had

undergone FGM or were at risk of FGM.

Every looked after child, whatever the reason for them

entering care, must have a care plan that is regularly

reviewed and updated, which sets out the plan for their

day-to-day care and how decisions about them will be

made. The child is assisted to put forward their views,

wishes and feelings as part of the review process.

There is no discrete requirement relating to FGM, but

reviews would, where relevant, take this into account. The

best interests of the child should always be paramount.

Children: Coronavirus

Asked by Lord Watson of Invergowrie

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in the

context of the Coronavirus Act 2020, schools will be

given discretionary powers to ensure that vulnerable

pupils who do not have an official social care status can

remain in school. [HL2982]

Baroness Berridge: Supporting vulnerable children is

a priority at this time. That is why, on Wednesday 18

March, my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister and my

right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education

announced that schools will remain open for vulnerable

children, alongside children of critical workers.

Vulnerable children include those who have a social

worker and those with education, health and care plans.

Leaders of educational settings and designated

safeguarding leads know best who their most vulnerable

children are and will have the flexibility to offer a place to

those on the edges of receiving children’s social care

support, who do not have an official social care status, to

remain in school if they believe it is in the best interests of

the child.



have to work with charities and other agencies to ensure

that vulnerable children are identified and receive the

support they require during the period of school

closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. [HL2985]

Baroness Berridge: We are committed to ensuring the

safety and protection of vulnerable children and young

people, particularly during the current period. Vulnerable

children include those who have a social worker and those

with education, health and care plans. Schools and other

education settings should continue to offer places to

vulnerable children alongside the children of critical

workers. We have also given leaders of educational

settings and designated safeguarding leads the flexibility

to offer a place to those children on the edges of receiving

children’s social care support, who do not have an official

social care status.

We have asked education providers to work closely

with the local authority, and other organisations where

relevant, to enable the identification of vulnerable

children, and ensure they are offered an education place

where applicable.

The department is in regular contact with charities and

other agencies, particularly during this period. These

organisations play a vital role and provide valuable

feedback and insight that will help us to support

vulnerable children at this time.

China: Biometrics

Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool


representations they have made to the government of

China about the reported (1) use of facial recognition

technology in Xinjian to monitor Uighur Muslims

resulting in human rights violations, and (2)

mistreatment by the Hong Kong police force of pro-

democracy protestors in Hong Kong; what assessment

they have made of the impact of any development of

facial recognition technology on those groups; and what

plans they have to re-assess their collaboration with

China in regard to the development of such technology.

[HL2672]








Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have serious

concerns about the human rights situation in Xinjiang,

including extensive and invasive surveillance targeting

Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities. An extensive body

of open source evidence suggests such surveillance,

including the use of facial recognition technology, plays a

central role in the restrictive measures imposed in the

region. With regard to the police response to protests in

Hong Kong, we have been clear that this should be lawful

and proportionate. We have consistently called for a

robust, independent investigation into recent events. On 9

March, the Foreign Secretary raised his concerns about

Xinjiang and Hong Kong with his Chinese counterpart,

Foreign Minister and State Councillor Wang Yi.

A research project relating to facial recognition referred

to in recent media reports was funded by the Engineering

and Physical Sciences Research Council (ESPRC), an

arms-length body that forms part of UK Research and

Innovation (UKRI). Her Majesty’s Government is not

involved in individual UKRI or EPSRC funding

decisions. In accordance with principles of academic

freedom, it is for universities to decide who they conduct

research with, and how, within existing domestic and

international legal frameworks.

China: Coronavirus

Asked by Lord Mawson


they have made of the relationship between the global

wildlife food trade in China and the spread of COVID-

19. [HL2813]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The origin of the Covid-

19 virus is not yet clear, although it has been linked to

viruses occurring in animals. Pandemics arise as a

combination of events and are a global concern. The

World Animal Health Organisation, of which the UK is a

member, will be addressing wildlife trade at the next

general session. It will be important to definitively

establish Covid-19's origins in due course. On 24

February 2020 China announced a proposal prohibiting

the trade and consumption of wildlife and we will

continue to discuss this important issue with the Chinese

government.

China: Press Freedom



they have made of reports that the government of China

has revoked the press credentials of journalists from the

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington

Post; and whether such revocation constitutes a breach

of the 1984 Sino–British Joint Declaration. [HL2790]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Chinese

Government's announcement that they will prevent

certain American journalists from working in China and

Macao further restricts transparency at a particularly

important time. The suggestion by the Chinese Ministry

of Foreign Affairs that this measure may apply in Hong

Kong is deeply concerning. The Sino-British Joint

Declaration is clear. It sets out that immigration decisions

are the sole responsibility of the Hong Kong Special

Administrative Region Government, and freedom of the

press is guaranteed. It is imperative that these rights and

freedoms are fully respected.

The leadership in China and Hong Kong is in no doubt

about the strength of UK concern over the current

situation, and our commitment to seeing the rights and

freedoms provided for in the Joint Declaration upheld.

We remain in frequent contact with the Chinese and Hong

Kong SAR Governments on this issue.

China: Uighurs



Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 18

March (HL2309), what action they will take against any

company that has published an annual statement as

required under section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act

2015 but has been accused of profiting from Uyghur

slave labour. [HL2793]

Baroness Williams of Trafford: Section 54 of the

Modern Slavery Act 2015 made the UK the first country

to require large businesses to report annually on steps

taken to prevent modern slavery, including forced labour,

in their operations and supply chains.

The Act does not require organisations to certify that

their supply chains are slavery free but asks businesses to

be transparent about their risks and measures taken to

mitigate these. To improve reporting quality, we are

developing a government-run registry of modern slavery

statements to make it easier for consumers, investors and

civil society to hold businesses to account. We have also

consulted on proposals to strengthen the Modern Slavery

Act and increase transparency and improve compliance.

The Government is aware of the risks of forced labour

in Xinjiang impacting on supply chains of businesses with

a footprint in the UK and is discussing this issue with

businesses, as well as standard setting and industry bodies

which bring together business and civil society

organisations. The UK Government expressed its

concerns about China’s systematic human rights

violations in Xinjiang, including credible and growing

reports of forced labour, during the recent UN Human

Rights Council.

China: Wildlife




China about stopping the trade in global wildlife for

human consumption. [HL2814]






Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Pandemics arise as a


origin of the Covid-19 virus is not yet clear, although it

has been linked to viruses occurring in animals. The UK

is at the forefront of international efforts to regulate

global trade in wild animals and my officials regularly

raise our concerns with other governments, including

China, and with international authorities. The World

Animal Health Organisation, of which the UK is a


general session in May 2020. On 24 February 2020,

China's National People's Congress passed a law banning

the wildlife trade and the consumption of wild animals.



they have made of the likelihood of pandemics resulting

from the trade of global wildlife in China. [HL2815]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The origin of the Covid-

19 virus is not yet clear, although it has been linked to

viruses occurring in animals. Pandemics arise as a


World Animal Health Organisation, of which the UK is a


general session. It will be important to definitively

establish Covid-19's origins in due course. On 24

February 2020 China announced a proposal prohibiting

the trade and consumption of wildlife and we will

continue to discuss this important issue with the Chinese

government.

Christ Church College: Criminal

Investigation



they have had with the Charity Commission about

any investigation of the governance of Christ Church

College, University of Oxford. [HL2963]

Baroness Berridge: There have been no discussions.

Registered higher education (HE) providers’ governance

arrangements are matters for the Office for Students (OfS)

– the independent regulator of higher education in

England. The OfS requires all registered providers to

meet the public interest governance principles, and if

providers fall short the OfS has powers to intervene.

All HE providers, whether registered or not, are

autonomous and self-regulating, and the government can

only intervene where statute allows.

Cleaning Services

Asked by Baroness Kennedy of Cradley


have to add outsourced cleaners to the list of key

workers. [HL2864]

Lord Callanan: Key workers are defined as those

whose work is critical to the Coronavirus response, based

on consultation across the Government. This includes

those who work in the health and social care sectors, as

well as those providing essential services in industries

such as education and childcare, transport, food and

delivery, utilities, communications, public safety, and the

Government. We are actively keeping guidance on key

workers under review.

Employers should carefully consider the guidance,

which sets out the key workers who will not be able to

work from home. They can contact the Government

department responsible for their sector if they have any

questions.

If you cannot work from home then you can still travel

to work, provided you are well and neither you nor any of

your household are self-isolating. This is consistent with

advice from the Chief Medical Officer.

Cleaning Services: Staff

Asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering

To ask Her Majesty's Government what criteria are

used to determine key workers; and what plans they

have to add cleaners to the published list. [HL2811]

Lord True: The position remains, as outlined on

gov.uk, that everyone who can work from home should

do so.

Where that is not possible, people should go into work

where it is safe and they are not symptomatic, isolating or

shielding. Relevant guidance including from PHE should

be followed.

In terms of the provision of education for certain

workers, it is already the case that cleaners working in, for

example, hospitals and social care could be eligible as

long as "their specific role is necessary for the

continuation of this essential public service". This is set

out on gov.uk.

The Government has placed restrictions on the

operations of certain businesses as part of the strategy of

enhanced social distancing. Separate guidance has been

published on this and is also available on gov.uk.

Climate Change Cabinet Committee



meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change

have been chaired by the Secretary of State for

Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy since his

appointment as president of the COP26 climate change

conference. [HL2499]

Lord Callanan: The Cabinet Committee on Climate

Change has only been chaired by the Prime Minister. The

Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial

Strategy has therefore not chaired the Committee but

attends alongside the Ministers of other Departments with

responsibility for taking forward the UK’s approach to

tackling climate change.





http://gov.uk/

http://gov.uk/

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision


http://gov.uk/

http://gov.uk/



Climate Change Convention


To ask Her Majesty's Government how Parliament

will be informed of progress towards preparing for

COP26. [HL2500]

Lord Callanan: COP26 is a top international priority

for the UK government and has rightly attracted

parliamentary interest, attention and energy.

The Department is working closely with COP26 Unit to

ensure that parliamentarians are engaged in the

preparations and delivery of COP26, and that cross party

ambition and support is galvanised to ensure the success

of the conference.

Commonwealth: Wildlife


To ask Her Majesty's Government what educational

programmes they are supporting in Commonwealth

countries to inform local people of any relationship

between COVID-19 and other diseases and the trade in

wildlife for food; and what steps they are taking to

discourage such trade. [HL2816]

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The UK

recognises that strong health systems are vital to ensuring

health security and we support the Commonwealth's

ambition to move towards achieving Universal Health

Coverage, enabling countries to prevent, detect and

respond to global outbreaks like Coronavirus. The origin

of the Covid-19 virus is not yet clear, although it has been

linked to viruses occurring in animals. The UK is at the

forefront of international efforts to regulate global trade in

wild animals and my officials regularly raise our concerns

with other governments and with international authorities.

The Commonwealth secretariat has launched a

Commonwealth Coronavirus Response Centre that aims

to provide a wealth of information on COVID-19 and

educational resources for Commonwealth countries.

Separately, the UK has announced £210 million further

funding to the international coalition to find a vaccine,

bringing the total amount of UK aid spent to fight

COVID-19 to £544 million.

The UK is at the forefront of international efforts to

raise awareness and promote action to tackle the Illegal

Wildlife Trade (IWT). We have continued to address IWT

through bilateral discussions and in multilateral partners.

Through this work we were able to successfully work

with international partners to help secure strong IWT

Resolution at last year's United Nations General

Assembly. The UK has also announced a £220 million

international biodiversity fund to protect and enhance

global biodiversity, £30 million of which will go to tackle

IWT.

Community First Responders

Asked by Lord Crisp

To ask Her Majesty's Government why the West

Midlands Ambulance Service are downgrading the role

of Community First Responders in Staffordshire.

[HL2610]

Asked by Lord Crisp


they have made of the reasons given by West Midlands

Ambulance Service for downgrading the role of

Community First Responders in Staffordshire.

[HL2611]

Asked by Lord Crisp


was given by the West Midlands Ambulance Service to

upgrading the role of Community First Responders in

other parts of its area to bring the roles into line with

the role in Staffordshire before the decision was taken

to downgrade the role of Community First Responders

in Staffordshire and bringing that role into line with

other parts of the West Midlands Ambulance Service

area. [HL2612]

Asked by Lord Crisp


current enhanced role of Community First Responders

in Staffordshire has proved more effective in terms of

(1) quality, and (2) safety, when compared to the work

of Community First Responders in other parts of the

West Midlands Ambulance Service area. [HL2613]

Asked by Lord Crisp

To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance

they provide on the role of Community First

Responders. [HL2614]

Lord Bethell: Ambulance services have operated with

Community First Responders (CFRs) for many years in

mainly rural areas and they play a vital role in responding

to the highest priority 999 calls whilst paramedics are en-

route.

West Midland Ambulance Service (WMAS) recognise

that Community First Responders (CFRs) play a key role

in protecting local communities and they want to enhance

that by increasing the number of CFRs, using a consistent

model of response, so that even more lives can be saved.

Since the introduction of the Ambulance Response

Programme, ambulance services have a clearer indication

of the severity of each 999 call and so can assign the most

appropriate response to that call, which may include the

dispatch of a CFR, to ensure that each patient receives the

right response for their clinical need.

WMAS plan to use their CFRs to target the most

seriously ill patients, in the way that CFR schemes were

originally set up.











The Government are content with the approach WMAS

are taking regarding CFRs and have no concerns

regarding their future plans.

In 2015, the Association of Ambulance Chief

Executives published a document on the use of CFRs. The

document seeks to reduce national variation in the

governance of CFR schemes and aims to addresses the

deployment of CFRs across all categories of calls. A copy

of Volunteer Responders Governance Framework is

attached.

The Answer includes the following attached material:

Volunteer Responders Governance Framework [Volunteer-

Responders-Governance-Framework.pdf]

The material can be viewed online at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-

answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2020-03-16/HL2610

Companies: Coronavirus

Asked by Lord Smith of Finsbury


have to extend the maximum time between which

companies must hold annual general meetings, as set

out in section 336 of the Companies Act 2006, due to

the need for social distancing during the COVID-19

pandemic. [HL2888]

Lord Callanan: The Government has announced a

number of measures to reduce burdens on businesses

small and large during the Covid-19 outbreak as part of

the measures announced by the Chancellor and as set out

in the Coronavirus Act. Further measures are being

developed and will be announced in due course.

The Government has also been working closely with

stakeholders in developing guidance on how to conduct

Annual General Meetings in the face of Covid-19

restrictions. The guidance is available on the Financial

Reporting Council’s and Chartered Governance Institute’s

websites and is being kept under review in light of

evolving circumstances. We have continued to listen and

work closely with businesses to ensure they are able to

conduct their business in a safe, orderly and effective

way. As a consequence we announced on 28 March our

intention to legislate as soon as possible to give

companies greater, temporary flexibility.

Construction: Coronavirus



have to stop all non-essential construction work during

the COVID-19 pandemic. [HL2863]

Lord Callanan: Construction plays a crucial role in

supporting our public services, maintaining the nation’s

infrastructure, and providing safe, decent homes for

people to live in. Construction workers who cannot work

from home, who show no symptoms of Covid-19, and

who live in households where no person is self-isolating,

should still go to work. This is consistent with the advice

of the Chief Medical Officer.

However, the Government is clear that construction

activity should only continue where it can take place in

line with the social distancing guidance provided by

Public Health England. Through the Construction

Leadership Council, the construction industry has issued

Site Operating Procedures which align with this guidance.

Coronavirus



have to participate in any future meetings or discussions

with EU health ministers about COVID-19. [HL2688]

Lord Bethell: COVID-19 is a global public health

emergency. The United Kingdom is playing a leading role

in the global response and we will continue to work

closely with the G7, the World Health Organization, the

European Union and other international partners at both

Ministerial and official level.



have taken to ascertain the source of COVID-19; what

assessment they have made of the response by countries

where the virus was initially detected; and what steps

they intend to take to hold any government which

withheld information about COVID-19 to account.

[HL2915]

Lord Bethell: On 31 December 2019, the World Health

Organization (WHO) was informed of a cluster of cases

of pneumonia of unknown cause detected in Wuhan City,

Hubei Province, China. On 12 January 2020 the WHO

posted a Disease Outbreak News where it was announced

that a novel coronavirus had been identified in samples

obtained from cases. Initial analysis of virus genetic

sequences suggested that this particular virus was the

cause of the outbreak. This virus is referred to as SARS-

CoV-2, and the associated disease as COVID-19.

Public Health England has been in regular contact with

laboratories and public health organisations within Europe

and South East Asia in order to understand the systems

they have adopted in relation to contact tracing, risk

assessments, guidance and laboratory processes. These

knowledge exchanges led to the development of the

antigen test used in the United Kingdom and shaped our

approach to contact tracing and the risk assessments

undertaken of aircraft and cruise ships.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan

Scheme

Asked by Lord German

To ask Her Majesty's Government which categories

of freelance workers and sole traders will be eligible for

the COVID-19 Business Interruption Loan Scheme.

[HL2746]












Lord Callanan: The Coronavirus Business Interruption

Loan Scheme is available to self-employed individuals

with an eligible business entity. The scheme is open to

sole traders, freelancers, body corporates, limited

partnerships, limited liability partnerships or any other

legal entity carrying out a business activity in the United

Kingdom, with a turnover of less than £45m, operating in

most sectors. The turnover of the business must generate

more than 50% of its turnover from trading activity.

Lenders, such as banks, are responsible for providing

loans supported by the guarantee. The exact terms of each

loan and length of application will depend on the

circumstances of the borrower: lenders are fully aware of

the current urgency with which some businesses need to

access finance to support cash-flow during this difficult

time, so we would expect them to respond appropriately

to their customers’ needs.

The list of participating lenders that provide

Coronavirus Interruption Business Loan Scheme facilities

published on the British Business Bank website.



guidelines issued to lenders participating in the

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans Scheme

permit such lenders to require that an SME director

pledge personal assets in order to receive a Government

guarantee of 80 per cent on each loan; and what

guidance has been issued to lenders on the terms of

such lending. [HL2898]

Lord Callanan: The terms of the Coronavirus Business

Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) state that Personal

Guarantees of any form (whether or not these include the

pledging of personal assets) cannot be used in respect of

any CBILS facilities up to £250,000.

Personal guarantees for CBILS facilities above

£250,000 are not required by the scheme rules. They may

be taken at the lender’s discretion. If that is the case,

recoveries under such guarantees are capped at a

maximum of 20% of the outstanding balance of the

CBILS facility after the proceeds of business assets, if

any, have been applied.

A Principal Private Residence cannot be taken as

security to support a personal guarantee or as security for

any CBILS facility.

These terms were updated on 3 April 2020 and will be

retrospectively applied for any CBILS facilities offered

since the start of the scheme on 23 March 2020. This

means that any personal guarantees already taken for

CBILS facilities up to £250,000 will be waived.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme:

Electronic Government

Asked by Lord Fink

To ask Her Majesty's Government when HMRC will

launch the online portal to facilitate the Coronavirus

Job Retention Scheme. [HL2933]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Government expects the

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to be in place by the

end of April, including a new online portal through which

businesses can access the Scheme.

The Scheme is a significant programme of work, and

one of many Coronavirus-related changes and

programmes that are being implemented at present.

Nonetheless, HM Revenue and Customs are working at

pace to allow the Scheme to be up and running.

Guidance for employers and employees has already

been published on GOV.UK.

Coronavirus: Airports



taking to conduct universal testing for COVID-19

at airports in England. [HL2859]

Lord Bethell: On 12 March 2020 the Prime Minister

announced that the COVID-19 response was moving from

the contain to delay phase. This phase has been initiated

as there is now community transmission of the virus in

the United Kingdom, i.e. transmission not directly related

to travel; this has made interventions in ports of less

relative importance. With the shift to the delay phase and

commensurate policy changes, the Public Health England

approach is that testing capacity should not be focused on

airports.

Coronavirus: Carers

Asked by Lord Mann

To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they

have made of the number of people providing informal

social care who are paid in cash; and what assessment

they have made of the impact of the COVID-19

pandemic on (1) the provision of such care, and (2) the

livelihoods of such carers. [HL2956]

Lord Bethell: The Department does not hold the data

on the number of people providing informal social care

who are paid in cash.

To support those who have personal budgets during

COVID-19, the Department is developing guidance on

Direct Payments, along with question and answer

guidance for those who hold budgets, which will be

published at the earliest opportunity.

We have announced £1.6 billion funding for local

authorities to help support adult social care providers and

staff to respond to COVID-19, and, are developing

guidance for employers around redeployment of staff and

the use of volunteers to help maintain the services that

some of the most vulnerable in our society rely on.

Coronavirus: Clinical Trials

Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many patients

in the UK are taking part in clinical trials of COVID-19

treatments and vaccines. [HL2949]







Lord Bethell: The Department’s National Institute for

Health Research (NIHR) reports that as of 27 March

2020, 57 patients have been recruited to a clinical trial of

treatments for patients with COVID-19 via the NIHR

Clinical Research Network.

Coronavirus: Death


To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the

projected UK death toll from COVID-19 [HL2665]

Lord Bethell: The Government relies on modelling

work undertaken by several academic groups, who report

to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies

(SAGE) through its various subgroups. SAGE will

continue to publish the evidence that it considers.

From modelling and current data on the outbreak, it is

likely that the United Kingdom death toll will rise, but it

is not possible to estimate how many individuals will die

currently. This will be dependent on the implementation

of and adherence to public health measures, and the

success of those measures in suppressing transmission of

the virus and the numbers of cases of infection.

Coronavirus: Disease Control



they have made of the most effective measures adopted

by other countries to address COVID-19. [HL2661]

Lord Bethell: The Government are working closely

with the World Health Organization, along with advice

from leading scientists to ensure that the most effective

measures are adopted for the United Kingdom.

Public Health England is also in regular contact with

laboratories and public health organisations across the

world in order to understand the processes they have

adopted in relation to contact tracing, risk assessments,

guidance and laboratory processes.



they have made of the effectiveness of herd immunity

as a way to minimise UK deaths from COVID-19

[HL2666]

Lord Bethell: Herd immunity is not part of the

Government’s action plan but is a natural by-product of

an epidemic. Our aims are to save lives, protect the most

vulnerable, and relieve pressure on the National Health

Service.

We have now moved out of the contain phase and into

delay, and we have experts working round the clock.

Every measure that we have or will introduce will be

based on the best scientific evidence.

Our awareness of the likely levels of immunity in the

country over the coming months will ensure our planning

and response is as accurate and effective as possible.


To ask Her Majesty's Government how confident

they are that those who have recovered from COVID-

19 do not continue to be carriers of the virus; and

whether swab tests will be repeated for recovered

patients to ensure that such tests remain negative.

[HL2676]

Lord Bethell: COVID-19 is not known to cause latent

infections (becoming dormant in the body after infection

and reactivate later on) or to cause persistent infection

(continuous infection).

Public Health England is in the process of producing

guidance for the conditions of discharge of infected

patients from hospitals.

Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick


have to enforce social isolation measures so companies

can claim COVID-19 relief on their insurance.

[HL2714]

Lord Bethell: The United Kingdom Government

introduced three new measures which came into effect on

23 March:

- Requiring people to stay at home, except for very

limited purposes;

- Closing certain businesses and venues; and

- Stopping all gatherings of more than two people in

public.

Every person in the UK must comply with these new

measures. The relevant authorities, including the police,

have been given the powers to enforce them – including

through fines and dispersing gatherings.

The vast majority of business interruption insurance

policies held by small or medium-sized enterprises (SME)

will not include cover for business losses caused by a

pandemic.

In a very small number of cases in which a SME has

purchased a business interruption insurance policy with

additional cover for a ‘notifiable disease’, that SME will

be covered. To address this, the Chancellor announced an

unprecedented package of Government-backed and

guaranteed loans to support businesses, making available

an initial £330 billion of guarantees – equivalent to 15%

of gross domestic product.



they have made of the report by the Imperial College

COVID-19 response team Impact of non-

pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to reduce

COVID19 mortality and healthcare demand, published

on 16 March; and in particular that report's assessment

of the impact of the UK's mitigation measures on (1)

deaths, and (2) the capacity of the NHS. [HL2721]

Lord Bethell: The Scientific Advisory Group for

Emergencies (SAGE) is responsible for ensuring that











timely and coordinated scientific advice is made available

to decision-makers, to support United Kingdom cross-

Government decisions.

In fulfilling this role, SAGE considers a wide range

scientific evidence. SAGE is supported in this role by a

sub group (Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on

Modelling, SPI-M) that consists of members from Public

Health England and experts from several academic

research groups at UK universities. SPI-M considers the

modelling work of all its members to reach a consensus

view.

The report Impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions

(NPIs) to reduce COVID-19 mortality and healthcare

demand, published on 16 March, is an important strand of

the scientific evidence informing the Government’s

response to the COVID-19 emergency.

Asked by Lord Ahmed


have provided, and plan to provide, in relation to

religious gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[HL2725]

Lord Bethell: The Government has introduced social

distancing guidance which should be implemented across

all sectors including religious gatherings, this will help

reduce the transmission of COVID-19. A copy of

Guidance on social distancing for everyone in the UK is

attached.

Additionally, a scientific evidence-based review on the

impact of mass gatherings on an influenza pandemic has

been published. A copy of Impact of Mass Gatherings on

an Influenza Pandemic: Scientific Evidence Base Review

is attached.


Guidance on social distancing [guidance on social distancing.docx]

Mass gatherings evidence review

[Mass_Gatherings_evidence_Review.pdf]

The material can be viewed online at:

http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-


Asked by Lord Ahmed


have provided to the Muslim Council of Britain about

(1) Friday prayers, and (2) the celebration of Ramadan,

in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. [HL2726]

Lord Bethell: The Muslim Council of Britain continues

to follow the Government’s and National Health Service

COVID-19 advice as well as publishing their own

guidance for the Muslim community. This guidance

includes plans for likely suspension of congregational

activities, advice for congregation members to keep good

hygiene and support for the socially vulnerable and

isolated. A copy of Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance

for mosques/madrasas and Umrah Pilgrims is attached.

There is information on how Ramadan may be affected

and whether United Kingdom mosques must similarly

prepare for the very likely possibility of suspending iftar

programs and congregational tarawih prayers.


Guidance for mosques madrasas and Umrah pilgrims [guidance on

mosques etc.docx]





they have made of whether schools contribute to the

spread of COVID-19. [HL2767]

Lord Bethell: The Government has issued clear

guidance on social distancing and asked that schools only

remain open for those children who absolutely need to

attend.

