asked Her Majesty's Government:For each of the last 50 years and in total (in so far as statistics are available) what were:

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

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their estimate of the numbers employed in (a) the United Kingdom aerospace industry and (b) the United Kingdom steel industry in (i) 1970 and (ii) 2000. [HL3468]

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

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they support English Heritage's campaign for a 5 per cent flat rate of VAT on all building work whether new build or repair and maintenance to existing building. [HL3563]

The Government have no plans to remove the zero rates of VAT on the construction of new housing, residential buildings and charity buildings, so have not accepted the case for a 5 per cent rate of VAT on all building work. However, the Government will carefully consider the representations from English Heritage and other bodies for a reduced rate on all building repair work in the context of the upcoming European Commission review of the reduced rates provisions in EC VAT law.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When detailed results from the 2001 census for wards and smaller areas in England and Wales will be published. [HL3673]

A report on the 2001 census key statistics for wards in England and Wales is being laid before Parliament today. Copies in electronic media are available in the Libraries of the House and from the Office for National Statistics.The report will provide a compact and self-contained reference, providing key results covering a wide range of census topics. Figures for the 8,875 wards and electoral divisions in England and Wales, presented generally as percentage distributions, can be readily compared with those for other areas and with the national averages. The report, in the form of a CD ROM, is effectively a supplement to the 2001 census report on key statistics for local authorities in England and Wales, laid before the House on 13 February, but which, for technical reasons, could not be released at that time.The report will comprise a set of 24 tables covering all the 8,005 wards in England and the 870 electoral divisions in Wales, as well as comparable national figures for England and Wales.A similar range of statistics for census output areas, prepared under Section 4(2) of the Census Act, is also being made publicly available today. Output areas are the smallest geographical area level for which detailed census information is produced. They are areas that typically comprise around 125 households, and have a minimum population threshold of 100 persons and 40 resident households, below which key statistics may not be released.These key statistics for wards and output areas will also be freely available on the National Statistics website through the Neighbourhood Statistic Service from today.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the breakdown of the population of the United Kingdom in the age brackets used in the national census; and what is the number of disabled people in those age brackets. [HL3570]

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

asked Her Majesty's Government:Who is now the head of the judiciary with the function of ensuring the independence of the judiciary from the executive. [HL3418]

Pending legislation changing the constitutional position, I will continue to fulfil all the responsibilities of the Lord Chancellor in relation to the judiciary, save I will not sit as a judge.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the Judicial Appointments Commission will be responsible not only for the appointment but also for the promotion of members of the judiciary and others exercising judicial power, and for matters of discipline and court management and administration; and, if not, where responsibility will lie. [HL3421]

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer I gave on 19 June 2003 (Official Report, WA 131). The Government have undertaken to consult on the arrangements for the new Judicial Appointments Commission before the summer recess. No decisions will be taken on the specific role and functions of the Commission until the consultation exercise has been completed.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the Judicial Appointments Commission will be responsible for matters concerning the judiciary throughout the United Kingdom or only in England and Wales. [HL3422]

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer I gave on 19 June 2003 (Official Report, WA 131). The new Judicial Appointments Commission will be responsible for matters concerning the judiciary only in England and Wales. Scotland has its own Judicial Appointments Board. The Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 set out the framework for establishing a Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission. The Government have undertaken to consult on the arrangements for the new Commission for England and Wales before the summer recess.

asked Her Majesty's Government:In the North/South Ministerial Council's decision of 19 May concerning salaries of the Language Implementation Body, why the decision paper entitled

The decision paper IP LAN 5 in the background note, paragraph 2, referred to "the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Community, Arts and Leisure". The reference should have read "the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure".

