asked Her Majesty's Government:Who is now responsible for (a) the appointment of Lords of Appeal in Ordinary and (b) the appointment of judges in England and Wales. [HL3824]

The current procedure for the appointment of Lords of Appeal in the United Kingdom is that the Prime Minister receives advice from me as Lord Chancellor before making recommendations to Her Majesty the Queen. I carry out the responsibilities of Lord Chancellor in relation to judicial appointments that are made by the Lord Chancellor and those on which advice is provided to the Prime Minister and those on which recommendations are made to Her Majesty the Queen.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have reason to call into question the competence, integrity or industry of any judges appointed since 1 May 1997. [HL4204]

As I have stated in the foreword to the consultation paper Constitutional Reform: a new way of appointing judges, England and Wales are well served by judges of the highest calibre. At all levels of our justice system we are fortunate to have a strong independent judiciary respected nationally and internationally. This of course applies to the judiciary in Scotland and Northern Ireland as well as in England and Wales. The proposals which the Government have announced do not stem from any doubts about the competence, integrity or industry of the judiciary, whether appointed before or since 1 May 1997.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have concerns about the ability of any judges to achieve impartiality and fairness in trials involving members of the ethnic minorities or those living unorthodox lifestyles. [HL4205]

The Government are satisfied that judges deal impartially and fairly with trials, irrespective of the background of any of the people involved in the proceedings.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether it has been their policy to appoint as judges those whom they regarded as the most able and suitable for such office. [HL4206]

The overriding principle is, and has been, that judges are appointed on merit and that those appointed are the most able and suitable.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether Section 2(4) of the Law Reform Act 1948 should be repealed for all personal injury claims so that patients' rehabilitation could be provided by the National Health Service, with the cost recouped from the insurer, thereby providing funds to develop widespread rehabilitation facilities. [HL4239]

The report of the Chief Medical Officer, Making Amends, recommended that Section 2(4) of the Law Reform (Personal Injuries) Act 1948 should be amended so that the costs of future care in any award for clinical negligence made against the National Health Service should no longer reflect the cost of private treatment. That recommendation is currently the subject of consultation. The Government intend to consider the implications of the recommendation for personal injury claims generally.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How the absence of legal protection for unmarried opposite-sex cohabiting couples with children, by way of access to a civil partnership registration scheme, encourages such couples to remain together and to remain jointly responsible for the upbringing of their children. [HL4256]

The Government believe that both parents should be involved in their children's upbringing. Unmarried fathers can obtain parental responsibility for their children by agreement with their partner or, where appropriate, by application to court. Provisions contained in the Adoption and Children Act 2002, which received Royal Assent on 7 November 2002, when brought into effect will enable unmarried fathers to obtain parental responsibility by registering the birth of their children jointly with their partners.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What areas of Northern Ireland have been given Targeting Social Need status; what are the criteria for selection; who makes the selection; and what the benefits are for such areas. [HL3864]

There are no "New Targeting Social Need (New TSN)" status areas. Ideally targeting is aimed towards those who are in most need. Where programmes are delivered to individuals, departments must identify who are the most deprived and who need the particular service. Measures such as benefit entitlement, entitlement to free school meals etc can be used.Some programmes (for example, rural development, urban regeneration, etc) are delivered on an area basis and in these cases, areas must be identified for targeting. The Northern Ireland multiple deprivation measure assists with area-based targeting. It ranks electoral wards on the basis of relative deprivation. As well as an overall measure of multiple deprivation it includes separate domain measures including employment, income, health, etc which can be applied individually as appropriate.Another consideration in targeting resources on an area basis is that the areas to which one type of programme is appropriate, for example, urban regeneration, may not be appropriate to other types of programme, such as rural development or forestry. The need for a particular service must also be taken into account. While areas may have similar overall levels of deprivation, their specific need for particular government services such as housing, employment, schools, transport etc may differ.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What provision they have made for members of the Northern Ireland Civil Service who have a hidden disability such as dyslexia or dyspraxia, in promotion boards and similar procedures. [HL3907]

Candidates who declare a disability are asked to identify any special requirements they may need at interview or test. Reasonable adjustments are made in accordance with the nature of the disability.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What arrangements they make for candidates for entrance into the Northern Ireland Civil Service who may be dyslexic or dyspraxic or have another hidden disability. [HL3908]

Reasonable adjustments are made in accordance with the nature of the disability. This can include setting aside the normal academic requirements for administrative posts. or additional time to sit tests etc. Guidance is taken from bodies such as the British Dyslexia Association in deciding what is reasonable in specific cases.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 7 July (

