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Activity in English National Health Services Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector.
| Patient Age Group | Hip replacement | |||||
| 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | ||||
| Total FAEs | Emergency FAEs | Total FAEs | Emergency FAEs | Total FAEs | Emergency FAEs | |
Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre
| Patient Age Group | Knee replacement | |||||
| 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | ||||
| Total FAEs | Emergency FAEs | Total FAEs | Emergency FAEs | Total FAEs | Emergency FAEs | |
Source Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre
23 Apr 2012 : Column WA339
23 Apr 2012 : Column WA340
| Patient Age Group | Coronary artery bypass graft | |||||
| 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | ||||
| Total FAEs | Emergency FAEs | Total FAEs | Emergency FAEs | Total FAEs | Emergency FAEs | |
Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre
| Patient Age Group | Cochlea Implant | |||||
| 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | ||||
| Total FAEs | Emergency FAEs | Total FAEs | Emergency FAEs | Total FAEs | Emergency FAEs | |
Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre
| Patient Age Group | Cholecystectomy | |||||
| 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | ||||
| Total FAEs | Emergency FAEs | Total FAEs | Emergency FAEs | Total FAEs | Emergency FAEs | |
Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre
An FAE is the first period of inpatient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. FAEs are counted against the year in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of inpatients, as a person may have more than one admission within the year.
The first recorded procedure or intervention in each episode, usually the most resource intensive procedure or intervention performed during the episode. It is appropriate to use main procedure when looking at admission details, (eg time waited), but a more complete count of episodes with a particular procedure is obtained by looking at the main and the secondary procedures.
An emergency admission is one where the admission method is recorded as one of the following codes:
21 Emergency - via Accident and Emergency (A&E) services, including the casualty department of the provider.
22 Emergency - via General Practitioner (GP)
23 Emergency - via Bed Bureau, including the Central Bureau
24 Emergency - via consultant out-patient clinic
28 Emergency - other means, including patients who arrive via the A&E department
Asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill
To ask Her Majesty's Government what was the (1) mean, and (2) median waiting time, for (a) hip replacement, (b) knee replacement, (c) coronary artery bypass graft, (d) cochlea implant, and (e) cholecystectomy procedures for patients aged (i) 75-79, (ii) 80-84, (iii) 85-89, (iv) 90-94, and (v) 95 years and over, in each of the last three years for which data are available.[HL16786]
Earl Howe: The information is shown in the following tables.
Mean and median time waited (days) for finished admissions episodes1 with the main operative procedure2 as specified by patient age group for 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11.
Activity in English National Health Service Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector.
23 Apr 2012 : Column WA341
| Patient Age Group | Hip Replacement | |||||
| 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | ||||
| Mean | Median | Mean | Median | Mean | Median | |
Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre
| Patient Age Group | Knee Replacement | |||||
| 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | ||||
| Mean | Median | Mean | Median | Mean | Median | |
Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre
| Patient Age Group | Coronary artery bypass graft | |||||
| 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | ||||
| Mean | Median | Mean | Median | Mean | Median | |
Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre
| Patient Age Group | Cochlea Implant | |||||
| 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | ||||
| Mean | Median | Mean | Median | Mean | Median | |
Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre
| Patient Age Group | Cholecystectomy | |||||
| 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | ||||
| Mean | Median | Mean | Median | Mean | Median | |
Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre
An FAE is the first period of inpatient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. FAEs are counted against the year in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of inpatients, as a person may have more than one admission within the year.
The first recorded procedure or intervention in each episode, usually the most resource intensive procedure or intervention performed during the episode. It is appropriate to use main procedure when looking at admission details, (eg time waited), but a more complete count of episodes with a particular procedure is obtained by looking at the main and the secondary procedures.
Health: Healthcare Assistants
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government what measures they will take to ensure that healthcare assistants are adequately trained.[HL16729]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): We have commissioned Skills for Health and Skills for Care to develop, in partnership with key stakeholders, a code of conduct and minimum training standards for healthcare support workers and adult social care workers in England, which will, for the first time, set clear expectations about standards of conduct and training for these workers.
It is, and will continue to be, for providers of National Health Service-funded services and employers to ensure staff are appropriately trained for the role they are required to perform. This requirement is underpinned by the Care Quality Commission's registration requirements.
The new standards will inform the development of a system of assured voluntary registration for this group, which will enable employers to identify appropriately trained and qualified workers.
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will seek assurances from employing authorities that healthcare assistants in their employ are adequately trained.[HL16730]
Earl Howe: It is for providers of National Health Service funded services and employers to ensure their staff are trained for the role they are required to perform. This is underpinned by the Care Quality Commission's registration requirements and associated guidance.
The Care Quality Commission has a range of powers to enforce its registration requirements.
23 Apr 2012 : Column WA343
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that healthcare assistants will join the proposed voluntary register.[HL16731]
Earl Howe: It will be a matter for each healthcare assistant to decide whether to apply to join a relevant assured voluntary register. However, being on an assured voluntary register will help them to demonstrate to potential employers that they meet minimum standards, for example around training and conduct.
It would be open to employers to insist on using workers on an assured voluntary register and employers and providers may also wish to use the registration status of their workers to help demonstrate compliance with the Care Quality Commission's registration requirements relating to workers.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what measures they will take to ensure that training programmes for healthcare assistants are adequate to ensure patient safety; and which bodies they expect to provide those programmes.[HL16732]
Earl Howe: We have commissioned Skills for Health and Skills for Care to develop, in partnership with key stakeholders, a code of conduct and minimum training standards for healthcare support workers and adult social care workers in England, which will, for the first time, set clear expectations about standards of conduct and training for these workers.