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 7 January (

I very much regret the delay in replying. The information on costing promised is below.COST OF EXPERT ADVICE PROVIDED TO LINGUISTIC DIVERSITY BRANCH, DCAL

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 3 June (

The original figure of £1,413.97 for artwork listed in my Answer to the noble Lord on 3 June (WA 139) should have read £3,006 as some costs were incorrectly categorised as furnishings. The artwork is comprised of eight drawings, two paintings, four glass pieces and a wooden/copper sculpture. Only the latter item of artwork, costing

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 3 June (

The set-up costs for the Special EU Programmes Body during the years 2001 and 2002 were as follows:

Year	Premises Set Up*	IT Equipment	Professional (Recruitment) fees
2001	£442,656	£143.757	£168,627
2002	£242,441	£72,061	£36,688
* Breakdown of Premises Set Up by Office

2001	Fixtures and Fittings	Construction Fit-out	Electrical Work	Professional Fees	Total
Belfast	£3,575	—	—	£11,562	£15,137
Omagh	£25,303	£155,149	£195,516	£51,551	£427,519
Monaghan	—	—	—	—	—
Total	£28,878	£155,149	£195,516	£63,113	£442,656

£864, was actually paid for by the SEUPB. The other items predated the SEUPB and were transferred at no cost from DOF to the SEUPB upon occupation of the Monaghan premises. This one item was ordered by DOF in 1999, but only arrived in 2000 and it is this item which the SEUPB actually paid for. Similarly the bulk of the Monaghan office furniture pre-existed the SEUPB and became its assets, but without cost to the body. The corrected table is as follows:

Furnishings1	Amount (£ Sterling)2
Belfast Office	11,200.27
Omagh Office	4,096.69
Monaghan Office	12,920.893

Furnishings1	Amount (£ Sterling)2
Sub Total	28,217.85
Fittings
Safe	1,770.47
Air Conditioning	276.23
Artwork	3,006.004
Total	33,270.55

Office Furnishings of £28,217.85 are detailed below.

	Chairs	Workstations/Tables/Drawer Units	Cabinets	Bookcases/Shelves	Coffee Tables
Belfast	15	17	8	3
Monaghan	29	11	8	3	2
Omagh	10	11	1
1 Furnishings comprise desks, chairs, tables and other office furniture.
2 Figures relate to expenditure during the first year of operation (2000).
3 Includes notional cost of existing furniture prior to SEUPB occupying the office.
4 Includes notional costs of existing artwork prior to SEUPB occupying the office.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the role of the Special European Union Programmes Body includes the relocation of people living in Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland even if those people are wanted by the Northern Ireland security forces. [HL3255]

No. The Special European Union Programmes Body is the managing authority for the PEACE II programme and the Northern Ireland/Ireland INTERREG IIIA programme. There are no measures or activities defined in the programme complements of the PEACE II or INTERREG IIIA programmes which fund the relocation of people living in Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the allocated budget for the North/South Ministerial Council Joint Secretariat for 2003, broken down into detailed headings; who approved the budget; under what procedure; and on what date. [HL3251]

The 2003–04 budget allocation for the North/South Ministerial Council Joint Secretariat (North) is £672,000. The budget allocation is not approved at a detailed level but as a total figure.The budget is approved annually by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister in accordance with the department's budget management arrangements, operating within the procedures for the management of public expenditure in Northern Ireland.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the North/South Ministerial Council Secretariat's policy towards inquiries from the public about its activities in terms of telephone calls, e-mails, letters, individual visits and deputations. [HL3277]

The North/South Ministerial Council Joint Secretariat (North) is committed to dealing with telephone calls, e-mails, letters, individual visits and deputations in line with the six service standards for central government. These standards are set out below:THE SIX SERVICE STANDARDS FOR CENTRAL GOVERNMENTIn serving the public, every central government department and agency will aim to do the following:

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the average expenditure, for the most recent year, for each pupil in a primary school in Northern Ireland; and what is the comparable figure for England. [HL3291]

The table below sets out the information requested for the latest year for which data are available (2001–02). The figure for Northern Ireland is taken from outturn statements published by each of the education and library boards for controlled and maintained schools and the Department for Education in respect of grant-maintained integrated schools. The figure for England represents net current expenditure and is drawn from the DfES Section 52 outturn statements for 2001–02 as reported by local education authorities. Direct comparison of these per capita figures is not appropriate given the differences in the levels of delegated responsibility, the incidence of small schools and differing levels of social deprivation.

