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Monday
20 July 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 ..................................................... 9
Session 2019-21
No. 89
[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 and Whip
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 of 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 Penn Whip
Baroness Scott of Bybrook Whip
Baroness Stedman-Scott Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions
Baroness Sugg Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department
for International Development
Lord True Minister of State, Cabinet Office
Baroness Vere of Norbiton Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Transport
Baroness Williams of Trafford Minister of State, Home Office
Viscount Younger of Leckie Whip
© 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/
Written Statements 20 July 2020 Page 1
Written Statements Monday, 20 July 2020
A303 Sparkford to Illchester Application:
Update
[HLWS392]
Baroness Vere of Norbiton: My Honourable Friend,
the Minister of State for Transport (Andrew Stephenson),
has made the following Ministerial Statement.
I have been asked by my Right Honourable Friend, the
Secretary of State, to make this Written Ministerial
Statement. This statement concerns the application made
under the Planning Act 2008 for the proposed
construction by Highways England of a continuous dual
carriageway on the A303 linking the Podimore
Roundabout and the Sparkford Bypass.
Under section 107(1) of the Planning Act 2008, the
Secretary of State must make his decision within 3
months of receipt of the Examining Authority’s report
unless exercising the power under section 107(3) to
extend the deadline and make a Statement to the House of
Parliament announcing the new deadline. The Secretary
of State received the Examining Authority’s report on the
A303 Sparkford to Ilchester Development Consent Order
application on 12 September 2019 and the deadline for a
decision was previously extended from 12 December
2019 until 17 July 2020 to allow for further work to be
carried out.
The deadline for the decision is to be further extended
to 20 November 2020 (an extension of 4 months) to
enable further information to be provided by the
Applicant and interested parties on outstanding concerns
raised by the Examining Authority and consideration of
that provided information before determination of the
application by the Secretary of State.
The decision to set a new deadline is without prejudice
to the decision on whether to give development consent.
Building and Fire Safety
[HLWS384]
Lord Greenhalgh: My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary
of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and
Local Government (Robert Jenrick) has today made the
following Written Ministerial Statement:
I would like to update Parliament on the Government’s
progress in overhauling the building and fire safety
system, as part of our unwavering commitment to
ensuring that people, and the buildings they live in, are
safe.
Building safety
We must never forget the seventy two people who lost
their lives as a result of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
Countless lives were torn apart by that tragedy and we
owe it to the deceased, the bereaved, the survivors, and
the residents of all high-rise buildings to ensure that we
do all we can to prevent a repeat of events like that fateful
night occurring again.
We promised to overhaul the system and to establish a
national building safety regulator at its heart. Today I am
pleased to be making a significant step towards that
fundamental reform by publishing the draft Building
Safety Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny, before the final
Bill is brought forward to Parliament.
The Bill will establish the regulator in the Health and
Safety Executive (HSE) and give it significant powers to
improve safety and performance across the built
environment, especially in higher-risk buildings.
These reforms will improve safety and performance
standards across all buildings. However, certain buildings
warrant even closer oversight because the potential for
significant consequences should a fire spread or the
structure fail. It is right that we have a more stringent
regime where the risk is deemed greatest, to protect the
greatest number of people. Initially the scope of the more
stringent regime will apply to multi-occupied residential
buildings of 18 metres or more in height or more than six
storeys, whichever is reached first. We have designed the
new regime so its scope can be changed if the evidence
base or operational experience suggest it should.
The Bill will provide a stronger framework to make
sure those responsible for managing building safety risks
in higher-risk buildings are held to account, with stronger
enforcement powers and sanctions where those rules are
not followed. It will also ensure that the residents of high-
rise buildings have a stronger voice, alongside giving
them better access to safety information about their
building, clarifying their rights and providing recourse to
raise safety concerns directly to the regulator.
The draft Bill applies to England only with the
exception of the policies to require developers to belong
to a New Homes Ombudsman scheme, strengthen the
oversight of the construction products regulatory regime,
and allow the Architects Registration Board (ARB) to
monitor the competence of architects. Further detailed
analysis of the territorial extent is provided in the
Explanatory Notes.
Building safety financing
The Government is clear that it is unacceptable for
leaseholders to have to worry about the cost of fixing
historic safety defects in their buildings that they didn’t
cause.
The draft Bill proposes a new ‘building safety charge’,
which will give leaseholders greater transparency around
costs incurred in maintaining a safe building. We want
these to be fair and proportionate, which is why I have
deliberately included numerous powers in the Bill that
will enable us to limit the building safety costs that can be
re-charged to leaseholders.
This is a topic that we are particularly committed to
developing further throughout the process of scrutiny and
as the Bill is finalised for introduction. I have asked
Michael Wade, senior adviser to the Cabinet Office, to
accelerate this work with leaseholders and the financial
Page 2 20 July 2020 Written Statements
sector. We must remove barriers to fixing historic defects
and identify financing solutions that protect leaseholders
from unaffordable costs; but we must also ensure that the
bill does not fall on tax payers. We will update on any
further measures required before the final Bill is
introduced to Parliament.
Establishing the Building Safety Regulator
As I announced in January, the HSE is establishing the
regulator in shadow form, and I am today announcing that
I have set aside £16.4 million in this financial year for
HSE to recruit the people and develop the capabilities that
will enable the regulator to hit the ground running once its
powers come into effect.
HSE has a strong track record of improving safety and
fostering a safety-first culture within the construction and
major hazards industries, and will draw on years of
experience to deliver results quickly and effectively. As
shadow regulator, HSE is playing an increasingly
important role in the Government’s Building Safety
Programme: it is supporting work on how to identify
higher-risk buildings; supporting work by the National
Fire Chiefs Council to assess the fire risk in every high-
rise residential building by end 2021; and supporting
work with early adopters in the construction industry,
social landlords and local government to trial the new
regime, and to promote culture change across the
industry. I am today announcing that HSE will also take
over as chair of the Joint Regulators’ Group, which
advises the Government on ways to strengthen the
regulatory regime; and will take over the Independent
Expert Advisory Panel, which advises the Government on
fire safety in high-rise residential buildings.
Over coming months, the shadow regulator will engage
with and advise residents, building owners, the
construction industry and other regulators on how the new
system will operate, what it will mean for them, and what
they should do now to make their buildings safe and
prepare for the new regime. In the Autumn, we will kick
off work to appoint the first national Chief Inspector of
Buildings, who will lead the new regulator.
We, and the public, expect industry to manage building
safety risks now and prepare to fulfil their duties when
this new regime comes into effect. The public expects and
demands industry to implement these reforms with
conviction and speed. The new Building Safety Regulator
stands ready to work hand in hand with industry to bring
about a culture change that prioritises residents and their
safety.
Fire safety reforms
The Home Office is also today publishing a Fire Safety
Consultation, which sets out proposals to: strengthen the
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – the Fire
Safety Order – and improve compliance for all regulated
buildings; implement the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1
report recommendations for multi-occupied residential
buildings which require a change in law; and, seeks views
on the effectiveness of the arrangements for consultation
and information sharing between building control bodies
and fire and rescue authorities in relation to building
work. This is alongside a commitment to overhaul the
Fire Safety Order’s supporting guidance.
Proposals for multi-occupied residential buildings,
mostly high-rise buildings, include prescribing in law the
frequency of checks of fire doors; that Responsible
Persons (RPs) carry out inspections of other key fire-
fighting equipment, not just lifts designed to be used by
firefighters; and that RPs provide information to residents
including in relation to fire safety (including evacuation
and other specific information) in an accessible format.
Our proposals go beyond the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s
recommendations in several areas. In others, our
proposals prioritise residents’ safety in a way that is
practical, proportionate and effective to the risks the
Inquiry has identified. The Government wants to listen to
the views of those who have experience of these matters,
including those who have been personally affected by the
Grenfell Tower tragedy. The proposals set out in the
Home Office consultation will further deliver the
Government’s objective to improve building and fire
safety in all regulated premises where people live, stay or
work.
Construction products
The Bill also enables us to progress our commitment to
radically strengthen oversight of the regulatory regime for
construction products. The bill will make sure a wider
range of construction products are subject to strengthened
safety regulations. It will also strengthen the powers
available to the Government, paving the way to create a
new national regulatory function that will have oversight
of the construction products regulation. The Government
is developing options for how this new national regulatory
function could be implemented.
Other housing measures
The draft Bill also contains measures to protect the
rights of all new build homebuyers by requiring
developers to belong to the New Homes Ombudsman. It
also includes new measures that will make access to
redress swifter and more effective for all social housing
residents.
Pre-legislative scrutiny
These are extensive reforms that it is incumbent on us
all to get right. The Building Safety Bill is a large and
complex piece of legislation, reflecting the scale of the
reforms needed. In this spirit, I am publishing the Bill in
draft form to ensure it receives the due and proper
consideration it deserves through pre-legislative scrutiny
from Parliament, from industry, from regulatory bodies,
and from residents. I want to thank those that have helped
shape the legislation so far, including those who
contributed to the ‘Building a Safer Future’ consultation
and who have engaged in various forums with my
department. I now encourage colleagues from across both
Houses to engage wholeheartedly in strengthening these
proposals so that together we can further improve the
legislation and deliver greater safety for residents.
Written Statements 20 July 2020 Page 3
I will deposit copies of the draft Building Safety Bill,
Delegated Powers Memorandum and Impact Assessment
in the libraries of both Houses. A copy of the full Fire
Safety Consultation and its Impact Assessment will also
be deposited in the libraries of both Houses.
Community Match Challenge
[HLWS390]
Baroness Barran: My Right Honourable Friend the
Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport,
Oliver Dowden MP, has made the following Statement:
On 8 April, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced
a £750 million funding package for the Voluntary,
Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector. I wish
to set out to the House the details of how £90 million
from this package will be allocated.
We are all aware of the vital role that the VCSE sector
plays in our society, and this has especially been the case
in the past few months. Charities and community
organisations have been at the frontline of the coronavirus
outbreak, providing trusted support to people and
communities.
Through the Coronavirus Community Support Fund,
£200 million is already being allocated largely to small
and medium sized charities in England by the National
Lottery Community Fund.
We are now inviting the philanthropists, foundations,
and grant makers to put forward new funding which the
Government will match on a pound for pound basis.
The Government will match up to £85 million of
funding from strategic funders such as philanthropists and
charitable foundations. This funding is intended for
beneficiary groups which are the most vulnerable and the
hardest hit by COVID-19. We expect awards to be made
principally to charitable grant makers providing aid to
small and medium sized charities. We anticipate funding
applications in the £5 million to £20 million range. This
innovative approach will build on the expertise of
philanthropists and foundations by supporting the
charities that they believe will have the highest impact in
the areas that we want to focus on, while giving charities
longer term recovery support by allowing the non-
Government portion of the match funding to be spent
beyond March 2021.
We believe that this approach will stimulate further
donations and ensure that a further £85 million of
philanthropic funding from those who wish to support
their communities during these challenging times will go
to charities, further increasing support to the sector.
An additional £4.8 million is also being allocated to the
Voluntary and Community Sector Emergencies
Partnership to strengthen its support to the voluntary and
community sector, and its coordinating role with
government and statutory agencies, as they continue to
respond to COVID-19.
Applications close at midnight on 2 August 2020 and
details can be found at the fund website here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/community-
match-challenge-and-voluntary-and-community-sector-
emergencies-partnership.
Contingencies Fund Advance
[HLWS382]
Lord Callanan: My Honourable friend the
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for
Business and Industry) Nadhim Zahawi has today made
the following statement:
I hereby give notice of the Department for Business,
Energy and Industrial Strategy’s intention to seek an
advance from the Contingencies Fund of £5,070,000,000
to provide funding for the Nuclear Liabilities Fund
(NLF).
The funding will be used to increase the NLF’s public
sector assets, by making £5.07bn available to the NLF in
the form of a deposit in the National Loans Fund. This
offers an alternative investment opportunity to the NLF,
which otherwise would re-allocate monies within the next
month into investments in its privately held asset
portfolio. Such re-allocation would increase Public Sector
Net Debt, and so this alternative funding arrangement
avoids this immediate negative fiscal impact. The
payment to the NLF is fiscally neutral.
The Trustee Directors of the NLF have a fiduciary duty
to ensure the NLF remains on track to be sufficient to
meet certain future decommissioning liabilities.
Parliamentary approval for additional capital of
£5,070,000,000 will be sought in a Supplementary
Estimate for the Department for Business, Energy and
Industrial Strategy. Pending that approval, urgent
expenditure estimated at £5,070,000,000 will be met by
repayable cash advances from the Contingencies Fund.
The cash advance will be repaid upon receiving Royal
Assent on the Supply and Appropriation Bill.
Crossrail: Annual Update
[HLWS386]
Baroness Vere of Norbiton: My Honourable Friend,
the Minister of State for Transport (Chris Heaton-Harris),
has made the following Ministerial Statement.
Over the past year, several milestones have been
reached on the Crossrail project and work continues
despite the new challenges presented by Covid-19.
When complete, the Elizabeth line will be
transformative, reducing overcrowding, delivering
spacious new trains, adding significant additional rail
capacity to London and the South East, and delivering a
huge boost to the recovering UK economy. Its benefits
will be vast and long lasting.
Important progress is being made on taking the
Crossrail project towards completion and for its transition
to Transport for London (TfL), the future Elizabeth line
operator.
Page 4 20 July 2020 Written Statements
In December last year, TfL Rail commenced operating
services between Paddington and Reading using the new
UK built Class 345 trains, marking another important
stage in the delivery of the Elizabeth line. This year, the
higher capacity 9 carriage trains are being introduced
along this part of the route.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has approved the
new trains to run in passenger service between
Paddington and Heathrow Airport, paving the way for a
future increase in services to 4 trains per hour, adding
important extra service capacity to the local rail network.
Final testing and driver training is taking place with
Bombardier and MTR Elizabeth Line ahead of the
services being introduced.
Over the past year, Crossrail Limited (CRL) have made
further progress on the final completion of the new central
section. Signalling and train software testing has
progressed and a number of assets including completed
shafts and portals together with the new Custom House
station have now been handed over to TfL. All of the
stations in the central section are now ready for the Trial
Running of services, with the exception of Bond Street
which requires further work.
Network Rail (NR) works on the eastern and western
sections of the route have continued to progress over the
past year with the delivery of the enhanced ticket halls
and access improvements on the surface section
progressing at Ilford and Romford; Acton Main Line,
Ealing Broadway, West Ealing, Southall, Hayes &
Harlington and West Drayton, with step-free access being
prioritised where possible.
In March this year, future Elizabeth line stations
Hanwell, Iver, Langley, and Taplow were also provided
with step-free access from street to platform.
Together, these milestones represent key steps forward
in the operational development of the railway.
But there have been challenges as well.
In January, CRL announced that it planned to open the
central section of the railway in summer 2021 and the full
Elizabeth line by mid-2022, citing challenges with
completing the software development and the safety
assurance processes preventing it from meeting its
previously planned opening window. Progress was further
affected by the ‘safe stop’ announced on March 24, when
CRL ceased all physical work at its construction sites,
including Network Rail’s station upgrade works, as a
result of the Covid-19 crisis and in line with TfL’s
decision to pause work on project sites, though essential,
business critical and remote assurance work continued.
In November last year and before the impact of Covid-
19, CRL announced that it would not be able to deliver
the railway within the funding package originally
announced by the Department and the Mayor of London
in December 2018, and that it would require between
£400 to £650 million in additional funding.
