asked Her Majesty's Government:

What analysis they have made of future opportunities for reducing conventional common agricultural policy support in order to permit greater discretionary spending by member states on targeted objectives, such as increasing the number of United Kingdom dairy farms, which have fallen from 28,000 in 1995 to 13,000. [HL1314]

We believe that the best opportunities for dairy farmers come from getting closer to the market. Some further restructuring of the industry is expected as it moves to adapt to greater trade liberalisation and the phase-out of dairy quotas, but it is not government policy to set targets for, or try to influence, the number of farms which operate in any particular sector.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have any plans to review the role of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in initiating prosecutions for animal cruelty. [HL1140]

I do not consider that there is any reason for reviewing the role of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in initiating proceedings for offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Following the recommendation of the 2005 report of the House of Commons Select Committee on Environmental Audit, whether any additional funding has been made available to local authorities for carrying out their duties in relation to part L of the building regulations; and [HL1163]

Following the recommendation of the 2005 report of the House of Commons Select Committee on Environmental Audit, whether local authorities have been set targets for the levels of post-completion checks covering part L of the building regulations carried out by inspectors; and[HL1164]

Following the recommendation of the 2005 report of the House of Commons Select Committee on Environmental Audit, what reviews have been carried out of the problem of non-compliance with part L of the building regulations in newly built dwellings. [HL1165]

Regulation 5 of the Building (Local Authority Charges) Regulations 1998 requires local authorities to set their own charging schemes such that they are able fully to recover the cost of carrying out their prescribed building control functions. No additional funding has therefore been made available to local authorities in connection with enforcement of part L of the building regulations.

Post-completion checks on the whole of part L are not required in law although the Government did introduce mandatory pressure testing of new homes in 2006. This is an important part of local authorities' role and they are expected to ensure that such a test is undertaken before a completion certificate is issued. Building control is, however, a devolved service and no central targets are currently set for local authority building control departments on this or any other element of compliance.

Part L was last revised in April 2006 and was accompanied by a major dissemination and training exercise with the aim of improving compliance. As new houses are only now being built and completed to the revised standards, a post-implementation review of levels of compliance before now would have been premature. An independent assessment of compliance with part L (2006) is, however, due to begin shortly, and will form part of our preparations for the further revision of part L planned for 2010.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Andrews on 7 January (WA 165–6), how they will be able to measure the future contribution of new housing stock to carbon emissions without a central register detailing the percentage of new dwellings that are compliant with part L of the building regulations. [HL1220]

The department is made aware of the numbers of completed new dwellings on a routine basis. The average impact of preceding amendments to part L requirements on energy performance of new dwellings is routinely assessed as part of the programme of work which is undertaken to support future changes to part L of the building regulations. The Government have already announced that the next amendment to part L will take place in 2010. We have begun our work to prepare for this amendment and will, as part of this, be conducting research into levels of compliance with the 2006 amendment.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the chair of the Committee on Climate Change will be appointed. [HL1104]

The process for appointment of the chair designate of the shadow Committee on Climate Change is under way and we aim to appoint as soon as it has been completed.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the role and influence of the Prime Minister in the appointment of the chair of the Committee on Climate Change. [HL1105]

This appointment is being administered by officials within government departments and regulated and monitored by the Office for the Commissioner of Public Appointments (OCPA). The Secretary of State for Defra and the relevant Ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will agree on the appointment of the committee chair.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many people have been appointed to the secretariat of the Committee on Climate Change; and whether any further appointments will be made; and [HL1106]

What is the expected annual cost of the Committee on Climate Change secretariat when all posts have been filled. [HL1107]

A shadow secretariat has been established within the Office of Climate Change to begin the analysis that will underpin the committee's advice on the level of the first three carbon budgets and its review of the 2050 target. There are currently 17 people working in the shadow secretariat, and further appointments may be made in the coming months.

As set out in the impact assessment for the Climate Change Bill, we estimate that the annual cost of the secretariat to the Committee on Climate Change (excluding the costs of accommodation and other running costs) will be approximately £1,300,000. This estimate is based on a secretariat of 20 staff.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consideration has been given to electricity production prices in the light of the expected increased price of allocations in the second phase of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme. [HL686]

The regulatory impact assessments carried out as part of the consultation process for the UK Phase II National Allocation Plan estimated that UK industrial electricity prices would increase by 1 per cent and domestic prices by 0.5 per cent, compared to Phase I, as a result of the UK cap.

