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93406

registered interest
date	14/10/2014
answering body	HM Treasury
answering dept id	14
answering dept short name	Treasury
answering dept sort name	CaTreasury
hansard heading	Currencies
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what work is being undertaken by HM Treasury in respect of bitcoin and other digital currencies in the context of the speech by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 6 August; and what consultation has taken place with the UK Digital Currency Association, as the representative body of those United Kingdom businesses engaged with digital currency.
tabling member printed	Lord Harris of Haringey
uin	HL2072
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>On 6 August, the Chancellor announced a major programme of work looking into digital currencies and associated technologies, with a particular focus on whether they should be regulated. The Government is now considering the benefits offered by digital currencies and the technology that underpins them, and whether it should take action to support innovation in this area. At the same time, the Government is examining the risks presented by digital currencies, and assessing whether action is required to mitigate any concerns. The Government is engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including the UK Digital Currency Association, as part of this work.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Deighton question first answered 27/10/2014 12:43:05 answering member 4262 label Biography information for Lord Deighton
tabling member	2671 label Biography information for Lord Harris of Haringey

93409

registered interest
date	14/10/2014
answering body	Home Office
answering dept id	1
answering dept short name	Home Office
answering dept sort name	Home Office
hansard heading	Middle East
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with other European Union member states about scaling up the resettlement programme for refugees displaced by fighting in Syria and Iraq; and what is their policy in regard to applications for asylum from displaced Yezidis and Christians from those countries.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL2075
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>The Government believes that humanitarian aid and actively seeking to end the conflicts in Syria and Iraq are the most effective ways for the UK to help the majority of refugees, rather than increasing resettlement. We have made our position on this clear in relevant discussions with other EU Member States and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). We are aware that EU Member States have responded to the crises in different ways; it is right that the international community should consider all available means to relieve the suffering of the Syrian and Iraqi peoples. However, the UK’s overall contribution stands comparison with any in the world.</p><p> </p><p>To date we have committed £700 million to the Syrian relief effort, making us the second largest bilateral donor after the USA, and £23 million in aid to Iraq. UK funding is helping hundred of thousands of refugees; compared with aid, resettlement can only ever support a comparatively small number of people in need. We also support efforts to find a political solution to the Syrian conflict, and we are working with the Iraqi government and the international community to tackle the threat posed by IS and promote an inclusive, sovereign and democratic Iraq which will protect all Iraqi citizens.</p><p> </p><p>To complement our humanitarian aid, we operate the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation scheme to relocate to the UK the most vulnerable displaced Syrians who cannot be supported effectively in the long term in the region. In addition, the Government carefully considers each asylum application lodged in the UK, including those made by Syrian and Iraqi nationals on the grounds of religious persecution, on its individual merits, to ensure we grant protection to those who genuinely need it.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Bates question first answered 27/10/2014 12:30:23 answering member 1091 label Biography information for Lord Bates
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

93411

registered interest
date	14/10/2014
answering body	Home Office
answering dept id	1
answering dept short name	Home Office
answering dept sort name	Home Office
hansard heading	Asylum: Finance
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the current rate of support provided to asylum seekers; and how many of those who receive such support they estimate to live below the poverty line.
tabling member printed	Lord Roberts of Llandudno
uin	HL2077
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>The Government ensures that asylum seekers are not left destitute by providing accommodation and a cash allowance to cover their essential living needs.</p><p>The table below sets out the current weekly allowances provided to asylum seekers and various categories of dependants that may also be supported.</p><table><tbody><tr><td> </td><td><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="2"><p><strong>LEVELS OF CASH SUPPORT FROM 18 APRIL 2011</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p> </p></td><td><p><strong>£</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td>SINGLE PERSON</td><td><p> </p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Aged 18 or over (excluding lone parent)</p></td><td><p>36.62</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Aged 25 years or over (excluding lone parent), where the decision to provide cash support was made before 5 October 2009 and the person reached age 25 prior to that date.</p></td><td><p>42.62</p></td></tr><tr><td>QUALIFYING COUPLES</td><td><p> </p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Both 18 years or over</p></td><td><p>72.52</p></td></tr><tr><td>LONE PARENT AGE 18 OR OVER</td><td><p> </p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Age 18 or over</p></td><td><p>43.94</p></td></tr><tr><td>PERSONAL ALLOWANCE FOR DEPENDENT CHILDREN</td><td><p> </p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Person aged under 16</p></td><td><p>52.96</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Person aged 16 but under 18 (except where the person is a member of a Qualifying Couple)</p></td><td><p>39.80</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p></td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr><tr><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr><tr><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr><tr><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr><tr><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr><tr><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr><tr><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr><tr><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr></tbody></table><p>The Government has reviewed the allowances and concluded that the allowances are sufficient to cover the essential needs of asylum seekers and their families.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Bates question first answered 27/10/2014 15:47:49 answering member 1091 label Biography information for Lord Bates
tabling member	3691 label Biography information for Lord Roberts of Llandudno

