Written Answers
Wednesday, 18th June 1997.
General Affairs Council, 2–3 June
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will report on the outcome of the 2–3 June General Affairs Council.
The 23 A Points listed in document 8568/97, the text of which will be placed in the House Library, were approved.The Council noted the resolutions adopted by the European Parliament, listed in Documents 7145/97 and 8018/97. A copy of these documents will also be placed in the House Library as soon as they are available.The Presidency gave a brief presentation on the themes for the European Council in Amsterdam on 16–17 June, emphasising that the priority would be bringing the Intergovernmental Conference to a successful conclusion.Conclusions were adopted on improving trade access for the Least Developed Countries. HMG hopes that other WTO members will respond positively to the Council's call that they make similar commitments.The Commission reported on the outcome of negotiations with Canada and Russia on a Framework Agreement on Humane Trapping Standards. The Council Conclusions welcomed progress made, noted the Commission's intention to issue proposals for concluding an Agreement and urged the Commission to report on progress in similar negotiations with the USA. A final decision will be taken at the 19/20 June Environment Council.The Council adopted the Regulation creating a Monitoring Centre for Racism and Xenophobia. The Council also adopted the directives for negotiation between the Community and the Council of Europe concerning co-operation between the Monitoring Centre and the Council of Europe. It was decided that the Monitoring Centre will be based in Vienna.The Council welcomed the results of the 28 May EU/US summit in The Hague, and noted preparations for the EU/Canada summit at Denver on 20 June. The EU/US summit was a success: key agreements were reached including on customs co-operation; there were detailed discussions also on drugs and crime as well as democracy and human rights. The EU/Canada summit will provide an opportunity to assess the implementation of the EU/Canada Joint Declaration and Joint Action Plan.The Council noted the forthcoming EU/Japan sixth annual summit in The Hague on 25 June. Political dialogue will focus on the Korean peninsula and Hong Kong. The Commission will raise Japan's deregulation programme.
The Council agreed Conclusions setting out the EU's future policy towards Hong Kong after the transfer of sovereignty on 30 June. The Council welcomed the recent Commission Communication on future relations with Hong Kong and said that future policy should be based on a number of key guidelines, including Hong Kong's continuing high degree of political and economic autonomy under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration.
The Presidency announced its intention to present a compromise solution to the Mid Term Review of the Agreement with Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs).
The Council welcomed the outcome of the Ministerial Steering Board in Sintra on 30 May 1997, which had sent a clear message to the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina that further obstruction to peace implementation would not be tolerated. The Council paid tribute to Carl Bildt for his efforts in consolidating peace in Bosnia and promoting lasting stability in the region. It offered its full support to Carlos Westendorp as his appointed successor.
The Council welcomed the decision by the Albanian authorities to hold elections on 29 June and emphasised that responsibility for the future of the country lay with the Albanian people. The Council adopted a Common Position which provides that the EU will help Albania, within the co-ordinating framework of the OSCE, to promote the democratic process, a return to political stability and internal security and the holding of free and fair elections. The EU will continue to support economic reforms and to provide humanitarian aid as needed in accordance with the conditions developed in its regional approach.
Having reviewed the recent EU mission to Kinshasa, the Council reiterated the EU's support for democratisation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and for the holding of elections, due in two years' time. The Head of the EU's electoral unit will visit DRC shortly. The Council urged the DRC to give full and unhindered access to refugees by the UN and humanitarian agencies. A ministerial troika will visit DRC at an appropriate time to discuss democratisation, humanitarian assistance and the future relationship.
The Council discussed relations with Iran and concluded that the conditions were not yet suitable for the return of the EU Ambassadors to Tehran.
The UK supported the Presidency's proposal for an EU declaration responding to the recent announcement by ASEAN to admit Cambodia, Burma and Laos as full ASEAN members in July. The declaration reaffirms the EU's commitment to the EU-ASEAN dialogue process but reiterates member states' concern about the situation in Burma.
The Council recalled the close ties between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean. It welcomed the proposal to organise a summit of Heads of State. A recommendation on possible dates, participation and follow up was requested.
The Council adopted a Common Position on conflict prevention and resolution in Africa. In many parts of Africa, progress towards sustainable development had been undermined by conflicts. African countries must take the lead in conflict prevention and resolution in Africa. The EU in turn had a responsibility to support African efforts. An effective policy necessitated a coherent mix of political, economic, development, social and environment instruments.
The Council welcomed the proposal that an EU/Africa summit should take place not later than the year 2000.
The Council recognised the lack of progress towards respect for human rights and the restoration of accountable, democratic government in Nigeria, and secured agreement to roll over the EU Common Position intact for a further six months. The Council also agreed a more consistent approach to the implementation of the EU visa restrictions.
