asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many people in Northern Ireland have been successfully prosecuted in the past three years for cruelty to (a) dogs, and (b) cats. [HL1846]

The information is not available in the format requested as cruelty to dogs or cats do not constitute separate offences by legislation. Instead, it is only possible to determine from the court datasets the number of successful prosecutions for cruelty to animals. Tables 1 to 3 give the total number prosecuted and subsequently convicted for such offences for the calendar years 2004 to 2006 (the latest years for which data are available).

Data are collated on the principal offence rule; so only the most serious offence with which an offender is charged is included.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will place in the Library of the House a copy of the Ministry of Defence's end-to-end review of the airbridge, the Air Movements Process Study. [HL1852]

The Air Movements Process Study, the Ministry of Defence's end-to-end review of the airbridge is currently in draft form and is being finalised. Once completed, we will place a copy in the Library of the House.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

At what age young persons can be recruited to the Armed Forces in the United Kingdom; and how this compares with the rest of Europe. [HL1845]

The minimum age of entry into the UK Armed Forces is the school-leaving age of 16 years; recruitment is totally voluntary. The services provide challenging and constructive education, training and employment to many young people and provide them with valuable transferable skills. In the financial year 2006-07, 30 per cent of all new recruits were under 18 years of age.

Across European Armed Forces the minimum recruiting age varies, with the lowest outside the UK being 17 years of age at last birthday.

No young person, under the age of 18 years, may join the UK Armed Forces unless their application is accompanied by the formal written consent of his or her parents or guardian. Throughout the recruit selection process, the staffs at the Armed Forces Careers Offices provide comprehensive written and verbal guidance to all potential recruits, in particular those of less than 18 years of age, and their parents or guardians. This guidance covers the potential recruit's terms and conditions of service, the commitments that they would be undertaking, and their rights to discharge.

It is defence policy that service personnel under the age of 18 are not deployed on any operation, outside of the UK, which would result in them becoming engaged in, or exposed to, hostilities. In addition, in line with UN policy, service personnel under 18 are not deployed on UN peacekeeping operations.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the structure of the Service Police Crime Bureau, established in 2006. [HL1802]

The Service Police Crime Bureau is commanded by the Provost Marshal (Army) and lies within his budgetary area. It employs 42 civilian and 40 military personnel, including specialists from the Ministry of Defence Police, Royal Navy Police and Royal Air Force Police. It has an operations room and the capabilities to deal with: force intelligence; criminal justice and public protection; disclosure; forensic computing; multimedia and evidential imagery; airwave telecommunications; data compliance and processing; mobile telecommunications analysis; and information management support.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will place in the Library of the House the action plan of the Army's Adjutant-General to develop better means to inculcate the Army's core values. [HL1743]

The values and standards action plan is an internal working document which is used to co-ordinate activities in the delivery and implementation of the Army's values and standards policy. I will place a copy of the plan, as at 12 February 2008, in the Library of the House.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the structure of the Army's Operational Law Branch, established in January 2006. [HL1801]

The Army's Operational Law Branch (OLB) was established in April 2003. It is part of the Directorate of Army Legal Services and is based at the Land Warfare Centre in Warminster. The OLB is headed by a brigadier, supported by a colonel and consists of four teams: individual training and lessons; collective training and reach; interoperability and doctrine; and lawyers training research and publications.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What changes they propose to make to the policies and working arrangements of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform following the signing of the Central-Local Concordat on 12 December 2007, both in general and in specific response to the agreement in the concordat (a) that “there should be a presumption that powers are best exercised at the lowest effective and practical level”; (b) that central government undertakes to “progressively remove obstacles which prevent councils from pursuing their role, including reducing the burden of appraisal and approval regimes, the ring-fencing of funds for specific purposes and the volume of guidance it issues”, (c) that the number of national indicators should be “around 200”; (d) that in relation to the negotiation of new-style local area agreements "this objective will require major changes in behaviour and practice from central government departments, their agencies, government offices, councils and local partners"; and what is the process and timetable for such changes. [HL1724]

The Central-Local Concordat, agreed between the Government and the Local Government Association (LGA) on behalf of local authorities in England, was signed in December last year. It commits both parties to a framework of principles to secure a new relationship between central government and local government. Discharging the rights and responsibilities of central government and local government set out in the concordat will require major changes in the behaviour and practice of both parties. The operation of this agreement will be monitored on a continuing basis, through renewed central-local partnership arrangements.

We are discussing with the LGA how we take forward the concordat, focusing on its guiding principles and specific commitments. These include encouraging councils to make effective use of their power to promote the well-being of their area; enabling local government to conduct a growing share of the business of government; central government consulting and collaborating with councils in setting national policies and proposing legislation; reducing the burden of appraisal and approval regimes and the volume of guidance issued by central government to local authorities; supporting and encouraging strong leadership and effective partnership working at local level; and increasing local democratic accountability of key public services, particularly the police and health services.

