1-20 of 10,592 results for answeredby:"Lord Hutton of Furness"
Librarians' tools
- Search time
- 0.319 seconds
- Solr query time
- 0.016 seconds
- Search query
- answeredby:"Lord Hutton of Furness"
- We searched for
- answeringMember_ses:301366 OR answeringDept_ses:301366 OR askedToReplyAuthor_ses:301366
Type
+
Members' contributions (1,515)
-
Oral answers to questions (1,195)
+
Oral questions (320)
-
Topical questions (70)
+
Parliamentary committees (1)
+
Committee proceedings (1)
-
Public Bill Committee proceedings (1)
+
Parliamentary proceedings (98)
+
Debates (96)
-
Adjournment debates (80)
+
Committee proceedings (1)
-
Public Bill Committee proceedings (1)
-
Debates on treaties (1)
+
Legislative debates (8)
-
Debates on bills (8)
-
Opposition days (7)
-
Urgent questions (1)
+
Parliamentary questions (9,300)
+
Oral questions (320)
-
Topical questions (70)
-
Urgent questions (1)
-
Written questions (8,979)
House
Session
Year
Department
Member
More
Primary member
More
Answering member
Legislative stage
Legislation
More
Subject
More
Publisher
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the answer of 21 July 2008, Official Report, column 848W, on Trident: Scotland, (1) how many of the 589 civilians at HM Naval Base Clyde whose jobs directly rely upon the Trident programme are employed in (a) engineering and...
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the answer of 21 July 2008, Official Report, column 848W, on Trident: Scotland, (1) how many of the 589 civilians at HM Naval Base Clyde whose jobs directly rely upon the Trident programme are employed in (a) engineering and...
Asked by
Baroness Clark of Kilwinning
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Hutton of Furness
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 March 2009
For answer on
4 March 2009
Answered on
14 October 2009
The information requested is not held by my Department in that format.
Action is ongoing, however, to update the December 2006 figures as part of a broader package of work. I will write to my hon. Friend when this work is complete.
Substantive answer from Bob Ainsworth to Katy Clark:"In answer to your Written Questions on 9 March, (Official Report, column 178W) the then Secretary of State undertook to write to you on completion of a package of work that was being carried out to update the number of civilian jobs in Scotland that directly rely upon the Trident programme.""This exercise has now been completed and a breakdown of civilian jobs by skill and home location at Her Majesty's Naval Base Clyde, including Faslane and Coulport, directly reliant upon the Trident programme is provided below."
"Unfortunately, however, some of the information is not held in the format you requested. The revised figure of 464 civilian jobs that directly rely on the Trident programme in Scotland reflects the position as at March 2009. This excludes any Ministry of Defence Guard Service or Ministry of Defence Police posts because this figure is being withheld for the purpose of safeguarding national security and defence."
"It is estimated that there are a further 200 indirect civilian jobs in Scotland relating to support activities on the Trident programme. Officials have confirmed that information relating to indirect civilian jobs was derived using national multipliers as published by the Scottish Executive on 31 March 2009, for the ship building, weapons and ammunition, instruments industries and project management/business service as appropriate. It is, therefore, not possible to break out this information in terms of skills and location."
"I hope this information is useful."
| Skill | Ministry of Defence | Babcock Marine | Total |
| Engineering and Science | 85 | 197 | 282 |
| Logistics | 22 | 22 | 44 |
| Health and Safety | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Outfitting and Steel Work | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other areas | 40 | 25 | 65 |
| Total | 147 | 245 | 392 |
| Lockheed Martin UK Strategic Systems: breakdown by skill set is unavailable | — | — | 72 |
| Total civilian jobs directly reliant on Trident | — | — | 464 |
| Location | Ministry of Defence | Babcock Marine | Total |
| Argyll and Bute | 74 | 66 | 140 |
| West Dumbartonshire | 48 | 104 | 152 |
| Elsewhere in Scotland | 25 | 75 | 100 |
| Outside Scotland | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 147 | 245 | 392 |
| Lockheed Martin UK Strategic Systems: breakdown in terms of home location is unavailable | — | — | 72 |
| Total civilian jobs directly reliant on Trident | — | — | 464 |
| Notes: | |||
| 1. Figures shown are as at March 2009 and based on individuals employed. | |||
| 2. Ministry of Defence Police and Ministry of Defence Guard Service have not been included in this exercise. This information is being withheld for the purpose of safeguarding national security and defence. | |||
| 3. Posts with the Strategic Weapon System heading have been considered Trident-related. |
Notes
Question originally printed on 09/03/2009 at 489 c179W.
Subjects
Scotland; Trident
Date
14 October 2009
Reference
497 c962-3W; 260953
House
House of Commons
(2) how many of the 589 civilians at HM Naval Base Clyde whose jobs directly rely upon the Trident programme are resident in (a) Argyll and Bute constituency, (b) West Dunbartonshire constituency, (c) elsewhere in Scotland and (d) outside Scotland;
(2) how many of the 589 civilians at HM Naval Base Clyde whose jobs directly rely upon the Trident programme are resident in (a) Argyll and Bute constituency, (b) West Dunbartonshire constituency, (c) elsewhere in Scotland and (d) outside Scotland;
Asked by
Baroness Clark of Kilwinning
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Hutton of Furness
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 March 2009
For answer on
4 March 2009
Answered on
14 October 2009
The information requested is not held by my Department in that format.
Action is ongoing, however, to update the December 2006 figures as part of a broader package of work. I will write to my hon. Friend when this work is complete.
Substantive answer from Bob Ainsworth to Katy Clark:"In answer to your Written Questions on 9 March, (Official Report, column 178W) the then Secretary of State undertook to write to you on completion of a package of work that was being carried out to update the number of civilian jobs in Scotland that directly rely upon the Trident programme.""This exercise has now been completed and a breakdown of civilian jobs by skill and home location at Her Majesty's Naval Base Clyde, including Faslane and Coulport, directly reliant upon the Trident programme is provided below."
"Unfortunately, however, some of the information is not held in the format you requested. The revised figure of 464 civilian jobs that directly rely on the Trident programme in Scotland reflects the position as at March 2009. This excludes any Ministry of Defence Guard Service or Ministry of Defence Police posts because this figure is being withheld for the purpose of safeguarding national security and defence."
"It is estimated that there are a further 200 indirect civilian jobs in Scotland relating to support activities on the Trident programme. Officials have confirmed that information relating to indirect civilian jobs was derived using national multipliers as published by the Scottish Executive on 31 March 2009, for the ship building, weapons and ammunition, instruments industries and project management/business service as appropriate. It is, therefore, not possible to break out this information in terms of skills and location."
"I hope this information is useful."
| Skill | Ministry of Defence | Babcock Marine | Total |
| Engineering and Science | 85 | 197 | 282 |
| Logistics | 22 | 22 | 44 |
| Health and Safety | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Outfitting and Steel Work | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other areas | 40 | 25 | 65 |
| Total | 147 | 245 | 392 |
| Lockheed Martin UK Strategic Systems: breakdown by skill set is unavailable | — | — | 72 |
| Total civilian jobs directly reliant on Trident | — | — | 464 |
| Location | Ministry of Defence | Babcock Marine | Total |
| Argyll and Bute | 74 | 66 | 140 |
| West Dumbartonshire | 48 | 104 | 152 |
| Elsewhere in Scotland | 25 | 75 | 100 |
| Outside Scotland | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 147 | 245 | 392 |
| Lockheed Martin UK Strategic Systems: breakdown in terms of home location is unavailable | — | — | 72 |
| Total civilian jobs directly reliant on Trident | — | — | 464 |
| Notes: | |||
| 1. Figures shown are as at March 2009 and based on individuals employed. | |||
| 2. Ministry of Defence Police and Ministry of Defence Guard Service have not been included in this exercise. This information is being withheld for the purpose of safeguarding national security and defence. | |||
| 3. Posts with the Strategic Weapon System heading have been considered Trident-related. |
Notes
Question originally printed on 09/03/2009 at 489 c179W.
Subjects
Scotland; Trident
Date
14 October 2009
Reference
497 c962-3W; 260954
House
House of Commons
(3) what the (a) skills requirements and (b) geographic distribution of the 250 indirect civilian jobs relating to support activities for the Trident programme in Scotland are.
(3) what the (a) skills requirements and (b) geographic distribution of the 250 indirect civilian jobs relating to support activities for the Trident programme in Scotland are.
