To ask Her Majesty's Government how many sets of Osprey Assault body armour will be issued this year to British service personnel in Afghanistan. [HL1479]

Osprey body armour is provided to all personnel on arrival in Afghanistan. The Osprey Assault variant is being issued to all dismounted close combat personnel, and approximately 5,000 sets have already been issued. Exact numbers are being withheld for reasons of operational security.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what incentives there are to improve retention rates in the Armed Forces for (a) specialist personnel for whom there is a shortage in manning, (b) mid-career officers, and (c) mid-career non-commissioned officers. [HL1506]

Retention is generally satisfactory across the Armed Forces. Nevertheless in some important areas, exit rates are still too high and require us to work hard at retaining people in these areas. Retention measures such as commitment bonuses, re-engagement packages, financial retention initiatives and initiatives to improve work/life balance and working conditions at the front line, continue to be used with the aim of discouraging outflow.

No specific retention incentives are aimed at service personnel at their mid-career point other than the attractive terms and conditions of service and remuneration package offered by the Armed Forces. Our general aim is to maintain stable levels of retention through policies that genuinely reflect the priorities of our people and their families whilst optimising their operational effectiveness. For example, the Service Personnel Command Paper was designed to end any disadvantage imposed by the unique demands of service life today, and provide for special treatment where appropriate.

To ask Her Majesty's Government in relation to the Royal Bank of Scotland's (RBS) financing of the takeover bid by Kraft for Cadbury, (a) what is the amount of the loan facility, (b) what fee is receivable by RBS, (c) what is the interest rate, (d) whether RBS consulted or informed UK Financial Investments, HM Treasury or the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills before the financing was signed, and (e) what representations they have made to RBS on financing hostile takeover bids for British companies in future. [HL1442]

The Government's shareholdings in the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) are managed on a commercial and arm's length basis by UK Financial Investments Ltd (UKFI). UKFI's objective is to develop and execute a strategy for disposing of the Government's investment in an active and orderly way in the context of protecting and creating value for the taxpayer as shareholder, paying due regard to the maintenance of financial stability, and to acting in a way that promotes competition.

The Government are clear that British banks are best owned and managed commercially. Business decisions are a matter for the boards of banks and their professional management.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their estimate of the number of British Nationals (Overseas) who qualify for British citizenship under section 4B of the British Nationality Act 1981. [HL1504]

It is difficult to provide an estimate number of British Nationals (Overseas) (BN(O)) who qualify for British Citizenship under Section 4B of the British Nationality Act 1981 as many of those with a claim to BN(O) status hold Chinese or another nationality and are thus not eligible. The number of those who only hold BN(O) status is not available, as we do not have access to figures of other countries' nationals.

To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord West of Spithead on 12 January (WA 140), how without data on fixed penalty notices for cycling offences being reported to them they assess the effectiveness of the fixed penalty notice system. [HL1468]

The Home Office collects fixed penalty notice data only on offences relating to motor vehicles. Offences involving a pedal cycle are not included. We do not wish to increase the burden of data collection on police forces. There are therefore no plans to introduce the collection of statistics on fixed penalty notices issued for pedal cycle offences.

The effectiveness of the fixed penalty system as a whole is kept under continuing review by the HO chaired Fixed Penalty Procedures Working Group. This includes representatives of the police, Ministry of Justice, Department for Transport and agencies in the criminal justice system. This includes operational experience of the use of fixed penalties.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have received from the Greek Cypriots representations about the future security and operation of British military facilities in southern Cyprus if they change their policy on Cyprus. [HL1584]

No such representations have been received.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there is any institution in southern Cyprus to which Turkish Cypriots living outside southern Cyprus may apply for compensation or restitution in respect of properties which they were required to leave in southern Cyprus. [HL1542]

Properties owned by Turkish Cypriots in the south are governed by the Turkish Cypriot Properties Management and Other Matters (Temporary Provisions) Law which provides for the payment of compensation after a settlement has been achieved.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether Greek Cypriots need to bring actions in English courts for compensation for their property, in view of them being able to apply to the Immovable Property Commission established by the government of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. [HL1543]

It is up to individuals to decide which legal route they want to avail themselves of when applying for compensation for their property.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the case brought by Mr Apostolides against Mr and Mrs Orams was financed or sponsored by the Greek Cypriot administration in Cyprus. [HL1544]

As far as we are aware the Government of the Republic of Cyprus did not finance or sponsor the case.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the statement by the President of Cyprus, Dimitris Christofias, on 20 January that the Apostolides v Orams case is a case of political importance. [HL1545]

President Christofias commented that the decision “has a legal and political importance”, ratifying the decision made by the Cyprus court. The property issue can only be fully resolved by a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem. Both leaders remain committed to the settlement process. On 25 January 2010 President Christofias said “the goal must be for the talks to succeed”.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the effect of the Apostolides v Orams case on the settlement negotiations in progress between the leaders of the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots. [HL1546]

The Apostolides v Orams case has not so far had an impact on the settlement negotiations. The property issue can only be fully resolved by a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem. The two leaders are determined to continue with the talks and the Government continue fully to support them in their efforts to achieve a comprehensive settlement.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, as a guarantor power, they have evaluated the benefits for Greek Cypriots living outside Northern Cyprus who claim to have been the owners of land in Northern Cyprus in or before 1974 of being able to apply for compensation or restitution to the Immovable Property Commission established by the government of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which many Greek Cypriots have done. [HL1579]

The Government have made no such evaluation. The European Court of Human Rights is expected to rule shortly on whether the Immovable Property Commission constitutes a fair and effective remedy for the original owners of property in the north.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Prime Minister has received from the Prime Minister of Turkey representations about whether the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Apostolides v Orams will be used by Greek Cypriots to jeopardise the peace negotiations in Cyprus. [HL1580]

My right honourable friend the Prime Minister recently spoke with the Turkish Prime Minister about a range of issues, including the Cyprus settlement process. Both agreed that the opportunity for progress remained.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of how the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Apostolides v Orams has affected the balance between the property rights of Turkish Cypriots, who cannot apply to English courts in respect of properties which they were required to leave in southern Cyprus, and the rights of Greek Cypriots. [HL1581]

The rights of Turkish Cypriots owning properties in the south is governed by the Turkish Cypriot Properties Management and Other Matters (Temporary Provisions) Law in the Republic of Cyprus. Turkish Cypriots would only be able to apply to the English courts in the event that a court of the Republic of Cyprus upheld a complaint against an infringement of their property rights by an individual or group holding assets in the UK.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether their support for a negotiated settlement in Cyprus means that Turkish Cypriots will have to live under their current restrictions until the Greek Cypriots agree to a settlement, including if, as in 2004, a settlement is endorsed by the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Nations and the European Union as fair and reasonable. [HL1582]

The Government continue to support efforts to improve the economic situation of the Turkish Cypriots and help prepare them for reunification through measures such as financial aid and trade liberalisation.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will discuss with the European Commission the status of Turkish as an official language of Cyprus under the constitution of Cyprus, with a view to ensuring that there should be no discrimination based on language in the employment of Turkish-speaking citizens of Cyprus by the institutions of the European Union. [HL1583]

The Government agree there should be no discrimination based on language in the employment of Turkish speaking citizens of Cyprus by EU institutions. The UK recognises that Turkish is an official language of the Republic of Cyprus but does not intend to discuss this matter with the European Commission because Turkish speaking citizens are already employed at the Commission's offices in Cyprus.

To ask Her Majesty's Government when they will publish the implementation plan for the recommendations of the Lamb inquiry into special educational needs and parental confidence. [HL1386]

The final report of the Lamb inquiry into parental confidence and special educational needs was published on 15 December 2009. In an immediate Government response, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families welcomed the report and committed to producing a government implementation plan in the new year. The Department for Children, Schools and Families intends to publish the plan in February 2010.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what proposals they have to despatch and return postal ballot papers to and from military personnel in Afghanistan for the forthcoming general election. [HL1469]

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to facilitate the inclusion on the electoral register of all military personnel in theatre or due to be deployed there. [HL1470]

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assistance will be given to election candidates to circulate election literature to military personnel overseas. [HL1472]

For Afghanistan the Government are exploring the possibility, subject to operational priorities, of working with electoral administrators to expedite the printing, delivery and return of ballot papers. This scheme will work within the existing electoral timetable and legislative framework, due to the time saving made by using the regular military supply flights to Afghanistan. Operational priorities must prevail at all times; success cannot be guaranteed. We will offer proxy voting application forms for personnel for whom operational demands would make the completion and return of postal votes difficult.

In order to facilitate the inclusion on the electoral register of personnel in theatre, the Electoral Commission is producing registration forms and accompanying guidance which will be circulated to personnel in theatre and due to deploy. We plan to make forms available in Afghanistan and to those going there and use the MoD intranet to support this work, by also making them available electronically to personnel.

In terms of election literature, under Section 91 of the Representation of the People Act 1983, at general elections any candidate is entitled to send, free of charge for delivery, either to each elector, or to each address in the constituency, one piece of election material. At present, this provision only applies to communications that are sent to addresses within the UK. Any change to these provisions would require amendment to primary legislation. There will be many candidates contesting 650 constituencies at the next general election. The delivery of their electoral material may not take place until the election is called and the candidates known. Conveying this volume of printed material in such a short timescale would place a significant burden on the transport systems from the UK to those personnel serving overseas. A better way for political parties to communicate with service personnel stationed overseas might be via the internet. There is good internet access at bases in Afghanistan and in other overseas locations. Many candidates and parties have websites, and service personnel are able to access information in this way.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the success of the 2009 service voter registration day in including all new military recruits on the electoral register. [HL1471]

Defence Analytical Services and Advice undertakes an annual survey on behalf of Ministry of Defence to determine electoral registration levels and aid awareness of the need to register among members of the Armed Forces. Evaluation of the 2009 survey is not yet complete. A copy of the report will be placed in the Library of the House when it becomes available.

To ask Her Majesty's Government in how many constituencies returning officers have indicated that they will check 100 per cent of the personal identifiers (signature and date of birth) which accompany postal votes returned in their constituencies at the forthcoming general election; and what were the reasons given in the cases where they do not intend to do so. [HL1452]

Under regulation 84 (1A) of the Representation of the People Regulations 2001 (as amended), the returning officer is required to verify a minimum of 20 per cent of postal vote statements. This is a robust figure for sample checking and is sufficient to indicate whether a systematic attempt is being made to commit electoral fraud. A higher percentage of postal vote statements may be checked at the discretion of the returning officer. The Government will provide funding for 100 per cent of postal vote statements to be verified at the forthcoming UK parliamentary election, as was the case for the European parliamentary elections in June 2009.

The Government do not collect data on the intentions of returning officers in relation to checking of identifiers. Accordingly, we have made no estimate of the total number of returning officers at the next UK parliamentary general election who intend to check 100 per cent of postal vote statements. However, the Electoral Commission report The European Parliamentary and Local Government Elections June 2009 stated that “the vast majority of returning officers across Great Britain checked personal identifiers on all returned postal voting statements”. There were 399 local returning officers in Great Britain at the 2009 European poll.

The Electoral Commission subsequently surveyed the small minority of returning officers who had checked less than 80 per cent of postal vote statements at the 2009 elections—18 in total, of whom 16 had responded by 1 December 2009. Ten of the 16 respondents indicated that they are planning to check personal identifiers on all returned postal voting statements at next year's elections. Of the remaining six respondents, two returning officers indicated that the cost of software licences, scanners or staffing caused them difficulties with 100 per cent checking. The remaining four respondents indicated that they do not intend to exercise their discretion to check a higher percentage than the minimum required in statute.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what financial provision there is for equipment enabling returning officers to check 100 per cent of the personal identifiers which accompany postal votes returned in their constituencies. [HL1453]

All local authorities were allocated resources when postal voter personal identifier checking was first introduced in 2007 to enable them to buy the necessary equipment. Returning officers are also entitled to claim reimbursement from the Consolidated Fund for their reasonable expenses in conducting the poll, including the costs of any further personal identifier checking equipment which may be necessary. Claims for such equipment can be made on the same basis as for any other necessary electoral equipment. The Government have also allocated funding to meet the staffing costs of verifying 100 per cent of postal vote statements at the forthcoming UK parliamentary election.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have with the governments of other European Union member states for initiatives to assist in preserving elephant herds in Africa. [HL1510]

The UK works with other countries, including EU member states, to conserve endangered species such as the African elephant, through membership of multilateral environmental agreements, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

We will be discussing many issues with member states in the lead up to and at the next CITES conference in March. These include progress on the implementation of an action plan for the control of trade in elephant ivory, and the African Elephant Fund which was set up to help support its implementation.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their position on the initiative taken by the Spanish presidency of the European Union for a system of European protection orders aimed at curbing violence against women. [HL1178]

The Government are broadly supportive of the idea of the European Protection Order (EPO) and the goal of providing protection for people exercising their free movement rights. Victims of domestic violence and other crimes should be able to move across the European Union with confidence that they will be protected, wherever they are, and we want to work with our European partners towards achieving this.

The UK does, however, have a three month period in which to decide whether to opt in to the proposal. During this period the Government will be following the parliamentary scrutiny process, including consultation with the scrutiny committees. We would not want to pre-empt this process and will be waiting for the committees’ views before coming to a decision on opt-in.

To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Answer by Lord Myners on 2 April 2009 (Official Report, House of Lords, cols. 1174–5), what steps the Financial Services Authority has taken since then to regulate better equity release schemes. [HL1327]

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer I gave him on 25 January (Official Report, col. WA 296).

The Government have put in place Financial Services Authority (FSA) regulation of equity release products. The FSA's regime provides important protections for consumers, including requirements that information provided by regulated equity release providers must be clear, fair and not misleading. The FSA publishes a consumer guide to equity release products, which states that consumers uncertain about equity release should seek independent financial advice. This is available in hard copy from the FSA, or on the FSA's website at http://www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/tools/publications/publications.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to enable the reconstruction of the infrastructure of Gaza following Operation Cast Lead. [HL1535]

The Department for International Development (DfID) is funding early recovery projects in Gaza including rubble clearance, road repairs, removal of unexploded ordnance and rehabilitation of agricultural buildings. DfID also supports the UN Access Support Team which facilitates the entry of UN and non-governmental organisation staff as well as materials into Gaza from Israel. Whilst this work is important in establishing conditions on the ground conducive to large-scale reconstruction, such activity will only be possible once restrictions on access for aid, aid workers and reconstruction materials into Gaza are significantly eased.

Improving access to Gaza is a priority for the UK Government and we raise the issue with the Government of Israel at all available opportunities. Most recently, on 1 December 2009, Secretary of State Douglas Alexander discussed this issue with Ehud Barak, the Israeli Minister of Defence. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Mike Foster also met with Israeli Vice Prime Minister Shalom in November and Deputy Foreign Minister Ayalon in October to discuss the issue.

To ask Her Majesty's Government how much is paid to Gurkha riflemen and Gurkha majors under the Gurkha Pension Scheme; and whether those incomes are below the United Kingdom poverty line. [HL1585]

The current pension rate under the Gurkha Pension Scheme at the normal exit point for a Gurkha Rifleman after 15 years service is £172 per month. For a Gurkha Major after 28 years’ service the current rate is £485 per month. Gurkha pensions were designed for life in Nepal where they constitute a good income. Poverty line calculations vary from individual to individual depending on circumstances. All ex-Gurkhas who chose to settle in the United Kingdom have access to the full range of benefits from the welfare state.

To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect to receive a report from the British Antarctic Survey that the Halley VI station is functioning; and what scientific projects are planned to be carried out there initially. [HL1597]

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have advised that Halley VI is due to be commissioned in the 2011-12 Antarctic season; that is, by February 2012.

Halley VI will continue to undertake long term monitoring activities. In addition, BAS is planning to deploy a new suite of atmospheric chemistry instruments. This science addresses key issues in polar climate, interpretation of ice core chemistry and understanding the carbon cycle in the southern ocean. Work linking energetic particle precipitation, resulting atmospheric chemistry changes and links to atmospheric dynamics will also commence.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans NHS primary care trusts have to extend bowel cancer screenings to those aged 70 to 74 in the current year. [HL1495]

This year the National Health Service bowel cancer screening programme will be extended to men and women aged 70 to 75. Five sites have been piloting the extension to men and women aged 70 to 75 since 2009. The pilots have progressed well with no major problems. The NHS Operating Framework in England 2010-11 stated that all primary care trusts need to work with their cancer networks to ensure that all screening services have extended bowel cancer screening offered to men and women aged 70-75 from 2010. The phased extension is being managed by the NHS cancer screening programmes.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of anti-arrhythmic drugs currently available to patients with atrial fibrillation; and what steps they are taking to help those who often experience side effects from those drugs. [HL1554]

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the draft guidance published by National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence proposing to refuse approval of the use of Dronedarone to patients in England and Wales. [HL1555]

There are a number of anti-arrhythmic drugs currently available. Every case is considered individually and clinicians assess each case and will offer tailored treatment that suits the circumstances. The possible side effects should be discussed and managed appropriately.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published draft guidance on dronedarone and stakeholders had the opportunity to comment on NICE's recommendations. The consultation closed on 28 January 2010.

However, NICE is an independent body and it would not be appropriate to interfere in an ongoing NICE appraisal.

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people in the United Kingdom have atrial fibrillation; and what steps they are taking to ensure that patients and their doctors have a choice of options for managing that condition. [HL1556]

It is estimated that there are 600,000 patients in England with atrial fibrillation (AF). NHS Improvement have published a variety of documents to address the identification, diagnosis and management of AF including commissioning guidance and national priority projects where cardiac networks have completed work with primary care trusts and general practices on AF in primary care. The second phase of national priority projects is now underway.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether statistics are available on the number of patients suffering from essential tremor; and whether they plan to support research into the condition. [HL1571]

Information on the number of people living with essential tremor is not collected centrally.

All research proposals, including those into essential tremor, are considered by the Medical Research Council based on an independent assessment of the merits of the submitted proposal.

To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord Darzi of Denham on 7 July 2009 (WA 134), how much of the payment of €450 million to the Republic of Ireland for reimbursement of European Union healthcare costs for 2007 was an overpayment; when it and other overpayments in earlier years will be repaid or offset; what were the matters being negotiated with the Republic of Ireland on that issue; and what resolution of them has occurred. [HL1416]

Following negotiations with the Republic of Ireland, on the number of pensioners whose healthcare costs each country is liable for and the rate of payment, the accounts for 2003-06 have been closed and the terms to settle claims for the years 2007-09 have been agreed. The agreement substantially reduces the United Kingdom's liabilities on both the rate and number of pensioners and acknowledges that the payment of €450 million represented a contribution for 2007-09. The €450 million does not represent an overpayment for this claim period.

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many patients were diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and what proportion of them were women. [HL1606]

Information on the number of patients diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica is not collected centrally. However, it is estimated that there are 11 new cases each year per 100,000 population, and this condition is three times more common in women as in men.

To ask Her Majesty's Government how soon after diagnosis should patients suffering from polymyalgia rheumatica be referred to a rheumatologist. [HL1607]

It is for health professionals to decide on when patients with polymyalgia rheumatica should be referred to a rheumatologist.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to increase awareness of polymyalgia rheumatica amongst (a) the medical profession, and (b) the public. [HL1608]

We have no plans to further increase awareness of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Detailed information on PMR, suitable for the general public, is available on the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk/conditions/polymyalgia-rheumatica/Pages/Introduction.aspx.

More technical information, suitable for health professionals, is available at the NHS Evidence website at www.evidence.nhs.uk/search.aspx?t=polymyalgia% 20rheumatica

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made or intend to make representations to the Government of Indonesia concerning freedom of Christian worship. [HL1677]

Our ambassador to Jakarta raised freedom of religion most recently when he met the chair of the Indonesian Parliament's Commission III on Law, Human Rights and Internal Security on 1 December 2009.

We, along with our EU partners, raise human rights concerns with the Indonesian Government and have pressed the authorities to ensure the rights of all religious minorities. We will continue to call for religious tolerance across Indonesia.

We are aware of problems surrounding the forcible closure of and occasional attacks on places of religious worship, both Christian and Islamic, but in general, there is a high degree of religious freedom in Indonesia, including for those practising Christianity.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they will take to assist the World Health Organisation's campaign to shut down the lead-contaminated camps at Osterode and Cesmin Lug in Kosovo, and to resettle the Roma inhabitants on uncontaminated land. [HL1645]

The Government are fully supportive of, and committed to, the international effort towards the closure of the lead contaminated camps at Cesmin Lug/Cesmin Llug and Osterode, and the successful resettlement of the Roma inhabitants to uncontaminated land. The Government are co-funding soil testing in Roma Mahalla to ensure the planned site for rebuilding homes is uncontaminated.

