asked Her Majesty's Government:Which European Union PEACE I funded programmes have been reported to, or investigated by, the Government's Internal Audit Service; in which cases irregularities were uncovered; and how much money was involved in each case. [HL3549]

A full list of irregularities reported to or investigated by government departments' Internal Audit Services is in the table below.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Which departments of state have faith advisers or units. [HL3867]

As part of the Government's commitment to diversity, some departments have set up units and/or employed diversity and faith advisers, to liaise with various communities on policy, operational and employment matters. Information on the numbers of individual faith advisers or units is not held centrally.The Home Office is taking forward the Government's 2001 manifesto commitment to "look at Government's interface with the faith communities" via a high level steering group. The steering group, which is made up of departments, prominent representatives of the faith communities, and other interested parties aims to report by December 2003.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Which departments of state have failed to reach their employment targets for minority ethnic staff and women at senior levels of the civil service; and what new measures are proposed to remedy any failings. [HL3870]

We are committed to the ambitious five-year corporate Civil Service targets set for the Senior Civil Service (SCS) in 1998. Departments are making good progress on increasing the representation of minority ethnic staff and women at Senior Civil Service level. As at October 2002, 2.8 per cent of staff at this level were from a minority ethnic background and 25.8 per cent were women. This is up from 1.6 per cent and 17.8 per cent respectively in April 1998.There are a range of measures in place both centrally and in departments to improve representation at senior levels. This includes Pathways—a leadership development programme run by the Cabinet Office targeted at minority ethnic staff with potential to reach the SCS; and a programme of outreach to universities and colleges to encourage minority ethnic applicants to the Fast Stream scheme. Many departments also run their own internal development courses for high potential staff from minority ethnic backgrounds. Departments have also produced race equality schemes which set out action plans on how new duties to promote race equality under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act will be met.Following the successful pilot of the Cabinet Office Elevator Partnership scheme which paired high potential junior women with a mentor in the SCS. a framework has been developed for departments to customise to suit their own requirements. Also, we have set targets for women in top management posts and have made significant progress in this area from the baseline figure of 12.7 per cent in 1998 to 23.1 per cent in October 2002. In addition, a Civil Service-wide focus group was set up in partnership with Opportunity Now to look at gender issues, including development and progression of women.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What minority ethnic staff networks exist in different departments of state; what financial support is given to each; and what benefits have been accrued to date. [HL3871]

The Government are committed to developing a diverse Civil Service that is truly representative of the communities it serves. The Government recognise that minority ethnic staff networks have a very important role to play in this transformation and actively encourages individual departments and agencies to support their activities. In addition, the Secretary of the Cabinet and Head of the Home Civil Service acts as the sponsor for the Civil Service Race Equality Network. The Cabinet Office contributed £60,000 to this network.Information on what networks exist in different Departments of State; what financial support is given to each; and what benefits have accrued to date are not held centrally.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they expect to lay the first report of the House of Lords Appointment Commission for 2000–03 before Parliament. [HL4075]

The Prime Minister has today received the first report of the House of Lords Appointments Commission. The report covers the commission's first term from May 2000 to May 2003. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.The Prime Minister is grateful to the commission for finding, in fulfilment of its remit, people of distinction whom it has recommended on merit.The Prime Minister shall be inviting the commission to recommend a small number of non-party-political Peers, as well as reporting on the propriety of any party working Peers who are recommended, while discussion on the reform of the House of Lords continues.Accordingly, after following the standard procedures set by the Commissioner for Public Appointments, the Prime Minister has reappointed the chairman and independent members of the commission for further terms of three years, subject to continued discussion on the reform of the House of Lords, not least following the initial response to the Joint Committee report. The Prime Minister has also placed in the Libraries of both Houses his letter to the Chairman.Pursuant to the Prime Minister's answers on 19 May to the honourable Member for Pendle (Mr Prentice) (

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether any encouragement will be given to local government councils in Northern Ireland to take action against those who sell tobacco products to minors and what action will be taken against those councils who decline to undertake such tasks. [HL3850]

The five-year Tobacco Action Plan includes specific action to improve existing enforcement activity. The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety will also bring forward proposals to place a statutory duty on councils to carry out an annual programme of enforcement action.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What plans they have to reduce smoking in public places in Northern Ireland. [HL3849]

A five-year Tobacco Action Plan was published on 8 July 2003. The plan includes a series of actions designed to promote the provision of smoke-free facilities. An implementation group will be established shortly to take forward the agreed action points. A copy of the plan has been placed in the House Library.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will list each activity that has been banned by Acts of Parliament introduced by the Government since 1997. [HL4104]

This information could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What the procedure was for approving and publishing the dossier entitled

I refer the noble Baroness to the answer the Prime Minister gave the honourable Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr Smith) on 10 February (Official Report, Commons; col. 583W) and to Prime Minister's Questions on 12 February.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When the Prime Minister will publish the full membership and terms of reference of ministerial committees of the Cabinet. [HL4162]

The Prime Minister has today published the full membership and terms of reference of ministerial committees of the Cabinet, copies of which have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When the Director of Public Prosecutions will publish his annual report. [HL4151]

The Crown Prosecution Service annual report 2002–03 has today been published and laid before Parliament. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When the Attorney-General will publish the review of his current panels of junior counsel to the Crown? [HL4163]

The report of the review of current panels of junior counsel to the Crown has been published today. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. A copy has also been placed on the website of the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers, which can be found at www.Islo.gov.uk.I maintain (by means of an open advertisement and application process) four panels of junior counsel to undertake civil and EC work for all government departments. I have three London panels (an A panel for senior juniors, a B panel for middle juniors and a C panel for junior juniors) and a provincial panel.The current panel system for junior counsel to the Crown was introduced in 1999, following approval by the then Attorney-General (John Morris QC) of the recommendations arising from a review undertaken by a working party chaired by the then Solicitor-General (Lord Falconer QC) in 1998.In March 2002, I established the Panel Counsel Review Group to review the operation of the current system. The membership consisted of lawyers from within the Government Legal Service and counsel from the independent Bar. The review recommends a number of measures to improve the current working of the panel system and I accept the recommendations, with the following two additional points:

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they are helping the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) states and governments in the Great Lakes region of Africa to develop effective policies and co-operative action to control and reduce the amounts of small arms and ammunition in private hands. [HL3268]

The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) currently has no mandate to work on small arms control and reduction measures in the Great Lakes region, though there have been discussions to address this. MID has no institutional arrangements with IGAD on such work.Through the Global Conflict Prevention Pool (GCPP), DfID, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence contribute?460,000 to the Nairobi secretariat to assist states in the Horn and Great Lakes regions to implement the commitments they made on signing the Nairobi Declaration on small arms in March 2001. The secretariat provides training and advice to national focal points, being set up in signatory countries in the Great Lakes region, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi, to prevent the proliferation of weapons and ammunition. Other countries receiving support from the secretariat are Djibouti, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Eritrea in the Horn of Africa, and Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya in east Africa. Training has recently been provided to law enforcement officers on cross-border controls and management. Through the Nairobi secretariat. the GCPP supported participation by the national focal point co-ordinators at the United Nations biennial meeting of states on small arms and light weapons, held in New York from 7–11 July 2003.The three departments have also provided support (£2.3 million) to the Governments of Uganda. Kenya and Tanzania for the development of five-year national action plans on small arms and light weapons. This support is provided in conjunction with two non-governmental organisations, Saferworld and SaferAfrica.Within a £7.5 million contribution to UNDP's global small arms reduction programme, the GCPP finances a project in the Great Lakes, which seeks to implement a broad small arms strategy for the region. This includes supporting the Nairobi Declaration and the peace process for the DRC. These initiatives are being closely co-ordinated with efforts to support broader peace building and reform of the security sectors.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they consider the current situation in Zimbabwe is one of peace and security in the sense in which those terms were used by the G8 nations in regard to Africa in the recent G8 summit in Evian. [HL3874]

The objectives on peace and security to which G8 countries signed up in Kananaskis in 2002, and which were reviewed at Evian in June this year, comprise both a focus on specific countries and a pan-African approach. The specific countries include the DRC, Great Lakes, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Cote d'Ivoire and Angola. The pan-African approach includes a commitment to assist African countries to prevent conflict and undertake peace support operations; and a commitment to support African efforts to eliminate the flow of illicit weapons in the region. There is no specific objective related to Zimbabwe. However, these objectives were developed with the view of benefiting the entire region. Zimbabwe would benefit from increased regional stability, as would every other African country.The challenges in Zimbabwe are of broader governance and not solely of security. We remain in regular contact with African leaders about the crisis. The Foreign Secretary met President Mbeki and Foreign Minister Zuma during a visit to South Africa in May and the Prime Minister discussed Zimbabwe with President Mbeki at the G8 Summit in June and at the recent progressive governance summit. President Mbeki continues to press both sides to resume the inter-party dialogue Zimbabwe so urgently needs. We support his efforts. Any resolution of the political, economic and humanitarian crisis facing Zimbabwe, must come from the Zimbabwean people themselves, supported by the wider southern Africa region.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have information that the Burmese military are committing against the Karen, Karenni and Shan people in Burma any or all of the following crimes under international law: crimes against humanity, war crimes or genocide; and what reasons they have for their conclusions. [HL3652]

We are aware that appalling human rights violations have taken place against the Karen, Karenni and Shan people in Burma over many years. We take into account the views of appropriate international bodies. However, we need verification of crimes against humanity, war crimes or genocide in Burma before using such terms. The United Nations Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Burma, Sergio Pinheiro, has regular access to Burma, most recently on 17 March 2003. I understand he takes the view that he will not use these terms to describe the situation there. The terms have likewise not been used by many major international NGOs, which monitor the human rights situation in Burma. There is room for debate about the use of particular words in different contexts but what matters in this case is that we all agree that the behaviour of the Burmese regime has been appalling and involved widespread killing and breaches of human rights.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have requested or intend to request the United States Government to extradite British citizens detained in Guantanamo Bay to face trial in this country for terrorist or other serious criminal offences; and, if not, why not. [HL3920]

It is not the practice or policy of the Government to comment on whether an extradition request may be made in any individual case. Exemption 4A of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the United States has provided them with evidence indicating that British citizens detained in Guantanamo Bay have committed terrorist or other serious criminal offences. [HL3921]

We have been engaged in regular discussions with the US authorities about the British detainees at Guantanamo Bay. We are not prepared to go into the details of these discussions.It is not our practice to comment on evidence against any individual, which may or may not be used in criminal proceedings (Exemption 4A of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies). Any evidence received would be passed to the prosecuting authorities as appropriate.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the Foreign and Commonwealth Office are changing their policy on visits to British nationals in prison overseas. [HL3983]