Asked by
Baroness Clark of Kilwinning
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Hutton of Furness
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 March 2009
For answer on
4 March 2009
Answered on
14 October 2009
The information requested is not held by my Department in that format.
Action is ongoing, however, to update the December 2006 figures as part of a broader package of work. I will write to my hon. Friend when this work is complete.
Substantive answer from Bob Ainsworth to Katy Clark:"In answer to your Written Questions on 9 March, (Official Report, column 178W) the then Secretary of State undertook to write to you on completion of a package of work that was being carried out to update the number of civilian jobs in Scotland that directly rely upon the Trident programme.""This exercise has now been completed and a breakdown of civilian jobs by skill and home location at Her Majesty's Naval Base Clyde, including Faslane and Coulport, directly reliant upon the Trident programme is provided below."
"Unfortunately, however, some of the information is not held in the format you requested. The revised figure of 464 civilian jobs that directly rely on the Trident programme in Scotland reflects the position as at March 2009. This excludes any Ministry of Defence Guard Service or Ministry of Defence Police posts because this figure is being withheld for the purpose of safeguarding national security and defence."
"It is estimated that there are a further 200 indirect civilian jobs in Scotland relating to support activities on the Trident programme. Officials have confirmed that information relating to indirect civilian jobs was derived using national multipliers as published by the Scottish Executive on 31 March 2009, for the ship building, weapons and ammunition, instruments industries and project management/business service as appropriate. It is, therefore, not possible to break out this information in terms of skills and location."
"I hope this information is useful."
| Skill | Ministry of Defence | Babcock Marine | Total |
| Engineering and Science | 85 | 197 | 282 |
| Logistics | 22 | 22 | 44 |
| Health and Safety | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Outfitting and Steel Work | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other areas | 40 | 25 | 65 |
| Total | 147 | 245 | 392 |
| Lockheed Martin UK Strategic Systems: breakdown by skill set is unavailable | — | — | 72 |
| Total civilian jobs directly reliant on Trident | — | — | 464 |
| Location | Ministry of Defence | Babcock Marine | Total |
| Argyll and Bute | 74 | 66 | 140 |
| West Dumbartonshire | 48 | 104 | 152 |
| Elsewhere in Scotland | 25 | 75 | 100 |
| Outside Scotland | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 147 | 245 | 392 |
| Lockheed Martin UK Strategic Systems: breakdown in terms of home location is unavailable | — | — | 72 |
| Total civilian jobs directly reliant on Trident | — | — | 464 |
| Notes: | |||
| 1. Figures shown are as at March 2009 and based on individuals employed. | |||
| 2. Ministry of Defence Police and Ministry of Defence Guard Service have not been included in this exercise. This information is being withheld for the purpose of safeguarding national security and defence. | |||
| 3. Posts with the Strategic Weapon System heading have been considered Trident-related. |
Notes
Question originally printed on 09/03/2009 at 489 c179W.
Subjects
Scotland; Trident
Date
14 October 2009
Reference
497 c962-3W; 260955
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many contacts there were between British forces and anti-coalition militia in Afghanistan in each month since June 2006.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many contacts there were between British forces and anti-coalition militia in Afghanistan in each month since June 2006.
Asked by
Liam Fox
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Hutton of Furness
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 January 2009
For answer on
26 January 2009
Answered on
5 October 2009
The Ministry of Defence is currently collating and validating the data needed to answer this question. I will write to the hon. Member when his work is complete, and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.
Substantive answer from Bob Ainsworth to Liam Fox:"I am writing to provide you with the information promised in my predecessor's holding replies to your Parliamentary Questions regarding contacts between British forces and anti-coalition militia in Afghanistan on 24 February 2009, (Official Report, column 520W).""The Ministry of Defence has recently completed a review of the data required to answer this question, and has revised the manner in which we classify and present data to ensure consistency.""The numbers of troops in contact events (regardless of the instigator) involving the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and insurgents in Helmand province as part of Task Force Helmand for each complete month from June 2006 to February 2009 for which verified data is available are shown below."
"ISAF forces operating in Helmand come from a number of different nations, which often operate closely alongside each other and alongside Afghan Army and Police units. Without undertaking a detailed assessment of each engagement, it is not possible precisely to define in every case whether an attack was aimed at UK forces, at our ISAF partners, or against Afghan units. Data is therefore collected on the number of incidents involving ISAF forces in Helmand without attempting to identify the nationality of the forces actually being attacked. The environment in which forces are operating makes it extremely difficult precisely to distinguish between incidents initiated by insurgent forces and those initiated by ISAF."