The answer given to the noble Lord on 7 July (WA 6) was incomplete. Please find below the original full answer and additional information as requested. I apologise for the error.Financial assistance is available from several government departments, agencies and non-departmental public bodies for the sustainable development of tourism throughout Northern Ireland including the north coast area of County Antrim. Accommodation development, amenity and visitor attractions, marketing programmes and events are among the areas which could be eligible for support under a variety of grant schemes.One specific initiative which applies to the North Antrim coast area is the Natural Resource and Rural Tourism Initiative (NRRTI). Jointly developed by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Department of the Environment and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the initiative is aimed at developing tourism in selected rural areas throughout Northern Ireland. Some £3.3m of the NRRTI funding has been made available during the period 2002–06 to promote and assist the development of sustainable projects which will increase the tourism potential in the Glens and north coast area of County Antrim.In order to build on achievements to date, a masterplan for the area will be developed as part of the recently announced ministerial initiative for the Giant's Causeway. The development of tourism beyond the Causeway itself will have a number of benefits including easing pressure on the site, assisting in encouraging visitors to stay longer in the locality and thus increasing spending.In addition, grant aid has been awarded to the following organisations under DCAL's Water-Based Tourism Measure funded under the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (Peace II):

	£
Glenmore Fishery, Ballycastle	4,825
North Coast Angling, Portrush	49,300
Predator Boat Charters, Cushendall	26,100

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 7 July (

The proportionality of funding between the UK Government and the Irish Government for each of the North/South Implementation Bodies is determined on the basis of the benefit to each jurisdiction from their activities, and is reviewed as part of the normal budget process

	Trade & Business Development Body	Food Safety Promotion Board	Foyle Carlingford & Irish Lights Commission	Waterways Ireland	Special EU Programmes Body	North/South Language Body
2000	Supplied to NSMC	Supplied to NSMC	Audit ongoing	Supplied to NSMC	Supplied to NSMC	Consolidated Accounts Audit ongoing
2001	Supplied to NSMC	exchange of notes*	Audit ongoing	Audit ongoing	Supplied under the exchange of notes*	Consolidated Accounts awaited
2002	To Supplied under the exchange of notes*	Audit ongoing	Audit ongoing	Audit ongoing	To Supplied under the exchange of notes*	Consolidated Accounts awaited
* This refers to the mechanism agreed in the exchange of notes between the British and Irish Governments of 19 November 2002.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether all Cross-Border Implementation Bodies had their budgets approved by the North/ South Ministerial Council for the years 2000, 2001 and 2002; and, if not, which bodies did not have their budgets so approved and for what reason. [HL4125]

Under paragraph 2.1 of Part 7 of Annex 2 of the Agreement establishing Implementation Bodies made on 8 March 1999

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 7 July (

There is no formal mechanism to allow for the movement of funds in respect of North/South Implementation Bodies from one financial year to the next.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether all the Cross-Border Implementation Bodies have supplied final accounts for 2000, 2001 and 2002 to the North/South Ministerial Council; and, if not, which bodies have not yet supplied such accounts and why. [HL4069]

The position regarding final accounts is shown in the attached table.between the British and Irish Governments, the initial grants (the budget for the year 2000) were made from monies appropriated by the Appropriation (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and from money voted by Dáil Éireann.Under the same provision, the North/South Ministerial Council, with the approval of Finance Ministers, is required to make recommendations for subsequent years as to the amount of grants (budgets) for the Implementation Bodies to be paid from money voted by the Northern Ireland Assembly and Dáil Éireann.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the current waiting time for an MoT at the Belfast centre is almost two months; and, if so, what steps they are taking to change this state of affairs as a matter of urgency. [HL3929]

The average waiting time for an MoT appointment at the Belfast centre is currently 6 and a half weeks, with a maximum waiting time of 9 weeks for about 40 per cent of customers. Customers who are willing to travel to other test centres can get tests in shorter periods. For example, average waiting times last week for the Larne and Downpatrick centres were just over three weeks.The principal causes of the current waiting time difficulties have been a significant increase in demand and the temporary closure of test centres for the installation of new test equipment—which in turn requires an extensive programme of staff training. Demand at the Belfast centre has been particularly affected by the current temporary closure of Mallusk, which handled 13 per cent of the agency's throughput last year.The Mallusk centre will reopen on 16 August 2003, and the programme of refurbishment across all centres will be completed in September. In the meantime a number of steps are being taken to alleviate the position. These include: continuing efforts to recruit additional staff; increased overtime working; longer opening hours; diverting technical staff from other duties to testing; working with the equipment supplier to secure higher levels of productivity; better public information and awareness, so that customers have the option of choosing centres with lower waiting times; and relocating staff in order to match capacity and demand as closely as possible.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 8 July (

Papers relating to the decisions made under the Exchange of Notes of 19 November 2002 up to 30 June 2003 have been placed in the Library.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 7 July (

I refer the noble Lord to the answer given on 3 June 2003 (WA 139). The proportionality of the administrative budget of the Special EU Programmes Body between the two governments was modified on the basis of the benefit to each jurisdiction from its activities. The Northern Ireland share of the budget increased in this period due to the costs relating to the SEUPB's central payments unit and regional partnership board activities that relate only to Northern Ireland.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 7 July (

In accordance with the statutory requirements, initial grants (i.e. budgets for 2000) for all the North/South Implementation Bodies were made from money appropriated by the Appropriation (NI) Order 1999 and from money voted by Dáil Éireann.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will publish the Memorandum of Understanding agreed between the Cabinet Office and the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration on how government departments should deal with requests for information under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. [HL3993]

