asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether any awards of costs have been made within the past five years in respect of time spent by a party in preparing his or her case:(c) where the party was legally represented; or(d) where the party was not so represented, in any of the following:(iv) planning inquiries;(v) tribunals; and(vi) courts;and, if so, on what principles and authorities these awards were made and what was the range of amounts involved in such awards. [HL2256]

It is likely that awards of costs have been made in one or more of the circumstances described in the noble Lord's Question but there is no information held centrally on such awards. It is therefore not possible to say on what principles and authorities any such awards were made or what range of amounts were involved.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they intend to answer the Question tabled by the Lord Wedderburn of Charlton on 9 January (HL2256), about the award of costs in tribunals and courts, before the Committee stage of the Employment Bill is concluded. [HL3781]

I have replied to Lord Wedderburn today.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Chancellor on 25 April

As published in its information pack for prospective applicants, the commission applied the following criteria in considering nominations:the ability to demonstrate outstanding personal qualities, in particular integrity and independence;

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether all domestic and support staff employed at the Castlereagh police complex are security cleared; and if so, to what level. [HL3846]

I have been informed by the Acting Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland that domestic and support staff working at the Castlereagh police complex are vetted to a level equivalent to the counter terrorist check, by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether it would be possible for any paramilitary group involved in the break-in to the Castlereagh police complex on 17 March still to be regarded as on ceasefire. [HL3908]

The criminal investigation into the break in at Castlereagh police station is continuing and the Acting Chief Constable has advised me that the PSN I is actively pursuing lines of inquiry. It would not be right for me to speculate on hypothetical outcomes of the investigation.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Williams of Mostyn on 11 April

The information requested is as follows:

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether their policy changed in any way following the conviction for gun-running to Northern Ireland of Provisional IRA men in Florida; and, if so, how. [HL4109]

The then Secretary of State reviewed the status of the Provisional IRA ceasefire in August 1999. Her overall judgment, on advice from her security advisers, was that, taking all the available information into account, the Provisional IRA was maintaining its ceasefire. The courts subsequently upheld that decision.The Government's consistent position has been that there must be trust and confidence in order to sustain political progress. If there is to be confidence that there is a wholehearted commitment to exclusively peaceful means, there needs to be an end to all paramilitary activity, including preparations for terrorism.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Given the promise of total equality and parity of esteem outlined in the Belfast agreement of 1998, what is the policy of the Northern Ireland Office towards the languages of (a) Ulster Scots and (b) Irish. [HL4186]

As I indicated in my Answer to the noble Lord of 1 May, Official Report col. WA 133, the Belfast agreement affirmed the parties recognition of the "importance of respect, understanding and tolerance in relation to linguistic diversity, including in Northern Ireland, the Irish language, Ulster-Scots and the languages of the various ethnic communities, all of which are part of the cultural wealth of the island of Ireland".The Northern Ireland Office fully supports all aspects of the Belfast agreement and works to ensure that there is equality and respect for the diverse languages, including Irish and Ulster-Scots, which form part of the cultural wealth of Northern Ireland.

asked the Chairman of Committees:Whether the motor mileage and bicycle allowances within the Peers' expenses scheme have been uprated. [HL4212]

The Resolution of the House of 20 July 1994 provided for the rate of the motor mileage allowance to be uprated annually on 1 April in line with the increase in the retail prices index over the previous 12 months to March.Accordingly, with effect from 1 April 2002, the rate of the motor mileage allowance was increased to 54.4 pence for the first 20,000 miles for the period to 31 March 2003. Further mileage in this period is payable at the rate pf 25.1 pence per mile.The Resolution of the House of 20 May 1998 provided for the rate of the bicycle allowance to be uprated annually on 1 April in line with the increase in the retail prices index over the previous 12 months to March.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many commitments were contained in the general election manifesto of 2001 on the basis of which the Government were elected. [HL3826]

The Government were elected on their record. The contents of their manifesto were published during the campaign.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the statement by the Leader of the House on 10 April (HL Deb, cols. 430–431) after the Prime Minister's visit to President Bush, and pursuant to his reference to "unlawful" and "illegal" settlements on the West Bank, what is the difference between an "unlawful" and an "illegal" settlement. [HL3802]