"This data is based on information derived from a number of sources and can only be an estimate, not least because of the difficulties in ensuring a consistent interpretation of the basis for collating statistics in a complex fast-moving multinational operational environment."
"I hope that the above information addresses your concerns on this matter."
"I will place a copy of this letter in the Library of the House."
| 2006¹ | 2007¹ | 2008¹ | 2009¹ | |
| January | — | 60 | 70 | 180 |
| February | — | 100 | 70 | 180 |
| March | — | 140 | 80 | — |
| April | — | 70 | 50 | — |
| May | — | 120 | 60 | — |
| June | 10 | 110 | 80 | — |
| July | 120 | 130 | 110 | — |
| August | 100 | 130 | 200 | — |
| September | 100 | 130 | 180 | — |
| October | 40 | 90 | 170 | — |
| November | 40 | 110 | 200 | — |
| December | 50 | 130 | 220 | — |
| ¹ Rounded to the nearest 10. |
Notes
Question originally printed on 24/02/2009 at 488 c520W.
Subjects
Peacekeeping operations; Afghanistan
Date
5 October 2009
Reference
496 c2316-7W; 251650
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the names are of all detainees who have died in the custody of UK forces in each year since 2001; and what the (a) date and (b) cause of death was in each case.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the names are of all detainees who have died in the custody of UK forces in each year since 2001; and what the (a) date and (b) cause of death was in each case.
Asked by
Adam Price
(Plaid Cymru)
Answered by
Lord Hutton of Furness
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
26 February 2009
For answer on
3 March 2009
Answered on
21 July 2009
[holding answer 3 March 2009]: The following table lists the detainees that have died while within the custody of the UK in Iraq. Where known, the official cause of death is included. However, burial is often within 24 hours in accordance with religious custom, preventing a post mortem from occurring.
Those Afghans involved in engagements with coalition or Afghan forces who died within a UK facility in Afghanistan from the wounds they sustained in these engagements are listed in the following table. Despite our best efforts, these eight individuals did not survive what were life-threatening injuries. No detainees have died while in a UK detention facility in Afghanistan.
To the best of our knowledge this is a complete record. My predecessor's statement to the House on 26 February reported on detention records in Afghanistan since the deployment of Task Force Helmand in July 2006 and on detention records in Iraq from 15 December 2003 onwards. Most of the fatalities listed above for Iraq occurred before 15 December and so were not covered in that statement. It is also possible that incidents that occurred before 15 December 2003 in Iraq are not captured in our records.
| Operation Telic | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | Name of deceased | Post Mortem Cause of Death |
| 12 April 2003 | Tanik Mahmud | Not established |
| 8 May 2003 | Ahmed Jabber Kareem | Drowned |
| 8 May 2003 | Radhi Nama (Radhi Nu'ma Jaber) | Heart Attack |
| 17 May 2003 | Abd Al Jubba Mousa Ali | Not established |
| 24 May 2003 | Said Shabram | Not established |
| 7 August 2003 | AJKhalif | Not established |
| 15 September 2003 | Baha Mousa | Asphyxia |
| 10 April 2004 | Unknown | Not established |
| Operation Herrick | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | Name of deceased | Post Mortem Cause of Death |
| 13 January 2007 | Unknown | Not established |
| 5 April 2007 | Haji Mohammad | Not established |
| 5 April 2007 | Ghos Mohammad | Not established |
| 30 April 2007 | Unknown | Not established |
| 3 July 2007 | Hadi Abdul | Not established |
| 15 July 2007 | Sardar Mohammed | Not established |
| 5 December 2007 | Abdul Ahad | Not established |
| 8 September2008 | Unknown | Not established |
Subjects
Detainees; Armed forces; Iraq; Peacekeeping operations; Afghanistan
Date
21 July 2009
Reference
496 c1183W; 260499
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to ensure that no cleaning products or ingredients of cleaning products used by his Department have been tested on animals.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to ensure that no cleaning products or ingredients of cleaning products used by his Department have been tested on animals.
Asked by
Annette Brooke
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Lord Hutton of Furness
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 March 2009
For answer on
4 March 2009
Answered on
20 July 2009
Cleaning services are generally procured by the Ministry of Defence through wider Facilities Management and PFI contracts. The MOD requires contractors to comply with all applicable legislation. Above this, the Department does not have a specific policy regarding animal testing.
Subjects
Detergents; Ministry of Defence
Date
20 July 2009
Reference
496 c881-2W; 261130
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his statement of 26 February 2009, who the authors of each of the papers sent to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and the Secretary of State for the Home Department in April 2006 were; and what...
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his statement of 26 February 2009, who the authors of each of the papers sent to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and the Secretary of State for the Home Department in April 2006 were; and what...
Asked by
Adam Price
(Plaid Cymru)
Answered by
Lord Hutton of Furness
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
26 February 2009
For answer on
3 March 2009
Answered on
13 July 2009
[holding answer 3 March 2009]: These papers were written in the Cabinet Office and provided an update to Ministers, which informed HMG's evidence collection for the ISC's July 2007 Report into Rendition.
Subjects
Detainees; Rendition
Date
13 July 2009
Reference
496 c23W; 260500
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many officials in (a) his Department and (b) its agencies have been (i) disciplined and (ii) dismissed for (A) breaches of data protection requirements and (B) inappropriate use of personal or sensitive data in the last 12 months.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many officials in (a) his Department and (b) its agencies have been (i) disciplined and (ii) dismissed for (A) breaches of data protection requirements and (B) inappropriate use of personal or sensitive data in the last 12 months.
Asked by
James Brokenshire
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Hutton of Furness
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
3 June 2009
For answer on
8 June 2009
Answered on
6 July 2009
In the 12 months to 31 May 2009, eight individuals (including four contractor's staff acting on MOD's behalf) have been disciplined for breaches of data protection requirements. A number of other cases remain subject to investigation. Figures for inappropriate use of personal or sensitive data are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.Information is a key asset to Government and its correct handling is vital to the delivery of public services and to the integrity of HMG. The Security Policy Framework and the Data Handling Report produced by the Cabinet Office provide a strategic framework for protecting information that Government handle and put in place a set of mandatory measures which Departments must adhere to.MOD has issued internal guidance to remind staff that if they are found to have been responsible for a serious breach of data security procedures, dependent upon the circumstances, a range of sanctions are available including disciplinary or administrative action, and in extreme or persistent cases, termination of employment/services and, if appropriate, criminal proceedings.
Subjects
Data protection; Ministry of Defence
Date
6 July 2009
Reference
495 c556W; 278748
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many notifications his Department made to the Information Commissioner in the year ended 30 April 2009 in respect of the loss or mishandling of personal information or data; what was notified in each such case; and how many individuals were the...
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many notifications his Department made to the Information Commissioner in the year ended 30 April 2009 in respect of the loss or mishandling of personal information or data; what was notified in each such case; and how many individuals were the...
Asked by
James Brokenshire
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Hutton of Furness
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
3 June 2009
For answer on
8 June 2009
Answered on
3 July 2009
Under the mandatory requirements of the Data Handling Report published on 25 June 2008, the Ministry of Defence is required to give a summary report on data breaches reported to the Information Commissioner in our annual resource accounts.We will be publishing information on personal data security breaches reported to the Information Commissioner for the 2008-09 reporting year before Parliament rises in July. The information is currently being compiled and is to be audited and verified before it is laid before Parliament. The equivalent information from the 2007-08 annual resource account can be found at:"http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/CorporatePublications/AnnualReports/MODAnnualReports0708/"
Subjects
Data protection; Ministry of Defence
Date
3 July 2009
Reference
495 c462W; 278747
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many systems to investigate and provide compensation for civilian casualties of International Security Assistance Force operations are in place in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many systems to investigate and provide compensation for civilian casualties of International Security Assistance Force operations are in place in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Michael Moore
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Lord Hutton of Furness
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
4 June 2009
For answer on
8 June 2009
Answered on
11 June 2009
Compensation claims brought against the Ministry of Defence as part of the International Security Assistance Force are considered on the basis of whether or not the Department has a legal liability to pay compensation. Where there is a proven legal liability compensation is paid.The system in place for handling claims for compensation brought against the Ministry of Defence by Afghanistan civilians is through the Department's Area Claims Office based in Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand province. Claims staff rotate through Musa Qaleh and Sangin and visit support bases at Kandahar and Kabul to handle claims which arise at these locations.Other members of the International Security Assistance Force have their own systems in place to handle compensation claims.
Subjects
Peacekeeping operations; Afghanistan
Date
11 June 2009
Reference
493 c998-9W; 278767
House
House of Commons
I regularly discuss Afghanistan with my European Union and NATO counterparts. On 10 June, I shall attend a meeting of nations that are contributing to operations in Regional Command (South). On 11-12 June, I shall attend a meeting of NATO Defence Ministers.
I regularly discuss Afghanistan with my European Union and NATO counterparts. On 10 June, I shall attend a meeting of nations that are contributing to operations in Regional Command (South). On 11-12 June, I shall attend a meeting of NATO Defence Ministers.
Answered by
Lord Hutton of Furness
(Labour)
Asked by
Lord Bellingham
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
When he next expects to meet his EU and NATO counterparts to discuss the conflict in Afghanistan.
Subjects
Peacekeeping operations; Afghanistan
Date
1 June 2009
Reference
493 c11
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Yes, I will: Romania, the Netherlands, Denmark, Estonia and Belgium, and France is flying fast jets in the south of Afghanistan.
Yes, I will: Romania, the Netherlands, Denmark, Estonia and Belgium, and France is flying fast jets in the south of Afghanistan.
Answered by
Lord Hutton of Furness
(Labour)
Asked by
Bob Russell
(Liberal Democrat)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
Will the Secretary of State list the countries in the European Union that have deployed ground forces to southern Afghanistan?
Subjects
Peacekeeping operations; Afghanistan
Date
1 June 2009
Reference
493 c13
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I do not want to indulge in hypotheticals, but I cannot resist the temptation. If we were to lose the appeal and the current interpretation of the law were confirmed, it would pose us a serious problem, which would have to be addressed. I personally do not believe that the framers of the European convention had it in mind when it was drafted that it would ever apply to soldiers in a battlefield situation. If I am wrong, and if the House of Lords took a different decision if we appealed, Ministers would have to consider seriously the position that would then arise.
I do not want to indulge in hypotheticals, but I cannot resist the temptation. If we were to lose the appeal and the current interpretation of the law were confirmed, it would pose us a serious problem, which would have to be addressed. I personally do not believe that the framers of the European convention had it in mind when it was drafted that it would ever apply to soldiers in a battlefield situation. If I am wrong, and if the House of Lords took a different decision if we appealed, Ministers would have to consider seriously the position that would then arise.
Answered by
Lord Hutton of Furness
(Labour)
Asked by
Lord Robathan
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
I am sure that the House wishes to send its condolences to Jason Smith's family; it is a tragic case. However, although we wish the Government well, I fear that the problem is one of the Government's own making, through their human rights legislation. There is no greater breach of human rights than being shot on the battlefield—and that is what we expect our soldiers to go out and risk. What exactly are the Government planning to do, beyond appeal? If the law stands, will not the Government have to change it to rectify the situation?
Subjects
Armed forces; Human rights
Date
1 June 2009
Reference
493 c2-3
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I think that human rights legislation is important. It has helped to embed a human rights culture in the United Kingdom and in our judiciary, which is very important. With great respect to the hon. Gentleman, I do not think that the solution to the problem is to repeal the Human Rights Act. The European convention was always justiciable through the route of the European Court of Human Rights, so that would be a false path to tread. The problem has arisen because of subsequent interpretations of the parameters of the convention, not because of the Human Rights Act. The difficulty for us all in this House is that when we start down a road with a clear understanding of where we think the parameters lie, but then find that someone has moved those parameters, that poses a set of challenges about judgments that we may have to make in the House at some point in the future. None the less, that is the right way to see the problem—not to try, as the hon. Gentleman has, to put the blame on this Government, who rightly took the step of enacting the convention in the Human Rights Act.
