asked Her Majesty's Government:What the outcome was of the Development Council held on 30 May. [HL4725]

At its meeting on 30 May, the Development Council, by consensus:agreed conclusions on the external dimension of EU Sustainable Development Strategy and preparations for the World Summit on Sustainable Development;agreed procedural conclusions welcoming a proposal to define a common EU approach to democracy and governance in developing countries;debated the reform of EC development assistance and the programme of action 2002;agreed a declaration reaffirming its support for the work of UNFPA; andagreed joint resolutions with member states on education and training in the context of poverty reduction in developing countries; and on health and poverty reduction in developing countries; a resolution on water management in developing countries; conclusions on improving EU development response towards ACP crisis and conflict affected countries, and on information and communication technologies in development; and declarations on the World Food Summit, and on the food crisis in southern Africa.There were also informal discussions of recent developments in Afghanistan and Sudan.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the United Kingdom's view on the World Bank loan to Pakistan agreed on 11 June. [HL4726]

The World Bank Board has voted in favour of the second structural adjustment credit ($500 million) to Pakistan. The loan is part of the international package of assistance to Pakistan's interim poverty reduction strategy and support reform measures that have already been taken. The UK made clear at the board meeting that we strongly support the Pakistan reform agenda but we expressed concerns about the risks posed by the threat of war and the low levels of social and poverty-related expenditures.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their policy on charging for consular and visa services in Zimbabwe following the divergence in the official and parallel rates of exchange in that country. [HL4855]

Since July 2000, the British High Commission has been running its sterling post account using the parallel rate of exchange and charging for some of its consular and visa services using the parallel rate. It has held charges for other consular and visa services at the official rate. Initially, the two rates were broadly similar. But since February 2001 the parallel rate has diverged increasingly from the official rate and the Zimbabwe dollar is now trading on the parallel market at around 10 times the official sterling rate of exchange. In financial year 2001–02, this resulted in an under-recovery by the FCO of around £422,000 in consular fees.In order to regularise the position and avoid any future shortfalls in recovery, the British High Commission will charge for all consular and visa services at the parallel exchange rate with effect from midnight on 23/24 June.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How much Centrex (National Police Training) have paid to external consultants since February 2001; and what is the moneys paid to each company or consultant. [HL4572]

The readily available information on the number and value of contracts, which amounts to just over £3 million, awarded by Centrex (National Police Training) since February 2001 is shown below.

Company	Value (£)
Addleshaw Booth & Co	27,133
Capita (5 Contracts)	1,402,141
CMG	144,676
Deloitte & Touche	46,383
Drivers Jonas	553,731
IWI Associates	2,126
Joanna Bloxham	400
Luther Pendragon	28,200
Mason Communications	150,467
Rainbow	36,330
Rouse & Co.	1,195
Salamander (7 contracts)	302,525
Turner Townsend	204,183
W S Atkins (2 contracts)	39,732
White Young Green	33,488
Willis	21,189
Wolff Olins	10,103
Total	3,004,002

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether Kent County Constabulary is conducting an internal investigation into the circumstances whereby journalists from Meridian TV and BBC TV Kent were allowed to use prohibited firearms by Kent County Constabulary personnel without having the authorisation of the Home Secretary; and, if so, whether they will place a copy of the report of the investigation in the Library of the House. [HL4644]

The force has issued a statement accepting that the use of firearms on this occasion was inappropriate and apologising for the embarrassment caused to the police authority, the Home Office and those attending the briefing. They have amended their range operating procedures to ensure that unauthorised civilians will not in future be allowed access to police firearms. They have considered whether or not the matter should be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service but have decided not to do so.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether a person who makes a local authority aware of an issue such as anti-social behaviour and who at that stage is not a covert human intelligence source (CHIS) becomes a CHIS once the local authority has given that person a log sheet to make a record of future behaviour. [HL4402]

Under Section 26(8) of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), a person becomes a covert human intelligence source when he establishes or maintains a personal or other relationship with a person for the purpose of covertly obtaining information or covertly disclosing information. Authorities which may ask a person to keep information will need to consider whether these conditions are met and whether authorisation is required.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Within the framework of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, at what points data being transmitted over the Internet are deemed to be (a) in transit and (b) stored. [HL4608]

The Government's view is that for the purposes of Chapter I Part I of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, the times when a communication is taken to be in the course of its transmission, including over the Internet, include any time when it is stored on the system for the intended recipient to collect or access. For example, this means that an interception takes place where an electronic mail message stored on a web-based service provider is accessed so that its contents are made available to someone other than the sender or intended recipient. Access to a stored communication by the exercise of a statutory power (e.g. under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984) for the purpose of obtaining information or taking possession of a document or other property is also lawful by virtue of Section 1(5) (c) of the Act.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will estimate the number of asylum seekers who have disappeared within the United Kingdom since June 1997 before their cases have been considered; and [HL4642]Whether they will estimate the number of asylum seekers who remain in the United Kingdom after decisions have been taken not to grant them asylum, including those in the process of appealing against those decisions. [HL4643]

I regret that the information requested is not available. Applicants do not always inform the Immigration Service prior to leaving the United Kingdom. We are making improvements in the area of contact management as detailed in the current White Paper: Secure Borders, Safe Haven: Integration with Diversity in Modern Britain, paragraph 4.42.This states that those in the proposed accommodation centres may be required to report on a daily basis within the accommodation centre. Those dispersed and those who do not require National Asylum Support Service (NASS) accommodation will also be required to report at the NASS address, at reporting centres or at police stations attended by staff from the Immigration and Nationality Directorate. During the induction process asylum seekers will be advised of their obligations to notify any change of address and to report as required. Provision of support will be made conditional on asylum seekers reporting as required.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether Jersey is meeting the new European Union rules on sharing financial information. [HL4705]

There are no European Union rules on sharing financial information that apply to Jersey.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they expect the annual report of the Financial Services Authority to be published. [HL4825]

The FSA annual report is to be published today. Copies have been placed in the Library. The report forms a key part of the accountability mechanism for the FSA under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and this report is the first to assess the performance of the FSA against its statutory objectives.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What new measures they have adopted to assist the steel industry in Britain to face up to competition within and without the country. [HL4739]

The Department of Trade and Industry in particular has worked closely with the UK steel industry for many years to improve its competitiveness and to encourage best practice.The DTI has provided financial support for a number of initiatives to bring about improvements in skills, training, business planning, lean manufacturing, exports and e-commerce. Earlier this year, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announced funding of £2.7 million (£1.5 million from DTI and £1.2 million from Yorkshire Forward) for a new national metals technology centre. The centre will play an important role in ensuring the industry remains competitive and a world leader in innovation.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their estimate of the annual value of United Kingdom exports of steel products for the years 1999–2001. [HL4742]

The value of UK exports of primary steel products were as follows:

• 1999—£2,145 million
• 2000—£2,395 million
• 2001—£2,417 million.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many beaches around England which are monitored for bathing quality passed the European Commission standards in 2000 and 2001; how many failed to meet the standards in 2000 and 2001; and what action is being taken to increase the success rate further. [HL4540]

388 (98 per cent) of the coastal bathing waters in England passed the Bathing Water Directive's main mandatory standards in 2001, compared with 375 (95 per cent) in 2000. Nine bathing waters (2 per cent) failed in 2001, compared with 21 (5 per cent) in 2000. Investment totalling £600 million in England and Wales is committed up to 2005, aimed at achieving further improvements, targeted at over 100 sewage treatment works and several hundred storm overflows. Ultra-violet disinfection of effluent has been or will be provided at over 120 sewage treatment works where this is needed to protect bathing waters, bringing water quality benefits to some 180 bathing waters. We are also actively addressing diffuse pollution of water from agriculture.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they are aware that, because of the rapid increase in damage caused to permanent pasture by badgers, farmers are reluctant to rent grazing in certain areas because of the risk of disease. [HL4594]

The Government are aware of anecdotal evidence that increased badger activity has led to damage to some pasture in some areas. However, we have not seen any evidence that farmers are unwilling to rent land for grazing because of disease concerns.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

(a) What monitoring schemes are in place to check that the stipulated physical checks on meat imports happen as instructed at each place of entry to the United Kingdom;

(b) What records of such checks are kept and in what form; and

(c) Whether they will place in the Library of the House a copy of the records for the last six months for each port and airport in England. [HL4609]

(a) Border inspection posts (BIPs) are required to make monthly returns to Defra indicating the number of consignments received and what checks have been carried out on them. The Food and Veterinary Office of the European Commission carries out frequent inspections of border inspection posts to ensure they are operating to the required standards. We are currently finalising arrangements under which staff of the State Veterinary Service will inspect BIPs on a regular basis and will ensure that the correct levels of checks are applied.(b) A detailed record of checks carried out is held at the BIP. This record includes the number of documentary, identity and physical checks carried out and the number of consignments sampled and rejected. These records can be held electronically or on paper.(c) A table detailing the number of physical checks on meat carried out by BIPs in England from October 2001 to March 2002 is being prepared and will be placed in the Library of the House when available.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their policy towards the restoration of the Montgomery Canal for use by leisure and other craft from the Llangollen Canal southwards towards Newtown; and what is their policy towards the resourcing of any restoration. [HL4665]

In line with their policy document Waterways for Tomorrow, the Government wish to encourage waterway restoration projects which have clear economic, environmental or social benefits. The Government look to the promoters of restoration projects such as the Montgomery Canal to seek funding from national lottery bodies, regional development agencies, European funds and other sources available to support the delivery of these objectives.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the letter of 17 April from Alun Michael MP to Baroness Byford concerning the "very large number of comments" on the first draft maps of open country and registered common land in England, whether later parts of the programme might attract fewer comments if:

We welcome the large number of comments on the agency's draft maps for part of the South East and the lower North West of England, which show the high level of public engagement in the consultation.The purpose of the draft map is to invite comments on whether land is correctly shown on the map as open country or registered common land. While a number of different suggestions have been made, Ministers have looked at the agency's approach and agree with the agency's view that the inclusion of other information, such as existing rights of access or restrictions on access under Ministry of Defence bylaws, would distract people from considering whether the land is correctly shown on the draft map. For example, land managers might fail to object to the classification of land as open country because military by-laws already restrict access. They would then have no further opportunity to object to its classification if the by-laws were subsequently revoked and the land were opened to access.The agency expects to draw up advisory maps which will show open country and registered common land in the context of other useful information, such as known substantial areas of excepted land, land subject to long-term restrictions and exclusions and land with existing rights of access which will help people to interpret the information shown on conclusive maps.The agency will look at the criteria for mapping open country (which are set out in its mapping methodology) as it proceeds with assessing the comments made to it on the draft maps for the lead mapping regions, including comments similar to those made by the noble Baroness. Any amendments to the criteria will be reflected in the provisional maps for these two regions and in the draft maps issued for subsequent regions.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will issue notice or consider taking appropriate action to prevent or to discourage the careless use of slug pellets. [HL4728]

Slug pellets, like all pesticides, are approved taking into account their impact on people and the environment and all give guidance to users on how to minimise the risk from using them. Provided these products are used in accordance with their statutory conditions of approval there should be minimal risk to people, non-target animals and the wider environment.All approved pesticide products are subject to routine review but may be reviewed at any time if specific concerns emerge concerning their safety. If appropriate, an approval can be restricted or revoked entirely. Where there is clear evidence of careless use, court action can be, and has been, taken.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What progress has been made by each energy conservation authority in improving the energy efficiency of the domestic housing stock in its area. [HL4819]

Data reported by energy conservation authorities in England under the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995 in the period 1 April 1996 to 31 March 2001 has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. These data have also been published on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' website, at address http://www.defra.gov.uk/ environment/energy/heca95/index.htm. Authorities have reported an overall improvement in domestic energy efficiency of 8.12 per cent. as measured against a 1996 baseline.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What progress is being made on implementation of the rights of way provisions in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. [HL4824]

We are today publishing proposals to implement provisions in Schedule 6 to the Countryside and Rights of Way Act which will enable the closure or diversion of rights of way where this is necessary for crime prevention or to promote pupil and teacher safety. These new powers will enable highway authorities to address the disruption caused by persistent criminal activity in back alleys, or gulleys, on housing estates.As these important new powers are not regarded as a first response to tackling crime, we will designate areas where the new crime prevention powers will be available. Highway authorities will normally take the lead, working with local crime and disorder reduction partnerships, police authorities, local residents and user groups to formulate a submission to the Secretary of State advocating any area at ward level that may warrant inclusion in a designation order. In county areas, the district authority or the local crime and disorder reduction partnership may be able to make a submission if the county is unwilling to do so.The new schools provisions will enable a highway authority to close or divert a right of way where it crosses school land for the purpose of protecting pupils or staff from violence or other risks to their health and safety. These provisions are not subject to the designation process and will be available throughout England.I am also publishing proposals to implement Section 63 of the Act. These new provisions will ensure that members of the public have a means to compel highway authorities to use their powers to remove certain types of obstruction.Highway authorities already have specific powers to deal with obstructions and recover costs from the persons concerned. These new provisions will empower the public to directly influence the action taken by authorities in dealing with obstructions.The public will be able to initiate action in relation to the majority of obstructions that cause difficulties for rights of way users, such as fences, overhanging vegetation and barbed wire. We are inviting views on any other forms of obstruction that should be covered by the provisions.Copies of

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will take steps to encourage independent schools which enjoy charitable status to share their sports grounds and facilities with schools in their districts which are less able to offer students opportunities to play sport. [HL4707]

It is the Government's policy to encourage partnership between the maintained and independent education sectors. Through our independent/state schools partnership scheme we provide grants which foster a range of partnership activities between schools in both sectors, including partnerships which use shared sports facilities. Partnerships help to build bridges between the sectors and encourage schools to explore collaboration across a wide range of activities. We know that many independent schools have taken the decision to share facilities with maintained schools. We applaud these arrangements and hope that independent schools will reflect on their success and consider whether they could be extended. The Government's Plan for Sport, published in Spring 2001, acknowledges the independent/state school partnership scheme and the part that the independent sector can play in improving the provision of PE and school sport in all our schools.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Why the relaxation of the disqualification against religious broadcasting contained in Schedule 2 to the Broadcasting Act 1990 was omitted from the Broadcasting Act 1996. [HL4477]

Ministers of this Government are not accountable for what happened under a previous administration.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What considerations have led them to exclude Christian and other religious broadcasters from applying for local digital multiplex broadcasting licences. [HL4478]

The Government's aim is to ensure that the limited spectrum available is distributed so as to satisfy as many viewers/listeners as possible and to avoid giving one religion an unfair advantage over another so that everyone's beliefs are equally respected. The Government's position is set out in the document The draft Communications Bill—The Policy which states that, where there is sufficient spectrum availability, restrictions on religious bodies holding licences will be removed (paragraph 9.3.3).A local radio multiplex licence is the licence to operate a multiplex through which local digital radio stations are transmitted. In most areas there is only one local digital radio multiplex for independent local radio and the maximum number in London is three. Under these circumstances we have concluded that there is insufficient spectrum to allow local radio multiplex licences to be held by religious bodies. For clarification, however, the Bill does lift the prohibition on religious ownership of a local digital sound programme licence, which is the licence to operate a local digital radio station.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Blackstone on 22 May

The meeting between the Chief Executive of the Women's Sport Foundation (WSF) and government officials at the end of May resulted in the Government committing to supporting elements of the WSF's new strategic plan. This action includes involving the WSF in Sport England's Sportsearch project, which is an Internet CD-ROM system designed to enable secondary-aged young people to match their physical, physiological and skill profiles and preferences with sports they may enjoy. The computer program also provides young people with information about a range of sports and gives them direct access to local club contracts and information. Officials are working with the WSF Media Group with a view to including a DCMS representative and liaising with Sport England to improve data collection on women and girl's participation in sport.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Why they have not given guidance to all their offices in Northern Ireland concerning the equal treatment of Irish and Ulster Scots, as promised in the Belfast Agreement of 1998. [HL4483]

As I indicated in my Answer to the noble Lord (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".Maintaining linguistic diversity is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Office, the other Exchequer Departments operating in Northern Ireland and the devolved administration. Work is progressing jointly to ensure a consistent approach is taken across all administrative arms of government in Northern Ireland and guidance will be issued in due course.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 26 March

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer I gave on the 9 May (WA 200).

asked Her Majesty's Government:Why the Prime Minister's spokesman claimed that the Prime Minister had paid for his own holiday and that of his extended family in Egypt while the entry made by the Prime Minister in the Register of Members' Interests makes it clear that he did not. [HL4592]

The position is as the Prime Minister made clear in the Register of Members' Interests.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton on 30 May

I refer to the Answer given by Baroness Farrington on 30 May (WA 168). The Acting Chief Constable has confirmed that security clearance arrangements for staff at Castlereagh will be kept under review.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What are the circumstances in which civil servants may be managed, whether directly or indirectly, by special advisers. [HL4442]

Only two special advisers, Jonathan Powell and Alastair Campbell, have executive powers under Article 3(3) of the Civil Service Order in Council.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the role of special advisers in representing the views of Ministers to the media, including a political party viewpoint, has been authorised by Parliament; and, if so, how. [HL4443]

The duties and responsibilities of special advisers are regulated by the Civil Service Order in Council and the Model Contract for Special Advisers.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will publish the Report by Lord Birt, the Government's Transport Adviser, into future toll roads. [HL4523]

It is not our policy to publish Forward Strategy Unit reports. These reports will provide the Prime Minister and other Cabinet Ministers with long-term internal strategic analysis and policy thinking. Internal policy advice to Ministers remains confidential.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Lord Falconer of Thoroton on 27 February

Drafting of the regulations for the purpose of consultation is almost complete. Our target continues to be to make the regulations this autumn.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What changes have been made in the composition of the United Kingdom Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Assembly of the Western European Union. [HL4856]

My honourable friend the Member for Reading East (Ms Griffiths) has been appointed as a substitute Member in place of my honourable friend the Member for Rossendale and Darwen (Ms Anderson).

asked the Chairman of Committees:Whether he will update the information on Peers' expenses which he gave on 23 July 2001

The total expenditure on Peers' expenses in the financial year 2001–02 was £10,014,470, as against £8,411,551 in 2000–01. This total was made up as follows (2000–01 figures are in brackets):

Travelling expenses	£1,615,252 (£ 1,643,744)
Night subsistence	£3,223,549 (£2,540,450)
Day subsistence and incidental travel	£2,260,992 (£1,821,182)
Secretarial costs, postage and certain additional expenses	£2,386,673(£1,910,335)

A further £528,004 (£495,840) was expended as follows:

Allowances for Lords' Ministers and office holders	£168,322 (£165,936)
Personal accident and travel insurance	£18,561 (£17,390)
Financial assistance to Opposition parties	£341,121 (£312,514)

The number of Peers claiming expenses was as follows (2000–01 figures again in brackets):

Under £1,000	41 (43)
£1,001—£5,000	107 (96)
£5,001—£10,000	85 (97)
£10,001—£15,000	89 (100)
£15,001—£20,000	56 (63)
£20,001—£25,000	63 (68)
£25,001—£30,000	65 (71)
Over £30,000	91 (33)