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many full-time staff work in the Olympic Security Directorate; and what is its budget for (a) 2009–10, and (b) 2010–11. [HL1558]

The Olympic and Paralympic Security Directorate (OSD) within the Home Office has 67 full-time equivalent staff.

The budget of OSD for 2009-10 was £44.54 million.

The budget of OSD for 2010-11 is expected to be £90 million.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what funds have been allocated by the Olympic Security Directorate in the current year to (a) the Police Central e-crime Unit, and (b) the Serious and Organised Crime Agency, to deal with cyber attacks directed at the 2012 Games; and what funds they plan to allocate in (a) 2010–11, and (b) 2011–12. [HL1559]

The Home Office has allocated £4.7 million across the current and next financial year to the Olympic Security and Safety Programme Serious and Organised Crime project to augment existing capability and capability to address the threats posed by serious and organised crime to the 2012 Olympics.

The project includes e-crime and combating cyber attacks, amongst other areas. It is not possible to separate the costs into the specific crime areas. No decisions have been taken on funding for this project for 2011-12.

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many times the Home Office, the Metropolitan Police Force, the Olympic Development Authority and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games have met to discuss security. [HL1560]

The four organisations meet regularly to discuss security planning for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

This includes a framework of formal meetings at official level, and regular contact between the four organisations who are co-located in the Docklands.

To ask Her Majesty's Government why they refused two applications for passports following personal interviews in 2009. [HL1474]

These applications were refused because the behaviour of the applicants and information provided at the interview raised suspicions, and further investigation confirmed that the applications were fraudulent. One applicant had no claim to British citizenship, and the other was confirmed as already holding a passport in a different identity.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what percentage of the cases under investigation by the Historical Enquiries Team of the Police Service of Northern Ireland that have been accelerated involve loyalist murders; what percentage involve Republican murders; and how those cases were chosen. [HL1529]

That is an operational matter for the chief constable. I have asked him to reply directly to the noble Lord, and a copy of his letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the (a) shortest, and (b) longest, periods for the Secretary of State for Justice to respond to a Parole Board recommendation that a convicted prisoner be transferred to open conditions prior to release. [HL1393]

To ask Her Majesty's Government what priority is given by the Secretary of State for Justice to a recommendation by the Parole Board that a prisoner who has waited for 12 months or more for a hearing be transferred to open conditions prior to release. [HL1394]

The National Offender Management Service has a target of 42 days from the date of receipt of the recommendation for considering a Parole Board recommendation for transfer to open conditions and issuing a final decision. In a sample of 100 recent cases, this target was met in 86 per cent of cases. Based on the same sample, the average period of time spent considering whether to accept a recommendation was 29.6 days. In some complex cases, it will take longer to deal with a recommendation, due to aspects of the case that require closer scrutiny.

Since 1 January 2008, the shortest amount of time taken from receipt of the recommendation to issuing the response is the same day. The longest case recorded since 1 January 2008 is, exceptionally, 438 days. However, since that recommendation was first received and considered, new streamlined processes have been put in place which have significantly improved the timeliness of consideration and have prevented such delays from recurring.

The Secretary of State does not have a policy of giving higher priority to the handling of recommendations for transfer to open conditions in cases where the prisoner's Parole Board hearing has been delayed. The 42 day target is applied from the date of receipt, and recent sampling demonstrates that 86 per cent of cases are considered within that target.

Consideration is being given to whether there is scope to reduce the target. Furthermore, we are working closely with the board to introduce a raft of measures to reduce the scope for parole delays and ensure that all cases are dealt with in a timely way.

To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord Brett on 12 January (WA 152), stating that it is not the practice to ratify decisions to admit new members to the Commonwealth, when the decision of Her Majesty's Government to support the admission of Rwanda to the Commonwealth was debated in either House of Parliament. [HL1540]

Further to the Answer I gave in the House of Lords on 2 December 2009, and the written responses I gave on 14 December (WA 175) and 11 January (WA 152), the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kampala saw a review of the membership criteria and the condition of a constitutional link was replaced by a close link to an existing Commonwealth member state. The UK has supported Rwanda's bid to join the Commonwealth from this time onwards. This matter has been discussed publicly since this time. It is not the practice to ratify such decisions made by the Commonwealth or member states in national parliaments—including that of the UK.

The decision on new applications to join is taken by all the Commonwealth Heads of Government. Commonwealth Heads of Government voted unanimously to allow Rwanda to join the organisation in Trinidad in November 2009.

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people have been referred to the Channel Project in each of the past 12 months; and what were their ages and locations. [HL1574]

We hold the following data on Channel which covers the period April 2007-December 2008.

Between April 2007-December 2008:

228 referrals were made to the Channel Project;

the known age range of those referred to Channel as potentially vulnerable to violent extremism and in need of multi-agency support was 7-50 years;

the majority of referrals were aged between 15-24 years; and

of those referred to Channel as potentially vulnerable to violent extremism and in need of multi-agency support 93 per cent were male.

To ask Her Majesty's Government in the last three years (a) how many hostage-taking incidents by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean there have been; (b) which countries have paid ransoms for the release of hostages of Somali pirates; (c) what were the known levels of payment; (d) which countries have refused to pay ransoms to release hostages; and (e) what is the record of the release of hostages for each country concerned. [HL1445]

Between 2007 and 2009 there were 102 incidents where hostages were taken off the coast of Somalia. Forty seven took place in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea and 55 in the Gulf of Aden.