I think that human rights legislation is important. It has helped to embed a human rights culture in the United Kingdom and in our judiciary, which is very important. With great respect to the hon. Gentleman, I do not think that the solution to the problem is to repeal the Human Rights Act. The European convention was always justiciable through the route of the European Court of Human Rights, so that would be a false path to tread. The problem has arisen because of subsequent interpretations of the parameters of the convention, not because of the Human Rights Act. The difficulty for us all in this House is that when we start down a road with a clear understanding of where we think the parameters lie, but then find that someone has moved those parameters, that poses a set of challenges about judgments that we may have to make in the House at some point in the future. None the less, that is the right way to see the problem—not to try, as the hon. Gentleman has, to put the blame on this Government, who rightly took the step of enacting the convention in the Human Rights Act.
Answered by
Lord Hutton of Furness
(Labour)
Asked by
Andrew Murrison
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
I would like to express the condolences of the Opposition to the family of Private Smith, and also to the families of those who have fallen since we last met. They gave their young lives in the service of our country, and their sacrifice must never be forgotten. The Minister of State has said that the Court of Appeal's judgment of 19 May has serious implications for our ability to conduct military operations overseas. Given the Secretary of State's belated fears for operational effectiveness, could he say what representations his predecessors made when his Government were falling over themselves to incorporate the European convention on human rights into the Human Rights Act?
Subjects
Armed forces; Human rights
Date
1 June 2009
Reference
493 c3-4
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I have not made any assessment of that; it is not clear to me that the judgment would have retrospective effect. That would have to be examined initially as part of the careful consideration that lawyers in the Ministry need to give the judgment. However, my real concern is whether we can stand aside and see bold decision making by battlefield commanders inhibited by anxiety about a legal process over which they will have no say and no control. Those are very serious matters. We have a clear duty of care to our soldiers, sailors and airmen, which we intend to discharge fully, but the case raises a set of issues that are complicated and fundamental. That is why it is right that—with your permission, Mr. Speaker, and that of others—we take time to consider it carefully.
I have not made any assessment of that; it is not clear to me that the judgment would have retrospective effect. That would have to be examined initially as part of the careful consideration that lawyers in the Ministry need to give the judgment. However, my real concern is whether we can stand aside and see bold decision making by battlefield commanders inhibited by anxiety about a legal process over which they will have no say and no control. Those are very serious matters. We have a clear duty of care to our soldiers, sailors and airmen, which we intend to discharge fully, but the case raises a set of issues that are complicated and fundamental. That is why it is right that—with your permission, Mr. Speaker, and that of others—we take time to consider it carefully.
Answered by
Lord Hutton of Furness
(Labour)
Asked by
Simon Burns
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
What assessment has the Secretary of State made of the number of retrospective claims that may be brought against the Department in the light of the recent Court of Appeal judgment?
Subjects
Armed forces; Human rights
Date
1 June 2009
Reference
493 c2
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I agree very strongly with the hon. Gentleman; our reputation matters a great deal to us, and it is with great reluctance that I contradict what he says. I assure him that there was no suggestion that we send 4,000 additional troops to Afghanistan. The Chief of the Defence Staff—who is my principal military adviser, as he is of the Prime Minister—is content with the decisions that the Prime Minister has made, and we are now busy operationalising that in the most effective way possible.
I agree very strongly with the hon. Gentleman; our reputation matters a great deal to us, and it is with great reluctance that I contradict what he says. I assure him that there was no suggestion that we send 4,000 additional troops to Afghanistan. The Chief of the Defence Staff—who is my principal military adviser, as he is of the Prime Minister—is content with the decisions that the Prime Minister has made, and we are now busy operationalising that in the most effective way possible.
Answered by
Lord Hutton of Furness
(Labour)
Asked by
Lord Soames of Fletching
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
Is it not the case that the vital currency of our reputation has been undermined by the Prime Minister not accepting the recommendation by the Chief of the Defence Staff that 4,000 extra troops should be sent to Helmand if we are to do the job properly? Does that not affect our credibility when dealing with the Americans and other NATO allies?
Subjects
Peacekeeping operations; Afghanistan
Date
1 June 2009
Reference
493 c12
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
The strategy that we are pursuing in Afghanistan is not a purely military one. It is a comprehensive approach that has a necessary military component to it, because there cannot be greater security and therefore the opportunity for the Afghan Government to deliver to greater effect in Afghanistan unless there is improved security. As my right hon. Friend has correctly said, that military component is combined with an approach that emphasises the development of civilian capabilities and capacity, too. The Europeans are making a significant contribution to that. My criticism of the NATO effort so far is a matter of record and I do not resile from a word that I have said, but I am glad and pleased that the NATO military effort in Afghanistan has now increased, which I consider to be absolutely essential if we are to achieve the wider goals of peace and security in that troubled country.
