Her Majesty's Government:Which Crown Dependencies must refer constitutional changes to them; which such references are currently awaiting decisions; and on what issues. [HL6170]

The Crown Dependencies are the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey and the Isle of Man, and they are all internally self-governing. Any constitutional changes which are purely internal are therefore a matter for the insular authorities.Any changes affecting the constitutional relationship between the Crown Dependencies and the Crown or the United Kingdom would be subject to consultation between Her Majesty's Government and the insular authorities. No such changes are currently under consideration.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, in response to the declining birth rate in the United Kingdom, they will offer financial and other incentives to couples to have more children. [HL6137]Lord McIntosh of Haringey: The Government have no plans to offer financial or other incentives to couples to have more children. However, the Government are concerned to give all the nation's children the best start in life and have thus increased financial support for families with children.

Her Majesty's Government:(a) How many places in women's refuges now exist; and (b) how many places were thought necessary by the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee in 1975. [HL6227]

In 1998, a survey of voluntary sector refuge groups found that there were approximately 7,269 bed-spaces in 409 refuge properties in England. The number of household spaces was not recorded by this survey.Local authorities were also surveyed about refuge provision and reported that there were, in 1999, 7,215 bed-spaces in total. Of these, 393 spaces were for single women and 2,322 were for women with children, i.e. a total of 2,715 household spaces. More up-to-date information will shortly become available from the reporting of supporting people supply information.The 1975 recommendation was made by the Select Committee on Violence in Marriage and related to family spaces in refuges rather than the number of individual bedspaces. This suggested provision of 5,580 family spaces, based on one space per 10,000 of the population. No rationale for this assumption was given. The estimate was queried by the Department of the Environment at the time the recommendation was made.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will seek to ensure that, at the forthcoming World Trade Organisation negotiations, the opening of state services to international competition will be done on the basis of transparent and objective standards, while taking into account local traditions, cultures and needs, and that all countries abide by these rules. [HL6018]

The current negotiations on trade in services at the World Trade Organisation aim at improving the economic development of all WTO member countries under conditions of transparency and progressive liberalisation. WTO members retain the right to regulate services within their territories in order to meet their own national policy objectives. This right is reaffirmed by all WTO members in the guidelines and procedures they have agreed for these negotiations. In making liberalisation commitments, WTO members are obliged to ensure that domestic regulatory measures they apply are administered in a reasonable, objective and impartial manner.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their view of the United States doctrine against potential aggressors as set out in

The Government support the right to take necessary and proportionate military action in self-defence, not only where an attack has occurred but also pre-emptively where an attack is imminent. Her Majesty's Government support the view that this right under international law applies as much to imminent threats from terrorism and weapons of mass destruction as to the more conventional threats of the past.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they agree with Dr Henry Kissinger's view that "It cannot be in the American national interest or the world's interest to develop principles that grant every nation an unfettered right of pre-emption against its own definition of threats to its security" (

United States security policy is a matter for the United States Government.The British Government support the right to take necessary and proportionate military action in self-defence, not only where an attack has occurred but also pre-emptively where an attack is imminent.Pre-emptive action is not just a matter of use of force. It is already at the heart of international strategy against terrorism, including police/intelligence work, cutting of financial flows, diplomatic action to address potential conflict situations, and a range of other tools. Military act ion is a last resort.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they make a clear distinction between the pursuit of the perpetrators of acts of terrorism and the pursuit of governments who harbour terrorists or who possess or have access to weapons of mass destruction; and, if so, whether they will set out that distinction in full. [H L6040]

We and our international partners are using a range of responses to counter the threat from international terrorism, from direct action such as that against Al'Qaeda in Afghanistan, to pressure on or assistance to governments who are unwilling or unable to deal effectively with terrorist groups in their territories. We will match the nature and range of our responses to the evolving threats. It is equally important for our security to respond effectively to the threats posed by rogue states who possess weapons of mass destruction.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will make representations to the Government of the United States to urge them, on behalf of those with British nationality, to take urgent measures necessary to have the legal status of the detainees at Guantanamo Bay determined by a competent tribunal, as recommended by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in its decision of 12 March. [HL6067]

The question of the status of the detainees at Guantanamo Bay under international humanitarian law is complex and has to be considered in the light of the facts relating to each individual detainee.The Government are conscious of the importance of safeguarding the welfare of the British detainees. The general circumstances of the British detainees have been the subject of regular representations by the British Embassy in Washington to the US Government. They have also been the subject of direct discussion between the Foreign Secretary and the US Secretary of State, as well as numerous communications at official and at ministerial level.Whatever their status, the detainees are entitled to humane treatment, and if prosecuted, a fair trial. We have made this clear to the US authorities.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they continue to support Crown Prince Abdullah's peace plan for the Middle East; and what they see as the principal obstacles to that plan. [HL6125]

We continue to welcome Crown Prince Abdullah's initiative, adopted by the Arab League as an Arab peace initiative in Beirut on 28 March. Its offer of normalisation of relations with Israel in the context of a final settlement is important. It strengthens the international consensus on the broad outlines of a settlement based on the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. This means two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side within secure and recognised borders. The Quartet (US, EU, UN and Russia) reaffirmed the continuing importance of the initiative in their statement of 17 September.We regret that the parties have yet to resume negotiations to reach a final settlement. Continuing violence, the absence of trust between the parties, and the lack of a clear commitment by both parties to a negotiated solution have prevented real progress. Both parties must recognise that lasting security can not he achieved through force. We will continue to do all we can to help the parties break the cycle of violence and restart political negotiations. We support the efforts of the Quartet to agree a roadmap which sets out a series of steps, leading to a final and comprehensive settlement by 2005. The priority now is to agree and implement the roadmap.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the total number of Golden Jubilee medals now issued; and what are the main categories of persons who have received them and the number awarded in each category. [HL6055]

The Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal is being distributed to serving members of the Armed Forces, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and emergency services (police, fire, ambulance, Coastguard, approved lifeboat services and Mountain Rescue) in the United Kingdom who had completed five years or more reckonable service on 6 February 2002 and to holders of the George Cross and Victoria Cross.The total number of medals to be issued is expected to be around 394,850: 141,968 medals have been issued to date to Armed Forces personnel out of the Ministry of Defence's anticipated total of 179,460 and the remainder should be issued by February 2003. Medals issued to each service to date are:

Royal Navy and Royal
Marines:	25,127 out of a total of 33,760
Army:	74,263 out of a total of 100,700
RAF:	42,578 out of a total of 45,000

Two hundred and fifteen thousand three hundred and ninety medals are currently being produced for the emergency services and should all be issued by June 2003. The anticipated numbers to be issued to each of the emegency services are:

Police Forces: 142,730	Ambulance Services: 15,930
Fire Services:	48,630
HM Coastguard:	2,710
Approved lifeboat services:	3,000
Mountain Rescue services:	2,390

Forty-three out of 48 medals have been issued to VC and GC holders.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Which cabinet committee or other government co-ordinating body has charge of integrating policies concerning discrimination on grounds of age. [HL 59801]

DA(EQ) is responsible for co-ordinating the Government's policies on equality issues. DA(OP) is responsible for co-ordinating the Government's policies affecting older people. Both committees report as necessary to the Committee on Domestic Affairs. Copies of the terms of reference for all cabinet committees have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 17 July (HL Deb, cols. 1230–32), whether they have completed their investigation into the in vitro fertilisation incident; and, if so, whether they will publish their findings in relation to the procedures and role of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and the general operation of in vitro fertilisation clinics. [HL 6144]

The investigation referred to in my earlier reply (HL Deb, 17 July, cols. 1230-32) is continuing, although an initial report has been made to the court. The restriction mentioned in that reply imposed by the court remains in force for the time being. No decision has been made about publication of the investigation's findings.

asked Her Majesty's Government:In what situations a young person under 16 years can consent to medical treatment: (a) without parental involvement; and (h) with parental involvement. [HL 6135]

In the case of Gillick v West Norfolk and Wisbech Area Health Authority (1986) the court held that children who have sufficient understanding and intelligence to enable them to understand fully what is involved in a proposed intervention will also have the capacity to consent to that intervention. As the understanding required for different intervention will vary considerably, a child under 16 may have the capacity to consent to some interventions but not to others. It is good practice to encourage a child to inform his or her parents of a particular decision unless it would clearly not be in the chlid's best interests to do so.When a child or young person lacks capacity, consent can be given on his or her behalf by one person with parental responsibility or by the court. The treatment or intervention must be in the young person's best interests.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they agree with research reported earlier this year in the

A number of international studies have raised questions about some in vitro fertilisation techniques such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The studies show a small increase in the number of babies with health problems. The results are not conclusive and the Medical Research Council and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority are reviewing current research and advising what further research is necessary.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether it is possible for women to adopt surplus embryos. [HL6126]

If both the people who provided the gametes give their consent, embryos not needed in the treatment of an infertile couple may be donated to provide treatment for others. If a woman on her own seeks treatment with a donated embryo, the code of practice issued by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority sets out the factors which clinics should take into account, particularly the welfare of the child.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they agree with the recommendation of a study published earlier this year in

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority reviewed its embryo transfer policy in 2001, issuing guidance to clinics that the number of embryos to be transferred in normal cases should reduce from three to two. The authority is keeping its policy under review.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they agree with the report of the Scottish Council on Human Bioethics in January which found that "there is no conclusive clinical evidence that the morning-after pill is safe". [HL6130]

We do not agree with the conclusions reached in the report by the Scottish Council on Bioethics. Levonelle-2, containing levonorgestrel 0.75mg (the morning-after pill), is authorised in the United Kingdom as a prescription only medicine for emergency contraception within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse or failure of a contraceptive method. This followed advice from the independent expert scientific advisory body, the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM), which was satisfied as to the quality, safety and efficacy of the product in this indication. Substantial independent evidence reviewed by CSM included two World Health Organisation sponsored pivotal studies. One study involving approximately 2,000 women in 14 countries, including the UK, has been published in The Lancet (1998). The other, published in Human Reproduction (1993), involved 880 women. CSM has also considered evidence from a study of the effects of self-administering emergency contraception (New England Journal of Medicine, 1998). Copies are available in the Library.There is considerable experience of worldwide use with levonorgestrel. It has been available in the UK in other contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy products for 30 years, although only more recently for emergency hormonal contraception. It has been used for emergency contraception in other parts of the world since the 1980s and between 9 and 23 million women have taken it. No major safety issues have been identified.The safety of all newly licensed medicines in the UK is monitored closely by the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) and the CSM through the yellow card scheme. This was extended to community pharmacists in November 1999 in order to improve safety monitoring of over-the-counter medicines. The MCA continues to moinitor the safety of levonorgestrel 0.75mg and will review any potential safety issues in the light of any new evidence which may emerge.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they expect to publish a White Paper on medical negligence claims. [HL6161]

Potential reforms to the way clinical negligence claims are handled raise complex issues and need to be considered in tandem with the review of the National Health Service complaints procedure and the Lord Chancellor's consideration of possible changes in the basis on which compensation is paid. We hope to publish proposals for reform late this year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What plans they have to approve the survival of transplanted organs. [HL6156]

United Kingdom Transplant is a special health authority set up for the purpose of registering patients waiting for an organ transplant, agreeing the protocols by which organs are allocated, organising the transport of organs and making sure that the transplant services comply with the Human Organ Transplant Act. It has also been given the responsibility of improving organ procurement, ensuring best practice is adopted across the UK and strengthening the network of transplant co-ordinators.Nearly £4 million is being invested in the National Health Service through UK Transplant to boost the number of life-saving organ transplants. This is funding 35 donor liaison schemes to improve procedures for identifying possible organ donors and the steps to take so that relatives are approached and given the opportunity to decide about donation. It is also supporting 25 living donation programmes, 10 additional transplant co-ordinators and six non-heartbeating donor programmes.The National Institute for Clinical Excellence is looking at the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of immuno-suppressive regimens for renal transplantation. This will include looking at treatments to prevent the rejection of transplanted kidneys and to prolong their survival. The overall aim of therapy is to prevent mortality by prolonging graft survival without exposing the patient to the risks of excessive immuno-suppression or other toxicity related to the use of immuno-suppressant drugs.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What progress they are making on drawing up the national service framework on renal services; and whether specific funding will be available to implement it. [HL6I55]

Each national service framework is developed with the assistance of an external reference group, which brings together health professionals, service users, carers, health service managers, partner agencies and other advocates. The work of the renal national service framework is well under way. The disposition of resources following the Spending Review 2002 will be determined shortly.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Staff will be provided by the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health to primary care trust patients' forums to support the members of patients' forums in their work. The work programme of the staff will be set by the patients' forum members. Therefore, while staff will be employed by the commission, on a day to day basis they will be accountable to the patients' forum to which they are attached. It is for the commission to decide exactly how this dual accountability will be managed and ensured.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How they expect primary care trust patients' forums to act as local one-stop shops for patients, and the public to be involved in local health issues and obtain independent help with complaints. [HL6154]

Patients' forums in primary care trusts will act as one-stop shops by advertising locally their presence and the services they provide in person, over the phone or over the Internet and by being based in premises that are accessible.It will be a matter for the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health to determine the level of resources it provides to patients' forums to enable them to carry out their role.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they agree with the discussion paper by the Association of Community Health Councils for England and Wales that over 1,600 full-time equivalent staff will be required to enable primary care trust patients' forums to be fit for purpose in carrying out their statutory functions. [HL6226]

The Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health's chair designate and her interim team, along with the Department of Health, are still considering potential structures for the organisation of and staffing levels for patients' forums. The Association of Community Health Councils for England and Wales' paper will assist these discussions. As yet no conclusions have been reached.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many office premises they envisage being provided for primary care trust patients' forums. [HL6153]

It is the responsibility of the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health to decide where patients' forums in England, and the staff supporting them, should best be located to enable them to discharge their functions. To assist the commission in doing so, a change assessment group is being set up for each strategic health authority area. It will comprise stakeholders such as the National Health Service, community health councils, local government and local voluntary organisations; and will consider issues such as:

Mapping of how the NHS is arranged within the StHA area;

Demography;

Relationship between the NHS and local government;

Recruitment;

Independent complaints advocacy Services provision;

Accommodation.

All the information above will help to inform the commission where the most appropriate accommodation will need to be located—in terms of the NHS, the nature of populations and in relation to other relevant services. It will also enable the commission to form a clear picture of the nature, type and volume of work that will need to be undertaken by the patients' forums for that area and by the staff supporting them.

£
	1996–97	1997–98	1998–99	1999–2000	2000–01	2001–02
Northern &
Yorkshire	315.1	335.2	348.5	346.9	382.9	395.4
Trent	298.8	327.3	344.4	345.1	377.2	401.5
Eastern	289.3	303.2	326.7	327.4	364.3	379.2
London	308.4	326.4	348.1	364.9	407.7	413.2
South East	298.4	316.1	343.2	340.8	373.1	421.6
South Wes	311.5	322.8	353.2	358.9	413.6	417.8
West Midlands	315.9	338.6	359.0	344.2	374.3	422.7
North West	310.8	326.2	340.5	340.3	376.2	408.2
England	306.1	324.5	345.4	346.6	383.9	408.3

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will introduce an import ban on eggs found to contain salmonella. [HL6002]

There are no plans to ban the import of eggs into the United Kingdom due to the presence of salmonella. It has long been known that

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many full-time equivalent staff they expect the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health to provide to primary care trust patients' forums. [HL6149]

The Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health's chair designate and her interim team, along with the department, are still considering potential structures for the organisation of and staffing levels for patients' forums. The assumptions assisting current discussions are around ensuring sufficient support for patients' forums members and effective delivery of the functions of both bodies.

asked her Majesty's Government:What was the per capita expenditure per region in the United Kingdom on acute hospital services over the past 10 years. [HL5986]

Estimates of per capita expenditure on acute hospital services by region within England are shown in the table. Expenditure in other countries is the responsibility of the devolved administrations. Figures are not available before 1996–97.certain strains of this organism can be associated with eggs, whether imported or domestically produced. It is also known that proper cooking of eggs will kill salmonella. The Food Standards Agency has, however, recently re-emphasised its advice on the handling and use of eggs which, if followed, addresses the main risk of food poisoning arising from this source.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will introduce testing of imported eggs for salmonella, along the same lines as the current British Lion egg testing programme. [HL6001]

There are no plans to introduce routine testing of imported eggs for salmonella. However, the Food Standards Agency intends to carry out a microbiological survey of eggs on retail sale next year and this will include both imported and domestically produced samples.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What funding they intend to allocate in respect of the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health and for patients' forums for 2002–03 and 2003–04; and what staffing assumptions have been made in respect of those bodies. [HL6086]

For the remainder of this current financial year sufficient funding from an existing budget has been set aside for the establishment of the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health (CPPIH). This funding includes running costs for the CPPIH for January until April.It would be inappropriate to discuss detailed funding arrangements for patients' forums and the CPPIH for 2003–04 in anticipation of the final outcome of the current spending review.The CPPIH's chair designate and her interim team, along with the Department of Health, are still considering potential structures for the organisation of and staffing levels for patients' forums. The level of funding available for the CPPIH and patients' forums will be a key determinant of this, so as yet nothing has been finalised. The assumptions assisting current discussions are around ensuring sufficient support for patients' forums members and effective delivery of the functions of both bodies.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What sums have been allocated to the National Health Service for special purposes such as information technology in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. [HL6094]

The majority of investment for information management and technology in the National Health Service is made from general allocations. This enables local health communities to prioritise investments to meet local need. However, the need for significant investment to support the modernisation agenda has been recognised and additions of £113 million for 2001–02 and £85 million for 2002–03 were earmarked in general locations for information management and technology investment.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What action they intend to take in response to the recent report by the Commission for Health Improvement into the Dorset Ambulance National Health Service Trust. [HL6085]

An action plan is being developed to improve substantially clinical governance arrangements at Dorset Ambulance NHS Trust following publication of the report by the Commission for Health Improvement. The findings relating to leadership style and reporting of information are currently being investigated by an external review team.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will publish the evaluation of the scheme to refer National Health Service patients overseas carried out by the York University Health Economics Consortium. [HL61481]

The evaluation report of the overseas treatment pilot carried out by York University Economics Consortium was published in August and is available on the Department of Health website. Copies have also been placed in the Library.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will state the amount of work undertaken by independent healthcare providers for the National Health Service in 2001–02 and the amount paid for that work; and whether they will give their estimates of the amount of work and its value to be undertaken by independent health care providers for the National Health Service in 2002–03. [HL6146]

In 2001–02, National Health Service trusts, primary care trusts and health authorities in England spent approximately £1.8 billion on the purchase of healthcare from non-NHS bodies. This figure includes expenditure on services provided by all non-NHS bodies, including local authorities and other statutory bodies, as well as independent healthcare providers, and cannot be broken down by type of provider. We do not have an equivalent figure for the volume of activity purchased, nor have we made an estimate of likely activity and spending in 2002–03.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How they will respond to the Chairman of the British Medical Association who wrote in

The Department of Health launched a new code of conduct for managers on 9 October. The code will cover all senior National Health Service managers and sets out clearly the standards of behaviour expected of them.Serious breaches of the code, such as financial fraud, providing false information or negligence in providing for the safety of patients, could be regarded as gross misconduct and could lead to dismissal. NHS employers are required to make proper and detailed checks on all prospective employees before making an unconditional appointment. Applied properly, these checks should ensure that a manager who had been previously dismissed, made redundant or resigned for disciplinary reasons is not re-employed as a manager in the NHS.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will publish their response to the House of Commons Select Committee on Health Report of Session 2001–02 on delayed discharges. [HL6358]

The Government's response to the Health Select Committee Third Report of Session 2001–02 on delayed discharges has been published today. Copies have been placed in the Library.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the number of clandestine entrants that have been detected entering the United Kingdom concealed in a lorry on a month by month basis for the year to date. [HL6043]

It is not possible to establish precisely how many clandestine entrants to the United Kingdom have entered concealed in a lorry. Some clandestines are detected inland and it is not possible to confirm any claim they make that they arrived concealed in a lorry.

asked her Majesty's Government:What is the total number of clandestine entrants that have been detected entering the United Kingdom concealed in a lorry for the years 2000, 2001 and the current year to date. [HL6044]

It is not possible to establish precisely how many clandestine entrants to the United Kingdom have entered concealed in a lorry. Some clandestines are detected inland and it is not possible to confirm any claim they make that they arrived concealed in a lorry.Locally collated, provisional information for clandestine entrants detected entering the United Kingdom concealed in a lorry in the South East indicate the following yearly figures:

Year	Number of clandestine entrants detected entering the UK concealed in a lorry in
2000	12,679
2001	7,807
January to June 2002	4,913

National figures are not available. But evidence suggests that the number of clandestine entrants currently arriving at other UK ports concealed in lorries is not currently a cause for concern.

asked her Majesty's Government:What proportion of the total number of clandestine entrants to the United Kingdom in the current year to date has been found to have entered concealed in a lorry; and how this proportion compares with the proportion in previous years. [HL6045]

It is not possible to establish precisely how many clandestine entrants to the United Kingdom have entered concealed in a lorry. Some clandestines are detected inland and it is not possible to confirm any claim that they make that they arrived concealed in a lorry.The following table of locally collated, provisional information shows the percentage of clandestine entrants arriving in the South East on Eurotunnel shuttles, freight trains and lorries.

January-June
	2000	2001	2002
Arrived on board Eurotunnel shuttles through the Channel Tunnel.	0.8%	35.5%	3.3%
Arrived on through freight trains through the Channel Tunnel.	10.2%	11%	18.8%
Arrived concealed in a lorry, travelled through Channel Tunnel or on a ferry.	89%	53.5%	77.9%

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they consider that the Commission for Racial Equality should discharge its statutory functions independently of control by, or influence from, the Home Office. [HL6069]

The Commission for Racial Equality is a non-departmental public body, which receives some £20 million in grant in aid funding.As with all NDPBs there is a need to balance accountability and independence. Conferring functions on an NDPB involves recognition that a degree of independence of Ministers in carrying out those functions is appropriate. Nevertheless, the responsible Minister is accountable to Parliament for the degree of independence which an NDPB enjoys and ultimately for the overall effectiveness and efficiency with which it carries out its functions.In the case of the CRE, the policy and resources framework is agreed with the Home Secretary and he is accountable to Parliament for the policies and performance of the CRE, including its use of resources and the policy framework within which it operates.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they intend to change the way in which Oakington Immigration and Asylum Centre is used after 10 November; and, if so, how they will ensure the safety of all staff employed there and the provision of legal advice to non-suspensive appellants. [HL6103]

We intend to continue to use Oakington Reception Centre to deal quickly with straightforward asylum claims. Under the provisions of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill as presently drafted, we shall include applications from the 10 safe countries listed in the Bill to which non-suspensive appeals will apply.As with existing Oakington applicants, there will be on-site access to legal advice.Any change in routine requires by law a risk assessment of the site. This is now being undertaken for the whole site at Oakington. Security is reviewed on a regular basis.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many pregnant women have been detained under the Asylum Acts since the start of 2002; and whether they will keep detailed records of women so detained, giving the reasons for each detention, and publish a summary at the end of each month. [HL6121]

Pregnant women are not normally considered suitable for detention under the Immigration Acts unless there is a clear prospect of early removal from the United Kingdom and medical advice suggests no question of confinement prior to this. In addition, women in the early stages of pregnancy may be detained briefly at Oakington Reception Centre as part of the fast-track asylum process.The latest available information on persons detained solely under Immigration Act powers relates to 29 June 2002. As at that date, there were fewer than five women in detention who were known to be pregnant, all of whom were at Oakington Reception Centre.Information on how many persons have been detained since the start of 2002 is not available except by examining individual case files at disproportionate cost.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What plans they have to replace the application forms for foreign nationals wishing to apply for leave to remain in the United Kingdom. [HL6359]

The current application forms are valid for use only until 14 November 2002. Revised forms will be prescribed before then. From the time they are issued until 14 November 2002, applications may be made on either the new forms or the present versions. Only the new forms may be used for applications made on or after 15 November 2002. Copies will be placed in the Library when they are available.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will respond urgently to the specific concerns and questions raised by Lord Morris of Manchester relating to Gulf War veterans and the ex-service community in the debate on Iraq on 24 September (HL Deb, cols 983–986). [HL5830]

I wrote to Lord Morris of Manchester on 21 October 2002 and a copy of my letter has been placed in the Library of the House.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they expect to be able to give a response to the concerns and questions relating to the still undiagnosed illnesses of service men and women who served in the Gulf War and to the protection of troops now deployed, or ready to be deployed to the Gulf region for any resumption of hostilities with Iraq, raised on behalf of the Royal British Legion's Inter-Parliamentary Gulf War Group by Lord Morris of Manchester during the debate on Iraq on 24 September. [HL5944]

I wrote to Lord Morris of Manchester on 21 October 2002 and a copy of my letter has been placed in the Library of the House.

Her Majesty's Government:What plans they have to extend the mandate of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to areas outside Kabul; and whether the ISAF can protect humanitarian aid workers based in, or travelling to, rural areas. [H L6123]

We have no plans to expand either the tasks or the area of responsibility for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Both are set by the United Nations' Security Council Resolution 1413 and by the military technical agreement with the Afghan authorities. These authorise ISAF to help the Islamic Transitional Authority of Afghanistan maintain security only in and around Kabul. ISAF is structured accordingly and it is not in a position to assist aid workers employed outside Kabul.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether all public footpaths, including those along coastal areas and closed during the foot and mouth crisis, are now open. [HL61061

Restrictions on most footpaths in England were lifted progressively in accordance with the successively revised veterinary risk assessment during the period from March 2001 to February 2002. Action to reopen footpaths was a matter for local authorities in the affected areas, most of which acted to reopen footpaths as soon as it was safe to do so in the light of the damage caused by closure to the rural economy locally. Blanket closures in a small number of areas were revoked by ministerial declaration in July 2001. As a result, by February 2002 99,9 per cent of footpaths were open. The only remaining restrictions related to a small number of paths crossing farms that had suffered infection and full cleansing and disinfection had not been carried out, where veterinary advice was that closure for 12 months from the date of infection was required. The last of these restrictions was lifted on 30 September 2002. There is no reason for any local authority not to have lifted all restrictions some time ago and I am not aware of any outstanding restrictions in any part of England.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What action they are taking to control the increasing numbers of urban foxes; and [HL6210]Whether catching urban foxes and releasing of them into rural areas is legal; if not, whether any such activity has been reported; and whether any persons engaged in such activity have been prosecuted. [HL621 11]

The control of foxes, whether urban or rural, is the responsibility of the owners and occupiers of the property where foxes present a problem.There is no legislation specifically to prevent the capture and release of native animals such as urban foxes into the countryside, provided the person concerned does not contravene the legislation that provides general protection for wild mammals against cruelty and ill-treatment. In view of the significant welfare implications for the fox, the department does not recommend the use of relocation as a method of control. Anyone having first-hand evidence of fox relocation should report it to Defra.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the information technology section of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is to be offered for sale. [HL6249]

A programme is under way to plan for transfer of the department's main IT delivery services to the private sector. The main characteristics of this will be purchase by the department of the required IT services through strategic arrangements with a private sector supplier or suppliers rather than a sale of the current internal provision units, although it is expected that there will be a transfer under the TUPE Regulations.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether a proposed sale of the information technology section of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will be based on bids with the highest bidder winning or whether there will be a best value appraisal to ensure the suitability of any prospective purchaser. [HL6250]

The department will follow the public procurement rules. Selection will be based on the most economically advantageous tender, looking at all relevant factors which give best value. In other words, the department will not just take account of price.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will publish the consultation paper on reforming the legislative framework for providing and maintaining public spaces. [HL630I]

We are today publishing Living Places-Powers, Rights, Responsibilities, the Government's consultation paper on options for reforming the way statutory powers, duties and guidance help the relevant service providers to improve our public spaces and the local environment. The paper is being presented at the Urban Summit to accompany a report on public spaces being published by my right honourable friend the Deputy Prime Minister. The consultation paper concerns several government departments and we look forward to feedback from a broad range of groups. Copies of the report have been placed in the Library of the House.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will publish the 2001–02 annual report for the Rural Payments Agency. [HL6324]

The 2001–02 annual report and accounts for the Rural Payments Agency were laid before Parliament today. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they consider the Government of Sudan to be a state sponsor of terrorism. [HL5952]

Her Majesty's Government do not consider Sudan to be a state sponsor of terrorism. The Government of Sudan strongly condemned the terrorist attacks of 11 September and have done much to counter terrorist activity on its territory, although some terrorist elements remain there. The subject of terrorism was taken off the agenda of the EU-Sudan dialogue at the end of 2000 in recognition of this.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether intra-state conflict requires international law on national and territorial sovereignty to be rewritten and the United Nations Charter revised; and, if so, what initiatives the Government intend to take. [HL6064]

We believe that the Charter of the United Nations already contains the necessary powers to deal with intra-state conflicts. Much of the agenda of the Security Council already covers conflicts of this type, e.g. Sierra Leone. We do not believe that amending the charter is necessary or feasible in this context. Nor do we have proposals for new conventions; there is already a well-established body of international humanitarian law which is applicable to intra-state conflict.We also believe that the international community must be able to take effective and appropriate action when faced with overwhelming humanitarian crises and massive violations of human rights, and have proposed guidelines on when it would be appropriate for the UN Security Council to act. But progress in promoting these ideas has been difficult, not least because some states fear that their sovereignty could be undermined.We therefore welcomed the establishment and work of the Canadian-sponsored International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty (ICISS) as an attempt to develop common ground on the circumstances when the international community should act. We welcome many of the recommendations of the ICISS, which are contained in its report

asked Her Majesty's Government:What they consider to have been the causes of the current violence in the Ivory Coast; whether these were preventable; if so, who should have attempted to prevent the causes of violence; and whether they have identified measures, either internal or external, that are likely to lead to permanent solutions. [HL6101]

The immediate cause of the current violence in Cote d'Ivoire was a mutiny by factions of the military unhappy at the Government's proposed terms for their discharge. The underlying causes are not yet fully apparent, but it seems clear that divisions between those of Ivorian descent and immigrants explain, in part, the popular support the rebels have received in parts of the country.These divisions have existed for a number of years and were the cause of a coup in 1999 and attempted coups in 2000 and 2001. Since 2001 the Government of Cote d'Ivoire have sought to address them through a process of national reconciliation.In the current crisis the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) took the lead in arranging a ceasefire between the Government and the rebels. In line with our goal of supporting African solutions to African problems, Her Majesty's Government have provided support for Mohammed Ibn Chambas, Executive Secretary of ECOWAS.French troops are now acting as a buffer force between the two sides while an ECOWAS monitoring force is prepared. A solution to the crisis requires dialogue between the Government and the rebels, a negotiated settlement and a resumption of efforts towards national reconciliation.Lord Alderdice asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their most recent assessment of the humanitarian and security situation in Ivory Coast; and what support they are giving to efforts to achieve an improvement in the situation there.[HL6189]

We have not conducted an independent assessment of the humanitarian impact of the conflict in Cote d'Ivoire.Representatives from our Embassy in Abidjan have met with several relief agencies. These agencies say that the current situation in Cote d'Ivoire is not a major humanitarian crisis, but large numbers of people are suffering and there is a potential impact on neighbouring countries. The UN is preparing an assessment of likely humanitarian needs and we expect it to issue an appeal for funds soon.We are working closely with the international community to bring about a swift and peaceful resolution to the crisis. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is facilitating discussions between the government and the rebels. ECOWAS plans to send a monitoring force to replace the French troops who are providing a buffer force between the two sides. The UK has provided a military adviser to assist ECOWAS in its efforts and we are now considering further support for a monitoring force.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will open the visa section in Islamabad in the near future. [HL6116]

After a brief closure for security reasons the visa section in Islamabad reopened on 22 May 2002. Although the service is a restricted one, its scope has been steadily increased since 22 May and further enhancements are planned when circumstances, particularly the security situation, allows.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether all visa applications to the visa section in Islamabad could be received via Federal Express courier service, as is done for the American embassy. [HL6117]

For the last two years certain categories of applicant (mainly frequent travellers) have been able to send applications through Gerry's Fedex (a local joint venture with Federal Express). Since 22 May 2002, all applications have been handled through Gerry's Fedex.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many ethnic minority visa section employees of Pakistani origin are based in Islamabad. [H L6118]

At present there are two UK-based staff of Pakistani ethnic origin and 39 locally engaged Pakistani staff.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will recruit temporary staff of Pakistani origin to work in the visa section in Islamabad, in light of the threats to white, indigenous staff members. [HL6119]

All staff at the High Commission in Islamabad face the same level of threat irrespective of their ethnic origin and are owed the same duty of care. However, it has been possible to improve gradually visa services in Pakistan. The aim is to enhance further the Pakistan visa service in the coming months to the maximum extent that the prevailing security situation permits.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Since the restriction in services, how many visa applications have been (a) processed and (b) approved in Islamabad. [HL6120]

Between 22 May and 25 October 2002, 25,429 non-settlement applications have been processed. Of these, 19,438 have been approved.Between 18 September 2002 (when the settlement service was resumed) and 15 October, 1,566 settlement applications were considered and of these 1.067 were approved.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have had any recent discussions with the Government of Taiwan about a policy under consideration by that government to offer financial and other incentives to couples to have more children. [HL6138]

Her Majesty's Government have had no discussions with the Taiwanese authorities on this subject.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What concerns they have expressed to General Musharraf about human rights in Pakistan; and when was the last occasion these were specifically mentioned.[HL6196]

Together with our EU partners, we regularly raise our concerns on human rights with the Pakistani authorities. Most recently, on 15 July my honourable friend Mr O'Brien, the Minister responsible for our relations with Pakistan, made clear to the Pakistani High Commissioner in London our concerns about the situation of Christians and Ahmadis in Pakistan and our opposition to the death penalty. We are now considering the elements of a further EU demarche with partners on human rights abuses in Pakistan.

asked her Majesty's Government:What steps they are taking to ensure that the principle of one country-two systems is upheld in Hong Kong, as agreed before hand-over; how they monitor new legislation in Hong Kong; whether legislation based on Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law has been proposed or introduced into the legislature; and, if so, what will be the implications for religious and other voluntary bodies. [HL6102]

Since the handover in 1997, Her Majesty's Government have closely followed developments in Hong Kong, in line with our responsibilities as a co-signatory to the Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong. We have reported to Parliament on the implementation of the Joint Declaration on a regular basis. Where we have had concerns about developments, we have made representations to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government, or to Beijing, as appropriate, as noted in the reports to Parliament.The Hong Kong SAR Government have produced a consultation document outlining their proposals for legislation to meet their obligations under Article 23 of the Basic Law. A public consultation process is now under way but the SAR Government have not yet published detailed legislative proposals.We have made clear to the SAR Government our view that any legislation should be consistent with the principles of the Joint Declaration and the two UN human rights covenants.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What assessment they have made of the sale of the Alenia Marconi Systems radar system to the Government of Sudan and its use by that Government in pursuing their bombing campaign in Southern Sudan; and whether they have discussed with the aid agencies their concern that the radar system used in conjunction with recently acquired Mig-29s will prevent humanitarian aid flights from flying into Southern Sudan. [HL6201]

A modern air traffic control system is needed for the large number of commercial and humanitarian flights that fly over and within Sudan and is crucial for the safety of United Nations and nongovernmental organisations staff involved in the delivery of vital humanitarian aid in Sudan, the majority of which is currently transported by air. Officials have discussed with aid agencies their concerns about the system. In response to the ongoing civil war, the EU instituted an arms embargo in 1994. We implement this rigorously and expect the arms embargo to remain in place while the civil war and human rights abuses continue.The Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army agreed unrestricted humanitarian access for the duration of the IGAD peace talks in the Memorandum of Understanding on the Cessation of Hostilities on 17 October. The UN and the Humanitarian Affairs Commission and the Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Authority met in Nairobi on 25 October to discuss the implementation of unrestricted humanitarian access. We warmly welcome these developments. We continue to urge all parties to give all possible help to the UN and nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) to ensure speedy delivery of humanitarian assistance. Our Ambassador in Khartoum raised the general issue of humanitarian access with the Sudanese Minister of International Cooperation on 24 October.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What action they will take on the findings and recommendations of the United Nations Panel of Experts on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [HL6229]

We are considering a substantive response to the report's recommendations and will be taking a full part in discussions at the UN Security Council.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will make an announcement on the implementation of the Security Council Resolution on Women, Peace and Security passed on 31 October 2000. [HL6325]

The UN Secretary General reported to the Security Council on 16 October on implementation of SCR 1325. That report included a number of important points that the Government strongly support: promoting general equality is not just the responsibility of women; post-conflict reconstruction should be based on full observance of human rights and the principle of non-discrimination; and more effort is needed to address the problems of children associated with armed groups, particularly girls. The Secretary General also proposed a target of 50 per cent women in all areas of UN peace operations by 2015.The Government strongly support both the intention and implementation of this ground-breaking resolution. We welcome the UN's efforts to incorporate a gender perspective throughout its work, including peacekeeping and peacebuilding. We are funding a series of projects through the UN's Department of Peacekeeping Operations, UNIFEM (the UN development fund for women) and NGOs to support implementation of the resolution. We used our Presidency of the Security Council in July to host an open debate on conflict, peacekeeping and gender. We shall continue to work through the Security Council, with the UN and in our peace and development efforts for implementation of this resolution and for the benefit of women and all people striving for peace.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they believe that the speed of broadband connections in the United Kingdom, with the majority running at less than a megabit, acts as a disincentive to customer take-up; and whether such speeds can exploit properly the advantages of information communications technology. [HL5959]

We do not believe that the speed of broadband connections, which at 512 kbps is up to 10 times faster than a standard dial-up modem and at I megabit is up to 20 times faster, is a disincentive to take-up in the United Kingdom. Oftel statistics show that take-up is accelerating at around 20,000 new users each week, contributing to a total that is now in excess of 1 million.These levels of speed for broadband connection in the UK allow greater exploitation of the benefits of information communications technology through faster downloads and always-on access.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they believe there are any lessons to be learnt for the roll-out of broadband connectivity in the United Kingdom from the fact that South Korea provided $1.5 billion of public money to provide a backbone network and a further $1 billion on loans to ensure companies took broadband to rural areas.[HL5957]

A recently published report by a DTI-funded mission into the South Korean broadband experience shows that while there are lessons to be learnt from South Korea's strategy for deploying broadband, the differences between that country and the United Kingdom mean that it would not be appropriate for us to adopt exactly the same approach and indeed that there is no set template for broadband success.The UK Government believe that competition is key to strengthening the broadband market. Large injections of cash would not necessarily lead to competition, choice for consumers and sustainable low prices.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Following the failure of the second attempt at auctioning 28 GHz fixed wireless broadband licences to attract a single bidder, what relaxations to the licence conditions are being proposed; and whether they are satisfied that these will result in a successful third auction. [HL6050]

On 15 October 2002, the Radiocommunications Agency published a consultation document on broadband fixed wireless access at 28 GHz seeking comments on proposals to amend licence conditions in line with the recommendations of the independent review of radio spectrum management conducted by Professor Martin Cave. It proposes to remove the use it or lose it condition and to relax the purpose of use condition so as to allow the deployment of any fixed service. This would apply to both existing and future licences. The agency is also asking whether it should consider making any further changes to the licences.The Government intend to open a new award process as soon as practicable after the conclusion of the consultation. The proposed changes to the licences will give operators the flexibility to offer a wide range of services as they see demand developing. We believe this makes the licences more attractive but it is for operators to decide whether they wish to exploit the opportunity offered.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How they respond to the view of Keith Todd, chairman of the Broadband Stakeholders Group, that, notwithstanding that there are more than 1 million people taking up broadband, a digital divide still exists, with affordable broadband not available to one in three households; and what strategies they have in place or they are developing to address this. [HL6I12]

It is true that around one third of UK households are currently unable to access broadband through ADSL, cable or wireless, although satellite access is available to almost 100 per cent of households. In order to address this, the Government will continue to promote competition as a cornerstone of their broadband policy. A dynamic and competitive market will be the best means of driving broadband investment further. In addition, we are setting up a new regional broadband unit, which will work with the regional development agencies and devolved administrations to develop broadband availability.Further information on the Government's broadband strategy will be found in the 2002 UK Online Annual Report, to be published shortly.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the market-driven model for broadband roll-out will achieve adequate, if not complete, coverage for the whole of the United Kingdom, with particular reference to those areas of the country where it is currently perceived that no commercial market exists. [HL6113]

The Government believe that the roll-out and take-up of broadband must be market-driven in order to ensure the high levels of competition needed to produce sustainable low prices and consumers interest. This approach has meant that the UK currently has better levels of competition in the broadband market than any of its European G7 neighbours.To help stimulate the market in those areas where broadband is not currently available, we are establishing a new regional broadband unit, due to be launched in November. The unit's broadband experts, to be located in the English regions and the devolved administrations, will work to promote the development of broadband, including extending its availability.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What plans they have for the delivery of broadband connectivity throughout the public sector in the United Kingdom. [HL6I14]

A new regional broadband unit, to be launched in November 2002, will work with individual government departments to develop broadband connectivity in the public sector. The unit will include a team of procurement experts, to be based as the Office of Government Commerce. OGC is also producing new framework contracts between public sector organisations and suppliers.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they agree with the analysis of Howard Schmidt, vice-president of President Bush's Critical Infrastructure Protection Board. that cyber crime in the shape of computer viruses is costing the world economy billions of dollars, and if so, what action they intend to take.[HL5960]

I refer the noble Earl to my previous Answers when he last raised the question of what the Government are doing to respond to the increasing threats to information systems answered on 7 May, (WA 163–4). The survey referred to in those Answers makes clear that poor information security management can lead to breaches—and not only those arising from viruses—which lead to significant costs for business.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the recent comments of Mr Stephen Timms, Minister for e-commerce, at the Information Assurance Advisory Council's third annual symposium, what additional proposals they have to both promote information technology security and to assist United Kingdom companies in delivering it, with particular reference to possible legislative options. [HL6051]

My honourable friend the Minister for e-commerce said in his address to IAAC's third annual symposium that the department is preparing a new element of the UK Online for Business website aimed at introducing smaller companies to information security management and technologies. After this is finalised, we will seek other ways to get this information to smaller users. We have no proposals to regulate this area and believe that business will rise to the challenge of integrating security into its products and services.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Which of Her Majesty's Ministers is responsible for policy combating ageism. [HL5979]

The Ministers with primary responsibility for combating ageism are as follows; Barbara Roche MR Minister for Women in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, reporting to my right honourable friend Patricia Hewitt MP on this, is responsible for implementation of the European Employment Directive Article 13 of the Treaty of Rome that will prevent age discrimination in employment and vocational training, supported by officials in the Department of Trade and Industry.The right honourable Ian McCartney MP, Minister of State for Pensions, is responsible for tackling age discrimination in employment. This includes promoting the business benefits of age diversity to employers through the Age Positive campaign.Two Cabinet sub-committees lead on these areas, the Cabinet sub-Committee on Equality (DA(EQ)) and the Cabinet sub-Committee on Older People (DA(OP)).

asked Her Majesty's Government:Why are there laws to prevent discrimination on grounds of sex, race and religion but not of age. [HL5981]

The Government are committed to introducing legislation under the European Employment Directive outlawing age discrimination in employment and vocational training by December 2006. Legislation relating to the sexual orientation and religion or belief strands of the directive will be implemented by December 2003.The Government have already sought views on a number of general age issues in the consultation document