A ministerial session of the Intergovernmental Conference took place on 2 and 3 June. It was preceded by an exchange of views with the President and representatives of the European Parliament. Discussion then progressed on the basis of the revised Presidency texts of 31 May (copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House). Subjects covered included Justice and Home Affairs; Flexibility; Common Foreign and Security Policy; Defence; Institutions; Employment.
Ottawa: Deputy High Commissioner's House
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the former deputy high commissioner's house in Ottawa has yet been sold; and, if not, how much it is hoped to realise from the sale and how much the house cost.
The house has not yet been sold. New agents have recently been appointed to take over the marketing of the house. The current asking price is C$1,800,000 (approximately £800,000 at current exchange rates). It was acquired by Her Majesty's Government in 1960 for C$105,000 (approximately £38,500 at 1960 exchange rate).
War Pensions Applications
asked Her Majesty's Government:When the last application for (a) a new and (b) an increased war pension resulting from injuries sustained during the Second World War was lodged with the War Pensions Agency.
These are matters for Kevin Caldwell, Chief Executive of the War Pensions Agency. He will write to the noble Lord.
Letter to Lord Skelmersdale from the Chief Executive of the War Pensions Agency, Mr. K. C. Caldwell, dated 17 June 1997.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Social Security, Baroness Hollis of Heigham, has asked me to reply to your recent parliamentary Question about claims for War Pensions.
The War Pensions Agency continues to receive new claims daily in respect of injuries sustained during the Second World War and also claims for an increase in current pensions due to the worsening of injuries sustained in the Second World War.
I hope you find my reply helpful.
Assisted Places Scheme
asked Her Majesty's Government:How much will be saved each year by bringing to an end the Assisted Places Scheme in Scotland.
Published expenditure plans for the years 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000 include expenditure on the Assisted Places Scheme of £14.0 million, £15.8 million and £15.7 million. The Government's spending plans for 1998–99 onwards will be announced in due course and will take account of the savings progressively released from phasing out the scheme in Scotland.
Primary School Class Numbers: Reduction Costs
asked Her Majesty's Government:How many primary school classes for 5, 6 and 7 year-olds in Scotland number more than 30 children, and what it will cost per annum to reduce them to that number.
Statistics on class size are collected biennially as part of the School Census. The census is completed for a typical week in late September and the information collected is therefore a point in time estimate. Statistics are collected by the school stage, rather than the age of the pupil. The latest information is for September 1995. At that time, 30,754 pupils in P1 to P3 were in classes of 31 or more. There were 960 such classes. The annual cost of reducing maximum class size to 30 cannot be reliably estimated from the information held centrally at present.
Devolution: Forestry Responsibilities
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they envisage that, following devolution, there will be a Secretary of State for Scotland in the Cabinet; and, if not, who they envisage will take the lead in matters affecting forestry in the United Kingdom as a whole.
My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and other forestry Ministers are considering the treatment of forestry matters, both in Scotland and in the United Kingdom as a whole, in the context of the Government's proposals for a Scottish parliament. The Government's proposals will be set out in the forthcoming White Paper.
Mr And Mrs Kelly: Costs Of Litigation
asked Her Majesty's Government:What have been the costs to the Legal Aid Fund in Scotland for both parties in the case brought by Mr. James Kelly against his wife Mrs. Lynne Kelly on the termination of her pregnancy.
Mr. James Kelly and Mrs. Lynne Kelly were both granted legal aid under the special urgency provisions. As their respective solicitors have yet to submit their accounts for payment, it is not possible to provide the requested information.
Isle Of Man: Detention Of Child Offenders
asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the minimum age at which children may lawfully be detained in adult prisons in the Isle of Man.
Under Manx law, a child (that is a person of or over the age of 10 but under the age of 14) can be remanded to custody or sentenced to serve a term of custody, but only in exceptional circumstances. Section 9(2) of the Isle of Man Custody Act 1995 stipulates that no court shall impose custody on a child or young person unless the court is of the opinion that the circumstances are so exceptional that it would be inappropriate to deal with him by any other method.
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will take steps to ensure that separate secure accommodation is made available in the Isle of Man for the detention of child offenders.
The provision of prison accommodation in the Isle of Man is a matter for the Manx authorities. I understand that there is a secure juvenile unit for the detention of child offenders which is physically separated from the rest of the Isle of Man's prison and has a separate entrance and reception facility.
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they consider that the detention of child offenders in adult prisons in the Isle of Man is in conformity with the United Kingdom's obligations under international human rights law.
The issue does not arise. Child offenders are not so detained on the Isle of Man.
Uk Fishing Vessels: Compliance With The Law
asked Her Majesty's Government:What measures they intend to introduce to ensure that United Kingdom registered fishing vessels comply with the law.
The Government propose to take a range of initiatives designed to ensure that all fishing vessels in the UK abide by the rules.The Fisheries Departments will continue to give priority to fair and effective enforcement. In 1997–98 some £24 million will be spent on enforcement, including surface and aerial surveillance. We are determined to bear down on those who disregard the law. If fish stocks are to be conserved, fisheries regulations must be respected.We have considered whether the existing conditions of fishing licences need to be strengthened to assist enforcement. A matter of particular concern is the practice of allegedly discarding, after inspection at sea but prior to landing, marketable fish which have been sorted, stowed on board and recorded in EC logbooks. This practice appears to be used to evade the proper operation of quotas and is inconsistent with the conservation of fish stocks. Subject to consultation with the Commission and our fishing industry, we propose to introduce as soon as possible a new licence condition which addresses this problem.The Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen has powers to terminate a fishing vessel's registration if, taking into account any requirement of merchant shipping legislation relevant to its safety or that of its crew, he considers that it would be inappropriate for the vessel to remain registered. In the interests of safety, it is proposed that the Registrar General will serve notice of the intention to terminate the registration of any fishing vessel which fails to hold a valid safety certificate.In addition, we shall be making arrangements for British Sea Fishery Officers to assist the Department of Transport by detaining in port fishing vessels which do not have valid fishing vessel safety certificates, as well as checking that fishing vessels are manned by crew holding the appropriate certificates, including UK Certificates of Equivalent Competency (CECs) in the case of foreign qualified crew.
Finally, the Department of Transport and Fisheries Department has reviewed the requirements for masters and officers of larger fishing vessels to be competent in the use of English. It has been concluded that these provisions are adequate. Certificates of competency, including CECs, already require a sound knowledge of English. The more rigorous checking of officers' certificates will help to ensure that these requirements are properly complied with in the interests of safety.
No 11 Downing Street: Charitable Events
asked Her Majesty's Government:On how many occasions between 9 April 1992 and 2 May 1997 facilities were provided at No. 11 Downing Street for charitable and other non-political good causes.
Standard reception facilities have been provided at No. 11 for such functions on a number of occasions.
Friends Provident Investment Advertisement
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they consider the Friends Provident advertisement appearing on page B12 of the
Daily Telegraph of 24 May 1997 might mislead readers as to the difference between "income" and "return of capital"; and whether they intend to take action to deter such advertisements.
Authorised investment businesses are subject to the rules of their regulators on the content and presentation of investment advertisements. The rules are intended to ensure that investors are not misled in any way. Whether or not a particular investment advertisement has been issued in breach of those rules is a matter for the regulator concerned, in this case the Personal Investment Authority.
Channel Tunnel Safety Authority: Annual Report
asked Her Majesty's Government:When they expect the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority to publish its annual report for the year 1995–96.
The Channel Tunnel Safety Authority has today published its eighth annual report, covering the period from 1 April 1995 to 31 March 1996. Copies of the report have been placed in the Library.
Defence Diversification Agency
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they intend to establish a defence diversification agency as outlined in a previous Labour Party manifesto, and if not, why not.
The Government will be making proposals in due course on how best to give effect to their objectives in this area, including how best to harness the contribution of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency to these objectives.
Nhs Waiting List Cuts
asked Her Majesty's Government:With reference to the pledge in the Labour Party manifesto to "cut NHS waiting lists", by what measure of "NHS waiting lists" they wish their performance of this pledge to be judged, and what are the latest available figures for that measure.
Our manifesto commitment is to treat an extra 100,000 patients through reducing bureaucracy.We are also committed to ending waits for cancer surgery, especially breast cancer, and will be making £10 million available for breast cancer services in 1997–98. Health authorities will be reporting on improvements in speed of access to diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer twelve months after receiving their extra funds. In addition, we will be providing £5 million for paediatric intensive care. Early action on paediatric intensive care will be put in place this year.
Oaths Of Allegiance
asked Her Majesty's Government:What are the forms of words used in the oaths of allegiance taken by (a) Privy Counsellors and (b) European Commissioners.
The Oath of Allegiance taken by new Privy Counsellors reads as follows:"You do swear by Almighty God that you will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Her Heirs and Successors according to law. So help you God.".The declaration made by European Commissioners at the commencement of their term of office reads as follows:"Whereas, having been appointed to be a Member of the Commission of the European Communities by the Governments of the Member States of the European Communities, I do solemnly undertake:
to perform my duties in complete independence, in the general interest of the Communities;
in carrying out my duties, neither to seek nor to take instructions from any Government or from any other body;
to refrain from any action incompatible with my duties.
I formally note the undertaking of each Member State to respect this principle and not to seek to influence Members of the Commission in the performance of their task.
I further undertake to respect, both during and after my term of office, the obligations arising therefrom, and in particular the duty to behave with integrity and discretion as regards the acceptance, after I have ceased to hold office, of certain appointments or benefits.".