The uncertainty involving the carbon price and electricity prices means that these impacts are indicative only. It is estimated that for every €1 increase in the carbon price, the wholesale price of electricity increases by up to 0.45 per megawatt hour. The increases seen in electricity prices are only partly due to the impact of the carbon price. Around 75 per cent of the increase is due to rising fuel prices.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will bring forward legislation on coastal access in England in the current Session, whether as part of the Marine Bill or otherwise. [HL1133]

We will be seeking to identify an appropriate opportunity to bring forward coastal access legislation. The Marine Bill is a possibility but no decision has yet been made.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are opposing the proposal of the European Commission to cut individual farm payments over £70,000 by 10 per cent, those over £140,000 by 25 per cent and those over £210,000 by 45 per cent; and, if so, on what principles they base their opposition. [HL1166]

The European Commission has not made formal proposals for limiting support to recipients of larger payments under the common agricultural policy (CAP). However, it has raised the possibility as part of its consultation on the forthcoming “health check” reform of the CAP. The Government will respond to that consultation in the spring, after discussion with stakeholders.

We have opposed such limits when they have been proposed in the past on the grounds that they would distort the industry by discouraging the adoption of sensible, market-based, business models and prove administratively burdensome for farmers, while doing nothing to further the root and branch reform of the CAP which the Government believe is necessary.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the work of the Discovering Lost Ways project in developing research procedures for Cheshire and Shropshire has been completed; and whether the results will be published. [HL1216]

As part of the pilot studies in Cheshire and Shropshire, Natural England developed and implemented research standards for systematically researching key historic documentary resources. Natural England has not published these research standards. Decisions on whether to do so are part of the review process that Natural England is currently concluding.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 17 October 2007 (WA 53–4), whether the review of Discovering Lost Ways by Natural England to define the most cost-effective approach to the project has been completed and the report sent to Ministers; whether it will be published; and, if it has been completed, how they intend to proceed with this project. [HL1217]

Natural England is currently finalising its advice on the way forward for the Discovering Lost Ways project. We expect Natural England to report early this year on the outcome of its deliberations. Information on the decisions and the way forward will be shared with key stakeholders and made available to other parties on request.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What effect increasing wholesale prices for fossil fuels caused by political instability in some oil and gas producing countries and increasing demand from developing countries will have on the United Kingdom's security of supply and on the economy in general, in particular, on levels of inflation and employment. [HL1148]

The UK is well served with a diverse range of gas and oil importation infrastructure and so is not dependent on supplies from any one source, although the price paid for energy imports will need to reflect global market conditions.

The 2007 Pre-Budget Report and Comprehensive Spending Review (Cm 7227) set out an assessment of the economic impact of recent developments in energy prices (Annex A), and the Government will update this assessment, as usual, in the forthcoming Budget.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Following the positive appraisal of capital grants, soft loans and fiscal exemptions in the 2003 Imperial College London Centre for Energy Policy and Technology report commissioned by the Department for Trade and Industry, why these measures have not been more intensively used to encourage the entry of renewable technology into the electricity production industry. [HL897]

The Government use a range of measures including capital grants, soft loans and fiscal exemptions to encourage renewable technologies. The Government's commitment of some £500 million to low- carbon technologies since 2002 includes capital grants for offshore wind, bioenergy, marine and microgeneration technologies. Fiscal incentives have also been used; for example, renewable generating stations are exempt from the climate change levy. There have also been interest-free loans, for example, to SMEs from the Carbon Trust for renewable technologies where the carbon saving and financial characteristics meet the requirements of the energy efficiency loans scheme. In addition, the Carbon Trust funds Salix, an independent, publicly funded company, to provide interest-free invest-to-save schemes to the public sector to invest in energy efficiency measures and technologies.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress has been made in realising the Severn barrage project since the positive appraisal of the project given in the Sustainable Development Commission's report on tidal power of 1 October. [HL737]

I refer the noble Lord to the updates given in the Severn barrage debate on 13 December 2007 (Official Report, cols. 375-408).

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform will be announcing further details on the scope of the feasibility study shortly.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What views they have received from Ofgem on the use of subsidies for wind farms, and on their efficiency in lowering carbon dioxide emissions. [HL896]

Ofgem's response to the recent consultation on Reform of the Renewables Obligation (RO) included its views on the support provided by the RO for renewables in general but we have not received anything specifically on subsidies for wind farms or their efficiency in lowering carbon dioxide emissions. The views expressed by Ofgem are available from the BERR website¹ and have been taken into account in formulating the Government's response to the consultation.

¹ www.dti.gov.uk/energy/sources/renewables/policy/renewables-obligation/key-stages/banding-ro/page42154.html

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What daily rate of installation of offshore wind turbines is envisaged in order to meet the Government's 25 gigawatt target for renewable power generation. [HL1033]

The Government do not have a target for 25 GW of renewable power generation.

In 2001, the Government set a target for 10 per cent of the UK's power generation from renewable sources by 2010. At the spring European Council in March 2007, EU Heads of Government agreed to a target to supply 20 per cent of the EU's energy—heat, electricity and transport—from renewable sources by 2020. Agreement has not yet been reached on the contribution that each member state will make towards this EU target.

On 10 December, the Government announced the launch of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) on a draft plan for up to 25 GW (installed capacity) of new offshore wind farms by 2020. Depending on the results of the SEA and the magnitude of impacts identified, the Government will take a decision on what the acceptable level of offshore wind development is.

Developers would then be required to bid for site leases through leasing competitions to be held by the Crown Estate and, if successful, conduct their own site evaluations and undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment before applying for the necessary development and environmental consents to build an offshore wind farm.

The number of offshore wind turbines therefore required up to 2020 will depend on the outcome of the SEA, a future decision by the Government on the level of offshore wind generation, and on the size of turbines selected by developers for specific sites.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

With which non-European Union countries the European Union has free trade agreements. [HL1074]

The European Union has free trade agreements with South Africa, Chile, Mexico and Switzerland as well as Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland (as part of the European Economic Area).

Other agreements that include elements of free trade include economic partnership agreements, association agreements, stabilisation and association agreements and partnership and co-operation agreements.

N.B. The European Commission website provides information on all the European Union's bilateral trade relations at http://ec.europa.eu/trade/issues/bilateral/index_en.htm.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

With which non-European Union countries the European Union is currently negotiating free trade agreements. [HL1075]

The EU is currently negotiating free trade agreements with: India; the Republic of Korea; the Gulf Co-operation Council (comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay); the Euro-Mediterranean countries (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey); the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Burma, and Cambodia); Central America (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama) and the Community of Andean Nations (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru).

Other agreements that include elements of free trade include economic partnership agreements, association agreements, stabilisation and association agreements and partnership and co-operation agreements.

N.B. The European Commission website provides information on all the European Union's bilateral trade relations at http://ec.europa.eu/trade/issues/bilateral/index_en.htm.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In the case of the Cabinet Office, how many (a) voluntary and (b) compulsory redundancies have been taken to date as a result of the Gershon review; what is the total departmental bill for each type of redundancy; and what is the natural wastage during the Gershon period to date for the department; and [HL1093]

In the case of the Office of the Leader of the House of Commons, how many (a) voluntary and (b) compulsory redundancies have been taken to date as a result of the Gershon review; what is the total departmental bill for each type of redundancy; and what is the natural wastage during the Gershon period to date for the department. [HL1094]

The Office of the Leader of the House of Commons is part of the Cabinet Office for staffing purposes. Costs of redundancy are identifiable separately from 30 June 2004. From that time to 31 March 2007, the redundancy cost to the Cabinet Office was £72,199 arising from voluntary departure.

Between 1 April 2004 and 31 March 2007, the size of the Cabinet Office reduced from 2,176 to 1,479 staff.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In the case of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, how many (a) voluntary and (b) compulsory redundancies have been taken to date as a result of the Gershon review; what is the total departmental bill for each type of redundancy; and what is the natural wastage during the Gershon period to date for the department. [HL1019]

As a result of the Gershon review in July 2004, a total of 736 staff have taken voluntary early retirement or severance and to 1 December 2007 there were seven compulsory redundancies. The total cost of voluntary retirements/severance was £35.4 million and compulsory redundancies was £380,000.

The earliest figures readily available on natural wastage are for the period between April 2005 to March 2006. During this time the natural wastage rate was 5 per cent (180 employees). Between February 2006 to January 2007 the natural wastage rate was 4 per cent (129 employees). The latest figures we have are for the period between September 2006 and October 2007. During this time the natural wastage rate was 5 per cent (149 employees).

Data for natural wastage prior to 2005 are not readily available and the cost of preparing an Answer will be disproportionate to the benefit to be derived.

Natural wastage includes actuarially reduced retirement, approved early retirement, death in service, dismissal for inefficiency/discipline grounds, permanent transfer to other government departments, resignation, retirement, transfer to the non-Civil Service public sector.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In the case of the department for Communities and Local Government, how many (a) voluntary and (b) compulsory redundancies have been taken to date as a result of the Gershon review; what is the total departmental bill for each type of redundancy; and what is the natural wastage during the Gershon period to date for the department. [HL1067]

During the financial years covered by the Gershon review total figures are as follows:

It is not possible to separate exits which contribute directly to the Gershon target from others. These are total figures for department.

Data on turnover and redundancy costs for executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies are not collected centrally.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which biosimilar medicines have been approved for use in the United Kingdom; and [HL1137]

Whether they have considered banning the automatic substitution of branded pharmaceutical preparations by comparable biosimilar medicines; and [HL1138]

Whether they plan to introduce requirements for patient information leaflets to be prepared to specify the possible risks associated with biosimilar medicines, as appropriate. [HL1139]

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has granted marketing authorisations for the following biosimilar medicines:

Omnitrope (somatropin);

Valtropin (somatropin);

Epoetin alfa hexal, Abseamed, Binocrit (all containing epoetin alfa); and

Silapo, Retacrit (both containing epoetin zeta).

We are not aware of any legal basis for such automatic substitution. Section 58 (2)(a) of the Medicines Act 1968 provides for prescription-only medicines to be sold or supplied only in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner. If a branded medicinal product is prescribed, then it must be dispensed. A pharmacist who substitutes another product for a branded drug without first agreeing this with the prescriber would be in breach of medicines legislation.

Patient information leaflets include all the relevant information on usage, side effects etc and reflect the information contained in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC). The Government have no plans to call for the introduction of a requirement for patient information leaflets to specify the possible risks associated with the use of biosimilar medicines. If a particular risk is identified in relation to a particular product, the SPC for that product will detail that risk and the patient information leaflet will reflect the SPC.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have been able to monitor the use of the NHS European Health Insurance card by United Kingdom citizens in other European Union member states since its introduction; and whether particular usage trends are emerging. [HL1160]

The European Health Insurance card was introduced into the United Kingdom on 1 September 2005. As claims for 2005 are still being received it is too early to do any meaningful analysis.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Legal Services Commission, in funding the measles, mumps and rubella and measles and rubella vaccines litigation, took into account any published peer-reviewed evidence; and [HL1208]

Whether the Legal Services Commission, in funding the measles, mumps and rubella and measles and rubella vaccines litigation, took into account the effect on public confidence in health care; and[HL1209]

Whether the Legal Services Commission, in funding the measles, mumps and rubella and measles and rubella vaccines litigation, took into account the lack of any regulatory action by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. [HL1212]

The first funding certificates associated with this litigation were granted by the Legal Aid Board in 1992. Section 15(2) of the Legal Aid Act 1988 allowed funding in cases which met the reasonableness criterion. The Legal Aid Board would have taken a view on reasonableness based on the material put forward by the solicitors. Public confidence would not have been a relevant consideration. The Legal Aid Act 1988 has been superseded by the Access to Justice Act 1999 which created the Legal Services Commission (which replaced the Legal Aid Board) and tightened up the criteria for granting legal aid.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make representations to the Government of India about the extent of violence suffered by the Christian community in Orissa. [HL1294]

While such incidents remain an internal matter for the Indian Government, we continue to monitor the situation and seek out opportunities to raise human rights issues with the appropriate Indian authorities, including UK concerns about incidents of religious intolerance.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What information they have received regarding the motives and identity of those responsible for violence towards the Christian community in Orissa, India. [HL1295]

While following the situation closely, such incidents remain an internal matter for the Indian Government. We will continue to highlight the need for the right to freedom of religion to be upheld and for those responsible for attacks against people on grounds of their religion to be brought to justice. We remain committed to seek out opportunities to raise with the appropriate Indian authorities the UK's concern about incidents of human rights abuses, including religious intolerance.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the scientific research project into the biological control of Japanese knotweed, carried out in collaboration with Cornwall County Council, the Environment Agency and others and due to report by the end of 2007, has yet done so; and, if so, what consideration they are giving to its findings. [HL1215]

The draft final project report was submitted to the project board in December 2007 for its consideration. We expect that the report will be finalised in the near future and we will then consider what further steps to take in the light of its conclusions.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they accept the conclusions of the European Commission report on the inventory of European Union member states' measures, published in September 2007, as regards the obstacles for access to justice in the United Kingdom; and, if not, in what respects and for what reasons they disagree with those conclusions. [HL1086]

The report was prepared for the Commission by consultants and makes clear that the views expressed are those of the consultants alone and do not represent the official views of the Commission. The Government have noted the contents.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether all other countries of the European Union have taken action to phase out the manufacture and supply of tungsten filament light bulbs by the year 2011. [HL1167]

Only a limited number of EU countries, including France and Ireland, have indicated publicly that they are considering taking action to phase out inefficient light bulbs ahead of proposed collective action within the EU via a proposed implementing measure under the eco-design of energy-using products framework directive (EuP).