As part of a wider review of how we make the most effective use of our Consular resources to help British nationals in distress overseas, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has considered the issue of visiting British nationals in prison overseas.The welfare of British nationals in foreign prisons is one of the key concerns of consular staff. Our staff seek to ensure that prisoners' rights are respected in accordance with international standards. This includes ensuring that they have access to legal representation and that their welfare needs are met during their detention.Once a British national has been given a custodial sentence, our aim has been to visit them once a year, or more frequently if possible.This approach does not however take account of the wide variation in prison conditions and practices between different countries. In European Union countries, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, North America and Australasia, we are satisfied that, in general, prison conditions meet international standards and are comparable to those in the UK. From 1 September this year, our aim will therefore be to visit prisoners in these countries once after sentencing. and thereafter, only if the real need arises. In addition, consular staff can maintain contact with prisoners by telephone and fax and encourage local prison volunteer groups to visit them.In all other countries, where prison conditions give us more cause for concern, the aim of consular staff will be to continue to visit prisoners on a regular basis. This is likely to be at least once a year, and as often as once a month where circumstances warrant it. The new policy will allow us to provide our consular services on the basis of greatest need and to concentrate on countries where our consular assistance can be most beneficial.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their position on the cases that have been brought under the United States' Alien Tort Statute against British companies in relation to their activities in third countries. [HL3984]

The British Government oppose all unwarranted assertions of extraterritorial jurisdiction in commercial cases. Such assertions infringe on the sovereign right of states to regulate activities within their own territory, interfere with the freedom of states to conduct their own economic policies, place an unwarranted burden on businesses, and can create a climate of uncertainty which may affect the trading and investment conditions of British companies.A number of cases have been brought under the United States' Alien Tort Statute against British companies and others in relation to their activities in third countries. Of particular concern are cases brought in the US against British companies in relation to their activities in South Africa during the Apartheid era, alleging that their presence in South Africa at the time made them complicit in human rights abuses.The British Government have expressed to the US Government their concerns over the extraterritorial use of the Alien Tort Statute in these commercial cases. The US Government have filed an amicus brief in a related case brought under the statute, seeking to address this issue among others.The British Government remain committed to combating impunity for human rights violations wherever they occur. We believe that the most effective means of achieving this goal is the strengthening and developing of credible national justice mechanisms that conform to international human rights standards. We believe that, in the first instance, legal remedies in the country where the act allegedly took place should be exhausted. In the apartheid cases this does not appear to have happened.Moreover, South Africa is engaged in an ongoing post-apartheid reconciliation process, the complexities of which should not be underestimated. We believe that the South African Government are best placed and best capable of dealing with the issue of reparations for crimes under apartheid.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether a new Attorney-General for the Cayman Islands has been appointed. [HL4037]

Following an open competition, Mr Sam Bulgin has been appointed as the new Attorney-General for the Cayman Islands. He is currently the Cayman Islands' Solicitor-General, and has been acting as Attorney-General since the early departure of David Ballantyne in March 2003.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will publish the next report to Parliament on Hong Kong and the Sino-British Joint Declaration. [HL4038]

The 13th report on the implementation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong was published on 16 July and copies have been placed in the Library of the House. A copy of the report is also available on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website (www.fco.gov.uk). The report includes a foreword by my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary. I commend the report to the House.

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

No prisoners captured by British forces in Iraq and transferred to the United States authorities have been transferred out of Iraq. The British Government have an agreement with the United States that prisoners of war captured by United Kingdom forces will not be transferred out of Iraq without UK consent.

asked Her Majesty's Government:(a) What action they or their allies took in Iraq before the outbreak of war to incapacitate all known scud missiles, similar weapons or other weapons of mass destruction; (b) how successful this action proved to be; (c) how many such weapons were incapacitated; (d) how many such weapons remained operational; and (e) by what date such action was completed. [HL3943]

As an integral part of the wider combat operation against Iraq, the coalition undertook a variety of operations in order to neutralise the threats posed by the Iraqi regime. I am withholding further details under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, which covers defence, security and international relations.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When the first order for refrigerated containers for British military use in Iraq on operation TELIC was placed; whether it was fulfilled; and, if not, why not. [HL3925]

The first order for refrigerated containers for British military use on operations in Iraq (Operation TELIC) was an order for the lease of commercial containers which was placed and met on 13 January 2003. In addition, a business case was produced for the purchase of 200 containers from Pentalver Transport Ltd in late January 2003. The department's formal contract offer was accepted on 3 April 2003, by which time the first 20 containers were ready for delivery with the balance following at 15 per week until the order was completed on 16 June 2003.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many Challenger 2 tanks currently exist at the Royal Armoured Corps training establishments and at the British Army Training Unit Suffield; how many are in the armoured squadron at the School of Infantry, Warminster; and how many are in reserve. [HL3973]