We expect patient safety to be the driving principle behind the standards that Skills for Health and Skills for Care are developing. Further, the proposed voluntary register for healthcare support workers, which the standards will inform, will be reviewed three years after it has been established to ensure that it is adequate to assure patient safety.
We will not be in a position to determine which bodies we expect to provide training for healthcare assistants until the recommended standards of training have been produced.
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make it obligatory for hospital trusts and care homes to employ healthcare assistants only when they are entered on a voluntary register and are completing or have completed a recognised training programme.[HL16733]
Earl Howe: We have made it clear that, once a system of assured voluntary registration has been operational for three years, we will commission a strategic review of the relative benefits of assured voluntary registration, compared with statutory registration. As part of that review, we will also consider whether there is a case for mandating training.
23 Apr 2012 : Column WA344
Health: Osteopathy
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of including osteopathy treatment on the National Health Service.[HL16741]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The department does not maintain a position on any particular complementary or alternative therapies, including osteopathy. It is the responsibility of local National Health Service organisations to make decisions on the commissioning and funding of such treatments, taking account of issues to do with safety, clinical and cost effectiveness and the availability of suitably qualified/regulated practitioners.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommends manual therapies, such as spinal manipulation, spinal mobilisation and massage as possible treatments for persistent lower back pain.
Health: Tuberculosis
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to secure the achievement of the millennium development goal on tuberculosis in advance of World Tuberculosis Day on 24 March. [HL16621]
Baroness Northover: The UK Government are committed to efforts to achieve the millennium development goal of reducing deaths from and prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) by half by 2015. Our efforts are through direct support to countries and international organisations. We work particularly through the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, which is the largest single provider of international funds to fight TB. We also support co-ordinated action through the Stop TB Partnership, and we fund research, including research to develop more effective diagnostics and treatment to tackle TB.
Higher Education: Funding
Question
Asked by Lord Willis of Knaresborough
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the projected revenue cost for full-time students in higher education in England up to and including undergraduate level of (1) maintenance loans, and (2) maintenance grants, for the years 2012-13 to 2014-15.[HL16612]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire: Estimates of the cost of (1) maintenance loans and (2) maintenance grants for full-time students, consistent with the impact assessment published alongside the 2011 higher education White Paper, are as follows:
23 Apr 2012 : Column WA345
| Cost/£m | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 |
Higher Education: Student Loans
Questions
Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the average amount of money repayable against a student loan on the completion of a three-year degree; what is the total sum of money borrowed so far in student loans; what is the average and total amount of interest payable on such loans; what is the maximum period of repayment of a student loan; and what is stipulated in the student loan regulations about the early repayment of student loans.[HL16427]
Baroness Verma: The average amount of debt owed by borrowers who take out income contingent repayment (ICR) loans is published by the Student Loans Company (SLC) in the Official Statistics release Income Contingent Repayments by Repayment Cohort and Tax Year. The most recent release was published in June 2011 and refers to financial year 2010-11 http://www.slc.co.uk/media/77960/SLCOSP022011.pdf.
The publication contains a breakdown of the amount of debt outstanding of all ICR borrowers by repayment cohort (year the borrower became liable to repay their loan) in table 3 (iii). SLC does not hold information on whether or not borrowers completed their course. The figures in the table includes borrowers who did not complete their course, borrowers whose courses were longer or shorter than three years and borrowers who received a loan for more than one course.
From academic years 1998-99 to 2010-11, £37.7 billion has been borrowed in income contingent repayment loans, for maintenance and tuition fees. This figure includes English domiciled students, and EU domiciled students studying in England from 2006-07 onwards, when they became eligible for tuition fee loans.
£3.3 billion has been added in interest to student debt from financial years 1998-99 to 2010-11. It is not appropriate to express this as an average, given the number of borrowers has changed over that period.
Under the income-contingent repayment (ICR) student loans system, any outstanding loan balances will be cancelled in the following circumstances:
if a borrower dies; orif a borrower receives a disability benefit and because of the disability is permanently unfit for work.For those entering higher education (HE):
before 1 September 2006: when the borrower reaches the age of 65;23 Apr 2012 : Column WA346
The Education (Student Loans) Regulations state that a borrower may repay all or any part of a student loan at any time by making direct payments to the Student Loans Company.
Asked by Lord Willis of Knaresborough
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the projected (a) revenue cost, and (b) resource cost, of fee loans for part-time students in higher education in England up to and including undergraduate level for the years 2012-13 to 2014-15.[HL16613]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire: Estimates of the (a) revenue cost and (b) resource cost of fee loans for part-time students, consistent with the impact assessment published alongside the 2011 higher education White Paper, are as follows:
| Fee loans for part-time students/£m | 2012-12 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 |
Asked by Baroness Sharp of Guildford
To ask Her Majesty's Government what will be the (1) minimum, and (2) maximum loan, available to students aged 24 and over taking a level 3 or higher course from 2013.[HL16807]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): The maximum amount of loan available will vary depending on the type of course. The Skills Funding Agency will assign a maximum public funding rate available for each type of qualification and this will determine the maximum loan available. The agency's funding rates for the 2013-14 academic year are due to be published by January 2013.