The further schedule delays and cost increases to this
project since the last annual update are very
disappointing. A revised funding package will now need
to be developed for Crossrail that is fair to UK taxpayers,
with London as the primary beneficiary bearing the cost.
Works have now restarted as part of Crossrail’s
Recovery Plan with sites operating within the framework
of Public Health England’s safety guidelines, with CRL
intensely focussed on achieving the next key programme
milestone - commencement of the intensive testing of the
railway, known as Trial Running.
CRL are currently in the process of updating their cost
and schedule forecasts in light of their Recovery Plan,
including assessing the impact on their opening schedule
and will make a further update on this shortly.
A further update to the overall costings for Network
Rail’s programme show that the Crossrail On Network
Works require an extra £140m of funding with the cost of
the surface works package now standing at just under
£3bn. The additional costs, which were assessed before
the Covid-19 crisis, are the result of some station and
power upgrade work taking longer than planned.
The Department will continue to work with its joint
Sponsor, TfL, to closely scrutinise the project, supporting
its delivery as soon as is safely possible and to deliver the
vital assurance and safety certification that is required
before passenger services can commence.
The Department will also work with TfL to oversee the
effective review and evolution of Crossrail’s future
governance arrangements to make sure the right decisions
are taken as the project moves towards completion, and
that it successfully transitions to TfL operations as soon
as possible. CRL together with both Sponsors remain
committed to ongoing transparency with regard to the
project.
During the passage of the Crossrail Bill through
Parliament, a commitment was given that an annual
statement would be published until the completion of the
construction of Crossrail, setting out information about
the project’s funding and finances. Further details on
CRL’s funding and finances in the period to 29 May 2020
are set out in the table below. The relevant information is
as follows:
Total funding amounts provided to Crossrail
Limited by the Department for Transport and TfL in relation to the construction of Crossrail to the end of
the period (22 July 2008 to 29 May 2020)
£14,164,813,354
Expenditure incurred (including committed land
and property spend not yet paid out) by Crossrail
Limited in relation to the construction of Crossrail in the period (30 May 2019 to 29 May 2020)
£1,014,218,000
(excluding recoverable VAT on Land and Property purchases)
Total expenditure incurred (including committed land and property spend not yet paid out) by
Crossrail Limited in relation to the construction of Crossrail to the end of the period (22 July 2008 to
29 May 2020)
£14,972,678,000
(excluding recoverable VAT on Land and Property
purchases)
The amounts realised by the disposal of any land or
property for the purposes of the construction of
£16,000,000
Written Statements 20 July 2020 Page 5
Crossrail by the Secretary of State, TfL or Crossrail
Limited in the period covered by the statement.
The numbers above are drawn from CRL’s books of
account and have been prepared on a consistent basis with
the update provided last year. The figure for expenditure
incurred includes monies already paid out in the relevant
period, including committed land and property
expenditure where this has not yet been paid. It does not
include future expenditure on contracts that have been
awarded.
EFTA States and Switzerland: Future
Relationship
[HLWS389]
Baroness Sugg: My Honourable Friend, the Minister
for European Neighbourhood and the Americas (Wendy
Morton), has made the following written Ministerial
statement:
The Government is pleased to announce that we have
moved into formal negotiations on our future
relationships with both the EEA EFTA states (Iceland,
Liechtenstein and Norway) and Switzerland from the
beginning of July.
The Government has already been working closely with
all four non-EU states on a range of issues related to our
future relationship. We have successfully delivered a
number of agreements, including the EEA EFTA
Separation Agreement signed in January this year, which
broadly mirrors provisions in the EU Withdrawal
Agreement on citizens’ rights and a small number of other
relevant separation issues. With the Swiss we have
concluded and signed agreements in five key areas; trade;
air services; road transport; insurance; and citizen’s rights.
The EEA EFTA states and Switzerland are important
European economic partners, with bilateral trade totalling
approximately £27bn with the EEA EFTA states and
around £39bn with Switzerland in 2019. We also enjoy
close cooperation with these countries across a range of
areas outside of trade, which is why the Government is
seeking to agree measures that span across the entire
breadth of our relationship.
EEA EFTA States
Negotiations with the EEA EFTA states will continue
to take place alongside those we are conducting with the
EU. In some areas, our future relationship with these
states will be closely tied to the UK’s future relationship
with the EU by virtue of their participation in the EU
Single Market (via the EEA Agreement) and other EU-led
initiatives. In others, these countries have the flexibility to
agree bespoke bilateral arrangements. The ongoing
negotiations will need to take account of this, but we are
clear in our aim of protecting the close levels of existing
cooperation we have with these key European partners,
and building ambitious future facing agreements befitting
our close relationship with them.
A successful UK-EEA EFTA Future Relations
Dialogue took place on 16 July. We will be publishing
further details of these negotiations on the Government’s
website soon, providing further details on the scope of the
arrangements we are seeking to agree.
Switzerland
Over the last three years a dedicated high-level UK-
Swiss Continuity Dialogue has proven highly successful
in advancing vital work to uphold our excellent relations
with the Swiss in the context of our EU exit. The
continuity arrangements we have reached with
Switzerland have given vital certainty to citizens and
businesses alike. The Government is seeking to build on
these strong foundations in the future: we are now
convening a new UK-Swiss Future Relations Dialogue to
open the next chapter in our relations.
Our first UK-Swiss Future Relations Dialogue took
place on 1 July. The Government is taking a sequenced
approach to our joint endeavours with Switzerland before
the review clause in our trade continuity agreement
activates in 2021. Firstly, we will aim to resolve residual
separation issues as far as is possible. Secondly, we will
also aim to address issues that are dependent on our
negotiations with the EU or indeed related negotiations.
Thirdly, we will begin exploring new bilateral
opportunities where we can make progress together in
2020.
Sequencing
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is working
with other government departments to secure the delivery
of these negotiations. The Department for International
Trade continues to be responsible for all trade and
economic arrangements. In non-trade areas, departments
responsible will seek arrangements which deliver on UK
interests and provide maximum coverage across the full
scope of our relationship with these countries.
The Government is aiming to bring some of the
agreements negotiated with these states into effect by the
end of the transition period in line with our approach to
EU negotiations. Further details on the progress of these
negotiations will be made available to Parliament as they
develop. Indeed, our future relationship with these key
partners is a government priority.
Public Service Pensions: Survivor Benefits
[HLWS393]
Lord Agnew of Oulton: My right honourable friend
the Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Steve Barclay) has
today made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
The government is committed to providing public
service pensions that are fair for public sector workers
and for taxpayers. The government’s position remains that
benefit entitlements should normally be determined based
on the rules applicable at the time the member served, to
maintain fairness for active scheme members and the
taxpayer.
Following the Walker v Innospec Supreme Court ruling,
the government decided that in public service schemes,
surviving male same-sex and female same-sex spouses
Page 6 20 July 2020 Written Statements
and civil partners of public service pension scheme
members will, in certain cases, receive benefits equivalent
to those received by widows of opposite sex marriages.
The exception to this is in specific schemes where, in the
past, improvements in female members’ survivor benefits
have involved female members making employee
contributions or increasing them.
A case brought in the Employment Tribunal against the
Secretary of State for Education earlier this year
highlighted that these changes may lead to direct sexual
orientation discrimination within the Teachers’ Pension
Scheme, where male survivors of female scheme
members remain entitled to a lower survivor benefit than
a comparable same-sex survivor.
The government has concluded that changes are
required to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme to address the
discrimination. The government believes that this
difference in treatment will also need to be remedied in
those other public service pension schemes, where the
husband or male civil partner of a female scheme member
is in similar circumstances.
Departments responsible for the administration of
affected schemes will consult on and take forward
changes as soon as possible. Schemes will notify their
members of changes and any actions they need to take.
Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act
2018: Report on Regulations
[HLWS388]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Today the ‘Report on
Regulations Made under Section 32 of the Sanctions and
Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018’ will be laid in
Parliament.
The report details the two regulations laid under Section
1 of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018
during the reporting period from 23 May 2019 to 22 May
2020, and states the relevant human rights purposes of
those regulations.
In addition to the actions set out in the report, the
Government established the Global Human Rights
sanctions regime on 6 July by laying regulations in
Parliament. These regulations enable the Government to
impose sanctions in response to serious human rights
violations or abuses around the world. The Government
made immediate use of the powers provided by the
Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020,
implementing 49 designations on a range of people and
entities.
School Funding
[HLWS387]
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 provisional funding allocations
for 2021-22 through the schools, high needs and central
school services national funding formulae (NFF). The
allocations distribute the second year of the multi-billion
school funding settlement that the Secretary of State for
Education announced to Parliament on 3 September 2019.
Core school funding is increasing by £2.6bn in 2020-21,
and will increase by £4.8bn and £7.1bn in 2021-22 and
2022-23 respectively, compared to 2019-20. In addition,
we continue to fund the recent increase in pension costs
for teachers, worth £1.5bn a year.
These allocations, which are part of the annual funding
cycle, will provide schools and local authorities with
certainty of future funding. In addition to this core
funding, schools can apply for exceptional funding to
cover specific unavoidable costs incurred by schools due
to coronavirus (COVID-19) between March and July that
cannot be met from existing resources. Schools will also
benefit from the £1bn ‘catch-up’ package for the 2020/21
academic year to directly tackle the impact of the
disruption that COVID-19 has caused. This includes a
‘Catch-Up Premium’ worth £650m to support schools to
make up for lost teaching time for all pupils, and a new
£350m tutoring fund for disadvantaged pupils. Guidance
on the allocation and use of that funding will be published
today.
The funding factors used in the 2021-22 NFF remain
the same, but we have made two technical changes, which
are detailed in the NFF policy document also published
today:
• Funding from the teachers’ pay grant and the teachers’
pension employer contribution grant, including the
supplementary fund, has been added to the formulae
from 2021-22. This will simplify the allocation of this
funding – worth almost £2bn a year – recognising that
these grants are part of schools’ core budgets and
providing reassurance to schools and local authorities
that the funding will continue to be provided.
• The 2019 update to the Income Deprivation Affecting
Children Index has been incorporated so that
deprivation funding allocated through the formulae is
based on the latest data.
School funding through the NFF is increasing by 4%
overall in 2021-22. The NFF will distribute this funding
based on schools’ and pupils’ needs and characteristics.
The main features in 2021-22 are:
• The funding floor will ensure that every school is
allocated at least 2% more pupil-led funding per pupil
compared to its 2020-21 NFF allocation.
• The key factors in the NFF will increase by 3%,
providing a significant increase to those schools already
attracting their NFF allocations.
• The minimum per pupil funding levels will ensure that
every primary school receives at least £4,000 per pupil,
and every secondary school at least £5,150 per pupil,
delivering on the Government’s pledge to level up the
lowest funded schools.
• Funding to cover additional teachers’ pay and
pensions costs, previously funded through separate
grants, has additionally been reflected in all schools’
allocations. This means that a further £180 and £265
Written Statements 20 July 2020 Page 7
respectively will be added to the minimum per pupil
amounts above.
• Additional funding for small and remote schools will
increase in 2021-22, with primary schools attracting up
to £45,000, compared to £26,000 previously, as a first
step towards expanding the support the NFF provides
for such schools from 2022-23.
High needs funding will increase by a further £730m, or
10%, in 2021-22 – that follows the substantial increase
this year and brings the total high needs budget to over
£8bn. The high needs NFF will ensure that every local
authority receives a further increase of at least 8% per
head of population, compared to this year, with some
authorities receiving up to 12%. This vital extra resource
will help local authorities to manage their cost pressures
in this area. The Government is continuing to pursue a
cross-departmental review of the special educational
needs and disability (SEND) system to see what further
improvements are necessary to ensure that it supports
children and young people with SEND as effectively as
possible.
In addition, the Department will start negotiations with
some of those local authorities with the highest Dedicated
Schools Grant (DSG) deficits about supporting them to
reduce their deficits over time.
Central schools services funding in 2021-22 will
increase by 4% for the ongoing responsibilities that local
authorities continue to have for all schools. In line with
the process introduced for 2020-21 to withdraw funding
over time based on the commitments local authorities
entered into before 2013-14, funding for historic
commitments will decrease by 20% for those local
authorities in receipt of this funding.
The provisional NFF allocations published today will
be updated, based on the latest pupil data, to produce final
allocations in December that local authorities will receive
through the DSG.
Local authorities will continue to use that funding to
determine final allocations for all local mainstream
schools. In light of the need to focus efforts on meeting
the challenges of COVID-19, we are not changing local
authorities’ role in the distribution of school funding in
2021-22. The Government will, later this year, put
forward its proposals to move to a ‘hard’ NFF in future,
which will determine schools’ budgets directly rather than
through local formulae set independently by each local
authority. This will level up the school funding system so
that all schools across the country are funded on a
comparable basis. We will consult widely with local
authorities, schools and others to make this transition
carefully.
Service Complaints Ombudsman: Annual
Report 2019
[HLWS385]
Baroness Goldie: My hon. Friend the Parliamentary
Under Secretary of State and Minister for Defence People
and Veterans (Johnny Mercer MP) has made the
following Written Ministerial Statement.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD)’s formal response to
the Service Complaints Ombudsman’s (SCO) annual
report for 2019 on the fairness, effectiveness and
efficiency of the Service complaints system has today
been placed in the Library of the House.
The Ombudsman’s report assessed the fourth year of
operation of the reformed Service complaints system
which was implemented on 1 January 2016 and the work
of her office in 2019. The response sets out MOD’s
comments and approach to each of the Ombudsman’s new
recommendations, the observations that she has made and
includes a summary of our position on recommendations
made in previous annual reports.
The MOD values the strong independent oversight that
the Ombudsman brings to the Service complaints process,
and remains committed to having a system in which our
personnel can have confidence. This will include
progressing outstanding recommendations and
observations, together with improvements identified in
Air Marshal Wigston’s Report in April 2019 on
Inappropriate Behaviours.
The Statement includes the following attached material:
MODs Formal Response Annex A [MODs Formal Response to
Service Complaints and Ombudsman's Annual Report 2019.docx]
SCO Annual Report Recommendations Annex B [SCO Annual
Report Recommendations 2016 to 2019 to the Service Complaints
and Ombudsman's Annual Report 2019.docx]
The material can be viewed online at:
http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-
answers-statements/written-statement/Lords/2020-07-20/HLWS385/
Transport for London: Extraordinary
Funding and Financing
[HLWS391]
Baroness Vere of Norbiton: My Right Honourable
friend, the Secretary of State for Transport (Grant
Shapps), has made the following Ministerial Statement.
I wrote to the House on 18 May 2020, to share details
of the extraordinary funding and financing agreement
reached with Transport for London (TfL). That package
of support, which was agreed between Government, the
Mayor and TfL, included a number of conditions and I am
today writing to update Parliament on two of those.
To help avoid such drastic action in the future work has
been underway on the Government-led review of TfL’s
future financial position and structure, and we have now
published the Terms of Reference for that review.
I am pleased to also announce the appointment of the
two Government Special Representatives to attend the
TfL Board; Andrew Gilligan and Clare Moriarty. They
will also be able to attend TfL’s Finance and Programme
Investment Committees. These positions required a
specific skillset and have therefore been made through
direct Ministerial Appointment.
Page 8 20 July 2020 Written Statements
Clare Moriarty is a former civil servant and has been
Permanent Secretary for the Department for Exiting the
European Union and for the Department for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs, and she was previously Director
General, Rail Executive and Director General for
Corporate Services in the Department for Transport.