Former Royal Armoured Corps training establishments are now part of the Army Training and Recruiting Agency (ATRA). The Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) Gunnery School, Lulworth, the Armour and Reconnaissance Wing of the AFV Driving and Maintenance School, Bovington, and the AFV Command and Information Systems (CIS) School, Bovington, all of which form part of the Armour Centre (formerly the RAC Centre), currently share 22 Challenger 2 main battle tanks.The tank squadron at Warminster is part of the Land Warfare Training Centre (LWTC) battle group, which provides support to both individual and collective training and exercises. The current LWTC tank squadron is A Squadron, one Royal Tank Regiment, which holds 15 Challenger 2 tanks.Thirty-two Challenger 2 tanks are held at the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS).In addition, tanks not required for other uses are held at the Defence Supply and Distribution Agency depot at Ashchurch. The number held there on any one day will depend on how many are required for all other uses, including the armoured regiments, training establishments, trials work, or the repair pool. On 4 July 2003, there were 17 tanks held at Ashchurch, including some waiting to be called forward for inspection and/or repair.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What key targets have been set for Army Personnel Centre for financial year 2003–04. [HL4091]

The chief executive of the Army Personnel Centre has been set the following key targets for 2003–04:

asked Her Majesty's Government:What key targets have been set for the Training Group Defence Agency for financial year 2003–04. [HL4092]

The Commander-in-Chief, Royal Air Force Personnel & Training Command has set the chief executive of the Training Group Defence Agency the following targets for Financial Year 2003–04.KEY TARGET 1A:

asked Her Majesty's Government:What key targets have been set for Army Training and Recruiting Agency for financial year 2003–04. [HL4093]

The chief executive of the Army Training and Recruitment Agency has been set the following key targets for 2003–04:

asked Her Majesty's Government:What key targets have been set for Service Children's Education for financial year 2003–04. [HL4094]

The chief executive of Service Children's Education has been set the following key targets for 2003–04.To meet the following percentage of pupils achieving Level 2 or above at the end of key stage 1 in:

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will publish the military low flying annual report. [HL4095]

The ability to fly fast and low continues to be an essential skill in our armoury of tactics. Training for aircrew to achieve and maintain these skills is vital.The amount of low flying training carried out in the United Kingdom low flying system (UKLFS) during the training year April 2002 to March 2003 was the minimum necessary for aircrew to reach and maintain these skills. Hours booked for low flying training in the UKLFS (excluding the rotary wing dedicated user areas, where different booking arrangements apply) during this period amounted to an overall increase of 2.6 per cent compared with the previous training year. The increase may be linked to preparations for operations, and an increase in the flying of Apache aircraft in preparation for their introduction into service. Since detailed records of hours booked began in 1995, the annual total has reduced by some 29 per cent.The distribution of low-flying training across the UK has not changed significantly over previous years. It is spread as widely as practicable, but for a variety of reasons, including population distribution and geographic and climatic considerations, it is inevitable that some parts of the country will see more low flying than others.We have today placed in the Library of the House a report giving a detailed account of low flying training in the UK low flying system for the period April 2002 to March 2003.Further copies of the report can be obtained from the Vote Office: or it can be viewed on the MOD's web site;

asked Her Majesty's Government:What contribution they are making to the recruitment and training of soldiers for the new Afghan army; under what timetable; and with what results. [HL3952]

The United States is the G8 lead nation for creating the Afghan national army (ANA) and is responsible for the selection of its recruits. Since March 2003 the United Kingdom has provided assistance by training the ANA's junior noncommissioned officers. This programme has been so successful that by September 2003 the ANA should be in a position to carry out this training itself. By then, we shall have begun a programme to train the ANA's senior non-commissioned officers.

asked Her Majesty's Government:In view of the working hours, unsocial hours and operational commitments of the Armed Forces, whether they will ensure the X factor is renewed by the Armed Forces Pay Review Body in its 2004 report. [HL3972]

X factor is an integral part of the basic pay of the United Kingdom Armed Forces and I can assure the noble Lord that it will continue to be so in 2004.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What plans they have to mark the return of Service personnel from the Gulf. [HLA164]

As the House is aware, we have been considering the precise form in which we should commemorate and mark the operations undertaken in Iraq this year.We can announce that we have decided that there will be a national service of remembrance and thanksgiving for the campaign in Iraq. This will be held in St Paul's Cathedral on 10 October 2003. The Dean of St Paul's will lead the service and the Archbishop of Canterbury will give the sermon. The service will give thanks for the role UK forces played in ending tyranny in Iraq. It will also give thanks to those personnel, including those that lost their lives, who took part—recognising their professionalism and their achievements.Members of the Royal family, the Prime Minister and members of the Government will attend along with Service chiefs. Representatives of our coalition allies and members of the Opposition will also be invited to the ceremony, along with, importantly, the families of those who so tragically lost their lives over the course of the operation. The majority of the congregation will, though, be personnel who took part in the campaign.We have given careful thought to the calls made for a parade to mark this event. In accordance with the wishes of the Armed Forces, we have decided that the most appropriate form of commemoration at the national level would be a service of thanksgiving, but without a parade. At the regional and local level, there will be opportunities for local communities to arrange events for their local units to mark their involvement in, and return from, the operation.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What the status is of the multi-role armoured vehicle and the future command and liaison vehicle programmes. [HL4165]

We regularly re-visit existing plans for capability enhancements to ensure they remain tailored to the security environment in which we need to operate. As such, we judge that the multi-role armoured vehicle (MRAV) is not ideally suited to the type of operations envisaged under the Strategic Defence Review new chapter and other developing policy work. This, coupled with recent operational experience in the Balkans, Sierra Leone, East Timor, Afghanistan and latterly Iraq, has demonstrated the need for rapid deployability in expeditionary operations. MRAV is not considered able to meet this capability requirement, which will be pursued through the future rapid effect system (FRES). FRES will be a very significant component of the long-term transformation of the land battle through its contribution to network-enabled capability. We have written to the German and Dutch Governments to inform them of our decision to withdraw from the MRAV collaborative project.In parallel with our decision to withdraw from the MRAV programme, we are pleased to announce the results of the competition for the future command and liaison vehicle (FCLV). The Alvis Vickers Limited multi-role light vehicle has been selected to deliver the solution to the Army's requirement for enhanced speed, reliability, flexibility and protection for a wide range of users in combat or peacekeeping operations.FCLV will also provide support for the RAF Regiment. It will play a key role in the Joint Rapid Reaction Forces by providing versatile, air-transportable vehicles, which will be among the first deployed in a crisis and will spearhead the way for troops in combat or peacekeeping operations. FCLV will replace a mixed fleet of ageing vehicles which were acquired as a stopgap following the withdrawal of the ferret scout car. This contract is worth over £200 million and is a good result for the United Kingdom AFV industry.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What plans they have to conduct a business review of the disposals process carried out by the Ministry of Defence. [HL4166]

A business review of the disposals process is to be carried out by the Ministry of Defence. The review will commence shortly and complete in the autumn.The aim of the review is to examine the function, operation, funding and organisation of the disposals process, to identify the key objectives, and to determine whether the current arrangements are most appropriate for future needs.The review team will consult with a range of stakeholders during the course of the review, including MOD and single service sponsors, TUs, other

government departments and other relevant bodies. The Ministry of Defence is interested to hear the views of other organisations or individuals who would like to make a contribution to the review. Those wishing to do so should send their contributions by 31 July 2003 to:

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

Her Majesty's Government are unable to speculate as to the reasons why the European Commission and the Council adopted a narrower concept of racial discrimination in the Race Directive than in the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union 2000).

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will seek to amend the Race Relations Directive so as to ensure that it contains express language defining racial discrimination to include discrimination based on colour. [HL3859]

The EC Article 13 Race Directive was agreed by the European Commission in 2000. The Government have no current plans to seek to extend the terms of the directive. The Government will seek to rectify any inconsistencies in the Race Relations Act 1976 resulting from the implementation of the directive when a suitable opportunity arises.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many compliance notices have been issued by the Commission for Racial Equality to public bodies which are not meeting their statutory duty under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 to eliminate unlawful racial discrimination and promote equality of opportunity and good race relations between people of different racial groups. [HL3890]

I am advised by the commission that to date the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) has issued one compliance notice to a public body which has not met its statutory duty under the RR(A)A 2000 to promote race equality and good race relations.

asked Her Majesty's Government:In respect of the Home Office's decison to pilot the collection of biometric data from Sri Lankan nationals applying for United Kingdom visas, how and where the data so collected will be stored; and how access to the data by the police and other law enforcement agencies, whether United Kingdom based or not, will be administered. [HL3904]

The pilot collection of fingerprint data will apply to anyone, of whatever nationality, making an entry clearance application in Colombo.The fingerprint records collected will be added to the fingerprint records already held on the Home Office Immigration and Asylum Fingerprint System (IAFS). The data will be stored in an electronic format. The fingerprint records collected in Colombo will he administered in the same way as all other fingerprint data collected in immigration and asylum applications. Any request by the police, or other authorised law enforcement agency, will involve them providing a set of fingerprints which will be checked by Home Office staff against the IAFS system. Such checks will be carried out in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

asked Her Majesty's Government:In view of the expiry of the deadline for implementation of European Union Directive 2001/55 on Temporary Protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons in December 2002, what steps have been taken to implement this directive in the United Kingdom. [HL3932]

Discussions are continuing within government on the legislative changes necessary to implement the Temporary Protection Directive. We are hoping to come to decisions on this soon and have kept the Commission updated on the position.The United Kingdom would be able to provide the protections guaranteed in the directive were it to be triggered before the legislative changes referred to are made.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What was the outcome of the public consultation on the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002: Coercive Information Powers. [HL4077]

I have today placed in the Library of the House a copy of the official consultation process report following the public consultation exercise on the implementation of Sections 134–239 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002. These provisions will enable the immigration authorities to require employers and financial institutions to provide information in respect of specified individuals who are reasonably suspected of committing certain immigration offences. Their purpose is to strengthen our ability to deal with illegal working and fraud against the national asylum support arrangements. The new powers are closely drawn and are modelled on existing powers in social security legislation. A consultation paper seeking views on practical questions concerning the operation of the new powers was published on 19 March. 'The consultation process report summarises the comments received and our response. The new powers will come into force on 30 July, together with Section 129 of the 2002 Act relating to the supply of information by local authorities.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they plan to publish the technical note for their public service agreement (PSA) target to improve public confidence in the Criminal Justice System (CJS) and when they will publish the technical note for the CJS PSA target to improve value for money. [HL4082]

Technical notes, for the remaining shared criminal justice system public service agreement (CJS PSA) targets for the 2002 spending review period, have been published today. Copies are available in the Library and online at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/inside/aims/index.html.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When the annual report of the UK Passport Service will be published. [HL4149]

The UK Passport Service annual report and accounts 2002–03 has been published today and copies have been placed in the Library of the House.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they plan to carry out a review of the Forensic Science Service (FSS). [HL4148]

An independent review of the Forensic Science Service was announced on 23 July 2002 by the Minister of State for Policing and Crime Reduction. The review has been overseen by a steering group which all key stakeholders were invited to join. The review team reported at the beginning of July this year.The main thrust of the report focuses on the emergence of a more competitive market for forensic science services and the ability of the FSS to compete effectively in the face of a significantly changing environment. The report makes a number of helpful observations and recommendations aimed at improving FSS performance, but the most fundamental is that it should be transformed from a trading fund into a government-owned company as a precursor to development into a private sector classified public/private partnership (PPP).The main risk if the FSS remains as a trading fund is that there would be a sustained and accelerating loss of business. Indeed, some forces are already outsourcing their forensic requirements to alternative suppliers. A cumulative loss of market share could reach a point at which poor trading forced cut-backs in investment, research and development and staffing. We see radical change as the only realistic option to ensure that FSS remains competitive and able to make best use of rapidly advancing science and technology to reduce crime and deliver safer communities.The report identifies the inherent risks, but makes a clear case for accepting that PPP offers the best means of protecting the public interest and delivering major benefits to the criminal justice system (CJS) by enabling FSS to compete effectively.We endorse this approach and the steering group's overall view that the FSS would prosper in a private sector environment, as it clearly reflects the realities of the situation. At a time when demand for forensic analysis in crime investigation is increasing significantly, FSS performance has been mixed. There have been some notable successes, but we need to take steps to improve the service to the wider CJS in terms of timeliness and cost-effectiveness. The emergence of a small but effective and dynamic private sector has resulted in an increasingly competitive market in forensic science services, the level and intensity of which is likely to gather pace.We are confident that the proposed changes will stimulate and broaden the market, encouraging CJS customers to make even greater use of forensic science in the fight against crime, and generating momentum through improved investment to enable the increasingly effective use of forensic capabilities. This, in turn, will result in forensic science making a substantially greater contribution to crime reduction.A number of significant logistical issues inevitably need to be addressed, but we believe that all of these challenges can be dealt with successfully in a transitional period as a government-owned company.As the report contains commercially sensitive information, a copy of the executive summary has been placed in the Library.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When the statistics for 2002 on scientific procedures on living animals will be published. [HL4150]

We wish to announce that the 2002 statistics of scientific procedure on living animals in Great Britain will be published as a Command Paper on 18 July. Copies will be placed in the House Library in the usual way.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What plans they have to review the pay for Asylum Support Adjudicators. [HL4152]

Following a request, in 2002, from the Chief Asylum Support Adjudicator for an increase in the asylum support adjudicators' (ASA) salary scale, we undertook a review in partnership with PriceWaterhouseCoopers. The review found there to be a justifiable linkage between the ASAs' salaries and Group 7 of the judicial scale, which the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) accepts. Therefore, with effect from April 2003, the Home Secretary will consider ASA salaries in the light of that linkage and the annual recommendations of the SSRB.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they plan to publish the first annual report of the Assets Recovery Agency. [HL4154]

I am pleased to announce that the first annual report of the Assets Recovery Agency will he laid before Parliament on 8 September 2003.The report is the first by the agency and covers the financial year 2002–03. The agency became operational on 24 February 2003, and the report covers the setting up of the agency and the first few weeks of its work. The next report will include an assessment of how the agency has carried out its first business plan, which was published on 9 July.The agency is already making use of its powers, and has obtained several orders to freeze suspected criminal assets.The establishment of the agency, with extensive powers to investigate and recover criminal assets, shows the Government's commitment to taking the profit out of crime.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they plan to publish the report of the annual meeting to review the compact on relations between government and the voluntary and community sector. [HL4155]

We are today placing in the Library of the Houses copies of the report of the fourth annual meeting to review the compact on relations between government and the voluntary and community sector on 28 April 2003.

asked Her Majesty's Government:For each local housing authority in England that administers its own housing stock, what is the average housing subsidy or negative housing subsidy per dwelling, and what are these figures as a proportion of the average rent. [HL3985]

A table that provides data for 2002–03, the latest year for which reliable data are available, has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will publish the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service's annual report and accounts for 2002–03. [HL4084]

The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) has laid before Parliament its annual report and accounts for 2002–03. Copies of the annual report and accounts for 2002–03 have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will publish an annual report on the work of the magistrates' courts in England and Wales. [HL4090]

My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Christopher Leslie, has made a statement today in another place announcing the publication of the annual report relating to the 2002–03 business returns provided by magistrates' courts in England and Wales and that copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Macdonald of Tradeston on 22 May (

Bioethanol from lingocellulosic feedstocks offers the prospect of greater environmental benefits than bioethanol from conventional sugar or starch-based crops because the feedstocks can potentially be produced and processed using lower levels of agricultural and energy inputs. The potential to exploit lower-value feedstocks, including waste-streams, also promises a low-cost alternative to conventional biofuels production, as well as offering an environmentally sustainable way of dealing with waste that might otherwise be landfilled or incinerated.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What discussions they have held with companies which have the resources to produce in the United Kingdom the amounts of biofuels necessary to meet the European Union guidelines for 2005 and 2010. [HL3900]

The Government regularly meet stakeholders with an interest in the development of a biofuels industry in the UK, including representatives of companies with a direct involvement in biofuels production.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Statement on transport investment by the Secretary of State for Transport on 9 July (HC Deb, col. 1175), what is the congestion category attributed to the following motorway sections in the Strategic Rail Authority's Sensitive Lorry Miles; results of analysis, May 2003 and accompanying documentation—(a) M 11, junctions 8–9; (b) M1 from M25 to Milton Keynes; (c) M1, M62, Al(M) and M 18 in South arid West Yorkshire; and (d) M25 three-lane sections. [HL3940]

The congestion categories are:

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the question by the Baroness Oppenheim-Barnes on 23 June (HL Deb, col. 7), whether they will take steps to compel car owners to display a disc certifying that their cars are insured. [HL4004]

Requiring vehicles to show evidence of being insured by means of a windscreen insurance disc has drawbacks. UK law requires the driver to be insured, rat her than the vehicle, and such a disc would not necessarily guarantee that the person behind the wheel was insured to drive that vehicle or was complying with policy conditions. Furthermore, it would be evidence only that somebody had insurance cover for the use of the vehicle when the disc was issued. Such insurance cover is necessary in order to renew the vehicle excise duty disc which is already required to be displayed.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Which Minister now has responsibility for the handling of pre-Union Scottish Peerage claims. [HL4078]

These functions have been exercised by the Secretary of State for Scotland since being transferred from the Home Secretary in 1977. The Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor is now responsible for matters relating to hereditary peerages, and it has therefore been agreed that the non-statutory functions in relation to claims to disputed or dormant pre-Union peerages of Scotland currently held by the Secretary of State for Scotland will transfer to the Lord Chancellor with immediate effect.The functions include receipt of petitions to the sovereign about claims to uncertain or disputed peerages of Scotland, and petitions for regrant, and reference of such petitions to the appropriate Law Officers for advice.The role of the Advocate-General for Scotland as the appropriate Law Officer remains unchanged.

asked Her Majesty's Government:With respect to each of the following in England and Wales:

The numbers and percentages of 16 to 18 year-olds participating in full-time education by institution type, for end 2001 in England (provisional figures; as at end of calendar year), are set out in the table.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 23 June (

The Government Economic Service does not hold the information centrally because there is no operational need to do so. Economists are employed by individual government departments and their salaries are determined by their departments.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What progress has been made in building on the ideas submitted as bids in the competition for European Capital of Culture 2008. [HL4153]

Further to the Prime Minister's response to the honourable Member for Cardiff North, in another place on 4 June, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and her ministerial colleagues have now visited or met all the cities that were shortlisted in the bidding process for the title of European Capital of Culture 2008 and discussed their plans with them. We want to build on the momentum generated by the Capital of Culture process and it is clear there is considerable interest in the cities in doing so. Yesterday, my right honourable friend discussed ideas with representatives of all 12 cities that took part in the bidding. We had hoped to make a ministerial statement on detailed proposals before the summer recess but the cities indicated that they would like more time and my right honourable friend will now make the statement in the autumn.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the outcome of the quinquennial review of the Council for Science and Technology. [HL4083]

The Office of Science and Technology undertook a quinquennial review of the Council for Science and Technology in 2002. I received the final report of the review in December 2002.The Government broadly accept the recommendations of the review. Further work was however needed to decide how it should be followed up. That work is now complete. Copies of the final report of the review, together with details of the Government's plans for CST's future, have today been laid in the Library of the House and published on OST's website (

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will publish the model constitution in relation to governance structures for National Health Service foundation trusts. [HL3736]

The Government will make available a template constitution for applicant National Health Service (NHS) foundation trusts, which will set out the minimum legislative requirements for the constitution of an NHS foundation trust. Applicants will need to consider how they use the template to develop a constitution that is consistent with their local needs and circumstances. The template will he available shortly.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many staff are supporting adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities in residential care in the United Kingdom; and [HL3749]How many staff are supporting adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities in day services in the United Kingdom. [H L3750]

Data on the numbers of staff in the independent sector supporting adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities are not available centrally.As at 30 September 2002 (the latest date for which data are available), the whole-time equivalent number of staff employed by councils with social services responsibilities in England supporting adults with learning disabilities was (i) 10,600 in residential care and (ii) 13,200 in day care.Data on the numbers of staff supporting adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities in residential care and day services for Northern Ireland are not available centrally.Staff working in the learning disability teams and programmes of care cannot be broken down into residential and day services. Information has been provided for staff (social services staff, nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff and medical staff) working in these departments by health and social services (HSS) trust. Only departments with learning disability in their title have been included. The information is as at 30 September 2002 to match the information supplied by England and is provided in the following table.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What recent correspondence Ministers in the Department of Health have had with the Disabled Living Foundation further to the ministerial announcement that the foundation would work with the department to create a self-assessment project to assist older and disabled people to access equipment; and how the project is progressing. [HL4005]

The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) has recently written with an update on progress on the project to create, pilot and evaluate a computer-based system to enable older and disabled people to access equipment (the self-assessment and rapid access (SARA) project). Since the announcement in November 2002 officials have arranged with the DLF to develop the required software. There is frequent contact between them and work is progressing well. It is expected that public trials of the system will start in October 2003 and that these will be evaluated in spring 2004.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the incidence of dental caries in children is higher in the non-fluoridated cities in France, Germany, Italy and Sweden than in broadly comparable cities in Great Britain where the water supply is fluoridated; and, if not, whether they will investigate how France, Germany, Italy and Sweden manage to achieve good dental health without resorting to fluoridation. [HL4012]

The introduction of fluoridated toothpaste in the 1970s is credited with an overall improvement in oral health, but an association between high levels of tooth decay and economic and social deprivation has been identified in most countries, including cities in the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe.While the Department of Health maintains contact with dental institutions in Europe, we do not yet have sufficient information to make more detailed comparisons between levels of dental caries in the different countries. However, a survey undertaken in Ireland in 2001–02 is relevant because 71 per cent of the population of the Irish Republic receives fluoridated water, but there are no fluoridation schemes in Northern Ireland. The survey found that 30 per cent of five year-old residents of fluoridated communities in the Republic of Ireland have one or more decayed, missing or filled tooth while, in the non-fluoridated communities in the Republic and Northern Ireland, 47 per cent of this age group had dental decay. The attraction of water fluoridation is its potential for reducing inequalities in oral health, in particular by protecting those families who may not buy toothpaste or establish regular toothbrushing regimes.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will publish the Commission for Health Improvement's 2002–03 annual report. [HL4156]

The Commission for Health Improvement's 2002–03 annual report, entitled Delivering Improvement, has been published today. Copies have been placed in the Library.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will publish the 2002–03 annual report and accounts of the National Health Service Pensions Agency. [HL4157]

The 2002–03 report and accounts of the National Health Service Pensions Agency have today been laid before the House of Commons pursuant to Section 7 of the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000. Copies have been placed in the Library.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What the outcome was of the quinquennial review of the National Health Service Pensions Agency. [HL4158]

We are today publishing the executive summary of the quinquennial review of the NHS Pensions Agency.We have accepted all of its recommendations, including a change of status for the agency. From 1 April 2004. the NHS Pensions Agency will become a special health authority.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will publish their response to the fifth report of the House of Commons Select Committee on Health, on the control of entry regulations and retail pharmacy services in the United Kingdom. [HL4159]

The Government's response to the fifth report of the House of Commons Select Committee on Health, on the control of entry regulations and retail pharmacy services in the United Kingdom, Cm 5896. has been published today. Copies have been placed in the Library.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What arrangements will be made for the provision of independent complaints advocacy services in September 2003. [HL4160]

Section 12 of the Health and Social Care Act 2001 places a legal duty on the Secretary of State to make arrangements to provide independent advocacy services to assist individuals making complaints against the National Health Service. We intend to commence this section on 1 September 2003.Our intention is to deliver arrangements for a national independent complaints advocacy service (ICAS). These intentions were set out in Written Answers given to the honourable Member for Eltham on 19 March 2003 (

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will estimate the annual monetary value in United States dollars of gross transfer at the farm gate through prices higher than world level applied to the dairy industry in the United Kingdom; and how much in United States dollars this amounts to per cow in the United Kingdom. [H L3633]

Applying the methodology utilised for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's producer support estimate (PSE), we estimate that in 2000 (the latest year for which figures are available), the annual monetary value of gross transfer at the farm gate through prices higher than world level applied to the dairy industry in the UK was approximately 1.3 billion dollars. This amounts to around 1.60 dollars per dairy cow per day.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What has been the imported content of plywood used in the United Kingdom over the last five years; whether some grades are being made from home grown timber or from a mixture of home-grown and imported: and whether they consider that plywood should be developed as an outlet for British timber. [HL3887]

All the plywood used in the UK is imported, mainly because we do not produce logs of the size and quality required for efficient peeling and processing. However, some UK-grown veneers, sliced rather than peeled, are used in other products. It is unlikely that competitive plywoods will be produced in the UK to provide an outlet for our timber.The UK does, however, have a mill near Inverness which produces oriented strand board. This product is made from pressing layers of flakes of pine arid is widely used as an alternative to plywood in many construction markets.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether greater use could be made of homegrown timber in the production of wooden flooring; and, if so, what action they will take. [HL3888]

The Government believe that greater use could be made of home-grown timber in flooring. However, home-grown solid wood flooring has to compete against laminate flooring and timber available on the international market, which can be obtained at relatively low cost.The Forestry Commission (FC) supports many woodland initiatives throughout the country where local processing is often an objective. Hardwood flooring made and sold locally as a niche market can be successful. The FC has funded market studies and is currently funding the development of a hardwood appearance grading guide which could help producers of small and larger-scale sawmills market their timber to specifiers.The Wood for Good campaign, supported by the FC and the UK forestry industry, is promoting exposed softwood flooring. The FC is supporting research to test wood hardening techniques on UK species. If successful, this could make them more suitable for exposed floors.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What specific production is given to areas of outstanding natural beauty to prevent leisure developments from proceeding; and [HL3961]Which bodies are responsible for protecting the special nature of areas of outstanding natural beauty in (a) England and (b) Wales; and [HL3962]What planning processes would apply to the development of a new motor racing circuit within an area of outstanding natural beauty. [HL3963]

Areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs) together with National Parks are recognised as our finest landscapes. They are given specific protection both in countryside legislation and in the planning system. For example, under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, all public bodies in both England and Wales must have regard to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of an AONB when exercising or performing any function in relation to, or so as to affect, land in that area.Defra is responsible for AONBs in England, where the Countryside Agency acts as our advisor. AONBs in Wales are the responsibility of the National Assembly for Wales.The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is responsible for planning policies in England. These are administered on a day-to-day basis by local planning authorities. Planning Policy Guidance Notes 7, 17 and 21, deal respectively with the status of AONBs in relation to the countryside generally, sport and recreation, and tourism. All make clear that the need to conserve the landscape must be taken into account when considering proposals for development.The permanent development of a motor racing circuit would require specific planning permission for which application should be made to the local planning authority.