A single set of 198 national indicators for local authorities and local authority partnerships was announced as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review 2007 and consultation on detailed definitions of the set concluded on 21 December 2007, with the aim of announcing final decisions in February.

Local authorities across England are currently engaged in discussions with government offices on behalf of all government departments on the content of new-style local area agreements, which will have effect from 2008-09.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What changes they propose to make to the policies and working arrangements of the Department for Work and Pensions following the signing of the Central-Local Concordat on 12 December 2007, both in general and in specific response to the agreement in the concordat (a) that “there should be a presumption that powers are best exercised at the lowest effective and practical level”; (b) that central government undertakes to “progressively remove obstacles which prevent councils from pursuing their role, including reducing the burden of appraisal and approval regimes, the ring-fencing of funds for specific purposes and the volume of guidance it issues”; (c) that the number of national indicators should be “around 200”; (d) that in relation to the negotiation of new-style local area agreements “this objective will require major changes in behaviour and practice from central government departments, their agencies, government offices, councils and local partners”; and what is the process and timetable for such changes. [HL1748]

The Central-Local Concordat, agreed between the Government and the Local Government Association (LGA) on behalf of local authorities in England, was signed in December last year. It commits both parties to a framework of principles to secure a new relationship between central government and local government. Discharging the rights and responsibilities of central government and local government set out in the concordat will require major changes in the behaviour and practice of both parties. The operation of this agreement will be monitored on a continuing basis, through renewed central-local partnership arrangements.

We are discussing with the LGA how we take forward the concordat, focusing on its guiding principles and specific commitments. These include encouraging councils to make effective use of their power to promote the well-being of their area; enabling local government to conduct a growing share of the business of government; central government consulting and collaborating with councils in setting national policies and proposing legislation; reducing the burden of appraisal and approval regimes and the volume of guidance issued by central government to local authorities; supporting and encouraging strong leadership and effective partnership working at local level; and increasing local democratic accountability of key public services.

The Department for Work and Pensions is in continuing dialogue with the LGA on how best to take forward at local level our shared objectives in the concordat on: creating and sustaining thriving communities where people want to live and work; improving outcomes for children, young people and families; anticipating the needs and aspirations of an ageing society; increasing skills and employment; and creating wealth and rising prosperity, shared by all.

A single set of 198 national indicators for local authorities and local authority partnerships was announced as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review 2007 and consultation on detailed definitions of the set concluded on 21 December 2007, with the aim of announcing final decisions in February. Ten of these indicators are directly related to DWP objectives.

Local authorities across England are currently engaged in discussions with government offices on behalf of all government departments on the content of new-style local area agreements, which will have effect from 2008-09.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What changes they propose to make to the policies and working arrangements of the Ministry of Defence following the signing of the Central-Local Concordat on 12 December 2007, both in general and in specific response to the agreement in the concordat (a) that “there should be a presumption that powers are best exercised at the lowest effective and practical level”; (b) that central government undertake to “progressively remove obstacles which prevent councils from pursuing their role, including reducing the burden of appraisal and approval regimes, the ring-fencing of funds for specific purposes and the volume of guidance it issues”; (c) that the number of national indicators should be “around 200”; (d) that in relation to the negotiation of new-style local area agreements “this objective will require major changes in behaviour and practice from central government departments, their agencies, government offices, councils and local partners”; and what is the process and timetable for such changes. [HL1749]

The Central-Local Concordat is a framework of principles for how central and local government should work together, in those areas where this is necessary to deliver public services. As defence is a core role for central government, and is not delivered in partnership with local government, the concordat has no fundamental bearing on the work of my department. We do, however, take account, as appropriate, of its principles in determining our policies and plans.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will consider the reintroduction of legislation controlling contractual terms as part of a new regulatory framework to curb any expansion of excessive consumer credit and consequent repayment difficulties. [HL1672]

We do not have plans for such legislation. However, the changes to consumer credit legislation being introduced by the Consumer Credit Act 2006, which will be fully implemented by October, improve consumer protection by giving consumers more effective options to challenge unfairness in credit relationships (for all agreements from 6 April this year) and to resolve disputes with lenders. The Act will also improve the powers of the Office of Fair Trading to take action against lenders that engage in irresponsible lending practices from 6 April this year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the age of criminal responsibility in each part of the United Kingdom; how that compares with the rest of Europe; and whether they have any intention to lower the age. [HL1844]

The age of criminal responsibility (CR) in England and Wales is 10 years old. It is eight in Scotland and 10 in Northern Ireland. In most European jurisdictions the age of CR is between 14 and 16 years but it can be misleading to make simple comparisons between countries because the youth justice and supporting social systems differ considerably. There are no plans to lower the age of CR in England and Wales.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many people committed offences while on bail in Northern Ireland in each of the past five years. [HL1505]

Data on bail conditions is not recorded centrally in relation to further offences and to conduct a manual trawl of all crime records would incur disproportionate costs.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have any estimate of the difference in cost of (a) constructing new terminal facilities for the turnaround of Crossrail trains at Maidenhead; and (b) electrifying the line as far as Reading and using turnaround facilities there. [HL1925]

Cross London Rail Links Limited has provided the following project cost estimates, calculated on the same basis as the Crossrail project cost of £15.9 billion.

The cost difference of not constructing Crossrail turnback and stabling facilities at Maidenhead and instead electrifying the Great Western Main Line from Maidenhead to Reading and using the proposed turnback and stabling facilities at Reading is approximately £275 million. This figure includes overhead line equipment, bridgeworks and trackworks.

This figure does not include other additional project costs of extending Crossrail services to Reading, the most significant of which would be the potential modification of signalling (approximately £45 million) and additional Crossrail rolling stock (approximately £52 million).

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, given that the United Kingdom is a guarantor power under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee, they have authorised the police in the United Kingdom to pursue normal international co-operation with the police in Northern Cyprus; how such co-operation operates in light of the United Kingdom's lack of recognition of, and normal relations with, Northern Cyprus; and whether the Northern Cyprus authorities reciprocate that co-operation at all times. [HL1736]

The UK maintains a dialogue with the Turkish Cypriot community on a range of issues, including international organised crime. We have urged the Turkish Cypriot leadership to tighten anti-money-laundering controls and welcome recent steps in this direction. While we do not recognise the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”, we have co-operated informally on a number of specific cases that have a direct impact on the UK. Co-operation has generally been good and has made a real contribution to our fight against organised crime.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Given that the United Kingdom is a guarantor power under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee, what recent discussions they have held with the Government of Greece on the removal of Greek troops and heavy armaments from Cyprus. [HL1737]

The continued presence of foreign troops in Cyprus, and the wider issue of security, can only be fully addressed as part of a UN-brokered comprehensive settlement to reunite the island. In our role of supporting progress towards a settlement, the Government continue to discuss issues relevant to a future settlement, including that of security, with all parties.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they plan to develop a relationship with the Olive Group of 10 Mediterranean states to influence any future reunification of Cyprus and foster closer links between the European Union and the government of Turkey. [HL1908]

The focus of the UK's policy towards Cyprus remains a comprehensive settlement achieved under the auspices of the UN. While we do not intend to develop a relationship with the Olive Group in that specific context, we will continue to work with each member to encourage support for the UN's efforts to achieve a comprehensive and viable Cyprus settlement. 2008 presents an opportunity to make decisive progress towards the reunification of Cyprus, and it is essential that all Cypriots, supported by the wider international community, engage with the UN's efforts.

We continue to support fully Turkey's accession to the EU, conditional on its meeting all its obligations, including the full implementation of the Ankara Agreement Protocol. We share this view with the majority of members of the Olive Group, and we encourage them to play a full part in Turkey's accession process.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which databases controlled by them they intend should be interoperable in the future. [HL1528]

The Home Office is committed to working together, both across the department and with other government agencies. In February 2007 the Home Office published the first department-wide information, systems and technology (IST) strategy, which outlines key IST objectives including a commitment to joining up and sharing and reusing IST capability.

Currently, the Home Office’s major immigration, passport and policing databases all have varying degrees of interoperability with other Home Office and wider government systems. In the future, the Home Office intends to work towards interoperability for any databases where there is a clear business requirement and the appropriate security measures and standards can be assured.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their response to recent research by Experian that suggested that one in 10 adults is under severe financial pressure due to debt. [HL1819]

The Government's assessment of personal debt and their proposals for tackling overindebtedness can be found in the Government's Tackling Over-indebtedness: Annual Report 2007, available at: www.berr.gov.uk/files/file42700.pdf.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the implementing arrangements for the United Kingdom-United States Defence Trade Co-operation Treaty will be agreed. [HL1803]

The negotiations on the implementing arrangements for the UK-US Defence Trade Co-operation Treaty have now been completed and signature of the Memorandum of Understanding containing these arrangements took place on 14 February 2008.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Malloch-Brown on 4 February (WA 153–4), on those occasions when the recommendations of the European Union scrutiny committees of either House have not been overridden, how many have subsequently been incorporated into European Union legislation in 2006 and 2007. [HL1830]

The information requested cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate cost.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What assessment they have made of the steps required for United Kingdom membership of the eurozone in order to lower interest rates in the United Kingdom; and whether they plan to seek advice from the Governments of Slovenia, Malta and Cyprus on this issue. [HL1909]

The Government's policy on membership of the single currency is unchanged. It remains as set out by the former Chancellor in his Statement to the House of Commons in October 1997, and again in the Statement on the five tests assessment in June 2003.