Andrew Gilligan advises the Prime Minister on
transport matters and worked closely with TfL for three
years, acquiring detailed knowledge of its operations, as
former Cycling Commissioner for London.
Unified Patent Court
[HLWS383]
Lord Callanan: My Honourable friend the Minister for
Science, Research and Innovation Amanda Solloway has
today made the following statement:
I am tabling this statement for the benefit of
Honourable and Right Honourable Members to bring to
their attention the UK’s withdrawal from the Unified
Patent Court system.
Today, by means of a Note Verbale, the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has
withdrawn its ratification of the Agreement on a Unified
Patent Court and the Protocol on Privileges and
Immunities of the Unified Patent Court (dated 23 April
2018) in respect of the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, and its consent
to be bound by the Protocol to the Agreement on a
Unified Patent Court on provisional application (dated on
6 July 2017) (collectively “the Agreements”).
In view of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the
European Union, the United Kingdom no longer wishes to
be a party to the Unified Patent Court system.
Participating in a court that applies EU law and is bound
by the CJEU would be inconsistent with the
Government’s aims of becoming an independent self-
governing nation.
The Agreements have not yet entered into force.
However, in order to ensure clarity regarding the United
Kingdom’s status in respect of the Agreements and to
facilitate their orderly entry into force for other States
without the participation of the United Kingdom, the
United Kingdom has chosen to withdraw its ratification of
the Agreements at this time. The United Kingdom
considers that its withdrawals shall take effect
immediately and that it will be for the remaining
participating states to decide the future of the Unified
Patent Court system.
Vaccine Taskforce
[HLWS381]
Lord Callanan: My Right Honourable friend the
Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy Alok Sharma has today made the following
statement:
I am today updating Parliament on the work of the
Vaccine Taskforce in securing a vaccine against Covid-
19.
Tackling this virus is the biggest challenge that this
country has faced in peacetime history. Today I am
announcing the recent steps that the Vaccines Taskforce
has taken towards making a successful Covid-19 vaccine
available as soon as possible to the UK population and the
wider world.
I can inform the House that we have signed agreements
with the BioNTech/Pfizer alliance and Valneva to
purchase their vaccines. This is part of our strategy to
procure a portfolio of promising vaccine candidates,
giving us the best chance of securing a successful one at
the earliest opportunity. Demand for a successful vaccine
will be high and placing these orders early will give us
access to the doses we need, if and when, any of these
candidates prove to be safe and effective in clinical trials
and receive regulatory approval.
I am also announcing that the Government has issued a
letter of intent in advance of entering an agreement to
secure an antibody that may be used as a therapeutic
treatment in support of the wider vaccination programme.
The antibody, manufactured by AstraZeneca, is currently
in clinical trials and could be available for use by the
second quarter of 2021, if those trials are successful.
Clinical trials play a vital part in the vaccine
development process. Today, the Government is also
launching the NHS Covid-19 vaccine research registry.
This new website will enable people in the UK to
volunteer for future vaccine studies planned in the UK,
playing their part in our national effort to ensure a Covid-
19 vaccine is available as soon as possible.
Written Answers 20 July 2020 Page 9
Written Answers Monday, 20 July 2020
A27: East Sussex
Asked by Lord Berkeley
To ask Her Majesty's Government why they have
taken the decision to proceed with the A27 Lewes–
Polegate improvement project; what is the project's
latest benefit-cost ratio; what environmental impact
assessments have been (1) completed, and (2)
published; and what consideration they have given to
upgrading the East Coastway rail line as an alternative
to this project. [HL6431]
Baroness Vere of Norbiton: No decision has been
taken on whether to fund further enhancements to the A27
between Lewes and Polegate beyond those already in
construction. The second Road Investment Strategy,
published in March, commissioned Highways England to
develop proposals for this route for possible delivery after
2025. This work is expected to explore potential options
and their benefits and costs, including environmental
impacts, as appropriate.
Aerobility: Finance
Asked by Baroness Garden of Frognal
To ask Her Majesty's Government what was the value
of the grant from the Department for Transport to
Aerobility for the Vigilant T1 aircraft. [HL6462]
Baroness Vere of Norbiton: A grant of £745,000 was
awarded to Aerobility, a registered charity, to support its
work to refurbish the Vigilant T1 glider fleet, acquired
from the Ministry of Defence. The gliders had been
grounded by the Royal Air Force in May 2018. The grant
was specifically to cover the costs relating to the
refurbishment package, including modifications needed to
enable people with physical disabilities to fly the gliders,
and for the full refurbishment of eight aircraft, to be
retained by Aerobility for its operations.
Expanding Aerobility’s fleet of aircraft will lead to a
number of benefits, including, improving access to flight
training and flight experiences for those living with
physical and mental disabilities. It will also enable
Aerobility to offer services at additional locations in the
UK.
Agriculture: Employment
Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are
taking to ensure an adequate supply of labour on farms
in (1) England, (2) Northern Ireland, (3) Wales, and (4)
Scotland. [HL6510]
Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The Seasonal Workers
Pilot is providing thousands of non-EU workers to farms
across the UK this year. Immigration is a reserved matter
and the Seasonal Workers Pilot is a nationwide pilot, with
a nationwide quota. The Government has placed a
specific duty on the operators to ensure that all regions of
the UK benefit from this pilot.
While restrictions due to COVID-19 initially delayed
the arrival of some Pilot workers, Defra and the Home
Office worked closely with Pilot operators to enable
workers to reach the UK. The Visa Application Centres in
Ukraine and Belarus, which were temporarily closed due
to COVID-19 restrictions, reopened on 1 June. This
allowed significant numbers of Pilot workers from those
countries to obtain a visa and travel to the UK.
We are aware of the wider impact that restrictions on
travel from other countries, as a result of COVID-19, has
had on the number of seasonal workers coming to work in
the UK. We are working closely with industry and
government officials in Scotland and Wales to help our
world-leading farmers and growers access the labour they
need over the busy harvest months. All are supportive of
the joint Defra and industry ‘Pick for Britain’ campaign
and website, aimed at driving awareness of seasonal roles
on farms. We understand that for England the demand for
seasonal workers is currently being met, and we are
closely monitoring the situation throughout the rest of the
summer.
Defra discussed with officials at DAERA the plans for
the Pick for Britain website and their thoughts on a future
public -acing campaign to attract more seasonal workers
from the UK. The feedback received was that DAERA
was working closely with industry representatives in
Northern Ireland and would use the existing Department
for Communities website – JobCentre Online (JCOL) to
advertise local opportunities. The website also provided a
link to the Pick for Britain initiative.
Animal Welfare
Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they
have to bring forward legislative proposals on animal
sentience. [HL6511]
Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The Government
is committed to further strengthening our world-leading
animal welfare standards. We have committed to bringing
in new laws on animal sentience. Any necessary changes
required to domestic legislation will be made in a rigorous
and comprehensive way and will be brought forward
when parliamentary time allows.
Additionally, we have committed to ending excessively
long journeys for slaughter and fattening and to banning
the keeping of primates as pets. The Government is
supporting the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill. This
will increase the maximum custodial penalty for animal
cruelty from six months' imprisonment to five years'
imprisonment. The new maximum penalty of five years is
in line with campaigns by key stakeholders such as
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs Trust and the
Page 10 20 July 2020 Written Answers
RSPCA. This is a positive step forward in improving
animal welfare. and will act as a serious deterrent against
cruelty and neglect. It will provide one of the toughest
sanctions in Europe, strengthening the UK's position as a
global leader on animal welfare.
Animals: Antimicrobials
Asked by Lord Empey
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
have they made of the UK's performance in addressing
antimicrobial resistance in animals compared to (1) the
27 Member States of the EU, and (2) other developed
economies. [HL6666]
Lord Gardiner of Kimble: There is considerable
variation in levels and trends of antimicrobial resistance
between the UK and European Member States and other
global partners, for example the USA, Canada and Japan.
The UK is among those countries which have made most
progress in addressing antimicrobial resistance in bacteria
from animals in recent years.
In terms of comparing antibiotic sales between
countries, the latest published data in the European
Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption
project, which compared antimicrobial sales data for food
producing animals across EEA countries and Switzerland
for 2017 (published Oct 2019), shows that in 2017 the UK
had the fifth lowest level of antibiotic consumption in
food-producing animals (32.5 mg/kg) of the 31 European
countries reporting this data (only Sweden, Finland,
Norway, and Iceland are lower). This project is available
here:
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/report/sales-
veterinary-antimicrobial-agents-31-european-countries-
2017_en.pdf The US, Canada and Japan also publish
antibiotic sales data: Canada published an overall sales
figure for 2016 of 150mg/kg, which was an 18%
reduction on their 2015 sales. USA and Japan do not
report in mg/kg but do publish data on tonnes of antibiotic
active ingredient used for food producing animals. The
USA reported a reduction of 38% between 2015 and 2018
whereas Japan showed an increase of 2.8% between 2013
and 2016.
We continue to be committed to working with livestock
sectors to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use and have
achieved a 53% reduction in sales of antibiotics for food-
producing animals between 2013 and 2018. We are also
committed to working alongside our global partners to
promote data sharing and responsible antibiotic use.
Architecture: Ethnic Groups
Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are
taking, if any, to support BAME–led architecture
practices and BAME built environment professionals in
their plans for the economic recovery from the COVID-
19 pandemic. [HL6530]
Lord Callanan: We are continuing to work across
Government and with a wide array of stakeholders
including the Royal Institute of British Architects, to
ensure that diverse voices are heard in the policy making
process, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are supporting the construction sector by helping it
drive increased investment in skills development, adopt a
more strategic and co-ordinated approach to recruitment,
and equip workers with the skills they need for the future.
Additionally, the Professional and Business Services
Council’s Skills and Inclusion Working Group is engaged
on access to skills to support business growth in the
industry, as well as considering how to increase social
mobility within the sector. The group have convened a
sub-group to consider immediate emerging skills issues
that have arisen as a result of COVID-19.
Arms Trade: Colombia
Asked by Lord Browne of Ladyton
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
killing of human rights defenders in Colombia and
recent reports of illegal surveillance by Colombian
Military Intelligence on civil society organisations,
whether they are reassessing the licensing of UK arms
exports, including cryptographic equipment, to
Colombia. [HL6712]
Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: There are no extant
licences granted for Colombia that may be used for such
surveillance.
For context, all export licence applications are assessed
on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and
National Arms Export Licensing Criteria (the
‘Consolidated Criteria’). In reaching a decision, the
Department for International Trade (DIT) receives advice
from a number of Departments including the Ministry of
Defence (MoD) and the Foreign and Commonwealth
Office (FCO). Together, we draw on all available
information, including reports from Non-Government
Organisations (NGOs) and our diplomatic missions. The
Consolidated Criteria provides a thorough risk assessment
framework and requires us to think hard about the impact
of exporting any items.
Assessments under Criterion 2 in particular include the
respect of rights and freedoms in the country of final
destination. A licence will not be issued if to do so would
be inconsistent with the Consolidated Criteria, including
where there is a clear risk that the proposed export might
be used for internal repression. Accordingly, we continue
to monitor global developments closely and are able to
review licences – and suspend or revoke as necessary –
when circumstances require, in line with the Consolidated
Criteria.
Written Answers 20 July 2020 Page 11
Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia
Asked by Lord Judd
To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration
they gave to the actions of the government of Saudi
Arabia (1) in that country, and (2) in Yemen, when
deciding to resume granting export licences for arms
sales to Saudi Arabia; and what assessment they have
made of the compatibility of that decision with the
Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, announced on
6 July. [HL6672]
Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: The Written Ministerial
Statement of 7th July 2020 set out the steps that HM
Government has taken to comply with the judgment of the
Court of Appeal of 20th June 2019 regarding licences for
military exports to Saudi Arabia for possible use in the
conflict in Yemen.
To address the Court of Appeal’s judgment, we have
developed a revised methodology in respect of all
allegations which it is assessed are likely to have occurred
and to have been caused by fixed wing aircraft reflecting
the factual circumstances that the court proceedings
concerned.
To be clear, allegations have been subject to detailed
analysis by reference to the relevant principles of
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and in the light of
information and intelligence available. An evaluation has
then been made, in respect of each incident, whether it is
possible that it constitutes a breach of IHL or whether it is
unlikely that it represents a breach.
The Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime is a
separate issue entirely though. This new sanctions regime
will give the United Kingdom a powerful new tool to hold
those individuals involved in serious violations of rights
and responsibilities to account.
Asked by Lord Browne of Ladyton
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
answer by Lord Grimstone of Boscobel on 10 July (HL
Deb, col 1347), whether they will now answer the
question put, namely whether Parliament will be given
access to the methodology referred to in the Written
Ministerial Statement made by Lord Grimstone of
Boscobel on 7 July (HLWS336). [HL6764]
Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: The Written Ministerial
Statement of 7th July 2020 explained and set out details of
the revised methodology developed to comply with the
Court of Appeal’s judgment of 20th June 2019 and applied
to re-take the decisions remitted by the Court of Appeal
on the correct legal basis.
HM Government have no plans to publish the
assessments to which the Noble Lord refers. Such
assessments use all available sources of information –
including some that are necessarily confidential and
sensitive – so we are not able to provide details of the
assessments.
Aviation: Coronavirus
Asked by Viscount Waverley
To ask Her Majesty's Government on what basis they
decided to exclude Portugal as an ‘air bridge’ country
necessitating passengers to quarantine for 14 days upon
arrival in the UK from that country. [HL6541]
Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Decisions on the list of
countries that are exempt from self-isolation requirements
have been guided by the science.
The Joint Biosecurity Centre, in close consultation with
Public Health England and the Chief Medical Officer, has
developed an approach to assessing the public health risk
associated with inbound travel from specific countries and
territories. This categorisation has informed the
government’s decisions about relaxation of border
measures.
The categorisation has been informed by an estimate of
the proportion of the population that is currently
infectious in each country, virus incidence rates, trends in
incidence and deaths, transmission status and
international epidemic intelligence as well as information
on a country’s testing capacity and an assessment of the
quality of the data available.
The government will keep the requirements and
exemptions set out in the regulations under review.
Bahrain: Coronavirus
Asked by Lord Scriven
To ask Her Majesty's Government (1) what
assessment they have made of the call by Amnesty
International on 16 June for Bahrain to halt the use of
its ‘Bahrain BeAware’ contact tracing application; and
(2) what representations they intend to make to the
government of Bahrain to (a) remind it of its obligations
under Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights, and (b) encourage that government to introduce
safeguards to ensure the (i) anonymity of ‘Bahrain
BeAware’ user data, and (ii) destruction of digital
records at regular intervals. [HL6525]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Bahrain BeAware
application was introduced by the Bahraini government to
advance contact tracing efforts and save lives during the
Covid-19 emergency as part of its Trace, Test and Treat
strategy which has received praise from the World Health
Organization (WHO). We understand that downloading
the application and registration as a user is optional
entirely voluntary. Users not in quarantine or mandatory
self-isolation can uninstall the application at any time. All
users are informed of its use of GPS software before
downloading. The Government of Bahrain have been
clear in their assurances of user privacy through a fully
encrypted and automated process. Any Location data
older than 6 weeks is deleted automatically from the
system. Users can also request that their data is deleted
from the system at any time.