Via EuP the European Commission is currently working to establish mandatory minimum standards for lighting products which, if agreed by member states, will establish minimum energy efficiency standards for light bulbs. Any standard agreed via this route is unlikely to specify what technology must be used to achieve or better that standard. However, in practice any meaningful standard is likely to result in today's highly inefficient tungsten filament light bulbs being unable to be sold without significant improvements being made.

While we do not know the exact timing and scope of the EU's proposals, it is envisaged that a phase-out schedule will be in place by 2009-10, with the phase-out taking place over the following years.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether after 2011 it will be legal to import tungsten filament light bulbs from the European Union or third countries to the United Kingdom; and [HL1168]

Whether it will be an offence for householders or commercial and industrial and public authorities to use tungsten filament light bulbs after 2011. [HL1169]

The UK is taking forward a voluntary initiative led by retailers and energy suppliers to phase out the availability of inefficient incandescent light bulbs by 2011, where suitable energy efficient alternatives exist.

The voluntary nature of this initiative will not render it illegal to import and use tungsten filament bulbs after 2011.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the actual and proposed dates for the commencement of the different provisions of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007; and what is the intended timetable for the publication and coming into operation of regulations and orders under the Act. [HL1134]

The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 provides legislative underpinning for Strong and Prosperous Communities—the local government White Paper. Section 245 of the Act sets out which provisions were commenced at Royal Assent on 30 October 2007, and which commenced on 30 December 2007.

All remaining provisions will be commenced by order. The latest version of the White Paper implementation plan was published on 1 November and sets out the timetable for implementing specific policies. The intention is to make several orders to fit with this planned timetable.

The implementation plan can be found at the following link on the DCLG website at www.communities.gov.uk/documents/localgovernment/pdf/532485.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What statutory guidance they intend to publish during 2007 under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007; and what is the timetable for consultation on and publication of these items. [HL1135]

The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 provides legislative underpinning for Strong and Prosperous Communities—the local government White Paper. The latest version of the White Paper implementation plan was published on 1 November 2007 and provides details of the statutory guidance to be published and an estimated timeframe for consultation and implementation.

The implementation plan can be found at the following link on the Communities and Local Government Office website at www.communities.gov.uk/documents/local government/pdf/532485.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consideration is given to the views of local people about the settlement level and grants to local authorities when they are delegating more duties and responsibilities to local authorities annually. [HL1188]

The provisional local government finance settlement for 2008-09 was announced on 6 December 2007. The announcement was followed by a consultation period, when local authorities were invited to put their views on the Government's proposals. The consultation on the provisional settlement for 2008-09 closed on 8 January 2008.

All representations received during the consultation period will be fully considered when Ministers come to take final decisions on the settlement.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have made about the journalist and cameraman who have been arrested and imprisoned in the north of Niger, and who may face the death penalty. [HL1206]

I understand the noble Lord's Question refers to the case of Mr Dandois, a French-British dual national, and his colleague, a French national. Mr Dandois was travelling in Niger on his French passport. As such his interests are primarily being looked after by the French Government, as are those of his colleague.

The Government have been working closely with the French embassy in Niger, through its representative in Niamey, to clarify the status of and charges against Mr Dandois. If Mr Dandois is indeed charged with a potentially capital offence, the Government would join France in making formal representations to the Government of Niger. The death penalty remains on the statute book in Niger, even though no execution has taken place since 1976.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the police or Army require a barrier across Abbey Street in Armagh City. [HL1179]

I have been advised by the PSNI and the Army that they do not require a barrier across Abbey Street in Armagh City. Discussions between the local council, the Department of Regional Development and the Northern Ireland Office to implement the removal of the barrier are under way.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many pensioners receive flat-rate pensions regardless of whether they receive a top-up pension. [HL1284]

The number of people in receipt of a basic state pension regardless of whether they are getting any additional state pension or graduated retirement benefit is 11.7 million.

Source: DWP 5 per cent Administrative Data sample as at March 2007

Notes:

1. Data are taken from 5 per cent sample, therefore figure is subject to a degree of sampling variation.

2. Figure is rounded to the nearest hundred thousand.

3. Figure applies to pensioners in the UK and overseas.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they have taken to implement the recommendation in the Barker Review of Land Use Planning that decision-makers should give higher priority to ensuring that new development has high design standards through the facilitation of local design review panels. [HL1061]

The Government's adviser on urban design, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), which this department jointly funds with DCMS, is actively promoting the establishment of more review arrangements at local and regional level, and supporting their creation. It is taking steps to ensure that decision-makers learn from the lessons from its own national design review service, how it functions and how it can be replicated at local and regional level.

It has issued a suite of guidance explaining how design review works, including practical advice aimed at bodies setting up their own design review panel. CABE's How to do design review, published in 2006, is aimed at regional development agencies, local authorities and other decision-making bodies and offers tips on setting up a new panel, its day-to-day operation and on how to get the very best from the expertise available to help achieve what we want, which is to improve the quality of the built environment in which we live, work and play. CABE also runs open sessions to raise awareness of the design review process which are particularly targeted at bodies that do not have their own local or regional design review panels.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which planning policy guidance documents are still in operation; and what is the timetable for replacing them with planning policy statements. [HL1245]

PPG2 green belt, PPG4 industrial, commercial and small firms, PPG5 simplified planning zones, PPG8 telecommunications, PPG13 transport, PPG14 development of unstable land, PPG15 planning and historic environment, PPG16 archaeology and planning, PPG17 planning for open space, sport and recreation, PPG18 enforcing planning control, PPG19 outdoor advertisement control, PPG20 coastal planning and PPG24 planning and noise are extant.

In December 2007 the Government published a consultation paper for Planning Policy Statement 4: Planning for Sustainable Economic Development. It is intended that this new PPS will replace PPG4 and PPG8 (except the appendix and annex which will remain in force).

We made a commitment in the planning White Paper to produce a more strategic and clearly focused national planning policy framework. We are continuing to work on developing the framework and a significant streamlining of policy. We will continue to work closely with stakeholders to develop a clear strategy and process for this.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will help the supermarkets, other retail outlets and local authorities to accelerate the current programme of restricting the use of plastic bags. [HL922]

The Government pledged in Waste Strategy for England 2007 to phase out free single-use carrier bags and we are working with retailers and local authorities on the best means by which we can achieve this objective.

The UK retail sector has set itself a shared objective with the Government and the Waste and Resources Action Programme to reduce the environmental impact of carrier bags by 25 per cent by the end of 2008.

The Prime Minister announced on 19 November that we need to go further—to eliminate single-use carrier bags altogether in favour of long-lasting and more sustainable alternatives. The Government will be convening a forum of supermarkets, the British Retail Consortium and other interested groups urgently to assess how, and how quickly, we can achieve this objective.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which (a) public relations agency or agencies, or (b) public affairs agency or agencies, are currently employed by Post Office Limited to advise or assist with the current post office closure programme; and what is the approximate value of any such contracts. [HL1028]

This is an operational matter for Post Office Ltd (POL). I have therefore asked Alan Cook, managing director of POL, to reply direct to the noble Lord.

Copies of the letter will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many co-located businesses they estimate will close due to the current post office closure programme being undertaken by Post Office Limited.[HL1029]

It is not possible to say what effect the closure of individual post offices will have on any co-located retail businesses until the implementation of Post Office Ltd's relevant area network change plan is completed.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How their policies to tackle and reduce poverty levels will be affected by the real-terms cut in the 2008–09 budget of Southwark Council as a result of the government grant settlement. [HL1190]

The local government settlement announced in the CSR is sufficient to enable local government to deliver against its targets, including those on poverty.

Under the Government's proposals for 2008-09, Southwark Council is provisionally set to receive an increase in formula grant of £4.374 million, or 2.0 per cent, when compared to 2007-08 on a like-for-like basis. When other grants are taken into account, Southwark will receive an increase of £9.6 million in 2008-09.

Local authorities have considerable freedom in how they set their budget, bearing in mind local priorities. It is for Southwark Council to decide how to apportion its resources between the services it provides.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What impact the 2008–09 government grant settlement for local authorities will have on front-line services for the most vulnerable members of local communities; and how they will affect the policy goal of reducing poverty, deprivation and inequality. [HL1191]

The provisional settlement for 2008-09 gives a continued real-terms increase in funding for local government which will allow authorities to continue to deliver effective, high- quality services at an affordable cost. The increase in government grant for local services since 1997 will be 45 per cent in real terms by the end of the spending review 2007 period.