This guidance is aimed at helping reduce the spread of

the virus and reduce the mounting pressure on our

National Health Service, allowing those most acutely

affected with COVID-19 to access the care they need.



have, if any, to issue social distancing guidance for

delivery drivers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[HL2768]

Lord Bethell: Everyone has a duty to comply with the

advice provided by the Government in relation to

COVID-19, in order to protect both themselves and

others. A copy of Guidance for employers and businesses

on coronavirus (COVID-19) is attached.

When people order home deliveries, they should tell

drivers to leave deliveries outside for collection. Delivery

drivers should not be invited into a person’s home.


Guidance for employers and businesses [guidance on employers

and businesses.docx]






they have made of the report by the Nuffield Council on

Bioethics Ethical considerations in responding to the

COVID-19 pandemic, published on 17 March; and

what discussions they have had with National Health

Service leaders about that report. [HL2777]

Lord Bethell: The United Kingdom Government’s

response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been guided by

the advice of the Scientific Advisory Group for

Emergencies (SAGE) with the sole purpose of minimising


















loss of life. The Government has published the scientific

evidence relied on by SAGE which can be found online

via GOV.UK.

The report by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics Ethical

considerations in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic

has not been formally considered or assessed by SAGE.

However, individual contributors to SAGE may consider

a range of evidence for their own work.



they have given, if any, to the deployment of police

officers to ensure that people are social distancing.

[HL2842]

Baroness Williams of Trafford: We expect people to

do the right thing and follow the guidance that will help

keep us all safe.

The Government is working with the police to ensure

they have relevant powers to enforce the social distancing

measures. We will continue to work closely with the

police to ensure we effectively support efforts to stop the

spread of the virus and save lives.

Asked by Lord Mann


they have made of advances made by open sourcing

research in relation to testing vaccines and treatments

for COVID-19; what steps they have taken to ensure

cooperation with scientific and research institutions in

real time; with which countries such cooperation

occurs; and in particular, whether they cooperate with

such institutions in (1) South Korea, (2) Israel, (3)

China, and (4) other G20 members. [HL2874]

Lord Bethell: Public Health England and other United

Kingdom scientists and clinicians are members of several

World Health Organization (WHO) working groups that

cover new therapeutics, vaccines, diagnostics and sero-

epidemiology. There is excellent collaboration across

many countries, including those in the G20.

Data and presentations have been shared at these

working groups by many countries including China,

South Korea, Hong Kong, Australia, the Netherlands,

France, Canada, the UK and the United States of

America. There are publicly available outputs from these

groups on the WHO Blueprint Research and Development

website, one of which is the draft landscape of COVID-19

candidate vaccines.

Coronavirus: Drugs


To ask Her Majesty's Government, following their

decision to ban the parallel export of drugs used to treat

malaria and HIV, whether UK stocks of such medicines

are being trialled for use on patients with COVID-19;

and if so, what (1) clinical evidence has been gathered,

and (2) conclusions have been reached, about the

efficacy of such treatment. [HL2795]

Lord Bethell: United Kingdom stocks of medicines to

treat malaria and HIV are being trialled for use on patients

with COVID-19.

There are suggestions in the Chinese and French

literature that both lopinavir/ritonavir and

chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine may be beneficial.

However, these data are not conclusive, because the

studies done are too small, thus the findings, whilst

promising, may ultimately be wrong.

The UK will evaluate both these treatments in two large

randomised trials, one of which is already underway and

the other of which is expected to begin recruitment next

week.

Coronavirus: Health Professions



have, if any, to advise medical professionals in 'at-risk'

groups to self-isolate during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[HL2654]

Lord Bethell: Guidance was sent out to all National

Health Service departments on Friday 20 March from

NHS England and NHS Improvement about supporting

vulnerable staff. A copy of the guidance is attached. The

guidance states that “The NHS will support staff to stay

well and at work. NHS organisations should make

adjustments to enable this wherever possible.

Adjustments may include working remotely or moving to

a lower risk area.”


Guidance on supporting vulnerable staff [annex-2-supporting-our-

vulnerable-staff.pdf]



Coronavirus: Hydroxychloroquine



they have made of reports about the success of using

hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19, following a

study carried out by Professor Raoult, director of the

Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire de Marseille. [HL2794]

Lord Bethell: The Department is considering carefully

all available evidence around the potential of different

medicines for use in treating COVID-19. Clinical trials

are ongoing and being developed to assess the benefits of

a number of different medicines in treating COVID-19.

Hydroxychloroquine is not currently licensed to treat

COVID-19 related symptoms or prevent infection.

Clinical trials are being established to test

hydroxychloroquine as an agent in the treatment of

COVID-19. These clinical trials are still not completed, so

no conclusions have yet been reached on the safety and












effectiveness of this medicine to treat or prevent COVID-

19.

Coronavirus: Intensive Care



Written Answer by Lord Bethell on 16 March

(HL2026), whether they will now answer the question

put, namely, whether the current provision of

specialised ventilation care will be capable of meeting

the needs of those affected by an epidemic. [HL2674]

Lord Bethell: We have significantly increased our

ventilator capacity. To date, there are more than 8,000

ventilators in hospitals across the United Kingdom, with

thousands more expected to come into use in the coming

weeks and months and, of course, we will continue to

order more. This is alongside work being done on the

Prime Minister’s ventilator challenge.

Ventilators are being procured from existing worldwide

stocks. Ventilators will be delivered to National Health

Service trusts as soon as stock has arrived in the UK. In

addition, ventilators will be available in the private

hospitals that we have just contracted as additional

capacity.

It is not yet clear precisely how quickly the number of

cases requiring ventilation will increase, hence the efforts

to increase capacity rapidly. Ventilator demand modelling

continues to evolve and at present sufficient capacity

exists. The supply and demand of ventilators is under

constant review.

Coronavirus: International Cooperation



asked for assistance to help address the COVID-19

pandemic from countries less affected by COVID-19;

and if so, what kind of assistance they have requested.

[HL2904]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK is leading with

partners and allies to: support an effective and co-

ordinated global health response led by WHO, reinforce

the resilience of vulnerable countries, pursue a vaccine,

support the global economy, and enable travelling

nationals to return home where necessary. The UK will

work with all our international partners to achieve these

objectives, including with the G7, G20, as well as the UN

and other multilateral institutions, in order to galvanise a

stronger global effort.

Coronavirus: Italy



they have made of reports that one of the people in the

Lombardy cluster may have become infected with

COVID-19 after contact with a person who tested

negative for COVID-19. [HL2677]

Lord Bethell: Assessment of the clinical and

epidemiological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 cases

suggests that, similar to SARS-CoV, patients will not be

infectious until the onset of symptoms. In most cases,

individuals are usually considered infectious while they

have symptoms. How infectious individuals are depends

on the severity of their symptoms and stage of their

illness. Further study is required to determine the actual

occurrence and impact of asymptomatic transmission.

Coronavirus: Medical Treatments



they have made of the drugs being used in other

countries to treat patients with COVID-19 successfully;

and what progress has been made towards developing a

vaccine. [HL2829]

Lord Bethell: Although several potential drugs for

COVID-19 are being trialled around the world, few

results have been reported yet, and we do not know if any

could help save people who are already seriously ill when

diagnosed.

The World Health Organization (WHO) along with

several countries in Europe, including the United

Kingdom, are coordinating an international trial of the

most promising drugs which include the long-used

antimalarial drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, a

new antiviral drug called remdesivir and a combination of

two HIV drugs called lopinavir and ritonavir. The HIV

drugs will also be tested in combination with an antiviral

called interferon beta.

The trial will focus on whether any of these drugs

reduce mortality or the time patients are in hospital and

whether patients receiving drugs require ventilation or an

intensive care unit.

On 3 April, the Government also announcement that the

world’s largest randomised clinical trial of potential

coronavirus treatments is well underway in the UK as part

of the race to find a treatment.

Scientific and medical advisers are already developing a

new vaccine against the COVID-19, as they initiated

vaccine development as soon as the genetic sequence of

the novel coronavirus was released.



they have made of the use of plasma transfusions from

survivors of COVID-19 to patients in a critical

condition. [HL2947]

Lord Bethell: There is emerging evidence from China

of some effectiveness of using convalescent plasma to

treat COVID-19. The Department and NHS Blood and

Transplant are aware that research protocols are being

developed to assess the possibility of using convalescent








plasma from United Kingdom donors to determine its

efficacy for treating COVID-19.

Asked by Lord Sharkey


they have made of the potential impact of COVID-19

on the work programme of the National Institute for

Health and Care Excellence, in particular (1) the

development and publication of technology appraisal

guidance, and (2) the review of its methods and

processes. [HL2971]

Lord Bethell: The National Institute for Health and

Care Excellence (NICE) has adapted its priorities to

support the National Health Service, local authorities and

the wider health and social care sector to tackle COVID-

19.

NICE’s immediate priorities include frontline staff

being released from committee meetings and panels to

minimise the disruption to critical care for those affected

by COVID-19 and minimising the publication of outputs

that might be a distraction during this critical time. NICE

will only publish guidance, including technology

appraisal guidance that is therapeutically critical or

focused on COVID-19-related issues, and will continue

with, but not publish other work, as staffing and other

resources allow, including the review of its methods and

processes. Information about the NICE methods review

will be available shortly.

These priorities will be reviewed in six to eight weeks.



have taken to ensure that the National Institute for

Health and Care Excellence has adequate levels of

patient and patient group participation in its review of

its methods and processes. [HL2972]


Care Excellence (NICE) has had a specific workstream

focussing on patient involvement aspects of both its

methods and processes. NICE held a workshop with 22

patient groups, used the findings to develop an in-depth

questionnaire and received responses from 52 patient

groups. The findings and proposals of this are informing

the other workstreams.

Further key aspects include having three patient group

representatives on the Methods Review Working Group;

having patient representatives on task and finish groups

undertaking the detailed methods work; convening a

Stakeholder Insight Group to inform process

developments, which has numerous patient group

representatives; and outreach talks at various key patient

group meetings.


To ask Her Majesty's Government when they

estimate the National Institute for Health and Care

Excellence will issue a consultation on changes to the

routing criteria for the appraisal of medicines through

its highly specialised technologies programme.

[HL2973]


Care Excellence (NICE) is continuing to work through the

consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on its work

programmes. NICE anticipates that further information on

the timing of the consultation on changes to the routing

criteria for the appraisal of medicines through its highly

specialised technologies programme should be available

within the next few weeks.

Coronavirus: Older People

Asked by Lord Collins of Highbury


taking to encourage (1) UN agencies, (2) partner

governments, and (3) development actors, to prioritise

the needs of older people most at risk from COVID-19.

[HL2926]

Baroness Sugg: We recognise that older people, people

with pre-existing conditions, people with disabilities and

those with complex needs are disproportionately

impacted, and at more serious risk of severe

complications, due to COVID-19. The UK has so far

pledged £544 million of aid to tackle this global

pandemic.

This includes support to UN agencies such as Unicef,

the World Health Organisation and the International

Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Our support will enable humanitarian actors to work with

in-country governments and other stakeholders to plan an

inclusive response to the crisis, one which takes into

account the needs of older people, women and girls and

people with disabilities.

We have also developed specific practical guidance to

ensure our country offices around the world, working

closely with partner governments, prioritise the needs of

vulnerable groups, including older people. We are also

working with actors across the development sector to

ensure inclusion is built into the response from the very

start. The pandemic is fast-moving, but we are committed

to supporting the UN system, partner countries and the

wider development community to reach those most

vulnerable.

Asked by Lord Collins of Highbury


taking to ensure that the work of the World Health

Organisation prioritises the health needs of older people

in lower- and middle-income countries as part of its

response to COVID-19. [HL2927]

Baroness Sugg: We recognise that older people, people

with disabilities, people with pre-existing conditions, and

those with complex needs are disproportionately impacted

and at more serious risk of severe complications and

fatality due to COVID-19. The UK is at the forefront of

the global response to COVID-19 and has, to date,









committed up to £544 million of aid to tackle this global

pandemic.

As part of this, the UK is providing £10 million to the

World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) Emergency Flash

Appeal. We are working with all of our humanitarian

partners to ensure that the most vulnerable, including

older people and people with disabilities are reached and

supported.

Our funding to the WHO is supporting countries to

prepare for and respond to COVID-19. This includes

through its Operational Planning Guidelines on public

health measures, which outline specific considerations to

be given to particularly marginalised groups, including

older people. The WHO has also published specific

tailored guidance on people with disabilities.

Coronavirus: Pharmacy



taking to ensure the general public are aware of the role

of pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[HL2818]

Lord Bethell: The role of community pharmacy has

been highlighted in a range of Government

communications, including the recent announcement and

letters to vulnerable patients, which highlighted their role

in the delivery of medicines to people who have been

asked to self-isolate.

Callers to NHS 111 are advised to telephone if they

require health advice from pharmacies and NHS England

and NHS Improvement are working to ensure all

pharmacies have a range of additional resources to

increase public awareness and support the safety of

pharmacy staff and the public. Posters and pop-up display

banners, in line with the national COVID-19

communications, are being developed for distribution.

Coronavirus: Pneumonia



they have made of the benefits of the use of

Tocilizumab in the treatment of severe cases of

interstitial pneumonia linked to COVID-19 in China

and Italy; and what plans they have to make that drug

available on the NHS. [HL2601]



medicines for use in treating COVID-19. Clinical trials

are being developed to assess the benefits of a number of

different medicines in treating COVID-19. Further

medicines may be trialled should evidence indicate to the

Department that this would be an appropriate course of

action. The Department, the Medicines and Healthcare

products Regulatory Agency, Public Health England and

the National Health Service are working together to

ensure that trials can begin as soon as possible. The first

trial in the United Kingdom for hospitalised patients

should begin later this week.



they have had with (1) the National Cancer Institute

Pascale Foundation, and (2) the Colli Hospital, in Italy

about the results those institutions saw from using

Tocilizumab to treat patients with severe pneumonia

linked to COVID-19. [HL2602]

Lord Bethell: The Department has not been in direct

contact with the National Cancer Institute Pascale

Foundation or the Colli Hospital in Italy regarding the

experimental use of tocilizumab. However, the United

Kingdom Therapeutics Task Force has independently

assessed tocilizumab as having potential, and it is

expected to begin evaluation in the UK imminently as

part of the RECOVERY and REMAP-CAP studies. UK

patients will be able to access tocilizumab as part of this

trial. The Department will continue to monitor the results

of trials of experimental therapies for COVID-19 from

around the world.

Coronavirus: Research

Asked by Lord Birt

To ask Her Majesty's Government how they plan to

(1) catalogue, and (2) assess, the global scientific effort

to (a) create a vaccine, and (b) improve therapeutics and

testing, to reduce the impact of COVID-19; and how

they intend to ensure that any transformational

breakthroughs that emerge are rolled out rapidly.

[HL2800]

Lord Bethell: Development of COVID-19 vaccines,

therapeutics and diagnostics is an international effort. The

World Health Organization (WHO), through its R&D

Blueprint team, is leading the coordination and

monitoring of global research and development, including

on vaccine efforts. The United Kingdom is fully

supportive of this leadership and the convening role of the

WHO. We will both feed-in UK expertise and use the

monitoring tools that the WHO produces.



they have made of the findings of the report by the

Imperial College COVID-19 response team Impact of

non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to reduce

COVID-19 mortality and healthcare demand, published

on 16 March. [HL2819]

Lord Bethell: The Scientific Advisory Group for

Emergencies (SAGE) is responsible for ensuring that

timely and coordinated scientific advice is made available

to decision-makers, to support United Kingdom cross-

Government decisions.

In fulfilling this role, SAGE considers a wide range

scientific evidence. SAGE is supported in this role by a

sub group (Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on









Modelling, SPI-M) that consists of members from Public

Health England and experts from several academic

research groups at UK universities.

The report Impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions

(NPIs) to reduce COVID-19 mortality and healthcare

demand, published on 16 March, is an important strand of

the scientific evidence informing the Government’s

response to the COVID-19 emergency.

Coronavirus: Salbutamol

Asked by Lord Mann


have to increase the availability of Ventolin; and what

consideration they have given to enabling patients with

symptoms of COVID-19 to purchase Ventolin without a

prescription. [HL2875]

Lord Bethell: The Department has no current plans to

enable salbutamol (for example, Ventolin by GSK) to be

purchased over the counter without a prescription. The

sale, supply and administration of prescription-only

medicines, like Ventolin, are restricted by the Human

Medicines Regulations 2012 which are designed to

protect the public. The main route by which a pharmacist

is able to sell or supply a prescription-only medicine is

under the authority of a prescription.

The country is well prepared to deal with the impacts of

COVID-19 and we have stockpiles of certain medicines,

including salbutamol, in the event of any supply issues or

significant increases in demand.

Coronavirus: Screening



they have made of the effectiveness of mass testing to

mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the UK. [HL2663]

Lord Bethell: The number of people tested in England,

Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is set to rapidly

increase in the coming weeks. This will help identify

whether there is a need for individuals to be self-isolating,

as well as those people who have already contracted and

fought the disease and are safe to return to work or go out

in public. This includes National Health Service staff.

There is now capacity to carry out over 10,000 tests a

day and this will rise to 25,000 by the end of April.

Widespread diagnostic testing during a pandemic is

enormously important to controlling the spread of

infection.

Asked by Baroness Masham of Ilton


taking to test people suspected of having COVID-19 in

line with World Health Organisation advice including

(1) the elderly, and (2) disabled people living on their

own. [HL2698]

Lord Bethell: The Government’s response is built

around protecting those who are most vulnerable in our

society. Testing is a crucial part of the United Kingdom’s

response to the COVID-19 pandemic and we are working

on multiple fronts to deliver additional testing capacity

into the system.

As we have moved from ‘contain’ and into the ‘delay’

phase of COVID-19, Public Health England, together

with NHS England and the Department, has agreed we

will need to prioritise testing for those most at risk of

severe illness from the virus. Our aim is to save lives,

protect the most vulnerable, and relieve pressure on the

National Health Service.

As a result, tests will primarily be given to:

- all patients in critical care for pneumonia, acute

respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or flu like illness;

and

- all other patients requiring admission to hospital for

pneumonia, ARDS or flu-like illness.

The Government is looking at wider testing for those in

less critical states. As announced on 27 March, the

Government is working with industry, philanthropy and

universities to significantly scale up testing.

Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham


have to prioritise the testing of all health and care

workers in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

[HL2753]

Lord Bethell: Our priority is to make sure that we

carry out tests on those who need them most. Currently

this is possible for COVID-19 cases in hospitals and care

homes. As capacity for testing expands, we will increase

the range of people who can be tested. In future key

workers, such as health workers, and clinically high

priority cases will be prioritised for testing.


To ask Her Majesty's Government what criteria

patients have to meet in order to be tested for COVID-

19. [HL2765]

Lord Bethell: Our priority is to make sure that we

carry out tests on those who need them most. Currently

this is possible COVID-19 cases in hospitals and care

homes.

As capacity for testing expands, we will increase the

range of people who can be tested. In future key workers,

such as health workers, and clinically high priority cases

will be prioritized for testing.


To ask Her Majesty's Government when they plan to

introduce universal testing of all UK citizens for

COVID-19. [HL2824]

Lord Bethell: Testing is a crucial part of the United

Kingdom’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the









Government is working on multiple fronts to deliver

additional testing capacity.

On 4 April 2020, the Government published its testing

strategy Coronavirus (COVID-19) Scaling up our testing

programmes. That strategy describes in detail the five

pillars of work which together will put in place the testing

that is mission critical as we fight the battle against

COVID-19. A copy of the strategy is attached.


COVID19 Scaling up our testing programmes [coronavirus-covid-

19-testing-strategy.pdf]





have, if any, to utilise artificial intelligence to test for

COVID-19. [HL2840]

Lord Bethell: The Government is working closely with

Oxford University’s Big Data Institute to develop a

tracing app, currently in development by NHSX for the

Department, which may help collect data to help combat

the COVID-19 outbreak.



have, if any, to test key workers for COVID-19

regularly. [HL2841]

Lord Bethell: Testing is a crucial part of the United

Kingdom’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and we

are working on multiple fronts to deliver additional

testing capacity into the system.

We are working hard to ensure we can adequately test

for and respond to COVID-19. As part of this, we

prioritise testing to the most acutely ill and vulnerable

patients in hospitals and most recently, hospital National

Health Service workers who are symptomatic.

As additional testing capacity increases, the next

priority group will be wider NHS staff and other key

workers.

Asked by Lord Marlesford

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many tests for

COVID-19 have been carried out; and what proportion

of those have shown positive. [HL2960]

Lord Bethell: The Government is committed to

increasing the capacity of testing to at least 25,000 per

day for patients most in need.

As of 9am on 6 April 2020, cumulatively across the

United Kingdom, 252,958 tests have concluded. 208,837

people have been tested of which 51,608 tested positive.

5,373 of those hospitalised in the UK who tested positive

for the coronavirus have sadly died.

Coronavirus: Vaccination

Asked by Lord Lilley

To ask Her Majesty's Government what urgent steps

they are taking to (1) create capacity to manufacture

vaccines in the UK, and (2) ensure that COVID-19

vaccines are made available immediately once they are

developed. [HL2807]

Lord Bethell: The development of a COVID-19

vaccine is at the early stages but progressing rapidly. The

Government is working to ensure the United Kingdom

has the manufacturing capability to produce these

vaccines at the levels the UK needs. To do this, a new

cross-Government vaccines taskforce has been set up,

reporting to the Secretaries of State for Business, Energy

and Industrial Strategy and Health and Social Care as well

as Sir Patrick Vallance. It brings together Government,

industry, academics, funding agencies and other partners

to make rapid decisions in order to accelerate vaccine

development in the UK.

Coronavirus: Ventilators



they have made, if any, of the case for using simplified

iron lung machines to treat COVID-19. [HL2653]

Lord Bethell: An ‘iron lung’ is a ventilator which was

used particularly in polio outbreaks of the 1940s and

1950s. Iron lung ventilators are largely obsolete in

modern medicine having been superseded by modern

ventilators.

Modern ventilators utilise positive pressure to ‘push air

into airways’ via intubation. ‘Iron lung’ ventilation relied

on negative pressure to expand the lung, requiring

patients to lie within an enclosed chamber. The iron lung

chamber restricts both patient movement and healthcare

worker ability to reach patients.

Modern ventilators permit superior ventilation and

allow for a safer and more acceptable standard of medical

care for patients. It is unlikely that return to ‘iron lung’

negative pressure ventilation would be considered safe,

acceptable or a practical approach at present. The current

priority is to increase access to modern, positive pressure

ventilators.

Credit Reference Agencies



they have made of (1) the operation of UK credit

scoring agencies; and (2) reports that such agencies

have closed their telephone helplines but continue to

blacklist customers whilst their automated systems are

not functioning effectively. [HL2979]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Government recognises

that the outbreak of COVID-19 may lead to consumers











facing financial difficulty and uncertainty. The

Government is working closely with industry, including

credit reference agencies (CRAs) and the Financial

Conduct Authority (FCA) – the regulator responsible for

CRAs – to ensure that consumers are not treated unfairly

as a result of this crisis.

Some CRAs have experienced operational difficulties

with respect to its telephone helplines due to a reduction

in call centre capacity. CRAs’ online portals are available

for customers to make any inquiries while these issues are

being resolved.

Credit: Insurance


To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they

plan to take to prevent credit insurers unilaterally

withdrawing cover. [HL2701]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The government is discussing

with UK authorities, businesses and the insurance

industry, the impact of COVID-19 on the trade credit

insurance market.

As the Chancellor announced on Tuesday 17 March the

government would do whatever it takes to get our nation

through the impacts of COVID-19 and that he stands

ready to announce further action wherever necessary.

Criminal Investigation: Northern Ireland

Asked by Lord Empey

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their

definition of "compelling new evidence" for any

investigation of cases related to the Troubles in

Northern Ireland. [HL2740]

Viscount Younger of Leckie: The Government is

committed to addressing the legacy of the past in

Northern Ireland in a way that focuses on reconciliation,

delivers for victims, and ends the cycle of reinvestigations

into the Troubles in Northern Ireland that has failed

victims and members of the security services alike. The

Government will be engaging intensively with the

Northern Ireland parties, Irish Government, and other key

stakeholders over the coming weeks on the detail of the

proposals that have been set out.

Crowdfunding


To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they, or

the Financial Conduct Authority, have taken any action

to (1) monitor, or (2) issue guidance, to peer-to-peer

lenders about whether new client inflows should be

used to support previous borrowers experiencing

financial difficulty and funded by earlier investors.

[HL2642]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Government monitors the

peer-to-peer lending sector on an ongoing basis and

engages regularly with the Financial Conduct Authority

(FCA), who are responsible for the regulation of the

sector.

The FCA is operationally independent from

Government. The second part of the question, as it relates

to the FCA, has been passed on to the FCA. The FCA will

reply directly to Lord Myners by letter, and a copy of the

letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Delivery Services and Shops: NHS



have, if any, to work with supermarkets to create

designated NHS staff stores and delivery services.

[HL2891]

Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The Government has well-

established ways of working with the food industry

during disruption to supply situations. Our retailers

already have highly resilient supply chains and they are

working around the clock to ensure people have the food

and products they need. Industry has adapted quickly to

these changes in demands, and food supply into and

across the UK is resilient.

To help supermarkets, the Government has already

introduced new measures to keep food supply flowing.

We have temporarily relaxed elements of competition law

to enable supermarkets to work more closely together to

ensure people can access the products they need. Food

retailers are now able to share data on their stock levels,

cooperate to keep stores open and share staff, distribution

depots and delivery vehicles. This is helping keep shops

open and staffed and better able to meet high demand.

Guidance has been issued to local authorities to show

flexibility to allow extended delivery hours to

supermarkets to ensure shelves can be replenished more

quickly. The Transport Secretary has also announced a

temporary and limited relaxation of the drivers’ hours

rules so that more goods can be delivered to every store

every day. We welcome the actions that industry is

taking, including hiring more staff and prioritising

delivery slots for those that need them most.

Supermarkets are already protecting shopping time for

NHS staff, and we are in close contact with industry to

discuss further ways to help with their preparations,

including how they can support key workers.

We are grateful for the extensive support and positive

collaboration that the industry has shown. We should be

proud of all those across the country who are working

round the clock to make sure people have the food they

need.








Dental Services: Non-domestic Rates



have, if any, to extend business rate exemptions to

include dental practices. [HL2975]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Government has provided

a comprehensive, coordinated and coherent response to

what is a serious and evolving economic situation,

including the expanded business rates holiday announced

on 17 March.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local

Government published guidance for local authorities on

the implementation of this holiday on 18 March, updated

on 25 March. This guidance does not extend business

rates relief to properties providing medical services,

including dental practices, which have not been required

to close to prevent the spread of COVID-19. There are no

plans to amend this guidance further.