The former Chancellor announced in Budget 2007 that, “the Government do not propose a euro assessment to be initiated at the time of this Budget”. The Treasury will again review the situation at the time of the Budget, as required by the June 2003 Statement.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How reliable the Falkland airbridge has been since the service was outsourced by the Royal Air Force. [HL1868]

Since it was outsourced in 2003, the Falkland airbridge has been very reliable and out of 283 flights recorded since 26 February 2003 only 14 have been delayed for longer than three hours.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What appointments the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland undertook in the second, third and last weeks of January in Northern Ireland. [HL1713]

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State has regular meetings with political parties, local politicians, the Minister of State, internal and external stakeholders and his officials.

The disclosure of the information requested, including details of internal or interdepartmental meetings with Ministers or officials, would be prejudicial to the effective conduct of public affairs.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 6 February (WA 188) concerning appointments by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what was the purpose of the meeting on 10 December 2007 with Chris Sidoti; what was discussed and agreed; and whether they will place detailed minutes in the Library of the House. [HL1918]

The meeting that took place on 10 December 2007 was an introductory meeting between the Secretary of State and Chris Sidoti. The purpose of the meeting was for Chris Sidoti to be introduced to the Secretary of State and to update him on the work of the forum.

It is not common practice to place minutes of such meetings in the Library of the House.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much funding has been allocated to each region in England for the regional housing pot for (a) 2007-08, and (b) 2009-09; and what are the reasons for any increases or decreases in funding between those years. [HL1613]

In 2007-08 the regional housing pot budget was £2,707 million. A total of £3,163 million has been made available to the English regions for 2008-09.

The allocation per region is as follows:

The increases across the board are possible due to the very generous uplift in Communities and Local Government’s funding received on the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review 2007, which underlines government commitment to tackling difficulties faced by those unable to afford a home. The detailed distribution of funding between the regions is based on objective analysis of relative needs for funding to support affordable housing, local authority decent homes and private sector regeneration.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

On what date the appeal submission in the name of Nino Trollope in the case of a visa application by Anna Zurabishvili of Georgia was responded to by the entry clearance officer at the British embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia. [HL1607]

Unfortunately, the entry clearance officer (ECO) at our embassy in Tbilisi has never received the appeal, lodged with the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT), against the decision of 31 May 2007 refusing Ms Zurabishvili’s application for a visit visa. The ECO therefore had to review the decision without sight of the grounds of appeal and any additional evidence that the appellant may have submitted. The ECO decided that the refusal should stand. The ECO’s appeal statement was dispatched to the AIT by diplomatic bag on 22 November 2007, which meant that it would be received before the deadline of 12 December 2007. The ECO received the immigration judge’s determination allowing the appeal on 28 January and the visa was issued the next day.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many persons who have been granted temporary residence in the United Kingdom are currently recorded on the case information database and the United Kingdom visa database respectively; and, in each case, how many have current leave to be in the United Kingdom and how many have leave which has expired. [HL1665]

Applications for temporary leave are recorded on the case information database and on the United Kingdom visa database but an individual may make more than one application. This makes it complex to draw information from the applications made in a particular category to the number of people with a specific status without cross-referencing between the databases and the files. To do this would require detailed examination of individual case records at disproportionate cost.

Statistics on grants and refusals of extensions of leave to remain in the United Kingdom by category and nationality are published in an annual report, Control of Immigration Statistics United Kingdom 2006 (Command Paper 7197), obtainable from the House of Commons Library or accessible through the following link: www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm7l/7197/7197.asp.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in the light of comments he made on 25 January, they have raised the issue of incitement to violence with the President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf; and, if not, whether they intend to raise this matter with him or the Pakistani High Commissioner in the near future. [HL1882]

We have urged the Government of Pakistan to ensure that the media is free to report on the current political situation without restriction. My right honourable friend the Prime Minister reiterated this when he met President Musharraf during his recent visit. We have pressed for measures in the context of elections, including action to ensure that journalists are able to make public statements before the declaration of election results and to ensure that all media outlets are free to cover all aspects of the elections. We continue to monitor the situation closely, including through the EU Election Observer Mission, which will be reporting on the conduct of the elections.