In most cases, negotiations on ransom payments are made between pirates and the shipping company affected, not necessarily the countries of origin of the hostages or the flag state of the ship, and details are often protected for a variety of commercial reasons. However, government policy on the payment of ransoms is clear: we will not make substantive concessions to hostage takers.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will provide a breakdown by industry and business size of the benefits that accrue to companies as a result of general plant and machinery capital allowances. [HL1351]

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will provide a breakdown by industry and business size of the benefits that accrue to companies as a result of long-life plant and machinery capital allowances. [HL1352]

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will provide a breakdown by industry and business size of the benefits that accrue to companies as a result of integral fixtures capital allowances. [HL1353]

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will provide a breakdown by industry and business size of the benefits that accrue to companies as a result of annual investment allowances. [HL1354]

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will provide a breakdown by industry and business size of the cost to companies of the main rate of corporation tax. [HL1355]

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will provide a breakdown by industry and business size of the cost to companies of the small companies' rate of corporation tax. [HL1356]

Available information, in respect of companies’ rates of payment of corporation tax, and capital allowance claims, can be found in Tables T11.3 and T11.10 respectively on HMRC’s website at the following address: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/corporate_tax/menu.htm Table T11.10 covers the available asset split of capital allowances for the years 2003 to 2007 and pre-dates the introduction of the annual investment allowance. National Statistics showing the first annual investment allowance on expenditure incurred after 1 April 2008 will be published in October 2010.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made by British overseas territories towards signing tax information exchange agreements; which British overseas territories have (a) completed, and (b) not completed, the process; and what is the deadline for compliance. [HL1265]

Five British overseas territories have substantially implemented the internationally agreed standard on exchange of information for tax purposes by having signed more than 12 agreements. These are British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar and Turks and Caicos Islands. Anguilla and Montserrat are committed to the standard and have so far partially implemented it.

The G20 has indicated that it stands ready to use countermeasures from March 2010 against jurisdictions that have not implemented the international standard.

The other overseas territories do not have significant financial services sectors and therefore are not required to participate in the process.

To ask Her Majesty's Government how much they are spending promoting the English language abroad. [HL1578]

In 2008-09 the British Council spent £133 million globally on developing a wider knowledge of the English Language, of which £117 million was English language services delivered on a full cost recovery basis and £16 million coming from government grants.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what treaties and co-operation agreements they have with (a) Azerbaijan, (b) Kazakhstan, (c) Kyrgyzstan, (d) Tajikistan, (e) Turkmenistan, and (f) Uzbekistan; whether they have proposals for further treaties or co-operation agreements with those countries; if so, what the proposals are; and whether they have received from those countries requests for further treaties or co-operation agreements. [HL1447]

The number of agreements the United Kingdom has entered into with the countries concerned is as follows:

Azerbaijan—6;

Kazakhstan—9;

Kyrgyzstan—4;

Tajikistan—1;

Turkmenistan—7; and

Uzbekistan: 6

The attachment lists the titles of the various agreements. Where treaties have entered into force, this information is given, along with the date, and, where relevant, Command Paper publication references. A copy of the list will also be laid in the Libraries of the Houses. The list includes partnership and co-operation agreements between the European Communities and their member states, acting as One Party, and the Republics on the other. It does not include agreements concluded between the EC, acting as One Party without the member states, and the Republics. The list does not include Memoranda of Understanding because these are not legally-binding in international law, and are not treaties.

There are proposals for an extradition treaty and an agreement on education with Kazakhstan and for a double taxation agreement with Kyrgyzstan but there have yet been no detailed discussions on these matters. There have been no formal proposals or requests from the other Republics on similar subjects of mutual interest.

Bilateral treaties between the United Kingdom and Azerbaijan/Central Asia

Azerbaijan

Treaty Title: Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Azerbaijan Republic concerning Air Services.

Signed at: London

Date: 23 February 1994

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 020/1995 : Cm 2774

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 23 February 1994.

Treaty Title: Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Azerbaijan Republic on Co-operation in the Fields of Education, Science and Culture.

Signed at: London

Date: 23 February 1994

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 051/1994 : Cm 2670

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 23 February 1994.

Treaty Title: Convention between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on Income and Capital Gains, with Exchange of Notes done at London on 23 February 1994 and Baku on 27 March 1994.

Signed at: London

Date: 23 February 1994

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 059/1997 : Cm 3763

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 3 October 1995.

Treaty Title: Partnership and Co-operation Agreement establishing a Partnership between the European Communities and their Member States of the One Part, and the Republic of Azerbaijan, of the Other Part, with Final Act.

Signed at: Luxembourg

Date: 22 April 1996

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 074/2000 : Cm 4752

Notes: (i) This Agreement entered into force on 1 July 1999.

(ii) A Protocol to this Agreement to take into account the accession of 10 new Members of the EU was signed in Brussels on 18 May 2004 (entered into force 1 November 2005);

(iii) A further Protocol to this Agreement to take into account the accession of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union was signed at Brussels on 9 December 2008 (entered into force on 1 November 2009);

(iv) A further Protocol to extend the provisions of this Agreement to bilateral trade in textiles, taking into account the expiry of the bilateral textiles agreement was signed at Brussels on 16 October 2007 (entered into force on 1 November 2007).

Treaty Title: Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Azerbaijan Republic for the Promotion and Protection of Investments.

Signed at: London

Date: 4 January 1996

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 019/1997 : Cm 3576

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 11 December 1996.

Treaty Title: Exchange of Notes between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Azerbaijan Republic amending the Air Services Agreement done at London on 23 February 1994.

Signed at: Baku

Date: 20 June 1996 and 23 December 1996

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 018/2001 : Cm 5095

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 23 December 1996.

Kazakhstan

Treaty Title: Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan concerning Air Services.

Signed at: London

Date: 21 March 1994

Publication Reference: Kazakhstan No. 001/1997: Cm 3685

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 21 March 1994.

Treaty Title: Convention between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on Income and Capital Gains.

Signed at: London

Date: 21 March 1994

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 025/1999 : Cm 4326

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 15 July 1996

Treaty Title: Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Co-operation in the Fields of Education, Science and Culture with amending Exchange of Notes

Signed at: London

Date: 21 March 1994

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 066/1995 : Cm 2954

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 21 March 1994.

Treaty Title: Partnership and Co-operation Agreement establishing a Partnership between the European Communities and their Member States of the One Part, and the Republic of Kazakhstan, of the Other Part with Protocol including Declarations and Final Act.

Signed at: Brussels

Date: 23 January 1995

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 013/2000 : Cm 4627

Notes: (i) This Agreement entered into force on 1 July 1999.

(ii) A Protocol to this Agreement to take into account the accession of 10 new Members of the EU was signed in Brussels on 30 April 2004 (entered into force 1 June 2006);

(iii) A further Protocol to this Agreement to take into account the accession of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union was signed at Brussels on 16 September 2008 (not entered into force);

(iv) A further Protocol to extend the provisions of this Agreement to bilateral trade in textiles, taking into account the expiry of the bilateral textiles agreement was signed at Brussels on 5 November 2008 (not entered into force).

Treaty Title: Exchange of Notes between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan terminating the Agreement constituted by an Exchange of Notes between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics concerning the Mutual Abolition of Consular Fees On Visas signed at Moscow on 13 April 1964, as between the Governments of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Signed at: Almaty

Date: 31 July 1995 and 14 August 1995

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 004/1996: Cm 3134

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 14 August 1995.

Treaty Title: Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the Promotion and Protection of Investments.

Signed at: London

Date: 23 November 1995

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 030/1996 : Cm 3176

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 23 November 1995.

Treaty Title: Exchange of Notes extending the Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the Promotion and Protection of Investments signed at London on 23 November 1995 to the Isle of Man and the Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey.

Signed at: Almaty

Date: 6 July 1999 and 29 July 1999

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 015/2002 : Cm 5488

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 29 July 1999.

Treaty Title: Protocol between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan amending the Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and Capital Gains.

Signed at: London

Date: 18 September 1997

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 011/19996 : Cm 4271

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 2 November 1998.

Treaty Title: Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on International Road Transport.

Signed at: London

Date: 22 November 2006

Publication Reference: Not yet published

Notes: This Agreement is not in Force.

Kyrgyzstan

Treaty Title: Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic on Co-operation in the Fields of Education, Science and Culture.

Signed at: London

Date: 8 December 1994

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 059/1995 : Cm 2943

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 8 December 1994.

Treaty Title: Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic for the Promotion and Protection of Investments.

Signed at: London

Date: 8 December 1994

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 007/1999 : Cm 4259

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 18 June 1998.

Treaty Title: Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic concerning Air Services.

Signed at: London

Date: 8 December 1994

Publication Reference: Not published

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 8 December 1994.

Treaty Title: Partnership and Co-operation Agreement establishing a Partnership between the European Communities and their Member States of the One Part, and Kyrgyzstan, of the Other Part, with Final Act.

Signed at: Brussels

Date: 9 February 1995

Publication Reference: Not published

Notes: (i) This Agreement entered into force on 8 December 1994.

(ii) A Protocol to this Agreement to take into account the accession of 10 new Members of the EU was signed in Brussels on 30 April 2004 (entered into force 1 June 2006);

(iii) A further Protocol to this Agreement to take into account the accession of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union was signed at Brussels on 11 June 2008 (not entered into force).

Tajikistan

Treaty Title: Partnership and Co-operation Agreement establishing a Partnership between the European Communities and their Member States of the One Part, and the Republic of Tajikistan, of the Other Part.

Signed at: Luxembourg

Date: 11 October 2004

Publication Reference: Not yet published

Notes: (i) This Agreement entered into force on 1 January 2010.

(ii) A further Protocol to this Agreement to take into account the accession of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union was signed at Brussels on 24 June 2008 (entered into force on 1 January 2010);

There are no bilateral treaties recorded between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Tajikistan.

Turkmenistan

Treaty Title: Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Turkmenistan concerning Air Services.

Signed at: Ashgabat

Date: 9 February 1995

Publication Reference: Turkmenistan No. 001/1996 : Cm 3338

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 9 February 1995.

Treaty Title: Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Turkmenistan on Co-operation in the Fields of Education, Science and Culture.

Signed at: London Date: 9 February 1995

Publication Reference: Turkmenistan No. 002/1995 : Cm 3121

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 9 February 1995.

Treaty Title: Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Turkmenistan for the Promotion and Protection of Investments.

Signed at: Ashgabat

Date: 9 February 1995

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 047/2003 : Cm 6021

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 9 February 1995.

Treaty Title: Partnership and Co-operation Agreement establishing a Partnership between the European Communities and their Member States of the One Part, and Turkmenistan, of the Other part, with declarations, Protocol, Exchange of Letters, and Final Act.

Signed at: Brussels Date: 25 May 1998

Publication Reference: European Communities No.003/1999 : Cm 4189

Notes: This Agreement is not in force.

Treaty Title: Exchange of Notes extending the Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Turkmenistan for the Promotion and Protection of Investments signed at Ashgabat on 9 February 1995 to the Isle of Man and the Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey.

Signed at: Ashgabat

Date: 15 June 1999 and 17 June 1999

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 055/1999 : Cm 4439

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 17 June 1999

Treaty Title: Exchange of Notes between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Turkmenistan terminating the Agreement constituted by an Exchange of Notes between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics concerning the Mutual Abolition of Consular Fees On Visas signed at Moscow on 13 April 1964.

Signed at: Ashgabat

Date: 21 February 2000 and 13 March 2000

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 079/2000 : Cm 4766

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 13 March 2000.

Treaty Title: Exchange of Notes between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Turkmenistan amending the Air Services Agreement done at Ashgabat on 9 February 1995.

Signed at: Ashgabat

Date: 14 August 2000 and 11 September 2000

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 009/2001 : Cm 5042

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 11 September, 2000

Uzbekistan

Treaty Title: Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Co-operation in the Fields of Education, Science and Culture.

Signed at: Tashkent

Date: 15 October 1993

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No.034/1994 : Cm 2619

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 15 October 1993.

Treaty Title: Convention between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the Avoidance of Double taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and Capital Gains, with Exchange of Notes

Signed at: London

Date: 15 October 1993 and 17 November 1993

Publication Reference: Not published

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 10 June 1994.

Treaty Title: Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan concerning Air Services.

Signed at: London

Date: 24 November 1993

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 085/1996 : Cm 3443

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 24 November 1993.

Treaty Title: Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the Promotion and Protection of Investments.

Signed at: London

Date: 24 November 1993

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 008/1994 : Cm 2475

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 24 November 1993.

Treaty Title: Partnership and Co-operation Agreement establishing a Partnership between the European Communities and their Member States of the One Part, and the Republic of Uzbekistan, of the Other Part, with Final Act.

Signed at: Florence

Date: 21 June 1996

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 066/2000 : Cm 4735

Notes: (i) This Agreement entered into force on 1 July 1999.

(ii) A Protocol to this Agreement to take into account the accession of 10 new members of the EU was signed in Brussels on 30 April 2004 (entered into force 1 November 2005);

(iii) A further Protocol to this Agreement to take into account the accession of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union was signed at Brussels on 20 May 2008 (entered into force 1 February 2009).

Treaty Title: Exchange of Notes between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan terminating the Treaty of Merchant Navigation between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, done at London on 3 April 1968, the Protocol to the Treaty, done at Moscow on 1 March 1974, and the Additional Protocol, done at Moscow on 30 December 1986.

Signed at: Tashkent

Date: 25 November 1998 and 19 January 1999

Publication Reference: Treaty Series No. 031/2000: Cm 4652

Notes: This Agreement entered into force on 19 January 1999.

To ask Her Majesty's Government when they last discussed with the Government of Turkey matters relating to the Kurds; and whether those discussions included the dissolution of the Democratic Society Party, the arrests of elected parliamentarians and mayors, and constitutional reforms. [HL1522]

My honourable friend the Minister for Europe, Chris Bryant, raised the issue of the closure of the Democratic Society Party (DTP) and the Turkish Government's “democratic opening”, which includes reforms to address issues faced by Turkey's Kurdish minority, during talks with EU chief negotiator, Egemen Bagis, in Istanbul on 16 January 2010.

We had earlier strongly supported the statement released by the EU presidency on 11 December 2009 following the constitutional court's ruling on the closure of the DTP. This expressed concern about the closure and called on Turkey as a country negotiating EU membership to make the necessary constitutional amendments to bring its legislation on political parties in full compliance with best practices of the European Union.

To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Baroness Crawley on 19 January (WA 254–6), whether the figures provided on the number of citizens of each other European Union state resident in the United Kingdom will be used to calculate the annual healthcare costs charged by the United Kingdom to other European Union countries. [HL1530]

Average costs under European Union regulations 1408/71 and 574/72 are calculated using the population of the United Kingdom and domestic healthcare expenditure. As the National Health Service is a residency based healthcare system, the population used in these calculations includes all those ordinarily resident in the UK, irrespective of their nationality.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the United Nations Relief and Works Agency has received sufficient funding for their work in Gaza. [HL1537]

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) continues to experience funding shortfalls for both its core programme, which provides education, health and social services to refugees in the region, and its emergency programme, which addresses immediate humanitarian needs. UNRWA’s projected deficit for the current year for its core programme is $54 million, of which $18 million is attributable to Gaza. To date UNRWA has received only limited donations to its recently launched 2010 Gaza emergency appeal.

When our share of EU finding is included, the UK is UNRWA’s second largest bilateral donor. In 2009 we provided £31 million in funding to UNRWA; £20 million in core funding, £6 million to the 2009 Gaza emergency appeal and £5 million specifically to improve education services in Gaza. In 2010, we intend to provide £22 million in core funding.