A minimum loan amount will be set to take account of the administrative costs associated with collecting the loan through the tax system. We expect the level of the minimum to be in the region of £300 and this will be confirmed by July 2012, as part of the regulations that are laid before Parliament to introduce the loans system
Asked by Baroness Sharp of Guildford
To ask Her Majesty's Government when the impact assessment relating to the introduction of loans for further education students aged 24 and over will be published.[HL16808]
Baroness Wilcox: BIS published an interim impact assessment of the introduction of loans for further education in July last year. It is proposed to publish
23 Apr 2012 : Column WA347
HMS "Caroline"
Question
Asked by Lord Browne of Belmont
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to keep the historic naval vessel HMS "Caroline" at its present berth in Belfast.[HL16578]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): Discussions are continuing between the National Museum of the Royal Navy and authorities in Northern Ireland among others. An announcement will be made when a decision has been made on the future of HMS "Caroline", which I expect to be in the summer.
Housing
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they encourage the housebuilding industry to landscape the edges of, and approaches to, housing developments.[HL16799]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Hanham): The national planning policy framework sets out strong policies on design and makes clear that developments should be visually attractive as a result of good architecture and appropriate landscaping.
Immigration
Question
Asked by Lord Hunt of Chesterton
To ask Her Majesty's Government how they are adapting their immigration policy to enable successful high-tech United Kingdom companies to expand in the United Kingdom rather than abroad.[HL16809]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Henley): In reforming the immigration system, the Government has ensured that the system has the right degree of selectivity to attract those who will make the greatest economic contribution. United Kingdom-based high-tech companies continue to be able to source technical specialists and professionals from overseas through tier two of the points-based system. Leaders in the field of science and technology may also be admitted to work in the UK through the tier one (exceptional talent) route launched in August 2011 where their application is supported by an endorsing body such as the Royal Society.
23 Apr 2012 : Column WA348
Insurance
Question
Asked by Lord Willoughby de Broke
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the effect on the United Kingdom insurance industry of the European Commission directive 2009/138/EC (Solvency II Framework). [HL16806]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): Solvency II is a review of insurance regulation which will create a single rulebook and single market for insurers across Europe, with the overarching aim of enhancing insurers' financial soundness so as to ensure appropriate policyholder protection.
There are over 700 UK-based insurance firms. Of these, Solvency II will apply to about 550-600 UK-based insurance firms that will be in scope of the directive, as determined by Article 4 of the Solvency II Directive. Following Solvency II implementation, the current UK regime for insurers will continue to apply to insurers that are out of scope of Solvency II.
A macroeconomic impact assessment was conducted as part of the HM Treasury and Financial Services Authority consultations on the transposition of Solvency II. A copy of this assessment is available on HM Treasury's public website, as Annexe A of the Solvency II Framework (Directive 2009/138/EC) Consultation at: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/consult_ solvency2_framework_directive2009_138_ec.htm.
Insurance: Travel
Questions
Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark
To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they have taken to protect consumers from the practice of automatic opt-ins for insurance and other travel-related services.[HL16668]
The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The Financial Services Authority (FSA) rules state that:
- "a firm must take reasonable steps to ensure a customer is given appropriate information about a policy in good time and in a comprehensible form so that the customer can make an informed decision about the arrangements proposed".
The FSA has published guidance on its website in relation to online sales of travel insurance alongside holidays. This guidance confirms that purchasing insurance should be an active and informed choice, which consumers makes once they have received appropriate information on the main features of the policy including the benefits, significant exclusions and limitations and the price. They state that pre-ticking the insurance box interferes with customers' ability to make an informed decision and they do not consider that in most cases it will result in the kind of outcomes for consumers they are looking for.
23 Apr 2012 : Column WA349
On other travel related services, the Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU), agreed last year, contains provisions whereby before any contract is agreed a trader must seek the express consent of consumers to extra payments in addition to the remuneration for the trader's main contractual obligation. If the trader infers consent by using default options, which the consumer is required to reject in order to avoid the additional payment, the consumer is entitled to a refund of the extra charge. The directive will be implemented into UK law in June 2014. This provision of the directive will apply to contracts for passenger transport services.
Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark
To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they will take against travel companies that charge rates above actual costs for telephone helpline services.[HL16669]
Lord De Mauley: Travel companies operate in a competitive commercial market and have the freedom to set charges for helplines, to meet the needs of the company and their customers. There are a wide range of options available to companies in terms of tariffs, when deciding how much should be charged, to make information available to consumers through telephone helpline services.
Numbering is an operational issue for the independent regulator, the Office of Communications (Ofcom). Ofcom is considering how charges for services, which include helplines that often use 08 number ranges, could be more clearly set out and improved. Ofcom put forward possible changes in its consultation of 16 December 2010 (http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/simplifying-non-geo-numbers) and it will present detailed proposals in a further consultation scheduled for the beginning of April.
Ofcom intends to overhaul the charging of freephone (0800) numbers and other non-geographic ranges, including 084/087 numbers, whether calls to them are made from a landline or a mobile telephone. The intentions set out in December 2010 included the recommendation that 0800 calls should be available for no charge from fixed and mobile and that there should be clear pricing rules for revenue sharing ranges to allow price comparison between providers and restrict the ability of companies to exploit consumer confusion.
Internet: Broadband
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Garden of Frognal on 26 March (WA 212), whether the successful 800 MHz licensee will receive any incentives which will not be available to all other 800 MHz licensees. [HL16788]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire: The matter raised is an operational one for the independent regulator, the Office of Communications (Ofcom).
23 Apr 2012 : Column WA350
Ofcom currently has no plans to offer any additional incentives to any winner of an 800MHz licence with a coverage obligation. However through their Mobile Infrastructure Project, the Government are investing £150 million to build new sites which all operators will have access to deploy services from, and it is intended that this infrastructure should be usable, where feasible, to bring 4G mobile broadband to rural areas.
Iran
Question
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty's Government under what legal authority the European Union and the Belgian-based Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) blocked financial transactions from Iranian banks and other financial institutions.[HL16755]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The European Union (EU) implemented a prohibition on the provision of specialised financial messaging services to designated entities on the basis of Council Decision 2012/152/CFSP and Regulation 267/2012 on restrictive measures against Iran. These legal acts are, respectively, based on Article 29 of the Treaty on European Union, which enables the Council to adopt decisions on geographical or thematic matters, and Article 215 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which provides for the "interruption or reduction, in part or completely, of economic and financial relations with one or more third countries". The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) and other providers are required to comply with these provisions.
The EU has imposed tough and wide-ranging sanctions targeted at persuading Iran to desist with its proliferation-sensitive activities. The EU legal acts build on sanctions imposed against Iran by four United Nations Security Council resolutions. The Government discourage all trade with Iran and strongly support the targeting of Iranian banks and financial institutions that fund Iran's nuclear programme.
Israel
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will discuss with the Government of Israel the release of El Haj Ahmad from administrative detention.[HL16685]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my honourable friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Mr Burt) raised Israel's extensive use of administrative detention with the Israeli ambassador on 23 February, the Deputy Israeli Foreign Minister on 27 February and the Deputy Israeli Prime
23 Apr 2012 : Column WA351
We continue to encourage the Israeli authorities to comply with their obligations under international law, including in their policies on detention and the treatment of Palestinian prisoners.
Our officials in Israel have not raised this particular case with the Israeli authorities.
Israel and Palestine
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they consider that action should be taken in an international court on the expulsion of Palestinians from illegally occupied land.[HL16660]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We continue to encourage the Israeli authorities to comply with their obligations as an occupying power under international humanitarian law. We also urge the application of the rule of law throughout Israel and the occupied territories, and that perpetrators of crimes should be brought to justice before the Israeli courts.
The UK currently has no plans to refer this situation to any international court.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the Government of Israel and to the Palestinian Authority about violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian residents of the West Bank.[HL16664]
Lord Howell of Guildford: We are deeply concerned at the increase in violence by extremist settlers against ordinary Palestinians. This violence has included burning of mosques.
As the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my honourable friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Mr Burt) has commented publicly, we condemn such acts as deliberately provocative attacks on places of worship, designed to aggravate tensions.
We welcome the clear condemnation of these attacks by Israeli leaders, and the stated intention of the Israeli Government to bring the perpetrators to justice. We have urged Israel to investigate all such incidents of violence and to hold those responsible to account. The package of measures announced by Prime Minister Netanyahu in response to settler violence is a welcome step forward. We look forward to seeing the results of these measures, and to seeing those behind the violence punished under law.
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Exeter
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made an assessment of whether there is state discrimination against Israel's Palestinian citizens; and, if so, what are their conclusions.[HL16674]
23 Apr 2012 : Column WA352
Lord Howell of Guildford: Israel's declaration of independence calls for the establishment of a Jewish state with equal social and political rights for all citizens, irrespective of religion, race or sex.
In principle Israel's Palestinian citizens are therefore afforded the protection of equality under Israel's legal system. However, the reality is more complex, with certain in-built state and private sector mechanisms that discriminate against non-Jewish citizens.
We are concerned by a growing climate of intolerance in Israel. This has been exacerbated by a number of proposed laws which were before the Knesset (the Israeli Parliament) in 2011.
We strongly support efforts, including by the Israeli Government, to tackle discrimination and inequality between Jews and Arabs in Israel. We continue to urge the application of Israel's declaration of independence and Israeli law to all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Exeter
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the Government of Israel regarding restrictions that prevent access by Palestinian Muslims and Christians to certain holy sites in Israel.[HL16675]
Lord Howell of Guildford: The UK places a high importance on the right to freedom of religion for all. We remain deeply concerned about restrictions on freedom of movement between the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and elsewhere in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. It remains difficult for Palestinians, including Christians and Muslims, to enter East Jerusalem or other places of pilgrimage in Israel.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my honourable friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Mr Burt), visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in July 2011 and raised with Israeli authorities the difficulties faced by Christians and in particular the impact of residency restrictions in Jerusalem.
We are also in discussion with religious leaders and other Governments over finding ways to protect the holy sites of Jerusalem and elsewhere in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to support the democratic process within the Occupied Territories at the next election. [HL16684]
Lord Howell of Guildford: The UK, along with our European Union partners, fully supports the holding of free and fair elections across the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. The UK provides practical and technical support, including to the office of the quartet representative, to reinforce the prospects for peace, economic development and stability in the region.
We are following closely the implementation of the agreement reached on 6 February 2012 between Fatah and Hamas on the formation of a technocratic government, to be led by President Abbas, to prepare for elections.
23 Apr 2012 : Column WA353
Any technocratic government should: be composed of figures committed to the principles set by President Abbas in Cairo in May 2011; uphold the principle of non-violence; be committed to a negotiated two-state solution, and accept previous agreements of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation.
Israel and Palestine: West Bank
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the United Kingdom and other European Union member states will consider imposing personal sanctions against any settler leaders in the West Bank suspected of organising attacks on Palestinians and their property.[HL16665]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The UK is concerned about reports of an increase in violence by extremist settlers during 2011.
Along with our European partners, we are considering what further actions can be taken in response to continued Israeli settlement activity and settler violence, including the possibility of excluding from the European Union those settler leaders who are assessed as inciting violence.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the two reports from European Union Heads of Mission in Jerusalem concerning the trebling in three years of attacks by settlers on the people of the West Bank; and what action they plan to take in response.[HL16666]
Lord Howell of Guildford: The documents to which the noble Lord refers are internal reports by the European Union Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah, which are under consideration in Brussels. It is unfortunate that these documents have leaked. It is government policy not to comment on leaked documents.
Asked by The Lord Bishop of Exeter
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the Government of Israel regarding the Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law (Temporary Order) 5763, which prohibits inhabitants of the West Bank and Gaza married to Israeli citizens from acquiring Israeli residency permits or citizenship.[HL16676]
Lord Howell of Guildford: Whilst Israeli nationality law and immigration into Israel are matters for the Israeli Government and parliament, we and European Union (EU) partners have concerns about the implications of this law for the families of Arab Israelis and, particularly, Palestinian permanent residents in East Jerusalem.
This particularly affects those who have married, or wish to marry, Palestinians from the West Bank or Gaza. In many cases the law has made it difficult
23 Apr 2012 : Column WA354
Along with our EU partners, we regularly raise issues relating to access and residency in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the Government of Israel regarding tourism infrastructure being developed by settlers in the West Bank.[HL16682]
Lord Howell of Guildford: The UK has made frequent representations to the Israeli authorities on issues relating to house demolitions and settlement building. Our views on settlements, including in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, are clear: they are illegal under international law, an obstacle to peace and constitute a threat to a two-state solution.
All settlement activity, including in East Jerusalem, should cease immediately. We have made clear our concerns to the Israeli authorities, both bilaterally and with European Union partners, and will continue to do so.
During his visit to the Occupied Palestinian Territories in January 2012, my honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Mr Burt), saw at first hand the impact on Palestinian communities of the development of infrastructure to support illegal settlements, an issue he has raised with the Israeli Government during the visit and subsequently.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Government of Israel's petition to Israel's Supreme Court to construct a new settlement in the West Bank, for the evacuees from Migron; and whether they will discourage this.[HL16686]
Lord Howell of Guildford: Along with European Union colleagues, we are deeply concerned at the agreement recently reached between Migron settlers and the Israeli Government. On Sunday 25 March, Israel's Supreme Court rejected the Government's petition to allow settlers to stay until 2015. Had this deal been ratified, it would have set a dangerous precedent and runs entirely contrary to Israel's obligations under the quartet roadmap. We have raised our concerns strongly with the Israeli Government, including with the Vice Prime Minister, Ministry for Foreign Affairs and National Security Adviser.
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will take action to ensure that solar panels and other alternative energy generators installed in West Bank villages by international non-governmental organisations are not demolished by the Government of Israel if there are not permits for them.[HL16710]
23 Apr 2012 : Column WA355
Baroness Northover: The UK position on the demolition of Palestinian homes and essential infrastructure, such as energy generators, in the West Bank is clear and consistent, regardless of whether these initiatives are funded by international non-governmental organisations or Palestinians themselves. Such demolitions cause unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians, are harmful to the peace process and, in all but the most limited circumstances, are contrary to international humanitarian law and we condemn them.
The UK has a strong record of lobbying hard on issues relating to demolitions. The Secretary of State and Minister of State for International Development, my right honourable friends the Members for Sutton Coldfield and for Rutland and Melton (Mr Mitchell and Mr Duncan), have both visited Palestinian communities affected by demolitions in recent visits to the region. Most recently, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my honourable friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Mr Burt), raised the issue of demolitions with the Israeli ambassador on 23 February and again with Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Dan Meridor on 19 March. Together with our EU partners, we continue to press Israel to address our serious concerns about the restrictive planning regime in Area C of the West Bank, including the unnecessary difficulties that Palestinian and international organisations face in obtaining building permits. More fundamentally, we urge Israel to greatly accelerate the process for transferring authority over Area C to the Palestinian Authority.
Libya
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Howell of Guildford on 21 March (WA 175), after officials visited Benghazi on 25 February and raised the desecration of war graves there with the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Benghazi Chief of Police, for what reasons they were satisfied with assurances given, in the light of further desecration the next day; and why earlier public condemnation was ruled out. [HL16747]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The first attack took place on 24 February in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery. UK officials took immediate action, raising it with the Libyan authorities in Benghazi, and then following up in Tripoli. On 26 February National Transitional Council Chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil and Libyan Foreign Minister Ben Khayyal both made public statements condemning the attacks and that these locations should be respected. UK officials immediately raised this again following the news of a further attack on 26 February on the British Military Cemetery. The transitional Government responded by issuing a very clear statement on 28 February, and have been consistently supportive; they were likewise appalled by these crimes, and have
23 Apr 2012 : Column WA356
These attacks appear to have been carried out by extremist individuals. A number of religious sites in Libya have also been attacked since the revolution began, including Islamic sites.