The 2008-09 settlement proposals ensure that all authorities will receive an increase in formula grant.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the final outcome of the changes announced by Remploy, particularly on its workplaces, on its manpower, and on its activities in South Yorkshire. [HL1059]

The Secretary of State announced the Remploy modernisation plan on 29 November. Remploy will continue with 55 factories, 15 more than originally proposed by the company in May 2007. The modernisation plan will see 17 factories close and a further 11 factories merge with other Remploy factories. The company will also quadruple the number of disabled people it supports into mainstream employment, through its Employment Services business. This will be some 20,000 people by 2013.

In South Yorkshire, the Barnsley factory will close and the 38 disabled employees at the factory will be given a range of options, including the opportunity to transfer to Remploy's Sheffield factory, which will continue. The company's Employment Services business will also open a city centre branch in Sheffield, as part of the company's plan to support more disabled people into mainstream work.

The Secretary of State has given a guarantee that no disabled employee will be made compulsorily redundant. They will also be able to remain on their current Remploy salary, including membership of the pension scheme.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many motorcyclists have been killed or injured on rural roads in each of the years 2002 to 2007; and [HL1303]

How many motorcyclists have been killed or injured on roads in urban areas in each of the years 2002 to 2007. [HL1304]

The number of motorcycle casualties resulting from reported personal injury road accidents in urban and rural areas in Great Britain for 2002 to 2006 is shown in the table.

Data for 2007 will be available in summer 2008.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether any land owned by them in the north-west of England is used by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. [HL1194]

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds does not currently use any department-owned land in the north-west of England.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will consider increasing incineration of dry sludge deposits, in view of the adverse travel costs of transporting increasing wet sludge deposits to a small number of farms, as long as incineration does not increase pollution fallouts or cause danger to human health. [HL1158]

It is important that the best practical environmental option is taken with regard to sewage sludge. This will vary on a case-by-case basis.

In many circumstances, recycling sludge as a soil improver is the best option. However, where suitable agricultural land is unavailable within a reasonable distance from the sewage works, other options, including incineration, would need to be considered.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are planning further work in the United Kingdom to control and reduce the heavy metal content of sludge-impregnated soils, in view of the recent review, by the European Union Commission, aimed at additional quality controls. [HL1159]

There have been long-term investigations in the UK into the effects on soil quality and fertility of the heavy metals present in sewage sludge. Interim results, which were published in November, will help to inform the Government's approach to the sustainable recycling of organic material to land to improve soil quality.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether biogas output is likely to increase from the treatment of sewage sludge with the latest improvements in anaerobic digestive technology; and whether increased use in public service vehicles or on-site power generation for factories is planned. [HL1162]

The Government aim to encourage the use of renewable energy sources, including biogas produced from sewage sludge. Biogas is a qualifying fuel for both the renewables obligation that applies to the power generation sector and to the forthcoming renewable transport fuel obligation.

There are practical, economic and technical issues which need to be taken into account when deciding on the most appropriate technology for a particular circumstance and use. Therefore, while the Government would look to increased use of renewable energy in vehicles and industry, the source might vary accordingly.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they propose that the Trading Representations (Disabled Persons) Act 1958 will continue in force; and if so why. [HL906]

The Trading Representations (Disabled Persons) Act 1958 will be repealed by the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 which implement the unfair commercial practices directive (2005/29/EC). The regulations will provide consumers with equivalent protection to the Act in relation to false representations by traders that blind or disabled persons were employed in the production, preparation or packaging of goods, or that those same persons would benefit from the sale of the goods.

Draft regulations will be laid before both Houses of Parliament in January. If approved in debate the regulations will come into force on 6 April.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What written material was produced by Natural England during Tree Week 2007. [HL772]

Natural England has not produced any written material specifically for Tree Week 2007. Natural England's concerns for trees and woods are, however, very similar to those of the Tree Council and much of what it does throughout the year is consistent with the aims of Tree Week. This includes its work on protecting and managing special sites and their wildlife, understanding the needs of trees, woods and associated species, and promoting the use and enjoyment of woods and other special places.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How they expect that €2.3 billion of assistance from the European Union to Turkey for 2007 to 2010 will be broken down into distinct budget headings; how much of it will be spent within the 14 least developed provinces in east and south-east Turkey; whether any mechanism exists for consulting the inhabitants of each province about their priorities for expenditure; and what part of the total funds will be reserved for spending on the most deprived areas of major cities throughout Turkey, which are largely inhabited by people displaced from rural areas. [HL1127]

Spending priorities are determined by the Turkish Government in consultation with the European Commission, according to an annual operating programme for each component. Responsibility for co-ordinating consultation with central and local bodies during the drafting of individual operating programmes lies with the Turkish Government, but the European Commission also consults member states and civil society organisations on programmes.

The breakdown of EU assistance for 2007-10 is as follows (in million Euro):

transition assistance/institutions 946.9;

cross-border co-operation 34.4;

regional development 762.1;

human resources 222.1; and

rural development 290.5

Rural development spending will initially be focused on 20 provinces in Turkey, of which 16 are in the eastern half of the country, but will later expand to provide national coverage. Regional development and human resources funding will be spent in areas with less than 75 per cent of the national average gross domestic product.

There is no specific funding line for urban regeneration, but individual projects—for example, one focusing on the Fener area of Istanbul and another tackling the worst forms of child labour—will have a direct impact on poorer urban communities.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action they are taking with the Government of Uzbekistan regarding freedom of worship and access to Bibles for practising Christians in Uzbekistan.[HL1129]

We remain profoundly concerned about restrictions on religious freedom in Uzbekistan.

The Uzbek authorities tightly control religious practice. A degree of tolerance is permitted to traditional churches which are seen as non-proselytising Christian groups; for example, Russian Orthodox Christians and Catholics. However, proselytising groups such as Jehovah's Witnesses are not able to register and even those which are registered, such as Baptists, can experience regular harassment and are vulnerable to criminal charges for unregistered religious activity or civil charges for possession of books or religious materials which the authorities regard as “missionary”.

Freedom of religion is a key part of the human rights dialogue that we and the EU have with the Uzbek authorities. Our embassy in Tashkent closely monitors freedom of religion and the treatment of Muslim and Christian worshippers, including through regular contacts with Christians of various denominations as well as a range of other religious contacts. We raise these issues with the Uzbek authorities bilaterally and with our EU colleagues through the EU-Uzbekistan Human Rights Dialogue. We publish our concerns in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office annual human rights report available on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website at www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1159199103169.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many two-wheeled vehicles are currently licensed in England which are (a) petrol or diesel powered, and (b) electric powered. [HL1321]

The numbers of licensed motorcycles, scooters and mopeds registered in Great Britain at the end of December 2006 were as follows:

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What they consider to be the key elements of a good fly-tipping prevention and enforcement strategy by local authorities. [HL1130]

Levels of fly-tipping can be affected by a variety of economic and social issues. Therefore, what is required in a fly-tipping prevention and enforcement strategy will differ between local authorities and will be for each authority to determine.

However, in general terms, important elements of fly-tipping prevention and enforcement may include: close monitoring and analysis of fly-tipping levels in order to locate and understand hotspots; effective communication with residents and businesses on correct waste management; a clear, well communicated policy for dealing with offenders; and a joined-up approach within the local authority and neighbouring districts.

In order to help local authorities formulate fly-tipping prevention strategies, Defra commissioned the Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science, part of University College London, to carry out research into the causes and incentives for fly-tipping and the best ways to prevent it (Fly-tipping: Causes, Incentives and Solutions).

A full report and good practice guide for local authorities was published in July 2006 and is available from the Defra website.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consideration they have given to the usefulness of assessing the amount and proportion of waste that is recycled or reused, and that which goes to landfill, by volume instead of or in addition to by weight. [HL1131]

There are difficulties in assessing waste by volume rather than by weight, notably the level of compaction when collected and in landfill sites, which varies by material and may change over time. As set out in the England Waste Strategy 2007, the Government prefer to complement waste tonnage figures with estimates of the carbon effects of waste prevention, recycling and disposal practices. The Government are also considering developing a greenhouse gas emissions performance indicator for local authority performance on waste.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether under-performing rivers such as the Stour in Kent can still offer local urban and semi-urban communities adequate protection from effluent pollution in areas of rapid population increase.[HL887]

The Environment Agency has a policy of preventing deterioration in the environmental quality of rivers, which is being carried forward into its duty under the European water framework directive to prevent deterioration in the ecological and chemical status of all water bodies.

In accordance with this policy, the Environment Agency determines applications for consent to discharge effluent to controlled waters with the aim of preventing deterioration in water quality. The Environment Agency may refuse an application for a discharge where the receiving water does not have adequate capacity to receive the effluent or there are better environmental options available that are economically viable.

In the five-yearly periodic review of water company price limits, the Environment Agency and water companies identify sewerage infrastructure schemes; for example, increases to the treatment capacity of sewage treatment works to take account of planned housing developments.