asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, in their decision of 26 February to cut by 16 per cent the budget of the Ulster-Scots Agency for 2003, the underspend for 2002–03 by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure was taken into consideration. [HL3275]

Budgets for all North/South bodies are determined in the context of annual business plans for the bodies and the financial resources required to deliver the plans. The process of agreeing the budget was carried out in accordance with the arrangements under the agreement made by the exchange of notes between the two governments dated 19 November 2002. The financial position of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure at that time was not a factor in this process.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have made representations to the Government of the Republic of Ireland concerning that government's decision to cut by 16 per cent the budget of the Language Implementation Body for 2003; if they have, in what form, on what date, and what was the result. [HL3315]

The budget for the North/South Language Implementation Body for 2003 was agreed by the two governments on 26 February 2003 under the agreement made by the exchange of notes between the two governments dated 19 November. Prior to the approval by the two governments the proposed budget was the subject of consultation between the relevant departments North and South and was agreed by the Finance Ministers North and South. As the noble Lord is aware, the Secretary of State raised the issue of funding for the North/South Language Body at the meeting of the British-Irish Inter-Governmental Conference on 20 May, and work is now underway to change the funding.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether coroner's post-mortems in Northern Ireland involving the unexplained deaths of children are carried out in conjunction with a paediatric pathologist. [HL3389]

It is the policy of the State Pathologist's Department to perform all paediatric post mortem examinations jointly with a paediatric pathologist. The post mortem examinations are performed in the mortuary at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What financial support, over the past year, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board has given to the Irish cultural tourism programme and to that of Ulster Scots. [HL3426]

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has mainstreamed cultural tourism as a key marketing and development opportunity for tourism in Northern Ireland. NITB will prioritise the development of a visitor experience that is unique to Northern Ireland and that capitalises on the distinctive and diverse elements of Northern Ireland's cultural traditions and way of life.More specifically on the issue of financial support for cultural events, NITB supported the following during the period from 1 June 2002 to 31 May 2003:

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether a mechanism to reduce the cost of borrowing in the Northern Ireland energy market remains a priority policy. [HL3507]

The Government made clear their continuing commitment to reducing energy costs for consumers in the context of the consultation paper Towards a New Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment on 17 April 2003.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether re-financing of the contracts for Ballylumford power station; the Moyle electricity interconnector; and the Northern Ireland to Scotland gas pipeline is near completion; and how the customer will benefit from these transactions. [HL3509]

The Moyle interconnector was sold on 14 April 2003 to a fully debt financed, not-for-profit company. This will lead to a reduction of some £12 million in customers' bills over the next four years.Discussions about the scope for introducing a similar not-for-profit structure for the Northern Ireland to Scotland gas pipeline are at an early stage.Further options for the refinancing of energy assets and contracts—including the generator contracts—are being considered by a working group of economists drawn from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, the Department of Finance and Personnel and the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation. The working group is expected to report shortly.

asked Her Majesty's Government:On what basis persons were invited to a seminar held by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission on 26 June; and whether the invitation list can be placed in the Library of the House together with a list of those who attended. [HL3726]

This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. The Chief Commissioner has been asked to write to the noble Lord. A copy of his letter will be placed in the Library.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What has been the response to the Get Started initiative featured on the Cabinet Office website, "The Magic of Harry Potter with UK online", broken down according to the stated target groups of "older people, people on low incomes, the long-term unemployed, ethnic minority communities and people with disabilities". [HL3903]

"The Magic of Harry Potter with UK online" was one of many activities undertaken with commercial partners during the Get Started campaign to promote the benefits of the Internet.People without home Internet access were invited to watch J K Rowling's webcast at their local UK online centre. The Get Started campaign, launched on 12 May, formally ended on 30 June.Some activity, including the offer of free Internet starter sessions in UK online centres, will continue throughout July. We will fully evaluate the campaign once all activity has come to an end.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they consider that the "Lord's Resistance Army" in Uganda is causing a humanitarian disaster, following the displacement of the great majority of the 281,000 people in the Acholi region and the abduction and enslavement of some 20,000 civilians; and, if so, whether they will propose any helpful action. [HL3703]

The conflict that has affected northern Uganda for much of the last 17 years has intensified over the past 12 months. Up to 800,000 people are now internally displaced. There is growing inequality between northern and southern Uganda and the continuing conflict is preventing normal development activity from taking place. We continue to stress to the Ugandan Government the need to use all means, military and diplomatic, to resolve the situation and achieve a sustainable peace.In response to the deteriorating situation DfID developed a humanitarian response strategy in 2002. This is currently being updated. Over the last 12 months we have disbursed £2.5 million through the World Food Progamme, UNICEF and the Uganda Red Cross Society and we are currently considering requests for a further £1 million for urgent humanitarian needs. We have also provided Save the Children Fund Denmark with a grant so that they can improve the conditions for the increasing number of unaccompanied children who are sleeping in town centres at night to avoid abduction by the LRA.We will continue to actively engage and support the activities of the Government of Uganda, civil society, and traditional and religious leaders as they explore all avenues for ending this conflict.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 17 June (

The task of the EEC was:

"by establishing a common market and progressively approximating the economic policies of member states, to promote throughout the Community a harmonious development of economic activities, a continuous and balanced expansion, an increase in stability, an accelerated raising of the standard of living and closer relations between the states belonging to it."

asked Her Majesty's Government:What they consider to be the status in international law of the security wall and fence now being built by the Government of Israel in the occupied West Bank; and whether there are procedures under international law whereby Israelis and Palestinians thus adversely affected may claim compensation. [HL3585]

While the building of a separation wall for security reasons does not necessarily contravene international law, we do consider some aspects related to the construction of the "security fence" in the West Bank to be illegal. We do not believe that the route of the fence is determined by security requirements. We therefore conclude that much of the demolition and confiscation of Palestinian property associated with its construction violates the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits such measures unless absolutely necessary. We are concerned that the lack of access for Palestinian owners to land on the west of the security fence results in the de facto appropriation of this territory by Israel.The military orders, which requisition land for the fence, allow the owners of the property to request rental fees or compensation.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will propose to the Quartet that Israel's security fence be moved back to the Green Line and that full access be restored to all towns and villages. [HL3586]

Our embassy in Tel Aviv has raised with the Government of Israel our concerns about the location and impact of the "security fence". We deplore the seizure of Palestinian land, the isolation of Palestinian villages, and the creation of a further physical obstacle to the two-state solution. My right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary conveyed the UK's concerns to the Israeli Foreign Minister on his visit of 15 May. Quartet members share our views. The Quartet road map calls on the Government of Israel to take no actions undermining trust, including the confiscation and/or demolition of Palestinian property. Lasting peace can only be achieved through a negotiated settlement and not unilateral actions.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, following President Putin's visit to London; they have discussed with Russian representatives the possibility of human rights monitoring in and around Chechnya by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe or the Council of Europe. [HL3589]

My right honourable friends the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary both discussed Chechnya in talks with President Putin and Foreign Minister Ivanov during the state visit. However, neither raised the role of the Council of Europe or the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe during these discussions.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will ask the Government of Israel to contribute to the budget of the United Nations Works and Relief Agency in the current year. [HL3588]

No. Our priority is to ensure implementation of the road map by both parties. This is therefore the current focus of our contacts with the Israeli Government.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What action they are taking following reports that British-made Scorpion armoured vehicles are being used by the Indonesian forces in Aceh. [HL3615]

The Indonesian Government announced on 23 June the deployment of 36 British-built Scorpion vehicles to Aceh to defend roads against attack by the Free Aceh Movement (FAM).Our embassy in Jakarta spoke to senior military contacts and reminded them of the assurances that British-built military equipment should not be used offensively or to violate human rights. We are carefully monitoring the extent of compliance with these assurances.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they consider that the victims of age discrimination in the fields of education, housing, the provision of goods, facilities and services to the public, and public sector provision, should be given equal legal protection to that enjoyed by the victims of sex and race discrimination; and, if not, why not; and [HL3802]Whether they intend to introduce legislation to make it unlawful to discriminate on grounds of age in the fields of education, housing, the provision of goods, facilities and services to the public, and in public sector provision; and, if not, why not; and [HL3821]Which respondents to

Unfair age discrimination is intolerable wherever it occurs. The Government's priority is to introduce effective and workable legislation outlawing age discrimination in employment and vocational training. That in itself requires the resolution of a number of complex and sensitive issues, which are discussed in our consultation—Equality and Diversity: Age Matters—launched on 2 July. We shall be following it up with a further consultation in 2004 on the draft legislation itself.In responding to our previous consultation—

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, in the light of Royal Mail's decision to withdraw from rail transport because it cannot reclaim the VAT, they will allow Royal Mail to reclaim the VAT on rail transport. [HL3657]

It is a fundamental principle of the VAT system that tax incurred on purchases can only be reclaimed when it relates to taxable business activities. Businesses making VAT-exempt supplies, such as Royal Mail, cannot therefore reclaim the VAT they incur when purchasing the goods and services they need in order to make those supplies.As the Minister for Science and Innovation made clear on 8 July (

asked Her Majesty's Government:What products are licensed for use by the public in the United Kingdom for the control of clothes moths. [HL3777]

There are 13 pesticide products that hold current approval under the Control of Pesticides

asked Her Majesty's Government:What guidance is given by the Government to the Environment Agency, the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities with regard to sites where depleted uranium is used in the manufacture of ordnance or for any other purpose in the United Kingdom; and when that guidance was last updated and how. [HL3215]

Depleted uranium is no longer used in the manufacture of ordnance. The regulators are fully aware of the issues that need to be addressed in the regulation of the storage or disposal of depleted uranium. The Government do not presently see a need for guidance on this issue.

asked Her Majesty's Government:In the event of approval being given for the importation and growing in the United Kingdom of genetically modified foods, whether they will ensure that full product liability lies with the biotechnology companies. [HL3575]

Decisions on the commercial importation or cultivation of GM crops are taken at EU-level. Approval will not be given unless the relevant authorities are satisfied that all appropriate measures are being taken to avoid adverse effects on human health and the environment.In relation to liability for environmental damage, there are specific provisions in Part VI of the Environmental Protection Act giving powers to the courts and the Secretary of State to remedy harm that results from the commission of an offence. Further Regulations for use by the general public specifically to protect clothes from moths. Information on these products is given in the table below.to this, EU member states have recently reached political agreement on an environmental liability directive that will cover the deliberate release of GMOs and contained use of microbiological GMOs in respect of damage to European protected species and natural habitat types. In this context, the relevant biotechnology company may be held liable for damage caused by one of its products. We will consider how the directive is to be implemented in the UK when the details have been finalised.For liability in respect of economic loss, currently there are no specific provisions under UK law in relation to GMO releases. Depending on the circumstances, however, a claim for redress could be made through the courts under existing general legal principles. In addition, the Government are awaiting a report from the Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission on co-existence and liability issues in respect of GM crops. We will consider our policy further in the light of that report.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether in their opinion, genetic modification of plants and animals is a procedure radically different from traditional and conventional plant and animal breeding; and, if so, whether they will say so. [HL3580]

The ultimate goal of genetic modification and conventional/traditional breeding is fundamentally the same in that they aim to produce more desirable genetic traits in plants and animals. Conventional plant and animal breeding harnesses the natural variation in organisms by crossing sexually compatible relatives. The varieties produced will contain a random mixture of genes from the two parents from which offspring with the desired characteristic are selected. Genetic modification differs in that gene manipulation can be achieved across species boundaries in a specific and targeted approach and as a result can introduce new traits into a plant or animal which in some cases could not be achieved through conventional breeding.Both genetic modification and conventional breeding can result in varieties which exhibit beneficial and/or non-beneficial effects. Therefore, all products undergo extensive testing at the early stages of development to select those which have desirable traits and reject those that do not. It is recognised that genetic modification presents a novel method of introducing new genes and traits into plants and animals which has the potential to introduce valuable traits but may conversely present new risks. It is for this reason that legislation is in place to ensure that all GM plants and animals must undergo a thorough risk assessment for human health and the environment before any approval for use is given.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether there is evidence of increased lignin and coarse fibre in genetically modified maize, or an increase in malformed bolls in genetically modified cotton. [HL3628]

I understand there is evidence that some varieties of maize genetically modified for insect resistance may contain more lignin in their stems than non-GM counterparts. Similarly studies carried out in America have identified an increase in deformed and lost cotton bolls in herbicide-tolerant cotton when grown under certain environmental conditions.Potential effects of lignin content and cotton boll formation in GM maize and cotton are taken into account in consideration of the risk assessment carried out by advisory committees and regulatory authorities in the approval of genetically modified plants. Variations in lignin content and cotton bolls may not necessarily present a safety issue but may affect the agronomic performance of the plant and consequently have an affect on crop yield.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether viruses or bacteria have been introduced into genetically modified plants for the purpose of increasing their resistance to herbicides. [HL3629]

Whole viruses and bacteria have not been introduced into genetically modified plants for the purpose of increasing their resistance to herbicides.A soil bacterium (

asked Her Majesty's Government:What effect genetically modified crops have on the supply of food to wildlife. [HL3710]

The effect of any crop, including GM crops, on the supply of food to wildlife will vary according to the characteristics of the particular crop, its management, such as weed and other pest control measures, and how much the crop itself is utilised as a source of food by wildlife.The effects on the supply of food to wildlife from the cultivation of each particular GM crop would be carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the criteria set in European Directive 2001/18 on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms.In the specific case of GM herbicide-tolerant oil seed rape, beet and maize, the effect of the management of these crops on the supply of food to wildlife is being studied in the GM crop farm-scale evaluations. We expect the results of this government-funded research study for spring-sown crops to be published in September 2003.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they fund activities of GM Nation; and, if so, by how much per year. [HL3724]

The GM public debate ("GM Nation?") is one strand of the GM dialogue announced by government in July 2002. The debate is being managed by an independent steering board at arm's length from government. The Government have provided funding of £500,000 for the debate, which includes contributions from the devolved Administrations. The public debate steering board is due to submit its report to the Government in September, and no further funding is anticipated.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they propose to amend the regulations relating to coal-fired electricity generation to ensure that power stations equipped to burn coal cleanly are not placed at disadvantage in the market. [HL3627]

The Government do not plan to amend the regulations relating to coal-fired electricity generation. The relevant system is that of integrated pollution control ("IPC"), established through the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the regulations made under that Act.IPC requires that operators apply the best available techniques not entailing excessive cost (BATNEEC) for pollution control to their processes. The Environment Agency has carried out a review of the IPC authorisations issued to operators of coal-fired power stations that did not have flue gas desulphurisation equipment fitted. If the operator was unable to present a good BATNEEC justification for not using the abatement, they were limited to a 40 per cent load factor in 2001 and 2002. The next principal review of these authorisations is likely to be carried out in 2003–04 to secure further reductions in emissions of sulphur dioxide in 2004–05. This review will consider how to avoid commercially disadvantaged power stations that are equipped to burn coal cleanly, and to avoid benfiting power stations that are not.The system of IPC is being superseded on a sector by sector basis by that of integrated pollution prevention and control established by a European directive of the same name. This requires operators to apply best available techniques (BAT) for pollution prevention and control. Large power stations will transfer to it in 2006.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What plans they have to provide a dual carriageway on the A27 between Lewes and Polegate; and [HL3719]What plans they have to reduce congestion and delay on the A27 at Arundel; and [HL3720]What plans they have to provide a northern bypass to Worthing from the A27. [HL3721]

On Wednesday 9 July my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Transport made a Statement in another place announcing the Government's response to the south coast multi-modal study. The bypass schemes recommended by the study for reducing delays on the A27 at Worthing, Arundel, and at Selmeston and Wilmington were not supported in the form proposed. Each of these schemes would have significant environmental impacts. Taking them forward as proposed would not be consistent with the Government's policy presumption against new or expanded transport infrastructure that would adversely affect environmentally sensitive areas and sites. The Highways Agency has been asked to work with local authorities and statutory environmental bodies to identify less damaging options, including management measures which reduce the need for major road construction while recognising the importance of finding solutions which are capable of delivering planned housing and economic growth.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What mileage of double track of main line railway has been equipped for bi-directional working; and [HL3769]What mileage of double track of main line railway is used regularly for bi-directional working. [HL3770]

Network Rail advises that the information is not readily available and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, in the light of Stena's translocation from Stranraer to Cairnryan, they will insist on the railway being extended from Stranraer to Cairnryan. [HL3775]

Local rail services in Scotland and the consideration of transport links from Stranraer to Cairnryan are devolved matters for the Scottish Executive.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the cost to date of the installation of speed cameras in the United Kingdom; and who bears this cost. [HL3780]

Information on installation costs is not held centrally. Local authorities and police forces pay for the speed cameras and the camera housings. Those areas participating in the netting-off scheme have their camera installation and operating costs reimbursed from fixed penalty fine revenue.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, following the sinking of the "Jambo" near to the entrance to Loch Broom, they will now consider compulsory pilotage through the Minch for all large ships and for all ships with hazardous cargoes. [HL3816]

This incident—and whether the cargo was hazardous—is still being investigated. The vessel was not a large ship. The Government have taken various measures to reduce risks to the Minches from shipping. These are actively monitored and a further vessel traffic survey is planned in the coming 12 months. A designated deep water route to the west of the Hebrides is recommended for laden tankers. An emergency towage vessel is stationed nearby. The imposition of compulsory pilotage has been looked at carefully on a number of occasions—in particular following the report of the noble and learned Lord, Lord Donaldson, Safer Ships Cleaner Seas—and it has been concluded that it would be neither a practical or appropriate measure for managing risk.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the construction and use regulations permit the fitting of bull bars to (a) conventional cars and vans; and (b) off-road vehicles; and whether there are any plans to ban the fitting of these bars. [HL3817]

The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 do not specifically ban the fitting of bull bars to these vehicles.The most effective way of controlling hull bars is via technical standards in European legislation. We have submitted a technical proposal, based on UK research, to the Commission setting out how this could be achieved. We expect the Commission to bring forward its proposals on controlling bull bars later this year.In the meantime we welcome the commitment by vehicle manufacturers to stop fitting rigid bull bars to new cars from 2002.

asked Her Maiesty's Government:Which government agency monitors the extent of over-booking by British Airways and other international airlines; and whether there has recently been an increase in over-booking by such airlines for flights departing from the United Kingdom. [HL3832]

No government agency monitors over-booking by airlines. However, in connection with its proposal for a regulation establishing common rules on compensation to air passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights, the European Commission estimated that in 1999 some 250,000 passengers were denied boarding on scheduled services by the main European Community carriers, equivalent to around 1.1 per 1,000 passengers. Figures showing a similar level of passengers denied boarding were produced by the Assocation of European Airlines in 2001.