The strategy that we are pursuing in Afghanistan is not a purely military one. It is a comprehensive approach that has a necessary military component to it, because there cannot be greater security and therefore the opportunity for the Afghan Government to deliver to greater effect in Afghanistan unless there is improved security. As my right hon. Friend has correctly said, that military component is combined with an approach that emphasises the development of civilian capabilities and capacity, too. The Europeans are making a significant contribution to that. My criticism of the NATO effort so far is a matter of record and I do not resile from a word that I have said, but I am glad and pleased that the NATO military effort in Afghanistan has now increased, which I consider to be absolutely essential if we are to achieve the wider goals of peace and security in that troubled country.
Answered by
Lord Hutton of Furness
(Labour)
Asked by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
I am not sure whether my right hon. Friend has had a chance to read The New York Times today, but it contains an important article by a distinguished correspondent entitled "U.S. Gives Absolution to its Allies". The article makes the argument that the US no longer wants to open a second front against European allies who are not engaging in fighting and killing, but instead wants a team effort. It is changing the nature of its operations in Afghanistan, not to step up a huge kinetic war, but to find political as much as military solutions, and Britain is playing a leading part in that. Can we therefore have an end to the European bashing and an understanding—as was evident at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly—that the US and its European allies are talking and working as one?
Subjects
Peacekeeping operations; Afghanistan
Date
1 June 2009
Reference
493 c12-3
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I have a lot of sympathy with my hon. Friend's point. When our troops are committed to battle, the public want and expect only one thing: that they can do everything they need to do to win the battles that they are fighting. Anything that makes it harder to win the fights that they are in must be resisted strongly. Without allowing my hon. Friend to draw me any further, I can say that we are still examining the judgment carefully, and we will decide shortly whether to appeal.
I have a lot of sympathy with my hon. Friend's point. When our troops are committed to battle, the public want and expect only one thing: that they can do everything they need to do to win the battles that they are fighting. Anything that makes it harder to win the fights that they are in must be resisted strongly. Without allowing my hon. Friend to draw me any further, I can say that we are still examining the judgment carefully, and we will decide shortly whether to appeal.
Answered by
Lord Hutton of Furness
(Labour)
Asked by
Ken Purchase
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
This is a very serious matter, and I urge the Secretary of State to consider wisely and make an appeal as necessary. We are witnessing the possibility of sending serving soldiers into battle with no guns or other weapons, and with their hands tied behind their backs. It is an impossible situation—unless we can enforce human rights codes on the opposition, such as Hezbollah or the Taliban; that would be a step in the right direction. In the meantime we must treat the matter seriously and regard it as a matter of high principle for the Government, and ensure that our soldiers have the proper protection that they need when going to war on our behalf.
Subjects
Armed forces; Human rights
Date
1 June 2009
Reference
493 c3
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Yes.
Yes.
Answered by
Lord Hutton of Furness
(Labour)
Asked by
Patrick Mercer
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
Can the Secretary of State confirm that military lawyers and senior commanders have already started work fully to appreciate the tactical and strategic implications, should the judgment pass into law?
Subjects
Armed forces; Human rights
Date
1 June 2009
Reference
493 c3
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I congratulate my hon. Friend on getting that point into this exchange. There is no question of private contractors being employed in a battlefield environment, so I am not sure whether my hon. Friend's concerns are likely to materialise.
I congratulate my hon. Friend on getting that point into this exchange. There is no question of private contractors being employed in a battlefield environment, so I am not sure whether my hon. Friend's concerns are likely to materialise.
Answered by
Lord Hutton of Furness
(Labour)
Asked by
David Leslie Taylor
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
I note from the press that companies such Capita, Manpower and Serco are forming a disorderly queue to get the plum £100 million contract for outsourced recruitment of people into our forces. Will the Secretary of State reassure me that, given their lack of knowledge of service life, that contract will not be extended to promote the ideas of human rights legislation in a battlefield context, about which they know equally little?
Subjects
Armed forces; Human rights
Date
1 June 2009
Reference
493 c3
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons