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170227

	registered interest
	date	15/12/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Middle East
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the treatment of homosexuals in Middle East countries, in particular in (1) Israel, (2) the Palestinian Territories, and (3) Gaza.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Deech
	uin	HL3723
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/12/2014 answer text <p>The Government's clear message is that human rights are universal and should apply equally to all people. <br><br>We believe that the international community must address all forms of discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, and we must also promote respect for diversity. Work in combating violence and discrimination against LGBT people forms an important part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's wider international human rights work. <br><br>The British Embassy in Tel Aviv has marched in the Gay Pride parades in Tel Aviv over recent years. At this year's march, Her Majesty's Ambassador to Israel spoke at the large public gathering and referred to Israel becoming a more tolerant society over the past decade. <br><br>We are deeply concerned about the treatment of the LGBT community in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, particularly in Gaza where they are subject to widespread social discrimination for cultural and religious reasons. Homosexuality remains a taboo subject in the OPTs. In some places, such as Ramallah, these taboos are relaxed, but in more conservative areas the situation is very challenging. There are no laws protecting LGBT people, however, we are not aware of any recent legal cases being prosecuted against LGBT people.</p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 31/12/2014 11:23:22 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
	tabling member	3756 label Biography information for Baroness Deech

170229

	registered interest
	date	15/12/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Burma
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of illicit jade and drug trading in Burma and the actions of the government of that country in respect of tackling the trade of such goods into China.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead
	uin	HL3725
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/12/2014 answer text <p>Burma remains the main source of drugs in the region and is the world’s second largest producer of opium poppy, which along with illicit trade of jade, provides significant sources of income that have helped fuel Burma’s internal conflicts. The production of methamphetamine is also a growing concern, with the majority of the production in Burma exported to neighbouring countries. <br><br>We are aware of plans for improved cooperation between the nations of the Mekong region, including Burma, to tackle the illicit drugs trade. This includes the recent establishment of a regional centre in Chiang Mai, Thailand, staffed by drugs enforcement officers from Burma, Thailand, China and Laos. The UK welcomes these efforts and encourages coordination with the UN Office of Drugs and Crime.</p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 31/12/2014 11:23:47 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
	tabling member	3895 label Biography information for Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead

170230

	registered interest
	date	15/12/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Boko Haram
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the main source of Boko Haram's weapons; and what is their assessment of the strategy adopted by the government of Nigeria in respect of that organisation.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead
	uin	HL3726
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/12/2014 answer text <p>Reliable assessments of the source of Boko Haram’s weapons are not available. However, reports indicate that Boko Haram obtain weapons from a variety of sources, including illegal arms smuggling and theft from the Nigerian military. <br><br>On the military side, the Government of Nigeria has increased the number of forces in the North East. However, tackling the threat of Boko Haram requires a comprehensive response, including economic development, led by the Nigerian government, with the support of its neighbours and other international partners. <br><br>The UK’s package of support includes training and advice to Nigerian military units, deployed against Boko Haram; support to the Nigerian government in bringing increased development and prosperity to the North East; and a commitment to draw one million more children into education in Northern Nigeria by 2020.</p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 31/12/2014 11:24:11 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
	tabling member	3895 label Biography information for Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead

170231

	registered interest
	date	15/12/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Kenya
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the evidence provided by Human Rights Watch in respect of the availability of justice for those who experienced mass killings and rape associated with the 2007 presidential election in Kenya.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead
	uin	HL3727
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/12/2014 answer text <p>Pursuing transitional justice is important for long-term peace and stability in Kenya. We acknowledge the steps taken by the Government of Kenya to address the needs of some victims of post-election violence. The UK encourages greater efforts by the Government of Kenya to promote reconciliation and make further substantial progress on this agenda. It is therefore essential that the needs of the victims continue to be placed at the centre of efforts to deliver justice.</p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 31/12/2014 11:25:55 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
	tabling member	3895 label Biography information for Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead

170234

	registered interest
	date	15/12/2014
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Eritrea
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether negotiations are taking place with the government of Eritrea about the number of refugees from that country coming to the European Union and, in particular, to the United Kingdom.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead
	uin	HL3730
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/01/2015 answer text <p>There is an ongoing dialogue on migration related issues between representatives of the UK and Eritrean governments, including a recent meeting with my Hon. Friend, the Immigration and Security Minister (James Brokenshire)and the Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh on 27 November in Rome. This took place in the margins of a conference to launch the new European Union - African Union ‘Khartoum Process’.</p><p>The UK is playing an active role in this initiative which is bringing together EU countries and those in the Horn of Africa, including Eritrea, to support dialogue and cooperation to tackle people smuggling and human trafficking in the region. More recently, there has been a visit to Eritrea by a joint delegation of senior Home Office and Foreign Office officials on 9-11 December to discuss a range of migration topics, including the current drivers of irregular migration and ways to mitigate it, asylum and returns, and potential areas for joint co-operation.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Bates question first answered 05/01/2015 15:36:32 answering member 1091 label Biography information for Lord Bates
	tabling member	3895 label Biography information for Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead

170235

	registered interest
	date	15/12/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Israel
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of Israel's proposed "nation-state" bill.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Tonge
	uin	HL3731
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/12/2014 answer text <p>While we have not made an assessment on this issue, we have raised with the Israeli authorities the importance of maintaining equal rights for all of Israel’s citizens.</p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 31/12/2014 11:26:24 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
	tabling member	200 label Biography information for Baroness Tonge

170236

	registered interest
	date	15/12/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Israel
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel concerning reports of the Israeli Civil Administration’s confiscation of wet weather tarpaulin sheets on 27 November from the Samen Bedouin Community in East Jerusalem.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Tonge
	uin	HL3732
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/12/2014 answer text <p>While we have not raised this specific issue with the Israeli authorities, the Government believes that Israel has legal obligations as an Occupying Power with respect to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, under applicable international law. We have a regular dialogue with the Government of Israel, with regards to the implementation of those obligations, and raise our serious concerns regarding such issues as demolitions of Palestinian property, as well as permitting and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid.</p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 31/12/2014 11:26:36 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
	tabling member	200 label Biography information for Baroness Tonge

170238

	registered interest
	date	15/12/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Libya
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will propose a resolution of the United Nations Security Council following the referral to that body by the International Criminal Court of the finding of non-compliance by the government of Libya in respect of failure to surrender Saif al-Islam Gaddafi to the Court and failure to return seized documents to the defence.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Stern
	uin	HL3734
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/12/2014 answer text <p>On 10 December the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber dealing with Saif Qadhafi’s case issued a decision, which found that Libya had failed to comply with the Court’s request to surrender Qadhafi. It decided to refer Libya’s non-compliance to the United Nations Security Council. The United Kingdom fully supports the ICC’s decision and urges Libya to surrender Qadhafi to the Court. We will work within the Security Council for an effective response to the ICC.</p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 31/12/2014 11:27:15 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
	tabling member	2475 label Biography information for Baroness Stern

170258

	registered interest
	date	15/12/2014
	answering body	Department of Health
	answering dept id	17
	answering dept short name	Health
	answering dept sort name	Health
	hansard heading	IVF
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 15 December (HL3302), how exhaustively the POLG gene at chromosomal locus 15q25 has been sequenced in all individuals known to be affected by the mitochondrial diseases listed in Annex D of the mitochondrial donation consultation document in order to establish the evidence base described in that answer; and whether the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority would routinely require sequencing of the POLG gene in order to ensure that pronuclear transfer or spindle-chromosomal transfer should only be used for patients who have an inherited mitochondrial DNA mutation and not where faulty mitochondria may have arisen from a nuclear gene mutation.
	tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
	uin	HL3754
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/01/2015 answer text <p>We are advised by the Wellcome Trust that diagnosis of mitochondrial DNA disease is performed within the National Health Service Highly Specialised Service diagnostic laboratory using well established diagnostic algorithms and Practice Guidelines for the Molecular Diagnosis of Mitochondrial Diseases published by the Clinical Molecular Genetics Society at:</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.acgs.uk.com/media/774654/mito_2008.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.acgs.uk.com/media/774654/mito_2008.pdf</a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Mitochondrial defects that arise due to nuclear gene mutations, such as DNA polymerase gamma, routinely give rise to multiple different mutations of mitochondrial DNA within patient tissues or depletion of mitochondrial DNA. This is apparent upon genetic testing and would then lead to analysis of the DNA polymerase gamma gene to identify the nuclear gene defect.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has advised that it will design the regulatory process following the passage of any regulations to allow mitochondrial donation. Should Parliament pass the mitochondrial donation regulations, the technique could only be licensed for the avoidance of diseases caused by inherited mutations in mitochondrial DNA, not nuclear DNA.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Earl Howe question first answered 05/01/2015 12:41:56 answering member 2000 label Biography information for Earl Howe attachment 1 file name CMGS Practice Guidelines for the Molecular Diagnosis of Mitochondrial Diseases.pdf title CMGS Practice Guidelines
	tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

170259

	registered interest
	date	15/12/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	North Korea
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether Foreign and Commonwealth Office-funded organisations in North Korea pay their in-country partners in North Korean Won or in foreign currency; and how the British Embassy pays its North Korean staff.
	tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
	uin	HL3755
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/12/2014 answer text <p>Foreign and Commonwealth Office projects in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) are usually delivered through international partners, such as the British Council, International Committee of the Red Cross or the Royal United Service Institute. Where we or partners make payments in-country for specific goods or services, this is usually done in euros. Our Embassy in Pyongyang does not pay for project costs in North Korean won.</p><p>The local staff who work at our Embassy in Pyongyang are not directly employed by the Embassy, but employed and assigned by the DPRK government. This arrangement is common to all Embassies and international organisations working in the DPRK. Basic salaries are paid to the DPRK’s General Services Bureau, while allowances, overtime and bonuses are paid directly to individuals. All payments are made in euros.</p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 31/12/2014 11:26:55 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
	tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool