asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether there have been any recent exports of military listed equipment for end-use in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [HL1066]

Following consultations with this department and the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Trade and Industry issued an export licence for a water purification unit to Uruguay for the Uruguayan Armed Forces. The equipment will be used by the Uruguayan army in the DRC where it is part of the United Nations operation. The equipment will provide the Uruguayans with sufficient clean water for their troops operating in the DRC. As part of the United Nations Mission in Congo, these troops, along with other UN agencies and NGOs, will play a role in facilitating humanitarian assistance to the Congolese people. This decision is consistent with and does not affect the Government's continued support for the EU declaration of 7 April 1993 on arms exports to the DRC.

asked her Majesty's Government:How many terrorist-related murders had not been dealt with by the courts on 31 August 1994; how many court cases have been brought as a result of those murders; and how many convictions have been made. [HL176)

For the period August 1969 to 31 August 1994, a total of 2,688 terrorist murders were committed in Northern Ireland. Charges have been brought in relation to 926 of these murders (34 per cent of the total).Statistics in relation to convictions in these specific cases are not readily available.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many terrorist related murders have taken place each year since 1995; how many court cases have been brought as a result; and how many convictions have been made. [HL177]

For the period 1 January 1995 to 31 October 2001, a total of 134 terrorist murders were committed. Charges have been brought in relation to 34 of these murders (25 per cent of the total).Statistics in relation to convictions in these specific cases are not readily available.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their response to the proposal in the report of the Defence Scientific Advisory Council, cited by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in its call of 18 July for the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, to stop using "plastic bullets." [HL662]

The Government would be delighted if the public order situation improved sufficiently to remove the need to resort to baton rounds. The whole community has a contribution to make to the achievement of that aim but, sadly, we are not there yet. Until then, it is our duty to ensure that the police are provided with equipment that is commensurate with the level of threat with which they have to deal.However the Government have accepted the Patten recommendations to look for alternatives to the baton round and, to that end have already published the outcome of the literature review which represents the first phase of the project to look into alternatives for baton rounds.The Government have published strict guidelines in the use of baton rounds.The Chief Constable of the RUC has also publicly stated that baton rounds are used only when there is a risk to life that cannot be countered by other means. They are not for crowd control.Like the Government, the Chief Constable looks forward to a time when they would no longer be needed.During the past weekend, over 40 security force personnel were injured as a result of public order disturbances. No baton rounds were discharged.

asked Her Majesty's Government:In view of the current moves against international terrorism, what representations they have made to the Government of the Irish Republic concerning the handing over of those Real IRA members who are suspects with respect to the Omagh bombing of 15 August 1998. [HL850]

There is the closest co-operation between the relevant authorities in the two jurisdictions in seeking to bring to justice those responsible for the Omagh bombing, so the question of making representations does not arise. One person has been charged in the Republic of Ireland in connection with the inquiry into the bombing.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What steps have been taken by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to ensure free speech following the recent murder of a journalist. [HL930]

This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. The Chief Commissioner has been asked to write to the noble Lord. A copy of his letter will be placed in the Library.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether any new member has been appointed to the Committee on Standards in Public Life. [HL1101]

I am pleased to announce that the Prime Minister has appointed the Rt. Hon. Chris Smith MP as a member of the Committee on Standards in Public Life with effect from 15 October. He is the member nominated by the Labour Party and takes the place of Lord Shore of Stepney, who sadly passed away over the summer.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Chancellor of 14 September (

We have announced that a review will be undertaken. I hope to announce shortly what the timing will be.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they intend to publish the annual report of the Chief Inspector of the Magistrates' Courts Service. [HL1031]

Copies of the chief inspector's annual report have been placed in the Library.The chief inspector's report describes the work of the inspectorate over the past year and reports some of its principal findings. Magistrates' courts committees (MCCs) are seen to have made improvements in many areas. In particular, the co-operation between the courts, police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) at an operational level has strengthened further. The progress made on the operation of the Narey reforms aimed at reducing delay in the magistrates' courts and the Government's pledge to reduce the time taken to deal with persistent young offenders are examples of the benefits of close working.There have been advances made in the collation of performance information and in the way it is presented to the MCC, but effective analysis of this information remains a weakness for a number of MCCs. This is in spite of the situation being highlighted in last year's report. MCCs are, however, demonstrating a better awareness of the need to provide the strategic direction and of leaving operational matters to their officers.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What plans they have to change the way applications for exceptional Community Legal Service funding are handled. [HL1102]

I have today announced a number of changes to the way applications for exceptional Community Legal Service funding will be handled. These changes are designed to make it easier for applicants to obtain funding in cases that would normally be outside the scope of the CLS. They follow on from the recent case of R v the Legal Services Commission and the Lord Chancellor ex parte Jarrett, and from our experience of handling exceptional cases.The main changes are as follows. A new test has been added to the existing criteria for obtaining exceptional funding. Previously, apart from satisfying the standard funding code criteria, applicants had to show that their cases raised matters of significant wider public interest or were of overwhelming importance to them. Now, it will also be possible to get funding if, without representation, it would be practically impossible for the applicant to proceed or there would be obvious unfairness.Different criteria have been developed for inquests. This is because these cases are different from standard court cases, the criteria for which are not always suitable. For example, there is no need for a test of overwhelming importance, since the death of a loved one will always be of overwhelming importance. The test for inquests is instead whether the family of the deceased need representation in order to help the coroner carry out the task of determining the cause of death.I have authorised the Legal Services Commission to grant funding in certain types of inquest without having to seek my authority in each individual case. This will make the application process shorter and more convenient for the bereaved. The cases in question are those where the death has occurred in police or prison custody, or during the course of police arrest, search, pursuit or shooting.These changes reflect the Government's continuing commitment to human rights. Although the court did not find against the Government or the Legal Services Commission in Mrs Jarrett's case, it encouraged us to reconsider our guidance on exceptional cases, which I have been happy to do. The new test for obtaining exceptional funding will make a major contribution towards achieving access to justice for people whose cases are complex or difficult, or who have particular problems that legal representation can help with. At the same time, the new arrangements for handling applications in inquests will improve the service we are able to give bereaved applicants, at a time when it is important for us to be as supportive as possible.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When HM Inspectorate of Constabulary will follow up its Road Policing and Traffic Inspection Report 1998. [HL891]

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has not identified road policing and traffic as an area which needs to be immediately revisited as a thematic inspection.However, individual forces undertake best value reviews examining the way they operate and identifying improvements. Such reviews have to cover road policing issues. In addition, every force's performance is risk assessed during formal inspections, including the road policing aspects.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many man-years of service are currently unavailable due to police officers taking early retirement; and what are the comparable figures for 1996 and 1991. [HL931]

These figures are not centrally available.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many man-years of service would be gained by the police service in England and Wales if the normal retirement age was 60 instead of after 30 years' service. [HL932]

The figures requested are not centrally available.The Police Pensions Review of March 1998 gave consideration to increasing normal retirement age to 60 and concluded that it was not a feasible option. Representatives of force medical officers told the review that very few officers beyond 55 years of age could be expected to be fit enough to perform the range of duties required of constables and sergeants. However, as part of the police reform programme we have asked the Police Negotiating Board to explore and agree flexible arrangements that give managers in the police service the scope to retain officers beyond 30 years where they wish to be of further use to the service.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have had discussions with the United States Government about the implications for international terrorism of co-operation between the IRA in Northern Ireland and the FARC in Colombia. [HL849]

s: The Government have frequent discussions with the United States Government on all aspects of terrorism. These discussions have included the subject of the three arrests in Colombia.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for November, and what are the major European Union events for the period between 31 December and April 2002. [HL1065]

See attached.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many written communications they have received since 1 July asking:

The total number of written communications received (between 1 July and 22 October) in support of a Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Bill to be introduced in the current parliamentary session is shown in the table.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the Secretary of State for Health's support for a moratorium on the use of genetic tests in insurance is for a voluntarily based or legally enforceable system. [HL899]

The Government have agreed the terms of a new voluntary moratorium with the Association of British Insurers. The Government's Genetics and Insurance Committee will monitor compliance. If there is evidence of serious and persistent non-compliance with the moratorium by the insurance industry then the Government are prepared to enforce the moratorium, through legislation if necessary.

asked Her Majesty's Government.:What steps have been taken to ensure the continuity of provision by the National Health Service of information useful in epidemiological and pharmaceutical research, having regard to the provisions of current data protection legislation. [HL940]

The Department of Health is working in partnership with the General Medical Council and the Information Commissioner to ensure that all parts of the National Health Service have a clear understanding of how data protection legislation affects them. Work is also under way to help health service bodies to satisfy their obligation under the Data Protection Act 1998 and to develop options for anonymising patient information to minimise restrictions in its use.Where key activity appears to be a risk due to systems and processes currently being unable to meet required standards, Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2001 provides a basis in law for information to be used subject to appropriate standards.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What research is being carried out or funded by the National Health Service into the development of health information, with particular regard to the production of anonymised information for beneficial use in epidemiological and pharmaceutical research. [HL941]

The Department of Health has commissioned work, which should be completed by March 2002, to identify options for anonymising patient information and to identify appropriate ways of extracting such information from National Health Service systems to support a wide range of uses.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Lord Falconer of Thoroton on 16 October (

The level of demand for rail services will determine whether particular upgrades represent value for money and priority for early investment.

asked Her Majesty's Government:For all new road projects costing over £50 million, what are the location, the anticipated cost, the date of public inquiry, the actual or planned date of starting work and the expected date of completion. [HL953]

The information requested is set out in the following tables.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What data they have on the time taken to replace damaged lights on traffic islands; and whether the time taken has increased. [HL976]

There are no data collected centrally on the time taken to replace damaged lights. Local authorities are responsible for organising the necessary inspection and maintenance procedures for their roads. Response and repair times often vary depending on the strategic importance of the site.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Which businesses, by category, besides farming and forestry, would be affected by the proposed physical agents directive. [HL964]

Both the proposed physical agents directives on vibration and noise will affect most sectors of industry besides farming and forestry, in particular construction, manufacturing, mining and quarrying, transport and distribution, shipbuilding, motor vehicle manufacture and repair, public utilities, foundries and entertainment.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What are the likely financial implications for the agriculture, quarrying and road haulage industries of the proposed physical agents directive. [HL993]

The Government have not costed the implications to individual industry sectors of either of the two proposed physical agents directives on vibration and noise. Regulatory impact assessments of the common position reached on both directives covering the costs to industry as a whole and the health benefits to workers have been prepared by the Health and Safety Executive. That on the vibration directive has already been submitted to the Select Committee on the European Union and has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. That on the noise directive is about to be submitted and will be placed in the Libraries when available.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What will be the likely implications for national and local government of the proposed physical agents directive. [HL994]

It is unlikely that the two proposed physical agents directives on vibration and noise will have significant implications for most areas of national and local government, where there is limited use of powered hand tools and industrial vehicles and work in noisy environments. It will, however, be the function of the Health and Safety Executive and local authority inspectors to enforce the resulting domestic legislation.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What will be the likely implications for the utilities industries of the proposed physical agents directive. [HL995]

There is widespread use in the utilities industries of powered hand tools and it is therefore likely there will be significant implications for those industries from the proposed Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive and, to some extent, from the Physical Agents (Noise) Directive. The industries will need to ensure that exposure is controlled in accordance with the levels and actions set out in the directives and that other required measures, such as appropriate health surveillance, are undertaken.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What consultations have taken place with business likely to be affected by the proposed physical agents directive. [HL997]

The Health and Safety Executive has consulted widely with business on both physical agents directives on vibration and noise, including with both the CBI and the TUC. The HSE has also had discussions with several industry associations and has responded to a large number of inquiries from individual businesses.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What has been the outcome of the quinquennial and better quality services reviews of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. [HL1064]

After having undertaken both a consultation exercise and detailed reviews of the functions, form and performance of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate over the past five years, I have concluded that it should remain an executive agency for another term. The reviews established that the retention of agency status would be the most appropriate means of delivering high quality and cost-effective services over the next five years.The better quality services stage of the reviews has specifically identified measures to ensure continuous improvement in VMD's quality of service and cost-effectiveness.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their response to the recommendations of the report

The Power of Place has been of enormous value in helping to shape the Government's thinking as we have worked towards a policy statement setting out our vision for the historic environment and a programme of action for realising that vision. We intend to publish the statement later this year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether work to erect gates on Constitution Hill is being carried out by night; if not, why not; and when the work will be completed and full traffic flow restored. [HL905]

Responsibility for the subject of this question has been delegated to the Royal Parks Agency and I have asked its Chief Executive. William Weston, to reply.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many (a) prosecutions and (b) convictions there have been in England and Wales for incitement to racial hatred in each year since the Public Order Act 1986 came into force; and what was the maximum penalty imposed in each year. [HL856]

Records for prosecutions for incitement of racial hatred under Part III of the Public Order Act 1986 have been kept since 1988. The records relate to the year that the application for consent to prosecute was dealt with

asked the Chairman of Committees:What progress has been made with regard to the report by the Steering Group on Management and Services. [HL1100]

On 30 October I met the Leaders, Chief Whips and the and so it is not possible to state with any certainty how many prosecutions resulted in convictions in any given year. Also, there are no centrally held records that can provide reliable information as to the maximum sentence imposed in any given year. The number of applications for consent to prosecute for each year since 1988 and the number of convictions resulting from the prosecutions are summarised in the table below.In addition, figures published in the Crown Prosecution Service Racist Incident Monitoring Annual Report 1999–2000 shows that the number of racist incidents sent for prosecution rose from 1,603 in 1998–99 to 2,417 in 1999–2000. Prosecutions were brought against 1,832 defendants (76 per cent) on 2,651 charges. Guilty pleas were tendered on 66 per cent of the charges and there were convictions after trial on another 12 per cent of the charges. In total 2,078 (79 per cent) of the 2,651 charges prosecuted resulted in convictions.Almost half of the prosecutions were new offences of racially aggravated crime brought under the Crime and Disorder Act 1988, which came into force in September 1999. A high proportion of the remaining offences contained admissible evidence of racial aggravation and were prosecuted under other legislation.Convenor of the Cross-Bench Peers to discuss follow-up to the report by the Steering Group on Management and Services. It was agreed that a further working group should be established to build on the work of the steering group and to bring forward detailed proposals for the reform of the domestic committee structure of the House. The working group will be chaired by me, and will include a Back-Bench member from each of the parties and from the Cross-Benches. The report of the working group will be presented to the Offices Committee in the new year.