asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 15 March (WA 145), how many women experienced long-term post-abortion distress in the last full year for which figures are available; and what percentage of all women having abortions in that year this number represents. [HL2818]

The Government do not collect this information. As highlighted in my previous answer to the noble Lord, Lord Patten, on 15 March (WA 145), research studies indicate that only a small minority of women experience long-term post-abortion distress.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What research and cost analysis the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has undertaken in respect of a possible bluetongue disease outbreak occurring in the United Kingdom. [HL2836]

Defra, in partnership with interested parties, is currently undertaking a cost analysis of potential bluetongue outbreaks and control measures in the United Kingdom, in various scenarios, in order to help to improve our control policy. The control policy is also informed by evolving epidemiological evidence and meteorological data, veterinary advice, and the experience of other European countries in dealing with bluetongue.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What recent assessment they have made of the costs of externalities associated with different farming methods; and whether they will commission research into this issue. [HL2727]

Farming gives rise to a range of complex impacts relating to the environment and health. These impacts can be positive as well as negative and many of them are external to farming so that the costs or benefits are met by other sectors or the general public

Defra and the devolved Administrations commissioned research by Eftec to develop A Framework for Environmental Accounts for Agriculture. Published in July 2004, the study provided initial evidence on significant positive and negative environmental externalities of UK agriculture. The costs of externalities, including water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, were estimated at £1.4 billion and the positive impacts, including biodiversity and landscape, were valued at £1 billion. This study was seen as a first step in a long-term development process, and a further independent study has now been commissioned by Defra. This study, to be completed in summer 2007, will aim to refine and develop environmental accounts. As more reliable estimates are developed, the accounts will have a valuable role in setting priorities for agricultural policy and as an evidence base for measuring the sustainability of agriculture. The study will also consider the feasibility of developing sector valuations to provide evidence in terms of different types of agriculture.

As part of an ongoing research project, Cranfield University has used life cycle assessment (LCA) to assess the resource use and environmental burdens arising from the production of key agricultural commodities. The research has modelled organic and non-organic (contemporary conventional) production in the UK, and thus explicitly sets out the resource use and burdens arising from the relevant systems.

Farming also gives rise to externalities relating to animal health and welfare. By way of illustration, Defra commissioned the Scottish Agricultural College to undertake research into the benefits of tighter welfare standards in the production of meat chickens, measured by the public’s willingness to pay for lower stocking densities.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the fees set in 2006 by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority are due to be upgraded in 2007. [HL2579]

The annual licence fee and inspection fee for new applicants set by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority for the financial year 2006-07^* are shown in the table below.

Following a public consultation, the Gangmasters Licensing Authority has set the fees shown in the table below for the financial year 2007-08^*.

^* ending 31 March

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many licences were issued by 31 December 2006 under the Gangmasters Licensing Conditions in each business turnover category. [HL2967]

On 31 December 2006, the number of licences issued by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority in each business turnover¹ category was as follows:

1. The measure of turnover used to determine the band that a business falls within is turnover in the sectors covered by the Gangmasters Licensing Act 2004.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the amount of money allocated by Natural England for entry-level and higher-level stewardship schemes has been reduced. [HL2924]

The budgetary allocation for the schemes operating under Environmental Stewardship cannot be confirmed until we receive the European Commission's approval for the new Rural Development Programme for England (2007-13). Negotiations over the final funding package, including the question of voluntary modulation, are continuing. In advance of formal approval, agreements entered into since 1 January 2007 are provisional and are being funded from existing indicative budgets agreed when the scheme was launched.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What methodology is used by Natural England to assess farm applications for entry- and higher-level stewardship schemes; whether any applications are being sifted; and, if so, how many of these are unlikely to be granted entry to the schemes. [HL2925]

Entry-level stewardship (ELS) is open to all farmers and land managers. Acceptance into the scheme is guaranteed, provided applicants include a sufficient number of management options to meet a points target based on the size of their holding.

Higher-level stewardship (HLS) is a discretionary scheme and applications are expected to contribute to one or more of the five primary objectives of the scheme. The key characteristics of the English countryside have been outlined in the definition of over 150 joint character areas, each of which has priority targets for the management of a variety of features. All HLS applications are scored directly against these targets, and those applications which meet or exceed a pre-determined threshold may be offered an agreement. Applications which do not address the relevant priority targets for their area will be rejected.

The number of HLS applications which may be rejected in the future will depend very much on the volume of applications received and the available budget. This is difficult to predict accurately as the potential for further uptake will depend on the outcome of discussions with the European Commission about the budget for the Rural Development Programme (2007-13).

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the number of farms that have applied to Natural England for the entry- or higher-level stewardship schemes exceeds the amount of money currently allocated for these schemes. [HL2926]

The current financial year, 2006-07, saw the transition between the current and new Rural Development Programme for England occur on 1 January 2007. Funding arrangements from 2007 onwards depend on the outcome of discussions with the European Commission. However, as applicants under entry-level stewardship (ELS) are guaranteed an agreement provided they meet a points target based on the area of their holding, I can confirm that no ELS applications have been rejected due to a lack of available budget.

Higher-level stewardship (HLS), however, is a competitive scheme and submitting an application does not guarantee an offer of an agreement. Because funds for HLS are limited, agreements have had to be allocated where they are likely to achieve the most environmental benefit for the countryside. Unfortunately, while some applications have scored highly, they have fallen short of the current thresholds established within Natural England regions. In some areas, the volume of applications has increased markedly in recent months, exceeding expectations. This has meant that the target score required for an application to be successful has had to be adjusted upwards to ensure that the agreements created represent the best possible value for money. Good-quality applications which just fail to meet the target score are not rejected out of hand, but are deferred until the next application period, at which point they are re-assessed against all the other applications received.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to points 7(2) and (3) of statutory instrument 2007/406 concerning approved disinfectants, when the manufacturer will have to make representations once the Government have been notified that he intends to do so. [HL2969]

Statutory instrument 2007/406 is not in relation to disinfectants. I assume the noble Baroness is referring to statutory instrument 2007/448, which is due to come into effect on 6 April 2007.

Points 7(2) and (3) of SI 2007/448 are an extension to point 7(4) of the Diseases of Animals (Approved Disinfectants) Order 1978.

Manufacturers need only make representations to the Secretary of State if there has been any of the following:

a) a refusal to grant or renew approval,

b) an amendment, suspension or revocation of an approval,

c) any condition of an approval.

The manufacturer must notify the Secretary of State of his intention to make representations to an appointed person within one month of receiving notification of the change as stated above.

The appointed person must then contact the manufacturer to discuss the representations that he wishes to make, and within one month must report to the Secretary of State.

Once the Secretary of State has received the report, he must give written notification of the final determination and reasons for it to the applicant within one month.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 7 March (WA 48), whether they will reply substantively to Lord Willoughby de Broke's Question rather than referring to the Answer given in the House of Commons on 20 February.[HL2644]

Defra is currently carrying out a review of rabies import policy to ensure that UK controls on all rabies-susceptible mammals are proportionate and sustainable. This will help to inform the UK's response to the European Commission's review of certain requirements of EU Regulation 998/2003 on the non-commercial movement of pet animals.

Regulation 998/2003 requires the European Commission to submit a report to the European Parliament and Council, based on experience gained and risk evaluation. The report is expected shortly. The UK has already submitted scientific and field information to assist this process.

The UK's own review of national rabies import controls is nearing completion. The evidence received so far from government vets, officials and veterinary risk assessments indicates that our current controls may no longer be proportionate to the risk of rabies entering the UK and we may need to consider modernising processes and regulation in this area. Our controls must also be consistent with current thinking on better regulation. We are seeking further views before reaching conclusions.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the answer by Lord Truscott on 7 March (Official Report, col. 222), whether, to demonstrate the relative efficiency of lending organisations and the levels of stress resulting to borrowers, they will request credit lending institutions to reintroduce the practice of publishing monthly or quarterly reports of losses to liquidation ratios indicating the total value of written-off unrecoverable loans as a percentage of the total loan periods they should have received in the relevant period. [HL2559]

We have no plans to do this. However, figures for individual insolvencies are published quarterly. As I said on 7 March (Official Report, col. 222), the Government take over-indebtedness very seriously and have a range of measures to help vulnerable borrowers. In addition, my honourable friend the Economic Secretary to the Treasury announced on 14 March that there will be a new Financial Inclusion Fund for the next spending period to 2011. This will allow us to continue to support projects promoting access to affordable credit, providing debt advice and helping to protect vulnerable people against illegal moneylending.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Truscott on 13 March (WA 104) on British Coal compensation, whether, in view of their concerns in respect of the Data Protection Act 1998, they will instruct the Department of Trade and Industry’s claims handlers, CAPITA, to relay an open letter with the text approved by the Government from Lord Lofthouse of Pontefract to retired miners and widows who have pursued claims in the British Coal respiratory disease litigation and British Coal vibration white finger litigation advising them of their rights of redress against their former solicitors. [HL2898]

The department’s view is that it would be disproportionate to write to each miner and widow. We continue to work with the Legal Complaints Service (LCS) to bring the issue to claimants’ attention, and the forthcoming edition of the Compensation for Miners newsletter will feature an article on the role of the LCS and its contact details. Some 45,000 copies of the newsletter are printed and distributed to doctors’ surgeries, citizens advice bureaux and MPs, and a copy is placed on the DTI website.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Truscott on 15 January (WA 119) on British Coal compensation, whether any audit has been undertaken in respect of the sum of £28.8 million paid to the Union of Democratic Mineworkers. [HL2899]

Audits are regularly undertaken of the financial management and process procedures of payments to all claimants’ solicitors which includes the Union of Democratic Mineworkers.

This gives an assurance that payment has been correctly made. The most recent audit was undertaken in October 2006.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Truscott on 15 January (WA 119) on British Coal compensation, whether any assessment has been undertaken in respect of the payments of £591 million to 15 firms of solicitors in the British Coal respiratory disease litigation. [HL2900]

No such assessment has been undertaken. The National Audit Office is currently undertaking a review of the coal health schemes.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

How many retired miners and widows in the British Coal respiratory disease litigation and British Coal vibration white finger litigation died after lodgment of their claims prior to receiving final compensation. [HL2901]

As at 18 March 2007, the number of deceased claims where the miner’s date of death is later than the date of claim but earlier than the final damages payment is as follows:

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) = 16,848;

vibration white finger (VWF) = 4,177.

There are 1,662 claims that appear in both the VWF and COPD list. It should be noted that those figures relate only to those claims where the miner himself died prior to receiving final compensation, not the widow. It should additionally be noted that the figures for VWF do not include those claims with outstanding services claims.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Whether they have made an updated assessment of the total administration costs of the British Coal respiratory disease litigation and British Coal vibration white finger litigation by reference to the forecast of £2.4 billion in 31 July 2006 relied upon by the National Audit Office in its publication, Work in Progress: Coal Health Compensation Schemes. [HL2902]

Our latest forecast, as at the end of October 2006, still envisages a total administrative expenditure of circa £2.4 billion. This figure includes plaintiff costs and costs borne by the defendant (Department of Trade and Industry).

The department is currently undertaking a forecasting exercise for close of accounts and will be able to offer a revised figure by the end of April 2007.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many claimants were refused or awarded compensation under the British Coal respiratory litigation, broken down between payments made in the following bands: (a) no award of compensation; (b) 1p to 99p; (c) £1 to £2; (d) £3 to £4; (e) £5 to £6; (f) £7 to £10; (g) £11 to £15; (h) £16 to £20; (i) £21 to £25; (j) £26 to £30; (k) £31 to £40; (l) £41 to £50; (m) £51 to £60; (n) £61 to £75; (o) £76 to £100; (p) £101 to £200; (q) £201 to £300; (r) £301 to £500; (s) £501 to £1,000; (t) £1,001 to £2,000; (u) £2,001 to £3,000; (v) £3,001 to £4,000; (w) £4,001 to £5,000; (x) £5,001 to £10,000; (y) £10,001 to £25,000; and (z) in excess of £25,001. [HL2948]

The number of claims that were settled by denial/withdrawal or awarded compensation under the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) scheme, broken down as requested, are shown on the table below:

Claimants' solicitors agreed to implement a minimum payment top-up scheme to claimants. Under this scheme, solicitors will themselves effectively be making the payments by discounting their fees to make top-up payments to their clients whose offers fall below £500.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many claimants were refused or awarded compensation under the British Coal vibration white finger litigation, broken down between payments made in the following bands: (a) no award of compensation; (b) 1p to 99p; (c) £1 to £2; (d) £3 to £4; (e) £5 to £6; (f) £7 to £10; (g) £11 to £15; (h) £16 to £20; (i) £21 to £25; (j) £26 to £30; (k) £31 to £40; (l) £41 to £50; (m) £51 to £60; (n) £61 to £75; (o) £76 to £100; (p) £101 to £200; (q) £201 to £300; (r) £301 to £500; (s) £501 to £1,000; (t) £1,001 to £2,000; (u) £2,001 to £3,000; (v) £3,001 to £4,000; (w) £4,001 to £5,000; (x) £5,001 to £10,000; (y) £10,001 to £25,000; and (z) in excess of £25,001. [HL2949]

The number of claims that were settled by denial/withdrawal or awarded compensation under the vibration white finger (VWF) scheme, broken down as requested, are shown on the table below:

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Sainsbury of Turville on 27 March (WA 93) on British Coal compensation, whether they have made a further assessment of the projected date by which all claims under the British Coal vibration white finger litigation will have been settled; and what is the updated estimated cost that will be incurred, broken down between (a) CAPITA and all other contractors; (b) the claimant’s legal costs; (c) the defendant’s legal costs; (d) the internal costs of the Department of Trade and Industry; and (e) compensation which remains to be paid to the claimants. [HL2951]

Our estimated date for substantial completion of the VWF scheme is the end of 2007. We envisage that the total number of claims settled (by payment, denial or strike-out) will be circa 170,000.

The predicted total spend on the vibration white finger (VWF) scheme based on forecasts prepared at the end of October 2006 is given below.

a) CAPITA and other contractors: £630 million (estimated). This is a total figure and has not been broken down into schemes. Medical costs (VWF only): £31 million (estimated).

b) Claimants’ legal costs: £161 million (estimated).

c) Defendants’ legal costs: £47 million (estimated). This is a total figure and has not been broken down into schemes.

d) DTI internal costs: information not available at this level.

e) Compensation: £1,728.5 million (estimated) including CRU payments.

The forecast does not include RPI.

The department is currently undertaking a forecasting exercise for close of accounts and will be able to offer a revised figure by the end of April 2007.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Sainsbury of Turville on 27 March (WA 93) on British Coal compensation, whether they have made a further assessment of the projected date by which all claims under the British Coal respiratory disease litigation will have been settled; and what is the updated estimated cost that will be incurred, broken down between (a) CAPITA and all other contractors; (b) the claimant's legal costs; (c) the defendant's legal costs; (d) the internal costs of the Department of Trade and Industry; and (e) compensation which remains to be paid to the claimants. [HL2952]

Our estimated date for substantial completion of the COPD scheme is spring 2009. We envisage that the total number of claims settled (by payment, denial or strike-out) will be circa 590K.

The predicted total spend on the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) scheme based on forecasts prepared at the end of October 2006 is given below.

a) CAPITA and other contractors: £630 million (estimated). This is a total figure and

has not been broken down into schemes. Medical costs (COPD only): £395 million (estimated).

b) Claimants' legal costs: £1,209 million (estimated).

c) Defendant's legal costs: £47 million (estimated). This is a total figure and has not been broken down into schemes.

d) DTI internal costs: Information not available at this level.

e) Compensation: £2,540 million (estimated) including CRU payments. The forecast does not include RPI.

The department is currently undertaking a forecasting exercise for close of accounts and will be able to offer a revised figure by the end of April 2007.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many claims lodged at common law by former surface workers are excluded from the claims-handling agreement of the British Coal respiratory disease litigation; whether compensation has been awarded in respect of any such claims; and whether any assessment has been made of the merits of ex gratia payments being made to those men. [HL2953]

All the surface worker claims registered under the British Coal respiratory disease litigation (BCRDL) have been rejected under the claims-handling arrangement and therefore fall outside it.

At 18 March 2007, the number of rejected surface worker cases within the BCRDL was 9,713. Compensation has not been awarded to any pure surface worker claims under the BCRDL. Ministers have considered the merits of ex gratia payments and concluded that payments cannot be made without liability being established.

At this stage it is not possible to identify the number of other surface worker claims against British Coal that may be in existence. The presiding judge, Mrs Justice Swift, last week ordered that pure surface workers wishing to pursue a claim are to identify themselves by 29 June 2007. The department welcomes this progress.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What assessment they have made of the practice whereby costs for care are transferred from the National Health Service to local government; and how widespread they consider the practice to be. [HL2188]

The National Health Service and social services have a duty to work in partnership to provide services that meet the needs of the local population. The NHS has a legal responsibility to provide healthcare and nursing care, which social services cannot provide. Delivering high-quality social care and healthcare in every area while remaining on a sound financial footing can only be achieved by NHS bodies and local authorities working together to make best use of the available resources.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What information on increased level of demand and acute pressures in adult social care has been taken into consideration in their planning for the Comprehensive Spending Review 2007. [HL2915]

Planning for the Comprehensive Spending Review is taking full account of the projections of the likely increases in demographic factors, principally the number of older people and the number of people with learning and physical disabilities, and likely inflation rates, based on trends in the past three years for employment costs for all staff in the social care sector, capital costs and the gross domestic product deflator for other costs.

These factors have been assessed in full consultation with the Local Government Association.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the estimated cost in (a) 2020; (b) 2030; and (c) 2050 of extending a carer’s national insurance credit to those caring for more than 20 hours per week for (i) those on middle and higher rate disability living allowance or attendance allowance; and (ii) those on any disability benefit to acquire eligibility for the basic state pension only, and for the basic state pension and the state second pension. [HL2662]

The information is provided in the tables below.

(i) Table 1 shows the estimated cost of providing a carer’s national insurance credit to those caring for at least 20 hours per week for those on attendance allowance, constant attendance allowance or the middle or higher rate care component of disability living allowance.

(ii) Table 2 shows the estimated additional cost (that is, additional to the costs shown in Table 1) of extending the carer’s credit to all people who are estimated to be caring for at least 20 hours and not otherwise qualifying for state pension. Robust estimates in respect of people caring for those receiving any disability benefit are not available.

Notes for tables:

1. Figures are presented in £ million, 2006-07 price terms and include overseas cases.

2. Figures in Table 1 refer to the estimated expenditure associated with introducing a national insurance credit for basic state pension and state second pension, from 2010, for people caring for at least 20 hours per week for those in receipt of attendance allowance, constant attendance allowance or the middle or higher rate care component of disability living allowance. Figures presented are consistent with the policy detail and the estimated costs of reform set out in the regulatory impact assessment accompanying the Pensions Bill.

3. Figures in Table 2 refer to the estimated additional expenditure associated with extending the national insurance credit described in part (i) to all people who are estimated to be caring for more than 20 hours and who are not otherwise qualifying for state pension. Estimates are less than £5 million for basic state pension, since the single contribution condition will mean that people reaching state pension age on or after 6 April 2010 will need only 30 qualifying years for a full basic state pension.

4. Estimates of the cost of a particular element of the reform package, such as the carer's credit, depend on the order in which they are modelled. Following the approach used in the regulatory impact assessment accompanying the Pensions Bill, gross costs presented in this Answer refer to the estimated expenditure on the carer's credit as part of the reforms to coverage set out in the Pensions Bill. They take into account, for example, the reduction in qualifying years required for a full basic state pension. They do not include other reforms that affect basic state pension, such as earnings uprating.

5. Net costs include savings seen from reduced expenditure on income-related benefits (pension credit, housing benefit and council tax benefit) and from changes to state pension age.

6. Figures have been rounded, according to the scale of the figure. Figures below £5 million are shown as £0-5 million.

7. Figures quoted relate only to benefit expenditure and do not take account of administration costs.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the customer of a business supplying goods or services to the public is entitled under the provisions of legal tender to make payment of the cost price in cash at face value without surcharge. [HL2344]

In general, companies offering goods and services are free to use whatever contractual terms and conditions they consider reasonable, including those involving methods of payment. Where the price to be paid depends on the method of payment, the Price Indications (Method of Payment) Regulations 1991 require appropriate information to be given to consumers. If prospective customers are unhappy with the contractual terms and conditions, they can seek to renegotiate the terms in question or seek alternative suppliers.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will allocate more resources to the United Kingdom contribution to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. [HL2777]

The UK Government have always played a significant role in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and have provided regular financial support since it was founded in 1988.

The UK has also co-chaired working groups of the IPCC covering the science of climate change (1988-2002) and the impacts of, and adaptation to, climate change (2002-present). This required that the Government fund the associated technical support units and chairs. Additionally, we are providing financial support for the head of the technical support unit tasked with preparing the synthesis report for the fourth assessment report, due for completion in November 2007. Finally, we provide travel funds to enable UK scientists to participate in the IPCC process.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much the Department for Transport's Act on CO₂ campaign is costing in total including the provision of advertising; which external agencies have been employed as part of this campaign; what is the nature of each agency's involvement; and how much each agency is being paid. [HL2820]

The Department for Transport is investing £10 million over the next two fiscal years to support the Act on CO₂ campaign. It has employed a range of specialist agencies to help deliver it:

Mindshare planned the media strategy;

Leo Burnett developed and produced the advertising campaign;

Elmwood designed the Act on CO₂ brand;

Iris secured in-kind support with relevant businesses to extend the Act on CO₂ message;

Forster was employed to extend our campaign messages; and

BMRB will track the impact of the campaign.

All companies are on the Central Office of Information's procurement frameworks. The buying of media space has been through COI framework companies. Online media buying was carried out by Carat.

Fees to companies are either based on a monthly retainer option or a percentage of media spend. Specific payments to individual companies are commercially confidential.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What research they have commissioned in the last five years on carbon dioxide levels in the Earth's atmosphere. [HL2860]

The United Kingdom has commissioned research across many areas related to carbon dioxide levels in the Earth’s atmosphere, including observations, enhancing understanding of the processes that control the carbon cycle and projecting future changes.

The Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) was established in 1992 to ensure that the observations and information needed to address climate-related issues are obtained and made available to all potential users. The GCOS secretariat reports to the parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations are measured across the globe at many sites, including Mace Head in Galway, Ireland; Mauna Loa in Hawaii; and the South Pole. Preliminary measurements from the Mauna Loa observatory show a global atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration of 381 parts per million (ppm) for 2006, up from 379 ppm in 2005. The current level now far exceeds that at any time measured over the last 650,000 years. The United Kingdom funds measurement of other greenhouse gases (including methane, nitrous oxide and f-gases) at Mace Head, and provides these data to the NASA/Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment.

Research to enhance our understanding of the carbon cycle and to project future changes is funded through the research councils and the UK Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they intend to appoint a new chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life; and, if so, when they will make this appointment. [HL2806]

An announcement on successor arrangements for the chairmanship of the Committee on Standards in Public Life will be made shortly.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they propose to bring forward legislation to deal with on-the-runs from Northern Ireland. [HL2787]

The Government continue to accept that the position of on-the-runs is an anomaly, and we believe that the anomaly will need to be addressed at some stage. However, we have consistently made clear that we have no plans to bring forward any legislation on on-the-runs, or to introduce an amnesty.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why cyclists are not permitted to cycle through the Regent’s Park. [HL2984]

The Royal Parks has been looking at ways in which to improve its cycling provision. Following a recent feasibility study, it plans to open a cycle path in the Regent’s Park within the next six months.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have made to the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo about the deaths caused in Kinshasa last week by fighting and civil unrest. [HL3003]

On 23 March, my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary issued a statement deploring the violence that was taking place in Kinshasa. Our ambassador in Kinshasa, with his EU colleagues, made a public statement on 27 March condemning the disproportionate force used during the fighting, the civilian lives lost and the human rights abuses carried out by troops from both sides. He has also spoken both to President Kabila and to Senator Bemba to say that their actions were unacceptable.

With international partners, we continue to encourage both sides to settle their differences through negotiation. This is vital not only for peace, but for the innocent lives of their fellow citizens, who have suffered enough. We are encouraging the Congolese Parliament to play a constructive role to ensure that the progress towards democracy represented by the recent historic elections is not undermined.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What has been the outcome of the representations made to the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo about the safety and health of the human rights lawyer and opposition Member of Parliament, Mrs Marie Thérèse Nlandu, following her imprisonment. [HL3004]

The Government are closely following the continued detention of Mme Nlandu. Our ambassador in Kinshasa has raised the case with President Kabila and Congolese Ministers. In December 2006, we and European partners raised our concerns that Mme Nlandu’s human rights, particularly her access to legal representation, were not being respected. Subsequently Mme Nlandu was granted access to a lawyer. But her trial continues to be delayed. Following our most recent representations, in February and March, President Kabila has promised to look into the case. Embassy officials in Kinshasa have attended some of Mme Nlandu’s court hearings and visited her in prison last month. We continue to monitor her situation and treatment closely.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many times Ministers or officials from the Department for Transport have met representatives from Golden Arrow Communications since March 2005; and what was the date and nature of each meeting. [HL2866]

Since March 2005, Ministers and officials have attended several events organised by Golden Arrow Communications.

An official gave an introductory address about the department’s review of ports policy at a seminar on 5 July 2006. As part of the consultations on that review, the Minister of State, accompanied by officials, attended a lunch on 18 July 2006 to hear the views of ports and shipping interests.

On 21 February 2007, both Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State attended a parliamentary reception at which one spoke about the Government’s broad transport priorities.

In addition, Ministers and officials have attended conferences, receptions and other such events not organised by Golden Arrow Communications but at which individuals employed by them may have been present. No record is kept of such encounters.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many times Ministers or officials from the Department for Transport have met representatives from the Passenger Transport Executive Group since March 2005; and what was the date and nature of each meeting. [HL2867]

The Passenger Transport Executive Group is key to the delivery of transport services in our larger urban areas, and Ministers and officials from the Department for Transport meet its representatives very frequently, with meetings covering a wide range of subjects related to rail, buses and local transport matters. The department meets from time to time with the Passenger Transport Executive Group or its representatives to discuss matters of collective interest, while representatives of the group are also often invited to wider discussions where there is a range of interested stakeholders. It would not be practicable to list every such occasion.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is permissible under electoral law to serve substantial meals or other food at election rallies and other meetings; and, if not, what are the penalties for so doing. [HL2667]

Section 114 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 provides that “treating”, or corruptly influencing a person to vote by providing them with meat, entertainment or other provision is an offence punishable by up to one year in prison, or an unlimited fine, or both.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What estimate they have made of the extent to which demand for domestic grants under the low carbon buildings programme is likely to exceed supply in the next two financial years. [HL2465]

The low carbon buildings programme has been successful in demonstrating the potential of microgeneration technologies in the domestic setting. We have therefore seen an increase in the willingness of householders to install microgeneration technologies.

In the Budget 2007, it was announced that a further £6 million will be made available to the household stream, taking the total available for householders to more than £18 million.

We aim to continue funding until June 2008, by which time some of our wider measures to promote microgeneration should be taking hold.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

At what level they intend to limit monthly grant allocations under stream 1 of the low carbon buildings programme over each of the next two financial years. [HL2466]

In the Budget 2007, it was announced that a further £6 million will be made available to the household stream of the low carbon buildings programme, taking the total available for householders to more than £18 million.

Before deciding how to make best use of the extra funding, the household stream is to be suspended for the monthly allocation in April so that it can be reshaped. Proposals will be brought forward in May.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the role of Mr Mark Higson, Head of nuclear consultation and liabilities at the Department of Trade and Industry, with regard to the Government's policy on radioactive waste management. [HL2689]

Mr Higson is, among other things, responsible for DTI staff working with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs colleagues on the Managing Radioactive Waste Safely programme and the development of a consultation document, and for those overseeing the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, which now has a responsibility for taking forward work on the proposed waste repository. As one would expect, therefore, he has an interest in the ultimate disposition of waste, and is involved in consideration of key issues regarding radioactive waste as they emerge.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How they propose to meet their renewable transport fuel obligation without importing ethanol from Brazil or palm oil from Indonesia. [HL3052]

It will be up to individual transport fuel suppliers to decide what biofuels to supply to comply with the renewable transport fuel obligation (RTFO). In order to claim credit in respect of any biofuel, however, they will be required to report on the carbon savings associated with, and the wider environmental impact of, that fuel. The Government will continue to work closely with stakeholders on the precise scope and format of these reports. The information in the reports will be publicly available, providing a real incentive to transport fuel suppliers to source only the most sustainable biofuels.

In the longer term, the Government’s intention is that only those biofuels meeting certain minimum environmental standards should qualify for credits under the RTFO. The Government are consulting on how and when it might be feasible to do this without breaching international trade rules: copies of the consultation document are available in the House Libraries or via http://www.dft.gov.uk/roads/rtfo.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Answer by Lord Rooker on 18 December 2006 (Official Report, col. 1826), why the information that Lord Rooker undertook to provide to Lord Dear had not been provided by 19 March; and when that information will be provided. [HL2839]

I apologise for the delay in providing this information to the noble Lord; unfortunately, this was due to an administrative error. I have now written to him and will also place a copy of my letter in the House Libraries.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the building of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs at the Mall, Armagh City, has been provided with a union flag; whether advice has been given about the appropriate dates when the union flag should be flown; and whether it was flown on St Patrick's Day on 17 March. [HL2878]

Defra does not have any buildings in Armagh City.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

How many United Kingdom food products are registered under the European Union’s protected regional food scheme; and how many other products have been denied registration under this scheme. [HL2922]

The protected food name (PFN) scheme of the European Union (EU) provides farmers and producers with a way to add value to their product and to meet consumers’ demand for more regional and local food. To date, 36 UK products, including Stilton cheese, Scotch beef, Welsh lamb, Cornish clotted cream and Arbroath smokies, have been registered under the EU PFN scheme as either protected geographical indication (PGI), protected designation of origin (PDO) or traditional speciality guaranteed (TSG). A number of other products, including traditionally grown indoor Yorkshire rhubarb and Cornish sardines, are seeking protection.

Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss their application with officials before completing the application form. If the product is not eligible, officials will advise the applicant at that stage to avoid any unnecessary effort on their part. We do not keep records of the number of potential applications that are deemed ineligible.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

How many regional food products are listed as protected within the European Union, broken down by member state. [HL2923]

The number of regional food products that, to date, have been afforded protection under the European Union’s protected food names scheme as protected geographical indications (PGI) and protected designation of origin (PDO) is set out in the following table.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking to stop imported eggs which are not free range being sold as free range eggs. [HL2834]

All eggs, except those sold at the farm gate to the final consumer, must be stamped with a code that identifies the method of production (that is, organic, free range, barn or eggs from caged hens), country of origin, and producer identification. In the case of eggs from third countries, it may be possible to use the term “farming method not specified” where equivalence has not been established by the EC.

In November 2006, Defra called on the egg industry and retailers to ensure that the eggs they are selling are correctly labelled. This followed investigations by Defra into the alleged illegal practice in the egg industry involving the incorrect labelling of eggs, including the labelling of non-free range as free range. This investigation is aimed at stopping fraud that misleads the consumer and can be damaging to the egg industry. Two people have been arrested as a result of these investigations and this is now a matter for the police.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many imported eggs have been sold into the United Kingdom under misleading or inaccurate labelling in the past five years. [HL2835]

The Egg Marketing Inspectorate (EMI) regularly inspects egg premises and conducts checks to ensure that the labelling on the eggs relates to the method of production. Breaches of the egg marketing regulations are acted upon. On average, there are three prosecutions for breaches of the egg marketing regulations each year.

A major investigation by Defra, the EMI and West Mercia police into an alleged egg fraud is currently under way. This investigation has revealed possible connections with imported eggs.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether any battery-produced eggs from the European Continent have been mis-sold as organic eggs in the United Kingdom. [HL2837]

The Soil Association’s Organic Market Report 2006, under the “Multiple Retailer Imports” section, states that,

“all butter, cream, eggs and yoghurt sold were of British origin”.

All organic production of eggs in the EC must meet the European organic standards set out in Council Regulation 2092/91 (as amended). This requires registration of organic egg producers and packers with approved national organic inspection bodies. Producers and packers will be subject to at least an annual inspection from these inspection bodies.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In light of the British Medical Association's report Gambling Addiction and its Treatment within the NHS, whether they have made an assessment of the adequacy of funding for the treatment of gambling addiction. [HL1623]

The Government share the British Medical Association’s view that, like other addictions, problem or pathological gambling can have a profound effect on health and well-being. The BMA's recent review on gambling addictions and its treatment within the National Health Service is a helpful contribution to our understanding of the issues.

Current evidence shows that very few people become problem gamblers, and only a small subset of these come forward for treatment. We currently have no reports of treatment being impeded by funding issues.

Problem gamblers, who are entitled to treatment under the NHS, can access services in primary care and secondary care including specialised mental health and addiction services. We will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with local healthcare communities, which are responsible for assessing and commissioning services to meet the needs of the population they serve.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the transcripts of the examinations in public before the Casino Advisory Panel are not yet publicly available; and whether they will now place these in the Library of the House. [HL2910]

Transcripts of the seven examinations in public held by the Casino Advisory Panel in August and September 2006 are being prepared and will be deposited in the Libraries of both Houses shortly.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What the spend on continuing care was in each strategic health authority organisational boundary for 2005–06; and what this figure was as a percentage increase or decrease from the previous year. [HL2913]

The information requested is not collected by the department.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consultations have been held with those who provide dermatology services with regard to the increased use of referral management schemes in that field. [HL2757]

The use of referral management schemes is for local determination and local consultation. However, primary care trusts with their partners have been advised that it is good practice to review and, where necessary, develop existing referral management centres to make sure that they create tangible benefits for patients, and uphold the principles set out in Care and resource utilisation: ensuring appropriateness of care, published on 14 December 2006. This is available in the Library and at:

www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidanceArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4141316&chk=iJxRrx

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations Ministers have received following the Office of Fair Trading's recent report into the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme; and how they plan to consult with industry on this issue . [HL2525]

The Government have received initial representations from industry, and officials are engaging in discussions with a wide range of companies and other interested parties.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will assess the impact which the Office of Fair Trading's recent recommendations to change the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme will have on innovation and investment in research and development in the United Kingdom; and [HL2526]

What assessment they have made of the impact that the Office of Fair Trading's proposals for fixing the reimbursement of originator brands at 25 per cent more than generic medicines will have on (a) United Kingdom-based small and medium-sized pharmaceutical companies; and (b) incremental innovation in the pharmaceutical sector. [HL2527]

The Government are examining all the implications of the OFT report and will put forward their conclusions in due course.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many urology patients will no longer have continence products delivered to their home under the Department of Health's proposed reform of services relating to Part IX of the drug tariff in the event that the reform is implemented. [HL2223]

The department is consulting on the arrangements under part IX of the drug tariff for the provision of urology and stoma appliances, and related services, to primary care. The consultation is ongoing and no decisions have been taken. It is a stated objective of the consultation process that patient care will be maintained and, where applicable, improved.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What the place of residence at the time of elevation was of each Peer created in each of the past 10 years, broken down by (a) nation within the United Kingdom, and (b) region of England for Peers resident in England at time of elevation. [HL2690]

The table below gives the breakdown of Peers’ place of residence at the time of their elevation. These figures date from 1 May 1997 to 16 March 2007.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In respect of the Department for Trade and Industry, (a) on how many occasions in the past year malicious programs have compromised departmental computer systems; and, for each occasion, how many machines were affected; how long it took to remove the programs from the system; and what was the impact on the department's activities; (b) what penetration tests have been carried out of information systems over the last year and what were the results, indicating in each instance whether the tests were carried out independently of the providers of the system concerned; and (c) on how many occasions in the last year the departmental management team has considered information risk. [HL2436]

(a) In the past year, the computer systems at the DTI have been compromised by malicious programs (such as worms, viruses, et cetera) on nine separate occasions. On one occasion two PCs were affected; on another occasion three PCs were affected. On all other occasions one PC was affected (12 PCs in total). The malicious programs were removed as soon as practicable, and did not have any impact on the day-to-day running of DTI operations. This is out of a population of 4,960 PCs.

(b) All penetration tests carried out on DTI IT systems are undertaken from companies independent of the supplier of the service under test. All major DTI information systems have been penetration-tested in the last year, with no major issues identified.

(c) Over the past year, information risk has been discussed in a number of senior management forums within the DTI. Any final decisions on acceptance of information assurance (IA) risk lie with the departmental senior information risk owner (SIRO), in line with HMG information assurance governance structures.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Further to the Written Answers by Lord Truscott on 19 March (WA 167) and Lord Sainsbury of Turville on 7 November 2006 (WA 125–6) on export credit guarantees for Iran, which companies approached the Export Control Organisation for advice; and what advice was given in each case. [HL2912]

The Export Control Organisation deals with applications for export or trade licences and requests for advice as to whether such licences are required. I cannot, however, release information about requests for ECO advice, or advice provided, as it is commercially confidential.

I can, however, say that all requests for advice on whether licences are required in relation to Iran are given full and careful consideration. All licence applications are rigorously assessed against the consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria. Where the Government believe that the proposed export would contravene any of the criteria, they will refuse the application.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

What is the number of domestic properties in band H in each local authority; and what percentage of the total number of domestic properties that represents in each local authority. [HL2947]

A table giving the number of domestic properties in band H in each local authority in England and what percentage of the total number of domestic properties that represents in each local authority has been placed in the Library of the House.

The data are taken from the Valuation Office local lists as at 18 September 2006.

Data for Scotland are available at:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/933/0040787.xls

Data for Wales are available at:

http://www.statswales.wales.gov.uk/TableViewer/tableView.aspx?ReportId=330

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their assessment of the contribution which Manchester makes to England's international visitor economy. [HL2750]

In 2005, overseas visitors made 1.08 million visits to Greater Manchester, and spent £405 million (Office for National Statistics). This represents almost half of overseas visitors’ spend in the north-west region and 3.3 per cent of the total spend for England. Greater Manchester has the third highest number of overseas visits of all UK cities, behind London and Edinburgh.

VisitBritain features Manchester prominently in its Enjoy England campaign, and the Northwest Regional Development Agency regards Manchester as one of four “attack brands” in the region.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) Regulations 2007 will allow only veterinary surgeons to carry out rubber-ringing to castrate bull calves and to remove lambs’ tails, or whether it will still be permissible for farmers to carry out this procedure. [HL2728]

Competent stock keepers will continue to be allowed to carry out rubber-ringing to castrate bull calves or dock the tails of lambs. The Farm Animal Welfare Council is currently examining the issues of tail docking and castration in sheep and is expecting to publish its report in the summer.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many national insurance numbers are currently held on the Department for Work and Pensions customer information system database; and how many of these numbers cover non-British citizens who are (a) citizens of other European Union countries, and (b) not European Union citizens. [HL2934]

Approximately 76 million national insurance numbers are held on the department’s customer information system. Information on nationality is not available.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the basis for the statement by Lord Davies of Oldham (Official Report, 22/3/07; col. 1342) that “the lottery was established to fund unique projects and aid regeneration”. [HL2985]

One of the guiding principles from the creation of the National Lottery was that it would support projects that could not or would not realistically have been possible without lottery funding or with mainstream government funding alone. Lottery funding has duly supported many unique projects of national importance that have aided regeneration—for example, the Tate Modern and the Eden Project.

Lottery funding in all the good cause areas—the arts, sport, heritage, the millennium, charitable expenditure, health, education and the environment, and the London Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012—has demonstrably supported activities contributing to physical, economic and social regeneration.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 27 February (HL2003), whether they will indicate how much revenue saving previously assumed has now been taken into the detriment of the current forecast of a £13 million surplus for the current financial year; and [HL2354]

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 13 March (WA 118), why the Question for Written Answer (HL2354), tabled by Lord James of Blackheath on 27 February, had not been answered by 13 March; and when an answer can be expected. [HL2715]

As reported in the quarter three National Health Service finance report, published on 20 February 2007, the NHS is forecasting a net surplus of £13 million. Strategic health authorities have identified savings of £450 million through their continued prudent management of central NHS programme budgets. These savings are available to offset the deduction made to NHS resources in the current financial year in respect of prior year overspends.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the significance of the 26 March deadline for devolution of power to the Northern Ireland Assembly. [HL2812]

The date of 26 March was chosen as it was considered that this provided the optimal time period, from the first meeting of the Transitional Assembly on 24 November 2006, for the Northern Ireland political parties and the two Governments to engage in discussion leading to the restoration of the devolved institutions. The deadline has been prescribed by statute in the Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the Museum of London Archaeological Services will gain access to the Olympic site; what their role will be; and what powers they will have regarding Olympic facilities. [HL2895]

The Museum of London Archaeological Service and Pre-Construct Archaeology (MoLAS-PCA) has worked in partnership to provide archaeological services to the London Development Agency (LDA) regarding the Olympic Park since 2003, and continues to do so for the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), which has now taken over the role of developer.

As a part of the planning application process it is incumbent upon the developer to fund an archaeological assessment of the proposed development site, and to undertake measures to either preserve in situ or record any archaeological remains found within the designated footprint.

MoLAS-PCA has already undertaken some archaeological field evaluation and has been monitoring geotechnical investigations across the site since 2005. In addition it has prepared detailed desk assessment and written schemes of investigation for archaeological work, which will allow fieldwork to commence as soon as relevant parts of the site become available for assessment. Furthermore, MoLAS-PCA is in regular contact with English Heritage’s Greater London Archaeological Advisory Service (GLAAS), which also provides advice to the five host boroughs and the ODA Planning Decisions Team.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What financial penalties are built into the contracts for those awarded work on the Olympic site; and what mechanisms they propose to resolve potential disputes. [HL2896]

The main construction contracts are yet to be let by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), but this process will commence over the next few months.

The new engineering and construction (NEC) form of contract, which reflects current best practice and has been used successfully on similar large infrastructure projects, such as Heathrow terminal 5, will be the main form of contract used by the ODA. Within this there is scope for both financial incentivisation and penalties, as well as dispute resolution provisions.

It is not the ODA’s intention to implement measures which hamper its ability to work with its suppliers and contractors. The principles which the ODA will adopt in regard to withholding retention money and/or use of bonds within each contract will be considered on the merits of each case. In the event that disputes arise, it is important that they are dealt with in an appropriate and expedient manner. The form of dispute resolution will be determined by the circumstances.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have yet appointed an expert faith adviser to oversee architectural designs for Olympic stadiums to ensure compatibility with the needs of diverse faiths so as to facilitate maximum utilisation of the washing, changing and lavatory facilities by the community after the 2012 Olympic Games. [HL2960]

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has published a draft equality and diversity strategy which recognises the need to ensure that inclusive design principles are being incorporated into the venue and park designs. The ODA is also in the process of recruiting design advisers whose responsibilities will include designing for different faith groups as part of the wider inclusive design approach.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the names of the British historians whose advice they rely on in reaching the conclusion that the treatment of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire in 1915-16 should not be described as genocide. [HL2803]

We do not rely on the advice of any particular historians or, indeed, historians from any one nation. We note contributions from a variety of historical sources and works, ranging from Bryce and Toynbee’s Blue Book to more recent studies by historians such as Malcolm Yapp. What this tells us is that historians question each other’s accounts of exactly what took place. The key now is to ensure that the full truth about these events is brought to light and that both Armenia and Turkey look to the future.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When members of An Garda Siochana transferred to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, what oath of service they took. [HL2880]

All police officers who transfer to the Police Service of Northern Ireland from another force, or join the service as a new recruit, must on appointment make a declaration as provided under Section 38 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will review the policy of making a 50 per cent remission of sentence available to prisoners in Northern Ireland. [HL2843]

Last year, following extended public consultation on a review of the existing sentencing framework, the Government announced proposals for a radical change to the structure of sentencing in Northern Ireland. These proposals would put an end to automatic 50 per cent remission. I refer the noble Lord to the Written Statement made on 5 December 2006 (WS 117), which outlines the proposed new framework.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much financial support they provided to each regional development agency in each of the past three full years. [HL2961]

The table below shows the amount of grant-in-aid funding the RDAs have received from the DTI in the past three years.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proposals they have to reduce road deaths on the Ballybogey Road between Portrush and Ballymoney. [HL2742]

The chief executive of Roads Service (Dr Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the noble Lord in response to this question.