93412

registered interest
date	14/10/2014
answering body	Home Office
answering dept id	1
answering dept short name	Home Office
answering dept sort name	Home Office
hansard heading	Asylum
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many asylum seekers have had their application refused but could not be returned to their country of origin in each of the last five years.
tabling member printed	Lord Roberts of Llandudno
uin	HL2078
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>The information requested in the noble Lord's question could only be obtained through a manual search of individual case files, which would incur adisproportionate cost. However, we do publish information on the outcome of asylum applications which may assist the noble Lord. This can be found at the following link:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/345774/asylum2-q2-2014-tabs.ods" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/345774/asylum2-q2-2014-tabs.ods</a></p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Bates question first answered 27/10/2014 12:39:56 answering member 1091 label Biography information for Lord Bates
tabling member	3691 label Biography information for Lord Roberts of Llandudno

93413

registered interest
date	14/10/2014
answering body	Home Office
answering dept id	1
answering dept short name	Home Office
answering dept sort name	Home Office
hansard heading	Asylum
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assistance is offered to failed asylum seekers in order to help them return to their country of origin.
tabling member printed	Lord Roberts of Llandudno
uin	HL2079
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>The Home Office operates two Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) schemes for those without permanent immigration status in the UK and for which failed asylum seekers are eligible. These are:</p><p> </p><p>Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme (VARRP) for those who have sought asylum and those with discretionary leave in the UK. Returnees receive support in acquiring travel documentation, flight to the country of return and onward domestic transport, airport assistance at departure and arrival airports and up to £1500 worth of reintegration assistance per person.</p><p> </p><p>Assisted Voluntary Return for Families and Children (AVRFC) is for families comprising of a maximum of 2 adult parents or legal guardians and at least 1 child (under 18), and also unaccompanied children (under 18) who have either sought asylum or who are in the UK illegally and wish to return home. Returnees receive support in acquiring travel documentation, flight to the country of return and onward domestic transport, airport assistance at departure and arrival airports and up to £2000 worth of reintegration assistance per person.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Bates question first answered 27/10/2014 12:38:19 answering member 1091 label Biography information for Lord Bates
tabling member	3691 label Biography information for Lord Roberts of Llandudno

93414

registered interest
date	14/10/2014
answering body	Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
answering dept id	26
answering dept short name	Business, Innovation and Skills
answering dept sort name	Business, Innovation and Skills
hansard heading	Asylum: English Language
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assistance is given to successful asylum seekers who wish to learn English.
tabling member printed	Lord Roberts of Llandudno
uin	HL2080
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>Refugees recognised by the UK Government, along with their husband, wife, civil partner and children, are eligible for funding to attend an English for Speakers of Other Languages course. The level of funding is determined by existing eligibility rules, which are set out in the Skills Funding Agency’s rules at:</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/287917/Funding_rules_2014_15.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/287917/Funding_rules_2014_15.pdf</a>. Education and skills funding is devolved and the eligibility criteria apply to England.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Those isolated by their lack of English can also access pre-entry level English training through the Department for Communities and Local Government’s £6million Community-Based English Language programme, which offers tuition to 24,000 adults most isolated by their lack of English in 29 target areas.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member printed Baroness Neville-Rolfe question first answered 27/10/2014 16:44:21 answering member 4284 label Biography information for Baroness Neville-Rolfe
tabling member	3691 label Biography information for Lord Roberts of Llandudno

