asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make representations to the Government of Afghanistan concerning the numbers of women forced into prostitution by extreme poverty and illiteracy. [HL5420]

We share your concern about the impact of poverty and illiteracy on women in Afghanistan and regularly work closely with the various ministries within the Afghan Government on tackling these issues. We also recognise that, while progress has been made to advance the status of women since 2001, much remains to be done. The UK therefore actively supports the promotion of women's rights in Afghanistan in a number of ways.

In 2007-08 we provided £55 million to the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund to help finance the salaries of over 100,000 teachers. These resources have contributed to the increase of pupils in school from 2 million in 2002 to around 6 million enrolled today. A third of the pupils in school are now girls, up from virtually none under the Taliban. This has helped to address the problem of widespread illiteracy.

The UK gave the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission $l million to fund its three-year action plan 2006-08. This Afghan-led and run organisation has around 600 staff and has offices throughout Afghanistan. In its 2007 annual report, the commission states that it organised nearly 600 educational workshops and awareness-raising meetings for almost 20,000 people (including over 6,000 men) on women's rights issues, including tackling violence against women. The commission pays particular attention to reaching community leaders such as mullahs, elders, civil-society representatives and government officials.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the Foreign and Commonwealth Office stopped pipers from the Royal Gurkha Rifles and the Royal Irish Guards from honouring their commitment to perform in Moscow in September; what response they received from Brigadier Mel Jameson and other organisers of the event at which they were committed to perform; and what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of the ban for its intended purpose. [HL5324]

In the light of Russia's military actions in Georgia and the situation on the ground at the time, it was not felt appropriate for British Army musicians to attend. The decision to cancel the participation of pipers from the Royal Gurkha Rifles and the Irish Guards in the Kremlin Zoria Military Tattoo was taken in consultation with the Ministry of Defence. The UK took into account the approach adopted by other countries sending pipers who were serving military officers. Several countries, including Canada, also withdrew their pipers. Our decision to withdraw was consistent with our wider policy on military-to-military co-operation with Russia, including withdrawal from a joint naval exercise due to take place around that time.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces are qualified to operate unmanned aerial vehicles in a pilot role; how many are currently undergoing training; and what is the target number when the Watchkeeper unmanned aerial vehicle is in service. [HL5877]

The following table shows, by unmanned air vehicle type, the number of pilots trained and qualified and the number currently in training as at 29 October 2008.

The target number of trained and qualified pilots for Watchkeeper when it is in service is 120.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many applications for care orders under Section 31 of the Children Act 1989 there have been since 1 May 2008; and how many in the period from May to October 2007; and what are the reasons for any difference; and [HL5811]

How many applications for care orders were made under Section 31 of the Children Act 1989 between 1 April 2007 and 1 July 2007; and how many were made between 1 April 2008 and 1 July 2008; and [HL5812]

What assessment they have made of the effect of the increase in court fees for care orders under Section 31 of the Children Act 1989 on the number of such applications. [HL5813]

Table 1 below shows the number of public law care and supervision applications under Section 31 of the Children Act 1989. A total of 6,200 applications were made from May to September 2007, and a total of 4,800 applications were made from May to September 2008. A drop in the number of applications was expected as revised statutory guidance for local authorities and a new practice direction, the Public Law Outline, were introduced across England and Wales from 1 April 2008.

Table 2 below shows the number of public law care and supervision applications under Section 31 of the Children Act 1989. A total of 3,700 applications were made between 1 April and 1 July 2007, and a total of 2,500 applications were made between 1 April and 1 July 2008.

There is no evidence that the decrease in the number of care applications is attributable to increased court fees. It is probable that the decrease has been caused by recent reforms to the care proceedings system. The Public Law Outline and revised statutory guidance issued to local authorities encourage early resolution and exploration of alternatives to care proceedings, where safe and appropriate to do so. A similar pattern of decline in the number of care and supervision applications was also noted when the public law protocol was issued in 2003.

Source:

Family Proceedings Courts: Manual Returns and HMCS FamilyMan

County Court: HMCS FamilyMan

Source:

Family Proceedings Courts: Manual Returns and HMCS FamilyMan

County Court: HMCS FamilyMan

Notes for table 1 and 2:

(1) Historically, there have been data-quality issues with figures for the Family Proceedings Courts, which were likely to be an undercount prior to April 2007. A new method of data collection was introduced in April 2007 which has improved the coverage and completeness of data. Any comparison with figures prior to April 2007 may be affected by the improved data recording.

(2) Figures relate to the number of children subject to each application. For example, an application relating to two children will be counted twice.

Figures have been rounded.

(3) The figures taken from the FamilyMan system are as at October 2008. Because the data are only downloaded on to the central system once a month, these will only include applications made up to the end of September 2008. The 2008 figures are provisional subject to future updates. September figures for FPCs do not include two courts.

(4) County Court figures exclude cases recorded on FamilyMan as transfers from other courts. Research undertaken on behalf of the Ministry of Justice has identified that some cases that have transferred from the Family Proceedings Court to the county court have been incorrectly recorded as new applications in the county court, thus inflating the number of new applications (see Masson et al, 2008).