UK officials continue to visit the cemeteries on a regular basis and are in close contact with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to facilitate inspections and restorations.
Marine Environment: Scotland
Question
Asked by Lord MacKenzie of Culkein
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether responsibility for safety at sea and the avoidance of pollution around the coasts of Scotland is devolved to the Scottish Executive or is a reserved matter. [HL16718]
The Advocate-General for Scotland (Lord Wallace of Tankerness): Legislation relating to safety at sea is a reserved matter. The UK Parliament is responsible for legislating for pollution from oil and gas exploration outside of controlled waters and from ships in all waters around the UK. The Scottish Parliament is responsible for marine pollution within controlled waters from all sources other than ships.
Nanotechnology and Picotechnology
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the development of (1) nanotechnologies, and (2) picotechnologies, in the United Kingdom. [HL16798]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): Nanotechnologies (and picotechnologies incorporated within this) cover a diverse range of technologies. The Government Office for Science report Technology and Innovation Futures, published in November 2010, identified nanotechnologies as one of the key technological areas that has the potential to promote economic growth in the UK over the next 20 years. The report identified significant UK capabilities in nanotechnologies in the UK, including a world-class reputation in nanotechnologies research with a strong research base and strengths in nanotechnology standards.
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills provides funding for the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) and the Research Councils UK (RCUK) to support the development of nanotechnologies in the UK and promote responsible innovation, which will provide positive impact in the areas of energy, healthcare and the environment. The UK Government have been fully engaged in activities in Brussels to consider whether the relevant EU regulatory frameworks are adequate in their application to nanotechnologies.
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National Offender Manager Service: Forms
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government, on the form BUS_UD_PUARF, issued by the National Offender Manager Service, what is the purpose of the option on page 4 of responding "Other" to the question "gender" instead of "male" or "female"; and why there is no opportunity for applicants responding "Other" to explain the status of their gender. [HL16540]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): Form BUS_UD_PUARF is the Prison-NOMIS user account set-up authorisation form. It is completed for individual members of staff and the information gathered is used to populate users' account information on the Prison-NOMIS system.
The version of the form containing the "male/female/other" options has now been superseded. The current version of the form (V 13, which has been in use for over a year) contains a blank text field for "gender". This text field is delimited, which means that as much or as little information as the member of staff wishes to disclose can be recorded on the form.
NHS: Private Finance Initiative Schemes
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many hospital private finance initiative projects have been undertaken without the approval, at the time the decision was made, of Monitor or the economic regulator at the time.[HL16763]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): Monitor does not approve private finance initiative (PFI) schemes. Monitor is the independent regulator of National Health Service foundation trusts, directly accountable to Parliament. In its role of ensuring that existing NHS foundation trusts comply with their terms of authorisation, Monitor will review major investment plans such as PFI proposals and provide a considered opinion to the board of the foundation trust. The great majority of PFI schemes signed to date were undertaken by NHS trusts and primary care trusts.
Nigeria
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make representations to the Government of Nigeria about ensuring adequate security for religious minorities in the Middle Belt and Northern States, following recent attacks on churches in Jos. [HL16606]
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The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Government are committed to working with the Nigerian authorities in finding lasting solutions to security threats to ensure that Nigerians of all religions can live in peace. Co-operation to strengthen Nigeria's security architecture was outlined as a key element of our bilateral relationship when the Prime Minister, my right honourable friend the Member for Witney (Mr Cameron) met President Goodluck Jonathan in July 2011; this commitment was reaffirmed when they met on 22 February 2012. The Government will continue to share expertise in counterterrorism policy, doctrine and legal frameworks. We will also continue to support programmes in Nigeria that focus on addressing grievances that underpin conflict. This work has included establishing a Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme and promoting interethnic and interfaith dialogue. In February 2012 our High Commissioner to Nigeria travelled to Plateau State, meeting with local religious and political leaders and demonstrating our support of dialogue and peace initiatives.
Non-governmental Organisations
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government which Afghan non-governmental organisations they have assisted in the last two years, either directly or through international non-governmental aid organisations. [HL16688]
Baroness Northover: As part of our international aid transparency guarantee, where security permits the Department for International Development (DfID) publishes the details of all partner organisations on our projects database, at http://projects.dfid.gov.uk/. However, we do not publish information about DfID's partners where the disclosure of such information poses a risk to their operations and staff on security grounds. As a result, it is not possible for us to provide full information on our non-governmental organisation partners in Afghanistan.
Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012: Olympic Truce
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has had with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office about their plans for the implementation of the United Nations Resolution declaring the Olympic Truce for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.[HL16768]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has regular discussions with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) about its plans for implementing the UN Resolution
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The FCO is co-ordinating the Government's international response to the UN Resolution on the Olympic Truce in support of pursuing the Government's conflict prevention objectives as set out in the Government's Building Stability Overseas strategy. DCMS worked closely with the FCO in drafting the Olympic Truce resolution, which was signed by a record 193 UN member states.
In addition, the London 2012 organising committee (LOCOG) is promoting the Olympic Truce to young people in schools and colleges through its Get Set education programme, and through community projects in their Inspire programme.
More broadly, International Inspiration (II) is delivering on the Games bid to reach young people all over the world and connect them to the inspirational power of the Games through sport. II is now working in 20 countries across the world, and more than 12 million young people have been reached through the programme.
DCMS will continue to work closely with the FCO in the lead up to the Games to support the Olympic Truce.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions the Department for International Development has had with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office about their plans for the implementation of the United Nations Resolution declaring the Olympic Truce for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.[HL16770]
Baroness Northover: The Department for International Development (DfID) has regular discussions with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) about its plans for implementing the UN Resolution on the Olympic Truce. These include informal discussions between officials as well as discussions at FCO-hosted Olympic Truce stakeholder meetings. Four of these meetings have been held since September 2011. The Government wish to congratulate the noble Lord on his significant contribution on this.
The FCO is co-ordinating the Government's international response to the UN Resolution on the Olympic Truce in support of pursuing the Government's conflict prevention objectives as set out in the Government's Building Stability Overseas Strategy. DfID is scaling up its work in fragile and conflict-affected states and is committed to building peaceful states and societies. For example, DfID recently made a core contribution of £55 million (2011-12 to 2014-15) to the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, which fills a crucial gap in the international system to stop countries returning to conflict. The Olympic Truce provides an important opportunity to promote peace and stability overseas. DfID will continue to work closely with the FCO in the lead-up to the Olympics to support the Olympic Truce.
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To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions the Northern Ireland Office has had with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office about their plans for the implementation of the United Nations Resolution declaring the Olympic Truce for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.[HL16771]
Lord Shutt of Greetland: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is co-ordinating the government international response to the UN Resolution on the Olympic Truce in support of pursuing the Government's conflict prevention objectives as set out in the Government's Building Stability Overseas Strategy.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions the Scotland Office has had with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office about their plans for the implementation of the United Nations Resolution declaring the Olympic Truce for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.[HL16772]
The Advocate-General for Scotland (Lord Wallace of Tankerness): There have been no discussions between the Scotland Office and Foreign and Commonwealth Office on the implementation of the Olympic Truce.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is co-ordinating the Government's international response to the UN Resolution on the Olympic Truce in support of pursuing the Government's conflict prevention objectives as set out in the Government's Building Stability Overseas Strategy. We will support the work of the FCO in delivering action together overseas wherever we can.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions the Wales Office has had with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office about their plans for the implementation of the United Nations Resolution declaring the Olympic Truce for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.[HL16773]
Lord Wallace of Tankerness: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is co-ordinating the Government's international response to the UN Resolution on the Olympic Truce in support of pursuing the Government's conflict prevention objectives as set out in the Government's building stability overseas strategy. The Wales Office is supporting the work of the FCO through meetings with foreign delegations looking to visit Wales and building business or cultural relationships with Wales.
The Wales Office also works with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on specific initiatives that build on the values that underpin the Games. These include the Get Set programme, the London 2012 education programme, and the Inspire programme.
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Overseas Conflict: UK Involvement
Question
Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether parliamentary approval is required before United Kingdom involvement in any military conflict overseas.[HL16766]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire: As stated in the Cabinet Manual, a convention has developed in the House of Commons that before troops are committed the House of Commons should have an opportunity to debate the matter. The Government propose to observe that convention except when there is an emergency and such action would not be appropriate.
Palestine
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs report How Dispossession Happens, what steps they will take to assist in the restoration of Palestinian access to water springs fully taken over by settlers, and regarding any intimidation from settler presence and intentions on takeover of the remaining springs.[HL16681]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Government remain concerned about the activity of Israeli settlers in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, particularly violence by extremist settlers against Palestinians and religious sites, and the taking of land and resources. The UK, along with our European Union partners, is clear that settlements are illegal under international law and should be removed. We are also concerned about the provision of security and services to illegal settlements by the State of Israel, in a way that is not matched by similar provision to Palestinian communities living under occupation.
The fair and effective distribution of shared water resources across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories is of great concern to us. These resources are limited and therefore require effective co-operation from all parties to manage them in a manner that ensures there will be enough for all.
We have regular discussions with the Israelis and the Palestinian Authorities on the issue of access to water, including on the urgent need for Israel to ensure fairer distribution of water supplies in the West Bank and Gaza. The Minister of State for International Development, my right honourable Friend the Member for Rutland and Melton (Mr Duncan) raised the issue of water when he visited the region in June 2011 and the Embassy in Tel Aviv raised it with the Israeli authorities in January 2012.
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Pensions
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Statement by Lord Wallace of Saltaire on 15 March (WS 43-4), what are the current and future employer and employee rates of contributions to ministerial pensions; what are the related Exchequer contributions; and what is the level of the liability for ministerial pensions.[HL16584]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire: The current member contributions to the Ministerial Pension Scheme vary depending on the level of benefits they receive as follows:
| Ministerial Pension Scheme Member contribution rates: | Annual rate of benefit accrual: |
With effect from 1 April 2012, members of the Ministerial Pension Scheme will pay an additional contribution based on their level of responsibility as follows:
The Exchequer contribution to the Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund (PCPF) is currently 28.7% of pay, made up of 20.2% for member benefits and 8.5% for deficit reduction. The PCPF covers the pension provision for MPs and officeholders (including members of the Ministerial Pension Scheme). The Government Actuary's Department has been undertaking a valuation of the PCPF and this will be laid in the Libraries of both Houses in due course; this valuation will include a recommended Exchequer contribution and will take account of the member contribution increases in the Ministerial Pension Scheme.