Year	2001–02
Northern Ireland	£2,402
England	£2,700

asked Her Majesty's Government:What steps they are taking to improve public transport in rural areas in Northern Ireland. [HL3610]

We are assisting Ulsterbus under the Northern Ireland rural transport fund to introduce and operate new bus services in rural areas, which are economically unviable. The fund currently supports 53 Ulsterbus routes, which provide 1,158 additional services each week to people in rural areas. Of these routes 21 have been introduced since April 2002. The fund also supports the operations of 16 rural community transport partnerships, which provides door-to-door and group hire services using accessible mini-buses. Most of rural Northern Ireland is now covered by partnerships and we are working to extend coverage to those areas currently without such services. The resources available to the fund are due to increase to £4.1 million in 2005–06 from the current level of £1.8 million.Public transport in rural areas will also benefit from measures being taken to improve services in Northern Ireland generally. Grant aid of £46 million over the next three years to assist Translink to purchase new buses will enable the company to introduce more new low-floor buses on rural routes. We have also initiated a pilot scheme to tender for the supply of new bus services outside the Belfast area to be supported by bus route subsidies.The regional transportation strategy (RTS) 2002–12 identifies a range of possible measures to improve public transport in rural areas, including new flexible demand-responsive services. The RTS is being implemented throught three transport plans. The sub-regional transport plan will consider the appropriate mix of different types of public transport services needed in different locations. We are committed to the development of an accessible transport strategy by December 2004. That strategy will help inform the emerging transport plans and assist targeting of resources to promote social inclusion and target social need in rural areas.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many convictions have been successful in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years for cruelty to animals. [HL3583]

The table presents the number of convictions for cruelty to animals for each of the calendar years 1996 to 2000.

Year	Number of Convictions
1996	17
1997	5
1998	14
1999	14
2000	6

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many convictions for selling tobacco products to minors have been successful in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years. [HL3609]

In 1996 there was one conviction for selling tobacco to a person under 16 years of age. There were no further convictions during the years 1997 to 2000.

asked the Chairman of Committees:What is the reason that franked envelopes have to be issued in small packages and signed for by Peers, whereas, for Members of the House of Commons, they are freely available on Members' desks and to their secretaries as well as in the Library. [HL3635]

The rules governing the free postage scheme, which was introduced in 2001, have been kept under review by the Administration and Works Committee. In November 2001 the committee increased the maximum number of pre-paid envelopes that could be issued at one time from 50 to 100, and agreed that Members' staff who are pass-holders could collect envelopes on Members' behalf. In December 2002 the committee agreed to a request to add self-seal envelopes to the range of stationery available. However, the committee's view remains that it is appropriate to have rules in place to ensure that the overall take-up and cost of the scheme can be monitored. These rules will also assist the House authorities in implementing the decision of the House on 14 January to include the costs of the free post age scheme within the House of Lords' publication scheme, in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The rules in the House of Commons are a matter for the authorities of that House.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What success they have had alongside the Government of Mozambique in attracting civil society to the poverty reduction strategy process in Mozambique; and to what extent such participation extends beyond Maputo to other regional centres. [HL3457]

The Government of Mozambique have outlined their plan to tackle poverty in the Plano de Acção de Redução da Pobreza Absoluta (PARPA) 2001–05, which constitutes the country's poverty reduction strategy paper (PRSP). The PARPA was approved in September 2001. It has as its central objective the reduction of the incidence of absolute poverty from its 1999 level of 70 per cent to less than 60 per cent by 2005 and less than 50 per cent by 2010. The PARPA identifies five priority areas: health, education, agriculture and rural development, good governance and infrastructure. An operational matrix has been developed that contains the main actions to be carried out in each sector over the five-year period.The Government of Mozambique have also developed a strategic framework for the monitoring and evaluation of the PARPA and are committed to ensuring that this framework is implemented in partnership with key stakeholders including civil society. In April 2003, the government established the poverty observatory (OP)—one of the central planks of the monitoring and evaluation strategy. DfID welcomes the establishment of the poverty observatory as an important mechanism to facilitate dialogue on the PARPA by a range of actors.Civil society organisations participated in the first meetings of the poverty observatory but their engagement was constrained by a lack of clarity about their role in the process and the unclear agenda that was set for the consultation. In addition, civil society representation was disproportionately Maputo-based. There is a need now to build on the foundations of the poverty observatory so as to make it a more meaningful instrument for dialogue and exchange between government and civil society.In 2001 DfID-Mozambique funded a consultancy to appraise civil society participation in the PARPA process. We are now taking this forward, working closely with a number of other donor agencies. It is hoped that this will lead to a more strategic approach to supporting the strengthening of the level and nature of civil society participation in the PARPA monitoring and evaluation process.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether issues of international trade affecting developing countries should not be taken in isolation but should be discussed in conjunction with debt relief, development aid, poverty reduction, the environment, movement of labour and health; and, if so, what steps they will take to achieve this. [HL3534]

The Government fully support an integrated approach to development that looks at all dimensions of poverty in a holistic way. The UK's trade strategy for poor countries is no exception and is embedded in the overall development strategy of DfID, as set out in the two White Papers.Globalisation is reinforcing the need for an integrated approach to policy-making. Policies no longer fit into neat sectoral boxes and the distinction between domestic and international policy is increasingly blurred. Most domestic policies, such as taxation, have international implications and most international policies, such as trade, have domestic implications. The formulation of sustainable development strategies in a global economy requires developed and developing countries to have more joined-up and coherent policies.Developed countries have a particular responsibility. There is no sense, for example, in using development assistance to support countries, and then undermining this through trade restrictions and unfair subsidies. All developed country policies towards the world's poorest countries should be consistent with a commitment to sustainable development and poverty reduction.DfID's integrated approach to development policy also maximises the effectiveness of its development assistance. There has been a significant shift in DfID's approach away from stand-alone projects towards creating institutions and policies required to build accountable and effective states. International development assistance is more effective at reducing poverty when it is used to support a shared agenda set by a credible poverty reduction strategy (PRS). This approach—to which DfID and other donors committed themselves at Monterrey—provides the right framework for governments and donors to agree the priorities for policy reform and expenditure together with their citizens. Aid is provided in support of these poverty reduction strategies and is conditional on governments staying on course with the reform agenda.DfID's new country assistance plans (CAP) start from the basis of our partner countries' own PRSs and set out in detail how DfID will work in an integrated way to support these as part of the international development effort.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How they are helping the International Labour Organisation to achieve a living wage for workers in the developing world, in particular for primary producers and migrant workers. [HL3535]

DfID is committed to supporting the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) efforts to secure decent working conditions and economic security for all poor women and men in developing countries. Through the £15 million DfID/ILO partnership framework agreement, we are supporting a number of initiatives to deepen the ILO's involvement in nationally owned poverty reduction strategies, support for trade and labour rights, the improvement of working conditions in the informal economy, the eradication of child labour and trafficking, and other poverty-related issues. Other bilateral support for the ILO comes from DfID's country programmes for additional poverty-related programmes in Africa and Asia.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will urge the World Trade Organisation to adopt and give its support to the eight Millennium Development Goals. [HL3537]

The Government's position, set out in the 2000 White Paper Eliminating World Poverty: Making Glohalisation Work For The Poor, is that we will indeed urge the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to commit itself with the rest of the international community to achieving the international development targets. Dr Supachai, Director General of the WTO, has stated that he is also personally committed to these goals, though he recognizes that the WTO is not a development organization, and thus must work with other agencies such as the World Bank, UNCTAD, and UNDP to ensure complementary policies to achieve these targets.The WTO and its members can best contribute to attainment of the MDGs by ensuring that the current WTO round delivers on the ambition of the Doha development agenda and that the negotiations result in tangible benefits for developing countries and the poor. This is particularly true of progress needed in the various negotiations of most importance to developing countries, such as agriculture, TRIPS and public health and special and differential treatment. We will be working hard in the run-up to the 5th WTO ministerial meeting in Mexico in September to ensure that we secure a successful outcome to these negotiations.

In recognition of the difficulties faced by poorer developing countries in participating effectively in WTO negotiations, particularly those without representation in Geneva, DfID supports three Geneva-based institutions which provide information, networking services and advice to developing country trade negotiators on complex technical issues. These are: the Agency for International Trade Information and Co-operation (AITIC) offering country-specific support and facilities and services to least developed countries (LDCs) enabling effective LDC participation in multilateral negotiations; the Advisory Centre on WTO Law (ACWL) offering technical legal support in dispute settlement cases: the WTO South Centre offering support to least developed countries developing agricultural negotiating positions.The UK also contributes to the multi-donor Trade and Investment Access Facility (TIAF). This supports developing Commonwealth countries in their preparation and participation in WTO negotiations.More generally, DfID is funding a variety of initiatives to help developing countries including support to enhance their ability to negotiate favourable deals in trade negotiations, helping them interpret trade agreements and supporting them in taking advantage of new trading opportunities. To this end, the government have committed £45 million to trade-related capacity building since 1998.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will consider ways of improving the co-ordination of chaplaincy services between prisons, removal centres, special hospitals and regional secure units. [HL3409]

Chaplaincy provision for these different types of establishment is managed separately. The Chaplain General of the Prison Service is in regular contact with the chief executive of the Hospital Chaplaincies Council and with officials in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate. If the noble Lord has particular concerns or is aware of areas in which closer co-ordination would be helpful, the Chaplain General would welcome any such information or suggestions.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 16 June (Official Report, col. 522) concerning the Capita contract for the Criminal Records Bureau, what "further checks" are contemplated; over what time will they be introduced; and what their cost will be. [HL3470]

It has always been the intention that the Criminal Records Bureau should issue three levels of disclosure, and the contract provides accordingly. We have made it clear that the lowest level of disclosures—basics, which will show any unspent convictions—will be introduced as soon as practicable. But the priority for the CRB is to ensure that demand for higher-level disclosures is fully met, and that applicants for such disclosures receive a satisfactory service. Basic disclosures will not be introduced until these objectives have been met. The level of fee will be announced at the appropriate time.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will review and compare the application of immigration detention centre rules as they currently operate in removal centres. [HL3520]

There are no plans for a specific review of the application of the detention centre rules in individual removal centres. Monitoring compliance with the rules is a continuous process carried out by Immigration Service contract monitors and managers. Compliance with the rules is also a matter of proper concern to the independent monitoring boards (visiting committees) appointed to each centre and can be expected to be considered by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons as part of their inspection programme.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What plans they have to review the effectiveness of the regime for reporting suspicions of money laundering. [HL3727]

We have today placed in the Library of the House a copy of a report on the effectiveness of the regime for reporting suspicions of money laundering—suspicious activity reports. A copy has also been placed on the Home Office website.The Home Office commissioned the review, which was carried out by KPMG and funded from recovered criminal assets, because we recognised that the current system needs to work better in the fight against money laundering and the tracking of criminals' assets.The report concludes that the present reporting system does lead to criminals being caught but makes a number of recommendations to make it much more effective. The Government welcome the broad thrust of the report. We are determined to ensure that all elements of our asset recovery strategy, of which the money laundering reporting system is one, are working effectively. As a first step we are taking forward the report's principal recommendation and setting up a high-level task force, chaired by a senior Home Office official and comprising senior representatives of the private sector and law enforcement, to oversee the changes which are necessary.We will be working with the key stakeholders to ensure that the reporting system delivers maximum intelligence and benefit to law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime and that it operates as efficiently as possible.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When the 2002 annual report on strategic export controls will be published. [HL3688]

The 2002 annual report on strategic export controls was published at 14.30 today as a Command Paper, and copies have been placed in the Library of the House. The report includes information on licensing decisions made during 2002 as well as describing UK policy and international development in export control regimes.Since 1997 the Government have taken great strides to make our defence exports licensing system one of the most rigorous and open in the world and this annual report, the sixth of its kind, is a symbol of our commitment to transparency and accountability. The report will be available on the FCO website and also published through the Stationery Office.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Bach on 30 April (

The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, the Irish Guards and the Queen's Royal Lancers have already returned to their barracks in Germany. The Black Watch and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers will complete their return to barracks in Germany in early July.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many weapons and what quantities of ammunition and explosives have so far been:

United Kingdom forces have recovered and destroyed significant quantities of arms, ammunition and explosives since the conflict began. During combat operations arms and munitions were detroyed, as there were no facilities to hold or transport such items. UK forces continue to find extensive amounts of weapons and ammunition and explosives and detailed inventories of all found to date have not yet been made. This is an ongoing process and some of the recovered items will be kept for use by the future Iraqi Army.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the timetable for the review of local government structures in two-tier areas in the three northern regions of England. [HL3492]

As my right honourable Friend the Deputy Prime Minister made clear in the Statement on 16 June 2003, (Official Report, col. 21), the Boundary Committee was directed to start its reviews no later than 17 June 2003 and to complete them by no later than 25 May 2004.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the estimated cost within each region, both centrally and to each local authority, of the review of local government structures in two-tier areas in the three northern regions of England. [HL3493]

The Boundary Committee estimates that it will incur costs in the region of £6.5 million in conducting reviews of the three northern regions. It is not possible to attribute these costs to individual regions.The level of costs incurred by each local authority will depend on their own decisions about the extent and nature of their participation in the review process.

asked Her Majesty's Government:In what ways the electors will be consulted on the review of local government structures in two-tier areas in the three northern regions of England. [HL3494]

Section 15 of the Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Act 2003 provides for the procedure which the Boundary Committee is to adopt in undertaking reviews.The committee is required to take such steps as it considers sufficient to ensure that persons who may be interested in a review are informed about it and given the opportunity to make representations at the outset of the review and when it publishes its draft recommendations.In the light of recommendations from the Boundary Committee, the Government will arrange for a referendum to be held, giving electors in two-tier areas of the region an opportunity to say which of two or more options for unitary local government they prefer.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the reviews of local government structures in two-tier areas in the three northern regions of England will take into account any representations they receive in favour of the status quo; and whether they will include the fact they have received such representations in their reports. [HL3495]

It is for the Boundary Committee to decide both the relevance of representations it receives, including representations for options that it has no power to recommend, such as the status quo, and how it presents its recommendations.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the position with regard to ongoing reviews of electoral boundaries in local authorities such as Lancashire which are included in the review of local government structures in two-tier areas in the three northern regions of England. [HL3496]

This is a matter for the Electoral Commission.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What criteria they are stipulating or intend to stipulate in relation to the geographical, economic or social nature, community relationships, size or other matters relating to proposed unitary authorities in the review of local government structures in two-tier areas in the three northern regions of England. [HL3497]

The Government have issued policy and procedural guidance to the committee, to which it must have regard under section 14(8)(e) of the Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Act 2003. Copies of the guidance were placed in the Library of the House on 16 June.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What are the powers of the regional chambers in the three northern regions of England to express opinions, publicise those opinions and otherwise campaign, in relation to the establishment of elected regional assemblies in their regions or of one or other system of local government reorganisation in any part of their areas; and to spend money in so doing. [HL3512]

The Government believe that regional chambers are entitled to take a view on their preferred outcome to a referendum on moving to elected regional assemblies, and to report that view. They may also take steps to raise awareness of what would be at issue in a referendum, including the reorganisation of local government that would be involved. But their funding agreement with the Government prohibits the use of central government money for active campaigning for a particular outcome to a referendum on elected regional assemblies and restructuring of local government.Use by regional chambers of subscriptions from local authorities is a matter between the chamber and the local authorities concerned. The latter will need to have regard to the code of practice on local government publicity.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether and when the regional chamber will cease to exist in an English region in which an elected regional assembly is set up. [HL3513]

Existing regional chambers are designated under the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998 to scrutinise the activities of the regional development agencies and appointed as regional planning bodies. Both functions would pass to an elected regional assembly; the regional development agency would be directly accountable to an elected regional assembly. Existing designations would be revoked.

asked Her Majesty's Government:In what ways their proposals for elected regional assemblies will, in the words of the Deputy Prime Minister in his Statement of 16 June, reduce bureaucracy. [HL3514]

The White Paper Your Region, Your Choice takes forward the Government's manifesto commitment to allow each of the English regions the opportunity, if they wish, to establish directly elected assemblies. These proposals will bring decision-making closer to the people and make government more efficient, more effective and more accountable.Elected assemblies will have a democratic mandate to address the needs and priorities of their regions, and the powers and flexibility they need to allocate resources to meet regional priorities. They will be directly accountable in the region for decisions and activities currently made by central government or quangos. They will provide stronger scrutiny and improve co-ordination between existing bodies.These proposals will not mean more bureaucracy. In regions where people vote to have an elected assembly, we will move to a wholly unitary local government to ensure that there are only two tiers of government below the national level.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many quangos exist in the North West, in Yorkshire and Humberside, and in the North East; and which ones in each region they intend to abolish if an elected regional assembly is established. [HL3515]

There are 19 national public bodies with regional or local offices in the north-west of England; 20 in Yorkshire and the Humber; 21 in the north-east region. These figures do not include central government departments and agencies with regional or local offices in northern England.Annex C of the White Paper,

asked Her Majesty's Government:To whom the Government Offices for the Regions will be responsible following the establishment of elected regional assemblies in their areas. [HL3516]

The Government Offices for the Regions will remain responsible to central government. But, as outlined in the White Paper Your Region, Your Choice, certain functions currently performed by the Government Offices would pass to an elected regional assembly.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What information they have about appeals against refusal of planning permission for development of gypsy sites in the latest 12 months for which figures are available. [HL3518]

The Planning Inspectorate's database holds the following information on appeals against the refusal of planning permission for the establishment of gypsy sites for the period 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003:

• 92 appeals were received in this period;
• 14 were allowed;
• 39 were dismissed;
• 8 have been withdrawn;
• 31 cases are ongoing.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will launch round 5 of the Beacon Council Scheme [HL3685]

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is launching the fifth round of the Beacon Council Scheme on Wednesday 2 July with the publication of the application brochure setting out instructions on how to apply, the detailed criteria that will be used to address applications, and what being a beacon will mean. Copies of the brochure will be placed in the Library of the House.The Beacon Council Scheme provides a successful, positive way of recognising achievement and spreading best practice. It enables authorities to learn from each other to improve the services they deliver. In the first four rounds of the scheme, 186 beacon awards have been made in 39 service themes. Nearly all councils in England have attended at least one learning event. Independent research has shown that real improvements are taking place as a result of this learning and that the scheme is really having an effect in raising achievement.The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is inviting all councils and best value authorities that believe they have achieved excellence in one or more of this year's beacon themes to apply for beacon status. This round's themes for which we are now inviting applications are:

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they propose to treat printer ink and toner cartridges as "consumables" or as "waste electrical equipment". [HL3147]

The European Commission has already made clear that these goods are considered consumables for the purpose of this directive. The Government agree with this view.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What steps they intend to take to ensure that the wood panel industry in the United Kingdom will not be deprived of wood residues by the development of power stations burning wood residues. [HL3381]

My officials are obtaining further information on the availability of forestry material used by power generators and wood panel manufacturers.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What steps they are taking to ensure that there is a continuing supply of nuclear scientists and engineers necessary both to maintain the skills base of the nuclear industry and of its regulator, the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate, and to underpin the credibility of the nuclear option. [HL3403]

Following the publication in December 2002 of the report of the "Nuclear Skills Group", activity has focused on the development of proposals for a new sector skills council—COGENT—covering the nuclear industry, oil and gas, petroleum and polymers. My officials have also been in discussion with a number of universities about the provision of relevant courses to ensure that skills relevant to the nuclear industry, including its regulators, are available for the future. These discussions are continuing.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they expect agreement to be reached on the European Union Takeover Directive. [HL3427]

It is not presently possible to say when agreement may be achieved on the EU Takeover Directive.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What changes have been made to their policy regarding the European Union Takeover Directive following the German Government's support for their position on the European Union Agency Workers Directive. [HL3428]

The Government continue to support the aims of the European Commission's October 2002 proposal—that the Takeover Directive should represent a genuine contribution to the single market and increase shareholder protection across the EU.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their estimate of the value of annual exports of the United Kingdom aerospace industry. [HL3465]

According to information published by the Office for National Statistics in UK Trade in Goods Analysed in Terms of Industries, exports of the UK aerospace industry in 2002 amounted to £11.6 billion. The aerospace industry is defined by heading 35.3 of the UK Standard Industrial Classification of Economic Activities (SIC) 1992.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their estimate of the value of annual exports of the United Kingdom steel industry. [HL3466]

According to information published by the Office for National Statistics in UK Trade in Goods Analysed in Terms of Industries, exports of the UK steel industry in 2002 amounted to £3.4 billion. The steel industry is defined by headings 27.1, 27.2, and 27.3 of the UK Standard Industrial Classification of Economic Activities (SIC) 1992.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Sainsbury of Turville on 17 June (

Representations seeking amendments to the draft regulations to ensure religious organisations could continue to comply with doctrinal requirements or strongly held religious beliefs of their followers were received from a range of organisations and individuals. These included representations from the Archbishops' Council of the Church of England, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, the Muslim Council of Great Britain and the Baha'i Community of the UK. Many other representations supported this view. I will write to the noble Lord with further details.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Sainsbury of Turville on 17 June (

The Government provided explanatory notes on the regulations when they were laid before Parliament in May. Copies were placed in the Library of the House and are on the DTI website. Further information, including a brief guide to the key features of the regulations and a more detailed explanation of the law, will be added to the website. ACAS is producing practical workplace guidance designed to meet the needs of employers and individuals which will be available in the autumn.It will be for tribunals or, as appropriate, the courts to reach their own judgments on the application of the law.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What steps the Northern Ireland Office will be taking to implement the recommendation contained in paragraph 10 of Chapter II in

The report of the Fundamental Review of Death Certification and Investigation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland was published in June 2003. The Government will publish their response to the report later in the year. The Northern Ireland Court Service has initiated a period of public consultation on those aspects of the review that apply to the coroners' service and inquests in Northern Ireland.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether any development of child death review protocols in Northern Ireland will involve the input of relevant staff from child protection agencies. [HL3388]

The report of the Fundamental Review of Death Certification in England, Wales and Northern Ireland was published in June 2003. One of the recommendations in the report is that protocols should be developed on how children's services and child protection agencies should be involved in death investigation. The Northern Ireland Court Service has initiated a period of public consultation on those aspects of the review which apply to the coroners service and inquests in Northern Ireland. The Government will publish their response to the report later in the year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the purpose of Crown Immunity; whether it is still appropriate today; and if not, what plans they have to change it. [HL3423]

Government has a duty to act in the best interest of citizens. Exposing the Crown to criminal liability generally could promote an excessively cautious approach to government and could divert public resources into litigation.However, Crown immunity is being removed, where appropriate, as legislative opportunities arise.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the current size of vaccine stocks held to meet an outbreak of smallpox, anthrax and other plagues which terrorists might use. [HL3129]

We have a substantial strategic stock of smallpox vaccine, which would be rapidly deployed to contain any outbreak. We have taken steps to considerably increase our supplies. We are planning for every eventuality and this includes the ability to vaccinate the entire population if necessary.With regard to anthrax and other biological agents that could be used as deliberate release weapons for example plague and tularaemia, the first line treatment for these would be antibiotics rather than vaccines.