asked Her Majesty's Government:Since the introduction of anti-social behaviour orders, how many have been issued by the courts; and what are the ethnic origins of those subject to such orders. [HL2388]

Information collected centrally in England and Wales does not currently identify the ethnic appearance of the persons concerned.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What plans they have to increase the number of student work permits allowed for seasonal agricultural work. [HL2547]

Representations in support of an increase in the present quota of non-European Economic Area students participating in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers' Scheme have been made by a number of interested parties, including the National Farmers Union.The Government have listened to these representations and have agreed to increase the number of work cards available for use under this scheme. As agreed with the industry, the student quota will increase from the present 15,200 to 20,200, spread over the next two years. Within that, a higher proportionate increase of 3,500 work cards will be made available to the scheme's operators this year, pro rata to the additional needs they have identified, for allocation to participants in the scheme.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they intend to introduce legislation to give the public a right of direct access to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration. [HL2273]

In July of last year the Government made a statement following consultation on the review of the public sector ombudsmen in England. The statement confirmed the Government's intention to replace existing arrangements with a unified and flexible ombudsman body to which the public would have direct access. The remit of this body will include that of the current Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration.Proposals for the precise powers, jurisdiction and accountability of the new body will be published shortly.The legislation required to implement the new arrangements will be made as soon as parliamentary time allows.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the current deadline for consultations on a proposed Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland as set down by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. [HL2359]

The deadline for contributions to the consultation exercise was set down in the consultation document Making a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland as 1 December 2001. The commission extended this deadline for responses from children and young people.We understand, however that the commission is prepared to give full and equal consideration to any submissions it receives while it continues work on its advice to government. This is expected to last until the end of May this year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When Peers, Members of Parliament and the public may expect the annual report of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission required by paragraph 5 of Schedule 7 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998. [HL2443]

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission's Annual Report was laid before Parliament on 19 December 2001. A copy has been placed in the Library.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many inquiries the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has publicly demanded since 1999; and in each case at what meeting the decision was taken to ask for the inquiry. [HL2444]

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 placed in the Library.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will publish all correspondence, including e-mails about and minutes of any meeting that the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has had, on the issue of the murder of Pat Finucane. [HL2445]

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:What representations the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has made to the Republic of Ireland's Human Rights Commission about the demand for an inquiry into allegations that the Government of the Republic funded the creation of the Provisional IRA in 1969, 1970 and 1971; and the continuing allegation of collusion by the authorities in the Republic with the Provisional IRA in the murder of British subjects. [HL2446]

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission's contact and dealings with other bodies is a matter for the 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 the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission recognises Ulster Scots as a language of similar status to Irish. [HL2490]

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.