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the reason for the delay in answering the Question for Written Answer tabled by Lord Lester of Herne Hill (HL5212) on 1 September on whether they will make representations to the Government of France to recognise United Kingdom civil partnerships in the same way that a French pacte civil de solidarité is recognised in the United Kingdom under the Civil Partnership Act 2004. [HL5718]

The reply to HL5212 was delayed due to an administrative error. It was answered on 21 October, and I apologise for the delay.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Bach on 20 October (WA 76), whether the Northern Ireland Court Service will amend its guidelines on its website to say that note-taking is a matter for the individual judge and to indicate how permission to take notes may be sought from a judge by a member of the public. [HL5886]

The Northern Ireland Court Service has amended the published guidelines on taking notes in court to make it clear that note-taking is a matter for the direction of an individual judge. The guidelines also advise members of the public who wish to take notes that they should make this known to any court official so that the matter can be brought to the attention of the judge.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the Prime Minister or other Ministers last received the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Ministers of the TRNC or other elected representatives of the TRNC at Westminster; and when they next intend to do so under their obligation to Turkish Cypriots as a guarantor power under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee. [HL5383]

The UK fully supports the settlement process launched by the two leaders in Cyprus, aimed at the establishment of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality. In this context, the UK will continue to engage closely with both communities in Cyprus, and throughout the wider region, to support progress towards the reunification of Cyprus. The Minister for Europe met Mr Talat in Cyprus on 8 October and discussed progress towards the reunification of Cyprus. The former Minister for Europe met advisers to Mr Talat, leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, on 3 September in London. We look forward to further such contacts with both communities in support of a comprehensive Cyprus settlement.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they will reply to the Question for Written Answer tabled on 1 September (HL5252) regarding the proposed termination of Foreign and Commonwealth Office support for the Commonwealth Scholarships Programme. [HL5576]

The reply to HL5252 was delayed due to an administrative error. It was answered on 14 October (Official Report, col. WA 45), and I apologise for the delay.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What measures they will introduce to alter institutional and corporate labour practices in the United Kingdom to prevent exploitation of poor communities in developing countries. [HL5728]

The Government continue to promote a business-led, voluntary approach and to collaborate with business partners on best ways to promote corporate responsibility (CR) as mainstream business practice.

CR can be instrumental in raising competitiveness and innovation and it is important that companies adopt CR in their own commercial interests;

CR is the business contribution to sustainable development and business has a central role to play in tackling the social, economic and environmental challenges we face; and

CR is about companies operating above minimum legal requirements wherever they operate in the UK and overseas.

We also expect companies to abide by UK and national laws. The UK Government are a strong supporter of responsible business behaviour, and therefore promote adherence to the OECD guidelines on multinational enterprises, which set recommendations for good corporate behaviour.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they intend to repeal or amend legislation on business rates on empty properties in the Pre-Budget Report. [HL5908]

Decisions on taxation are matters for the Budget and Pre-Budget Report.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What role they see for biofuels in using renewable energy sources in the transport sector. [HL5771]

The Government continue to believe that sustainably produced biofuels have a role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector. The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) requires the major oil companies and fuel suppliers that supply road fuels to ensure that a proportion of the road fuel supplied in the UK comprises renewable fuels such as biofuels.

The RTFO scheme came into effect in April 2008 and the level of the obligation for the first year (2008-09) is 2.5 per cent. In response to the findings of the Gallagher review on the wider indirect impacts of biofuel production we are currently consulting on proposals to slow down the rate of increase so that we reach a level of 5 per cent in 2013-14 rather than in 2010-11.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the decision to open a new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth will be accompanied by a decision to begin work on a carbon capture and storage demonstration plant in Britain. [HL5342]

A decision on the Kingsnorth application will not be taken until the Government have considered the responses to the recent consultation on carbon capture readiness. The decision on who wins the carbon capture demonstration competition is a separate one to any decision on a planning application.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have commissioned any surveys to determine the location of estuaries, sea lochs and straits with potential for electricity generation using tidal flow; and, if so, when each such study is due to finish. [HL5808]

A Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) study, Turning the Tide—Tidal Power in the UK, funded by the Government and published in October 2007, identified the main tidal stream sites with the potential for electricity generation using tidal power. These included sites in the Pentland Firth, Alderney and the north channel. Further assessments on these and other tidal stream sites are outlined in an annexe to the SDC study “Tidal Power in the UK—Research Report 1—Tidal Resource Assessment” at www.sd-commission.org.uk/publications/downloads/TidalPowerUK1-Tidal_resource_assessment.pdf. Further detail on the tidal power resource in the UK can also be found in the UK Marine Renewable Energy Atlas, with the tidal power resource estimates available at www.renewables-atlas.info/.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What studies are under way to determine whether there are locations where a tidal barrage could provide flood defence while generating electricity. [HL5809]

The cross-government Severn Tidal Power Feasibility Study, launched in January 2008, is looking at a range of options for generating electricity from the tidal range resource of the Severn estuary. All these options offer potential flood defence benefits, with the most significant being large barrages and land-connected lagoons. A short list of options that will be examined in more detail in phase 2 of the study, if a decision is taken to proceed, will be the subject of a public consultation early in the new year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What priority the Department of Energy and Climate Change will give to geothermal projects and development. [HL5723]

The consultation on a new UK renewable energy strategy, published in June 2008, explored what more could be done, above and beyond current policies, to increase renewable energy. The Government recognise that deep geothermal power could emerge as a source of renewable electricity and renewable heat in the medium to long term. The finalised renewable energy strategy will be published in spring 2009.

The Government have already put in place the renewables obligation (RO) to incentivise the production of renewable electricity, and under the proposed banding of the RO innovative renewable technologies such as deep geothermal would be eligible for double the normal rate of financial support per unit of electricity produced. An amendment to the Energy Bill to establish powers to create a renewable heat incentive was laid on 29 October 2008, and heat from deep geothermal plants would be eligible for support under that instrument when and if it is deployed.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their reaction to the recent decision of the Crown Court in the case in which six Greenpeace activists admitted planning or causing damage to E.ON's power station at Kingsnorth, Kent, in October 2007 but were acquitted by the jury when they pleaded the defence of “lawful excuse” because of their concerns about carbon dioxide emissions; and what measures the Government plan to safeguard future energy infrastructure investments that might face similar direct action by protesters. [HL5392]

Lawful and peaceful protest is a democratic right but the Government are equally committed to the rule of law in a democratic society and to tackling illegal activity.

There are a number of measures in place to deal with conduct of this or a similar kind including the Criminal Damage Act 1971 and the offence of aggravated trespass under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. The Government keep the adequacy of the criminal law under review in the light of changing circumstances and any particular issues that arise.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in the light of the use by European Union member states of Russian energy supplies and the situation regarding energy security, they will support in the Council of Ministers the efforts of the Government of Lithuania to extend the operational life of the Ignalina nuclear plant. [HL5371]

We have been informed of the concerns of the Government of Lithuania, which have highlighted Lithuania's dependence on Russia for gas and electricity, the lack of interconnection between the Baltic states and the rest of the EU, plus the consequences of shutting down the remaining reactor at Ignalina given the long-term nature of Lithuania's intentions for new nuclear build and projects to increase electricity and gas links with neighbouring countries.

We recognise the improvements that have been made to nuclear safety at Ignalina to allow short-term continued electricity generation until 2009, financed through the EU TACIS programme and the UK's Nuclear Safety Programme. The UK also contributed to the Ignalina International Decommissioning Support Fund—managed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development—and delivered a separate UK programme to address the social and economic consequences of nuclear power plant closure. While the agreed timing of the closure of the two reactors at Ignalina was part of a package of pre-EU accession treaty considerations agreed by the Government of Lithuania, we support the view of the EU Commission and other member states that Lithuania should stand by this obligation, freely entered into. However, we also believe that the EU should look sympathetically at the options for mitigating the short-term consequences of closure. The energy security concerns of Lithuania and the other Baltic states would be most appropriately addressed by a combination of an increased focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency and by increased interconnection with the rest of the European Union. We anticipate that the European Commission's upcoming second strategic EU energy review will include proposals on how to help to address the energy isolation of Lithuania and the other Baltic states.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When in 2010 the feasibility study on the use of tidal power in the Severn estuary will be published, in light of discussions over the security of energy supply. [HL5827]

Subject to internal review, interim findings from the feasibility study will be published in the new year with the full report being published in the first half of 2010.

The feasibility study will consider the impact on security of electricity supply as part of the wider assessment of options.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much British pork and bacon has been publicly procured by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in each year from 2003 to 2007; and how much was procured in the first six months of 2008. [HL5828]

The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost. I refer the noble Baroness to the report published on the Public Sector Food Procurement Initiative, which is available on Defra's website.

Defra again proposes to publish data by the end of 2008 on the proportion of domestically produced food purchased by departments.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Davies of Oldham on 15 October (WA 52), whether the replacement by government departments of major information technology equipment is undertaken on a year-by-year basis and constrained by the availability of finance in each particular year. [HL5925]

It is for government departments to plan their future spending requirements, including spending on major information technology equipment. The Government expect departments to plan their spending, including spending on information technology, in a way that ensures it is affordable within existing budgets.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many solely British nationals (overseas) have been denied entry to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and deported to the United Kingdom since 1 January 2005; and what reasons were given to the British consulate-general for their exclusion in each case. [HL5591]

We have no records of any British nationals (overseas) ever being refused entry to Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s immigration department has told us that it does not keep such figures. In any case, all BN(O) passport holders hold Hong Kong identity cards, and would normally use those to enter Hong Kong.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have responded to reports by Human Rights Watch and the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination concerning violence and discrimination against the Dalit people in India; whether they are taking action through the Commonwealth on this issue; and whether they will ask the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation to assist with appropriate education programmes. [HL5461]

The Government have not responded to the reports that Lord Hylton mentions. However, the FCO is in the process of studying them. The UK raised the issue of discrimination against Dalits at the last EU-India Human Rights Dialogue and will continue to raise it on 15 February.

We frequently raise concerns about minority rights including recently with the Indian Government through the EU presidency. India is one of the priority countries for the FCO Human Rights and Democracy Programme. We support projects locally aimed at addressing the structural causes of discrimination against women, ethnic and national minorities and disabled people (and their participation in public and political life).

The FCO has met different organisations that promote the rights of Dalits and has undertaken to support their request to the UN Human Rights Council to publish the special rapporteurs' report on discrimination based on work and descent.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to discuss friendly fire mistakes made in Iraq and Afghanistan by United States military units. [HL5862]

UK forces are operating in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of multinational efforts in support of UN Security Council resolutions. We constantly review operational issues with those nations deployed alongside UK forces, including the US. The safety of our service personnel, and those of our allies, is of paramount importance and we take all available measures to minimise the risk of friendly fire incidents, but no foolproof means exists to prevent the misidentification of units in a highly complex and stressful battlefield environment.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have a maritime strategy. [HL5907]

Our strategy remains fundamentally as set out in British Shipping: Charting a New Course. We continue to work with the UK shipping industry and maritime trade unions in pursuit of policies aimed at increasing skills, encouraging employment and training, and maintaining the UK's attractiveness as a quality centre of shipping excellence. We also work with EU member states and others within the International Maritime Organisation to secure the highest achievable levels of maritime safety and pollution prevention.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they will ratify the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks 2007; and whether ratification will be without reservation. [HL6032]

Her Majesty's Government support ratification and early entry into force of the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks 2007, and the implementing provisions to allow the UK to ratify the convention were included in the draft marine navigation Bill, which recently underwent parliamentary scrutiny.

Subject to parliamentary time being available the Government intend to introduce legislation to implement the convention which will allow it to be ratified as soon as possible.

Should the UK ratify the convention, the Government intend to make use of the option to extend its scope to include our territory and territorial sea and to inform the secretary-general of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) accordingly.

The convention will only enter into force 12 months after the 10th state has deposited an instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession with the secretary-general of the IMO. To date only one state has deposited an instrument of ratification of this convention.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking to resolve the current conflict in the Niger Delta; and what humanitarian and other assistance they are providing to the region. [HL5406]

The UK continues to offer its political support for Nigerian-led initiatives to address the conflict in the Niger Delta. Solutions to the delta must include an inclusive peace process which respects the rights and interests of all stakeholders, improvements to the security situation in the short term, and commitment by federal and state Governments to improve governance and the livelihoods of local populations. My right honourable friend the Prime Minister made clear to President Yar'Adua when he visited the UK in July that we stood ready to support the Nigerian Government in their peace initiatives. My honourable friend Malcolm Wicks, Minister of State at the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, and I reiterated UK support during our visits to Nigeria in August and September respectively.

The Government fund a number of projects to promote development and participatory governance in Nigeria and specifically in the delta. As agreed with President Yar'Adua during his visit, the Government have offered training and advisory support to help improve Nigerian military capability to provide security for the people of the delta. The Government are the biggest supporter of the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI). We work with international partners to promote the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights Initiative in Nigeria and to support the Gulf of Guinea Energy Security Strategy, a Nigerian-led forum for discussion on how to address security and sustainable development in the delta. The UK actively encourages the Nigerian Government to work closely with international oil companies to find a mutually acceptable timeframe for ending the practice of gas flaring, one of the main causes of environmental degradation in the delta region. The UK funds research into oil-fingerprinting in response to a Nigerian request for international assistance to combat oil bunkering.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Crawley on 22 July (WA 275-76), concerning the use of monitors by the Northern Ireland Parades Commission, whether the monitors are selected so as to represent the whole of the community and to have its confidence. [HL5937]

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer given on 22 July 2008 (Official Report, col. WA 276).

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Who acted as monitors for the Northern Ireland Parades Commission in each of the past three years. [HL5938]

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer given on 21 July 2008 (Official Report, col. WA 220).

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What target was set for housing growth in 2008; how many homes have so far been built in 2008; and how many are expected to have been built by the end of the year. [HL6014]

Detailed housing targets are not directly set by government, but are set out in regional and local plans which are developed through regional and local planning processes.

The Government set the overall strategy for housing supply in England. The housing Green Paper, Homes for the Future: More Affordable, More Sustainable (Cm 7191), published in July 2007, set out a target to increase housing supply to 240,000 additional homes per annum by 2016.

In 2006-07 199,200 additional homes were delivered. Finalised figures for net additional homes in 2007-08 will be published in early 2009.

The Government do not publish forecasts for private housebuilding. Housing starts in 2007-08 were 10 per cent lower than in 2006-07 and this is likely to be reflected in lower levels of housing completions during 2008-09.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many planning public inquiries are waiting to be heard; and [HL5960]

How many planning public inquiries were waiting to be heard on 29 October 2007; and [HL5961]

What is the current average time between a planning appeal being received by the planning inspectorate and a public inquiry being held. [HL5962]

The number of planning appeals, made to the Planning Inspectorate, that were waiting to be heard at a public inquiry on 29 October 2007 were 514 and the number that were waiting to be heard at a public inquiry on 29 October 2008 were 448.

Based on planning appeals received by the inspectorate for the first half of the financial year 2008-09, the current average time between the appeal being received and the public inquiry being opened, or a date for the inquiry being arranged, was 26 weeks.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will, in the next six months and subject to the necessary consultations, amend the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Order 1995 (SI 1995/419) to allow local planning authorities to advertise planning applications on their websites instead of in local newspapers if they so desire. [HL5952]

This is an issue on which the Killian Pretty review of the planning application process has sought views (in its Call for Solutions paper published in June 2008). The Government will consider the issue further after the Killian Pretty review has reported later this year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many police stations throughout each district command unit in Northern Ireland will remain operational; and [HL5914]

What steps will be taken to ensure that Northern Ireland is not left underresourced as a consequence of any police station closure; and [HL5915]

What consideration has been given to maintaining the full-time reserves, and maximising police resources, in response to increased dissident republican activity. [HL5916]

That is an operational matter for the chief constable. I have asked him to reply directly to the noble Lord, and a copy of his letter will be placed in the Library of the House and the Official Report.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many police officers serve in each district command unit in Northern Ireland, including full-time reserves, by rank; and [HL5927]

How many police officers have been moved, and from where, through the special purchase of evacuated dwelling scheme during the past 12 months. [HL5928]

That is an operational matter for the chief constable. I have asked him to reply directly to the noble Lord, and a copy of his letter will be placed in the Library of the House and the Official Report.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will introduce a moratorium on post office closures after the present round has been completed. [HL5794]

Some 97 per cent of post offices are privately owned and operated so the Government can never introduce an absolute moratorium on post office closures. However the Government's funding package for the post office network, announced in May 2007, includes provision for a subsidy of up to £150 million a year to 2011 to support the social network of non-commercial offices. The Government's funding package and Post Office Ltd's business case are both based on the network, after the present Network Change programme, being sustained at around 11,500 outlets to 2011. The Government continue to view such a network as necessary to provide an appropriate level of national coverage and have no plans for a further closure programme.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In current and foreseeable circumstances, how many post offices they envisage in the network. [HL5795]

The Government's current funding package for the post office network provides for a network of around 11,500 offices to 2011.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which new services they will commission or encourage the Post Office to provide via local post offices. [HL5796]

The Government support Post Office Ltd's commitment to maintaining and further developing the range of public and private sector products and services offered through post offices.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will provide extra resources to local authorities or other local bodies to enable them to take over or support local post offices under threat of closure. [HL5797]

The Government are providing, and have secured state aid clearance for, £150 million a year to support the post office network of around 11,500 outlets which will remain after the Network Change programme. There is no financial provision to provide additional funding for a network which is larger than this.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What value they attach to local post offices serving communities other than through the provision of traditional post office services; and to what extent this value is taken into account when the Post Office reviews the post office network in each area. [HL5798]

The Government fully recognise that the important social and economic role of post offices in the communities they serve can, according to individual circumstances, extend beyond the provision of post office services to the range of associated retail facilities which may be offered alongside post office services. Accordingly in developing its Network Change programme proposals for local consultation, Post Office Ltd has considered a range of socio-economic factors including the impact of a proposal on the local economy.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they plan to privatise the Post Office, in view of the current economic circumstances. [HL5825]

Royal Mail is facing significant challenges as mail volumes continue to fall due to people and businesses switching to digital media to meet their communication needs. In addition, mail volumes have historically tracked GDP so, as businesses cut their costs, the advertising market is vulnerable to a downturn leading to further volume reductions in mail.

The Independent Review of the Postal Sector led by Richard Hooper will be reporting to Ministers later this year and will provide advice on how best to maintain the universal postal service. The review's initial response to evidence in May stated that the status quo was untenable. Ministers look forward to receiving the review's report but will not speculate on what the independent panel's recommendations might be.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proposals they have to reduce the number of people in prison in Northern Ireland for non-payment of debts. [HL5842]

Measures to assist those dealing with personal debt, as well as matters relating to corporate insolvency in Northern Ireland, are the responsibility of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

Details on proposals relating to the enforcement of fines, including those fine defaults which lead to prison sentences, are available in Fine Default in Northern Ireland—A Consultation, which was published in July this year by the Minister of State for Northern Ireland (Paul Goggins) along with the Minister of State for the Ministry of Justice (David Hanson).

The document is available from the following link at www.nio.gov.uk/fine_default_in_northern_ireland _a_consultation.pdf.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President (Baroness Royall of Blaisdon) on 21 October (WA 99) concerning the nationalities of prisoners in Northern Ireland, why the Answer did not include Irish nationals; and whether they will provide this information. [HL5844]

In categorising those prisoners that are not British citizens, prisoners who have declared themselves of Irish nationality are not included, as the Belfast agreement explicitly recognises the birthright of all the people of Northern Ireland to identify themselves as Irish or British, or both, as they may so choose and therefore it is not possible to state definitively how many prisoners have Irish nationality.

Although not required to do so, as of 23 October, 154 prisoners had self-declared themselves to be of Irish nationality. This figure includes five females and 28 male young offenders—a total of 10 per cent of the population.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has taken to ensure that Ministers answer Questions for Written Answer within the two-week target; and why the department had 19 late unanswered Questions on 7 October of which nine were between 12 and 16 weeks late. [HL5491]

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is in the process of introducing an improved system for the processing of Parliamentary Questions, which will help ensure we provide a reply within the two-week target.

A number of Answers to Parliamentary Questions have been delayed recently due to administrative error, and will be given shortly.

I apologise for the delay.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Since 1 January 2008 what percentage of Questions for Written Answer in the House of Lords to the Northern Ireland Office were answered in the required 14 days. [HL5888]

Of the 445 Questions received by the Northern Ireland Office since 1 January, 243 have been answered within 14 days. This represents 55 per cent of the total.

These figures cover Questions tabled up to and including 15 October.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ensure that most railway engineering work is pre-planned with an appropriate allowance made in timetables. [HL5967]

There is an internal industry process for pre-planning railway engineering work. Projects are planned at least 55 weeks in advance to ensure that the travelling public have timetable information at least nine weeks before they travel. This process is monitored and enforced by the independent Office of Rail Regulation under the conditions of Network Rail's network licence.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many new or transferred trains will be available to the First Great Western franchise in Bristol and the west of England after those on loan from other franchises are returned. [HL5900]

The Department for Transport does not determine the amount of rolling stock for First Great Western (FGW) or any other train operator.

However, the department continues to work closely with First Great Western to explore the opportunity to meet the capacity requirements set out in last year's rail White Paper commitments. The department's updated Rolling Stock Plan (published in July 2008, and available at www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/rollingstock/ hlosupdatejuly08) envisages an additional 52 vehicles for the franchise.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Adonis on 23 October (WA 70), how many of the additional rail vehicles will be added to the Great Western fleet in the Bristol area and how many in the Thames Valley area; whether the extra vehicles take account of the transfers out; and what vehicles are expected to be transferred in. [HL5969]

The Department for Transport's Rolling Stock Plan, published in January 2008, stated that First Great Western (FGW) would receive, for regional services around Bristol, additional class 150 diesel multiple unit (DMU) vehicles cascaded from London Midland. Furthermore, it states that FGW would receive new DMU vehicles for the London suburban services.

The plan noted, however, that these plans were not prescriptive and were subject to a development process within the industry. The actual number of vehicles will be decided in negotiation with FGW. Discussions with FGW are at an early stage.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have issued any recent guidance or instructions about overcrowding of railway trains. [HL5902]

Her Majesty's Government have not issued any recent guidance or instructions about overcrowding of railway trains.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action they are taking to bring about the replacement of the Pacer fleet. [HL5971]

The Government are not looking to replace the Pacer fleet, which has a number of years to go before it reaches life expiry. The current emphasis is to increase the fleet on the network by 1,300 vehicles to meet capacity requirements set out in the high-level output specification rolling stock plan.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the 126 vehicles for First Capital Connect in the July Rolling Stock Plan are part of the batch of 1,100 new vehicles for Thameslink. [HL5817]

The indicative plan estimated that 256 additional vehicles will be needed on First Capital Connect by 2014 in order to deliver the Government's high-level output specification (HLOS). The assumption used in the plan was that vehicles are cascaded from other operators.

However, the capacity increase in the high-level output specification may in practice be delivered in a number of ways, and will be subject to commercial innovation and negotiation. The order for 1,100 new vehicles for Thameslink has not yet been placed.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the 40 additional vehicles proposed in the Department for Transport's high-level output statement for First Great Western's Thames Valley services will come from transfers within the system or from new stock. [HL5819]

The Department for Transport's Rolling Stock Plan, published in January 2008, stated that First Great Western (FGW) would introduce new diesel multiple unit (DMU) vehicles for London suburban services. It noted, however, that these plans were not prescriptive and were subject to a development process within the industry. Discussions with First Great Western are at an early stage.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Adonis on 29 October (HL5766), why spark guards must be fitted to wagons with composite brake blocks which do not provide sparks; and whether they will seek to suspend the relevant European Union rules. [HL5977]

The requirement for fitment of spark guards is part of the specification in the Technical Specification for Interoperability (TSI) for freight wagon rolling stock where the floor of the wagon cannot offer an equivalent level of protection. The TSI is currently under revision and both UK and railway-sector representatives on the TSI drafting group will have the opportunity to argue for the disaggregation of the requirement for spark guards from wagons that use composite brake blocks. If such a revision is not supported by other European railways, the revised TSI could be drafted to include a specific case for the UK to provide for an ongoing alternative national requirement.

Until the TSI is revised, individual vehicle projects can apply for derogation from the requirements of the TSI through a process set out in the directives on interoperability, as transposed in the current Railways (Interoperability) Regulations 2006. Officials in the Department for Transport are also discussing the matter with the European Commission and the European Railway Agency.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the public performance measure suitably reflects the experience of travellers on journeys from London, in the light of changes to timetables in the past 15 years. [HL5905]

The public performance measure (PPM) reports punctuality at trains' destinations. In the case of trains from London, the PPM may be argued to be less reflective than in the case of trains to London, as fewer people are generally still on the train when it arrives at its destination.

However, in the case of trains both to and from London, there have been significant improvements in punctuality in the past few years. Steps taken to ensuring timetables more accurately allow for the times and margins needed to operate an increasingly busy service have contributed to this improved performance.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they will next discuss rail track safety and updating with the Office of Rail Regulation to resolve its reported disagreement with Network Rail; and what suggestions they will put forward. [HL5858]

The next regular meeting between Ministers and the chief executive and chairman of the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) in November is scheduled for early in November.

The Office of Rail Regulation served an improvement notice on Network Rail on 9 June 2008. Network Rail has appealed against that notice. As is normal practice, an employment tribunal will handle the appeal process.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will review the effects of the public performance monitor on the willingness of train operating companies to allow trains to depart punctually without waiting for connecting passengers on slightly delayed services of other train operating companies. [HL5968]

The decision to maintain rail connections when trains run late is an operational matter for train operators and Network Rail. However, such decisions are expected to take account of the particular circumstances and impact on passengers, in order to minimise the overall delay suffered.

The public performance measure is intended to reflect punctuality of a train operator as a whole.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in considering works under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 and the Traffic Management Act 2004, local authorities have an obligation to take into account the effect on pedestrians. [HL5901]

The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 states that local traffic authorities have a duty to co-ordinate works on the highway to minimise the inconvenience to persons using the street. The street includes the carriageway and footway.

The Traffic Management Act 2004 introduced a network management duty requiring traffic authorities to secure the expeditious movement of traffic on their road network. The definition of traffic encompasses all road users, requiring the local traffic authority to consider the movement of pedestrians and cyclists, as well as motorised vehicles.

The statutory Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice states that pedestrians must have a safe unobstructed route, minimum 1 metre width, around any works.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What discussions they and the European Union have had with the Government of Russia concerning the flaring of gas from oil wells and other installations; with what results; and what contribution they estimate that this practice in Russia makes to climate change. [HL5773]

The UK-Russia Energy Forum, established by the then Secretary of State, Alastair Darling, and then Russian Energy Minister, Viktor Khristenko, in February 2007, covers a number of energy issues of mutual interest. The current focus of discussions is energy efficiency but gas flaring has been identified as a priority for the future. The EU-Russia energy dialogue, and in particular the joint group on energy efficiency, is the main forum for discussions between the EU and Russia on energy matters generally and energy efficiency in particular, including gas flaring.

The International Energy Agency estimates that carbon dioxide emissions from gas flaring in Russia in 2004 were 43 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, representing 15 per cent of Russian greenhouse gas emissions.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the European Commission's competition directorate has investigated the operations of Gazprom in Europe, as requested by Ministers in 2006; if so, with what result; and, if not, why not. [HL5774]

The Council of Energy Ministers recently agreed the so-called third liberalisation package, which the UK supported and expects will improve the functioning of the EU energy market. It is hoped that the dossier can now be finalised with the European Parliament in time for it to come into force early in 2009.

The Commission, through its directorate-general for competition, is responsible for enforcing the competition rules of the Community treaties to ensure that competition in the EU market is not distorted and that markets operate as efficiently as possible. Information on the activities and investigations carried out by the European Commission's competition authorities is available on the directorate-general for competition's website.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the European Union will allow Gazprom to acquire further European distribution networks and refineries, if it is not in the interests of European consumers and companies. [HL5775]

The European Commission, through its directorate-general for competition, is responsible for enforcing the competition rules of the Community treaties to ensure that competition in the EU market is not distorted and that markets operate as efficiently as possible for the benefit of European consumers and the European economy. Should the European Competition authorities believe that any third-country company trying to acquire an interest in a European business were a threat to competition under the treaties, it would be for those authorities to examine the issues and determine the appropriate action.

In the UK, the Office of Fair Trading, the independent consumer and competition authority, would assess whether or not any such transaction would be likely to damage consumer interests through restricting competition.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the European Union has considered the economic, political and environmental consequences of the proposed trans-Baltic gas pipeline Nord Stream; and, if so, with what conclusions. [HL5776]

The European Union, through the European Commission's DG for transport and energy, is keenly aware of concerns about the Nord Stream gas pipeline. The project is currently the subject of environmental impact assessments in a process involving all the countries around the Baltic, in line with the Espoo Convention as well as Council directive 97/11/EC and national permits and licences, and these processes must be allowed to run their normal course.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the European Union has investigated the trading activities and ownership of ITERA, Eural Trans Gas and RosUkrEnergo, in so far as they operate in Europe; and, if so, with what result. [HL5777]

The European Commission, through its directorate-general for competition, is responsible for enforcing the competition rules of the Community treaties to ensure that competition in the EU market is not distorted and that markets operate as efficiently as possible for the benefit of European consumers and the European economy. Information on the activities and investigations carried out by the European Commission's competition authorities is available on the directorate-general for competition's website.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the relationship between Gazprom and Sonatrach has any effects on competition in Europe. [HL5778]

We are monitoring the situation concerning Gazprom and Sonatrach and if we felt that there were any recent developments that raised competition issues we would take these up with the Commission.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 13 October (WA 41), what progress has been made on the implementation of the St Andrews agreement; what are the elements of the agreement which relate to policing and justice; and whether the agreement covered all parties attending. [HL5788]

The St Andrews agreement was based on the twin foundations of power sharing and support for policing and the rule of law. All parties in the Assembly support these principles. Policing and the rule of law are dealt with at paragraphs 5 to 7 of the agreement.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ask the judges of the International Criminal Court to release the transcript of their discussion with the court's chief prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, on 1 October, on the charges filed against Umar Hasan al-Bashir, President of Sudan, on three counts of genocide, five of crimes against humanity and two of murder; and whether they will place in the Library of the House an English language translation of the request made by the judges of the pre-trial chamber on 18 October for additional information from the prosecutor before deciding whether to issue an arrest warrant. [HL5741]

On 14 July the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court made a request to the pre-trial chamber for an arrest warrant to be issued for Sudanese President Umar Hasan al-Bashir. On 15 October, the pre-trial chamber issued a decision requesting the prosecution to submit additional supporting materials in relation to some confidential aspects of the prosecutor's request. I have placed in the Library of the House the original English language version of that decision by the pre-trial chamber. The hearing that took place on 1 October was, on the judges' decision, a closed session and a transcript is not available. We respect the need for certain sessions of the chamber to be held in closed session as decided by the judges.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Davies of Oldham on 20 October (WA 79), whether those involved in the spending review would be in possession of data showing how much revenue has been raised by taxes on the generation of methane and of nitrous oxide; and, if so, how up-to-date such figures would be. [HL5922]

There are no taxes on the generation of methane or nitrous oxides and therefore there are no data about the revenues.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which legislation allows Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs to require those lodging paper tax returns to do so three months before those who use the HMRC's website. [HL6026]

The legislation specifying the dates for delivering tax returns on paper or electronically is:

personal return—Section 8(1D)-(1G), Taxes Management Act 1970, as enacted by Section 88(4) Finance Act 2007;

trustee's return—Section 8A(1B)-(1E), Taxes Management Act 1970, as enacted by Section 89(4) Finance Act 2007; and

partnership return—Section 12AA(4)-(4E) Taxes Management Act 1970, as enacted by Section 90(1) Finance Act 2007.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which legislation allows Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs to levy a financial penalty for not meeting the due date for the return of paper tax returns, when the due date for electronic completion is three months later. [HL6027]

The legislation which provides for a financial penalty for not meeting the due date for filing a tax return, whether on paper or electronically is:

personal return and trustee's return—Section 93(1)-(7), Taxes Management Act 1970; and

partnership return—Section 93A(1)-(5) Taxes Management Act 1970.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have any proposals for charging heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures, as proposed by the European Commission (COM(2008) 436 final/2), including external costs associated with such vehicles. [HL5767]

The Department for Transport submitted an Explanatory Memorandum (EM) to the scrutiny committees covering this European Commission proposal. As stated in that EM, there are currently no plans to introduce a widespread lorry tolling or user charging arrangement.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Adonis on 20 October (WA 86), whether drivers of heavy goods vehicles examined at a roadside check and found to be in violation of traffic laws may (a) be required to pay an on-the-spot fine; (b) be required to appear in court prior to the levying of a fine; or (c) if they are based overseas, be required to remain the United Kingdom until the court hearing. [HL5920]

(a) Subject to legislation, as from spring 2009 the offending driver will be issued with a financial penalty deposit. This will be required to be paid on the spot from offending drivers who are unable to provide a satisfactory address within the UK. The amount will be equal to any fixed penalty they have been given and in more serious cases requiring court proceedings, an amount of £300 per offence.

(b) No, the deposit requirement is paid up-front with court proceedings following in the normal way.

(c) No, drivers based abroad will pay their deposit requirement and will be advised that they have an option to request a court hearing should they wish to challenge the fixed penalty offence, or will receive a summons if the offence is too serious to be dealt with by means of fixed penalty. In any event, drivers are not legally required to respond to any court summons if they reside abroad and non response may result in forfeit of the deposit. They do have the right to attend the hearing, be legally represented or respond in writing in cases involving summary offences.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Adonis on 20 October (WA 86), by what methods courts collect fines from overseas heavy goods vehicles; and how they handle non-payment. [HL5921]

Currently it is extremely difficult to prosecute drivers without a fixed address within the UK. Subject to legislation, as from spring 2009 the offending driver will be issued with a fixed penalty by the Police or the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA). The deposit will equal the amount of the penalty required. In the cases of matters requiring a court hearing, £300 per offence will be taken at the roadside and this will form all or part of any court fine. Should the court determine that the roadside deposit was insufficient then it will need to pursue this matter. The police or VOSA will take only the deposit.

If the driver fails to pay his deposit at the roadside, then the vehicle will be prohibited from moving and possibly immobilised.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the purpose of the inquiry set up to investigate opposition claims in the Turks and Caicos Islands; and when the results of the inquiry will be published. [HL5522]

I refer the noble Lord to the Written Ministerial Statement (Official Report, cols. 14WS) made by my honourable friend the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Meg Munn) on 15 July. In light of the damage caused by Hurricane Ike in September, the governor of the Turks and Caicos has announced that after careful consideration and consultation with members of the commission, he has extended the time for the commission of inquiry to present a preliminary report by a further 15 weeks, to 16 February 2009.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress has been made in ensuring foreign-registered vehicles contribute to the costs of maintaining highway services in the United Kingdom. [HL5818]

There are currently no plans to introduce a widespread tolling or user charging arrangement for foreign vehicles. All vehicles, including foreign vehicles, are required to pay the tolls and charges that apply for the use of various bridges and tunnels, and for the M6 Toll.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they plan to introduce legislation that would require the Attorney-General's consent to issue warrants for the arrest of suspected war criminals in the United Kingdom; and [HL5779]

Whether they have received representations from any other Government for United Kingdom law to be amended in relation to the arrest of war crimes suspects. [HL5780]

The prosecution of certain offences, including war crimes and other offences under Section 51 of the International Criminal Court Act 2001, requires the consent of either the Attorney-General or the Director of Public Prosecutions. Such consent is not required for the issue of an arrest warrant itself. The Government are continuing to consider whether and, if so, how to change the law in this area. Any proposals for legislation would be announced to Parliament in the normal way.

The Israeli Government have previously raised the Almog case. The content of those discussions is confidential.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Bach on 21 October (WA 104), whether any of the staff at HM young offender institution Feltham who were involved with the circumstances surrounding the death of Zahid Mubarek are still working at the institution; and what action has been taken to ensure that no similar incident occurs there. [HL5838]

Following the report of the Mubarek inquiry the Prison Service considered whether there was sufficient evidence to bring disciplinary action against any of the 38 staff still employed directly or indirectly by the service identified by the report as having been involved in the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Zahid Mubarek. Of those 38 staff, 27 worked at HM young offender institution Feltham at the time of his death and eight currently work there.

In response to the death of Zahid Mubarek, a national cell sharing risk assessment (CSRA) tool was introduced across the prison estate in June 2002. A violence reduction strategy was introduced in 2004 which is designed to be nationally and locally responsive to any new issues that arise. A revised version, issued in June 2007, incorporates recommendations from the inquiry into the death of Zahid Mubarek, analysis of practice and feedback from consultation with violence reduction co-ordinators (VRCs). The CSRA tool is used in all closed prisons, including Feltham and all other young offender institutions, to assess the risk a prisoner might pose to another prisoner in shared accommodation. The assessment is based on the information that accompanies the prisoner and through a prisoner interview; this includes any known history of violence which is seen as the strongest indicator of potential future violence. An initial assessment takes place on reception, before a prisoner spends their first night in custody.