Page 12 20 July 2020 Written Answers
BBC: Finance
Asked by Lord Stevenson of Balmacara
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they
have, if any, to commission an independent review of
the BBC’s funding needs to ensure that it receives the
resources needed to meet the responsibilities set out in
its Charter. [HL6583]
Baroness Barran: The BBC’s funding model is agreed
with the Corporation as part of the Royal Charter. It was
last considered as part of Charter Review 2015-16, during
which process the Government committed to maintain the
licence fee funding model for the BBC for the duration of
the current Charter period, lasting until the end of 2027.
The current licence fee settlement is agreed until April
2022. Negotiations between the Government and the BBC
for the next licence fee period, 2022-27, will begin in due
course. The Government will set out more detail on the
process to be followed ahead of negotiations.
Boarding Schools: Coronavirus
Asked by Baroness Gardner of Parkes
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they
have to give boarding schools greater autonomy to
decide how to operate from September 2020. [HL6464]
Baroness Berridge: The Department has published
guidance to support all schools as they prepare for the
return of all pupils from the beginning of the autumn
term:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-
schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-
full-opening-schools.
The guidance provides schools with advice about how
to minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in
schools. It also sets out how the department expects
schools to operate, and where there is flexibility. For
boarding schools the guidance encourages schools to keep
children in their class groups, but also allows for the
mixing of pupils in different groups residentially and
during the school day.
Boarding schools will still need to meet the national
minimum standards to safeguard and protect the children
in their care and those that are independent schools will
need to comply with the independent school standards.
Bus Services and Railways: Coronavirus
Asked by Lord Bradshaw
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are
taking to increase demand for the (1) bus, and (2) rail,
sectors as the restrictions in place to address the
COVID-19 pandemic are eased. [HL6438]
Baroness Vere of Norbiton: We are working closely
with operators, Network Rail, TfL, the British Transport
Police and Trade Unions to ensure robust plans are in
place to meet demand and support safer travel. The
Department has issued guidance to ensure people stay
safe while using public transport.
We are fully supportive of encouraging people back on
to public transport at the right time.
Business: Coronavirus
Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are
taking to shorten the response time for calls to
the COVID-19 helpline for businesses and the self-
employed. [HL6719]
Lord Agnew of Oulton: HMRC continue to prioritise
COVID-19 schemes. Following Government guidelines,
HMRC have reduced their telephony service times to
ensure staff safety and to provide greater flexibility with
available resource. HMRC have increased the level of
availability on their webchat service and provided staff
working from home with the technology to answer calls
from home. HMRC continue to monitor all call volumes
to ensure they have the available resource with the
appropriate expertise to meet demand.
Care Homes: Coronavirus
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment
they have made of the statistics published by the Data
Analysis Bureau that 15 per cent of 12,407 care home
workers from 650 care homes across England, Wales
and Scotland have been tested for COVID-19 since the
beginning of the pandemic, and that 6 per cent of those
tested were tested between 20 and 27 May. [HL4898]
Lord Bethell: Test kits have been offered to every care
home for over-65s or those with dementia in England,
reaching the testing target for 6 June. All remaining adult
care homes are eligible to access testing through the
whole care home portal. We have the capacity to send out
over 50,000 test kits a day.
Cheltenham Hospital: Accident and
Emergency Departments
Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham
To ask Her Majesty’s Government on what basis the
decision was taken to temporarily close Cheltenham
General Hospital's Accident and Emergency
department; and when this temporary closure will be
reviewed. [HL5376]
Lord Bethell: On 2 June 2020 the Board of
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust gave its
support to temporary service changes, proposed by its
clinical teams, as part of the next phase of its pandemic
response. The changes separate COVID-19 and non-
COVID-19 services, as much as possible, in order to
minimise the risk of transmission of the virus to patients
and staff. As a result, Cheltenham General Hospital’s
Written Answers 20 July 2020 Page 13
accident and emergency department will operate as a
minor injuries and illness unit, operating 8am to 8pm. The
changes will be reviewed on a three-monthly basis.
China: Uighurs
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 6
July (HL6103), whether they will now answer the
question put, namely, what assessment they have made
of reports that the decline in birth-rates among the
Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region’s ethnic minority
communities may indicate the promotion of a coercive
birth-prevention strategy targeted at ethnoreligious
minority groups; and whether any such targeted
coercive policy would require the UK Government to
consider their obligations, as a signatory to the 1948
Convention on the Crime of Genocide, to prevent,
protect, and hold to account perpetrators. [HL6547]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are aware of reports
that the Chinese Government is using forced sterilisation
to minimise Uyghur birth rates. As the Minister for Asia
set out during an Urgent Question in the House of
Commons on 29 June, these reports add to our concern
about the human rights situation in Xinjiang and we are
considering them carefully. On 9 March the Foreign
Secretary raised our concerns about the human rights
situation in Xinjiang with his Chinese counterpart,
Foreign Minister and State Councillor Wang Yi. On 30
June, the UK read out a statement on behalf of 28
countries at the 44th session of the UN Human Rights
Council highlighting concerns about arbitrary detention,
widespread surveillance and restrictions in Xinjiang.
Common Purpose: Expenditure
Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
To ask Her Majesty's Government what has been the
total sum they have spent buying places on Common
Purpose courses during each of the last 20 years; and to
detail exactly (1) how, and (2) where, such expenditure
is recorded. [HL6784]
Lord True: No centrally held record of expenditure on
training or learning is maintained covering the entirety of
the period specified.
Common Purpose is not a provider of training through
Civil Service Learning.
Company Accounts
Asked by Lord Myners
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they
have to introduce an equivalent of the US Sarbanes-
Oxley Act 2002 in the UK; and what assessment they
have made of whether any such legislation would (1)
increase confidence in company accounts, and (2)
reduce fraud. [HL6501]
Lord Callanan: The Independent Review of the
Financial Reporting Council recommended that
government should consider the case for adopting a
strengthened framework around internal controls on a
similar basis to the Sarbanes-Oxley regime in the US. In
response, the Government is exploring options in this area
and will bring forward a detailed consultation in due
course.
The Review heard that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, passed
in 2002, has led to better financial reporting, with a lower
incidence of significant accounting re-statements, but also
recognised the higher costs for companies. Any
strengthening of the UK regime would need to take
account of the UK’s well-established internal control
framework comprising interlocking company law
requirements, Listing Rules, UK Corporate Governance
Code provisions and auditor responsibilities.
Conflict Resolution: Females
Asked by Lord Tunnicliffe
To ask Her Majesty's Government how much the
Ministry of Defence has spent on training related to (1)
the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and (2)
preventing sexual violence initiatives, in (a) 2016, (b)
2017, (c) 2018, (d) 2019, and (e) 2020 to date.
[HL6646]
Baroness Goldie: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) are
unable to answer the noble Lord’s question due to the way
funding is tracked and division of policy areas. Defence
have approached the implementation of UNSCR 1325 in
military operations through a combination of dedicated
training courses and specific modules added to existing
training.
In support of the UK National Action Plan on Women,
Peace and Security 2018 – 2022, the MOD have issued a
Joint Service Publication 1325; ‘Human Security in
Military Operations’ supported by a two-week Human
security Advisers Course. This provides an advanced
understanding of Defence’s role in the prevention of
sexual violence in conflict through; gendered approaches
to planning and operations, appropriate response to
survivors, and reporting mechanisms.
Tailored modules have also been embedded to routine
training for; deploying peacekeepers, overseas capacity
building for troop contributing countries, military
planners, policy advisers, Defence Attachés and
headquarters and units across the Royal Navy, the Army
and the RAF at home and overseas.
Contact Tracing: Coronavirus
Asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
advice by the Scientific Advisory Group for
Emergencies that delays over 72 hours in contacting
individuals who have been in close contact with
Page 14 20 July 2020 Written Answers
someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 will
have a detrimental effect on the 'R' value for COVID-
19, what steps they are taking to ensure that all such
individuals are traced within 72 hours. [HL6147]
Lord Bethell: The Government launched its NHS Test
and Trace service on 28 May 2020 to control the rate of
reproduction (R), reduce the spread of the virus and save
lives.
The contact tracing process starts as soon as NHS Test
and Trace receive notification that someone has tested
positive for COVID-19. We are reaching the close
contacts of thousands of positive cases and we are
encouraged by the progress so far and user feedback.
NHS Test and Trace statistics published on 9 July show
that since 28 May 90.3% (17,322) of people who tested
positive for COVID-19 were successfully reached and
asked to provide details about close contacts within 48
hours (for non-complex cases only). Additionally, 83.4%
(22,574) of people identified as recent close contacts were
reached and advised to self-isolate within 24 hours of
being identified (for non-complex cases only).
Currently we only have timings for each part of the
process rather than the end to end journey, so we can say
how many people received test results within 24 hours,
how many people who tested positive were reached
within 24 hours (for non-complex cases only) and how
many people who were identified as contacts were
reached within 24 hours (for non-complex cases only).
Coronavirus: Birmingham
Asked by Lord Blencathra
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the request made by the Director of
Public Health for Birmingham City Council for an
investigation into a possible link to the Black Lives
Matter protests in Birmingham with an increase in
COVID-19 cases in that city; and what steps they are
taking, if any, to support that investigation. [HL6403]
Lord Bethell: A specific analysis to investigate the
relationship between the demonstrations and the
subsequent number of COVID-19 cases would be
difficult, since there is no requirement for individuals to
report attendance at a demonstration or protest and,
therefore, the necessary data would not be available.
Following a request by the Director of Public Health for
Birmingham to investigate a spike in COVID-19 cases
between the 14-16 June and whether this could be related
to the Black Lives Matter protests in Birmingham on 4
June, analysis of pillar 1 and pillar 2 test counts in
Birmingham by ethnicity throughout June 2020 is being
undertaken. The number of confirmed cases in
Birmingham continued to decline overall during this
period.
Coronavirus: Demonstrations
Asked by Lord Blencathra
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there has
been any correlation identified between (1) an increase
in COVID-19 cases, and (2) the mass demonstrations
held in cities in England in June. [HL6402]
Lord Bethell: Demonstrations in England are reported
to have occurred in the first three weeks of June 2020.
Some of these demonstrations appear to have been large,
reportedly involving hundreds or thousands of people in
different locations, including major cities. Public Health
England has not performed a specific analysis to
investigate the relationship between the demonstrations
and the subsequent number of COVID-19 cases; such an
analysis would not be possible, since there is no
requirement for individuals to report attendance at a
demonstration or protest and, therefore, the necessary data
would not be available.
Since the start of June, the daily number of laboratory-
confirmed cases in England has continued to decrease
steadily and consistently, from 1,311 cases on 1 June to
386 cases on 28 June.
Coronavirus: Disease Control
Asked by Lord Watson of Invergowrie
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they
have for mass media campaigns on COVID-19
guidance to target (1) adults aged 60 and over, (2) those
designated as clinically vulnerable, and (3) those
designated as clinically extremely vulnerable. [HL5263]
Lord Bethell: At present, there are media campaigns
using television, print, radio, and digital that target adults
over the age of 65. There are not currently any plans for
media campaigns targeted towards the clinically
vulnerable and extremely clinically vulnerable. There is
guidance available for these groups online at GOV.UK
and this guidance has been promoted online through the
National Health Service and Every Mind Matters sites.
The impact of communications is constantly monitored
and optimised on a regular basis.
Asked by Lord Campbell-Savours
To ask Her Majesty's Government to what extent the
'R' rate for COVID-19 includes an assessment of the
number of people who self-treat at home with no
hospital or emergency services intervention. [HL6052]
Lord Bethell: R is estimated by a number of
independent modelling groups based at universities and
Public Health England. Evidence from the different
models is considered, discussed, combined, and then a
consensus estimate is presented to the Scientific Advisory
Group for Emergencies as a range.
Written Answers 20 July 2020 Page 15
Individual modelling groups use a variety of different
data sources to estimate R. This includes epidemiological
data such as the number of hospital admissions and
deaths, and surveys that gather information on the
behaviour of individuals. The models include assumptions
about numbers of individuals who require no health
service intervention which are informed by a range of
studies including household infection surveys.
Coronavirus: Screening
Asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many postal
COVID-19 tests have been returned to laboratories for
each day since the scheme began; and (1) how many,
and (2) what percentage of, the tests administered by
post have been discounted because swabbed material
was not effectively collected. [HL5350]
Lord Bethell: As of 16 June, 3% of home test kits have
been returned void. We continue to work with our
partners to ensure home testing kits are of the highest
standard, user friendly and easy to return back for
processing.
Customs
Asked by Lord Birt
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they
have to publish a response to the questions set out in the
reported letter from the Secretary of State for
International Trade to the Chancellor of the Exchequer
and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 8 July
about the new UK border regime to be introduced from
2021. [HL6759]
Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: As the noble Lord will
be aware, HM Government does not comment on leaked
documents. However, as set out by my Rt. Hon. Friend
the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 13 July, we
have set out comprehensive guidance on the movement of
goods between Great Britain and the EU after the end of
the transition period.
This Border Operating Model provides clarity and
certainty to the border industry and businesses on the core
customs processes that all importers and exporters will
need to complete, and some additional processes that
apply to only certain products.
Cyprus: Military Bases
Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
Written Answer by Baroness Sugg on 2 July (HL5932),
what assessment they have made of the difference in the
rights of (1) Turkish, and (2) Greek, Cypriots in Cyprus
since the 1974 coup d'etat; and to list each meeting the
British High Commissioner to Cyprus has had with
representatives of (1) Turkish, and (2) Greek, Cypriot
communities since 2014. [HL6496]
Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
Written Answer by Baroness Sugg on 2 July (HL5932),
whether their agreement with the government of Cyprus
on the regulation of non-military development in the
Sovereign Base Areas in 2014 was (1) debated in
Parliament, and (2) informed by consultation with
representatives of the Turkish Cypriot community.
[HL6497]
Baroness Sugg: The 2014 arrangement on non-military
development of the Sovereign Base Areas is a non-legally
binding arrangement between the UK Government and
the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. It was not
debated in the UK Parliament. The arrangement was
discussed with representatives of the Turkish Cypriot
community prior to and following its signature.
The Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment
(SEIA) report prepared for the draft Policy Statement and
zoning maps of the SBAs, all published on 10th June
2020, are the result of extensive engagement and
collaboration from 2014 onwards. The public consultation
on the SEIA is open to Turkish Cypriots and related
documents have been made available in Turkish.
We recognise that the status quo in Cyprus causes
serious difficulties for both Turkish Cypriots and Greek
Cypriots, including as a result of dispossession of
property, enforced relocation of communities, and the
problem of missing persons. We believe that the best way
to secure the rights of all Cypriots is through a
comprehensive agreement in accordance with UN
resolutions.
The High Commissioner continues to engage with
representatives and members of the Turkish Cypriot
community to answer questions, as do the Sovereign Base
Areas Administration. The UK is committed to securing
and promoting the rights of all residents and property-
owners in the SBAs, regardless of whether they are Greek
or Turkish Cypriot, and will continue working with all
Cypriots to that end. A complete list of each of the
meetings held with the two communities since 2014 is not
held, given their frequency.
Diabetes: Coronavirus
Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are
taking to reduce the number of diabetic patients whose
eyesight may be damaged due to delayed care during
the COVID-19 pandemic. [HL6256]
Lord Bethell: NHS England and NHS Improvement
have put extra measures in place during the COVID-19
pandemic so that people living with diabetes can continue
to receive care. Diabetic Eye Screening (DES) services
have not been paused during the COVID-19 pandemic,
however, the availability of screening facilities, and in
some cases the need to redeploy staff, has led to
rescheduling of DES appointments.