92751

registered interest
date	13/10/2014
answering body	Cabinet Office
answering dept id	53
answering dept short name	Cabinet Office
answering dept sort name	Cabinet Office
hansard heading	Charities: Registration
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the average time taken by the Charity Commission to approve a new charity for registration; what is the target time for the completion of charity registrations; and what proportion of applications for registration are completed within the agreed target time.
tabling member printed	Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town
uin	HL1987
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Charity Commission. I have asked the Chief Executive to reply.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Wallace of Saltaire grouped question UIN HL1988 question first answered 27/10/2014 18:03:05 answering member 1816 label Biography information for Lord Wallace of Saltaire attachment 1 file name Baroness Hayter PQs re registration stats 15 Oct 14 (2).pdf title Chief Executive Reply
tabling member	4159 label Biography information for Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town

92762

registered interest
date	13/10/2014
answering body	Home Office
answering dept id	1
answering dept short name	Home Office
answering dept sort name	Home Office
hansard heading	Mediterranean Sea
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of Amnesty International’s report <i>Lives adrift: Refugees and migrants in peril in the Central Mediterranean</i>.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL1998
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>The UK is working with other EU Member States to address the migration pressures in the Mediterranean described in the report, in particular through the EU’s Task Force Mediterranean. This was discussed most recently at the JHA Council on 9 October. We believe it is important to find solutions which address the root causes and do not encourage even greater numbers of people to undertake dangerous journeys. Efforts under the Task Force Mediterranean should therefore be primarily focused on improving border security and asylum processes in Member States, disrupting the activities of people smugglers and putting in place stronger cooperation on migration issues with source and transit countries. The Government does not however support ‘responsibility-sharing’ if that means the relocation of asylum seekers from the Member State in which they first arrive to other EU countries.</p> answering member printed Lord Bates question first answered 27/10/2014 12:11:12 answering member 1091 label Biography information for Lord Bates
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

92764

registered interest
date	13/10/2014
answering body	Ministry of Justice
answering dept id	54
answering dept short name	Justice
answering dept sort name	Justice
hansard heading	Mesothelioma: Compensation
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government, with reference to the letter from Lord Faulks to Lord Alton of Liverpool on 18 September and the High Court judgment on 2 October that the review under section 48 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 about mesothelioma proceedings was not lawful, whether they intend to initiate a further review; if so, how it will differ from the last review; and what will be the timetable for it.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL2000
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p /> <p>The Government is considering the judgment handed down by the High Court on 2 October. We will set out the next steps in due course.</p> answering member printed Lord Faulks question first answered 27/10/2014 14:31:34 answering member 4183 label Biography information for Lord Faulks
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

92771

registered interest
date	13/10/2014
answering body	Department for Transport
answering dept id	27
answering dept short name	Transport
answering dept sort name	Transport
hansard heading	Govia Thameslink Railway
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the scope and purpose of the deep alliance between the new Thameslink franchise and Network Rail.
tabling member printed	Lord Berkeley
uin	HL2007
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>The franchisee of the Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern (TSGN) franchise, which is Govia Thameslink Railway Limited (GTR), will work closely with Network Rail to facilitate the Government’s multi-billion pound investment in the rail network in the South East through the Thameslink programme.</p><p> </p><p>There is no ‘deep alliance’ between the two organisations. However, in accordance with the TSGN Franchise Agreement, the franchisee shall use all reasonable endeavours to develop an alliance framework agreement with Network Rail. The purpose of this agreement is to provide for closer working between GTR and Network Rail with the specific, stated goals of creating a joint performance management strategy; improving journey times and capacity; and driving fleet efficiency among others.</p> answering member printed Baroness Kramer question first answered 27/10/2014 12:42:16 answering member 1557 label Biography information for Baroness Kramer
tabling member	3526 label Biography information for Lord Berkeley