International human rights standards recognise that the right to freedom of speech carries with it responsibilities for all. We acknowledge this in our human rights dialogue with Pakistan.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their response to CRA International's analysis Commercial insurance commission disclosure: Market Failure Analysis and high level Cost Benefit Analysis, commissioned by the Financial Services Authority. [HL1896]

None. This is a matter for the Financial Services Authority (FSA). The FSA commissioned the CRA analysis Commercial insurance commission disclosure: Market Failure Analysis and high level Cost Benefit Analysis as a part of its ongoing review of appropriate commission disclosure on insurance sold to commercial customers. The FSA set out its program of work in this area in its 2008-09 business plan, available on its website at www.fsa.gov.uk/Pages/Library/corporate/Plan/bp2008.shtml.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their response to reports that abnormally high levels of radioactivity have been detected in soil samples from southern Iraq in recent years. [HL1684]

Matters relating to the environment in Iraq are the responsibility of the Government of Iraq. However, the UK has worked, and will continue to work, closely with scientific and humanitarian organisations and with the international community to respond to any requests for assistance from the Iraqi authorities.

The Ministry of Defence is aware that most reports on radioactivity in Iraq relate to the past use of depleted uranium munitions in that country. Our scientists have found that many reports on the subject on the world wide web and in media articles conflict with what is in the published scientific literature. It also conflicts with what is in the reports of independent and internationally respected organisations, such as the United Nations Environment Programme, the World Health Organisation and the Royal Society. Most recently, a paper published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology concluded that “veterans and civilians who did not occupy DU-contaminated vehicles are unlikely to have internalized quantities of DU significantly in excess of normal internalization of natural uranium from the environment”. This reflects the international scientific consensus that neither the level of DU in the environment nor the risk to the health of civilians in Iraq is significant.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have made representations to the Government of Malaysia about the ways in which the internal security law is applied; whether generally accepted Commonwealth standards are being observed in that country; and, if not, whether they will seek opportunities for discussing these issues. [HL1708]

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has recently raised its concerns with the Malaysian authorities about the use of the Internal Security Act. We are also discussing the issue with our EU partners and have raised the issue with the Commonwealth Secretariat. The EU has previously expressed concern to the Malaysian Government about the use of the Internal Security Act.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ensure that the Missing Persons Bureau, due to operate from 1 April, will develop mechanisms to liaise with the United Kingdom Human Trafficking Centre and the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre. [HL1778]

Responsibility for the work of the Missing Persons Bureau will transfer to the NPIA on 1 April 2008. As part of the preparatory process, contact has taken place between officials from my department and a wide variety of agencies, including the United Kingdom Human Trafficking Centre and the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre. Further meetings and discussions are also planned.

A strong, collaborative working environment involving all the relevant organisations with an interest in these areas is considered vital if we are to achieve our aim of helping to protect the most vulnerable people in our society.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 5 February (WA 172) concerning Northern Ireland Office expenditure on entertainment, how much has been spent each year on hospitality since 1997-98. [HL1885]

A wide range of external organisations use the facilities at Hillsborough Castle for a variety of events, these organisations are then charged for the services they receive.

The following table shows how much the Northern Ireland Office (excluding its agencies and NDPBs) spent on hospitality in each financial year since 1997-98.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much the Northern Ireland Office has spent on media relations and related activities in each of the past five years; and what are the details under each heading. [HL1769]

Traditionally, the Secretary of State hosts a New Year media reception at Hillsborough Castle to which representatives from all key media outlets are invited. The cost associated with these receptions for each of the past three years is detailed below. The information for previous years is no longer available.

In addition, the Secretary of State also hosts periodical media lunches and dinners for broadcasters, newspaper editors and other media representatives. The costs associated with these events for each of the past three years is detailed below. The information for previous years is no longer available.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the average number of days off through illness for employees in the Northern Ireland Office over the past five years; and how this compares with the United Kingdom average. [HL1768]

The following table shows the average number of days lost through illness for employees within the Northern Ireland Office in each of the past five years. The figures given for the United Kingdom Civil Service have been supplied by the Cabinet Office and include Scotland, Wales and home civil servants working in Northern Ireland (including those who do not work for the NIO). For comparison, the table shows the average number of days lost in the Northern Ireland Civil Service departments and the average number of days lost across the UK workforce.

The Northern Ireland Office takes the management of sickness absence very seriously and has robust policies and procedures in place to deal with inefficiency which results from poor attendance. The health and safety of everyone in the department is of paramount importance; we have a duty of care to help prevent staff becoming ill and to support them when they are. The Northern Ireland Office already has a series of effective policies and procedures in place which help achieve these aims.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 5 February (WA 172–3), how much funding they have made available for the cases to be made in Northern Ireland for the need not to have a separate bill of rights; and the need not to have a bill of rights. [HL1884]

The remit of the Bill of Rights Forum is to produce agreed recommendations by 31 March to inform the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission's advice to Government on the scope for defining, in Westminster legislation, rights supplementary to those in the European Convention on Human Rights, to reflect the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland, drawing as appropriate on international human rights instruments and experience. A budget of £441,600 has been made available for this purpose.

Members of the Bill of Rights Forum reflect a diverse range of opinion on the need for a separate Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. Funding has not been directed at specific categories of opinion.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 5 February (WA 171) concerning the chairman of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Forum, how potential candidates for the chairmanship were identified; against what criteria and by whom the candidates were assessed; and whether they will place in the Library of the House a list of the candidates considered. [HL1886]

Suggestions for potential candidates for the chairmanship of the Bill of Rights Forum were provided by officials in the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, the then Department for Constitutional Affairs, the Northern Ireland Office, the Irish Government, the UK Mission to the UN, Geneva, and the British Embassy, Dublin. Candidates were then assessed by officials against the following criteria:

experience and understanding of human rights, including international human rights instruments, particularly the European Convention on Human Rights;

a track record of leadership;

proven ability to establish consensus among a politically and socially divergent group; and

proven ability to analyse and make recommendations on complex issues.

A shortlist of candidates was provided to NIO Ministers, who determined that Mr Sidoti should be invited to chair the forum.

A list of candidates considered has not been placed in the Library of the House because it contains “personal data” within the meaning of the Data Protection Act 1998.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What equality impact assessment was carried out in advance of approval of a grant of £441,660 to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Forum; and whether related documentation will be placed in the Library of the House. [HL1887]

The Northern Ireland Office completed an equality scheme screening form which determined that the policy being screened would not have a significant impact on equality of opportunity in Northern Ireland. As a result of the outcome of this screening exercise, a full equality impact assessment was not required. A copy of the screening form will be placed in the Library of the House.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 5 February (WA 172) concerning human rights in Northern Ireland, whether the remit of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Forum includes persuasion of the community of the need for a bill of rights or is confined to the grounds the bill should cover. [HL1889]

The terms of reference of the Bill of Rights Forum are “to produce agreed recommendations to inform the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission’s advice to Government on the scope for defining, in Westminster legislation, rights supplementary to those in the European Convention on Human Rights, to reflect the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland, drawing as appropriate on international human rights instruments and experience. These additional rights to reflect the principles of mutual respect for the identity and ethos of both communities and parity of esteem, and—taken together with the ECHR—to constitute a Bill Rights for Northern Ireland.”

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 31 January (WA 141–4), why they used the expression “the Good Friday Agreement” in the Written Answer by the noble Lord on 5 February (WA 172–3). [HL1888]

As set out in the Written Answer given on 31 January, the term “Good Friday Agreement” is a colloquial term that describes the agreement reached at multi-party talks on Northern Ireland signed on 10 April 1998 and set out in Command Paper 3883.

The Government recognise that the “Belfast Agreement” is the official title given to this agreement, and use this title in any legal or statutory references to the agreement but given the wide use of the term “Good Friday Agreement” the Government use both terms in other documents.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have made representations to the Government of the Philippines about the killings of Bishop Benjamin de Jesus at Jolo Cathedral in 1997, Reverend Reynaldo Roda in the church of Tabawan, Jolo, on 15 January 2008 and Reverend Felicisimo Catambis in Abuyog, Leyte, on 23 January 2008; and whether they have received assurances that those responsible will be brought to justice. [HL1781]

Although no representations have been made regarding the individual cases of Bishop Benjamin de Jesus, Reverend Reynaldo Roda or Reverend Felicisimo Catambis, our embassy in Manila and successive EU presidencies have stressed to the Philippine Government the importance of justice for all victims of violent deaths. In response to international pressure, President Arroyo has made a commitment to address both extra judicial killings and impunity and announced a number of measures intended to achieve this. The president requested technical assistance from the EU to support the Philippine Government's efforts to address the issue. An EU needs assessment mission, including a UK expert, visited the Philippines in June 2007. This was part-funded by the UK. The EU is currently developing a package of technical assistance based on the proposals and recommendations in the mission's reports.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many women have been granted visas to enter Britain as second or subsequent concurrent wives since 1997. [HL1782]

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not record such data. This information could be obtained only by examining individual visa application forms and this would incur disproportionate cost.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What sources of public funding in Northern Ireland require an equality impact assessment prior to their distribution. [HL1715]

Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 requires public authorities carrying out functions in relation to Northern Ireland to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity and regard to the desirability of promoting good relations.

Section 75 applies to those public authorities which are specified in the legislation as subject to these duties. All functions and policies of those public authorities require an assessment of their equality implications by way of screening and, where evidence exists of potential equality impact, public authorities must undertake a full equality impact assessment.

It is for individual public authorities to obtain relevant evidence and decide what consideration they give to assessments of existing and proposed funding policies, and what steps they should take to improve the impact of funding policies.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many times in each of the past five years main line train services have been cancelled because of flooding or weather conditions. [HL1827]

Train cancellation data for the rail network as a whole are collected and processed by Network Rail. The noble Duke may wish to contact Network Rail for this information at the following address: Mr Iain Coucher, Chief Executive, Network Rail, 40 Melton Street, London, NW1 2EE.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will promote the provision on United Kingdom railways of trains capable of attaining speeds of 220 miles per hour, similar to those planned in France and Spain. [HL1873]

The Government’s strategy for inter-urban rail services is to make the best use of existing networks by lengthening existing trains, increasing service frequencies and tackling key congestion pinch points.

In other countries distances are often greater and congestion lower, so in some cases high-speed rail makes sense. The same does not necessarily apply to the shorter, more congested, corridors found in the UK.

However, the Government have not ruled out high-speed lines in the future. Any work done by industry contributes to our understanding of the issues around new lines. We will view any ideas in a multi-modal context.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the journey time and capacity benefits of the proposed West Coast Main Line Stafford bypass; and what are the estimated costs and benefits of the alternative schemes being considered. [HL1903]

Work continues to determine an optimum solution to the present constraint on capacity at Stafford on the West Coast Main Line. A preferred option has yet to be agreed with Network Rail, which is still working on a range of options. These all have varying costs and benefits, although the priority issue is to provide capability to meet the longer-term growth in both passenger and freight traffic on this trunk route.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In the light of the postponement of an agreed scheme for the development of the A303 past Stonehenge, whether they maintain the commitment given in November 2004 by the then Secretary of State for Transport to support the main outcome of the south-west area multimodal study and develop a second strategic route to and from the south-west of England; and [HL1775]

Following our decision to give regions a greater role in determining priorities for major transport schemes within indicative funding allocations, it is for the south-west region to advise on the relative priority of proposed improvements to the A305/A358, including on the A358 from Ilminster to Taunton, alongside other schemes in the region. The region advised us in 2006 that funding for these improvements should not be prioritised until the latter end of the period to 2015-16.

The region is currently considering the implications for the A303 /A358 route of our decision in December 2007 to cancel the A303 Stonehenge improvement scheme. The outcome of this work will help to inform decisions on the development of the A303/A358 including the delivery of improvements to the A358 between Ilminster and the M5 at Taunton.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In relation to the 23 primary schools in the Isle of Wight under threat of closure under the “best case scenario”, what was the conclusion of the latest Ofsted report on the island's other primary schools. [HL1812]

The Isle of Wight is consulting on three options for school reorganisation. Under the option that would have the least effect on primary schools, 21 schools would not be closed. The outcome of the most recent Ofsted report on each of these primary schools is shown in the table below.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many trainees are currently held at Oakhill Secure Training Centre; and [HL1890]

What is the capacity of Oakhill Secure Training Centre. [HL1891]

On 8 February 2008 there were 44 trainees at Oakhill Secure Training Centre. Oakhill's full capacity is 80 places, but the Youth Justice Board has currently capped occupancy at 58 places.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

On how many days in the past three months the staffing at Oakhill Secure Training Centre has been below the minimum level set by the Youth Justice Board. [HL1892]

The Youth Justice Board has currently capped the maximum occupancy of Oakhill at 58. On no occasion during the period in question (1 November 2007 to 31 January 2008) has the number of staff on site been below that required for the number of young people in residence.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

For each of the last three months, how many social workers have been employed at Oakhill Secure Training Centre. [HL1893]

The table below, based on data provided by the Youth Justice Board, shows the number of social workers (full-time equivalents) at Oakhill between 1 November 2007 and 31 January 2008.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

On how many occasions in the past three months restraint has been used at Oakhill Secure Training Centre; and [HL1894]

On how many occasions in the past three months restraint with pain distraction has been used at Oakhill Secure Training Centre. [HL1895]

The table below, based on data provided by the Youth Justice Board, shows the total number of restraints and those involving pain distraction techniques for the period October to December 2007. Figures for January 2008 are not yet available.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there are plans to install weather radar in the Shetland Isles; and whether the former Royal Air Force site Saxa Vord has been secured by the Ministry of Defence pending a decision on this matter. [HL1603]

Due to the high costs involved, the Met Office always seeks partners willing to share the expense of installing and running new weather radar. The Met Office has advised local interested parties that if a partner or partners were found willing to make significant contributions towards the capital and operating costs of a weather radar on the Shetland Islands, it could undertake a feasibility study to establish more definite costs of the proposal.

The Met Office has expressed an interest in the upper site at Saxa Vord as a potential location for a weather radar, in the event this matter can be progressed. Other sites may also be suitable.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether commercial ships entering or leaving United Kingdom ports are required to provide details of fuels carried; and, if so, to whom. [HL1833]

Commercial ships entering and leaving UK ports are not required to provide details of fuels being carried for use on the vessel.

Under planned legislation to bring into effect Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, there will be a requirement for ships to retain samples of fuel oil to demonstrate compliance with fuel quality standards in that convention. These samples and associated documentation may then be reviewed by inspectors when vessels enter port.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress is being made to make available helicopter units to the United Nations African Mission in Darfur; what was the outcome of the recent meeting of military advisers in New York convened by the United Kingdom on this matter; and what further steps will be taken. [HL1800]

We helped to convene two meetings in New York in January between the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and a number of countries to discuss helicopter provision for the African Union/UN hybrid operation in Darfur (UNAMID), after which the DPKO is following up with potential contributing countries. We remain in close contact with the DPKO and partners to discuss how we can continue to support efforts to find helicopters, as well as other support to UNAMID.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they will publish the domicile review announced in 1997; and [HL1847]

What impact assessments have been made of the recently published draft clauses regarding capital gains tax and income tax treatment of non-domiciles and trusts relating to such individuals; and when these assessments will be published; and [HL1848]

Whether they will change the inheritance tax treatment of non-domiciles and trusts relating to such individuals; and [HL1849]

Whether the treatment of excluded property trusts for inheritance tax will be revised in relation to non-domiciles; and [HL1850]

Whether they will change the capital gains tax and income tax proposals recently published in relation to non-domiciles and trusts relating to them. [HL1851]

The measures announced at PBR change established personal tax rules. Regulatory impact assessments are intended for measures which have a regulatory impact upon business.

The Government announced a review of the residence and domicile personal tax rules in Budget 2002. The Chancellor announced the closure of this review as part of the recent Pre-Budget Report. HM Treasury is currently consulting on how the measures announced in the Pre-Budget Report will be implemented. This consultation runs until 28 February.

Treasury Ministers have recently sought to clarify that there will be no retrospection in the treatment of trusts and the tax changes will not apply to gains accrued or realised prior to the changes coming into effect. The inheritance tax rules were outside the scope of the residence and domicile review.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proposals they have on the use of British highways free of charge by lorries registered overseas. [HL1879]

The Department for Transport (DfT) has carried out a study of options for compiling a database of foreign haulage operators and their vehicles to assist in the targeting of enforcement activity, including a “vignette” scheme whereby lorries would pay a charge for use of the roads for a given period of time. DfT published a progress report alongside the 2007 Pre-Budget Report. The study has raised a number of legal, technical and practical issues and DfT is considering the way forward.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In the light of proposals by the regional spatial strategy panel inspectors to build 63,000 new homes in Somerset by 2026, what plans they have to invest in the county's transport infrastructure between Taunton and Yeovil. [HL1777]

The Government are currently considering the independent panel’s report, along with all the representations previously submitted on the draft regional spatial strategy. At this stage no conclusions have been reached on any of the panel’s recommendations.

We are aiming to publish the Government’s proposed changes to the draft regional spatial strategy in late spring. There will then be a 12-week period of public consultation on the proposed changes. Following consideration of comments and views arising from that consultation, we expect to publish the final regional spatial strategy by the end of 2008.

The final regional spatial strategy will set out the regional priorities for transport investment needed to deliver growth and to meet wider objectives. We will take into account the final regional spatial strategy in determining the Government’s priorities for transport and other investment in infrastructure.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many young offenders at HM Young Offender Institution Aylesbury are on the waiting list for courses on enhanced thinking skills, victim awareness, victim empathy, family and man relationship skills and assertiveness; and, in each case, what is the average waiting time for young offenders who are serving (a) indeterminate sentences for public protection; and (b) other sentences. [HL1898]

There are currently 154 young offenders at HMYOI Aylesbury on the waiting list for the enhanced thinking skills course, 117 awaiting places on a reconciliation workshop (which encompasses victim empathy and restorative justice), two waiting for the next family man relationship skills course and 31 awaiting a place on the assertiveness course.

It is not possible to accurately identify average waiting times. However, it is anticipated that indeterminate-sentence prisoners will be able to access the above programmes within 12 months, four months, six months and 20 weeks respectively. For prisoners serving other sentences, access to the programmes will take place within 12 to 18 months, 12 months, six months and 20 weeks respectively.