There is no difference between an "unlawful" and an "illegal" settlement. The Government's view on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories is clear: they are illegal under international law, they are an obstacle to peace, and their growth should be frozen immediately, as recommended by the Mitchell commitee report which both parties accepted. In the long term, the existence of settlements must be addressed as a central part of the solution to the conflict. Camp David and Taba provide the framework for this process.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the Antiques Register compiled for heritage items held in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's home estate properties is available to the public; and, if not, whether they will make it available to the public. [HL3856]

The FCO records of the antiques held in FCO buildings in London and at posts overseas are available in London for inspection on request. There are valid security reasons for not placing such data freely in the public domain.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they are in a position to extend help and advice through the British High Commission in Harare, or other agencies, to those farmers and their families who previously held British passports but now hold Zimbabwean passports and have been forcibly evicted from their property without compensation. [HL4070]

Our consular staff in Harare are always ready to provide advice where they properly can. This in some cases may involve representations on behalf of British nationals to the Zimbabwean authorities. But it is not Her Majesty's Government's policy to provide assistance to former British nationals, and we would have no basis in international law for doing so.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 24 April

As previously stated, the Government's proposals for commonhold and leasehold reform were the subject of extensive consultation with landlords, leaseholders and other interested parties. The resulting Act was designed to strike a fair balance between the legitimate interests of those different groups. The "bargain" is, therefore, contained in the provisions of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002.As I explained in my Written Answer on 1 May

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the use of "cookies" to create online profiles of Internet users is contrary to the Data Protection Act 1998. [HL3948]

It is for the Information Commissioner, in the first instance, to give guidance on the interpretation of the Data Protection Act 1998. She carries out this function independently of the Government.The commissioner has issued guidance on the implications of using "cookies" to build up profiles of visitors to websites. This is available on the commissioner's own website at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk, or from her office at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF. I have also placed a copy in the House Library.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they agree with the European Parliament's Committee on Citizens' Freedom, Justice and Home Affairs that Internet users should not be warned in advance when a website installs a "cookie" on their hard drive. [HL3949]

The UK and other member states are currently considering the amendments proposed by the European Parliament's Citizen's Freedom, Justice and Home Affairs Committee to the Council's common position on the Communications Data Protection Directive, including the provisions on cookies, and whether there are areas where it would be right to compromise. The Council will take a collective decision on this.

asked Her Majesty's Government:In the light of their commitment during the passage of the Postal Services Bill through this House, that in connection with acquisitions and disposals, the Post Office would conform to the reporting requirements of the Stock Exchange, why the Post Office did not immediately announce publicly the failure of the recent negotiations. [HL3892]

During the passage of the Postal Services Bill, I said that it was our intention "that the Post Office company should provide transparent information on completed acquisitions and disposals along the lines of the London Stock Exchange disclosure requirements;" (Official Report, 29 June 2000, col 1118). Such a requirement has been placed on the company (now Consignia Holdings plc) in Article 13 of the company's articles of association. The company's recent discussions with TPG did not reach a point that required any announcement to be made under either the articles of association or the requirements of the Stock Exchange.Under Chapter 9. paragraph 9.4 of the UK Listing Authority Sourcebook, a company need not notify a regulatory information service about impending developments or matters in the course of negotiation. In addition, the possible merger negotiations between Consignia and TPG did not reach a stage where an announcement was required under section 2.2 of the Takeover Panel's City Code on Takeovers and Mergers.

asked Her Majesty's Government:In the light of their commitment during the passage of the Postal Services Bill through this House that, in connection with acquisitions and disposals, the Post Office would conform to the reporting requirements of the Stock Exchange, what were the terms of the failed transaction that were being negotiated; what was the reason for the failure of the negotiations; and why the Post Office has not announced them. [HL3893]

The terms of the transaction being discussed were commercially confidential both to Consignia but also to TPG which is a listed company. After a number of discussions with TPG, Consignia decided that a deal was not possible on acceptable terms. The Government agreed with this judgment.Under Chapter 9. paragraph 9.4 of the UK Listing Authority Sourcebook, a company need not notify a regulatory information service about impending developments or matters in the course of negotiation. In addition, the possible merger negotiations between Consignia and TPG did not reach a stage where an announcement was required under section 2.2 of the Takeover Panel's City Code on Takeovers and Mergers.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they believe that there is a legitimate case for spectrum-trading between the licences for 3G spectrum. [HL4080]

The Government support spectrum trading in principle and are committed to its introduction now that the necessary changes have been made to EC legislation. These take effect in July 2003. The independent review of radio spectrum management, to which we plan to respond in the summer, strongly endorsed this policy and recommended that trading should be introduced widely as soon as possible, including for mobile public telecommunications such as 3G. Meanwhile, we will shortly be consulting on the specific details of trading implemention, including the services for which it should be introduced and the restrictions that should apply.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether there is adequate scope for competition between, and innovation by, the licences for 3G spectrum; and how this is affected by the current difficulties in the telecommunications sector. [HL4081]

By assigning the spectrum licences for third generation (3G) mobile telecommunications services by auction, the Government ensured that the licences went to those that valued them the most and are likely to make the best use of them. The auction also introduced a new entrant to the UK market for mobile telecommunications, which will benefit consumers by increasing competition, spurring innovation, and bearing down on prices.Despite the current difficult conditions affecting the telecommunications sector world-wide, all of the UK operators are proceeding with plans to roll out 3G networks, and government expect UK consumers to be among the first in the world to benefit from 3G services. Oftel regularly reviews competition in mobile markets and could use either sectoral powers or Competition Act powers to address potential failures in competition.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Why the application form for lay membership of employment tribunals contains the question "Are you a Freemason?" when no other voluntary associations are singled out for declaration, and [HL4085]Whether the question "Are you a Freemason?" contained in application forms for lay membership of employment tribunals is in breach of human rights legislation and the European Convention on Human Rights; and whether this represents unfair discrimination. [HL4086]

First, I would like to reassure the noble Lord that the answer to the "Are you a Freemason?" question has no impact on this selection process. The decision on appointment as a lay member to an employment tribunal will be based on how far applicants meet the published criteria. Whether or not candidates are freemasons has no bearing on their suitability for these posts.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their annual budget for programmes that help United Kingdom retailers comply with mandatory labelling schemes resulting from European Union directives; and [HL4163]What is their annual budget for educational and promotional information campaigns aimed at United Kingdom consumers on mandatory labelling schemes resulting from European Union directives. [HL4164]

There is no single or fixed government budget for either. Departments with responsibility for the particular legislation will allocate funds for these purposes as required. Requirements will depend on the scope and age of the legislation concerned.

aksed Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have registered an objection to the proposed windfarm near Strata Florida Abbey in mid-Wales; and, if so, on what grounds. [HL4221]

No application has yet been made under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 for my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry's consent to construct and operate a windfarm at Strata Florida. If an application is made, it will be advertised and an opportunity given to those who wish to make representations to do so.

asked Her Majesty's Governement:Further to the Answer by the Lord Rooker on 29 November 2001, (HL Deb, cols 456–7), whether they have decided to establish a board responsible for women in the criminal justice system as recommended by the Lord Chief Justice. [HL4066]

Since I last responded to this Question from my noble friend on 29 January 2002 (Official Report, col. WA 23) the Government have announced the establishment of a new Correctional Services Board which will set the overarching strategy for the correctional services, monitor performance, review allocation of resources and encourage joint working. An early focus for the board will be the need to improve services in relation to 18 to 20 year-olds, with the potential to expand this focus to other groups, including women. The development and direction of the work of the board will be informed by the review of the operation of the youth justice system, which provides a useful model for the distinct treatment of a particular group of offenders, including women.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will define what they understand by (i) terrorism; and (ii) international terrorism; whether their policy is the same in both cases; and what is that policy. [HL4112]

The Terrorism Act 2000 defines "terrorism" as the use or threat, for the purpose of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause, of action which involves serious violence against a person or serious damage to property, endangers a person's life, creates a serious risk to the health or safety of the public or a section of the public, or is designed seriously to interfere with or seriously disrupt an electronic system.The Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 defines an "international terrorist" as a person who is or has been concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of international terrorism, is a member of an international terrorist group or has links with an international terrorist group—where terrorism has the same definition as set out in the Terrorism Act 2000.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What progress has been made by the Greek authorities in bringing to justice those who, on 8 June 2000, murdered Brigadier Stephen Saunders, the United Kingdom Defence Attaché in Athens; whether they are satisfied with this progress; and, if not, what action they intend to take. [HL3834]

In the Government's view, it is vital that the investigation into the murder of Brigadier Saunders is brought to a satisfactory conclusion and those responsible brought to justice. We co-operate very closely with the Greek Government, who lead the investigation, and they, like we, remain committed to pursuing the case. Operational details of the case must clearly remain confidential. I personally discussed it with Prime Minister Simitis, Foreign Minister Papandreou and Public Order Minister Chrysohoides on 26 March.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they consider that any of the following events demonstrate denials of freedom of conscience and religious liberty by the Russian Federation:

The UK is committed to the promotion and protection of religious freedom and we condemn instances where individuals are persecuted because of their faith or belief. Her Majesty's Government are aware of these events and are watching developments closely. The European Union has collectively called on the Russian Federation authorities to clarify the cases of Bishop Jerzy Mazur and Father Stefano Caprio. We continue to be concerned at the difficulties faced by some religious organisations in Russia. We have regularly raised our concerns with the Russian authorities and will continue to do so.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether a timetable and agenda have been set for the talks between the British Government and the Spanish Government on the negotiations on the future of Gibraltar. [HL4166]

Talks under the Brussels Process are continuing. The Minister for Europe met his Spanish counterpart in London on 9 May. They had a friendly and constructive meeting, though substantial difficulties remain. We remain committed to reaching an agreement if possible. The Foreign Secretary will meet the Spanish Foreign Minister next week to discuss Gibraltar among other issues.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will publish in the

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the number of women refused an abortion because their particular circumstances do not tit the criteria in the Abortion Act 1967. [HL4042]

The information requested is not collected centrally.A pregnancy may be terminated only if two registered medical practitioners are of the opinion, formed in good faith that an abortion is justified within the terms of the Abortion Act, in the light of their clinical judgment of all the particular circumstances of the individual case.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the number of women who are expecting a disabled child and who have refused an abortion. [HL4043]

The information requested is not collected centrally.If an abnormality is diagnosed, a termination may be raised as one of the options available if two medical practitioners are of the opinion that there are grounds for a termination under the Abortion Act 1967.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether it is their policy to promote the equal status and rights of people with disabilities including the right to life; and [HL4044]Whether an abortion is usually offered to a woman who is carrying a disabled child; and, if so, whether this is consistent with a policy of equal rights for disabled people; and [HL4045]What advice is given to women expecting a disabled baby. [HL4046]

It is the Government's policy to promote the equal rights of disabled people. Equality, fair treatment and social inclusion lie at the heart of the Government's plans to modernise public services. The NHS Plan recognises that we live in a diverse society and sets out as core principles that the NHS will shape its services around the needs of the patient; be responsive to the needs of different groups and individuals within society; and challenge discrimination on the grounds of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability and sexuality.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What was the number of selective reduction abortions in each of the last five years for 'which figures are available. [HL4104]

The information requested is in the table.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they require doctors performing selective reduction of pregnancies to require a certificate stating the grounds for termination of unborn babies under the Abortion Act 1967. [HL4105]

Section 37 of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 amended the Abortion Act 1967 to make it clear that selective termination of pregnancy (termination of one or more, but not all, foetuses in a multiple pregnancy) may be performed if the requirements of the 1967 Act are fulfilled, but not otherwise. Notification of such abortions to the Chief Medical Officer has been required since 1 April 1991.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the total number of abortions performed since 1968; how many were to save the life of the mother; and what percentage this represents of the total. [HL4106]

The number of abortions performed in England and Wales on residents of England and Wales in the years 1968 to 2000 was 4.38 million. Of these 39,400, representing 0.9 per cent of the total, were performed under sections 1(1)(c) and 1(4) of the Abortion Act 1967. These are cases where the continuance of the pregnancy would involve risk to the life of the pregnant woman, greater than if the pregnancy were terminated or where the termination is immediately necessary to save the life or to prevent grave permanent injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant women.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 10 April

The Office for National Statistics collects information on live born babies and stillbirths with congenital anomalies through the National Congenital Anomaly System (NCAS). Reporting to NCAS is voluntary and notifications are sent by regions where there are local registers or by National Health Service trusts. NCAS does not collect information on drug usage in pregnancy. The Department of Health will consider evidence which suggests a causal factor for birth defects.The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is aware of concerns regarding consumption of plant-based foods containing naturally occurring estrogen-like chemicals, known as phytoestrogens. A study published in 2000 suggested the incidence of hypospadias (an abnormality of the male genitals) was higher in babies of mothers who follow a vegetarian diet. The Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) reviewed the study but concluded there was insufficient evidence to support this hypothesis.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they accept that some food imported into the United Kingdom is produced to lesser standards than required of United Kingdom farmers; and whether they will consider (a) demanding stricter labelling and greater information on the food product or (b) banning such products. [HL3902]

Food imported into the United Kingdom must meet food safety standards at least equivalent to those required of UK producers. Banning imports produced to these standards is illegal under the Treaty of Rome and World Trade Organisation rules.The Government are in favour of positive labelling to highlight the advantages of high British standards, for example of animal welfare. The Food Standards Agency is taking the lead in pressing for changes to European labelling rules to require country of origin labelling on a wider range of foods, particularly meat products. It is also pressing for changes that would prevent misleading labelling by restricting the use of terms like "product of…" to those foods where the main ingredients come from, and production processes occur in, the named place or country.

asked Her Majesty's Government:In the National Health Service at the end of fiscal years 1996–97 and 2001–02, what was the number, actual or estimated, of (a) all employees; (b) doctors; (c) nurses; (d) other medical staff; (e) ancillary staff; and (f) other designated groups. [HL3986]

Workforce information is collected annually on 30 September. The latest date for which information is available is 30 September 2001.Between September 1997 and September 2001 the number of consultants increased by 4,320 (20 per cent) and the number of nurses by 31,520 (10 per cent).

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the smallpox vaccine to be supplied by PowderJect Ltd will be produced in the United Kingdom. [HL3988]

The contract awarded to PowderJect is for smallpox vaccine manufactured in Germany by PowderJect's partner company, Bavarian Nordic.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the latest requirement to treat as specified risk material vertebral column from animals over 30 months, slaughtered under the Beef Allowance Scheme, differs in any way from previous requirements. [HL4012]

The Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (England) Regulations 2002, which came into force on 19 April 2002, require the vertebral column of all cattle over 30 months to be removed, stained and disposed of as specified risk material. The vertebral column of such animals must be removed at cutting plants specifically licensed for the purpose, under the supervision of the Meat Hygiene Service.In the United Kingdom, the only cattle aged over 30 months at slaughter that may enter the food chain are those from low BSE-risk beef assurance scheme (BAS) herds, as they are the only domestic animals exempt from the general prohibition on the sale for human consumption of fresh meat from bovines aged over 30 months. Previously there had been no domestic requirement to remove vertebral column from BAS animals.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What calculations have been made of the costs of the proposed rise in national insurance contributions to charities providing 24-hour care, supported accommodation and home care for long-term sick and disabled people; and whether they will consult the Enham Trust and other charities affected about the consequences of the proposal for them, and for those they work to help. [HL4034]

It is estimated that the changes to employers' national insurance contributions announced in the Budget will increase pay costs on average by 0.7 per cent next year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What proposals they have to ban smoking on all public transport. [HL4113]

As set out in the White paper Smoking Kills, we are working with businesses and others to achieve change on exposure to tobacco smoke. Smoking on public transport is a matter for the transport operators, and we support the bans operators have introduced.

asked Her Majesty's Government:If a male pensioner of 65 elects to postpone receiving his old age pension until age 70, what age he will have to reach in order to recover, by way of an enhanced pension, the income forgone, and thereby reap any additional benefit. [HL3966]

Such a person would have to reach the age of 84, assuming no uprating and no investment return on the income forgone. Whether it is worthwhile to defer retirement pension depends on the circumstances of the person concerned.

asked Her Majesty's Government:To what extent any reduction in child benefit to a low-income family would result in an increase in other social security benefits; and which benefits would be affected. [HL4188]

Income-related benefits (IRBs) normally take child benefit into account as income in the assessment. This has the effect of reducing the amount of the IRB payable. The implications for the IRBs would have to be considered in any development of child benefit policy.