asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking to monitor queues at passport control at United Kingdom airports; and whether they will publish the most recent information. [HL202]

We recognise that we have a responsibility to process genuine passengers without delay but the safety and security of the public is our priority.

Border Control is currently monitoring queues at the Immigration Control at 10 airports across the UK (Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Stansted, Luton, Bristol, Cardiff and Newcastle) to benchmark performance. The ports in question are using a 45 minutes (non-EEA) and 25 minutes (EEA) queuing time as such a benchmark. This in turn informs staff deployment as well as informing considerations on further investment. We are clear that the averages are well within these benchmarks but will continue to reduce the number of occasions that exceed those figures.

Border Control currently undertakes manual measurement of the queues at UK airports. However, these figures are currently unavailable due to data quality and collection issues.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proposals they intend to make to the people of Ascension about effective governance and democratic representation when the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Meg Munn MP, visits the island on 3 January 2008. [HL1042]

My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Meg Munn, met with representatives of the employing organisations, private sector and former councillors on her visit to Ascension Island on 3 January 2008. She reinforced the Government's hope that those working and living on the island would re-engage with the democratic process. A number of views were expressed by the representatives as to how the Foreign and Commonwealth Office ought to take that process forward. Those views will be taken into account. The public consultation on the future of the Island Council was launched by the then governor, Michael Clancy, in October 2007 and is continuing.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How the cost of purchasing a buy-out has compared with the market cost of purchasing a renewables obligation certificate from another supplier since the inception of the scheme. [HL874]

The buyout price was set at £30/MWh when the renewables obligation was introduced in 2002 and rises each year with inflation. The table below sets out the buy-out price for each of the years since its introduction.

The price of renewable obligation certificates (ROCs) is set by the market and so will vary. A general indicator of market prices is provided by the Non-Fossil Purchasing Agency (NFPA), which holds quarterly ROC auctions. The average price of a ROC sold at these auctions is set out below.

A nominal price for a ROC can also be calculated by adding together the buy-out price for an obligation period and the recycle payment for the same period. Where a supplier has not paid more than this price for their ROCs there will be a net benefit to them from meeting their obligation by presenting ROCs rather than simply paying the buy-out price.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they intend to make specific contributions in terms of personnel resources and ideas to the Reflections Group established by the most recent European Council on the long-term development of the European Union. [HL1054]

At the December European Council, EU heads of government agreed the chair and the two vice-chairs of the Reflection Group and a forward-looking mandate that focuses on the challenges the EU faces in the medium to long term.

The wider membership of the group has not yet been established but will include no more than nine members selected from across the EU on the basis of merit. The chair and the vice-chairs are invited to submit a list of names for consideration by the European Council in the second half of 2008.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many times European Union legislators have altered legislation as a result of recommendations from Select Committees of either House of Parliament; and whether they will identify those occasions. [HL935]

The information requested by the noble Lord cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate cost.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will take steps to ensure that the European neighbourhood policy increases its emphasis on helping the development of civil society and fuller participation by women, especially in the Middle East and North Africa. [HL1046]

The Commission's non-paper (http://ec.europa.eu/world/enp/pdf/non-paper_civil-society-dimension_en.pdf) on “Strengthening the Civil Society Dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy” of 4 December 2006 sets out proposals on developing civil society and promoting women's rights. These include strengthening EU dialogue with civil society and supporting civil society capacity building. The UK supports the Commission's proposals.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will consult Mr Thomas Hammarberg, Commissioner for Human Rights in the Council of Europe, on the impact on worldwide perceptions of states of the use of torture and extraordinary renditions for interrogation. [HL960]

The UK has an ongoing dialogue with the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights on a range of human rights issues. The commissioner will meet my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary on 6 February 2008. However, we have no plans to consult him in the precise terms set out by the noble Lord.

The Government unreservedly condemn the use of torture and we work hard with our international partners to eradicate this abhorrent practice. The UK has been at the forefront of efforts to establish new international standards aimed at preventing torture and has encouraged states to sign up to these obligations. We also played a key role in bringing the Optional Protocol to the Torture Convention into force.

We have not approved and will not approve a policy of facilitating the transfer of individuals through the UK to places where there are substantial grounds to believe they would face a real risk of torture.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which flags are flown at the London buildings of (a) the Scotland Office; (b) the Wales office; and (c) the Northern Ireland Office. [HL1068]

In July 2007, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport decided that government buildings in England, should have the freedom to fly the union flag when they want, until a longer-term decision is taken following the consultation on flag flying. Since then, the Scotland Office in London has been flying the union flag and the saltire at all times and the Welsh Office in London has flown the union flag and the Welsh dragon at all times. The Northern Ireland Office does not occupy its own building but is a tenant of another Crown agency whose policy is to fly the union flag.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In the case of the Department for Children, Schools and Families, how many (a) voluntary and (b) compulsory redundancies have been taken to date as a result of the Gershon review; what is the total departmental bill for each type of redundancy; and what is the natural wastage during the Gershon period to date for the department.[HL1016]

My department was formed as part of the machinery of government changes announced on 28 June 2007.

During the period 28 June to date, there have been three voluntary early releases costing my department a total of £80,996. There have been no compulsory redundancies in my department.

Over 500 staff from the former Department for Education and Skills have transferred to the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills as part of the machinery of government changes. Since 28 June 2007, 127 staff have joined and 160 staff have left my department, resulting in a net reduction of 33 staff in that period. Information about natural wastage is not available in the form requested.

My department is committed to achieving its net workforce reduction target, shared with the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, by the end of 2007-08.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In the case of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many (a) voluntary and (b) compulsory redundancies have been taken to date as a result of the Gershon review, what is the total departmental bill for each type of redundancy; and what is the natural wastage during the Gershon period to date for the department.[HL989]

From 1 April 2004 to 30 November 2007, 764 voluntary redundancies and 22 compulsory redundancies have taken place.

The cost to the department of these is calculated as £59.7 million for the voluntary redundancies and £405,000 for the compulsory redundancies.

Over the same period, loss of staff from the department through natural wastage is calculated at 2,779.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What systems they have in place to monitor the disbursement of £150 million for vulnerable children under their 2005-08 HIV AIDS programme; and how they propose to strengthen these systems. [HL670]

DfID is currently reviewing its system for tracking thematic expenditure following the results of the interim evaluation of Taking Action, the Government's Strategy for Tackling HIV and AIDS in the Developing World, published in May 2007, which suggested improvements. This review will feed into a new expenditure tracking system to be launched next year. This will be part of a new single corporate reporting system which will improve the quality and consistency of all DfID performance and expenditure monitoring.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their response to the findings of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, Mr Manfred Novak, on the use of torture by Indonesian security personnel in West Papua. [HL952]

We welcome the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Dr Manfred Novak’s visit to Indonesia in November 2007, following an invitation from the Indonesian Government. Dr Novak expressed concerns about abuses in a number of areas, but he noted the openness of prisons in Papua, including for those charged with political offences. Notwithstanding the very real concerns about treatment of detainees, Dr Novak acknowledged that Indonesia has come a long way in recent years and is trying to make positive progress on human rights.

The next step is for Dr Novak to prepare a full report with recommendations which will be put to the UN Human Rights Council, at which the UK is represented. We look forward to seeing this report.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make representations to the Government of Indonesia to allow freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with particular reference to the right of West Papuans to raise their independence flag. [HL953]

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not intend to make representations to the Government of Indonesia in support of raising the Papuan independence flag. Flying the Papuan national “Morning Star” flag is currently illegal under Indonesian law. Special autonomy legislation allows for the use of Papuan symbols and anthems, but the local legislation that is required to confirm the chosen symbols and anthems has yet to be passed. The UK supports the territorial integrity of Indonesia and therefore does not support independence for Papua.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What specific measures they are taking to promote peaceful dialogue between West Papuan leaders and the Government of Indonesia in the search for a resolution to the conflict in West Papua which takes into account the views of the West Papuan people. [HL954]

We believe that the best way to resolve the issues in Papua is through promoting peaceful dialogue between Papuan groups and the Indonesian Government. We are in regular contact with Papuan activist groups in the UK, and encourage dialogue between them and the Government of Indonesia. Our embassy in Jakarta regularly discusses human rights issues, including in Papua, with the Indonesian Government. My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Meg Munn, met the Governor of Papua, Barnabas Suebo, when he visited London on 25 October. They discussed the situation in Papua, including human rights and the implementation of the special autonomy law.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In the light of the latest situation in Kosovo, what steps they are taking to ensure that the specific competences of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government, the United Nations interim administration mission in Kosovo and the potential European security and defence policy mission are clarified and made accountable to the people of Kosovo. [HL1035]

The UN mission in Kosovo has already handed over a substantial volume of government responsibilities to the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government. These institutions are accountable to the people of Kosovo through the democratic process. The people most recently expressed their will through free and fair elections on 17 November 2007.

The European security and defence policy mission has yet to begin. The European Council on 14 December underlined that the EU stands ready to play a leading role in strengthening stability in the region and in implementing a settlement defining Kosovo's future status.

Overall administrative responsibility for Kosovo currently lies with the UN Special Representative, Joachim Rocker, who is accountable to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking to ensure that the European Union mission in Kosovo is assisting the people of Kosovo with access to justice by all appropriate support including financial and human resources for the reform and development of the security and justice sectors of society. [HL994]

The 14 December 2007 European Council underlined that the EU stands ready to play a leading role in strengthening stability in the region and in implementing a settlement defining Kosovo's future status. It also made clear that such a settlement should ensure a democratic, multi-ethnic Kosovo committed to the rule of law and the protection of minorities.

The EU's security and defence policy rule of law mission to Kosovo will provide financial support and capacity building to the policing, judicial and customs sectors. An EU planning team has been working with the provisional institutions of self-government, civil society and other international actors for the past 18 months to prepare for the mission's arrival.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are their priorities for the European Union mission to Kosovo in assisting in the reduction of endemic unemployment with particular reference to its potential consequences as a driving factor for conflict. [HL995]

The Government fully recognise the challenges in improving Kosovo's economic situation. Economic development is one of the main reasons that Kosovo needs clarity on its status. But there is no reason why Kosovo, with the long-term help and support of the international community, cannot make a success of its future.

The European Council on 14 December 2007 made clear the EU's readiness to assist Kosovo on the path towards sustainable stability, including with the deployment of a European security and defence policy mission. This mission will focus on policing and the rule of law. The EU also stated its readiness to assist economic and political development. Kosovo received €70 million in 2007 and will receive €120 million in 2008 from the EU's Instrument for Pre-Accession.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their assessment in connection with the European Union mission in Kosovo of unscheduled power cuts, an uneven distribution of electricity and the difficulty encountered by people in paying outstanding utility bills, as causes of potential conflict. [HL996]

Unscheduled power cuts, an uneven distribution of electricity and a difficulty in paying—and enforcing payment of—utility bills are already a feature of daily life in Kosovo. These issues reflect the decrepit state of much of Kosovo's infrastructure which has seen inadequate investment over many years. Indeed economic recovery and investment in infrastructure is one of the main reasons that Kosovo needs clarity on its status.

The EU is already engaged in this area. Kosovo received €70 million in 2007 and will receive €120 million in 2008 from the EU's Instrument for Pre-Accession. Part of this funding is focused on cross-border co-operation—an essential element of ensuring a regular energy supply.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are their priorities for the European Union mission in Kosovo in promoting an equitable solution to the energy supply problems there. [HL997]

The Government fully recognise the challenges in improving Kosovo's economic situation. Economic development, including in the energy sector, is one of the main reasons that Kosovo needs clarity on its status. But there is no reason why Kosovo, with the long-term help and support of the international community, cannot make a success of its future.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What rights of entry into the United Kingdom are given to non-European Union passport holders who have been granted (a) temporary, and (b) permanent entry permits into another European Union country. [HL1005]

Non-EEA nationals residing legally in another member state have no right of entry to the United Kingdom. Any request to enter is considered under the appropriate immigration rules.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the maximum response time target for a 999 call for police assistance; and which police forces in England have met this target over the most recent 12-month period. [HL1003]

The information requested is published in the annual reports of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC). The latest available data refer to the 2004-05 financial year, and can be found in figure 8 of the HMIC annual report 2004-05. This publication is available via the Home Office website at www.officialdocuments.gov.uk/document/hc0506/hc08/0842/0842.pdf.

Police forces have individual targets for the time taken to respond to 999 calls, ranging from 10 to 15 seconds inclusive.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What assessment they have made of the adverse effects of repeated transfers of prisoners on their mental health; and, if so, what steps they are taking to minimise this. [HL852]

There is currently little information about the impact of imprisonment on people with mental health problems.

The Government are funding a three-year study on The Pathway of Prisoners with Mental Health Problems through Prison Health Services and the Effect of the Prison Environment on the Mental Health of Prisoners.

The study is due to complete in March 2008. Further information is available on the Department of Health's national research register at www.nrr.nhs.uk/ViewDocument.asp?ID=M0007172306.

The Prison Service’s instruction 3050 on the continuity of healthcare for prisoners sets out how prisons should ensure that health treatments are continued when a prisoner moves from one prison to another. The Department of Health document, the Offender Mental Health Care Pathway, reiterates this advice, specifically for prisoners with mental health problems.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the data security arrangements of HM Revenue and Customs, or its predecessor bodies, have ever been audited; and, if so, what were the conclusions of the most recent audit. [HL807]

HMRC Internal Audit conducts regular audits of aspects of the department's work. Data security is considered where appropriate across the internal audit programme and areas of concern are reported to senior management. HMRC Security and Business Continuity also undertakes a programme of assurance activity in respect of accredited IT systems.

On 20 November the Chancellor announced a review of HMRC's data handling procedures to be conducted by Kieran Poynter, chair of PricewaterhouseCoopers.

The interim report was published on 17 December 2007 and copies are available in the Libraries of both Houses.

The National Audit Office also conducts audits of HMRC systems and processes and the noble Lord may wish to write to the Comptroller and Auditor-General.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have made to the government of Sudan over the past two years in favour of the recommendations of the Abyei Boundary Commission; and with what results. [HL1101]

We have urged both the national Sudanese Government and the Government of Southern Sudan to resolve all issues that stemmed from their civil war and to implement fully the comprehensive peace agreement. We have encouraged representatives of the national Government to resolve the stand-off over Abyei which has lasted since the Abyei Boundary Commission reported to the Sudanese presidency in July 2005. However, we have not specifically pressed them to accept the recommendations of the Abyei Boundary Commission.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will draw to the attention of the Enlargement Commissioner, Mr Olli Rehn, and other relevant officials at the European Commission the report of Minority Rights Group International, A Quest for Equality: Minorities in Turkey; and whether they will urge the Government of Turkey to comply with the report's recommendations, to ensure that the principles of non-discrimination and minority protection are fully applied before the decision has to be made on Turkey's accession to the European Union. [HL1043]

The report of Minority Rights Group International was prepared with the financial support of the EU and presented to representatives of EU member states and the European Commission Delegation in Ankara on 10 December 2007. It is therefore unnecessary for the Government to draw this report to the attention of the European Commission.

We urge Turkey to pursue a comprehensive policy of reform on human rights, including signature and ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, the lifting of restrictions on the public use of minority languages and reform of laws restricting the property rights of minority communities. We will continue to monitor progress to ensure that there is full and consistent implementation of EU standards.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Government of Turkey's proposal to dissolve the Democratic Society Party and to disqualify its members for political life is compatible with its application to join the European Union; and what representations they are prepared to make on this matter. [HL999]

It is the chief prosecutor, not the Government, who has asked the Turkish Constitutional Court to consider the case for the Democratic Society Party (DTP) to be dissolved, on the grounds of supporting separatism and terrorist activity. The Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has stated that he will not lift the immunity of individual DTP MPs, who will continue to serve in Parliament regardless of the outcome of the closure case (a ban on political activity does not preclude an individual from being elected to Parliament). We commend this decision, which recognises the political importance of including representatives of the Kurdish population in democratic processes.

Both the constitutional court and state prosecutors are independent of the Turkish Government and it is important that they remain so. We do not therefore intend to make representations to the Government of Turkey on this issue at the present time. We trust that the court will reach a fair and impartial judgment after full consideration of the evidence in this case.

As part of its preparation for accession to the EU, Turkey must pursue a comprehensive policy of reform, including fundamental rights and representation of minority groups in Turkey.