Written Answers
Monday, 6th November 2000.
Bingo
asked Her Majesty's Government:What plans they have to deregulate the bingo industry. [HL4535]
My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Home Office is today publishing a consultation document which sets out proposals for an order under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act, 1994, to deregulate certain aspects of the bingo industry. Our consultation document makes three specific proposals.First, we propose the abolition of a requirement for licensed bingo clubs to notify the licensing authority of changes in their charges to players 14 days in advance. This part of our proposals will also have a small benefit for licensed casinos.Second, we propose to change the law so as to allow bingo clubs to have a mixture of jackpot and lower prize gaming machines. Finally, we propose to amend the law on multiple bingo—also known as the "National Game"— so that it can offer more than one national, regional, and house prize.The Government believe that these reforms will benefit both the industry and its customers. The consultation document asks for responses by 16 February 2001. Copies are being arranged to be placed in the Library.
Commission For Racial Equality: Annual Report
asked Her Majesty's Government:When they plan to publish the Commission for Racial Equality's 1999 Annual Report. [HL4536]
The Commission for Racial Equality's Annual Report 1999 is published today and copies have been laid before Parliament.Exceptionally this year the report goes beyond the 12 calendar months stipulated by the Race Relations Act 1976 and covers a 15-month period, thus encompassing both the calendar year 1999 and the financial year 1999–2000.
The Commission for Racial Equality has produced a report which it believes meets both the requirements of the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Commission's own need to report on achievements against targets which are based on the financial year.
However, since the Race Relations Act 1976 requires reports to be made in relation to the calendar year, and as soon as practicable after the end of the year, we have advised the Commission that future reports need to follow these requirements until such times as Parliament may decide to amend the Act.
Copies have also been placed in the Library and they have been sent to the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales.
Lieutenant Governors
asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 25 October (
WA 45), whether they will now state what steps they are taking to open the selection of Lieutenant Governors beyond the field of service persons or diplomats.[HL4399]
None. The field for the recent appointments was not restricted to service persons or diplomats. The principal criterion was that applicants should have a distinguished record of service to the Crown.
Home Office: Staff Numbers
asked Her Majesty's Government:What were the total numbers of staff employed by the Home Office on 1 January or other convenient date in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000, and the overall staff costs in each of these years. [HL4410]
Staff numbers, inclusive of secondees, for the years 1994–2000, and overall staff costs in those years are given in Section 5: financial reports (pages 85–86) of the Home Office Annual Report 1999–2000 (Cm 4605), which is available in the Library of the House. The figures for 1999–2000 are estimated outturns. I regret that the totals for United Kingdom Passport Agency staff in 1996–97, 1997–98 and 1998–99 shown on page 86 of the annual report are incorrect. Corrections will be made in the annual report for 2000–01. The corrected information for UKPA is in the table below.
UKPA Staff numbers
| 1996–97 Outturn
| 1997–98 Outturn
| 1998–99 Outturn
| 1999–2000 Outturn
| 2000–01 Plans
| 2001–02 Plans
|
| Civil Service full—time eqivalents | 1,487 | 1,315 | 1,237 | 1,218 | 1,800 | 1,800 |
| Overtime | 77 | 80 | 124 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Casual | 352 | 419 | 812 | 633 | 400 | 400 |
| Total | 1,916 | 1,814 | 2,173 | 1,851 | 2,200 | 2,200 |
Millennium Dome
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether a letter of direction was issued in respect of the Millennium Commission's grant of £47 million to the Millennium Dome in September; and, if so, when they will put copies of that letter of direction in the Library of the House. [HL4306]
A letter of direction to the Millennium Commission's Accounting Officer, in respect of an application by the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) for further grant of £47 million, was issued on 13 September. I am placing a copy of this letter in the Library of both Houses.
Anglo-Irish Secretariat, Maryfield
asked Her Majesty's Government:How much the Government of the Irish Republic paid in rent and expenses for the Maryfield Anglo-Irish Secretariat Office from 1985 to 1998. [HL4339]
Receipts from the Irish Government in respect of the running of the Anglo-Irish Secretariat are as follows. They include contributions to shared services such as catering and transport as well as to rent and associated expenses for the premises at Maryfield.
| £ | |
| 1985–87 | 33,316 |
| 1987–88 | 39,756 |
| 1988–89 | 41,235 |
| 1989–90 | 41,985 |
| 1990–91 | 39,531 |
| 1991–92 | 51,816 |
| 1992–93 | 1295,791 |
| 1993–94 | 75,136 |
| 1994–95 | 88,829 |
| 1995–96 | 118,974 |
| 1996–97 | 133,910 |
| 1997–98 | 133,410 |
| 1998 | 2112,515 |
| 1 Receipts included a contribution towards the costs of political talks. | |
| 2 The Offices of the Secretariat at Maryfield were closed in December 1998. | |
British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat, Windsor House
asked Her Majesty's Government:How much the Government of the Irish Republic is paying for the use of offices in Windsor House, Belfast. [HL4340]
The Irish Government contributes on a fair and equitable basis the rental, rates, service, electricity and other relevant charges in respect of accommodation occupied by the British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat in Windsor House. These contributions since the premises were occupied in December 1998 are as follows:
- 1998–99: £15,627
- 1999–2000: £101,243
- 2000–01: £86,299 to date
Northern Ireland: Irish Republic Officials
asked Her Majesty's Government:What tasks officials from the Government of the Irish Republic currently working in Northern Ireland are performing; what rank those officials hold; and where they are located. [HL4341]
These are matters for the Irish Government.
Northern Ireland: Fireworks
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will consider re-imposing the ban on the sale and private use of fireworks in Northern Ireland. [HL4343]
There has never been a general ban on the possession, purchase or use of fireworks by the public in Northern Ireland. Since 1970 a system of licensing has been in operation whereby anyone wishing to acquire all but the smallest fireworks required a licence from the Secretary of State. Following a review in 1996 the law was amended whereby the requirement for a licence has since been confined to the larger display-type fireworks. The law remains under review as evidenced most recently by the Explosives (Fireworks) Regulations (NI) 1999 which, inter alia, proscribed mini-rockets, certain categories of air bomb and firework of erratic flight.Her Majesty's Government have no plans to introduce a general proscription of fireworks in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Ex-Prisoners And Victims' Group Funding
asked Her Majesty's Government:What are the sources of funding for ex-prisoners and for victims' groups in Northern Ireland; and what are the amounts of money supplied to them. [HL4244]
The NIO is responsible for match funding applications by ex-prisoners and victims' groups under Measures 4.4 and 4.6 of the EU Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (Peace Programme). These measures aim to promote the social inclusion of those who are at the margin of social and economic life.In the five years in which the programme has been running, victims and ex-prisoners have received the following amounts under both Measures:
- Ex-prisoners: £3.9 million
- Victims: £2.4 million
The major source of funding for victims' groups is the Victims Liaison Unit in the Northern Ireland Office, which has, since it was established in June 1998, provided funding through a series of initiatives to support groups that are working with victims of the Troubles. To date, the unit has made available to groups:
- £3 million through a core funding scheme administered by the Northern Ireland Voluntary Trust;
- £255,000.00 through a "Victim Support Grant Scheme" administered by the Community Relations Council;
- £46,000.00 for a series of pilot schemes.
Victims may also, either on an individual basis or with the help of a victims' group, avail themselves of the funds and services provided by the Northern Ireland Memorial Fund. The fund, which is an independent charity set up by the Government, has, to date, received £2 million from the Government, in addition to funds it has raised by its own efforts.
Ex-prisoners and victims have access to measures within the Peace Programme other than those match funded by NIO, and can access funding from other sources such as private trusts, the National Lottery Charities Board or other locally funded schemes. They may also obtain funding from departments within the devolved administration.
Moreover, the NIO and Probation Board provide funding to the Northern Ireland Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders and Extern. There are voluntary organisations that provide a range of service to ex-prisoners.
Magistrates' Courts Service: Chief Inspector's Annual Report
asked Her Majesty's Government:When they expect to publish the Annual Report of the Chief Inspector of the Magistrates' Courts Service. [HL4471]
I have today placed copies of the Chief Inspector's Annual Report in the Libraries of both Houses.The Chief Inspector reports a noticeable improvement in overall proficiency across the service. Magistrates' courts committees have faced up to hard decisions and shown determination in executing them. While further improvements are needed, such as in the management of performance through the monitoring of suitable indicators, magistrates' courts committees are demonstrating an increasing willingness to think strategically.Although most MCCs continued to show significant weaknesses in managing performance in case administration, all magistrates' courts committees inspected achieved average or better than average case completion times. There were also some encouraging signs of recent improvement. The Chief Inspector also noted that there had been good inter-agency work on the planning and implementation of the new Narey procedures and Youth Court Joint Performance Improvement Plans.
East Of England Development Agency: Strategy Revision
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether it is appropriate that the current revision of the regional strategy of the East of England Development Agency should be undertaken without consultation with individual non-governmental organisations, other than directly through the region's voluntary regional chamber. [HL4406]
The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) is fully committed to a dialogue with organisations and individuals from across the region during the consultation on the revised strategy. Over the next three months, EEDA board members and senior managers will be meeting with and giving presentations to a wide range of regional organisations and I am placing a copy of the organisations to be consulted in the Library of the House.Five thousand copies of an information leaflet have been distributed to explain the review process and to invite organisations and individuals to contribute. In addition, representatives of external organisations are members of EEDA's strategy implementation teams, which will review the comments received.
Smoking At Petrol Filling Stations
asked Her Majesty's Government:What plans they have to highlight the danger of smoking on petrol station forecourts; and whether they will consider banning the sale of tobacco products from such locations. [HL4342]
The Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928 requires that anyone who keeps more than a minimal amount of petrol must obtain a licence from his local petroleum licensing authority. The requirement applies to all petrol filling stations. The Local Authority Co-ordinating Body on Food and Trading Standards (LACOTS) has issued a standard set of licence conditions. One of the standard conditions is that the licensee shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, take all steps necessary to prevent smoking taking place in any hazardous area where petroleum spirit is kept, handled or exposed. A further condition requires petrol filling station licensees to display notices stating "No Smoking" and "Petroleum Spirit—Highly Flammable".Petrol filling stations are subject to periodic inspection by petroleum licensing authority inspectors. Amongst other things, the inspector would check that the required notices were displayed and that staff were aware of the prohibition of smoking on members of the public dispensing petrol and the action they should take if they see people smoking on the site.The Government have no plans to prohibit the sale of tobacco products at petrol filling stations.
Agrimonetary Compensation For Arable Farmers
asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will make an application to the European Union Commission for agrimonetary compensation for cereals producers. [HL4503]
In view of the very difficult trading conditions faced by UK arable farmers the Government have decided to ask the EU Commission to drawn down £34 million of the optional agrimonetary compensation available this year. This is in addition to the £57 million agrimonetary compensation already announced for this autumn. The extra money will provide valuable assistance to the arable sector at an exceptionally difficult time and follows a series of discussions with NFU leaders about the present problems of the arable sector.
Bse Cases
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will publish the most recent figures for confirmed BSE cases broken down by year of birth. [HL4472]
The position as at 30 October 2000 was as follows:
| Year of Birth | Total Number of Confirmed Cases |
| 1974 | 1 |
| 1975 | 0 |
| 1976 | 2 |
| 1977 | 10 |
| 1978 | 6 |
| 1979 | 41 |
| 1980 | 101 |
| 1981 | 261 |
| 1982 | 1,393 |
| 1983 | 4,461 |
| 1984 | 8,067 |
| 1985 | 11,065 |
| 1986 | 19,732 |
| 1987 | 36,869 |
| 1988 | 22,186 |
| 1989 | 12,645 |
| 1990 | 5,640 |
| 1991 | 4,575 |
| 1992 | 3,155 |
| 1993 | 2,359 |
| 1994 | 1,206 |
| 1995 | 294 |
| 1996 | 13 |
| 1997 | 0 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| Unknown | 43,345 |
| Total | 177,416 |
| 1 A third case of BSE in an animal born in 1996 was confirmed on 30 October 2000. The animal was born in May 1996, before the feed ban is considered to have been fully effective. | |
Organic Farming Scheme
asked Her Majesty's Government:When the review of the Organic Farming Scheme will be completed. [HL4473]
The review of the Organic Farming Scheme was launched in December 1999 and is now completed. I am grateful to all those individuals and organisations who contributed to it. A note summarising the outcome of the review has been placed in the Library.We have carefully considered the extent to which changes needed to be made to the scheme, which was heavily oversubscribed after it opened in April 1999 as a much improved replacement for the previous conversion aid arrangements. We believe that the priority is to reopen the Organic Farming Scheme as quickly as possible, and accordingly we will begin accepting applications from 2 January 2001, with the first new payments being made in April 2001.The Organic Farming Scheme is now part of the England Rural Development Programme, and its future operation will be reviewed as part of the programme's mid-term evaluation. Many of the issues raised during this year's review will be relevant to that evaluation, and we will ensure that they are taken into account at that time.
Against this background, one change is being made to the scheme when it reopens, subject to parliamentary approval. To facilitate applications, we propose to extend the deadline for applying for aid under the scheme after registration with an organic inspection body from three months to six months.
Badger Road Casualties: Tb Survey
asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will publish the results of the road traffic accident survey of badger carcases recommended by the Independent Scientific Group on Cattle Tuberculosis. [HL4504]
As from today, arrangements are in place to test a sample of badger carcases for bovine tuberculosis in the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire as recommended by the Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB. Road casualty badgers along with badgers found dead on farms in Krebs trial areas within these counties will be collected and tested. Survey results will be published.
Bse And Uk Sheep Flock
asked Her Majesty's Government:What action they are taking to prepare in the event that BSE is present in the United Kingdom sheep flock. [HL4505]
The Government are adopting a prudent and precautionary approach, and have for some time been working on a risk reduction strategy. This includes an ongoing research programme, including development of rapid screening methods, a national scrapie plan to eliminate scrapie from the national sheep flock, and removal of potentially hazardous material from the food chain. To date, the only BSE that has occurred in sheep has been given to the sheep in scientific experiments, but the Government have in hand preparation of a contingency plan covering actions that might be taken if in the future BSE is confirmed as being present in sheep.
House Of Lords Annual Report
asked the Chairman of Committees:How many copies of the House of Lords Annual Report were sold to members of the public; how many were given away; what was the total number printed; what was the net cost of the publication; and whether he will consider publishing it only on the web in the future. [HL4382]
One hundred and twenty-three copies of the House of Lords Annual Report and Accounts for 1999–2000 have been sold. A further 60 copies were ordered by the House of Commons.In addition to those copies which were circulated to all Members of the House and made available in the Printed Paper Office, 70 copies were sent free of charge to selected journalists, and to a small number of academics specialising in the work of the House of Lords.The number of copies printed is a matter for the Publisher, The Stationery Office Limited (TSO), rather than the House. However, I understand that TSO's print run for the Annual Report was 1,314.If by "the net cost of the publication" the noble Lord means the total sum payable by the House to TSO for the printing of the Annual Report and for the copies required by the House, the sum is £5,563.So far as the noble Lord's proposal that the Annual Report should in future be published only on the web, I believe that in its printed form the report is widely read and appreciated, particularly by Members of the House.
Resuscitation Decision-Making
asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 4 October (
WA 218) on resuscitation policy in National Health Service hospitals, whether in future they will be able to report to Parliament on clinical practice in resuscitation decision-making in National Health Service hospitals; and what information they have or will be seeking on comparative practice in non-National Health Service hospitals. [HL4207]
As stated in the reply given on 4 October (WA 218), the Secretary of State for Health has asked the Commission for Health Improvement to pay particular attention to resuscitation decision-making processes as part of its rolling programme of reviews of clinical governance arrangements put in place by National Health Service organisations. The commission will report its findings to the Secretary of State.Clinical practice in resuscitation decision-making is one example of clinical decision-making which takes place in hospitals every day. Resuscitation decisions are made on an individual basis taking full account of the circumstances of each case, and such decisions are subject to local audit.
We do not require independent hospitals to provide this information. However, we are introducing a new regulatory framework for the inspection of the independent healthcare sector through the Care Standards Act 2000. As part of the work on developing standards for independent hospitals, we will consider the need for them to have a policy on resuscitation.
Sexual Intercourse: Risk Comparison
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether scientific evidence shows that anal sex carries a higher risk to health than vaginal sex. [HL4160]
Scientific evidence shows that the greatest risk to health comes from unprotected sex. With consistent use of condoms and (for anal sex) lubricants, the health risks are reduced and are broadly similar for vaginal sex and anal sex.
Diploma In Social Work
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they are satisfied with the number and qualifications of the applicants for entry into training for the Diploma in Social Work this year; how this number compares with the same figure for each of the previous three years; and whether they propose to take any action to attract a larger number of suitably qualified applicants in future. [HL4385]
The number of people applying for Diploma in Social Work Courses has been reducing over the past four years. This is unsatisfactory. Without the right number of staff with the right skills, we shall not be able to deliver and maintain the substantial improvement agenda that we have embarked upon.The number of applications that were received for Diploma in Social Work Courses over the past three years was:
- 1996: 9,100
- 1997: 7,722
- 1998: 6,254
- 1999: 5,175
These figures do not include the number of applications that were made directly to training programmes, as this information is not held centrally.
Information about the qualifications of applicants is not centrally available.
To try to reverse this situation, the Central Council for Education and Training of Social Workers is developing a recruitment initiative to attract candidates for the Diploma in Social Work.
On 20 October, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Health announced that additional funding totalling £41 million over the next three years will be made available to support trainees through professional social work entry level training.
Social Care National Vocational Qualifications
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they are satisfied with the number of persons achieving NVQs in Social Care in the last period for which figures are available; and whether they propose to take any action to attract a larger number of suitably qualified applicants in future. [HL4386]
The last period for which data are available on National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) is for the quarter 1 July 1999 to 30 September 1999. For this period, a total of 106,288 NVQ Certificates were awarded for the Care, Caring for Children and Young People, and Promoting Independence NVQs. These figures are for certificates issued throughout the United Kingdom.In the White Paper
Modernising Social Services, it was acknowledged that 80 per cent. of the social care workforce had no recognised qualifications and this was a serious problem that had to be tackled.
The National Training Strategy for the Social Care Workforce, published by the National Training Organisation for Social Care as a consultation document in July 2000, gives details of the relevant qualifications for each section of the social care workforce. The Government are working with social care employers to implement the training strategy and increase levels of qualification.
Funds have been provided through the Training Support Programme for particular groups of social care staff to undertake NVQs. These include staff working in residential child care, foster carers, domiciliary care workers and heads of adult residential homes.
The National Care Standards Commission is being established in April 2002 to regulate statutory and independent sector care services in accordance with new national minimum standards. These minimum standards will include standards of training that both the registered manager and the staff of the establishments should attain, and these will be linked to NVQs.
Flu Vaccination
asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their assessment of the needs for the provision of flu vaccination by the National Health Service; and what are the arrangements for meeting those needs; and [HL4286]
What arrangements they have made for the National Health Service to meet the need for flu vaccination for people under the age of 65 years. [HL4287]
Selective influenza immunisation is recommended to protect those who are most at risk of serious illness or death should they develop influenza. This year, influenza immunisation should be offered to people with underlying ill health due to:
- chronic heart disease
- chronic respiratory disease including asthma
- chronic renal disease
- diabetes mellitus
- immunosuppression due to disease or treatment
- everyone aged 65 and over
- and people living in long stay residential care accommodation
Social Security: Third Way Policy
asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their Third Way policy towards social security. [HL4320]
I refer the noble Lord to the Answer Lord Falconer gave to him on 25 October 2000, Vol. 618, col. WA34.
Child Poverty: Definition
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the definition of poverty referred to by Baroness Hollis of Heigham on 28 September (H.L. Deb., col, 943) in relation to child poverty is that which the Government use in relation to pensioners; and [HL4388]Why their definition of child poverty given by the Baroness Hollis of Heigham on 28 September (H.L. Deb., col, 943) makes no allowance for the number of children in a household. [HL4389]
Poverty is a multi-faceted problem. There is no single definition that we use.We published the second annual report,
Opportunity for All: one year on— making a difference, on 21 September 2000. The report contains a full set of indicators that are used to monitor progress in tackling poverty.
The measure of income used when looking at the proportion of either children or pensioners below different thresholds of income is net equivalised household income. The process of equivalisation involves the adjustment of household income to take into account variations in the size and composition of the households in which individuals live. It reflects the common-sense notion that, in order to enjoy a comparable standard of living, a household of two adults with four children will need a higher income than a person living alone. The income of the family is therefore adjusted downwards in relation to that of the single person in order to allow sensible income comparisons between the different household types. The adjustment made takes into account both the number of adults and also the number and ages of children living in a household.
"Learning From Success" Conferences
asked Her Majesty's Government:In the case of each "Learning from Success" conference held in September, what was the response to the Question asked at the conference about who gave schools most support to raise standards; and, for each conference, what was the percentage of attendees who responded that (a) local education authorities and (b) the Government supported schools in their work in raising standards. [HL4303]
The "Learning from Success" conferences offered ministers and officials the chance to listen to the views of head teachers from just over 1,500 schools. It was the most extensive interactive consultation exercise ever carried out with head teachers.One of the most innovative aspects of the conferences was the use of keypad technology to involve every delegate, thereby giving them the opportunity instantly to register their views on a range of issues. Responses to questions were immediately displayed to the audience and the range of opinion explored.
| London | Manchester | Nottingham | Birmingham | Newcastle | Overall | |
| Parents | 54% | 53% | 49% | 45% | 51% | 50% |
| Your governing body | Not asked | 78% | 75% | 77% | 73% | 76% |
| The media | 1% | 2% | 4% | 2% | 2% | 2% |
| The LEA | 60% | 61% | 58% | 53% | 51% | 56% |
| The Government | 46% | 50% | 41% | 45% | 24% | 41% |
| Teacher Unions | 28% | 20% | 21% | 19% | 24% | 23% |
Learning from Success area of the Internet Standards Site. The site's web address is http://www.standards.dfee.gov.uk/learningfromsuccess.
asked Her Majesty's Government:In the case of each
"Learning from Success" conference held in September, what was the date on which it was held; what was the venue; the cost; and the number of persons attending; and what proportion of attendees were head teachers. [HL4302]
The "Learning from Success" conferences offered Ministers and officials the chance to listen to the views of head teachers from just over 1,500 schools. It was the most extensive interactive consultation exercise ever carried out with head teachers.The conferences were held at five venues across England from 18–22 September 2000. The locations for each conference were as follows:
- Monday 18 September—The Paragon Hotel, London;
- Tuesday 19 September—New Century House, Manchester;
- Wednesday 20 September—Jubilee Campus, The University of Nottingham;
- Thursday 21 September—The National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham;
- Friday 22 September—Eldon Leisure Centre, Newcastle.
At each day of the conferences delegates were asked the question, "Do you feel your efforts to raise standards are sufficiently supported by: (a) Parents? (b) Your governing body? (c) The media? (d) The LEA? (e) The Government? (f) Teacher Unions?" Answers to this question were recorded using keypad technology and the possible responses were "yes" or "no". For each of the five conference venues the percentage of delegates saying "yes" in answer to each of the six parts of the above question were as follows:
The overall cost of all five conferences was just under £700,000.
The attendance for each venue was as follows:
Venue
| Attendance
|
| London | 350 |
| Manchester | 350 |
| Nottingham | 250 |
| Birmingham | 350 |
| Newcastle | 375 |
| Total for the week | 1,675 |
One of the most innovative aspects of the Learning from Success conferences was the use of keypad technology to involve every delegate, thereby giving them the opportunity to instantly register their views on a range of issues. Responses to questions were immediately displayed to the audience and the range of opinion explored.
Results from the answer to the first keypad question "What type of school do you work in?" show that 91 per cent of delegates who registered an answer were school representatives. The invitations sent out to the conferences were addressed to the head teachers of schools, so the vast majority of school representatives were heads. The invitation letter did state that if the head teacher was unable to attend then he or she had the opportunity to send a member of their senior teaching staff in their place; therefore it is possible that not all school representatives would have been head teachers.
Further details of both the keypad analysis and the outcomes of the conferences can be found on the Learning from Success area of the Internet Standards Site. The site's web address is http://www.standards.dfee.gov.uk/learningfromsuccess.
Age Diversity In Employment: Code Of Practice
asked Her Majesty's Government:To what extent employers have changed their practices and procedures as a result of the Department for Education and Employment's Code of Practice on Age Diversity in Employment. [HL4345]
The evaluation of the Code of Practice on Age Diversity in Employment assesses employment practice in relation to recruitment, promotion, training and development, redundancy and retirement. Not surprisingly, few employers acknowledge that they discriminate unjustifiably on grounds of age. However, there is some evidence to suggest that companies are beginning to adopt more age aware policies, at least in the area of recruitment. For example, the second wave of the evaluation shows that during the company selection process, less than one in five (16 per cent) organisations report taking age into consideration. This is a reduction from the first wave of the evaluation, immediately prior to the launch of the code, when approximately one quarter (27 per cent) reported taking age into consideration when recruiting new staff. These results are based on survey findings at Wave 2, just six months after the code was introduced. Details of the findings can be accessed on the DfEE website at http://www/dfee.gov.uk/research/re_brief/RBX6.doc. Results of the full evaluation, based on research findings 16 months after the code was first issued, will be published by summer 2001.
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have any evidence that people over the age of 50 believe that employers descriminate against older employees; and, if so, what does that evidence show. [HL4346]
The evaluation of the code of practice on Age Diversity in Employment assesses employment practice and experience in relation to recruitment, promotion, training and development, redundancy and retirement. The second wave of the evaluation shows a significant minority (20 per cent) of the sample of people aged 50 and over report that they have personally experienced discrimination in relation to an actual or possible job because of their age. This is slightly lower than the reported incidence of age discrimination in the first wave of the research, immediately prior to the launch of the code, when approximately one quarter (26 per cent) felt that they had experienced age discrimination. These results are based on survey findings at Wave 2, just six months after the code was introduced. Details of the findings can be accessed on the DfEE website at http://www.dfee.gov.uk/research/re_brief/RBX6.doc. Results of the full evaluation, based on research findings 16 months after the code was first issued, will be published by summer 2001.
Examination Performance And Month Of Birth
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the examination performance of English children at KS2, GCSE and A = level still varies to a statistically significant extent according to the month of their birth; if so, what is the extent of this variation at each level; and whether the examination performance of children with unfavourable birth months might be raised by letting them start school a year later. [HL4400]
Research by the National Foundation of Educational Research (NFER) in England and Wales (1997) found that children's attainment at Key Stage 1 was significantly related to their age, season of birth and length of schooling. More recent research (Tymms et al, 2000) shows that the gap tends to close during the primary years.At GCSE, research by Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations (OCR) published in 1998 found a statistically significant variation in pupils' examination performance according to the month of their birth. Similar work by OCR at GCE A level found this variation then diminished. We are not aware of any more recent research in this area.Tymms et al (1997) considered that other factors such as school attendance, prior attainment and school attended are more significant for pupils' ultimate performance than the month of their birth.Current legislation requires that pupils start school by the beginning of the term following their fifth birthday. Many parents do choose to enrol their children before that. There are no plans to raise the age of entry.
Departmental Cars
asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 16 October (
WA 68), what is the policy of the Law Officers' Department in relation to the disposal of government cars after use. [HL4315]
The Law Officers use cars supplied by the Government Car Service. I refer the noble Lord to the Answer given by my noble and learned friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office, who has responsibility for the Government Car and Despatch Agency.
asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 16 October (
WA 68), what is the policy of the Lord Chancellor's Department in relation to the disposal of government cars after use. [HL4316]
The policy of my department is to dispose of cars at a time and in a way which achieves the optimum value for money.
asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 16 October (
WA 68), what is the policy of the Home Office in relation to the disposal of government cars after use. [HL4313]
It is the policy of the Home Office to dispose of vehicles through open auction. This maximises return while preventing any risk or accusation of pecuniary advantage to any person. Home Office disposals are centralised through the Prison Service Transport Unit.
asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 16 October (
WA 68), what is the policy of the Treasury in relation to the disposal of Government cars after use. [HL4337]
Government cars are supplied under a three-year lease contract by the Government Car and Despatch Agency (GCDA). At the end of the lease period they are returned to the GCDA.
asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 16 October (
WA 68), what is the policy of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions in relation to the disposal of government cars after use. [HL4301]
In accordance with Government policy, the department disposes of cars by auction or through tendering exercises so as to secure value for money.
asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 16 October (
WA 68), what is the policy of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in relation to the disposal of Government cars after use. [HL4296]
Cars owned by the Ministry and its agencies are disposed of in accordance with the principles set out in Section 32 of Government Accounting. A copy of this document is available through the House Library.The Cabinet Office is responsible for cars within the Government Car Service and will confirm the arrangements for their disposal separately.
asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 16 October (
WA 68), what is the policy of the Department of Health in relation to the disposal of government cars after use. [HL4312]
The Department of Health owns 29 cars. They are disposed of through a commercial car auction when their use is concluded.
asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 16 October (
WA 68), what is the policy of the Department of Social Security in relation to the disposal of government cars after use. [HL4335]
The disposal of our cars is part of the specialist and external fleet management contract negotiated by the department. The supplier of these services arranges for those vehicles deemed uneconomic to maintain to be put up for public auction at a number of sites across the UK.
asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 16 October (
WA 68), what is the policy of the Department for Education and Employment in relation to the disposal of government cars after use. [HL4300]
The majority of vehicles in DfEE, including the Employment Service, are disposed of at public auction. Reserve prices are set using commercially available guides. A very small number, less than 6 per cent, are sold to staff under a scheme that allows car users to purchase their "company car" at the end of its useful life. The same price is set whether the car is sold at auction or to the driver.