The Government Actuary's Department published the Parliamentary Pension Fund Valuation as at 1 April 2008 and the liabilities of the PCPF were £418.1 million (HC 345); this liability covers pension benefits provided to members of the MPs' Pension Scheme and officeholders (including members of the Ministerial Pension Scheme). This valuation also shows the actuarial liability for active members of officeholder schemes and deferred
23 Apr 2012 : Column WA363
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Hanham on 19 March (WA 144), why, if their policy is to use the consumer prices index instead of the retail prices index as the preferred measure of prices, they have decided to revalue certain public sector superannuation scheme benefits using the retail prices index. [HL16656]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Hanham): The Firefighters' Pension Scheme 1992 and the New Firefighters' Pension Scheme 2006 in England provide for certain benefits to be uprated in line with the retail prices index. These are those benefits associated with additional pension benefit earned under continued professional development and the long service increment. The schemes provide for these to be uprated in line with retail prices index during an active member's accrual phase but once in payment or deferred these benefits are uprated in line with pensions increase, which is currently the consumer prices index.
On 26 October 2011, a consultation on a proposed suite of amendments to the two firefighters' pension schemes closed. Among other proposed changes, this contained provisions to amend the uprating of additional pension benefits in the schemes during a member's active accrual phase to be in accordance with the Pensions (Increase) Act 1971. The department will respond to the outcome of this consultation shortly.
Planning
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government what they mean when using the word "brownfield" in relation to planning.[HL16800]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Hanham): "Brownfield" is the term commonly used to describe land that has been previously developed. The National Planning Policy Framework sets out a clear definition of previously developed land for planning purposes based on case law: land which is or was occupied by a permanent structure, including the curtilage of the developed land (although it should not be assumed that the whole of the curtilage should be developed) and any associated fixed surface infrastructure. This excludes: land that is or has been occupied by agricultural or forestry buildings; land that has been developed for minerals extraction or waste disposal by landfill purposes where provision for restoration has been made through development control procedures; land in built-up areas such as private residential gardens, parks, recreation grounds and allotments; and land that was previously
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Baroness Hanham: There is no minimum size for a previously developed (brownfield) site.
Police: South Wales
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will consider initiating an investigation conducted by a Supreme Court judge or judges into the collapse of the Lynette White trial and any related actions by South Wales Police.[HL16632]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Henley): The Government have no plans to set up a judicial inquiry on this matter.
Powers of Entry
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Office, James Brokenshire, on 19 March (Official Report, Commons, col. 530) regarding the 19 applications to create or amend powers of entry which have been considered through the Home Office Gateway, for each of those what was (1) the date of application, (2) the originating department, (3) the powers sought, (4) the powers agreed, and (5) the date on which the powers came into force.[HL16679]
To ask Her Majesty's Government which (1) Acts of Parliament, and (2) statutory instruments, which have introduced powers of entry, have come into force in the current Parliament, and in each case whether the powers of entry are subject to either agreement or warrant.[HL16680]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Henley): The Home Office Gateway has dealt with 19 applications to date seeking to create, amend or re-enact powers of entry. The table below details the powers that were assessed and are now in force and the safeguards which have been provided in respect of their use. 19 powers have been repealed as part of the process. The remaining 11 Regulations containing powers of entry are still subject to Parliamentary approval. However information relating to any powers enacted during the current Parliament before the Gateway commenced are not held centrally and could not be obtained without incurring disproportionate cost.
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23 Apr 2012 : Column WA366
Qatar
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have received from the Government of Qatar in the past three weeks regarding the visit of Sir David Richards to that country. [HL16764]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): The Chief of Defence Staff, Sir David Richards, visited Qatar on 27 March 2012, where he met the Qatari Chief of Staff and reaffirmed the strong relationship between the UK and Qatar. Her Majesty's Government received no representations from the Government of Qatar in the preceding three weeks regarding the visit.
Railways: Privatisation
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people were employed in the United Kingdom rail industry, including Network Rail, passenger and freight train operators and their subcontractors, (1) at the time of privatisation, and (2) in 2011. [HL16774]
Lord De Mauley: The information is not available in the format requested. Research undertaken as part of Sir Roy McNulty's independent Rail Value for Money Study identified that employee numbers in the GB rail industry rose from 81,000 in 1996-97 to 92,000
23 Apr 2012 : Column WA369
Roads: Litter
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what has been the total expenditure of public funds by the Highways Agency on litter clearance from motorways and trunk roads in each of the last three years; and what arrangements are in place to monitor the effective use of these funds and to enforce the obligations of the contractors to keep the roads free of litter.[HL16759]
Lord Wallace of Saltaire: Section 89 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 places a duty on the Highways Agency to clear litter from motorways and a small number of trunk roads in England. The removal of litter from the majority of trunk roads in England is the responsibility of local authorities.
Litter collection on motorways is one of the numerous duties carried out by the agency's managing agents as part of their routine maintenance function. Exact litter clearance costs cannot be extracted, as the activity is performed on both a planned and an ad hoc basis. Annually, the agency collects approximately 240,000 sacks of litter.
The cost of collection, after allowing for overheads, traffic management to protect staff and the cost of disposal, is estimated to be £40 per sack. The annual cost to the agency therefore is about £9.6 million.
The performance requirements for cleaning and sweeping expected of the agency's managing agents are consistent with the code of practice on litter and refuse issued under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and are set out in the agency's Network Management Manual and Routine and Winter Service Code.
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