Page 16 20 July 2020 Written Answers
DES providers are now working to restore full
screening services, prioritising those most at risk of sight
loss, followed by those who attended their last screening
invitation and for whom there were no signs of eye
damage.
Disability: Coronavirus
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the report by the Oxford University
Disability Law and Policy Project and the Bonavero
Institute of Human Rights An Affront to Dignity,
Inclusion and Equality, published on 2 July, in
particular its recommendations (1) that all legislation
passed during the COVID-19 pandemic should be
reviewed to ensure that the duties under the Equality
Act 2010 and the UN Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities are met, and (2) that a
COVID-19 disability inclusive response and recovery
group should be established to ensure that disabled
people are central in the decision making relating to
economic and social recovery following the pandemic.
[HL6704]
Baroness Stedman-Scott: The Government notes the
recommendations in the report by Oxford University on
“An Affront to Dignity, Inclusion and Equality”.
The Cabinet Office Disability Unit continues to work
with disability stakeholders and across Government
Departments to ensure that the needs of disabled people
are considered in the UK Government’s response to
COVID-19.
We are clear that consideration of equality impacts
must be integral in all key policy decisions. All equality
and discrimination laws and obligations continue to apply
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Government remains committed to the United
Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities, and to the progressive realisation of the rights
for disabled people that it sets out.
The National Strategy for Disabled People is a key
manifesto commitment for this Government and its
delivery remains important for ministers, including No.
10. Its significance is even greater, as we re-build the
UK’s economy and society following the COVID-19
pandemic. We are now focusing on meaningful
engagement with stakeholders, strengthening our
evidence base and keeping momentum to deliver the high
ambition strategy that the Prime Minister has called for.
Drinks: Sugar
Asked by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the effectiveness of warning labels
on sugary drinks including on (1) carbonated soft
drinks, (2) fruit-flavoured drinks and, (3) energy drinks.
[HL6282]
Asked by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they
have to limit (1) the size of servings of obesogenic
drinks such as carbonated soft drinks, fruit juice, fruit-
flavoured drinks and energy drinks, and (2) promotions
encouraging customers to "size-up" servings at low
cost. [HL6283]
Asked by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they
have to require restaurants and takeaways to include on
their menus (1) calorific information about each dish or
item, and (2) information about the number of servings
of fruits and vegetables contained in each dish or item,
including when this figure is zero. [HL6284]
Lord Bethell: To ensure United Kingdom labelling
remains effective for consumers, we will consider a range
of measures to build on the success of our current ‘traffic
light’ nutritional labelling scheme.
All sectors of the drinks industry have been challenged
to reduce sugar levels in juice-based drinks by 5% by
2021. The reductions can be achieved through reducing
the number of calories and/or portion size of products and
shifting consumer purchasing towards lower or no added
sugar products.
Public Health England oversees the voluntary sugar
reduction and wider reformulation programme on behalf
of the Government, as set out in all chapters of the
childhood obesity plan and the 2019 Prevention Green
Paper. We have seen some important successes including
the average sugar content of drinks subject to the soft
drinks industry levy decreasing by 28% between 2015 and
2018.
We will be setting out our responses to the
consultations on restricting promotions of products high
in fat, sugar and salt by location and by price, and calorie
labelling in the out-of-home sector as soon as we can.
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency:
Fringe Benefits and Pay
Asked by Earl Attlee
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the salary
range for Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency-
employed heavy vehicle testers who undertake tests at
authorised testing facilities; and what travel allowances
are available to them. [HL6430]
Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Vehicle Standards
Assessors (VSA) conduct heavy goods vehicle (HGV)
tests at Authorised Testing Facilities (ATF).
The basic annual salary for a VSA is £21,167 plus a
technical recruitment allowance of £2,590 per annum. In
addition, they receive one of two payments dependent on
their committed availability to be scheduled for testing as
follows:
Written Answers 20 July 2020 Page 17
Option A:
An annual payment of £2,400 for being scheduled
between 06:00 – 22:00 Monday to Friday and 06:00 –
18:00 Saturday
Option B:
An annual payment of £3,500 for being scheduled in
line with Option A above plus:
06:00 – 18:00 Sunday
06:00 – 18:00 Bank Holiday
22:00 – 06:00 Monday – Friday
18:00 – 06:00 Saturday – Sunday & Bank Holidays
This means the financial package available to VSAs is
between £26,157 and £27,257. This is subject to normal
Civil Service pay review which, following TU
negotiation, is effective from 1 October annually.
VSAs may have a lease car provided by the Driver and
Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and can claim work
relate mileage at the rate set by HMRC: currently this is
8p or 9p mile dependent on engine size. DVSA
employees who use their own car for work purposes can
claim either 25p or 35p per mile depending on the length
of employment.
Education: Travellers
Asked by Baroness Whitaker
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their
expected timetable for implementing the Council of
Europe Committee of Ministers’ recommendation of 1
July that the governments of Member States should
include Roma and Travellers’ history in school
curricula and teaching materials. [HL6546]
Baroness Berridge: The history curriculum gives
teachers and schools the freedom to use specific examples
from history to teach pupils about the history of Britain
and the wider world.
Gypsy, Roma and Travellers’ history can already be
taught as part of schools offering a broad and balanced
curriculum. Resources are available from experts in the
communities themselves and bodies such as the Historical
Association.
As part of Holocaust education, a wide array of
resources are available to help teachers explain the
persecution by the Nazis of different groups of people.
The Holocaust Educational Trust’s Lessons from
Auschwitz programme and the knowledge and training
provided by the Centre for Holocaust Education include
information and resources to support an understanding of
the Holocaust and the Nazi’s persecution of other non-
Jewish groups including the genocide of the Roma.
Electric Vehicles: VAT
Asked by Baroness Randerson
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they
have, if any, to extend the reduction in VAT announced
on 8 July to the purchase of electric vehicles. [HL6688]
Lord Agnew of Oulton: VAT is a broad-based tax on
consumption and the standard rate of 20 per cent applies
to most goods and services. As was acknowledged at
Budget 2020, VAT makes a significant contribution
towards the public finances and helps fund the
Government's spending priorities including health,
schools, and defence.
Although the Government keeps all taxes under review,
there are no plans to change the VAT treatment of electric
vehicles at present.
Electricity Generation: Carbon Emissions
Asked by Lord Ravensdale
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the potential for investment in zero
emissions electricity systems to stimulate economic
recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, including (1)
additional renewables capacity, (2) additional nuclear
capacity, and (3) storage, transmission and distribution
systems. [HL6508]
Lord Callanan: In his speech of 30 June, my Rt. Hon.
Friend the Prime Minister made clear that in recovering
from COVID-19, we must build back better, build back
greener, build back faster, and to do that at the pace that
this moment requires. Our economy must be cleaner,
more sustainable, and more resilient.
Renewable and low carbon energy are important in the
delivery of our Net Zero target and will help drive new
jobs and growth across the UK.
The Government announced on 2 March 2020 that, in
addition to offshore wind, onshore wind and solar projects
can bid for contracts in the next Contracts for Difference
allocation round planned for 2021. At the budget, my Rt.
Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer announced
an ambitious support package for our low-carbon
economy including £800 million funding to deploy the
first carbon capture and storage cluster in the UK. These
announcements reflect our commitment to reach our net
zero target, through a sustainable, diverse, and resilient
energy system and capture economic opportunities in
doing so.
Nuclear power has the potential to play a key role in
achieving net zero and as the Prime Minister noted in his
30 June speech is an important UK innovation sector. We
consulted on a Regulated Asset Base (RAB) financing
model to enable new nuclear projects last year and are
considering the responses we received – we will publish
our response in due course. We also awarded an initial
£18m R&D grant, under the Industrial Strategy Challenge
Fund, to a Rolls-Royce led consortium developing an
SMR design last year, with a decision to be taken on
possibility of further grant of c.£200m later in 2020.
Economic recovery post Covid-19 is clearly a new
context in which future investment decisions will be
taken.
Electricity storage has a key role to play in
decarbonising our energy system. We are facilitating
Page 18 20 July 2020 Written Answers
investment in storage through delivering the actions set
out in the Smart Systems and Flexibility Plan, including
creating a best-in-class regulatory framework and
reforming markets. Energy network regulation is a matter
for Ofgem, as the independent regulator, and Ofgem is
considering how the upcoming network price controls, for
example, can help stimulate the recovery while delivering
net zero at the lowest cost to consumers. Government will
continue to engage with Ofgem on these issues.
Environment Protection: Treaties
Asked by The Earl of Caithness
To ask Her Majesty's Government how much money
they have spent in each financial year since 2015 to
support the development and implementation of (1)
the Convention on Biological Diversity, (2) the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, (3)
the United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification, (4) the Ramsar Convention, (5) the
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species
of Wild Animals, (6) the African–Eurasian Waterbird
Agreement, (7) the Convention on International Trade
in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, (8) the
Berne Convention on the Conservation of European
Wildlife and Natural Habitats, and (9) the
Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services; and for each such
agreement and body, how much of that money was (a) a
voluntary, and (b) a mandatory, contribution. [HL6439]
Asked by The Earl of Caithness
To ask Her Majesty's Government what (1) strategies,
and (2) resources, they have (a) put, or (b) are putting,
in place to ensure that the UK continues (i) to benefit
from, and (ii) to engage with, biodiversity-related
multilateral environmental agreements following the
UK's departure from the EU. [HL6440]
Asked by The Earl of Caithness
To ask Her Majesty's Government how much staff
resource from the Department for Environment, Food,
and Rural Affairs in each financial year since 2015 has
been used to support the development and
implementation of (1) the Convention on Biological
Diversity, (2) the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change, (3) the United Nations
Convention to Combat Desertification, (4) the Ramsar
Convention, (5) the Convention on the Conservation of
Migratory Species of Wild Animals, (6) the African–
Eurasian Waterbird Agreement, (7) the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora, (8) the Berne Convention on the
Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural
Habitats, and (9) the Intergovernmental Science-Policy
Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.
[HL6441]
Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The information
requested on money spent and staff resources to support
development and implementation of the listed agreements
and bodies is not held centrally. Compiling it would be a
complex exercise incurring disproportionate costs. We
have therefore provided the information that is readily
available below.
As a Party or Member of these Conventions,
Agreements and Bodies, the UK is required to make
financial contributions to support their development and
implementation. Details of the mandatory and voluntary
financial contributions made will be publicly available in
their financial records. The UK’s mandatory contributions
to the conventions and bodies listed amount to more than
£18 million since 2015[1].
The UK also implements these agreements through
financing a large number of cross-cutting programmes
and activities. One example is the world-renowned
Darwin Initiative which delivers on multiple international
commitments and on the UK’s wider ambitions for the
protection of global biodiversity. The Darwin Initiative
has committed £57 million since 2015.
Staff resources are in place to work directly on UK
input to the listed agreements and organisations and also
on programmes to implement them. Given the cyclical
timetable of the global meetings of the Conventions and
Agreements and the changing nature of the topics which
they cover, staff resources are adjusted over time to
ensure the UK is able to participate effectively in them.
For this reason, it is difficult to accurately quantify the
staff resources that have been involved since 2015.
The UK Government is fully committed to putting
nature at the heart of our plans for tackling the interlinked
global crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. Our
departure from the EU presents an important opportunity
for the UK to play a stronger global role and in some
areas this will require additional resource. Efforts are
underway to make sure that resources are available in
order that we seize these opportunities, starting with
securing an ambitious set of post-2020 global biodiversity
targets at CBD COP15 and successful hosting of COP-26.
[1] Based on current exchange rates. Some
subscriptions are paid in non-sterling currencies.
EU Countries: British Nationals Abroad
Asked by Viscount Waverley
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 6
July (HL6037), to list the countries in the EU which (1)
do, or (2) do not, adequately protect the interests of UK
citizens resident in those countries. [HL6540]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Withdrawal
Agreement protects the rights of EU citizens in the UK
and UK nationals in the EU who are lawfully resident by
the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020. It
ensures they can continue to live, work, study and access
benefits and services, such as healthcare, broadly as they
do now. As is the case with other parts of EU law, the
Withdrawal Agreement has direct effect in the EU and is
Written Answers 20 July 2020 Page 19
binding on all Member States. These protections have
supremacy over any national legislation in Member States
that could be inconsistent with the Withdrawal Agreement
now or in the future. We do not assess, at this time, that
any Member States are not adequately protecting citizens'
rights but we are closely monitoring the situation across
the EU and we are providing the latest advice to UK
nationals resident there via our Living in Guides on
GOV.UK.
Furthermore, the Government wrote to the European
Commission on 14 May to set out our view on where
progress on implementation could improve. The European
Commission responded on 28 May, agreeing to work to
address them in advance of the Part Two provisions
coming into effect at the end of the transition period. The
Government is working closely with all Member States on
correct and timely implementation of the Withdrawal
Agreement, via our network of Embassies, High
Commissions and Consulates. The Specialised Committee
on Citizens' Rights has also started its work to oversee the
implementation and application of Part Two. Any
breaches that we become aware of, leading to a loss of
rights for UK nationals, during the transition period or in
the future, will be raised at this Committee and escalated
to the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee if
required.
Flood Control
Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
assessment they have made of any improvements
required to protect communities from flash flooding and
more frequent flooding events. [HL6514]
Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The UK Climate
Projections 2018 (UKCP18) provide crucial information
about how we can expect our climate to change over
future decades. More intense rainfall, more extreme
weather and wetter winters are projected to increase the
threat of damage and disruption as a result of all types of
flooding.
The Government is investing £1.2 billion for a state-of-
the-art supercomputer to improve severe weather and
climate forecasting which will help to predict storms more
accurately and select the most appropriate locations for
flood defences. Forecasting improvements will also help
to predict better the likelihood of rain that might lead to
flooding from surface water.
We have committed to double the amount we invest in
the flood and coastal defence programme in England to
£5.2 billion over six years, better protecting 336,000
homes and non-residential properties. According to
Environment Agency modelling, this will reduce national
flood risk by up to 11% by 2027.
In April we announced changes to how the Government
funding is allocated to flood projects, including the
introduction of a new risk category which will enable
schemes that prevent surface water flooding to qualify for
more funding.
In July 2018 the Government published the Surface
Water Management Action Plan. This sets out the steps
we are taking, with the Environment Agency and others,
to manage the risk of surface water flooding. It includes
22 actions both to improve our understanding of the risks
and to strengthen delivery. These cover: improving risk
assessment and communication; making sure
infrastructure is resilient; clarifying responsibilities for
surface water management; joining up planning for
surface water management; and building local authority
capacity.
As a result of the Government's Strategic Policy
Statement to Ofwat, the 2019 Price Review includes more
than £1 billion to reduce the impact of flooding on
communities across England and Wales.
Last week the Government published its long-term plan
to tackle the risks of flooding and coastal erosion. The
plans include £200 million for innovative projects such as
sustainable drainage systems and nature-based solutions
like temporary or permanent water storage areas which
also boost wildlife. These will support 25 areas at risk of
flooding to test and demonstrate innovative actions to
adapt to a changing climate and improve their resilience.
In addition, up to £170 million will be spent to
accelerate work on shovel-ready flood defence schemes
that will begin construction in 2020 or 2021. 22 areas
across the country will benefit from this immediate boost
to jobs supporting the local economy as communities
recover from the impact of coronavirus.
Flood Control: Yorkshire and the Humber
Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they
have to hold the summit on flooding to put in place
defensive measures in Yorkshire, announced in
response to the November 2019 floods. [HL6513]
Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The Government
recognises the impact that flooding has had on individuals
and local communities and sympathises with all those
affected. Following the November flooding, the
Government worked quickly to respond and activated the
Government Flood Recovery Framework and Property
Flood Resilience grants to aid people in getting back on
their feet as quickly as possible.
Last week the Government published its long-term plan
to tackle the risks of flooding and coastal erosion. The
plans include £200 million for innovative projects such as
sustainable drainage systems and nature-based solutions
like temporary or permanent water storage areas which
also boost wildlife. These will support 25 areas at risk of
flooding to test and demonstrate innovative actions to
adapt to a changing climate and improve their resilience.
In addition, up to £170 million will be spent to
accelerate work on shovel-ready flood defence schemes
that will begin construction in 2020 or 2021. 22 areas
Page 20 20 July 2020 Written Answers
across the country will benefit from this immediate boost
to jobs supporting the local economy as communities
recover from the impact of coronavirus. Up to
approximately £50 million of this funding will be
invested in Yorkshire to bring forward flood schemes in
Leeds, Sheffield and Hebden Bridge.
We are continuing to work on preparations for a
focused roundtable with Yorkshire MPs, and other
stakeholders, which Defra will host. Officials were
working to identify a date before the Covid-19 restrictions
came into effect. We are seeking to make alternative
arrangements.
Food: Safety
Asked by Lord Rooker
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of research conducted by the University
of Southampton into foodborne pathogens and the
effect of chlorine washing of salad products and meat,
in particular the study Viable but nonculturable Listeria
monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica Thompson
induced by chlorine stress remain infectious, published
on 18 April 2018. [HL6325]
Lord Bethell: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has
advised that it is aware of this research. The FSA’s view
is that whilst it is plausible that viable but nonculturable
cells could potentially cause foodborne disease, to date
there is no documented evidence that demonstrates this
occurs in the food chain. There remains a high level of
uncertainty over the likelihood of occurrence and
conditions that would be needed for this to happen but the
FSA will continue to review the literature and monitor the
latest developments on the topic.
Garages and Petrol Stations: Alternative
Fuels
Asked by Lord Oates
To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration
they have given to introducing a requirement on petrol
forecourts to provide (1) electric recharging, and (2)
hydrogen refuelling, facilities; and what assessment
they have made of the feasibility of such a policy.
[HL6503]
Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Government’s view
is that the market is often better placed to identify the
right locations for chargepoints and we encourage the
private sector to invest in and operate a self-sustaining
public network supported by the right policy framework.
On 1 April 2020, there were 17,947 public electric vehicle
charging devices available in the UK, 3,107 of which
were rapid devices. In the first three months of 2020,
1,436 more devices were available in total, an increase of
9%. Rapid devices also increased by 283, up 10% on the
previous quarter.
The Automated and Electric Vehicles Act (AEVA)
provides the Government with a range of powers to
improve the charging experience for current and future
users, including compelling fuel retailers to install
chargepoints. The Government has had a number of
discussions with representatives of fuel retailers about the
provision of electric vehicle chargepoints at service
stations and petrol forecourts, and we shall continue to
explore options with them.
In May, the Government published an ambitious vision
for rapid charging infrastructure along strategic roads in
England over the next decade, setting out the number of
rapid chargepoints that will be located across motorways
and major A roads to meet the future demand for electric
vehicle charging. Currently, a driver is never more than
25 miles away from a rapid (50 kilowatt) chargepoint
anywhere along England’s motorways and major A roads,
with a total of 809 open-access rapid chargepoints, as of 1
January 2020. This includes an average of 2 rapid
chargepoints at motorway service areas with more being
rolled out over the next year.
The UK is well placed to be a leader in hydrogen fuel
cell powered transportation and we are supporting
hydrogen where the market favours its use. The UK has
one of the largest hydrogen refuelling station networks in
Europe. The Government’s £23m Hydrogen for Transport
Programme is increasing the uptake of fuel cell electric
vehicles and delivering new refuelling stations and
upgrading some existing stations, as well as deploying
hundreds of new hydrogen vehicles.
Genito-urinary Medicine: Equality
Asked by Lord Black of Brentwood
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are
taking to ensure that the upcoming National Sexual and
Reproductive Health Strategy will tackle sexual health
inequalities experienced by (1) BAME communities,
(2) trans and non-binary, including gender diverse,
people, (3) gay and bisexual men and women, and (4)
people living in poverty. [HL6434]
Lord Bethell: The development of the national sexual
health and reproductive health strategy was paused during
the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that we are moving
forward with the Government’s COVID-19 recovery
strategy, work on the strategy will be restarting shortly.
We will consider issues around inequalities, tackling
stigma and discrimination and other relevant issues as part
of the strategy development.
Green Homes Grant Scheme
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Salisbury
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of
the green homes grant on 8 July (HC Deb, col 976),
whether (1) clergy housing, and (2) buildings open to
the public and run by charities, such as churches, are
eligible for that grant. [T] [HL6798]
Written Answers 20 July 2020 Page 21
Lord Callanan: In his Summer Economic Update, my
Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer
announced a £2bn Green Home Grant scheme that will
support homeowners and landlords in England to improve
the energy efficiency of their properties, reducing energy
bills and carbon emissions, and supporting a green
economic recovery.
The funding will be spent on paying for accredited
tradespeople to install a range of measures, for example
insulation, to improve the energy performance of their
homes.
Further detail on eligibility will be announced before
the full launch of the scheme.
High Speed 2 Railway Line: Annual Reports
Asked by Lord Berkeley
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will
place in the Library of the House copies of all reports
required to be produced under section 2 of the High
Speed Rail (Preparation) Act 2013; and, if so, to include
the dates on which those reports were presented to
Parliament. [HL6432]
Baroness Vere of Norbiton: There have been four
reports published under the High-Speed (Preparation) Act
2013, covering the periods from:
21 November 2013 - 31 March 2015, published in
November 2015
1 April 2015 – 31 March 2016, published in October
2016
1 April 2016 - 31 March 2017, published in October
2017
1 April 2017 - 31 March 2018, published in March
2019
The expenditure report of 1 April 2015 – 31 March
2016, was placed in the libraries of both Houses in
October 2016.
We will place the other copies of the published reports
in the libraries of both Houses, as well as the upcoming
report covering the period 1 April 2018 – 31 March 2019,
once published.
The answer includes the following attached material:
HS2 Prep Act 2013-15 (HS2 Preparation Act 2013 Expenditure
Report - Nov 2013 - Mar 2015.pdf)
HS2 Prep Act 2016-17 (hsr-preparation-act-annual-expenditure-
report-2016-2017-web-edition.pdf)
HS2 Prep Act 2017-18 (hs2-annual-expenditure-report-2017-18-
web-document.pdf)
Huawei: Security
Asked by Viscount Waverley
To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance, if
any, they provide to members of the public about the
security of Huawei products. [HL6594]
Baroness Barran: The National Cyber Security Centre
(NCSC) provides a range of guidance to the public on
how to secure their devices and accounts when using
online services:
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/information-
for/individuals-families.
They generally do not produce guidance for members
of the public on how to secure specific devices, but
encourage that they read the information provided by the
manufacturer.
In May 2019, in light of US sanctions against Huawei,
the NCSC published advice for Huawei customers
detailing the potential impact on customers in the UK.
The NCSC updates its advice when necessary.
Hydrogen
Asked by Lord Oates
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the steps taken by the EU to
establish the Clean Hydrogen Alliance; and what steps
they are taking to establish a formal working group for
regular engagement with industry in the UK about the
use of hydrogen as an energy source. [HL6504]
Lord Callanan: We recognise that the scale up and
demonstration of hydrogen’s potential in meeting Paris
commitments is a global challenge. We are an active
member of Mission Innovation and the International
Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy.
Since the UK has left the European Union, we are seeking
to engage and cooperate with the EU on hydrogen
through normal diplomatic channels. Therefore, the UK
will not attend EU meetings or working groups on this
topic other than in exceptional circumstances. Whilst the
UK is leaving the EU single market, it remains an
important part of the gas supply system for North West
Europe. The UK, including industry, can expect to work
cooperatively with its neighbours to sustain this mutually
beneficial relationship into the future as the methane gas
market is decarbonised, potentially leading to a European
hydrogen market.
Immigration: EU Nationals
Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any new
UK–EU arrangements relating to the welfare of
immigrants have been put in place since the UK’s
withdrawal from the EU. [HL6519]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: EEA citizens, and
their family members, resident in the UK by 31 December
2020 have until 30 June 2021 to apply for status under the
EU Settlement Scheme. Those who obtain this status have
secured their rights in UK law and so are able to access
benefits and services in the UK on at least the same basis
as they were before being granted that status. No-one’s
Page 22 20 July 2020 Written Answers
access to benefits is restricted or reduced by virtue of an
application to the EU Settlement Scheme.
In the future points-based immigration system, EEA
citizens coming to the UK will be subject to the same
rules as non-EEA citizens, including in relation to access
to benefits and services. This includes the same
safeguards and exceptions for those in genuine need.
In Vitro Fertilisation
Asked by Baroness Deech
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
report by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology
Authority Fertility treatment 2018: trends and figures,
published on 30 June, which reported that "since 2013,
the number of egg and embryo storage cycles increased
fivefold to just under 9,000 cycles in 2018", what plans
they have to expedite legislation to remove the 10-year
time limit for which frozen eggs and embryos can be
stored. [HL6352]
Lord Bethell: The Government ran a public
consultation between 11 February and 5 May 2020,
seeking views about changing the statutory storage limits
for embryos and gametes. The Department is currently
analysing responses. We intend to publish a Government
response to the consultation later this year, which will our
outline our plans.
In the meantime, the Government has given a two-year
extension to all those with embryos and gametes in
storage, who have been affected by delays to treatment
caused by the response to COVID-19. The Human
Fertilisation and Embryology (Statutory Storage Period
for Embryos and Gametes) (Coronavirus) Regulations
2020 were laid on 3 June 2020 and cover anyone who has
not been able to access treatment as a result of the Human
Fertilisation and Embryology Authority temporarily
suspending fertility treatment services on 23 March 2020.
Influenza: Disease Control
Asked by Lord Campbell-Savours
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are
monitoring (1) the prevalence, and (2) the pandemic
potential, of the G4 influenza virus. [HL6350]
Lord Bethell: We continually assess the most
significant threats that the United Kingdom and its
citizens could face, including natural hazard risks such as
a pandemic influenza.
The Government continues to review and improve
surveillance for potentially zoonotic and new and
emerging infections, with early detection through horizon
scanning and epidemic intelligence activities, research,
and continually improving diagnostic techniques for the
identification of zoonotic pathogens.
In line with our standard practice, Public Health
England is undertaking a risk assessment of the G4
influenza virus and we will take any appropriate action
based on robust scientific and clinical advice.
Influenza: Research
Asked by Lord Campbell-Savours
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the studies published by the
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the
University of Sydney and China Agricultural University
on the G4 influenza virus. [HL6349]
Lord Bethell: The article Prevalent Eurasian avian-like
H1N1 swine influenza virus with 2009 pandemic viral
genes facilitating human infection published in
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on 29
June 2020 describes a surveillance study of pigs in
slaughterhouses and a veterinary hospital in China carried
out between 2011 and 2018.
Of the 30,934 samples from 10 different provinces, 165
tested positive for the Eurasian-avian (EA) like H1N1
swine influenza. Of those testing positive, 77 were
selected for genetic sequencing, and 29 were identified as
having the Genotype 4, described by the authors. The use
of a ferret model indicated that the Genotype 4 virus can
infect and transmit.
A serological study (analysis of antibodies in the blood)
of farm workers on 15 farms over the period of the study,
suggests that approximately 10-12% of farm workers had
detectable, specific antibody to G4 H1N1 viruses,
indicative of previous infection. The publication is not
clear if these were farms that were directly related to the
surveillance programme. It would also not be possible to
determine when these infections occurred.
The New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats
Advisory Group is reviewing the risk associated with the
genotype 4 (G4) reassortant Eurasian avian-like (EA)
H1N1 virus, described in this publication.
Infrastructure: Skilled Workers
Asked by Lord Storey
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the skills shortage in the UK for the
infrastructure projects announced by the Prime Minister
on 30 June. [HL6528]
Baroness Berridge: The Employer Skills Survey 2019
gathered labour market intelligence on employer skills
needs and training activity among employers across all
sectors in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. It is the
fifth in the biennial series of Employer Skills Surveys
dating back to 2011. Previous findings are published at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employer-
skills-survey-2017-uk-report.
Findings from the 2019 survey will be published
alongside these on GOV.UK in due course.
The survey collects information from employers
relating to difficulties they have had filling vacancies as a
Written Answers 20 July 2020 Page 23
result of skills shortages in applicants, along with
information on relevant skills lacking in existing staff.
This allows a targeted examination of more detailed skills
requirements for specific sectors.
In addition, to assess skills gaps in the future we are
setting up The Skills and Productivity Board, which will
bring together leading experts to offer independent
analysis and identify new and emerging skills needs.
The Construction Industry Training Board are
delivering a skills stability plan to ensure that the
construction sector continues to focus on training and
skills following the COVID-19 outbreak.
Integrated Review of Security, Defence,
Development and Foreign Policy
Asked by Lord Touhig
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many civil
servants in (1) the Cabinet Office, (2) Number 10, (3)
the Ministry of Defence, (4) the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office, and (5) the Department for
International Development, are working on the
Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development
and Foreign Policy. [HL6538]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Prime Minister will
lead the Integrated Review, which will report into the
National Security Council, with support from a cross-
Whitehall team in Cabinet Office and a small team in
Downing Street. This is a whole-of-government effort
with colleagues from all Government departments
contributing.
Intelligence and Security Committee
Asked by Lord Strasburger
To ask Her Majesty's Government when the members
of the Intelligence and Security Committee will be
nominated. [HL6087]
Asked by Lord Butler of Brockwell
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
Written Answer by Lord True on 29 June
(HL5988), what are the current circumstances delaying
the reappointment of the Intelligence and Security
Committee of Parliament. [HL6301]
Asked by Lord Lucas
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are
taking to facilitate the appointment of the Intelligence
and Security Committee of Parliament; and what
estimate they have made, if any, of when that
Committee will be appointed. [HL6492]
Lord True: The Intelligence and Security Committee
was reconstituted on 14 July 2020.
Intelligence and Security Committee: Russia
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Salisbury
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
Written Answer by Lord True on 29 June (HL6029) and
the remarks by the Home Secretary on 22 June that
“appointments to the [Intelligence and Security]
Committee are taking place and an announcement will
be made in due course on when that will be coming
forward” (HC Deb, col 1085), when they estimate they
will be able to make the announcement about the
appointment of the Intelligence and Security
Committee; and what steps they are taking to ensure
that the Committee is (1) appointed before Parliament
adjourns for the summer recess, and (2) able to publish
the report Russia, sent to the Prime Minister on 17
October 2019. [T] [HL6521]
Lord True: The Intelligence and Security Committee
was reconstituted on 14 July 2020.
The report is the property of the Committee, not the
Government, and it will be up to them to choose when
they wish to publish it. I am sure the Committee will take
note of the Rt. Reverend Prelate’s interest in the
publication of the Report.
Iran: Arms Trade
Asked by Lord Turnberg
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they
have to encourage the United Nations to renew the
sanctions on Iran when they are due for review in
October. [HL6652]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK remains
committed to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
(JCPoA), a reciprocal deal that lifts sanctions in exchange
for tough nuclear limits. Iran has broken the nuclear limits
in the JCPoA and we are working to bring Iran back into
compliance through the deal's Dispute Resolution
Mechanism.
UNSCR 2231, which underpins the JCPoA, includes a
number of clauses designed to allow sanctions to expire
on fixed dates: the UN travel ban and the UN
conventional arms embargo are due to expire in October
2020. E3 Foreign Ministers made clear on 19 June that
the planned expiry of the UN conventional arms embargo
would have major implications for regional security and
stability. We share concerns about Iranian proliferation,
and have repeatedly set out concerns about Iranian
destabilising behaviour. We are working closely with
remaining JCPoA parties to address these issues, as well
as with other members of the UN Security Council.
There are also other sanctions regimes which restrict
Iranian ability to proliferate weapons in the region that
will remain in place after the arms embargo expire. These
include UNSCRs 1540, 1701 and 2216, which prohibit
the proliferation of weapons to Lebanese Hizballah and
Page 24 20 July 2020 Written Answers
the Houthis. The EU arms embargo and UN ballistic
missile restrictions on Iran will also remain in place until
2023. There is an independent EU Iran human rights
sanctions regime, which places trade restrictions on
specified goods and technology which may be used to
repress the civilian population of Iran and on specified
goods and technology which may be used for interception
and monitoring services in Iran. These EU trade
restrictions do not have an expiry date.
Iran: Nuclear Power
Asked by The Marquess of Lothian
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the causes of the incident at the
Natanz nuclear facility in Iran on 2 July. [HL6675]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Following an explosion
on 2 July in a building at the Natanz facility, Iran's
Supreme National Security Council said they knew the
cause but due to "security concerns" further details would
be released at an "appropriate time". We will continue to
monitor Iran's response to this explosion. The IAEA have
confirmed that the location where the incident occurred
did not contain nuclear materials.
Iran: Prisoners
Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick
To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent
discussions they have had with the government of Iran
about the release of (1) Nazanin Zaghari-Radcliffe, (2)
Anoosheh Ashoori, and (3) British-Iranian nationals
held in that country. [HL6572]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Government
remains concerned about the welfare of British-Iranian
dual nationals detained in Iran, including Nazanin
Zaghari-Radcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori. Iran does not
recognise dual nationality and therefore does not permit
access to British-Iranian detainees.
We continue to urge the Iranian Government to
immediately release all UK dual nationals arbitrarily
detained in Iran - to enable them to return to their families
in the UK.
We continue to raise their cases at the most senior
levels, and discuss them at every opportunity with our
Iranian counterparts. Our Ambassador in Tehran
consistently raises all of our dual national detainees with
the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Our Embassy in
Tehran continues to request consular access to our
detained dual nationals, and we have been supporting
their families since being made aware of their detentions.
Iraq: Internally Displaced People
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the
recommendations to the UN Human Rights Council in
the report Visit to Iraq: Report of the Special
Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced
persons, published on 13 May, what discussions they
intend to have with the government of Iraq about (1)
adopting "a comprehensive legal and policy framework
to address the situation of survivors of conflict-related
sexual violence, many of whom remain in
displacement, including by providing reparation
through a comprehensive, inclusive and survivor
centred reparation programme and expanding the
proposed Yazidi reparations law and survivors’ grants"
and (2) undertaking "comprehensive dialogue with
communities affected by ISIL atrocities, in particular
ethnic and religious minorities, to establish transitional
justice mechanisms, to seek the truth about violations
and to provide reparation, rebuilding trust between the
population and the State and providing institutional
guarantees of non-repetition". [HL6552]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK is committed to
championing wider restorative justice efforts for survivors
of conflict-related sexual violence and holding
perpetrators to account. The UK has provided significant
support to survivors of sexual violence in Iraq. Our
Embassy in Baghdad has regular discussions with the
Government of Iraq and the UN Investigative Team for
the Accountability of Daesh (UNITAD), encouraging
close co-operation between them to achieve justice for the
victims of Daesh's crimes in Iraq. We welcome the fact
that UNITAD is expanding its engagement with
witnesses, survivors and impacted communities.
We are supporting the development of inclusive and
representative reconciliation processes, involving Yazidis
and other minorities who faced appalling suffering under
Daesh, at both national and community levels in Iraq. We
also remain committed to supporting Iraq to prevent
Daesh resurgence, as the Foreign Secretary reaffirmed to
new Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein on 25 June.
Israel: Visas
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether a
distinction is made between Israelis who live in Israel
and those who live in the Occupied Palestinian
Territories when deciding whether Israelis are eligible
for the six-month visa waiver to the UK. [HL6532]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: Nationals or citizens
of Israel who hold a full Israeli passport do not require a
visa to come to the UK as a visitor or for any other
purpose, for less than six months. Each applicant is
assessed against a set of suitability and eligibility criteria
under the Immigration Rules. Applicants are considered
on their merits, regardless of where they live.
Large Goods Vehicles: Coronavirus
Asked by Earl Attlee
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether heavy
goods vehicle (HGV) operators are expected to carry
Written Answers 20 July 2020 Page 25
out six-weekly safety inspections during the COVID-19
pandemic; whether they are conducting such
inspections; and if so, why it is not possible to carry out
statutory MOT tests on HGVs. [HL6429]
Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Heavy goods vehicle
(HGV) operators are expected to maintain their vehicles
in order to ensure their safety at all times. During the
COVID-19 pandemic, specific guidance relating to
periodic maintenance inspections was published by the
Traffic Commissioners, setting out circumstances in
which inspection periods may be extended.
Primary legislation identifies annual testing for heavy
goods vehicles as distinct from the MOT scheme. For
most heavy vehicles the statutory annual tests are an
independent check which supplements the periodic
maintenance inspections. Permitting a wider range of
testers for the statutory annual HGV test would require
significant work to establish a regime which assures the
quality and independence of testing and manages road
safety risk and financial incentives.
Large Goods Vehicles: Testing
Asked by Earl Attlee
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many heavy
goods vehicles have been issued with a certificate of
temporary exemption from plating or testing under
section 53(5) of the Road Traffic Act 1988, during each
of the last five calendar years before 31 December
2019. [HL6428]
Baroness Vere of Norbiton: There were no heavy
goods vehicles issued with a certificate of temporary
exemption from plating or testing under section 53(5) of
the Road Traffic Act 1988 during each of the last five
calendar years before 31 December 2019.
LGBTQ People: Hate Crime
Asked by Lord Cashman
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are
taking to support LGBTQ+ young people who have
been victims of (1) transphobic, and (2) racist, abuse.
[HL6404]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government has
made it clear that all forms of abuse and hatred are
unacceptable.
The UK has a robust legislative framework to respond
to hate crimes, which target race, religion, sexual
orientation, disability and transgender identity. The
Government published the hate crime action plan (Action
Against Hate: The UK Government’s plan for tackling
hate crime) in 2016 and refreshed this Plan in October
2018.
As part of the 2018 refresh and LGBT Action Plan the
same year, the Government committed to a public
awareness campaign to address the unacceptability of all
hate crimes, and to a Law Commission review of the
adequacy of current hate crime legislation. Also, the
Home Office has funded multiple projects aimed at
tackling homophobic, biphobic and transphobic hate
crime including:
• Kick It Out, who produced resources to raise
awareness of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic
abuse in football stadia;
• Barnardo’s, who worked with schools in East Ridings
of Yorkshire to promote understanding of LGBT lives
and prevent homophobic, biphobic and transphobic hate
crime;
• Galop, who produced and distributed a series of
factsheets and research to understand tackle online
homophobic, biphobic and transphobic abuse; and
• The Proud Trust who worked with the British
Transport Police and rail companies to make public
transport safer for LGBT people and encourage the
reporting of hate crime.
The Government will continue to work with the police,
stakeholders including Galop and Stonewall and others to
understand the concerns of LGBTQ+ communities and
what should be done to address those concerns.
Local Government: Coronavirus
Asked by Baroness Eaton
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the role of local government in
supporting the Government's jobs and skills recovery
plan following the COVID-19 pandemic. [HL6660]
Lord Greenhalgh: On 8th July the Chancellor
announced measures across a range of targeted work-
based training offers to support people to build the skills
they need to get into work. This amounts to investment of
£1.6 billion in employment support schemes, which will
substantially expand existing provision. This includes
£111 million to triple traineeships for 16-24 year olds will
help more young people gain the skills to progress to
apprenticeships, further education and other employment.
We are providing employers with £2,000 for each young
person they hire as an apprentice and offering £1,500 for
each new apprentice hired aged over 25. We are also
providing £101 million for school and college leavers to
study high value Level 2 and 3 courses when there are not
employment opportunities available to them, providing
funding of £17 million to almost triple the number of
Sector-Based Work Academy placements, and giving the
National Careers Service an extra £32 million funding so
it can provide careers advice to 269,000 more customers.
Through our Plan for Jobs we have set out how we will
support people to stay in and access good jobs as we drive
forward our recovery. This includes investing £2 billion
to directly support hundreds of thousands of young people
through the Kickstart Scheme which will provide fully
subsidised jobs for young people across the country.
As part of raising the participation age legislation local
authorities have duties to track all academic age 16 and 17
year olds, identify those not in education, employment or
Page 26 20 July 2020 Written Answers
training or at risk of becoming so and supporting them to
re-engage in education or training. This includes a
September guarantee where local authorities need to
ensure that all year 11 students and year 12 students on a
one year course have a suitable offer of education or
training for the following September. We are working
closely with local authorities to support these duties and
monitor September guarantee offers.
Across these areas the government recognises the need
to work closely with local government to support these
various interventions and is proactively taking forward
conversations with local government on delivery of these
programmes.
Medicines and Medical Devices Safety
Independent Review
Asked by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle
To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the
findings of the report by the Independent Medicines and
Medical Devices Safety Review First Do No Harm,
published on 8 July, what plans they have to appoint an
independent patient safety commissioner to monitor the
relevant financial interests of medical professionals
offering advice or oversight of medicines and medical
devices. [HL6608]
Lord Bethell: We have just received the report by the
Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety
Review, led by Baroness Cumberlege.
As we have advised this week, it is now time for us to
consider this report and its recommendations carefully.
We will consider how this recommendation fits with the
structures we already have in place.
National Security Adviser
Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
assessment they have made of the impact of the new
National Security Adviser being a political appointee on
his ability to carry out the full functions of that role.
[HL6865]
Lord True: As with previous National Security
Advisers, David Frost will be the principal adviser to the
Prime Minister and Cabinet on national security strategy,
policy, capability and civil contingencies. I refer the noble
Lady to the statement I made on 30 June 2020.
Oneweb
Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark
To ask Her Majesty's Government what
consultations, if any, they have undertaken with (1) the
European Southern Observatory, (2) the Square
Kilometre Array, (3) the Vera Rubin Observatory, and
(4) other relevant research consortia, on the UK-led
consortium’s acquisition of OneWeb. [HL6489]
Lord Callanan: As part of developing our bid and
making the acquisition of OneWeb, the UK Government
undertook appropriate due diligence.
OneWeb has met with the Royal Astronomical Society
as well as representatives from the UK Space Agency and
European Space Agency to discuss the potential impact of
its operations on astronomy. We will continue to support
this dialogue on an ongoing basis
BEIS and the UK Space Agency will continue to
support the UK science and astronomy community in
addressing this issue. The community is working with
colleagues from the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS),
the European Astronomical Society and the International
Astronomical Union to clarify what actions could be
taken to mitigate interference for the UK community and
our international partners.
OneWeb has been engaging with the community and
met with the RAS and representatives from the UK Space
Agency in January. The RAS is now seeking further
discussions with both Government and OneWeb to
consider potential impacts on science and risk mitigations.
Police: Israel
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty's Government what training
British police officers have received from the Israeli
police force in (1) the UK, and (2) Israel, in the last five
years. [HL6534]
Baroness Williams of Trafford: We are not aware of
any British police officers having received training from
the Israeli police force, nor the Israeli Defence Force, in
the UK or Israel in the last 5 years.
Prisoners' Release: Older People
Asked by Lord Hylton
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they
have to extend the End of Custody Temporary Release
scheme in prisons in England and Wales, in particular
to allow for the release of elderly prisoners. [HL6559]
Lord Keen of Elie: On 4 April, the government
announced the End of Custody Temporary Release
scheme (ECTR). This scheme enables risk-assessed
prisoners, who are within two months of their release
date, to be temporarily released from custody, as part of
the national approach to managing public services during
the pandemic. The government does not plan to extend
the scheme.
Prisons: Staff
Asked by Lord Ramsbotham
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they
have, if any, to launch (1) a whistleblowing hotline for
prison staff, and (2) a campaign for such staff to raise
awareness of their rights. [HL6791]
Written Answers 20 July 2020 Page 27
Lord Keen of Elie: We recognise the importance of the
physical, emotional and social wellbeing of employees is
paramount; particularly during these difficult times.
Whistleblowing procedures are already in place for staff
who wish to raise any concerns, including a Reporting
Wrongdoing Integrity Hotline. This allows HM Prison
and Probation staff to raise any concerns they may have.
Relevant guidance for employees and managers is
available through the intranet and the ‘My Hub’ service.
HMPPS is currently reviewing and updating its
whistleblowing policy, which we aim to publish later this
year, following consultation with the trade unions.
We are also taking action to address unacceptable
behaviours within HMPPS. In the coming months and
will be putting in place a dedicated Unit to support our
objective of reducing discrimination, bullying and
harassment. This will include a phone line to provide
advice and guidance.
Staff have access to a range of easily accessible services
should they have concerns about the workplace or their
own well-being. We constantly monitor these services to
ensure they meet the needs of staff with such concerns.
Protective Clothing: Coronavirus
Asked by Lord Mawson
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are
taking to resolve the reported disruption to deliveries of
personal protective equipment to the UK; and by what
date they expect such disruptions to have been resolved.
[HL3418]
Lord Bethell: The Government has brought together
the National Health Service, industry and the armed
forces to create a personal protective equipment (PPE)
distribution network, delivering critical PPE supplies to
those who need it.
We are doing everything we can on every front on the
international procurement of medical supplies. There is a
joint unit within the Department for International Trade
and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office that uses our
extensive overseas networks and United Kingdom-based
expertise to coordinate international procurement of
medical and other critical supplies.
There is a 24-hour helpline that allows National Health
Service and social care providers to request emergency
drops of PPE to meet immediate need.
Refuges: Coronavirus
Asked by Baroness Helic
To ask Her Majesty's Government what specific steps
they took to provide additional support for domestic
violence shelters during the period when restrictions
were in place to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
[HL6476]
Lord Greenhalgh: The Government has made £10
million available specifically for domestic abuse
charitable safe accommodation providers, including
refuges, in support of this critical provision during the
COVID-19 outbreak.
To date, £8.76 million of this funding has already been
allocated to 122 successful charity bids across the
country, providing almost 1,600 bedspaces.
Additionally, Government issued guidance to domestic
abuse safe accommodation providers in support of their
service delivery during these unprecedented times. It
ensured front-line domestic abuse support workers were
included in the key workers list, and that domestic abuse
refuges are included in the Local Resilience Forums list to
enable them to request urgent PPE supplies.
Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation:
Hydrogen
Asked by Lord Oates
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are
taking to incentivise the production of hydrogen
through the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation.
[HL6505]
Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Under the Renewable
Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) certificate trading
scheme, renewable hydrogen supplied in the UK for use
in road vehicles and certain non-road mobile machinery is
eligible for support. It is categorised as a development
fuel, which potentially benefits from a higher tradeable
certificate value.
Satellites
Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the compatibility of the planned
OneWeb satellite constellation with the UK’s
obligations to (1) the European Southern Observatory,
and (2) other intergovernmental research organisations.
[HL6488]
Lord Callanan: The UK Space Agency is working
with UK Research and Innovation and the science
community - including through our membership of
international bodies - to ensure mitigation options are
properly considered that may be necessary for the UK to
continue to meet its obligations to the European Southern
Observatory and other intergovernmental research
organisations. Government will be encouraging a
responsible and engaged approach from One Web.
Shipping: Coronavirus
Asked by Lord Patten
To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they
have made of the number of (1) vessels, and (2) crew
members, registered abroad, currently stranded in UK
ports. [HL6506]
Baroness Vere of Norbiton: There are currently 4,028
Foreign National crew on board 25 cruise vessels that are
Page 28 20 July 2020 Written Answers
not registered in the UK or within the wider Red Ensign
Group. 1,250 of these crew require repatriation.
We have so far repatriated 7,752 Foreign National crew
from cruise ships not registered with the UK or the wider
Red Ensign Group.
We continue to work with the industry, unions and
maritime charities to provide support and assistance to all
seafarers in the UK.
Social Media: Epilepsy
Asked by Lord Stevenson of Balmacara
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of (1) the prevalence of the deliberate
sharing of material capable of causing an epileptic
seizure on social media platforms, and (2) the case for
including measures against such behaviour in their
forthcoming online harms legislation. [HL6584]
Baroness Barran: The Online Harms White Paper sets
out the government’s plans for world leading legislation
to make the UK the safest place to be online. We intend to
establish in law a new duty of care on companies towards
their users which will be overseen by an independent
regulator. The ‘duty of care’ will ensure companies take
risk-based and proportionate steps to keep their users safe.
The regulator will also have the power to require
companies to publish transparency reports, which will
improve users’ understanding about the prevalence of
harmful content and the countermeasures companies are
taking. We will publish a full response to the white paper
consultation later this year, which will set out final details
regarding the scope of the duty of care and the obligations
on companies. We will follow this with legislation.
In addition to this new legislation, it is important to
make sure that the criminal law is fit for purpose to deal
with online harms. DCMS and the Ministry of Justice
have engaged the Law Commission on a second phase of
their review of abusive and offensive online
communications. This will include considering whether
co-ordinated harassment by groups of people online could
be more effectively dealt with by the criminal law,
whether it is targeted at individuals with epilepsy or
others. The Law Commission will review existing
communications offences and make specific
recommendations about options for reform, to ensure that
criminal law provides consistent and effective protection
against such behaviour.
Solicitors: Disciplinary Proceedings
Asked by Lord Mann
To ask Her Majesty's Government which solicitors
were (1) fined, (2) struck off, and (3) received other
disciplinary action from the Solicitors Disciplinary
Tribunal, for charging coalminers out of the
compensation scheme for (a) vibration white finger, and
(b) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. [T]
[HL6785]
Lord Keen of Elie: The Government does not hold the
information requested. The Solicitors Disciplinary
Tribunal is an independent Tribunal established under the
Solicitors Act 1974.
Space Technology: Research
Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of the implications of the OneWeb
satellite constellation for astronomy and other space
science research; and what steps they will take to
mitigate interference. [HL6487]
Lord Callanan: OneWeb has met with the Royal
Astronomical Society as well as representatives from the
UK Space Agency and European Space Agency to discuss
the potential impact of its operations on astronomy. We
will continue to support this dialogue on an ongoing
basis.
Su Zhimin
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment
they have made of reports of the death of Bishop James
Su Zhimin of Baoding following his arrest and
disappearance in China in 2003. [HL6654]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are aware of the
reports of the death of Bishop James Su Zhimin. We
remain concerned by restrictions placed on Christians and
other religious groups in China, including reports of
individuals being detained for their beliefs. The freedom
to practice, change or share ones faith or belief without
discrimination or violent opposition is a human right that
all people should enjoy.
Technology: Coronavirus
Asked by Lord Freyberg
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they
have to competitively tender for future technology
products and services that were commissioned during
the first stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. [HL6152]
Lord Bethell: The Department and its agencies have
always secured digital and technology products and
services in accordance with the requirements of United
Kingdom procurement laws and will continue to do so; in
responding quickly to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has
made direct awards where permitted under regulation 32
of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015.
Trade Agreements: Israel
Asked by The Marquess of Lothian
To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the
implications of the government of Israel’s planned
annexation of parts of the West Bank on the UK–Israel
Written Answers 20 July 2020 Page 29
trade and partnership agreement, in particular UK
preferential imports from Israel; and whether any such
implications have been discussed with the government
of Israel. [HL6677]
Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: The United Kingdom
does not recognise the Occupied Palestinian Territories,
including settlements, as part of Israel.
For this reason, goods imported from the settlements
are not entitled to benefit from trade preferences under the
United Kingdom-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement.
We will maintain this approach. HM Government has
maintained a dialogue with Israel and we will continue to
work towards a negotiated two-state solution, using the
diplomatic means we have at our disposal.
Training: Coronavirus
Asked by The Earl of Shrewsbury
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they
have to provide financial support to training and skills
providers to ensure the provision of suitable resources
to train, re-train and upskill those whose employment
has been affected by COVID-19. [HL6526]
Baroness Berridge: We will continue to pay grant
funded providers their scheduled monthly profiled
payments for the remainder of the 2019/20 funding year
and funding allocations for 2020/21 have been confirmed.
Payments will be made in line with the national profile.
We have also invested £100 million to develop a
National Retraining Scheme to support working adults
prepare for future changes to the economy and to help
them retrain into better jobs, and have committed £2.5
billion for a National Skills Fund over the course of this
Parliament, which will support people to learn new skills
and prepare for the economy of the future.
We are introducing new T levels from this September –
high quality, practical courses designed by employers that
will provide a credible alternative to A levels and prepare
students for skilled work or further study.
We are currently reforming and simplifying the
qualifications system so that learners can easily find high-
quality qualifications that give them the skills they need.
With our proposals, any qualification, including existing
ones, can be approved if they provide learners with the
knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers need.
We have also been working across government to build
a package of support measures to boost skills among
those who will be hardest hit by the labour market
impacts of COVID-19. On 8 July my right hon. Friend,
the Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced measures
across a range of targeted work-based training offers to
support people to build the skills they need to get into
work. This amounts to investment of £1.6 billion in
employment support schemes which will substantially
expand existing provision. This includes:
• £111 million to triple the number of traineeships.
• £17 million to triple the number of sector-based work
academy placements.
• Paying businesses to take on new apprentices – an
extra £2,000 for each apprentice under 25 and £1,500
for apprentices over 25.
• £32 million to help 269,000 more people receive
advice from the National Careers Service.
• £101 million for school/college leavers to study high
value courses when there are not employment
opportunities available to them.
Travel: Coronavirus
Asked by Lord Myners
To ask Her Majesty's Government how frequently
they intend to update the list of countries exempt from
the UK COVID-19 travel quarantine rules; what (1)
criteria, and (2) data, will be used to inform such
decisions; whether the implementation of changes to the
list of exempt countries will be subject to a notice
period; and if so, what will be the length of any such
notice period. [HL6502]
Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Secretary of State for
Transport made a Written Ministerial Statement on travel
corridors on 6 July 2020 setting out the criteria and data
that the Government has used when making decisions on
travel corridors.
The Health Regulations relating to the self-isolation
requirements remain under constant review and are
updated as required. Public health remains our top
priority, and we will not hesitate to remove countries and
territories from the list urgently if the health risks are seen
to increase such that there is a risk to the UK public’s
health from arrivals from these countries or territories.
Universities: Finance
Asked by Lord Storey
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they
have, if any, to support any UK university which faces
financial failure. [HL6527]
Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay: The government
understands that the COVID-19 outbreak poses
significant financial challenges to the sector. In May
2020, the government announced a package of measures
combining different ways to give further support to higher
education providers at this time of financial pressure.
We have stabilised admissions and are pulling forward
an estimated £2.6 billion worth of forecast tuition fee
payments to ease cashflow pressure this autumn. We are
also bringing forward £100 million of quality-related
research funding for higher education providers in
England in the current academic year.
This is on top of the unprecedented package of support
for businesses already announced, to help pay wages,
keep staff employed and support businesses whose
viability is threatened by the outbreak. We recently
Page 30 20 July 2020 Written Answers
confirmed universities’ eligibility for these schemes,
which the Office for Students estimates could be worth at
least £700 million, depending upon eligibility and take-
up.
In June, the government announced further UK- wide
support in the form of the Department for Business
Energy and Industrial Strategy’s research stabilisation
package. More details are available here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-
university-research-and-innovation-during-coronavirus-
covid-19.
In July, the government announced the higher education
restructuring regime, under which support for
restructuring can be given, as a last resort, when other
steps to preserve a provider’s viability and sustainability
have not proved sufficient. More details are available
here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-
education-restructuring-regime.
To prevent exploitative admissions processes, the
Office for Students introduced a temporary registration
condition designed to address specific circumstances
relating to the impact of COVID-19. To ensure a fair,
structured distribution of students across providers,
temporary student number controls have been put in place
for full-time, undergraduate domestic and EU students for
academic year 2020-21 (with certain specific
exemptions).
We are reminding providers, as part of existing
programmes and using established procedures, that the
department will consider purchasing land and buildings
where they can be used for new or expanding schools and
colleges in England. In this financial year, we have
budgeted up to £100 million to acquire sites for planned
projects in England.
The government has been clear that our world-leading
universities will always be open to international students.
Our review of the International Education Strategy this
autumn will respond to the new context and the
challenges posed by COVID-19 across all education
settings to ensure we can continue to welcome
international students in the future.
The government has worked with the Office for
Students to help clarify that providers can draw upon
existing funding to provide hardship funds and support
disadvantaged students affected by COVID-19. Providers
are able to use the funding – worth around £23 million per
month for July, August and September – towards student
hardship funds.
The Department for Education and the Department for
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy have set up a
University Research and Knowledge Exchange
Sustainability Taskforce to consider how best to respond
to the challenges universities face on research as a result
of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Yemen: Peace Negotiations
Asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions
they have had with international partners about securing
a permanent ceasefire in Yemen. [HL6573]
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK continues to
support the efforts of the UN Special Envoy Martin
Griffiths to secure the parties' agreement to proposals for
a nationwide ceasefire and resumption of the UN-led
political process. We engage regularly with international
partners on Yemen, including through our role as
penholder in the UN Security Council. On 1 July, the
Foreign Secretary wrote a joint op-ed with his Swedish
and German counterparts calling for the international
community to back peace efforts. On 18 June, the
Minister for the Middle East and North Africa spoke with
senior Yemeni leaders and the Special Envoy during a
"virtual visit" and called for urgent action to secure peace
and avoid a humanitarian catastrophe.
Index to Statements and Answers
Written Statements ................................................. 1
A303 Sparkford to Illchester Application: Update
.............................................................................. 1
Building and Fire Safety ....................................... 1
Community Match Challenge ............................... 3
Contingencies Fund Advance ............................... 3
Crossrail: Annual Update ..................................... 3
EFTA States and Switzerland: Future
Relationship .......................................................... 5
Public Service Pensions: Survivor Benefits ......... 5
Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018:
Report on Regulations .......................................... 6
School Funding ..................................................... 6
Service Complaints Ombudsman: Annual Report
2019 ...................................................................... 7
Transport for London: Extraordinary Funding and
Financing .............................................................. 7
Unified Patent Court ............................................. 8
Vaccine Taskforce ................................................ 8
Written Answers ..................................................... 9
A27: East Sussex .................................................. 9
Aerobility: Finance ............................................... 9
Agriculture: Employment ..................................... 9
Animal Welfare .................................................... 9
Animals: Antimicrobials .................................... 10
Architecture: Ethnic Groups ............................... 10
Arms Trade: Colombia ....................................... 10
Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia .................................. 11
Aviation: Coronavirus ........................................ 11
Bahrain: Coronavirus.......................................... 11
BBC: Finance ..................................................... 12
Boarding Schools: Coronavirus .......................... 12
Bus Services and Railways: Coronavirus ........... 12
Business: Coronavirus ........................................ 12
Care Homes: Coronavirus .................................. 12
Cheltenham Hospital: Accident and Emergency
Departments ........................................................ 12
China: Uighurs ................................................... 13
Common Purpose: Expenditure ......................... 13
Company Accounts ............................................ 13
Conflict Resolution: Females ............................ 13
Contact Tracing: Coronavirus............................ 13
Coronavirus: Birmingham ................................. 14
Coronavirus: Demonstrations ............................ 14
Coronavirus: Disease Control ............................ 14
Coronavirus: Screening ..................................... 15
Customs ............................................................. 15
Cyprus: Military Bases ...................................... 15
Diabetes: Coronavirus ....................................... 15
Disability: Coronavirus ...................................... 16
Drinks: Sugar ..................................................... 16
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency: Fringe
Benefits and Pay ................................................ 16
Education: Travellers ......................................... 17
Electric Vehicles: VAT...................................... 17
Electricity Generation: Carbon Emissions ......... 17
Environment Protection: Treaties ...................... 18
EU Countries: British Nationals Abroad ........... 18
Flood Control ..................................................... 19
Flood Control: Yorkshire and the Humber ........ 19
Food: Safety ....................................................... 20
Garages and Petrol Stations: Alternative Fuels . 20
Genito-urinary Medicine: Equality .................... 20
Green Homes Grant Scheme ............................. 20
High Speed 2 Railway Line: Annual Reports .... 21
Huawei: Security ............................................... 21
Hydrogen ........................................................... 21
Immigration: EU Nationals................................ 21
In Vitro Fertilisation .......................................... 22
Influenza: Disease Control ................................ 22
Influenza: Research ........................................... 22
Infrastructure: Skilled Workers ......................... 22
Index to Statements and Answers
Integrated Review of Security, Defence,
Development and Foreign Policy ....................... 23
Intelligence and Security Committee ................. 23
Intelligence and Security Committee: Russia ..... 23
Iran: Arms Trade ................................................ 23
Iran: Nuclear Power ............................................ 24
Iran: Prisoners ..................................................... 24
Iraq: Internally Displaced People ....................... 24
Israel: Visas ........................................................ 24
Large Goods Vehicles: Coronavirus .................. 24
Large Goods Vehicles: Testing .......................... 25
LGBTQ People: Hate Crime .............................. 25
Local Government: Coronavirus ........................ 25
Medicines and Medical Devices Safety
Independent Review ........................................... 26
National Security Adviser .................................. 26
Oneweb ............................................................... 26
Police: Israel ....................................................... 26
Prisoners' Release: Older People ........................ 26
Prisons: Staff ...................................................... 26
Protective Clothing: Coronavirus ....................... 27
Refuges: Coronavirus ......................................... 27
Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation: Hydrogen
............................................................................ 27
Satellites ............................................................. 27
Shipping: Coronavirus ........................................ 27
Social Media: Epilepsy ....................................... 28
Solicitors: Disciplinary Proceedings .................. 28
Space Technology: Research .............................. 28
Su Zhimin ........................................................... 28
Technology: Coronavirus ................................... 28
Trade Agreements: Israel ................................... 28
Training: Coronavirus ........................................ 29
Travel: Coronavirus ............................................ 29
Universities: Finance .......................................... 29
Yemen: Peace Negotiations ................................ 30