Letter from Dr Malcolm McKibbin to Lord Laird dated March 2007.

As this issue falls within my responsibility as chief executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.

May I first say that the fatalities arising from the traffic accidents that have occurred on the Ballybogey Road were most regrettable, and I can assure you that Roads Service gives a very high priority to accident reduction and prevention measures. As you may be aware, Roads Service receives collision reports from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), which allows us to regularly carry out assessments of locations and routes, in conjunction with the Road Policing Unit, to identify whether there are appropriate measures that could be undertaken to help reduce road casualties.

The Ballybogey Road has been assessed both on a regular basis and, along with the Road Policing Unit, following previous fatal collisions. These assessments have not indicated any road improvement measures that could be introduced to help prevent further collisions. A further assessment will be carried out following the latest tragic collision when the outcome of the PSNI investigation into the collision is available.

Unfortunately there are incidents such as this where there may be very little in the way of highway measures that would be of assistance to further help the motorist to drive safely.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many pupils took GCSE in history in state secondary schools in 2006 including city technology colleges and academies, but excluding specialist schools and pupil referral units. [HL2321]

In 2006, there were 184,058 pupils in maintained mainstream schools¹ at the end of key stage 4² who attempted a GCSE in history.

1. Includes community schools, voluntary aided schools, voluntary controlled schools, foundation schools, city technology colleges and academies.

2. Pupils at the end of key stage 4 in the 2005-06 academic year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many students in (a) state, and (b) independent schools have taken GCSE courses in (i) biology; (ii) chemistry; (iii) physics; and (iv) combined science in each of the years 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. [HL2286]

The information requested on the attempts in GCSE science is shown in the following table.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the percentage of all children transferring from primary to secondary schools in each of the past five years who have not achieved their first choice places in (a) England and Wales, and (b) Northern Ireland. [HL2442]

The information requested is not collected centrally. For information on Wales and Northern Ireland, I refer the noble Lord to the Welsh Assembly and the Department of Education, Northern Ireland.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many days since 1 December 2006 the Secretary of State for Scotland has spent in (a) Scotland and (b) solely in England; and how many days he visited both Scotland and England during the same day. [HL2186]

Between 1 December 2006 and 23 March 2007, my right honourable friend undertook official engagements in his capacity as Secretary of State for Scotland wholly in England on 26 weekdays and wholly in Scotland on 12 weekdays. On a further six weekdays my right honourable friend had official engagements in both England and Scotland. In addition to this, during weekends and parliamentary recesses my right honourable friend has also executed official responsibilities in both England and Scotland.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many times the Secretary of State for Transport has (a) flown, and (b) travelled by train between (i) London and Glasgow; (ii) London and Edinburgh; and (iii) London and all other destinations in Scotland since 6 May 2006; and what was the date of each journey. [HL2862]

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Transport took three flights between London and Glasgow and one flight from the Isle of Mull to London, all in his official capacity during August 2006.

All ministerial travel is undertaken in accordance with the Ministerial Code and Travel by Ministers.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many times the Secretary of State for Transport has used the Queen's Flight or other aircraft provided by the Royal Air Force since 6 May 2006; and for each occasion (i) what was the purpose of each journey; (ii) what were the start and end destinations; and (iii) what was the approximate cost of each journey. [HL2863]

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Transport was obliged to fly to London with the RAF at short notice on 9 August 2006 to lead his department’s response to an alleged terrorist bomb plot. He flew from the Isle of Mull to Battersea Helipad. The cost was £13,895.55.

All ministerial travel is undertaken in accordance with the Ministerial Code and Travel by Ministers.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, following the transfer of responsibility for inspections of secure children’s establishments to Ofsted under the Education and Inspections Act 2006, they will ensure that inspections continue to be led by persons with previous knowledge and experience of such establishments. [HL2858]

This is a matter for Ofsted. Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Schools, Christine Gilbert, has written to the noble Lord and a copy of the reply has been placed in the Library.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What costs were incurred by the Minister for Sport's visit to Australia during the second test match of the Ashes series; and what benefit was gained from this visit. [HL2892]

All ministerial travel is undertaken in accordance with the rules set out in the Ministerial Code and Travel by Ministers, copies of which are available in the Library.

The total cost of travel and accommodation for the visit to Australia of my right honourable friend the Minister for Sport was £20,475.60.

As part of his visit, the Minister undertook a number of official engagements as part of his ministerial responsibilities. These included meetings with Richard Brading (Principal Solicitor, Betsafe), Brian Farrell (Casino Control Authority), Michael Foggo (Commissioner, NSW Office of Liquor and Gaming), Hon Nick Xenophon (SA Legislative Council member) and Hon Paul Caica MP (SA Minister responsible for Gambling) to discuss problem gambling and gambling regulation. He discussed Olympic legacy issues at meetings with Ron Walker (Chair, Melbourne 2006), Hon Sandra Nori MP (NSW Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation), Hon Michael Wright MP (SA Minister for Sport) and Bob Adby (NSW Department for Arts, Sport and Recreation). In addition, he met SA Premier Hon Mike Rann MP and ex-Premier John Brennan, Hon Ian McLachlan (Chairman, Adelaide Oval), Percy Sonn (ICC President) and Creagh O’Connor (Chairman, Cricket Australia) to discuss sport and cricket matters.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the net budget for programme resources for UK Trade & Investment in 2006–07. [HL2731]

The net budget for programme resources for UK Trade & Investment in 2006-07 is £95,329K.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What cost savings in terms of activity were made by UK Trade & Investment in the financial year 2005-06 in order to accommodate a reduction in real terms of its budget from the previous financial year. [HL2732]

The cost savings made in programme activity by UK Trade & Investment in the financial year 2005-06 against the previous financial year (2004-05) were £4 million, the net resource outturn for 2005-06 being £95.4 million against a net resource outturn for 2004-05 of £99.4 million. The difference was largely due to the planned reduction of the trade access programme (TAP), formerly support for exhibitions and seminars abroad (SESA), together with a number of smaller reductions in other areas—for example, trade marketing and the sales lead service.

UK Trade & Investment also deploys administration resources from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). The cost saving made on the DTI administration resource was £1.4 million, a reduction from £47.8 million to £46.4 million. This was largely achieved through reductions in the number of DTI-paid civil servants.

The cost saving made on the FCO administration resource, after technical accounting adjustments, was £9.9 million, a reduction from £138.5 million to £128.6 million, which was mainly achieved through reductions in the resources deployed by UK Trade & Investment in overseas markets.