Dental practices will have access to other support. NHS

England have agreed to fully remunerate dentists holding

or working on NHS contracts for the routine NHS work

they would have otherwise undertaken during the

pandemic.

All businesses, including those not eligible for business

rates relief, will benefit from the wider package of

measures that the Government has set out to support

businesses through this period of disruption. This includes

the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme for

small and medium-sized businesses, the Coronavirus Job

Retention Scheme to help firms continue to keep people

in employment, a statutory sick pay relief package, and a

dedicated HMRC COVID-19 helpline to support

businesses in need.

Department for International Development

Asked by Baroness Sheehan


Department for International Development will remain

the UK Government Department responsible for

administering overseas aid; and whether the goal of that

Department will continue to be “to promote sustainable

development and eliminate world poverty”. [HL2837]

Baroness Sugg: DFID continues to lead the UK’s work

to reduce poverty and deliver the Sustainable

Development Goals, maximising opportunities to work

jointly with other government departments as

demonstrated by the cross-Government response, jointly

led by DFID and FCO, to supporting global efforts to

combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The PM has appointed

a fully joint junior ministerial team, along with separate

Secretaries of State for the Foreign Office and DFID, to

ensure the departments will work more closely overseas

to deliver the Government’s objectives. DFID ministers

retain authority over decisions on DFID aid spending and

accountability for all financial resources remains within

existing departmental lines.

Department for International Development:

Publications


To ask Her Majesty's Government when they intend

to publish the corporate report to replace the Single

departmental plan: 2015 to 2020, which was withdrawn

on 13 March. [HL2838]

Baroness Sugg: Single Departmental Plans are updated

annually setting out the Department’s plans to deliver the

Global Goals. The most recent version was uploaded in

June 2019 and can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/departme

nt-for-international-development-single-departmental-

plan/department-for-international-development-single-

departmental-plan--2

Plans will be updated once departments have prepared

them as part of the normal government planning and

performance process.

Department for Work and Pensions:

Coronavirus

Asked by Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope


they have given to redeploying those health

professionals currently under contract to the

Department for Work and Pensions and employed by

the assessment provider companies Maximus, Capita

and Atos to roles within the NHS to assist with the

effort to resist the spread of COVID-19. [HL2868]

Baroness Stedman-Scott: We are working closely

with the Department for Health and Social Care to

consider how best to support the NHS during this period

whilst ensuring that we can continue to provide financial

support to claimants through the benefit system. We

welcome our Providers’ continued support and flexibility

during this period.

Detention Centres: Coronavirus

Asked by The Lord Bishop of London


taking to provide healthcare and support services to

people in immigration removal centres during the



continues to follow national guidance issued by Public

Health England (PHE), Health Protection Scotland and

the National Health Service. In addition, all immigration

removal centres have communicable disease contingency

plans, based on PHE advice. Measures such as protective




https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-international-development-single-departmental-plan/department-for-international-development-single-departmental-plan--2








isolation and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

are being used to minimise the risk of COVID-19

spreading to vulnerable groups in immigration removal

centres.

Basic hygiene is a key part of tackling COVID-19.

Handwashing facilities are available in all immigration

removal centres and we are working closely with

suppliers to ensure adequate supply of soap and cleaning

materials.

All immigration removal centres have dedicated health

facilities run by doctors and nurses which are managed by

the NHS or appropriate providers.

Disease Control: Coronavirus



have, if any, to introduce further penalties for those who

do not comply with the rules surrounding the restriction

of movement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[HL2977]

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Emergency Bill

will allow police officers to support and enforce the

public health measures in the response to the Covid-19

pandemic.

This includes powers to detain and place individuals in

appropriate isolation facilities, if necessary. The situation

will be monitored carefully and further proportionate

measures may be taken to support compliance in order to

protect public health.

Domestic Abuse



taking to address the incidence of domestic violence.

[HL2867]

Baroness Williams of Trafford: Domestic abuse is a

devastating crime that can shatter the lives of victims. The

Government is committed to tackling and preventing

domestic abuse. We reintroduced the landmark Domestic

Abuse Bill in the House of Commons on 3 March 2020.

The Bill will better protect and support victims of

domestic abuse and their children and bring more

perpetrators to justice.

In the March 2020 Budget, the Chancellor announced a

further £15 million, on top of existing funding, to tackle

domestic abuse. This includes £10m for interventions to

disrupt the activities of high-harm perpetrators, and £5m

for the piloting of domestic abuse courts.

We are working closely with the domestic abuse sector,

the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and local authorities

to understand the impact of coronavirus and self-isolation

on victims of domestic abuse.

Domestic Abuse: Coronavirus



taking to provide additional support to domestic

violence refuges during the COVID-19 pandemic in

response to any increase in domestic violence and

abuse. [HL2954]

Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist: The

Government will do everything it can to support refuge

service providers to keep these vital services open, up and

running.

My Department has been engaging with domestic abuse

service providers on a daily basis to understand the

additional challenges they are facing and the support

needed to ensure essential provision is kept open and

available to victims and their children.

We have published guidance to assist domestic abuse

service providers in service delivery during these

unprecedented times. The guidance, in line with current

Public Health England advice, sets out the advice for

daily service operation within the context of domestic

abuse safe accommodation provision.

The guidance can be found at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-

guidance-for-domestic-abuse-safe-accommodation-

provision/covid-19-guidance-on-isolation-for-domestic-

abuse-safe-accommodation-settings

In addition, we have confirmed that front line domestic

abuse workers are key workers for the purposes of their

children accessing schools, colleges and other educational

establishments.

East-West Rail Link: Freight



have to increase the freight capacity of the East–West

railway from Oxford to Cambridge. [HL2588]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The strategic scope for

East West Rail is currently being developed. EWR Co.

are considering provision for freight, ensuring the route

will support existing freight, and are currently

undertaking a study to understand potential freight use.

Economic Situation and Public Health:

Coronavirus


To ask Her Majesty's Government on what date the

Prime Minister was first briefed by officials on the

potential threats posed by COVID-19 to the UK

economy. [HL2797]



Cabinet was first briefed about the threats posed to






https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fgovernment%2Fpublications%2Fcovid-19-guidance-for-domestic-abuse-safe-accommodation-provision%2Fcovid-19-guidance-on-isolation-for-domestic-abuse-safe-accommodation-settings&data=02%7C01%7CMiranda.Abrey%40communities.gov.uk%7Cb91a7bda36b74461467608d7d56713a8%7Cbf3468109c7d43dea87224a2ef3995a8%7C0%7C0%7C637212510988136146&sdata=vNoQ890vfs4s3OivOcLgsD%2BzojUMqWiciLpL%2B%2FrFk4k%3D&reserved=0








public health and the economy by COVID-19.

[HL2798]



Prime Minister was first briefed by officials about

COVID-19 and its potential impact on public health.

[HL2799]

Lord True: The Prime Minister and Cabinet have been

regularly briefed on COVID-19 since the outbreak of the

virus. These briefings have included assessments of the

potential impacts to the UK economy and public health.

These issues have also regularly been discussed at

meetings of the COBR Committee. Additionally, since 16

March, a series of Cabinet Committees have convened to

support the Government’s efforts.

Education: Coronavirus

Asked by Baroness Massey of Darwen


they have made of whether the provision of online

tuition adequately educates those children and young

people, particularly those who live in poverty or who

are otherwise vulnerable, who are not in school due to


Baroness Berridge: Since Friday 20 March, schools

have been closed except for children of critical workers

and vulnerable children. Attending school can be a

protective factor, which is why vulnerable children are

eligible for continued provision.

We recognise that many schools have already shared

resources for children who are at home, and are grateful

for this.

We are working with the BBC and other partners to

provide access and support directly to parents, including

online resources they can access for their children at

home, and my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for

Education has announced a package of high-quality

resources:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/extra-support-

for-schools-and-parents-to-help-cope-with-coronavirus.

We will consider accessibility throughout the

development of any advice, and ask that schools do the

same.

Educational Institutions: Coronavirus



have to close schools, universities and colleges as a

result of COVID-19; and if they have any such plans,

when they intend to introduce such closures. [HL2722]

Baroness Berridge: On 18 March, the Government

announced that after schools shut their gates on 20 March,

they will remain closed until further notice. That will be

for all children except those of critical workers and the

children who are most vulnerable.

The Government are expecting early years providers,

independent schools. sixth forms and further education

colleges to do the same.

Many universities and other higher education

institutions are already taking necessary steps to keep

their staff and students safe and, where possible, keep

providing education. The Department for Education is

confident that vice-chancellors are making the right

decisions and will continue to support them to do so.

Elections: Subversion

Asked by Lord Tyler


responses by Earl Howe on 29 January (HL Deb, col

1438) and 12 February (HL Deb, col 2264) and reports

that they have changed their public position as to

whether there have been successful examples of

Russian disinformation affecting elections in the UK,

what recent assessment they have made of evidence of

Russian interference in the (1) 2016 EU referendum, (2)

2017 General Election, and (3) 2019 General Election.

[HL2667]

Lord True: It is and always will be an absolute priority

to protect our democratic and electoral processes. As

previously stated, the government examines all aspects of

the electoral process following an election, including

foreign interference. That work is ongoing following the

December 2019 General Election.

The Government saw no evidence of successful

interference in the 2016 EU referendum or the 2017

General Election.

Environment Protection

Asked by Lord Berkeley


have, if any, to establish a national environment day;

and whether the Keep Britain Tidy campaign will be

part of any such plans. [HL2733]

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The Government

has no current plans to declare a National Environment

Day. There are already a number of established initiatives

that encourage care for the environment, including World

Environment Day. Defra is working with Keep Britain

Tidy to deliver the “Keep it, Bin it” campaign. We are

also pleased to support their “Great British Spring Clean”

campaign, which has now been rescheduled for the

autumn.

The Government made a commitment through the 25

Year Environment Plan to be the first generation to leave

the environment in a better state than we found it. 2019

was designated the Year of Green Action in support of the

25 Year Environment Plan goal to connect people with

the environment to improve health and well-being.






https://www.gov.uk/government/news/extra-support-for-schools-and-parents-to-help-cope-with-coronavirus








European Aviation Safety Agency

Asked by Lord Empey


they had with the aviation sector before their decision to

leave the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

[HL2535]

Asked by Lord Empey

To ask Her Majesty's Government what alternative

arrangements will be put in place to secure aviation

safety in the UK following their decision to leave the

European Union Aviation Safety Agency. [HL2536]

Asked by Lord Empey


they have made of the funding required to maintain

aviation safety in the UK following their decision to

leave the European Union Aviation Safety Agency; and

what will be the source of that funding. [HL2537]

Asked by Lord Empey


they have made of the access to global markets by UK

manufacturers in the aviation sector as a result of their

decision to leave the European Union Aviation Safety

Agency. [HL2538]

Asked by Lord Empey


have to negotiate a bi-lateral Aviation Safety

Agreement with the EU following their decision to

leave the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

[HL2539]

Asked by Lord Empey

To ask Her Majesty's Government when they took the

decision to leave the European Union Aviation Safety

Agency. [HL2540]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Prime Minister has

been clear that our future relationship with the EU must

not entail any application of EU law in the UK or CJEU

jurisdiction.

Continued UK participation in the EASA system would

have been inconsistent with this approach.

This was set out in the UK’s approach to the

negotiations published on 27 February. The EU also made

it clear in its public mandate (25 February) that it is

willing to negotiate regulatory cooperation on aviation

safety but its mandate does not provide for UK

participation in EASA.

The Government regularly engages with industry and

will continue to do so as the negotiations progress. This

includes extensive engagement with the aerospace

manufacturing sector during EU Exit preparations.

We want to agree a Bilateral Aviation Safety

Agreement (BASA) with the EU to minimise regulatory

burdens for industry. This will facilitate the recognition of

aviation safety standards, maintain high safety outcomes

and enable continued regulatory cooperation between the

UK and EU.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority currently oversees

most aspects of civil aviation safety in the UK. After the

transition period the CAA will take on some additional

functions from EASA and will continue to ensure that the

UK has world-leading safety standards.

The CAA has been preparing for the possibility of

leaving the EASA system since the EU referendum in

2016, the CAA will continue to refine these plans over the

coming months, and may require additional resources.

Progress will be closely monitored.

Expert Trade Advisory Groups

Asked by Lord Foster of Bath

To ask Her Majesty's Government which Expert

Trade Advisory Groups have been created by the

Department for International Trade; and who are the

members of those groups. [HL2935]


To ask Her Majesty's Government what the role of

the Department for International Trade’s Expert Trade

Advisory Groups will be as negotiations on trade

agreements progress. [HL2936]


To ask Her Majesty's Government how the

Department for International Trade selected the

membership of its Expert Trade Advisory Groups.

[HL2937]

Viscount Younger of Leckie: There are currently 17

Expert Trade Advisory Groups (ETAGs), covering a

range of sector and thematic policy areas. Over 250

organisations are members of the network of Expert Trade

Advisory Groups. The Department intends to publish the

names of these organisations in due course.

We have established engagement mechanisms, such as

the ETAGs, to ensure a broad range of stakeholders have

the opportunity to inform the UK’s trade policy. Any

further opportunities for engagement during negotiations

will be set out in due course.

The membership of ETAGs varies according to the

needs of the Group, and may include a range of

stakeholders from industry, consumer groups, business

associations, trade unions or NGOs. Members were

selected based on experience and expertise in the relevant

sectoral or thematic area.

Families

Asked by Lord Farmer

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether a Cabinet-

level minister has been appointed to coordinate cross-

Government policy to strengthen families; and if so, (1)














who is that minister, and (2) what support that minister

will receive. [HL2576]

Lord True: Families are a responsibility for the whole

of government and departments undertake the Family

Test to assess the impact of policies on family

relationships and functioning. However, families are at

the heart of this government's agenda, and to reflect this a

specific lead Cabinet-level minister will be appointed.

This will be announced in due course.



Budget statement on 11 March, (1) how, and (2) by

which Department, the £2.5 million for research and

developing best practice around the integration of

services for families will be administered; and to what

criteria those applying for such funds will be subject.

[HL2577]

Baroness Berridge: The Department for Education

will administer the £2.5 million for research and

developing best practice around the integration of services

for families. More information will be made available in

due course.

Female Genital Mutilation: Education

Asked by Baroness Jenkin of Kennington


they have made of whether female genital mutilation

education in schools is having a positive impact.

[HL2173]

Asked by Baroness Jenkin of Kennington


they have made of the impact of female genital

mutilation education in schools on any stigma

experienced by children of African descent. [HL2174]

Baroness Berridge: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

is child abuse and it is illegal. Services, including schools,

should safeguard children from this abuse as from any

other form of abuse.

Keeping children safe in education is statutory

safeguarding guidance. All schools must have regard to it

when carrying out their duties to safeguard and promote

the welfare of children. The guidance sets out that

safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and that all

school staff should receive appropriate safeguarding

training at induction and that the training should be

regularly updated. The guidance states that all staff should

speak to the school’s designated safeguarding lead with

regard to any concerns about FGM. It then goes on to

explain the specific legal duty placed on teachers to report

an act of FGM on a girl under the age of 18 to the police.

The guidance is available here and attached:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-

children-safe-in-education--2.

We want to support all young people to be happy,

healthy and safe. We want to equip them for adult life and

to make a positive contribution to society. From

September 2020, we are making Relationships Education

compulsory for all primary pupils, Relationships and Sex

Education compulsory for all secondary pupils and Health

Education compulsory for all pupils in state-funded

schools.

The statutory guidance states that by the end of

secondary education, pupils should have been taught

about FGM. Schools should address the physical and

emotional damage caused by FGM. They should also be

taught where to find support and that it is a criminal

offence to perform or assist in the performance of FGM or

fail to protect a person for whom you are responsible from

FGM. As well as addressing this in the context of the law,

pupils may also need support to recognise when

relationships (including family relationships) are

unhealthy or abusive (including the unacceptability of

neglect, emotional, sexual and physical abuse and

violence, including honour-based violence and forced

marriage) and strategies to manage this or access support

for oneself or others at risk. All teaching for these

subjects should be age as well as developmentally

appropriate and sensitive to the needs of the pupil. This

includes ensuring that no pupil feels stigmatised. Schools

for example should work closely with the local

community and key partners such as school nurses, as

well as draw on local health data, when planning their

teaching for any aspect of these subjects.


keeping_children_safe_in_education_2019_pdf

[Keeping_children_safe_in_education_2019.pdf]






representations they have received about female genital

mutilation education being taught in schools; and from

whom. [HL2844]


To ask Her Majesty's Government how female genital

mutilation education is taught in schools. [HL2845]

Baroness Berridge: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

is child abuse and it is illegal. Services, including schools,

should safeguard children from this abuse as from any

other form of abuse.

Schools are able to teach about FGM as part of non-

statutory personal, social, health and economic education.

By the end of secondary education, pupils should have

been taught about FGM. Schools should address the

physical and emotional damage caused by FGM. Pupils

should be taught where to find support and that it is a

criminal offence to perform or assist in the performance

of FGM or fail to protect a person for whom one is

responsible from FGM. Pupils may also need support to







https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2









recognise when relationships (including family

relationships) are unhealthy or abusive (including the

unacceptability of neglect, emotional, sexual and physical

abuse, honour-based violence and forced marriage) and

strategies to manage this or access support for oneself or

others at risk. All teaching for these subjects should be

age and developmentally appropriate and sensitive to the

needs of the pupil, including ensuring that no pupil feels

stigmatised. Schools should work closely with the local

community and key partners, such as school nurses, and

draw on local health data when planning their teaching for

any aspect of these subjects. Teaching about FGM will

not be in isolation but as part of a wider context of

positive relationships, health and mental wellbeing. The

focus on ensuring pupils know how to get further help

should be threaded throughout these subjects.

The statutory guidance for these subjects was developed

as part of a call for evidence and public consultation, and

the government’s response is attached and available here:

https://consult.education.gov.uk/pshe/relationships-

education-rse-health-

education/supporting_documents/180718%20Consultatio

n_call%20for%20evidence%20response_policy%20state

ment.pdf.

The summary of the public consultation includes a list

of the organisations engaged within Annex A, which is

attached and available here:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploa

ds/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/780768/Governm

ent_Response_to_RSE_Consultation.pdf.


HL2844_HL2845_RSHE_consultation_organisations

[HL2844_HL2845_RSHE_government_consultation_response.pdf

]

HL2844_HL2845_RSHE_consultation_response

[HL2844_HL2845_RSHE_government_consultation_call_for_evi

dence_response.pdf]




Financial Markets


To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the recent

equity market falls have surpassed stress test levels

used to determine the capital adequacy of central

clearing houses supervised by the Financial Conduct

Authority. [HL2584]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: Central clearing houses, or

central counterparties (CCPs), are financial institutions

firms use to manage some of the risks arising from traded

markets. UK CCPs are subject to many requirements to

manage financial risk, including maintaining risk models

to quantify the level of financial resources they need to

operate safely. As such, it is right that the level of

resource held by CCPs is subject to rigorous and frequent

internal stress tests, as set out in the legislation that

governs them. These stress tests assess the resilience of a

CCP in extreme but plausible market conditions.

Furthermore, UK CCPs remain subject to EU-wide stress

tests during the Transition Period.

The Bank of England supervises UK CCPs as part of its

financial stability objective. However, it is not possible to

publicly disclose specific quantitative details on

individual firm’s stress tests because this is firm sensitive

information.

Financial Services



have to issue guidance to (1) unit trust, and (2) open-

ended investment company, managers to limit fund

redemptions instead of obliging fund managers to be

forced sellers of shares and bonds. [HL2585]



issued any guidance (1) to fund managers on statements

related to restricting redemptions of investments of

open-ended funds, and (2) on whether fund managers

may issue statements that fund investors will never be

gated. [HL2640]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The government is committed

to ensuring that the UK has a robust framework for

regulating financial services and that consumers are

treated fairly. There are a range of existing rules in this

area and there is work underway to address ‘liquidity

mismatch’ in open-ended funds and to protect consumers.

Financial services firms are required to treat customers

fairly under rules set by the Financial Conduct Authority

(FCA), and the FCA is responsible for overseeing the

conduct standards of financial services firms. There are

already a number of rules on eligible assets, which aim to

protect consumers. Such rules apply to both types of fund

that can be sold to retail investors – UCITS and non-

UCITS retail schemes. Additionally, in September, the

FCA published a policy response to their consultation on

illiquid assets and open-ended funds. This outlined new

rules for certain structures that invest in illiquid assets,

which will come into effect in September 2020. The new

rules will include a requirement that non-UCITS retail

schemes investing in inherently illiquid assets must

suspend dealing where the independent valuer determines

there is material uncertainty regarding the value of more

than 20% of the fund’s assets. The FCA is also currently

working with the Bank of England’s Financial Policy

Committee to assess how funds’ redemption terms might

be better aligned with the liquidity of their assets.

Fund suspensions can be a necessary safety feature

which ensures that a fund is not forced to sell assets at a

distressed market price, which would lead to further

losses for end investors in the fund. FCA rules permit

suspensions, which may last for as long as is necessary to

protect the interests of the remaining investors in the fund.

https://consult.education.gov.uk/pshe/relationships-education-rse-health-education/supporting_documents/180718%20Consultation_call%20for%20evidence%20response_policy%20statement.pdf






https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/780768/Government_Response_to_RSE_Consultation.pdf












To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they, or

the Financial Conduct Authority, monitor whether trade

receivables included in securitised bonds (1) reflect

transactions completed, or (2) can also include

transactions yet to be completed or documented by the

two sides to the expected transaction; and whether they

have discussed this with the Federal Financial

Supervisory Authority in Germany. [HL2702]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Financial Conduct

Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority

(PRA) are responsible for monitoring risks in the UK

securitisation market, in line with their statutory

objectives.

In January 2019, the EU Securitisation Regulation

(Regulation 2017/2407) became applicable in the United

Kingdom. Consistent with this Regulation, the

Government and the FCA expects that underlying

exposures transferred to a securitisation vehicle, including

trade receivables, contain obligations which are

contractually binding and enforceable.

In trade receivable transactions, goods or services to

which the credit claims refer may be delivered later and

be deficient. Such a risk is often quantified as a matter of

routine in securitisation transactions. The Government

expects relevant market participants to conduct due

diligence where required.

The FCA and the PRA apply a risk-based supervision

of the securitisation market and can choose to undertake a

thematic analysis of the market, including on trade

receivables financing.

The FCA maintains bilateral relationships and

collaborates effectively with the regulatory and

supervisory authorities of other countries, including

Germany.

Flood Control



they have made of the impact of the COVID-

19 outbreak on their ability to deliver urgent repairs and

upgrades to flood defences. [HL2630]

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: Following this

winter’s flooding the Environment Agency (EA) is

completing inspections of impacted assets and prioritising

repairs to those assets that are below required condition.

The COVID-19 outbreak may impact the EA’s ability to

deliver the asset repair programme as quickly as planned,

but it will continue to prioritise the repair of assets that

pose the most significant risk to lives and livelihoods.

Food: Production

Asked by The Lord Bishop of St Albans


have to encourage domestic food production as a result

of COVID-19. [HL2831]

Lord Gardiner of Kimble: We are lucky in the UK

that we have the climate, the landscape, and the

entrepreneurial farmers and food producers that equip us

to produce world-class food. We will always champion

our farmers and producers to provide a reliable and

sustainable food supply to the British public, supporting

them to grow more of our great British food. This

includes through using powers under our landmark

Agriculture Bill, and through our work with the Food and

Drink Sector Council, a formal industry partnership with

Government, helping create a more productive and

sustainable food and drink sector.

Half of the food that the UK population consumes is

home-grown and it is renowned for its quality, high

standards of food safety, traceability, animal welfare and

sustainability. The Government has well established ways

of working with the food and farming industry on

potential disruptions to the supply chain. We will work

closely with stakeholders and industry to support

preparations for a range of scenarios and are ready to

respond to emerging issues quickly and effectively.

France: Coronavirus



they have made of the statement regarding COVID-19

by the Prime Minister of France on 18 March that "if

neighbouring states such as the United Kingdom spend

too long continuing to avoid these containment

measures, then we would have difficulty accepting

British nationals who would move freely in their own

country and then come to our country." [HL2769]

Baroness Sugg: We are working closely with the

international community, including the Government of

France, to ensure that we respond appropriately to

COVID-19. The Foreign Secretary spoke to his French

counterpart, Mr Jean-Yves Le Drian, to discuss the

international community's response to COVID-19 on 24

March.

The UK's global priority is to support the World Health

Organisation (WHO) and other multilateral actors to

contain COVID-19 and mitigate secondary health and

socio-economic impacts. Our approach is guided by the

Chief Medical Officer, working on the basis of the best

possible scientific evidence.

Free Schools: Special Educational Needs

Asked by Lord Touhig


remarks by Baroness Berridge on 4 March (HL Deb,

col 692), when the 48 special free schools "in the

pipeline" are expected to open. [HL2567]

Baroness Berridge: 4 of the 48 special free schools in

the pipeline have funding agreements in place and are due

to open in 2020; 1 in April 2020 and 3 in September

2020. Up to a further 9 schools are also expected to open







in 2020, although these do not yet have funding

agreements in place. The remaining 35 schools are at a

different stage in their development and we will confirm

opening dates for them in due course.

Funerals: Coronavirus

Asked by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth


taking to ensure that there is timely, accessible advice

available to religious communities concerning rules

relating to (1) funeral services, (2) burials, and (3)

cremations, during the COVID-19 pandemic. [HL2923]


government issued guidance on closure of business and

venues on 23 March:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-

businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-

premises-to-close-guidance. This sets out that funerals

may continue to take place in places of worship and

crematoria. On 31 March, Public Health England (PHE)

published further guidance to ensure funerals are

conducted safely, consistent with social distancing

principles: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-

advice-for-safe-funerals-after-discussions-with-faith-

leaders. Faith leaders were consulted and worked with

PHE to ensure that communities, the funeral industry and

the NHS are protected.

Government is working with partners, including leaders

and members of faith and belief communities, to

communicate relevant guidance and to understand the

issues faith communities are facing at this difficult time.

We continue to value the input of our faith and belief

communities.

Gambling Act 2005

Asked by The Lord Bishop of St Albans


Written Answer by Baroness Barran on 18 March

(HL2292), whether they will now answer the question

put: when the (1) terms of reference, (2) call for

evidence, and (3) deadlines, of the review of the

Gambling Act 2005 will be announced. [HL2887]

Baroness Barran: We will announce further details of

the review once scoping work is complete. Ministers and

the Gambling Commission have made clear to online

operators that while we recognise the challenges the

sector is facing dealing with the impact of Covid-19, they

must continue to comply with licence conditions, protect

consumers and address any new risks of gambling related

harm during this period.

Gender: Equality

Asked by Baroness Anelay of St Johns

To ask Her Majesty's Government what procedures, if

any, have been put in place to ensure that the

Government Equalities Office has regular input into

policy proposals to be put forward by (1) the Home

Office, (2) the Ministry of Defence, (3) the Department

for International Development, and (4) the Foreign and

Commonwealth Office, to the Integrated Review of

Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy,

with particular regard to policies on gender equality.

[HL2796]

Baroness Berridge: The Integrated Review will not be

limited to specific departments, objectives or time frames

but will take a holistic approach to our place in the world

and how Government is best structured to achieve our

objectives.

The Government will utilise expertise from both inside

and outside government for the review, including to

ensure diversity of thinking and challenge are part of the

process. As with all work by government departments,

any decision-making arising from the review will need to

take account of the statutory public sector equality duty.

General Practitioners: Insurance


To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their latest

estimate of the cost of putting an existing liabilities

scheme in place to cover claims for historical NHS

clinical negligence liabilities. [HL2693]


To ask Her Majesty's Government how they have

ensured value for money in respect of the establishment

of the new state indemnity scheme for general practice

operated by NHS Resolution. [HL2695]

Lord Bethell: The costs NHS Resolution incur in

2019-20 in relation to general practitioner (GP) indemnity

(including oversight arrangements prior to establishment

of the Existing Liabilities Scheme for General Practice in

April) will be reported in the 2019-20 annual accounts of

NHS Resolution, once the audit process for the costs is

complete.

An Impact Assessment was carried out for the

introduction of the state indemnity scheme for general

practice. The state scheme provides the best balance of

costs, benefits and risks as it provides a more affordable

system that can reduce costs for GPs and remove a barrier

to GP recruitment; gives the Department more control

over the impact of increases in the cost of clinical

negligence on GP incomes; and in moving discretionary

cover to the Government brings arrangements into line

with the position of clinicians in National Health Service

trusts.

Gibraltar

Asked by Lord Hoyle


taking to ensure that Gibraltar has access to any


https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance




https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-advice-for-safe-funerals-after-discussions-with-faith-leaders










opportunities that arise from the UK’s departure from

the EU. [HL2805]

Baroness Sugg: The United Kingdom is negotiating the

future relationship with the EU on behalf of the whole

United Kingdom family, including Gibraltar. We continue

to work with the Government of Gibraltar, in keeping

with the mature and modern constitutional relationship

which Gibraltar enjoys with the United Kingdom, and we

will remain steadfast in our support for Gibraltar, its

people and economy.

Haiti: British Nationals Abroad



representations they have received about British

humanitarian aid workers arranging evacuation from

Haiti due to the COVID-19 pandemic; how many

British nationals are currently unable to return from

Haiti; what assessment they have made of the personal

safety of such workers: and what discussions they have

had with the government of Haiti about opening

airspace and borders to charter flights for evacuation.

[HL2854]

Baroness Sugg: We have advised against all but

essential travel to Haiti since February 2019 because of

the volatile security situation. We are closely monitoring

the presence of UK nationals in Haiti, including

humanitarian aid workers, and their wellbeing remains

our priority. We are working closely with other

diplomatic missions in Haiti to enable British people to

get home. British Nationals are currently able to travel to

the UK via the United States and Canada from Haiti,

providing they hold a valid ESTA (USA) and fulfil the

entry requirements including not having visited the UK,

Ireland, Schengen zone, Iran or China within the previous

14 days, or ETA (Canada) as well as on a flight to Paris

open to European nationals. Consular services are

delivered through our Embassy in Santo Domingo and

our consular team is working around the clock to provide

support, advice and information to all affected British

nationals.

Hay Fever


To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to reports

that the projected peak of COVID-19 will coincide with

the hay fever season, what advice they are giving to hay

fever sufferers [HL2662]

Lord Bethell: Individuals who suffer from hay fever

should refer to the National Health Service and Public

Health England guidance regarding the most common

symptoms of COVID-19 and what to do if these are

present. A copy of the online guidance is attached.

No specific guidance is planned for hay fever sufferers

in relation to COVID-19, but NHS guidance on hay fever

is attached.


Hay fever guidance [Hay fever - NHS.pdf]

Symptoms of COVID [Stay at home_ guidance for households

with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection - GOV.UK.pdf]



Health Professions: Insurance


To ask Her Majesty's Government whether legal costs

related to any (1) inquest, (2) regulatory, (3)

employment, and (4) criminal, proceedings against

healthcare professionals, including pharmacists,

resulting from an inadvertent error made in the

workplace when dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic

will be covered by their professional indemnity scheme.

[HL2866]

Lord Bethell: The Clinical Negligence Scheme for

Trusts and the Clinical Negligence Scheme for General

Practice, both administered by NHS Resolution, provide

indemnity for clinical negligence liabilities for healthcare

workers for the majority of NHS services in England.

Some staff, such as community pharmacy professionals,

are indemnified by their employer or hold their own

personal indemnity product. Sections 10, 11 and 12 in the

Coronavirus Act 2020 enables the Secretary of State to

provide indemnity for clinical negligence liabilities

arising from National Health Service activities carried out

for the purposes of dealing with, or in consequence of, the

coronavirus outbreak, where there is no existing

indemnity arrangement in place. Together these schemes

cover healthcare staff for clinical negligence liabilities

arising during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new sections

in the Act are effectively a backstop where other

indemnity arrangements do not apply.

NHS Resolution also meets legal representation costs at

some inquests, on a discretionary basis, under the Clinical

Negligence Scheme for Trusts. The state schemes do not

extend to the costs of legal representation at regulatory,

employment or criminal proceedings and many healthcare

professionals obtain their own cover for these

contingencies.

We also recognise the importance for healthcare

professionals of access to medico-legal advice and

support, and the Medical Defence Organisations and other

indemnity providers and are providing this advice and

support to healthcare professionals assisting with the

COVID-19 response.

Health Services: Coronavirus


To ask Her Majesty's Government what training they

plan to provide to health services personnel in the use











of ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[HL2821]

Lord Bethell: A far wider range of staff than usual will

be involved in directly supporting patients with

respiratory needs. Refresher training for all clinical and

patient-facing staff will be provided within the next

fortnight. A cross-specialty clinical group supported by

the Royal Colleges is producing guidance to ensure

learning from experience here and abroad is rapidly

shared across the United Kingdom. This will include a

short education package for the entire National Health

Service workforce; a service guide, including for

anaesthetics and critical care; and COVID-19 clinical

management guides in collaboration with the National

Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

As part of the ‘Your NHS Needs You’ recruitment

drive, 15,266 former professionals in England have so far

come forward to help the NHS tackle COVID-19 and will

start being deployed from this weekend. This includes

5,117 doctors, 5,605 nurses and midwives and 3,686

allied health professionals and pharmacists. From next

week, 5,750 final year medics and 17,000 final year

nursing students in England will be asked to consider

moving into frontline placements with appropriate

support.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Asked by Lord Willoughby de Broke


have to (1) suspend the construction of HS2, and (2) use

any money saved as a result to support communities

and businesses affected by COVID-19. [HL2724]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton:

The Government will do whatever is necessary to deal

with COVID-19 now and will also continue to invest in

the country’s future infrastructure.


To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to

Conclusion 59 of the Oakervee Review of HS2,

published on 11 February, whether the Department for

Transport will update and publish a revised business

case for the whole HS2 project, including the latest

costs and benefits for the project, before a Notice to

Proceed on Phase 1 is issued. [HL2913]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Government has

committed to publish the Full Business Case for HS2

Phase One, to set out the evidence underpinning this

element of the scheme. The Government will provide an

update in due course.

HS2 is a crucial investment, not just in our transport

network but in the wider UK economy. It will provide

thousands of extra seats, help level up our country and

play a key role in helping government reach its 2050

carbon net zero objective.

High Speed 2 Railway Line: Procurement



Oakervee Review of HS2, published on 11 February,

and before they issue a Notice to Proceed for Phase 1 of

HS2, what plans they have to ensure that HS2 Ltd

achieves a satisfactory position with each of the Main

Works Civils contractors in order to obtain acceptable

Stage 2 prices and a reasonable level of value

engineering; and where HS2 Ltd cannot achieve a

satisfactory position with each of the Main Works

Civils contractors, whether they will re-procure any

such contracts before a Notice to Proceed is issued.

[HL2912]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Notice-to-Proceed is a

contractual step between HS2 Ltd and its Main Works

Civils contractors. The Government will provide an

update in due course.

High Speed Two



have to ensure that HS2 Ltd deliver the required

improvements in its capability before a Notice to

Proceed is issued for HS2 Phase 1 in line with the

assurance given by HS2 Ltd to the Oakervee Review of

HS2, published on 11 February. [HL2914]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: As the Prime Minister

made clear in his statement to Parliament on 11 February,

changes are needed to be made to ensure that HS2 is

properly managed and its potential fully realised. In line

with this, HS2 Ltd has and continues to take steps to

enhance its organisational capability. The Government

will provide an update in due course.

Home Shopping: Coronavirus



they have made of the ability of online suppliers to

maintain the delivery of food and other essential

products to people self-isolating due to COVID-19.

[HL2901]






and products they need. Industry has adapted quickly to

these changes in demands, and we welcome the actions

they are taking to support demand for online deliveries,

including hiring more staff and prioritising delivery slots

for those that need them most.

To help the industry, the Government has already

introduced new measures to support online deliveries. We

have temporarily relaxed elements of competition law to











enable supermarkets to work more closely together to












every day.

The Government has begun to deliver food parcels to

those identified by the NHS as being extremely clinically

vulnerable.

We are working quickly to support people who do not

fall into the category of being clinically vulnerable, but

still need help getting essential food supplies. We will be

launching a communications campaign to signpost

vulnerable people to a range of support options. We are

working closely with Local Authorities to direct

vulnerable people to support available at the local level,

as well as working in parallel with supermarkets to

prioritise vulnerable individuals. Wherever possible,

people should continue to rely on friends, families and

wider community support.

Homelessness



taking to make sure that the homeless have facilities to

wash and eat. [HL2968]


Government is working intensively with councils and the

sector to help get those who are sleeping rough off the

streets and into appropriate accommodation.

This is backed by £1.6 billion of additional funding for

local authorities to enable them to respond to other

COVID-19 pressures across services they deliver

including for those who are homeless.

Public Health England have also published guidance for

those working in hostel and day centre environments to

ensure these vital services can continue to operate safely

during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Homelessness: Hostels



taking to make sure there are enough people working

in hostels for the homeless. [HL2969]


Government announced support for key workers to enable

them to carry out their vital role and that staff delivering

statutory homelessness services as well as staff delivering

outreach, supported housing and other key frontline

services for homeless people are included within the

definition of key workers.

We are working intensively with councils and the sector

to help get those who are sleeping rough off the streets

and into appropriate accommodation.

This is backed by £1.6 billion of additional funding for

local authorities to enable them to respond to other

COVID-19 pressures across services they deliver

including for those who are homeless.

Hong Kong: Freedom of Expression




China about the preservation of freedom of speech in

Hong Kong following the withdrawal of press

credentials from journalists from the Wall Street

Journal, Washington Post and New York Times.

[HL2791]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Chinese

Government's announcement that they will prevent

certain American journalists from working in China and

Macao further restricts transparency at a particularly

important time. The suggestion by the Chinese Ministry

of Foreign Affairs that this measure may apply in Hong

Kong is deeply concerning. The Sino-British Joint

Declaration is clear. It sets out that immigration decisions

are the sole responsibility of the Hong Kong Special

Administrative Region Government, and freedom of the

press is guaranteed. It is imperative that these rights and

freedoms are fully respected.

The leadership in China and Hong Kong is in no doubt

about the strength of UK concern over the current

situation, and our commitment to seeing the rights and

freedoms provided for in the Joint Declaration upheld.

We remain in frequent contact with the Chinese and Hong

Kong SAR Governments on this issue.

Hospital Beds



they have had with the National Health Service about

sourcing additional beds for patients, including in non-

hospital settings. [HL2778]

Lord Bethell: The Government is working in

partnership with the health and care sector to ensure the

supply of National Health Service beds matches demand

during this unprecedented global emergency. For

example, community health providers and social care

providers have been asked to free up community hospital

and intermediate care beds that could be used flexibly.

These measures together could free up to 10,000 beds.

Other measures include the refitting and opening of

seven Nightingale Hospitals in England in the next few

weeks.







This extra capacity is on top of 33,000 additional beds

freed up across NHS hospitals by postponing all non-

urgent elective operations, urgently discharge all hospital

in-patients who are medically fit to leave and block-

buying capacity in independent hospitals.

House of Lords: Coronavirus



have to close Parliament and advise peers to work from

home. [HL2524]



have to advise that the House of Lords be suspended to

protect members, staff and the general public from

COVID-19 infections. [HL2770]

Lord Bethell: In line with the latest Government

advice and guidance from Public Health England, all

visitor access to the Parliamentary estate stopped from 17

March. Access will be restricted to passholders and those

on essential Parliamentary business.

This decision has been taken by the Speakers and

supported by clerks of both Houses, and Parliamentary

authorities. Hon. Members, noble Lords, Parliamentary

staff and other members of the Parliamentary community

will continue to be able to work on the estate where

necessary but are being strongly encouraged to work from

home where possible and to follow the latest guidance on

social distancing.

Human Rights



Written Answer by the Minister of State in the Foreign

and Commonwealth Office and the Department for

International Development on 9 March (HC25129),

what measures are in place to ensure that security

training provided by third-parties to the governments of

Bahrain and other FCO human rights priority countries

are periodically assessed to ensure that (1) potential

human rights risks are adequately assessed, and (2) such

training is effective and conforms to Government

standards. [HL2834]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Any assistance provided

by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is kept under

regular review to ensure it is in line with international

standards, and fully complies with our human rights

obligations and the Overseas Security and Justice

Assistance process.

Hygiene: Products



Written Answer by Lord Callanan on 18 March

(HL2249), what assessment they have made of the

impact of HMRC rates and allowances on the ability of

producers of hygiene gel to produce such gel; and what

plans they have, if any, to dispense with those rates and

allowances to assist such producers to meet demand.

[HL2987]

Lord Callanan: Alcohol used in the production of

retail sanitiser gel is not subject to excise duty, providing

it is denatured. Producers, suppliers, and users of

denatured alcohol must be authorised by HM Revenue &

Customs (HMRC).

Licensed suppliers of trade-specific denatured alcohol

or duty-free spirit that are supplying it for hand sanitiser

do not need to restrict the volume supplied. However,

they should continue to inspect authorisations and record

details of supplies made.

On 23 March 2020, HMRC announced a series of

easements designed to increase the amount of denatured

alcohol available, as well as the number of businesses

authorised to use it in the production of sanitiser gel.

These measures will make it easier for manufacturers to

meet the sudden increase in demand during the

Coronavirus outbreak. Further information on the

easements announced to support hand sanitiser production

can be found at gov.uk.

Immigrants: Coronavirus



taking to ensure that residents without recourse to

public funds will have financial protection during the


Lord Agnew of Oulton: The government has

introduced a range of measures to provide financial

protection for those affected by Covid-19, including those

with no recourse to public funds (NRPF).

Employers will be able to apply for grants under the

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for workers on the

PAYE system. The government has also extended

Statutory Sick Pay to be payable from Day 1 rather than

Day 4 and made Contributory Employment and Support

Allowance available from the first day of sickness rather

than the eighth, subject to other eligibility criteria. For

those who file Self-Assessment returns, the government

has deferred Income Tax Self-Assessment payments from

July 2020 to January 2021.

In addition, the government has announced that banks

and building societies will offer a three-month ‘mortgage

holiday’ for borrowers in financial difficulty, including

landlords with tenants in financial difficulty, as a result of

Covid-19. Alongside this, the government has legislated

to prohibit tenant evictions for three months.

Immigrants: Health Services

Asked by The Lord Bishop of Durham

To ask Her Majesty's Government what evidence was

used to inform the increase in the immigration health

surcharge, announced in the 2020 Budget. [HL2736]









Lord Bethell: The Department looked at actual data on

surcharge-payers’ use of the National Health Service

between April 2015 and September 2019 and their length

of stay in the United Kingdom. This estimated the total

costs to the NHS of treating the average surcharge-payer

to be around £624 per person per annum.



have to publish an impact assessment of the proposed

increase in the immigration health surcharge; and

whether any such assessment will include the impact on

children's rights. [HL2737]

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Impact

assessment for the Immigration Health Surcharge Order

can be found here:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukia/2020/30/pdfs/ukia_20

200030_en.pdf

A policy equality statement and family test have also

been completed.


Legislation - UKIA 2020/30 [ukia_20200030_en.pdf]





consideration they have given to exempting NHS

workers from the immigration health surcharge.

[HL2738]

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government

fully recognises the role overseas Doctor’s Nurses and

Allied Health Professional play in our NHS, hence we are

working to introduce an NHS visa for qualified health

professionals who will be offered fast track entry, reduced

visa fees and dedicated support to come to the UK with

their families.

Yet it is right all who come to work in the UK

contribute towards the cost of providing the NHS services

they will have access to from their arrival as do providers

of other essential public services such as teachers and

care-workers. Those who show a long-term commitment

to our country become exempt from the immigration

health surcharge when they secure Indefinite Leave to

Remain.

Immigration and Social Security Co-

ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill

Asked by The Lord Bishop of Bristol


Written Answer by Baroness Williams of Trafford on 9

March (HL1722), when they will publish an impact

assessment for the Immigration and Social Security Co-

ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill 2020; and whether any

such assessment will consider the relationship between

changes in low-skilled migration and labour

exploitation. [HL2607]

Baroness Williams of Trafford: An impact

assessment is being developed and will be published in

due course.

Immigration Officers: Northern Ireland


To ask Her Majesty's Government whether

immigration officers exercising the powers in the

Coronavirus Act 2020 in Northern Ireland will fall

under the complaints remit of the Office of the Police

Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. [HL2964]

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The powers for

immigration officers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 will be

exercised following prior consultation with public health

officers where that is practicable and, where that is not

practicable, in accordance with public health guidance.

Any action undertaken by Border Force or Immigration

Enforcement officers in exercising these powers would be

subject to the set of complaints procedures which may be

found on Gov.uk.

Immigration: EU Nationals

Asked by Baroness Hamwee

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many refusals

they have made to provide information to a data subject

by using the exemption in Schedule 2, paragraph 4 to

the Data Protection Act 2018 in connection with (1)

applications for settled status under the EU Settled

Status Scheme, and (2) grants of pre-settled status when

settled status has been applied for. [HL2942]

Baroness Williams of Trafford: We do not hold data

on specific types of applications, therefore cannot provide

information pertaining to EUSS applicants who made a

Subject Access Request.

The immigration exemption can only be applied where

it is necessary and proportionate to do so, and where to

uphold a data subject request would be likely to prejudice

the maintenance of effective immigration control.

The immigration exemption is not a blanket measure,

and its use is justified on a case by case basis. In nearly all

cases the immigration exemption applies to a limited

amount of data and the majority of data held is disclosed

to the requestor.

In Vitro Fertilisation



Written Answers by Baroness Blackwood of North

Oxford on 20 January (HL277) and Lord Bethell on 5

March (HL1701) and 18 March (HL2406), what

outcomes the Human Fertilisation and Embryology


http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukia/2020/30/pdfs/ukia_20200030_en.pdf












Authority consider to be adverse following

mitochondrial donation treatment; whether such

outcomes include (1) implantation failure, (2)

spontaneous miscarriage, and (3) the termination of a

pregnancy following the detection of unanticipated

abnormalities; and what assessment they have made of

the reason for the lack of live births pursuant to the

application of such treatments. [HL2792]

Lord Bethell: The Human Fertilisation and

Embryology Authority (HFEA) have advised that this

information is set out in its Code of Practice at section

33.35, which states:

“If a centre becomes aware that a child born following

mitochondrial donation has been born with a

mitochondrial disease, birth defect, or genetic

abnormality, or if there has been some other adverse

outcome (including but not limited to failed or no embryo

development, miscarriage or premature birth) following

treatment involving mitochondrial donation, the centre

must regard this as an adverse incident and report this to

the HFEA in line with the requirements on adverse

incidents set out in guidance note 27. This is to capture

information about any abnormalities that may occur as a

result of carrying out the MST (maternal spindle transfer)

or PNT (pro-nuclear transfer) treatment, to inform any

regulatory or licensing action that the HFEA may wish to

take and to inform the scientific sector.”

The HFEA has made no assessment of the efficacy of

mitochondrial treatment to date as the number of

treatments is so low, at this stage.

Infrastructure: Lancashire


To ask Her Majesty's Government which of the

schemes for infrastructure investment announced in the

Budget 2020 on 11 March will take place in (1) East

Lancashire inclusive of Blackburn, Darwen, Burnley,

Hyndburn, Pendle, Ribble Valley and Rossendale, and

(2) Blackpool and the remaining Districts in

Lancashire; and what is their estimated cost in each

case. [HL2545]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Budget demonstrated the

Government’s commitment to levelling up opportunity in

every region and nation in the United Kingdom.

For example, the Government is investing £700m on

major strategic road schemes; as part of that, there will be

improvements to the A585 Windy Harbour to Skippool.

Lancashire will also benefit from £140m from the

Housing Infrastructure Fund for the “South Lancaster

Growth Catalyst” proposal, as well as £40m for Preston

City Region through the Transforming Cities Fund to

deliver a new station at Cottam Parkway on the Preston-

Blackpool line.

More widely, the North West will benefit from a variety

of other major infrastructure announcements ranging from

broadband to flooding and coastal defence investment.

Inheritance Tax

Asked by Baroness Hodgson of Abinger

To ask Her Majesty's Government how long Her

Majesty's Revenue and Customs takes to process

inheritance tax account forms and return IHT421 forms

as a receipt of tax paid; and whether there is a service-

level agreement for this. [HL2620]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: HMRC’s published target for

processing the IHT400 account form (establishing tax

liability) and, if appropriate, issuing the IHT421 to HM

Courts and Tribunal Service is 80% within 15 days. In

2018/19 HMRC met this target, and they continue to do

so. HMRC regularly monitor their cases so that the small

number that fall outside this target are processed.

In light of the impact of Covid-19, HMRC are

monitoring demand and resource across all workloads and

there may be fluctuations in performance over the coming

months.

Asked by Baroness Hodgson of Abinger

To ask Her Majesty's Government how long Her

Majesty's Revenue and Customs takes to refund

overpaid inheritance tax; and whether there is a service-

level agreement for such refunds. [HL2621]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: There are different types of

work that will lead to repayments of overpaid tax.

However, HMRC do not record this information

specifically for Inheritance Tax.

Insurance: Coronavirus

Asked by Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts


have to discuss with the insurance industry the

implications of COVID-19 for firms which have taken

out pandemic insurance. [HL2623]



taking to ensure that commercial businesses seeking

insurance payouts for cancellations or closures due to

COVID-19 are covered. [HL2638]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Chancellor has made

clear that, for those businesses which have an appropriate

policy that covers pandemics, government’s medical

advice of 16 March is sufficient to allow businesses to

make a claim against their insurance, provided the other

terms and conditions in their policy are met.

In addition, the FCA’s rules require insurers to handle

claims fairly and promptly; provide reasonable guidance

to help a policyholder make a claim, and appropriate

information on its progress; not reject a claim

unreasonably; and settle claims promptly once settlement

terms are agreed.

However, most businesses have not purchased

insurance that covers pandemic related losses. As such,








any affected businesses should note the government’s full

package of support.

The Government is in continual dialogue with the

insurance sector about its contribution to handling this

unprecedented situation.

Intensive Care: Hospital Beds


To ask Her Majesty's Government how many (1)

intensive care beds, and (2) ventilators, there are in each

NHS Trust in England; and what was the comparative

figure for March 2019. [HL2706]



additional intensive care beds they plan to provide to

each NHS Trust in England. [HL2707]

Lord Bethell: Information on numbers of intensive

care beds and ventilators is not available in the format

requested.

The National Health Service is currently scaling up

intensive care beds. NHS England is looking at critical

care capacity - including the availability of additional

facilities of independent sector providers.

Intensive Care: Ventilators



assessment they have made of the (1) current

availability of ventilators in NHS intensive care units,

and (2) production capacity, to supply further

ventilators in line with the planned increase in their use.

[HL2600]

Lord Bethell: The National Health Service has world-

renowned critical care facilities which includes access to

around 5,000 adult and 900 paediatric critical care

ventilators, with further ventilators available outside of

critical care facilities.

Work preparing the NHS has been ongoing and we

have already nearly doubled ventilator capacity. New and

existing suppliers are being asked to build as many as

they can. The Prime Minister has issued a call to United

Kingdom industry to produce additional ventilators and

the Department asked appropriate potential manufacturers

on 13 March to come forward with proposals for new

ventilation machines. Around a dozen potential

prototypes have now been presented to the Department

which we are currently pursuing.



have, if any, to create an online hackathon platform to

help design and deploy an open-source ventilator for

the NHS. [HL2652]

Lord Bethell: Work preparing the National Health

Service has been ongoing and we have already nearly

doubled ventilator capacity. New and existing suppliers

are being asked to build as many as they can. The Prime

Minister has issued a call to United Kingdom industry to

produce additional ventilators and the Department asked

appropriate potential manufacturers on 13 March to come

forward with proposals for new ventilation machines.

The Department is already considering several

prototypes from manufacturers in response and has no

plans to establish online platforms as part of the

procurement process.


To ask Her Majesty's Government what response

there has been to the Prime Minister's request for

manufacturers to develop ventilators for the NHS; and

how many they expect to be produced. [HL2675]









Around a dozen potential prototypes have now been

presented to the Department which we are currently

pursuing.



additional ventilators they plan to provide to each NHS

Trust in England. [HL2708]









Around a dozen potential prototypes have now been

presented to the Department which we are currently

pursuing.

We will allocate these ventilators accordingly to each

NHS trust based on clinical need.



have, if any, to requisition medical ventilators from

British cruise ships and make them available for use by

the NHS to treat COVID-19. [HL2711]

Lord Bethell: The National Health Service currently

has 8,175 ventilators and is working with British industry

to produce 30,000 more in a matter of weeks. There are

currently no plans to requisition ventilators from British

cruise ships.










Iran: Detainees

Asked by Lord Turnberg



Iran about the reported detention without trial of (1)

Nabi Tardust, (2) Ramtin Movaseghi, (3) Ashkan

Valizadeh, and (4) Milad Ghorban Nezhad. [HL2528]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are aware of reports

that a number of university students were arrested by

Iranian security forces and detained without trial during

the protests in January over the Iranian military's shooting

down of a Ukrainian plane. We unreservedly support the

right to peaceful protest and call on Iran to uphold its

commitments under international law to protect freedom

of assembly and speech, and treat all detainees in line

with international standards. The UK regularly raises

human rights with the Iranian authorities at all levels and

we continue to take action with the international

community to press Iran to improve its poor record on all

human rights issues and to guarantee procedural fairness

in legal cases, including most recently at the UN Human

Rights Council in March this year.

Israel: Bedouin




Israel about reports that that government destroyed

agricultural land and crops in two Bedouin communities

in the Negev desert on 16 March. [HL2846]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Whilst we have not

made any representations on these reports, we are

troubled by reports of assaults on farmers and vandalism

of agricultural land. We continue to encourage the Israeli

authorities and Bedouin communities to engage in

dialogue to agree a satisfactory solution to the issue,

respecting the rights of the people affected.

Israel: Golan Heights

Asked by Lord Grocott


they have made of the government of Israel's activities

in the Golan Heights. [HL2684]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK's position on the

status of the Occupied Golan Heights is clear and has not

changed. In line with international law, and relevant UN

Security Council Resolutions, notably Resolutions 242

and 497, we do not recognise Israel's sovereignty over the

territories occupied by Israel since June 1967, including

the Golan Heights, and we do not consider them part of

the territory of the State of Israel.

Israel: Occupied Territories



Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 9

March (HL1981), what representations they intend to

make to the government of Israel about that country's

compliance with international law and the Fourth

Geneva Convention of 1949. [HL2658]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have a regular

dialogue with the government of Israel on legal issues

relating to the occupation. The Minister for the Middle

East and North Africa stressed the importance of Israel

complying with international law during a meeting with

the Israeli Ambassador to the UK on 12 March.

Israel: Palestinians




Israel about reports that an Israeli policeman fired shots

at Palestinian children in a school playground through

the bars of the school gate. [HL2520]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have repeatedly

made clear to the Israeli authorities our longstanding

concerns about the use of excessive force, not limited to

the use of live ammunition. We have also stressed the

importance of the Israeli security forces providing

appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian

population, in particular the need to protect children.



representations they have (1) made, and (2) intend to

make, to the government of Israel about reports of the

killing of a 15 year old Palestinian, and injuries to

others, by Israeli forces at Jabal al-Arma. [HL2656]


made representations on this specific incident, the

Government is very concerned at the high numbers of

Palestinians, including children, killed by Israel Defense

Forces (IDF) in the West Bank and Gaza.




Israel about reports that money and belongings from

Palestinian homes have been confiscated by Israeli

Defence Forces without legal reason. [HL2894]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: While we have not made

representations on these reports, we have stressed the

importance of the Israel Defence Forces providing

appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian

population. The practice of confiscations causes

unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians.









Israel: Prisons


To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the

COVID-19 pandemic, what representations they have

made to the government of Israel about reports (1) that

the Israeli Prison Service plans to stop the provision of

cleaning products and medical visits to Palestinian

prisoners, and (2) of unsanitary conditions in Israeli

prisons. [HL2895]


made representations regarding these reports, the British

Embassy in Tel Aviv and the British Consulate-General in

Jerusalem are in regular contact with the Israeli and

Palestinian authorities respectively. Both report good co-

operation between the two entities in response to COVID-

19.

Israeli Settlements




make, to the government of Israel about reports that the

Israeli Defence Force has declared Israeli ownership

over land documented as belonging to Palestine in Wad

Fukin. [HL2720]


representations on these reports, we are encouraging both

sides to maintain calm and avoid taking actions which

make peace more difficult to achieve.

Israeli Settlements: Palestinians



they have made of the remarks by Hana Ashrawi, a

member of the Palestine Liberation Organization

Executive Committee, that the government of Israel is

allowing armed settlers to “terrorise” Palestinians in

Judea and Samaria. [HL2660]


made a specific assessment of these remarks, we condemn

any incidence of violence by settlers against Palestinians.

Job Retention Scheme

Asked by Lord Fink

To ask Her Majesty's Government when they intend

to issue advice on the steps needed to put employees

into furlough. [HL2934]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: Guidance on the Coronavirus

Job Retention Scheme was published on 26 March for

both employers and employees. The guidance can be

found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-

costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme.

This is an unprecedented jobs retention scheme and the

Government has been working hard over the last two

weeks to set out further details on the scheme. The

Government will continue to review the guidance and

publish further updates if necessary.

Leisure: Coronavirus

Asked by Lord Clement-Jones


are giving to (1) festivals, (2) recording studios, and (3)

nightclubs, on whether they will be covered by the

Government's proposed support to the retail, leisure and

hospitality sectors during, and after, the COVID-19

pandemic. [HL2775]

Baroness Barran: Last week, the Chancellor of the

Exchequer announced additional measures to support

businesses and organisations that have been impacted by

the pandemic. So long as they fulfil the criteria for these

measures, businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality

sectors will benefit from these measures.

This includes the Government stepping in to help pay

people’s wages – a scheme which is one of the most

generous of any in the world – and paying grants to

support as many jobs as necessary. Any employer in the

country who promises to retain their staff can apply for a

grant to cover most of the cost of paying people’s wages.

Government grants will cover 80 per cent of the salary of

retained workers up to a total of £2,500 a month, with this

limit set well above the median income. The cost of

wages will be backdated to 1st March and will be open

for at least three months. The Government will consider

extending the scheme for longer if necessary.

We are also deferring the next three months of VAT, a

direct injection of £33 billion of cash to employers which

means no business will pay any VAT in March, April or

May; and they will have until the end of the financial year

to repay those bills.

The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

will now be interest free for twelve months, an extension

from the initial announcement of six months. We have

already introduced and announced an extension to the

Business Interruption Loan Scheme, which is for small

and medium-sized businesses. On 17 March, the

Chancellor expanded the amount that can be borrowed

from £1.2 million to £5 million.

The Chancellor has also announced measures to protect

the self-employed. As long as they fulfil the necessary

criteria, freelancers and the self-employed in the sectors

in question will benefit from these measures. The Self-

employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will

support self-employed individuals (including members of

partnerships) whose income has been negatively impacted

by COVID-19. The scheme will provide a grant to self-

employed individuals or partnerships, worth 80% of their

profits up to a cap of £2,500 per month.





https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme





Local Government Finance

Asked by Lord Beecham

To ask Her Majesty's Government how much revenue

funding they have provided to English local authorities

in each year since 2010. [HL2533]

Viscount Younger of Leckie: Spending Power is our

best measure of the resources which local authorities can

access each year. The definition of Spending Power is not

comparable over the period 2010-11 to 2020-21 due to

changes in the finance and function of local government.

A consistent measure of Core Spending Power is however

available for the period 2015-16 to 2020-21. Please see a

link to the CSP table on the Gov Website (attached):

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/core-

spending-power-final-local-government-finance-

settlement-2020-to-2021 The full table is under

‘supporting information’.


Spending power

[Core_Spending_Power_Supporting_Information_2020_to_2021

(3) HL2533.xlsx]



Local Government: Coronavirus



established a hotline service to (1) advise on faith and

secular gatherings, (2) provide information to the

public, and (3) receive relevant information from

members of the public, during the COVID-19

pandemic. [HL2924]


Government has issued guidance on social distancing on

16 March: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-

guidance-for-mass-gatherings. In line with this guidance,

large gatherings should not take place. Further guidance

was published on 23 March on the closure of businesses

and venues, including places of worship:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-

businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-

premises-to-close-guidance.

The guidance is clear that all places of worship should

be closed. This includes for the holding of faith and

secular gatherings and solitary prayer. However, services

are encouraged to take place with congregations online.

Government continues to have regular discussions with

faith and belief groups to ensure that guidance relating to

the COVID-19 pandemic is communicated clearly and

effectively.

Migrant Camps: Coronavirus



they have made of the impact of COVID-19 in refugee

camps in (1) Lesbos, and (2) elsewhere. [HL2717]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Department for

International Development (DFID) is supporting the UK’s

global efforts to combat the outbreak of COVID-19 and

help the most vulnerable, including refugees in camps and

settlements as well as host communities. The UK has

committed up to £241 million of UK aid to support the

global efforts to combat the outbreak of COVID-19.

DFID recognises that refugees may be vulnerable to

acquiring diseases such as COVID-19. The UK is already

helping to prevent the spread of diseases like coronavirus

in refugee camps around the world, through providing

access to clean water and sanitation.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

are not aware of any cases of COVID-19 in refugee

camps at present.

The UK Government is concerned about the risk of

coronavirus in relation to the migrant camps in Greece,

given the overcrowding and limited medical facilities in

camps on the islands. The Greek Ministry of Migration

and Asylum announced emergency measures to contain

potential coronavirus outbreaks in the migrant camps. Our

Embassy in Athens continues to closely follow

developments.

UN Resident Coordinators have been tasked by WHO

to assess these risks and consider needs at country level,

which will include refugee populations. The International

Development Secretary has spoken with Filippo Grandi,

the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and agreed to

work together to minimise the impact of this crisis on

refugees.



they have had, and intend to have, with the

UNHCR about the control of COVID-19 in refugee

camps. [HL2718]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Department for

International Development (DFID) is supporting the UK’s

global efforts to combat the outbreak of COVID-19 and

help the most vulnerable, including refugees in camps and

settlements as well as host communities. The UK has

committed up to £241 million of UK aid to support the

global efforts to combat the outbreak of COVID-19.

The International Development Secretary has talked to

Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees,

and they agreed to work together to minimise the impact

of this crisis on refugees. Officials are in regular contact

with their United Nations High Commissioner for

Refugees counterparts and we are working closely with


https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fgovernment%2Fpublications%2Fcore-spending-power-final-local-government-finance-settlement-2020-to-2021&data=02%7C01%7CParliamentary%40communities.gov.uk%7C6b41c0567a3b4b500d5608d7da0be349%7Cbf3468109c7d43dea87224a2ef3995a8%7C0%7C0%7C637217616896025327&sdata=XLbYubycywOpGWLR8sQme4J05WDmJwRSwvaBRTikUDk%3D&reserved=0








https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-guidance-for-mass-gatherings










all our international partners to coordinate a global

response that includes actions to address the particular

vulnerability of refugee populations.

Medical Examinations

Asked by Lord Lucas



(HL2718), whether the NHS issues any guidance to

NHS organisations related to policies on patients'

ability to specify the sex or gender of the staff treating

them; and whether such policies are (1) co-ordinated, or

(2) compared in any way. [HL2697]

Asked by Lord Lucas



(HL2178), whether NHS patients in England can

request to have intimate examinations carried out by a

doctor of a specified biological sex; and whether such

requests are always adhered to. [HL2757]

Lord Bethell: National Health Service organisations

set their own policies on patients’ ability to specify the

gender of the staff treating them.

One of the NHS Constitution’s founding values is that

of respect and dignity for patients, carers and staff in

accordance with their needs and priorities and ensuring

these are considered when designing and delivering

services.

The General Medical Council guidance to doctors states

that, when proposing to carry out an intimate

examination, doctors should offer the patient the option of

having an impartial observer (a chaperone) present

wherever possible. This applies whether or not the doctor

is the same gender as the patient, and they must treat

patients as individuals and respect their dignity and

privacy.

Migrant Workers: Ministers of Religion


To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there will

be any change to the existing requirements for a

Temporary Worker-Religious Worker visa (Tier

5) under the new points-based immigration system.

[HL2680]

Baroness Williams of Trafford: Under the current

Immigration Rules, there are a range of routes for

specialist activities, including temporary religious

workers. From January 2021, these routes will be opened

to EEA and Swiss citizens.

Motorways: Road Signs and Markings


To ask Her Majesty's Government whether Highways

England plans to use any smart motorway infrastructure

to promote the Great British Spring Clean. [HL2732]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: This will be the fifth year

that Highways England has taken part in Keep Britain

Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean, with this campaign

now rescheduled to 11 – 27 September 2020. As in

previous years, they will promote the campaign and their

involvement through a variety of media channels.

Highways England use variable message signs to

provide immediate safety advice or information that helps

motorists with their journeys and have no plans to use

variable message signs to promote the Great British

Spring Clean.

Music: Coronavirus

Asked by Lord Clement-Jones


they have made of the potential impact of the COVID-

19 pandemic on the self-employed working in the

music sector in the UK. [HL2774]

Baroness Barran: The Chancellor has announced

measures to protect the self-employed. So long as they

fulfil the criteria for these measures, freelancers and the

self employed in the music industry benefit from these

measures.

The Self-employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)

will support self-employed individuals (including

members of partnerships) whose income has been

negatively impacted by COVID-19. The scheme will

provide a grant to self-employed individuals or

partnerships, worth 80% of their profits up to a cap of

£2,500 per month.

HMRC will use the average profits from tax returns in

2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 to calculate the size of the

grant.

Individuals should not contact HMRC now. HMRC will

use existing information to check potential eligibility and

invite applications once the scheme is operational. HMRC

will then pay the grant directly to eligible claimants’ bank

account. HMRC is urgently working to deliver the

scheme; grants are expected to start to be paid out by

beginning of June 2020.

Music: Festivals and Special Occasions



have to provide loans to music festival operators to

cover a fixed percentage of staff salaries during the


Baroness Barran: The Chancellor of the Exchequer

has announced additional measures to support businesses

and organisations that have been impacted by the

pandemic. So long as they fulfil the criteria for these

measures, businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality

sectors will benefit from these measures.

This includes the Government stepping in to help pay

people’s wages – a scheme which is one of the most









generous of any in the world – and paying grants to

support as many jobs as necessary. Any employer in the

country who promises to retain their staff can apply for a

grant to cover most of the cost of paying people’s wages.

Government grants will cover 80 per cent of the salary of

retained workers up to a total of £2,500 a month, with this

limit set well above the median income. The cost of

wages will be backdated to 1st March and will be open

for at least three months. The Government will consider

extending the scheme for longer if necessary.

We are also deferring the next three months of VAT, a

direct injection of £33 billion of cash to employers which

means no business will pay any VAT in March, April or

May; and they will have until the end of the financial year

to repay those bills.

The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

will now be interest free for twelve months, an extension

from the initial announcement of six months. We have

already introduced and announced an extension to the

Business Interruption Loan Scheme, which is for small

and medium-sized businesses. On 17 March, the

Chancellor expanded the amount that can be borrowed

from £1.2 million to £5 million.

The Chancellor has also announced measures to protect

the self-employed. As long as they fulfil the necessary

criteria, freelancers and the self-employed in the music

industry will benefit from these measures. The Self-

employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will

support self-employed individuals (including members of





National Security

Asked by Lord Empey

To ask Her Majesty's Government what criteria they

use to determine whether another nation state (1) is

conducting, or (2) is guilty of, an act of hostility

towards the UK. [HL2932]

Lord True: Hostile activity can take many forms,

including disinformation, cyber attacks and other hybrid

methods. We know that certain states routinely use these

as foreign policy tools.

It is absolutely unacceptable for any foreign

government to seek to undermine the UK’s national

security, the integrity of our democracy, public safety,

reputation or economic prosperity. The government

remains committed to securing the UK against all forms

of hostile activity orchestrated by foreign states.

HM Government has acted to protect the UK and

respond to the threat, including taking steps as part of the

Defending Democracy programme, and through the

creation of the National Cyber Security Centre and Joint

State Threats Assessment Team. This approach allows us

to identify, assess and, where necessary, respond to

hostile activity; as can be seen from HM Government's

response to the Salisbury novichok poisoning and the

public attribution of the WannaCry, NotPetya and

Cloudhopper cyber incidents.

National Skills Fund

Asked by Baroness Redfern

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the £3

billion national skills fund announced in the 2019

Conservative manifesto is available to small businesses

for apprenticeships. [HL2644]

Baroness Berridge: Over the course of this Parliament,

the government will provide an extra £2.5 billion (£3

billion including indicative Barnett consequentials) for a

new National Skills Fund. The Fund is part of a dramatic

rebooting of our skills system and will help workers to

have the skills they need to flourish and fulfil their

potential.

To decide how best to develop the National Skills Fund,

the government is planning to consult widely on the

National Skills Fund, to ensure the fund provides the best

return on investment.

The insights gained will help to build an understanding

of how to target the fund and what types of training it

should cover, to ensure it best supports people to learn

new skills and prepare for future changes to the economy.

New Zealand: Coronavirus



taking to support UK citizens who are seeking to return

to the UK from New Zealand who are affected by that

country's lockdown due to COVID-19. [HL2921]

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The Foreign

Secretary announced on 30 March a new partnership

between the Government and airlines to fly home more

stranded British travellers, where commercial routes do

not exist. The Government will provide up to £75 million

financial support to enable special charter flights to

priority countries, operated by airlines including Virgin,

Easyjet, Jet 2, Titan and British Airways. This service has

already begun, with flights from Peru, Senegal, UAE,

Ecuador, Bolivia, Ghana, Algeria and Tunisia as of 6th

April.

The British Government is working around the clock to

support British Nationals as we respond to this global

pandemic. The British High Commission in Wellington

has established an online registration system, allowing

High Commission staff to track and directly communicate

with British Nationals in need of assistance, in particular

the most vulnerable. This includes regular updates

through email and on social media platforms. There has

been an extensive drawdown of commercial flights out of

New Zealand to regional hubs, reducing significantly the

options for British Nationals to depart New Zealand. We





are engaging commercial airlines and international

governments, encouraging them to keep commercial

routes open, in particular in transit hubs.

NHS: Identity Cards



taking, if any, to protect NHS staff following reports of

staff being mugged for their NHS staff

identification cards. [HL2890]

Lord Bethell: The Government condemns any instance

of violence, abuse or robbery of National Health Service

staff – such behaviour is despicable. Any robbery or

attempted robbery of a NHS staff ID card should be

reported to the police immediately, as it is a criminal

offence.

The NHS and the Crown Prosecution Service recently

signed the Joint Agreement on Offences Against

Emergency Workers. This agreement sets out a

framework for the effective investigation and prosecution

of cases where emergency workers are the victim of a

crime and the standards that victims of these crimes can

expect. The definition of an emergency worker in this

agreement also includes all those who are employed to

support the provision of NHS health services.

NHS organisations will also have local arrangements in

place to support staff who are the victim of a crime.

NHS: Negligence


To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will

publish the terms of the agreement with the Medical

Protection Society covering NHS clinical negligence

claims made against their GP members in respect of

liabilities arising before 1 April 2019. [HL2694]



ensured value for money in respect of the agreement

with the Medical Protection Society covering NHS

clinical negligence claims made against their GP

members for liabilities arising before 1 April 2019.

[HL2696]

Lord Bethell: The agreement with the Medical

Protection Society (MPS) is such that the MPS will

contribute a certain amount of assets for the relevant

liabilities. The price paid was agreed via commercial

negotiations. Through negotiations, the Department has

been guided by the need to act fairly and prudently when

managing the public purse.

The Department currently has no plans to publish the

terms of the agreement with the Medical Protection

Society covering National Health Service clinical

negligence claims made against their general practitioner

members in respect of liabilities arising before 1 April

2019, which is subject to confidentiality provisions.

Nigeria: Overseas Aid



distributed funding from the £300 million North East

Nigeria Transition to Development Programme since

April 2017; how they intend to distribute funding from

now until that programme’s end in 2022; who (1) have

been, and (2) will be, the beneficiaries of that funding;

how qualifying communities are chosen; and how they

intend to evaluate (a) the use, and (b) the results, of that

funding. [HL2908]

Baroness Sugg: The UK has provided lifesaving

assistance through the North East Nigeria Transition to

Development (NENTAD) Programme over the last three

years to support the UN-led Humanitarian Response Plan.

Funding has been distributed to UN agencies, two INGO-

led consortia and the Red Cross Movement to provide

urgent aid to save lives and minimise suffering. To date

the UK’s funding distribution has included £125 million

for lifesaving food; more than £60 million for nutritious

foods and treatment; more than £16 million for informal

and emergency education; nearly £19 million to support

humanitarian coordination in the North East; more than

£17 million for protection support and services and £6

million for access to lifesaving water, sanitation and

hygiene. Funding is intended to be distributed until the

programme’s end through a range of UN, INGO and Red

Cross partners to meet the most critical lifesaving needs.

In light of the emerging needs due to Covid-19, partners

will be asked to ensure their activities address the risks

and urgent impacts of Covid-19 in North East Nigeria.

Previous beneficiaries of the NENTAD programme

were identified as being in acute need of lifesaving

assistance by the humanitarian community. In 2018/19

NENTAD programme results included reaching 1.6

million people with lifesaving food assistance, providing

access to education for 130,000 out-of-school children,

the prevention of malnutrition amongst 260,000 children

and providing 48,000 people with clean water. The future

beneficiaries of the NENTAD programme will continue

to be the most vulnerable conflict-affected people in

North East Nigeria, including Internally Displaced

Persons (IDPs), refugees and affected host communities.

Qualifying communities are selected by humanitarian

partners following needs assessments to identify who is

most in need of lifesaving support, so that resources can

be efficiently prioritised for the most vulnerable. DFID

evaluates the use and results of funding through quarterly

reviews with implementing partners; field visits to the

North East; internal audits and through the DFID Annual

Review. The last Annual Review of the NENTAD

programme was scored an A. A planned Mid-Term

Review of NENTAD has been paused due to Covid-19.







Non-domestic Rates: Coronavirus


To ask Her Majesty's Government why (1) betting

shops, (2) bingo halls, and (3) casinos, were excluded

from the business rate holiday; and what plans they

have to extend such businesses the same relief as

granted to other retail and leisure businesses. [HL2812]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Government has set out a

package of measures to support businesses through this

period of disruption caused by COVID-19.

The Chancellor previously announced a 100% rates

holiday for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure

properties in 2020-21. On 25 March the Government went

further and removed some of the exclusions for this relief,

so that eligible retail, leisure, and hospitality properties

that will have to close as a result of the measures

announced by the Prime Minister in his statement of the

23 March, will now be eligible for the relief.

Support is also available to those not eligible for

business rates relief. This includes the Coronavirus

Business Interruption Loan Scheme for small and

medium-sized businesses, a statutory sick pay relief

package, the HMRC Time To Pay Scheme, the

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to help firms continue

to keep people in employment, and a new lending facility

from the Bank of England for larger firms.

North Korea: Crimes against Humanity



they have made of the statement by the UN High

Commissioner for Human Rights on 10 March that the

government of North Korea may be responsible for

crimes against humanity; and what plans they have to

refer that government to the International Criminal

Court. [HL2603]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK remains deeply

concerned by the human rights situation in North Korea.

The international community has a responsibility to

respond to the human rights violations in North Korea

which, as the UN Commission of Inquiry in 2014

concluded, may amount to crimes against humanity. The

UK is fully committed to the principle that there must be

no impunity for the most serious international crimes.

North Korea is not a State Party to the International

Criminal Court (ICC) and so a referral of the situation in

North Korea could be made only by the UN Security

Council in this instance. The UK continues to support an

annual debate on North Korean human rights issues in the

UN Security Council. We welcome the Human Rights

Council resolution in March which provides the basis for

further work on a credible framework for accountability.

Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Incentive

Scheme

Asked by Lord Lexden


answer by Lord Duncan of Springbank on 19 March

2019 (HL Deb, col 1407), what discussions they have

had with the Northern Ireland Executive about steps the

Executive are taking to mitigate the impact of changes

to the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme. [HL2755]

Viscount Younger of Leckie: In October 2019, the

Department for Economy (DFE) appointed energy expert

Andrew Buglass to consider the issue of hardship relating

to participants in the NI Non-Domestic Renewable Heat

Incentive scheme (NIRHI). Mr Buglass was asked by the

DfE to develop a relevant definition of hardship,

investigate its presence as a result of NIRHI participation,

and make recommendations to the Department on any

appropriate course of action. The report of Mr Buglass

has just recently been provided to the DfE and will be

considered by NI Ministers in the coming weeks.

Occupational Health

Asked by Lord Blunkett


have to invest in NHS occupational health services; and

whether any such plans include procurement from

private sector providers which have capacity to provide

services. [HL2920]

Lord Bethell: Occupational health services are vitally

important in keeping people healthy and safe in the

workplace. The command paper, Improving Lives: The

Future of Work, Health and Disability, committed to

setting out a clear strategy for the future occupational

health market reform. Following the Health is everyone’s

business consultation published in July 2019, an

upcoming response will outline future occupational health

strategy.

The health and wellbeing of National Health Service

staff is very important. As part of the NHS People Plan,

we plan to set out a comprehensive package of support

that all NHS staff can expect to receive from their

employer, including rapid access to occupational health

services. Publication of the final NHS People Plan has

been deferred to allow the NHS to provide maximum

operational effort to COVID-19 response. However, we

have commissioned the NHS to urgently put in place a

package of support for NHS staff during COVID-19

response.

Occupational Pensions: Tax Allowances



Written Answer by Baroness Buscombe on 31 October

2018 (HL10750), how many (1) women, and (2) men,






recorded in HMRC’s Real Time Information

records, earning below the personal tax threshold, were

contributing at work to a Net Pay Pension scheme in the

tax years after 2016-17; and how often they plan to

update these figures. [HL2729]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: HMRC estimate that 1.5m

individuals earning below the personal allowance in

2017-18 made workplace pension contributions via Real

Time Information (RTI) using net pay arrangements.

About 75% of these individuals are estimated to be

female and 25% are estimated to be male.

The personal allowance in 2017-18 was £11,500.

HMRC’s Survey of Personal Income (SPI) and

administrative data was used to produce the estimates.

The 2017-18 SPI data (published in March 2020) is the

latest year available. The SPI is updated annually.

Older People: Coronavirus

Asked by Baroness Massey of Darwen


plan to provide to charities and the voluntary sector to

protect elderly people from being attacked in their

homes by people who gain entrance on false pretences,


Baroness Barran: Public safety and protecting the

most vulnerable people in society from coronavirus is this

government’s top priority. The Government has prepared

‘how to help safely’ guidance on Gov.uk to advise

individuals and charities how they can help those isolating

- including friends, family members and neighbours. This

guidance is also accessible for the new Covid Mutual Aid

groups that have been set up in response to the crisis.

These pages have been accessed over 174,000 times since

publication.

Genuine volunteers have been instructed not to enter

people’s homes, unless deemed essential. We advise that

vulnerable people take general precautions such as asking

for ID, not sharing financial details and, if in doubt, do

not engage and report serious suspicious behaviour to the

police.

Overseas Aid: Coronavirus


To ask Her Majesty's Government how the £46

million aid package to fight the spread of COVID-19,

announced on 6 March, will be deployed to assist health

systems in vulnerable countries. [HL2836]

Baroness Sugg: The UK is at the forefront of the

global response to COVID-19. We are using UK aid to its

full effect to counter the health, humanitarian and

economic risks of this pandemic. Since the £46 million

was announced, the UK has committed further resources,

up to £241 million of funding to support the global efforts

to combat the outbreak of COVID-19.

These funds are supporting three main areas of work:

helping developing countries manage the crisis by

supporting the operations of the UN, the International

Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and

the provision of expert advice; supporting the

International Monetary Fund to relieve debt servicing

pressures on countries struggling with the virus; and

supporting international scientific efforts to develop

diagnosis tests and vaccines. Furthermore, through our

ongoing overseas operations, DFID is supporting

programmes in over 20 countries to improve health

systems, such as by building capability for health security

through disease surveillance and response.

Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and

Veterans) Bill 2019-21



they have had with the (1) government of Ireland, and

(2) political parties in Northern Ireland, about the

Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans)

Bill. [HL2822]

Baroness Goldie: The Overseas Operations (Service

Personnel and Veterans) Bill relates to the conduct of the

UK Armed Forces outside of the UK. The operation of

the UK Armed Forces is a reserved matter and one for the

UK Government. The introduction of the Bill in the

House of Commons is just the start of the process, and the

Ministry of Defence will continue to engage with

stakeholders across the UK throughout the Bill’s progress

through Parliament.

No discussions have taken place with the Irish

Government on the contents of this Bill.

Oxford-Cambridge Arc

Asked by Lord Lansley


their Planning for the future policy paper, published on

12 March, whether the proposed development

corporations in the Oxford–Cambridge Arc will be (1)

new town, (2) urban, (3) locally-led new town, or (4)

mayoral, development corporations. [HL2633]



their Planning for the future policy paper, published on

12 March, under what legislation they are planning to

bring forward proposals for the four development

corporations in the Oxford–Cambridge Arc. [HL2634]


Government will examine the most suitable delivery

vehicles and associated legislation for bringing forward

development at scale and meeting our objectives for

sustainability and high-quality design. This will include

looking at the case for Government using its own powers

to establish new town or urban development corporations.








Any development corporation, whether proposed by

Government or local bodies, should always entail

appropriate community involvement.

Palestinians: Arrests




Israel about reports that Palestinians trying to raise

awareness of COVID-19 in East Jerusalem were

arrested. [HL2847]


made any representations regarding these reports, the

British Embassy in Tel Aviv and the British Consulate-

General in Jerusalem are in regular contact with the

Israeli and Palestinian authorities respectively. Both

report good co-operation between the two entities in

response to COVID-19.




Israel about the reported arrest of Palestinian volunteers

on 16 March who were sterilising public facilities and

areas in East Jerusalem. [HL2896]


made representations regarding these reports, the British

Embassy in Tel Aviv and the British Consulate-General in

Jerusalem are in regular contact with the Israeli and

Palestinian authorities respectively. Both report good co-

operation between the two entities in response to COVID-

19.

Palestinians: Curriculum

Asked by Lord Pickles


they have made of whether reported antisemitic content

in the Palestinian Authority’s school curriculum is in

breach of the International Holocaust Remembrance

Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism.

[HL2552]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK government is

deeply concerned about the allegations of incitement in

Palestinian Authority’s school textbooks. The

International Development Secretary reiterated our

concerns in a call to the Palestinian Authority’s Education

Minister just last month.

In order to assess the concerns highlighted in this

question, the UK took the lead in calling for an

independent review of Palestinian textbooks, as a result of

which an independent review of the alleged incitement to

violence and hatred in the textbooks is underway with the

support of our European partners. We expect interim

findings in Spring 2020 and full findings later in the year.

Asked by Lord Polak

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether UK aid is

distributed to employees of the Palestinian Ministry of

Education’s Curriculum Development Centre. [HL2554]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Our money to support

education and health provision in the West Bank goes into

a special, dedicated bank account and is only paid to

individuals vetted through the Palestinian-European

Socio-Economic Management Assistance Mechanism

(PEGASE) to ensure they have no connections to any

proscribed groups and are still in employment.

Employees of the Palestinian Ministry of Education’s

Curriculum Development Centre are included on the

PEGASE list, alongside teachers and other public sector

education professionals.

Each payment is independently audited to ensure it has

been transferred to the declared bank account of the

intended recipient. This rigorous process means we are

confident no UK aid is being diverted.

Palestinians: Teachers

Asked by Lord Polak


they have made of teacher training programmes

supported by UK aid in the Palestinian Territories.

[HL2553]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: DFID supports teacher

training in the Occupied Palestinian Territories through

the UK’s ‘Connecting Classrooms through Global

Learning Programme’, which is co-funded by DFID and

the British Council. The programme focuses on core and

transferable skills, and global citizenship.

The content is centrally designed by UK-based experts

and delivered on the ground across the world by trainers

who are validated and quality assured by the British

Council. The British Council undertakes quality assurance

visits to ensure the content delivered is appropriate and

high quality. The British Council also monitors feedback

from participants and has commissioned an independent

evaluation of the effectiveness and quality of the training.

Palestinians: Textbooks


To ask Her Majesty's Government whether UK aid

supports the Palestinian Authority’s production of

school textbooks. [HL2550]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK does not fund

textbooks in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Our

education funding to the PA contributes to the salaries of

carefully vetted education public servants, including

teachers. Following allegations of incitement in the

Palestinian Authority’s school textbooks, the UK secured

agreement from our European partners to lead an

independent review of the textbooks, which is underway.










We expect interim findings by June 2020 and full findings

later in the year.



they have made of whether the reported antisemitic and

extremist content in Palestinian Authority school

textbooks adhere to (1) the Palestinian Authority–

Department for International Development

Memorandum of Understanding, and (2) the Palestinian

Authority’s commitment to take action against

incitement to violence. [HL2551]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Our partnership with the

Palestinian Authority (PA) is underpinned by a

Memorandum of Understanding and our ‘partnership

principles’. We continue to judge that the PA are

demonstrating a credible commitment to this

Memorandum and the ‘partnership principles’. Related to

education, the Palestinian Authority’s Education Minister

has announced that he is currently revising the textbooks

in time for the next academic year. The Palestinian

Authority have also agreed to engage constructively with

the review of the textbooks that we secured through our

European Partners.

Asked by Lord Polak

To ask Her Majesty's Government which textbooks

are used by the teachers in the Palestinian Territories

that are funded by UK aid. [HL2555]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK does not fund

textbooks in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Our

education funding to the Palestinian Authority (PA)

contributes to the salaries of carefully vetted teachers.

Teachers in PA schools teach the Palestinian curriculum.

Following allegations of incitement in the PA’s school

textbooks, the UK secured agreement from our European

partners to lead an independent review of the textbooks

which is underway. We expect interim findings in Spring

2020 and full findings later in the year.

Paracetamol



taking to produce paracetamol, and any ingredients

required for its production, in the UK. [HL2916]

Lord Bethell: The United Kingdom already has just

under 25% of paracetamol finished product sites,

producing supplies for the UK, based in this country, and

just under 20% of the manufacturing sites producing the

active pharmaceutical ingredient required to make

paracetamol.

We are aware that there has been a significant increase

in paracetamol demand over the recent weeks. We are

working with all suppliers of paracetamol to monitor and

assess available supplies and demand, and to make

additional stock available and prioritise further deliveries.

Parks and Public Transport: Coronavirus



have to (1) close public parks, and (2) enforce only

essential travel on public transport networks; and if they

have any such plans, when they anticipate bringing

them into effect. [HL2902]

Lord True: On 23 March, the Government announced

enhanced measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus,

including the closure of certain businesses and venues. A

full list has been published on the GOV.UK website. The

Government’s priority is to save lives and the best way

for people to protect themselves and others from illness is

to stay at home.

Exercise is important for people’s physical and mental

wellbeing. Parks are generally permitted to remain open,

but only for individuals and households to exercise once a

day in a manner consistent with social distancing

measures. Communal spaces within parks such as

playgrounds and football pitches are closed.

The Government has advised that people should stay

local, and use open spaces near to their home where

possible to avoid unnecessary travel. Where parks cannot

be used in accordance with the social distancing

measures, it is up to the local authority to determine what

action is necessary.

Transport should only be used for one of the limited

reasons specified in the guidance: shopping for basic

necessities as infrequently as possible; one form of

exercise a day; any medical need, or to provide care for a

vulnerable person; and travelling for work purposes (only

where working from home is not possible). The British

Transport Police is deploying dedicated teams to national

rail and London Underground stations to reinforce

Government messaging and to help to enforce the new

health protection regulations, and the Government will

not hesitate to go further if that is what the evidence

advises.

Pegylated Interferon Alpha: Coronavirus



they have made of the effectiveness of Interferon alfa-

2B in treating COVID-19; and what plans they have, if

any, to use that drug. [HL2965]



medicines for use in treating COVID-19.

Clinical trials are being developed to assess the benefits

of a number of different medicines in treating COVID-19.

Further medicines may be trialled should evidence

indicate to the Department that this would be an

appropriate course of action.





http://gov.uk/

http://gov.uk/



The world’s largest randomised clinical trial of

potential coronavirus treatments is well underway in the

United Kingdom as part of the race to find a treatment. A

number of promising treatments are being tested and, if

the science supports it, will be given to National Health

Service patients as quickly as possible.

Pensioners: Coronavirus

Asked by Baroness Humphreys

To ask Her Majesty's Government what action

they are taking to support pensioners who work part-

time whose earnings would not qualify them for

statutory sick pay as a result of the COVID-19

pandemic. [HL2806]

Baroness Stedman-Scott: As both the Prime Minister

and Chancellor have made clear, the Government will do

whatever it takes to support people affected by COVID 19

and we have been clear in our intention that everyone

should be supported to do the right thing.

Pesticides


To ask Her Majesty's Government whether a

reduction in the use of pesticides will be necessary in

order to meet the targets set out in their policy paper A

Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the

Environment. [HL2650]

Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The Government is clear

that it is right to minimise the use of pesticides and is

committed to putting Integrated Pest Management at the

heart of its approach, to make the greatest possible use of

alternative pest and disease control methods in support of

sustainable farming and land management. This will

support the goals and targets of our 25 Year Environment

Plan.


To ask Her Majesty's Government when the National

Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides will

be published; and what measures that Plan will contain

to reduce the level of (1) pesticide use, and (2)

pesticide-related harms to human health and the

environment. [HL2705]

Lord Gardiner of Kimble: We will publish a

consultation on the National Action Plan for the

Sustainable use of Pesticides later this year. Integrated

Pest Management (IPM) will be at the heart of our holistic

approach to encourage and support measures to minimise

pesticide use and potential related harms to human health

and the environment. IPM means that sustainable

biological, physical and other non-chemical methods of

pest control are preferred to chemical methods.

Pesticides: Insects

Asked by Lord Hoyle


they have made of the affect of pesticides on trends in

the number of insects dying in the UK. [HL2861]

Lord Gardiner of Kimble: Insects are an essential part

of our environment and pollinating insects play a crucial

role in food production. Government research has shown

that a major pressure on pollinating insects has been the

loss of flower-rich habitats but there are several other

threats, which are likely to interact, including climate

change, land use intensification, invasive species, disease

and inappropriate pesticide use.

The Government has not made a direct assessment of

the impact of pesticides on other insect populations. We

ensure that the use of pesticides is only authorised where

detailed scientific assessment finds that this will not harm

people or have unacceptable effects on the environment

(including on insects). The UK supports the current

restrictions on the use of neonicotinoid insecticides that

were put in place in 2018 to protect pollinating insects.

We will maintain these restrictions unless the scientific

evidence changes.

Since 2014, the Government has been working with a

range of partners on the National Pollinator Strategy to

address the various threats and help pollinators to thrive.

There is strong scientific evidence that by increasing

habitat for insects, we support long-term population

increases and we are working to that end with farmers,

businesses and conservation organisations.

Pharmacy: Compensation


To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any claim

for compensation from a pharmacist that is not in

relation to COVID-19 will be covered by membership

of the Pharmacists’ Defence Association or other

indemnity schemes. [HL2865]

Lord Bethell: Community pharmacists and pharmacy

technicians are regulated healthcare professionals and

must ensure they have adequate indemnity insurance

cover, either personally or through their employer.

Clinical pharmacists employed in National Health

Service trusts are covered by the Clinical Negligence

Scheme for Trusts. Clinical pharmacists employed in

general practitioner practices providing NHS services

(either primary medical services under a Part 4 contract or

other NHS services provided by the practice) are covered

by the Clinical Negligence Scheme for General Practice.

Planning Permission: Coronavirus

Asked by Lord Marlesford


have to postpone the commencement of any new public







inquiry into planning applications until constraints

imposed in the UK as a result of the COVID-19

pandemic have been lifted. [HL2957]

Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist: Following

the Prime Minister's announcement on 23 March of

further measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus the

Planning Inspectorate issued immediate guidance stating

that public inquiries into planning applications will not be

taking place until the situation changes.

MHCLG and the Inspectorate are currently working

together to explore whether it is feasible to utilise

technological solutions to enable any inquiries to proceed

whilst ensuring fairness for all parties, especially third

parties, given that these are public events.

Plastic Bags: Fees and Charges

Asked by Lord Hayward


Written Answers by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park

on 6 March (HL1745 and HL1746), whether they

intend to publish the revised impact assessment agreed

by the Regulatory Policy Committee; if so, when; and

what plans they have to identify the differences

between that assessment and their initial assessment.

[HL2548]


will publish the revised impact assessment, which has

been assessed as fit for purpose by the Regulatory Policy

Committee, alongside the summary of the responses to

the consultation and the Government response setting out

next steps.

Plastics: Recycling


To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, as part of

their plans to introduce a new Plastic Packaging Tax

from April 2022, they will also introduce consistent

national guidelines for the recycling of such packaging.

[HL2629]


is committed to increasing the amount of packaging

collected for recycling. The Environment Bill, which is

currently going through the Committee Stage in the

House of Commons, includes legislation so that all

collectors of waste must collect a core set of materials

from households, businesses and other organisations such

as schools. The core set of materials will be paper and

card, plastic, metal, glass, food and garden waste. The

core set will have to be collected separately from residual

waste and the dry recyclable materials must not be mixed

with food and garden waste. We will consult on the detail

of the policy later this year. As stated in the Resources

and Waste Strategy, we expect consistency in recycling to

be in force from 2023.

Police: Protective Clothing


To ask Her Majesty's Government what personal

protective equipment they are giving to police officers

enforcing restrictions on movement during the COVID-


Baroness Williams of Trafford: Public Health

England (PHE) has issued guidance on the use of personal

protective equipment (PPE) for the police and other front

line responders, and it is an operational matter for forces

to ensure officers and staff are able to access this

equipment to keep themselves and the public safe. It is for

officers to risk assess individual situations to determine

what PPE should be used, if any, in line with PHE’s

guidance.

We are working across Government to ensure that the

police’s need for PPE is understood and considered as

supplies are prioritised across the country.

Prisoners: Coronavirus



received any reports of COVID-19 infection among the

imprisoned community; whether HM Prison Service

has made arrangements to protect others imprisoned in

the same establishment; and what estimate they have

made of the number of COVID-19 infected prisoners

that can be managed within the total prison estate.

[HL2781]

Lord Keen of Elie: COVID-19 presents a unique set of

challenges that we must address in order to maintain the

provision of services in custody. HMPPS are working

very closely with Public Health England (PHE) to ensure

our approach is based on the best scientific advice

available. The safety and wellbeing of staff, prisoners and

visitors is paramount and at the heart of our approach.

We have existing, well-developed policies and

procedures in place to manage outbreaks of infectious

diseases. This means prisons are well prepared to take

immediate action whenever cases or suspected cases are

identified. In line with broader clinical advice, HMPPS

has introduced a procedure for the protective isolation of

individuals in prison custody when it is considered that

they may be potentially infected with the virus.

As of 24 March, prisons in England and Wales are

temporarily closed to visitors. This is to ensure prisons are

complying with PHE social distancing rules. The usual

regime in prisons has also been paused temporarily to

apply social distancing. These measures are vital for

keeping prisoners and staff safe and preventing the spread

of the virus.

We are closely monitoring the number of individuals

within the imprisoned community who have tested

positive for COVID-19. As of 31 March, 69 prisoners

have tested positive for COVID-19 across 25 prisons.










Prisons: Visits



report by Lord Farmer The Farmer Review: The

Importance of Strengthening Prisoners' Family Ties to

Prevent Reoffending and Reduce Intergenerational

Crime, published in August 2017, what consideration

they have given to the recommendation that prisons

should ensure that virtual visits, using video calling

technology, are available "for the small percentage of

families or individual family members who cannot visit

frequently or at all due to infirmity, distance or other

factors". [HL2578]


To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance has

been given to prison governors about visits from family

and significant others during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[HL2579]

Lord Keen of Elie: HMPPS recognises that families or

significant relationships can play an important role in

supporting prisoners to reduce their risk of reoffending

following release. We have implemented a number of the

recommendations from the 2017 Farmer Review and

continue to publish updates on progress on these every six

months.

Visits have been suspended after the Government took

vital steps to limit travel and social interactions in order to

limit the spread of the virus. In recognition of the

importance of continued contact with family, however,

the Government has moved swiftly to keep prisoners in

touch with their family members by other means.

As part of new measures introduced because of the

COVID-19 pandemic, Ministers have approved the use of

900 locked SIM card handsets, allowing risk-assessed

prisoners to speak to a small number of pre-authorised

contacts.

Strict measures will ensure the phones are not misused

with calls being time-limited and monitored closely.

Additionally, handsets will include tamper-proof tape to

prevent non-secure SIM cards being used.

As well as helping prisoners connect with their families,

the phones will give prisoners access to support services

such as the Samaritans, therefore reducing their risk of

self-harm at a uniquely difficult time.

We are also urgently exploring options for the safe and

secure use of video solutions in a range of establishments

to facilitate family video calling. We expect that this

approach will be available imminently to support the

current situation, but beyond this, will consider how best

to utilise the video-calling services to enable prisoners to

maintain contact where they have historically not received

regular visits.

Professional Organisations: Government

Assistance



are providing to professional membership companies


Lord Callanan: As of 3rd April, professional

membership organisations that receive at least 50% of

their income from trading activity and that otherwise meet

the scheme eligibility criteria can access the Coronavirus

Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).

CBILS supports small and medium-sized businesses

with access to working capital (including loans,

overdrafts, invoice finance and asset finance) of up to £5

million and for up to six years. The Government will also

make a Business Interruption Payment to cover the first

12 months of interest payments and any lender-levied

fees, so smaller businesses will benefit from no upfront

costs and lower initial repayments.

Public Appointments: Ethnic Groups

Asked by Lord Boateng


publicly appointed members of public bodies regulating

(1) social work, and (2) education, identify as BAME;

and what is the recorded ethnicity of each of those

members, disagregated by public body. [HL2485]

Baroness Berridge: The Department for Education has

136 publicly appointed members of public bodies, 17 of

whom identify as Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic

(BAME). Social Work England has seven public

appointees. Due to the low number of appointees, and the

risk of potential identification of individuals within this

group, we are not able to confirm the number of declared

BAME appointees within Social Work England. Ethnicity

is based on voluntary declaration. In order to protect

personal information, the Department is unable to provide

this data disaggregated by public body as, within each

body, the number relates to fewer than 10 individuals.

Pupil Referral Units: Coronavirus


To ask Her Majesty's Government whether all Pupil

Referral Units will remain open to maintain the safety

of pupils during the COVID-19 pandemic. [HL2983]

Baroness Berridge: The government has asked

providers of alternative provision (AP), including pupil

referral units, to work with local authorities to consider

the best way to support vulnerable children and those of

critical workers who cannot remain safely at home,

including by keeping AP settings open where it is safe

and feasible to do so. If that isn’t possible our expectation

is that local authorities and AP providers will need to

assess the safeguarding needs of those children on a case








by case basis, working with social workers and other

agencies to make appropriate arrangements.

The government has published questions and answers

about the provisions being made for vulnerable children

and young people, which can be found at the link below:


-covid-19-guidance-on-vulnerable-children-and-young-

people.

Pupils: Exercise



taking, if any, to ensure girls in primary schools meet

the recommended levels of activity in the UK.

[HL2373]

Baroness Berridge: The government published its

‘School sport and activity action plan’ in July 2019. It set

out cross-government action to provide children with

greater opportunity to take part in the recommended 60

minutes of sport and physical activity every day, on

average. This included actions relevant to supporting girls

in primary school to be more active.

Since 2013, the government has provided over £1

billion to primary schools to improve the quality of their

physical education (PE) provision, through the PE and

Sport Premium. Details can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pe-and-

sport-premium-an-investigation-in-primary-schools.

The government is working to promote girls’ and

women’s sport more widely. Sport England will provide

£1 million funding to help girls’ confidence to take part in

sport and activity as part of the successful This Girl Can

campaign, which has already inspired over 3.9 million

women and girls to take steps to get active.

The government will publish an updated school and

sport activity plan following the Comprehensive

Spending Review and will consider what more can be

done to promote physical activity by girls to include in

that plan. Ahead of that, the Budget has confirmed that

£90 million will be provided over the next four years to

support primary school PE teaching and help schools

make best use of their sports facilities.

Railway Network

Asked by Lord Bradshaw


have to re-open any of the routes closed in the Beeching

cuts, as pledged in the 2019 Conservative Party

manifesto; and if they have any such plans, when they

intend to do so. [HL2802]



have to accelerate the procedure for the re-opening of

closed railway routes. [HL2803]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: We have pledged £500m

to reopening railway lines and stations. We invited MPs

to come forward with proposals. The deadline for these

proposals was 16 March. A panel comprising Ministers

and rail and community experts are looking at these and

we will be writing to applicants on next steps. A second

round is planned for June.

Some projects, such as the Ashington Blyth line, have

been accelerated and are already in development.

Railways



they are giving to the improvement of rail services

between South West England, the Midlands, and the

North of England and Scotland, including significant

enhancements of rail infrastructure, so as to reduce any

need for passenger air services between those areas.

[HL2941]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Following investment at

Derby and Ambergate, CrossCountry has reduced the

journey time of some services from Birmingham to

Newcastle by 30 minutes and is looking at accelerating

more services in future timetables.

Additional capacity is due to be provided on the

CrossCountry services between Scotland and the South-

west via Birmingham during 2020 and 2021. The

Department is looking at options to increase capacity and

improve journey times on the East Coast Mainline while

Network Rail is delivering improvements in the Bristol

area and an £80m project to upgrade the sea wall at

Dawlish for the future to deliver more reliable rail

services to Devon and Cornwall

Railways: Coronavirus


To ask Her Majesty's Government, what steps they

are taking to ensure the continued operation of open-

access passenger operators following the reduction in

the number of rail passengers as a result of COVID-19;

whether such steps include financial support to such

operators; and if so, how much funding they intend to

provide. [HL2856]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Government fully

understands that open-access passenger operators are

suffering from significant financial pressures as a result in

the decline of passenger numbers in recent weeks. The

Government has already made available a wide range of

substantial measures to support businesses across the

economy. The Government is continuing to actively

engage with open-access passenger operators on the

specifics of their situations.







https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pe-and-sport-premium-an-investigation-in-primary-schools









Red Diesel



have, if any, to remove the entitlement to use red diesel

in agriculture, fish farming and rail beyond 2022; and if

so, what support they will provide to those industries to

improve their energy efficiency or source greener

alternatives. [HL2628]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Government has no

current plans to review the entitlement to use red diesel in

agriculture, fish farming and rail.

However, the Government still expects these users of

red diesel to improve the energy efficiency of their

vehicles and machinery, or to look for greener

alternatives. To support the development of these

alternatives, the Government has committed to at least a

doubling of the size of the Energy Innovation Programme,

accelerating the design and production of innovative clean

energy technologies.

Regional Airports



they have made of the future need for (1) passenger,

and (2) freight, air services between major regional

centres in Great Britain including those between South

West England, the Midlands, and the North of England

and Scotland; and what plans, if any, they have to

provide such services directly when necessary on a

similar basis to directly operated railway franchises.

[HL2940]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The aviation sector is

important to the UK economy. Her Majesty’s

Government recognises that airports, which provide those

passenger and freight air services, are vital for providing

domestic and global connectivity, employment

opportunities, and a hub for local transport. We

continuously engage with the industry to ensure the

connectivity needs of the UK are met.

Rents: Coronavirus



have, if any, to issue a rent break to tenants affected by


Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist: On 18

March, we announced a radical package of measures to

protect renters and landlords affected by coronavirus.

Emergency legislation has been taken forward as an

urgent priority so that landlords will not be able to start

proceedings to evict tenants for at least a three-month

period. As a result of these measures, no renters in private

or social accommodation need to be concerned about the

threat of eviction. As such, the Government does not

believe a ‘rent holiday’ is necessary at this stage. Further

details of this announcement are at

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/complete-ban-on-

evictions-and-additional-protection-for-renters .

Retail Trade: Coronavirus

Asked by Lord Allen of Kensington


have to ensure that (1) retail workers, and (2) the retail

sector, are compensated for loss of earnings and

revenue resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak.

[HL2597]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The government has unveiled

a comprehensive and sizable package of direct fiscal

support for business through tax relief and cash grants.

Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors

in England will not have to pay business rates for 12

months, to support firms with costs and cashflow. This

includes £25,000 for retail leisure and hospitality

businesses up to £51,000 rateable value, and £10,000 for

smaller retail, leisure and hospitality businesses, and

several hundred thousand businesses eligible for small

business or rural rate relief.

We will also support businesses by deferring Valued

Added Tax (VAT) payments for 3 months, Taxpayers will

be given until the end of the 2020-21 tax year to pay any

liabilities that have accumulated during the deferral

period. Retailers can also access other support

mechanisms, including Coronavirus Business Interruption

Loans.

Under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, all UK

employers with a PAYE scheme will be able to access

support to continue paying employees 80% of their

wages, up to £2,500 per month, to safeguard workers

from being made redundant.



taking to make sure there is sufficient stock in shops.

[HL2967]






and products they need. The industry has adapted quickly

to changes in demand, and food supply into and across the

UK is resilient.

To help the industry, the Government has already

introduced new measures to keep food supply flowing.

We have temporarily relaxed elements of competition law

to enable supermarkets to work more closely together to











https://www.gov.uk/government/news/complete-ban-on-evictions-and-additional-protection-for-renters













every day. We welcome the actions that the industry is

taking, including hiring more staff, and prioritising

delivery slots for those that need them most.

Representatives of our leading supermarkets have asked

customers to shop considerately and we echo their call.

Retailers have provided reassurance that there is plenty of

stock available if people shop considerately and buy only

what they need.

We are grateful for the extensive support and positive

collaboration that the industry has shown. We should be

proud of all those across the country who are working

tirelessly to make sure people have the food they need.

Roads: Accidents


To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to their

statistical release Reported road casualties in Great

Britain: 2018 annual report, published on 26 September

2019 and the reported 1,784 road deaths in 2018, how

many such deaths there were in (1) each month, and (2)

each quarter, of each of the last five years for which

figures are available. [HL2730]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The number of fatalities

in reported road accidents in Great Britain by month and

quarter for the last five available years can be found in the

tables below.

Fatalities in reported road accidents by month, Great Britain, 2014-2018

Month 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

January 128 141 150 137 137

February 117 128 133 132 121

March 131 110 143 121 124

April 140 134 148 122 125

May 128 147 154 140 159

June 160 139 140 142 129

July 153 164 147 138 154

August 146 161 158 167 157

September 158 129 150 163 148

October 145 155 145 196 186

November 170 149 153 176 170

December 199 173 171 159 174

Total 1,775 1,730 1,792 1,793 1,784

Source: DfT, STATS19Fatalities in reported road accidents by

quarter, Great Britain, 2014-2018

Quarter 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Q1 (Jan-Mar) 376 379 426 390 382

Quarter 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Q2 (Apr-Jun) 428 420 442 404 413

Q3 (Jul-Sep) 457 454 455 468 459

Q4 (Oct-Dec) 514 477 469 531 530

Total 1,775 1,730 1,792 1,793 1,784

Source: DfT, STATS19

Roads: Litter


To ask Her Majesty's Government how much funding

they have allocated to the collection and clearance of

roadside litter in their Road Investment Strategy 2

(RIS2): 2020 to 2025 policy paper. [HL2734]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: On the areas of the

Strategic Road Network where Highways England bears

direct responsibility for litter clearance, Highways

England’s agreements with its maintenance contractors

requires them to carry out litter picking as a core

contractual requirement. As a result, it is not possible to

specify how much funding provided for road maintenance

is allocated specifically to litter clearance. RIS2

introduces a performance indicator measuring the

percentage of the SRN where litter is graded at B or

above under the Litter Code of Practice, a widely-used

definition of litter condition. Further detail of the metric

scope will be laid out in Highways England’s Operational

Metrics Manual, which is due to be published later in the

Spring.

Rough Sleeping


To ask Her Majesty's Government how many rough

sleepers there are in England. [HL2966]

Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist: My

Department’s latest official annual Rough

Sleeping Snapshot Statistics published on 27 February

2020 provide information about the estimated number of

people sleeping rough across local authorities in England

on a single night in Autumn.

There were 4,266 people estimated to be sleeping rough

across England on a single night in Autumn 2019. This is

down by 411 people or 9% from last year and down 10%

from the peak in 2017.

These statistics are available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/rough-sleeping-

snapshot-in-england-autumn-2019.

This Government is clear that no one should be without

a roof over their head. That is why we have committed to

end rough sleeping by the end of this Parliament and to

enforce the Homelessness Reduction Act.

In 2020/2021 the Government is providing £492 million

to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping. This marks a

£124 million increase in funding from the previous year




https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fgovernment%2Fstatistics%2Frough-sleeping-snapshot-in-england-autumn-2019&data=02%7C01%7CParliamentary%40communities.gov.uk%7Caffc4bd1ef564c14662608d7d25a23c6%7Cbf3468109c7d43dea87224a2ef3995a8%7C0%7C0%7C637209156889461578&sdata=gVcX5UZ0BgIVPpCvdisMoGOrT0%2FcJ5xZ%2BdEdaId%2BoUc%3D&reserved=0




and will go towards funding important programmes such

as the Rough Sleeping Initiative, Homelessness Reduction

Grant and Flexible Homelessness Support Grant.

Royal Ulster Constabulary

Asked by Lord Empey


have to make public funds available to former members

of the Royal Ulster Constabulary to support their

defence during any investigation into their actions

during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. [HL2741]

Viscount Younger of Leckie: The courage and

professionalism of the police and other security forces

cannot be underestimated and this Government remains

committed to ending the cycle of reinvestigations into the

Troubles in Northern Ireland. Funding of legal support for

former members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary is

devolved and a matter for the Northern Ireland Executive.

Asked by Lord Empey


have to establish a specific body to deal with legacy

issues in Northern Ireland; and whether any such

body would be able to issue reports to families about

allegations of non-criminal misconduct against former

Members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, whether

living or deceased. [HL2743]

Viscount Younger of Leckie: The Government remain

committed to introducing legislation that will reform the

legacy system in line with our commitments set out in

‘New Decade, New Approach’. We intend to bring

forward measures which focus on reconciliation and

information recovery, which is most likely to help

families find out what happened to their loved ones and

help Northern Ireland look to the future.

Further detailed proposals will be provided in due

course and we will be engaging with the NI parties and

Irish Government in the coming weeks.

Russia: Crimea

Asked by Lord Grocott


they have made of the government of Russia's activities

in the Crimean Peninsula. [HL2683]

Baroness Sugg: On 18 March the Foreign Secretary

made a statement condemning the illegal annexation of

Crimea and called on Russia to release the 90 political

prisoners held in Crimea and Russia, and end its unlawful

control of the peninsula.

The Russian illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 was a

flagrant violation of a number of Russia's international

commitments, including under the UN Charter, the OSCE

Helsinki Final Act and the Budapest memorandum. The

UK's position is clear - we will never recognise Russia's

illegal annexation of Crimea. Russia must fully respect

Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity. The

ongoing militarisation of the peninsula, together with

restrictions imposed by Russia on international shipping

passing through the Kerch Strait, presents a serious

security threat to the Black Sea region. We are also

deeply concerned about the ongoing human rights

violations experienced by ethnic and religious minorities

in Crimea. What Russia has done and continues to do in

Crimea breaches its obligations under international law

and presents a serious challenge to the international rules-

based order.

Schools: Coronavirus

Asked by Lord Lexden


they have had with insurance companies about whether

independent schools, particularly small independent

schools, are able to obtain compensation for business

interruption as a result of the COVID-19 emergency

measures. [HL2779]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Government is in

continual dialogue with the insurance sector about its

contribution to handling this unprecedented situation. It is

also working closely with these educational institutions to

understand the financial implications of COVID-19 and to

provide financial support where it is needed and is

appropriate.

For those businesses and charities which have an

appropriate policy that covers pandemics and unspecified

notifiable diseases, including independent schools, the

Government’s social distancing advice of both 16 and 20

March is sufficient to allow them to make a claim against

their insurance, provided the other terms and conditions in

their policy are met.

The FCA’s rules require insurers to handle claims fairly

and promptly; provide reasonable guidance to help a

policyholder make a claim, and appropriate information

on its progress; not reject a claim unreasonably; and settle

claims promptly once settlement terms are agreed.

Insurance policies differ significantly, so businesses are

encouraged to check the terms and conditions of their

specific policy and contact their providers. However,

most businesses and charities have not purchased

insurance that covers losses from COVID-19.

The Government recognises that businesses and

charities who do not have appropriate insurance cover

will require support from elsewhere. As such, they should

explore the full package of support set out by the

Chancellor in the Budget, on 17 March, and on 20 March.

As the Chancellor announced on Tuesday 17 March, the

Government will do whatever it takes to get our nation

through the impacts of COVID-19.

Asked by Lord Harris of Haringey


they have given to including (1) building maintenance

engineers, (2) personnel supporting the critical lifeline






utilities, and (3) non-police security staff, in the list of

essential staff whose children can continue to be

admitted to schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[HL2943]

Lord True: The position remains, as outlined on

gov.uk, that everyone who can work from home should

do so.

Where that is not possible, people should go into work

where it is safe and they are not symptomatic, isolating or

shielding. Relevant guidance including from PHE should

be followed.

In terms of the provision of education for certain

workers, it is already the case that in certain cases the

staff listed above could be eligible as long as "their

specific role is necessary for the continuation of this

essential public service". This is set out on gov.uk.

The Government has placed restrictions on the

operations of certain businesses as part of the strategy of

enhanced social distancing. Separate guidance has been

published on this and is also available on gov.uk.



taking to ensure that schools and education authorities

can fulfill their duties under the Equality Act 2010 to

provide reasonable adjustments and auxiliary aids for

pupils with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[HL2984]

Baroness Berridge: The duties under the Equality Act

2010 on local authorities, schools and other education

settings are unchanged.

The welfare of children and young people with special

educational needs or disabilities is a high priority for the

department, especially during this period of uncertainty.

We are working closely with colleagues across

government to ensure that appropriate arrangements, and

support, are in place for all of the department’s sectors –

from early years and childcare to schools and children’s

social care, and for vulnerable groups including children

with special educational needs.

Many children and young people with disabilities will

fall under the definition of “vulnerable children” when it

comes to the response to the COVID-19 outbreak, for

example because they have special educational needs or

they are receiving support from social care. The

government has published questions and answers about

the provisions being made for vulnerable children and

young people, which can be found at the link below:


-covid-19-guidance-on-vulnerable-children-and-young-

people.

Schools: Standards



have to review the use of school league tables.

[HL2566]

Baroness Berridge: The department has no plans to

carry out a formal review of the use of school

performance tables. The department continually monitors

the way the educational performance data we publish is

used by parents, schools and those working with schools,

such as academy trusts and local authorities.

On 20 March 2020, the government announced that it

will not publish any school or college level educational

performance data based on tests, assessments or exams

for 2020. This follows the government’s decision to

cancel the summer 2020 exam series, including GCSEs,

A-levels, and other qualifications, and all primary

assessments, as we fight to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Self-employed: Coronavirus


To ask Her Majesty's Government what further

financial measures they plan to introduce to assist the

self-employed and freelancers who are financially

disadvantaged due to COVID-19. [HL2885]

Lord Callanan: The self-employed play an important

role in the UK economy and the Government is

supporting them through an unprecedented package of

measures during this period of disruption.

These include a temporary relaxation of the earnings

rules (known as the Minimum Income Floor) for self-

employed claimants who are sick or self-isolating

according to Government guidance. This has already

come into effect: on 20 February the Government

extended this to all self-employed claimants not just those

directly impacted by the virus, ensuring those affected by

the economic impact of the outbreak are supported.

Self-employed people unable to work because they are

directly affected by Covid-19 or self-isolating will also be

eligible for Contributory Employment and Support

Allowance. As announced at Budget, this is now payable

from the first day of sickness, rather than the eighth.

Furthermore, on 26 March, the Chancellor announced

world-leading scheme to support the UK’s self-employed

affected by the coronavirus outbreak. he Self-employment

Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will support self-

employed individuals (including members of





All details of Government support for business during

the coronavirus outbreak can be found on the

Government’s Business Support website.



Written Answer by Lord Callanan on 23 March

(HL2389), what additional measures they are proposing

to bring forward to support the self-employed.

[HL2899]



http://gov.uk/

http://gov.uk/



http://gov.uk/

http://gov.uk/













Lord Callanan: The Government is working to

minimise any social and economic disruption as a result

of Covid-19.

We have introduced several measures to support the

self-employed, including the Coronavirus Business

Interruption Loan Scheme, mortgage holidays, the

delaying of IR35 by a year to April 2021, and support for

people struggling to pay their energy bills. Self-employed

people will also be able to claim Universal Credit at a rate

equivalent to Statutory Sick Pay for employees and may

be eligible for Contributory Employment and Support

Allowance (which is now payable from the first day of

sickness, rather than the eighth). We have also deferred

Income Tax Self-Assessment payments due in July 2020,

to January 2021.

Following the Chancellor’s latest announcement, the

Government have introduced the Self-employment

Income Support Scheme. This will support self-employed

individuals, including members of partnerships, whose

income has been negatively impacted by COVID-19. The

scheme will provide a grant to self-employed individuals

or partnerships, worth 80% of their profits up to a cap of

£2,500 per month. HMRC is urgently working to deliver

the scheme and we are expecting to start to pay grants by

early June 2020.



have to support the self-employed affected by the


Lord Callanan: On 26 March, the Chancellor

announced a world-leading scheme to support the UK’s

self-employed, affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The

Self-employment Income Support Scheme will support

self-employed individuals, including members of

partnerships, whose income has been negatively impacted




All businesses and self-employed people in financial

distress and with outstanding tax liabilities may be

eligible to receive support with their tax affairs through

HMRC’s ‘Time To Pay’ service. These arrangements are

agreed on a case-by-case basis and are tailored to

individual circumstances and liabilities. If self-employed

people have missed - or are worried about missing - their

next tax payment due to COVID-19, they can call the

HMRC helpline for advice on 0800 024 1222.

All details of Government support for businesses during

the COVID-19 outbreak can be found on the dedicated

business support webpage at gov.uk.

Self-employed: Government Assistance



have to extend the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

to freelance workers, and in particular, to those who

work in the music festivals sector. [HL2851]



have, if any, to support the self-employed during the


Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Chancellor of the

Exchequer announced new support for the self-employed

on 26 March 2020.

The new Self-Employed Income Support Scheme will

help those with lost trading profits due to COVID-19. It

will allow eligible individuals to claim a taxable grant

worth 80% of their trading profits up to a maximum of

£2,500 per month for the next 3 months. This may be

extended if needed and is one of the most generous self-

employed support schemes in the world.

To qualify, an individual’s self-employed trading

profits must be less than £50,000 and more than half of

their income comes from self-employment. 95% of people

who receive the majority of their income from self-

employment will be eligible for this scheme.

HM Revenue & Customs will contact individuals if

they are eligible for and invite them to apply online using

a simple form. HMRC are working on this urgently and

expect people to be able to access the Scheme no later

than the beginning of June.

More information about the Scheme, including the full

eligibility criteria and how to claim, is available on

GOV.UK.

The Scheme supplements the significant support

already announced for UK businesses and employees,

including the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan

Scheme, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, and

deferral of tax payments.

More information about the full range of business

support measures is available on GOV.UK.



Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is weighted for

London; and what plans they have for those whose

salaries exceed the threshold of the Scheme. [HL2853]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The grant provided in the

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is not weighted for

London. Any UK organisation with employees can apply

for cash grants of 80% of employees’ wages up to a cap

of £2,500 per month.

This grant is not designed to subsidise those on very

high wages. The cap of £2,500 per month is above the UK

median earnings level.

Service Industries and Utilities: Coronavirus

Asked by Baroness Sanderson of Welton


they have had with utility companies about any support






those companies could offer the hospitality industry as

a result of the financial impact of the COVID-19

pandemic. [HL2788]

Lord Callanan: Government is liaising closely with

energy suppliers and relevant trade bodies about support

to all of their customers, and in particular vulnerable

customers, during this period. Businesses in the

hospitality sector that have concerns about being able to

pay their utility bills should speak to their energy supplier

about payment terms.

Sleeping Rough


To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people

were (1) counted, and (2) estimated, as sleeping rough

in England the last time that those figures were

recorded. [HL2784]

Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist: This

Government is clear that no one should be without a roof

over their head. That is why we have committed to

end rough sleeping by the end of this Parliament and to

enforce the Homelessness Reduction Act.

My Department's latest official annual Rough

Sleeping Snapshot Statistics, published on 27 February

2020, provide information about the estimated number of

people sleeping rough across local authorities in England

on a single night.  The number of people counted and

estimated as sleeping rough in England on a single night

in Autumn 2019 is given in the table below:

Approach Number of local

authorities

% of local

authorities

Estimated

count

Count 78 25 2079

Estimate 239 75 2187

Total 317 100 4266

In 2020/2021 the Government is providing £492 million

to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping. This marks a

£124 million increase in funding from the previous year

and will go towards funding important programmes such

as the Rough Sleeping Initiative, Homelessness Reduction

Grant and Flexible Homelessness Support Grant.

Small Businesses: Finance



intend to take to prevent essential small and medium

sized enterprises failing; and what level of priority they

have given to preventing unnecessary business failures

due to cash flow issues. [HL2678]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The government has set out an

unprecedented package of support for all businesses

affected by this crisis. All businesses, including SMEs,

will benefit from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme,

Statutory Sick Pay refunds and the Coronavirus Business

Interruption Loan Scheme alongside tax cuts and direct

grants. Further detail of the business support package can

be found at: www.businesssupport.gov.uk and more

information on claiming for the Coronavirus Job

Retention Scheme can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-

through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

Small Businesses: Insurance



they have had with insurers and the Association of

British Insurers about (1) the current, and (2) the future,

levels of insurance required to prevent small and

medium sized enterprises from becoming bankrupt as a

result of COVID-19. [HL2731]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Government is in

continual dialogue with the insurance sector about its

contribution to handling this unprecedented situation.

In addition, the Chancellor has made clear that, for

those businesses which have an appropriate policy that

covers pandemics, the Government’s medical advice of

16th March is sufficient to allow businesses to make a

claim against their insurance, provided the other terms

and conditions in their policy are met.

The FCA’s rules require insurers to handle claims fairly

and promptly; provide reasonable guidance to help a

policyholder make a claim, and appropriate information

on its progress; not reject a claim unreasonably; and settle

claims promptly once settlement terms are agreed.

However, most businesses have not purchased

insurance that covers losses from COVID-19. The

Government recognises that businesses who do not have

appropriate insurance cover will require support from

elsewhere. As such, businesses should explore the full

package of support set out by the Chancellor in the

Budget and on 17 March, which includes measures such

as business rates holidays and the Coronavirus Business

Interruption Loan Scheme.

The Chancellor has announced two packages to support

the people and businesses of the UK: a three-point plan

providing £12 billion of support for public services,

individuals and businesses whose finances are affected by

the outbreak; and a package to provide further support for

businesses and individuals totalling £350bn.

Social Media: Coronavirus



have to discuss with social networking companies what

steps they are taking to restrict (1) comments by, and

(2) the accounts of, users with high numbers of

followers which give (1) false information, or (2)

advice counter to official medical advice, about

COVID-19. [HL2919]












Baroness Barran: The Government is working very

closely with social media platforms including Facebook,

Twitter and Google in response to Covid-19. This is

helping us understand what is happening on their

platforms and the steps they are taking so we can

effectively tackle misinformation and disinformation

together. It also allows social media platforms to be

informed where harmful information is identified.

Social media companies have taken a range of steps to

limit misinformation and disinformation on their

platforms. This has included updating their policies in

response to Covid-19, to enable them to take action on

false and misleading content where it has the potential to

cause harm.

Alongside the removal or downranking of

misinformation and disinformation, platforms are also

working with Government and the NHS to take action to

promote accurate information. Measures have been

introduced across almost all major platforms to ensure

users see accurate information on Covid-19, including

links to NHS and other authoritative sources.

Social Security Benefits

Asked by Baroness Sherlock

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans are in

place to ensure that those who are unable to work

during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of

underlying health conditions can apply for (1)

Employment and Support Allowance, (2) Personal

Independence Payment, and (3) Universal Credit, even

if they are unable to leave their homes. [HL2593]






Social Security Benefits: Coronavirus



they have given to suspending (1) face-to-face

interviews, (2) work search requirements, and (3)

sanctions, for people of working age on Universal

Credit or legacy benefits for the duration of the









increases to financial support as a result of COVID-19

will include (1) Income Support, (2) Job Seeker's

Allowance, (3) Employment and Support Allowances,

(4) ‘New Style’ Employment and Support Allowance,

(5) child tax credits or (6) child benefits. [HL2808]

Baroness Stedman-Scott: The COVID-19 emergency

continues to be a rapidly evolving situation. The

Government has announced measures that can be quickly

and effectively operationalised and that benefit those

facing the most severe financial disruption. DWP and

HMRC are experiencing significant increased demand

and the Government has to prioritise the safety and

stability of the benefits system overall.

Alongside the temporary increases to Universal Credit

standard allowances and the basic element of working tax

credits which came into force on 6 April and will remain

in place for the tax year 2020/21 other announced

measures include:

• Regulations have been made which mean Statutory

Sick Pay will now be temporarily payable from day one

of an employee’s absence from work, where that

absence is related to Coronavirus.

• People unable to work for more than seven days

because of coronavirus can obtain an isolation note

through a new online service.

• We are temporarily relaxing the Minimum Income

Floor for all self-employed Universal Credit claimants

affected by the economic impact of COVID-19. This

means a drop in earnings during the outbreak will see a

claimant’s UC payment increase.

• We are providing more support for benefit claimants

in the Private Rented Sector by increasing Local

Housing Allowance rates to the 30th percentile, helping

to alleviate affordability challenges.

• The additional earnings disregard in Housing Benefit

has been increased from £17.10 a week to £37.10.

• People applying for or receiving benefits do not have

to attend jobcentre appointments for three months,

starting from Thursday 19 March 2020.

• All ESA claimants suffering from coronavirus or

required to self-isolate in line with government

guidance, including those in the shielded group, will:

- be treated as having limited capability for work

without the requirement for a fit note or undergoing a

Work Capability Assessment; and,

- subject to satisfying the normal conditions of

entitlement, waiting days will be removed meaning that

ESA will be payable from day one of their claim

• Disabled and sick claimants who cannot attend a

reassessment for Personal Independence Payments,

Employment and Support Allowance or Universal

Credit will continue to receive their payments while

their assessment is rearranged.

We continue to keep the situation under review and if

there are any further changes we will update Parliament

accordingly.







have to introduce a temporary passporting system to

move people on to disability benefits during the







Social Security Benefits: Disability



Department for Work and Pensions assessors are

currently tasked with carrying out telephone

assessments for eligibility to disability benefits.

[HL2869]

Baroness Stedman-Scott: The information requested is

not held. Health Professionals in addition to conducting

telephone assessments, can undertake a range of other

duties commensurate with their training, for example,

scrutiny, quality audit and training.

The Government announced on 16 March 2020 that all

face-to-face assessments for all sickness and disability

benefits will be suspended. The temporary move,

effective from 17 March 2020, is being taken as a

precautionary measure to protect vulnerable people from

unnecessary risk of exposure to coronavirus as the

country's response ramps up in the 'delay' phase. We will

ensure those who are entitled to a benefit continue to

receive support, and that new claimants are able to access

the safety net.

Special Educational Needs



they have made of the length of time it takes on average

for a child to travel to a special school compared with a

child travelling to a mainstream school. [HL2568]



children use home-to-school transport to attend special

schools compared with children attending mainstream

school. [HL2569]

Baroness Berridge: Information published in

November 2019 by the Local Government Association in

conjunction with census data indicates that more than

98% of pupils aged 5-16 attending special schools receive

free home to school transport. This compares with around

5% of pupils attending mainstream school.

We have not carried out an assessment of the length of

time it takes for a child to travel to a special school

compared with a child travelling to a mainstream school.

The statutory home to school transport guidance

suggests that good practice journey times should not

exceed 45 minutes for primary aged pupils or 75 minutes

for secondary aged pupils. It also acknowledges that

journeys for children with special educational needs and

disabilities may be more complex and, therefore, take

longer. The guidance is available at the following link and

attached: www.gov.uk/government/publications/home-to-

school-travel-and-transport-guidance.


HL2568_HL2569_attachment

[HL2568_HL2569_Home_to_school_travel_and_transport_guidan

ce.pdf]





To ask Her Majesty's Government how many (1)

pupils are in special schools, and (2) special schools

there are. [HL2570]

Baroness Berridge: In January 2019, there were

125,410 pupils in 1,044 state-funded and non-maintained

special schools in England.

Information on the number of pupils and schools,

including by school type, is published in the annual

'Schools, pupils and their characteristics' statistical release

published at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-

school-and-pupil-numbers and is attached. A time series

is provided in table 1a of the 2019 release and tables 1b

and 1c provide this information by local authority.

Figures relating to January 2020 will be publish in June

2020.


HL2570_Table

[HL2570_Schools_Pupils_and_their_Characteristics_2019_Accom

panying_Tables.xls]




Special Educational Needs: Coronavirus



they have made, in the context of the Coronavirus Act

2020, of the need to protect children without an

Education, Health and Care plan who may live in

households where there is domestic abuse. [HL2981]






http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/home-to-school-travel-and-transport-guidance







https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-school-and-pupil-numbers








Baroness Williams of Trafford: Domestic abuse is a

devastating crime. We fully recognise the severe impact it

has on both victims and their children, and that many of

them may feel even more vulnerable during social

distancing and self-isolation.

The Government is liaising with specialist domestic

abuse service providers and local authorities to monitor

and assess the impact of social distancing on victims of

domestic abuse and their children, and to ensure that

sources of advice and support continue to be available to

them.

Schools have been asked to continue to provide care for

vulnerable children including those who are supported by

social care, those with safeguarding and welfare needs,

and those on child protection plans. We are working with

schools and local authorities to help identify the children

who most need support at this time.

Sports: Gender Recognition

Asked by Lord Lucas



(HL2275), what is their policy on the inclusion of

biologically male athletes in women's sports. [HL2636]

Baroness Barran: Decisions regarding the

involvement of trans people in competitive sport is a

matter for individual governing bodies and international

federations. UK Sport and Sport England encourage

National Governing Bodies (NGBs) to carefully consider

all sides of the debate, and access the best and most up to

date research before making decisions.

UK Sport’s funding agreements require NGBs to ensure

all World Class Programme athletes comply with the

eligibility criteria of the relevant International Federation

and competition governing body.

In addition, both UK Sport and Sport England require

all NGBs receiving public money to be compliant with

UK equality legislation.

To support NGBs, the Sports Council Equality Group

(SCEG) which includes Sport England, Sport Wales,

Sport Scotland, Sport Northern Ireland and UK Sport is

currently working to provide an up to date picture of the

current landscape in both domestic and elite sport, to

ultimately enable the best and fairest decisions to be made

by our NGBs around transgender athletes in sport. This

should be available before the end of the year.

Statutory Sick Pay: Coronavirus


To ask Her Majesty's Government whether statutory

sick pay will be payable to employees (1) who are not

sick but are self-isolating because someone in their

household has symptoms that could indicate COVID-

19, and (2) who are not sick but are self-isolating

because they are over 70 or have an underlying health

condition. [HL2709]






Stocks and Shares

Asked by Lord Moynihan


intend to take to ensure that financial service companies

who sell funds, shares and related products to retail

investors in the UK return the cash from sales

transactions to the client in a timely manner. [HL2883]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The government is committed

to ensuring that the UK has a robust framework for

regulating financial services and that consumers are

treated fairly.

Financial services firms are required to treat customers

fairly under rules set by the Financial Conduct Authority

(FCA), and the FCA is responsible for overseeing the

conduct standards of financial services firms. There are a

range of FCA rules governing the timeliness of payments

to consumers in relation to client money and investments.

Where investments are held in funds, FCA rules specify

that an authorised fund manager must pay the proceeds of

a redemption to the registered holder of the fund units

within four business days. Where firms hold client assets,

in general FCA rules require firms to pay money to clients

within one business day after it becomes due and payable.

Where an investor holds fund units through a regulated

platform provider, their interactions are determined by the

terms and conditions of the platform provider’s client

agreement with the investor. However, regulated platform

providers are subject to FCA rules on treating customers

fairly with regard to these terms and conditions, and any

money held under the client money rules would be paid to

the client within one business day as set out above.

It would not be possible for an investor to withdraw

their assets from a fund if the fund has suspended dealing.

FCA rules permit suspensions, which may last only for as

long as is necessary to protect the interests of the

investors in the fund. Suspensions can be a necessary

safety feature which protects investors where the value of

a fund’s assets cannot be known with sufficient certainty

or where the fund would otherwise have to make sales at

distressed market prices to service withdrawals.

Students: Food



have taken to provide meals to students resident at

hostels in the higher education sector who are unable to

return to their home countries. [HL2925]

Baroness Berridge: The government is grateful for the

huge amount of work being done across the higher






education sector to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on

our students and institutions.

There will be many students – international students,

along with students estranged from their parents and care

leavers, among others – who remain in university-owned,

or private university accommodation at present,

particularly now government advice is for students to

remain in their current residence, and not to return home.

Higher education (HE) providers should aim to ensure

that sufficient institutional accommodation is available to

these students.

In addition, the government has reminded HE providers

of their responsibility to support services for students who

remain on campus. This includes practical support to

ensure students can access sufficient food and medical

and cleaning supplies. HE providers have been asked to

ensure catering staff are available to support on halls

management, even in the event of wider university

closure.

It is particularly important that universities who rely on

outsourced staff, such as catering, who maintain the

delivery of critical services and infrastructure, take

appropriate measures to protect the health, safety and

welfare of their staff.

The government is also working to improve joint

continuity planning between HE providers and Local

Resilience Forums to consider how to ensure availability

of supply of food and medicines.

We stand ready to support HE providers in any

discussion that is needed to ensure they have access to the

right resources to care for their students. It is essential that

students are reassured that their provider will continue to

support them through these difficult and unsettling times.

Subversion: Russia



they have had with the Intelligence and Security

Committee about the publication of the report on the

alleged Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit

referendum; and in particular, when that report may be

published. [HL2689]

Lord True: In line with his responsibilities in the

Justice and Security Act 2013, the Prime Minister

carefully considered and approved the report, and is

content that its publication would not prejudice the

functions of those bodies that safeguard our national

security.

We acknowledge the public’s interest in the publication

of the report, however the report itself is the property of

the independent ISC, as such it is not for the Government

to publish ISC reports; it is for the ISC to lay them before

Parliament. Once a new Committee has been established,

it will be up to them to choose when they wish to publish

it. The process to establish a new Committee has already

begun.

Supermarkets: Coronavirus

Asked by Lord Birt


they have had with supermarkets about the provision of

online slots for home delivery of foodstuffs and vital

supplies to older vulnerable groups. [HL2801]






and products they need. Industry is adapting quickly to

these changes in demands, and we welcome the actions

they are taking to support demand for online deliveries for

older and vulnerable groups, including hiring more staff

and prioritising delivery slots for those that need them

most.

To help industry respond to this unprecedented demand

we have introduced new measures to support online

deliveries. We have issued guidance to local authorities to

allow extended delivery hours to supermarkets so that

shelves can be filled up more quickly, and we have

implemented extensions to drivers’ hours. We are also

temporarily relaxing certain elements of competition law

to ensure retailers are able to collaborate effectively in the

national interest, for example by sharing distribution

depots and delivery vans.



vulnerable.



still need help getting essential food supplies. This could

include those who are elderly, disabled or who have

health conditions that make it difficult for them to get the

food they need.

We will be launching a communications campaign to

signpost vulnerable people to a range of support options.

We are working closely with Local Authorities to direct

vulnerable people to support available at the local level,

as well as working in parallel with supermarkets to

prioritise vulnerable individuals. Wherever possible,

people should continue to rely on friends, families and

wider community support.

Asked by Baroness Valentine

To ask Her Majesty's Government what advice has

been given to food retailers operating supermarkets in

the UK about those who wish to make bulk purchases

for local foodbanks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[HL2980]






and products they need.






We welcome the efforts of industry to support food

banks and front-line charities through donations of food

and funds. Additionally, the Government has announced a

£3 million fund for food redistribution organisations to

prevent good food going to waste.

We are working closely with food banks and food aid

charities to understand the impacts the outbreak is having

on their operations, to ensure that those who are

financially vulnerable have access to essential supplies.



vulnerable.



still need help getting essential food supplies. This could

include those who are elderly, disabled or who have

health conditions that make it difficult for them to get the

food they need.

As stock on shelves begin to replenish many

supermarkets have now begun to lift buying restrictions

on products to help people shop for others.

Supermarkets: Sunday Trading



have, if any, to relax temporarily Sunday trading hours

to prevent overcrowding and allow key workers to

purchase shopping at supermarkets. [HL2839]

Lord Callanan: Supermarkets have developed a range

of approaches to accommodate key workers and address

overcrowding, within the existing statutory framework.

The Government is also temporarily relaxing competition

law to allow the retailers to share information and

collaborate over the management of supplies and opening

hours. The Government is speaking to retailers regularly

to ensure supply to key workers and others is maintained.

Teachers: Coronavirus



taking to encourage teachers who are no longer required

to work in schools because of the COVID-19 pandemic

to undertake other activities in their community.

[HL2772]

Baroness Berridge: The department anticipates that

teachers who are no longer required to be physically

present in schools would focus on developing educational

resources or supporting home-education wherever

possible. It is for schools to understand and decide how to

deploy their teachers in the most effective way possible.

We would encourage all teachers who are not attending

school to consider and act in accordance with the latest

guidance from Public Health England.

Television: Licensing

Asked by Lord Foulkes of Cumnock



(HL2428) and the long-term forecast for the length of

the self-isolation period due to the COVID-19

pandemic, what plans they have (1) to seek an

agreement with the BBC to suspend the withdrawal

of free TV licenses for people aged over 75, and (2) to

bear the costs arising as a result of any such suspension.

[HL2804]

Baroness Barran: The BBC’s priority over the coming

period will be to do everything it can to serve the nation at

this uniquely challenging time. As the national

broadcaster, the BBC has a vital role to play in supplying

information to the public in the weeks and months ahead.

The future of the over 75 concession and the costs of

the concession are matters for the BBC following the

passage of the Digital Economy Act 2017.

Recognising the exceptional circumstances, the BBC

Board decided to change the start date of its new policy.

The current plan is to now bring it into place on 1 August.

However, the government welcomes the BBC’s decision

to keep the issue under review as the situation continues

to evolve.

Temporary Accommodation: Coronavirus



taking to ensure that all UK residents, regardless of

immigration status, are able to access accommodation

in order to self-isolate during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[HL2871]

Baroness Williams of Trafford: We are taking a

compassionate and pragmatic approach to an

unprecedented situation and we are keeping the situation

under review to consider if further measures are needed.

The Government has provided £1.6 billion of additional

funding to local authorities to enable them to respond to

Covid-19 pressures across all the services they deliver,

including stepping up support for the adult social care

workforce and for services helping the most vulnerable.

Using the General Power of Competence set out in s.1

Localism Act 2011, local authorities may provide support

to a person who is ineligible for assistance due to

immigration status.

Additionally, the Home Office has confirmed in light of

the pandemic, anyone who would normally cease to be

eligible for accommodation because their asylum claim

and any appeal has been resolved, is being allowed to

remain in their current accommodation for at least the

next three months. This applies both to those who have

been refused asylum and granted asylum.









All people in asylum accommodation have been

provided with guidance and advice on Covid-19 in a

language they understand to help them self-isolate,

including spotting the symptoms and hygiene guidance.


To ask Her Majesty's Government how much

accommodation they have offered to key workers who

want to reduce the risk of giving COVID-19 to their

families. [HL2892]

Baroness Barran: We are working closely with

accommodation providers to explore ways in which they

can support key workers. My Department is in regular

contact with the sector and other Departments to try and

help match supply with the demand. We have been proud

to see accommodation providers uniting to play their part

in COVID-19 response efforts.

Terrorism: Northern Ireland

Asked by Lord Hain


they are having with the Northern Ireland Executive to

ensure that the payment scheme set up under the

Victims' Payments Regulations 2020 will

be implemented in line with the statutory commitments

passed by Parliament for compensatory payments to

those severely injured through no fault of their own.

[HL2616]

Viscount Younger of Leckie: Responsibility for

delivering the Victims’ Payment Scheme rests with the

Northern Ireland Executive. NIO officials have been and

continue to be available to provide appropriate support,

including through a range of detailed discussions which

have taken place to date.

The UK Government is fully committed to supporting

the Northern Ireland Civil Service in delivering this

important piece of work.

Asked by Lord Hain


they are having with the Northern Ireland Executive to

ensure that Part 5(23)(2) of the Victims' Payments

Regulations 2020 is implemented, and victims'

payments are made as soon as reasonably practicable

from May 2020. [HL2617]

Viscount Younger of Leckie: The Northern Ireland

Executive are responsible for the successful delivery of

the Victims’ Payment Scheme, including the timely

provision of victims’ payments to eligible applicants once

the scheme is up and running.

Following the establishment of the legal framework for

the scheme in January, NIO officials have continued to be

available to provide support to the Northern Ireland Civil

Service when needed in their delivery of the scheme.

Details about the scheme and how to apply will be

clearly communicated in advance of the scheme opening

for applications.

Theatres: Coronavirus

Asked by Lord Smith of Finsbury


have, if any, to allow theatres and other cultural venues

to automatically be able to claim Gift Aid when patrons

agree to donate to the venue the value of their tickets

for an event cancelled because of the COVID-19

pandemic. [HL2789]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: Theatres and other cultural

venues recognised as charities by HMRC can claim Gift

Aid on freely given donations, as opposed to payments for

goods or services; such as admission tickets. These

charities can claim Gift Aid on the value of tickets for

cancelled events if the patrons have agreed not to be

refunded for the cost of the ticket and agree for the same

amount to be treated as a donation. Additionally, the

charity will also need to make sure the patrons have made

a Gift Aid declaration for their donations to qualify for

Gift Aid, confirming that they have, or will have, paid

enough tax to cover the amount the charity will claim on

their donations.

Tickets: Refunds



have to suspend the provisions of the Consumer Rights

Act 2015 which require refunds for the cancellation of

events to be paid within 14 days of request. [HL2849]

Lord Callanan: The Government recognises the

extremely difficult circumstances businesses are currently

facing, which is why on 17 March the Chancellor of the

Exchequer announced a wide range of support for

businesses, in addition to the £30bn of support announced

in the budget. The Government is keeping the relevant

rules under review.

Transport: Exhaust Emissions



Written Answer by Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 11

March (HL1918), what assessment they have made of

the case for urgently decarbonising the transport

network; and what discussions they plan to have with

the Rail Safety and Standards Board about prioritising

that Board's work on the risks involved in expanding

third rail electrification in order to complete such work

by the end of 2020. [HL2534]

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Government believes

that we must accelerate rail decarbonisation to respond to

the challenge of climate change. We will consider









exploring some decarbonisation schemes as priorities as

we develop our strategy.

Officials regularly discuss with the Rail Safety and

Standards Board its research to reduce the railway’s

environmental impact, including work on third rail

electrification. The Government will consider the findings

of that work as they emerge during 2020.

Travel Agents: Coronavirus



taking to ensure action is taken against travel agents

who fail to honour contractual commitments regarding

the cancellation of travel and holiday arrangements; and

whether they are considering any support for consumers

affected by any such failures. [HL2880]

Lord Callanan: Under consumer law consumers are

entitled to a refund within 14 days, depending on the

nature of the contract in place. Many businesses are also

offering consumers vouchers or alternative dates, which

consumers are able to choose should they wish. The

Government is engaging with the package travel sector

and consumer advocacy bodies to assess the impact of

cancellations made in light of the covid-19 outbreak.



taking to ensure action is taken against travel agents

whose approach towards refunds is inconsistent with

consumer rights legislation and, in particular, the

Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements

Regulations 2018. [HL2881]

Lord Callanan: The Package Travel and Linked Travel

Arrangements Regulations 2018 protect consumers who

have bought package holidays. Under existing consumer

law consumers are able to choose a voucher or credit note

should they wish. We are engaging with the package

travel sector and others to assess the impact of the covid-

19 outbreak.

Travel Agents: Repayments



have to amend the provisions of the Package Travel and

Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 in

relation to the contractual commitments of travel agents

regarding the refunding of holiday and travel bookings;

and, if they have any such plans, what steps they are

taking to ensure that any such changes are not

financially detrimental to consumers. [HL2882]

Lord Callanan: Under consumer law consumers are

entitled to a refund within 14 days, depending on the

nature of the contract in place. Many businesses are also

offering consumers vouchers or alternative dates, which

consumers are able to choose should they wish. The

Government is engaging with the package travel sector

and consumer advocacy bodies to assess the impact of

cancellations made in light of the covid-19 outbreak. We

recognise the extremely difficult circumstances travel

agents are currently facing, which is why on 17 March the

Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a wide range of

support for businesses, in addition to the £30bn support

announced in the budget.

Travelling People: Coronavirus



taking to ensure that there is protection from eviction

for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities during



Government takes the welfare of all citizens seriously and

we are working hard to ensure those most at risk are

identified and supported including those in GRT

communities who will be receiving support alongside

others.

The Government is also holding regular discussions

with community representatives to understand issues

faced and are looking into what guidance and support is

required for Local authorities, who have a responsibility

to look after vulnerable groups.

We are sending a clear message to landlords that they

should do everything possible to avoid evictions –

particularly where households are facing hardship as a

result of coronavirus.

Where a person’s main home is on a camp site or

caravan park, those sites can stay open.

We are urgently introducing emergency legislation to

protect tenants in social and private accommodation from

an eviction process being started and are considering what

further action may be appropriate. In the meantime, we

are urging the landlords of those on licences to follow the

same guidance to work with renters who may be facing

hardship as a result of Covid-19.

Treasury: Billing



are taking to reduce the time taken to pay their

subcontractors. [HL2782]

Lord True: The Government should set a strong

example by paying subcontractors promptly. Our

commitment is to pay 90% of undisputed and valid

invoices from small and medium-sized enterprises within

5 days and 100% of all undisputed and valid invoices

within 30 days. Government departments are required to

report their performance against these payment targets on

a quarterly basis on GOV.UK.

Through the Public Contract Regulations 2015, public

sector buyers must include 30-day payment terms in new

public sector contracts; and require that this payment term






http://www.gov.uk/

http://www.gov.uk/


be passed down the supply chain. Since 1 September

2019, suppliers risk being excluded from winning large

government contracts if they cannot demonstrate prompt

payment.

Treasury: North of England


To ask Her Majesty's Government how many of the

750 Treasury roles due to be moved to a new ‘economic

campus’ in the North of England will be recruited from

the local labour market; how many of these roles will

be (1) of Grade 7 or below, and (2) of Grade SCS1 and

above; and when they expect these roles will be filled.

[HL2595]

Lord Agnew of Oulton: As announced at the Budget

on 11 March, the government will establish a significant

new campus in the north of England focused on economic

decision making. It will contain at least 750 roles, made

up of teams from HMT, BEIS, DIT and MHCLG. We

expect the implementation timetable to be set out at the

forthcoming Spending Review, though we hope the new

office will be fully operational by the end of this

Parliament.

The exact grade mix and range of roles that the

Treasury will provide has yet to be finalised, and is

subject to internal consultation with the teams involved.

However, we expect a full range of roles and grades,

including SCS, to be represented. The Treasury roles will

be filled with a mixture of local recruitment and staff who

choose to relocate.

Tree Planting


To ask Her Majesty's Government following

the Budget 2020's commitment to plant enough trees to

cover an area the size of Birmingham over the next five

years, how many trees they intend to plant in each

financial year. [HL2627]

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The Budget

announced a £640 million Nature for Climate Fund to

increase tree planting in England. This will contribute to

the UK-wide planting commitment of 30,000 hectares per

year by 2025 set out in the Government’s manifesto. We

are working with the devolved administrations to ensure

we all deliver towards this UK commitment over this

Parliament.

We have not set annual targets but are developing an

ambitious programme to deliver the manifesto

commitment. Working with key delivery partners and

stakeholders, we are developing policies for a new

English Tree Strategy, which we will consult on this

spring.

Tribunals: Personal Independence Payment

Asked by Baroness Thomas of Winchester


are taking to address the reported backlog of Personal

Independence Payments tribunal claims. [HL2893]

Lord Keen of Elie: HM Courts & Tribunals Service

(HMCTS) has been working with the Tribunal’s judiciary

both to appoint additional judges and panel members and

to list more Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

appeals into each tribunal session. Case-management

“triage” sessions have also been introduced, with the aim

of reducing the time taken for appeals to reach final

determination. In addition, HMCTS has recently launched

a new digital service with a view to enabling speedier

processing of appeals.

All these measures have the aim of increasing the

capacity of the Tribunal and reducing the time taken to

deal with PIP appeals. The number of PIP appeals

outstanding in the latest period for which data are

available shows a decrease of 13% when compared to the

same period in 2018.

UK Trade with EU



they have made of fair competition in the trade

negotiations between the UK and EU following

December 2020. [HL2703]

Lord True: The Political Declaration (Section XIV) set

out our commitment to discuss open and fair competition

as part of negotiations on our future relationship with the

EU and the Government are committed to doing so. The

Government will of course keep Parliament and the public

updated about the progress of negotiations.

Visas: Migrant Workers


To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their policy

towards migrants who are in the country beyond their

visa expiration date but who are unable to travel due to

global travel restrictions. [HL2830]

Baroness Williams of Trafford: Due to travel

restrictions because of coronavirus, some individuals may

be facing uncertainty in relation to the expiry date of their

current visa in the United Kingdom.

We are taking steps to ensure foreign nationals will not

be penalised as a result of coronavirus and related travel

restrictions, outside of their control.

A coronavirus immigration mailbox

[email protected] has been set up and there is a

freephone number 0800 678 1767 (Monday to Friday,

9am to 5pm) for those who wish to discuss their

individual circumstances.







mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


West Bank: Roads




make, to the government of Israel about reports of the

construction of a Palestinian-only road to connect the

northern and southern parts of the West Bank, with the

reported aim of separating Israelis and Palestinians

driving in that area. [HL2657]


representations on these reports, we consistently call for

an immediate end to all actions that undermine the

viability of a future Palestinian state. We urge Israel to

halt its settlement expansion, and related activities which

hasten the fragmentation of the occupied West Bank.

Settlements are contrary to international law and

damaging to renewed efforts to launch peace negotiations.

We want to see a contiguous West Bank, including East

Jerusalem, as part of a viable and sovereign Palestinian

state, based on 1967 borders.

World Tourism Organisation


To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their policy

on UK membership of the UN World Tourism

Organisation. [HL2631]

Baroness Barran: The UK is not currently a member

of the UNWTO. However, the previous Minister for Arts,

Heritage and Tourism met the UNWTO Secretary

General at the World Travel Market in November 2019

and DCMS officials regularly engage with the UNWTO.

Written Questions


To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there have

been any changes to the Cabinet Office document

Drafting answers to parliamentary questions: guidance

since 2 February 2011; and what assessment they have

made of the compliance of the Written Answers by

Lord True on 11 March (HL2127, HL2128, HL2129,

HL2130, HL2131 and HL2132) with this guidance (1)

in general, and (2) with specific reference to paragraphs

three and five of that document. [HL2594]

Lord True: This Government takes parliamentary

accountability very seriously. The Cabinet Office

complies with guidance on written Parliamentary

Questions. This guidance is regularly reviewed and

frequent discussions take place across Whitehall

regarding possible improvements in the answering of

questions from parliamentarians.

The information requested in the Parliamentary

Questions HL2127, HL2128, HL2129, HL2130, HL2131

and HL2132 remains a policy in development. Parliament

will be updated in due course in the usual manner as the

policy, and its delivery, progresses.

Youth Hostel Association: Coronavirus

Asked by Lord Mann


they have had with the Youth Hostel Association about

its offering of 150 properties to be used by key workers

and vulnerable members of society during the COVID-


Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist: We have

been working with a number of hotel chains across the

country to secure accommodation for rough sleepers. We

are pleased that the Youth Hostel Association offered to

provide properties to be used by key workers and

vulnerable members of society during the COVID-19

pandemic. They are now working with local authorities in

Manchester and Brighton to house rough sleepers.

We are working intensively with councils and the sector

to help get those who are sleeping rough off the streets

and into appropriate accommodation.

Zakeya Albarboori






circumstances", what representations they have made to

that government about the case of Zakeya AlBarboori

and her release. [HL2832]

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We welcome news of a

royal pardon for 901 Bahraini prisoners and the

conversion to alternative sentencing of a further 585

individuals' sentences. We have previously raised the case

of Zakeya AlBarboori with the Government of Bahrain.






Index to Statements and Answers

A56 ....................................................................... 5

Agriculture and Fisheries ..................................... 5

Air Pollution ......................................................... 5

Animals: Markets ................................................. 7

Apprentices: Coronavirus ..................................... 7

Armed Forces: Northern Ireland .......................... 9

Army Reserve: Coronavirus ................................. 9

Arts: Coronavirus ................................................. 9

Asylum: Children ............................................... 10

Aviation: Coronavirus ........................................ 11

Black Economy: Coronavirus ............................. 13

British Nationals Abroad .................................... 13

British Overseas Territories: Coronavirus .......... 13

Burial .................................................................. 13

Charter Flights: Safety ........................................ 15

Chemicals: Regulation........................................ 15

Children in Care: Female Genital Mutilation ..... 16

China: Biometrics ............................................... 16

China: Uighurs ................................................... 17

China: Wildlife ................................................... 17

Cleaning Services: Staff ..................................... 18

Commonwealth: Wildlife ................................... 19

Coronavirus: Airports ......................................... 21

Coronavirus: Carers ............................................ 21

Coronavirus: Clinical Trials ............................... 21

Coronavirus: Health Professions ........................ 24

Coronavirus: Hydroxychloroquine ..................... 24

Coronavirus: Italy ............................................... 25

Coronavirus: Older People ................................. 26

Coronavirus: Research........................................ 27

Coronavirus: Screening ...................................... 28

Criminal Investigation: Northern Ireland ........... 30

Crowdfunding ..................................................... 30

Delivery Services and Shops: NHS .................... 30

Department for International Development ........ 31

Department for Work and Pensions: Coronavirus

........................................................................... 31

Detention Centres: Coronavirus ........................ 31

Disease Control: Coronavirus ............................ 32

Domestic Abuse ................................................. 32

Expert Trade Advisory Groups .......................... 34

Families ............................................................. 34

Financial Markets .............................................. 36

Flood Control ..................................................... 37

General Practitioners: Insurance ........................ 38

Gibraltar ............................................................. 38

Health Professions: Insurance ............................ 39

Health Services: Coronavirus ............................ 39

High Speed 2 Railway Line ............................... 40

Hong Kong: Freedom of Expression ................. 41

House of Lords: Coronavirus............................. 42

Human Rights .................................................... 42

Hygiene: Products .............................................. 42

Immigration Officers: Northern Ireland ............ 43

Immigration: EU Nationals................................ 43

In Vitro Fertilisation .......................................... 43

Infrastructure: Lancashire .................................. 44

Intensive Care: Hospital Beds ........................... 45

Intensive Care: Ventilators ................................ 45

Israel: Bedouin ................................................... 46

Israel: Golan Heights ......................................... 46

Israel: Palestinians ............................................. 46

Israeli Settlements .............................................. 47

Israeli Settlements: Palestinians ........................ 47

Job Retention Scheme ....................................... 47

Local Government: Coronavirus ....................... 48

Migrant Camps: Coronavirus ............................ 48

Medical Examinations ....................................... 49

Migrant Workers: Ministers of Religion ........... 49

Motorways: Road Signs and Markings .............. 49

National Skills Fund .......................................... 50

Index to Statements and Answers

New Zealand: Coronavirus ................................. 50

NHS: Identity Cards ........................................... 51

NHS: Negligence ................................................ 51

Nigeria: Overseas Aid ........................................ 51

North Korea: Crimes against Humanity ............. 52

Occupational Health ........................................... 52

Older People: Coronavirus ................................. 53

Overseas Aid: Coronavirus ................................. 53

Palestinians: Arrests ........................................... 54

Palestinians: Curriculum .................................... 54

Paracetamol ........................................................ 55

Pegylated Interferon Alpha: Coronavirus ........... 55

Pensioners: Coronavirus ..................................... 56

Pesticides ............................................................ 56

Pesticides: Insects ............................................... 56

Pharmacy: Compensation ................................... 56

Plastic Bags: Fees and Charges .......................... 57

Plastics: Recycling.............................................. 57

Public Appointments: Ethnic Groups ................. 58

Pupil Referral Units: Coronavirus ...................... 58

Pupils: Exercise .................................................. 59

Railway Network ................................................ 59

Railways ............................................................. 59

Railways: Coronavirus ....................................... 59

Retail Trade: Coronavirus .................................. 60

Royal Ulster Constabulary ................................. 62

Russia: Crimea ................................................... 62

Self-employed: Coronavirus ............................... 63

Self-employed: Government Assistance ............ 64

Small Businesses: Insurance ............................... 65

Social Media: Coronavirus ................................. 65

Social Security Benefits ..................................... 66

Social Security Benefits: Coronavirus ................ 66

Social Security Benefits: Disability .................... 67

Special Educational Needs: Coronavirus ........... 67

Students: Food .................................................... 68

Subversion: Russia ............................................ 69

Supermarkets: Sunday Trading .......................... 70

Teachers: Coronavirus ....................................... 70

Temporary Accommodation: Coronavirus ........ 70

Terrorism: Northern Ireland .............................. 71

Theatres: Coronavirus ........................................ 71

Transport: Exhaust Emissions ........................... 71

Treasury: North of England ............................... 73

Tree Planting ...................................................... 73

Youth Hostel Association: Coronavirus ............ 74

Zakeya Albarboori ............................................. 74

p a r l i a m e n t a r y d e b a t e s (hansard ......2020/04/21 · 10,000 dairy farmers continue...

Documents