The Minister for the Cabinet Office published the Government's response (Cm 5890) to the Public Administration Select Committee's report on Ombudsman Issues on 22 July. A copy has been sent to the noble Lord.The response includes the Memorandum of Understanding agreed between the Government and the ombudsman on the handling of requests for information under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they intend to give a high priority to amending the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 so as to create a direct right of public access to the Parliamentary Ombudsman, without the need for intervention by a Member of Parliament. [HL3994]

The Government's position is set out in the response to the Public Administration Select Committee's report on Ombudsman Issues, published on 22 July. A copy has been sent to the noble Lord.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether there is a precedent for Clause 25 of the draft Civil Contingencies Bill, which stipulates that emergency regulations should be treated as primary legislation so as to avoid their being suspended or struck down by the courts because the regulations have been made in excess of Ministers' powers; and [HL3996]Whether they consider Clause 25 of the draft Civil Contingencies Bill to be compatible with British constitutional principles of government under the rule of law. [HL3997]

The Government consider that emergency regulations of the kind proposed constitute a special case and may require special treatment in relation to certain procedures under the Human Rights Act. No other case has required special treatment of that kind since the Human Rights Act came into full effect, on 2 October 2000. The Government believe that emergency regulations are a unique case and do not intend this approach to set a precedent.The Government consider that Clause 25 of the draft Civil Contingencies Bill is compatible with British constitutional principles of government under the rule of law for three reasons. First, legal challenges to emergency regulations on grounds of incompatibility with the Convention rights are possible, leading to declarations of incompatibility. The mechanism for challenging the compatibility of emergency regulations, which must be approved by Parliament, is the same as that applied to Acts of Parliament. Second, legal challenges to actions under emergency regulations, as opposed to the regulations themselves, on grounds of incompatibility with Convention rights, leading to suspension and/or striking down. are possible. Third, legal challenges to emergency regulations on grounds other than incompatibility with Convention rights, leading to suspension and/or striking down, are possible.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the reply by the Lord Chancellor on 14 July, what interests Ministers will need to disclose to their Permanent Secretaries which they have not already registered in the appropriate House of Parliament. [HL4015]

The Ministerial Code requires Ministers, on appointment to each new office, to provide their Permanent Secretary with a full list of all interests which might be thought to give rise to a conflict. The list should cover not only the Minister's personal interests but those of a spouse or partner, of children who are minors, of trusts of which the Minister or a spouse or partner is a trustee or beneficiary, or of closely associated persons.Details of what interests ought to be included in such a declaration are set out in paragraph 115 of the Ministerial Code.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the staff and commissioners of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission are exempt from performance-related pay; if so, why; whether this rule applies to other public bodies; and, if so, which ones. [HL4027]

Commissioners and staff of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission are not on a performance-related pay scheme. Non-departmental public bodies can agree their pay awards with sponsoring departments, so long as there is ministerial agreement and any pay increase is within the rate of inflation.It is for other public bodies to decide for themselves whether they want to use the performance-related pay scheme.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they consider that the action of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in preparing a bill of rights for Northern Ireland, when the commission was not tasked to do so, constituted a proper use of public money. [HL4065]

Under the terms of the Belfast Agreement the Human Rights Commission was tasked with advising on the "scope for defining, in Westminster legislation, rights supplementary to those in the European Convention on Human Rights, to reflect the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland, drawing as appropriate on international instruments and experience." The publication of the consultation document Making a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland by the commission has provided a focus for the important and necessary debate that will help determine what is in that advice.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission intends to reduce the funding of individual applicants contrary to the duty in Sections 69 (5) and 70 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. [HL4126]

This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. The Chief Commissioner had 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 is the gender balance of the employees of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission; and whether this balance is consistent with domestic and European equality legislation. [HL4127]

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:Whether they will publish the attendance record of members of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission since the commission's inception. [HL4245]

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:Whether it is possible to obtain planning approval for any residential developments along the coastline of Strangford Lough. [HL4044]

Any proposal for residential development along the coastline of Strangford Lough, as with all planning applications in Northern Ireland, will be determined on its individual planning merits, having regard to the regional development strategy for Northern Ireland, to the local development plan so far as it is relevant to the application, and to any other material considerations such as planning policy statements or published guidance documents.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 11 June (

A broad definition of the Royal Prerogative would be all the non-statutory powers of the Crown. not only those powers which are unique to the Crown. Public functions performed by Ministers of the Crown acting under the Royal Prerogative in this wider sense might include the exercise of powers to enter into contracts or to make ex gratia payments.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether work is progressing on a single Equality Bill for Northern Ireland. [HL4181]

A single Equality Bill for Northern Ireland was a commitment of the devolved administration. Work to develop proposals for a Bill is continuing.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How much to date the Northern Ireland Parades Commission has cost. [HL4200]

The total cost to the end of June 2003 of the Northern Ireland Parades Commission since its inception (March 1997) is £6,512,203.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will publish the

The Minister for the Cabinet Office, Mr Douglas Alexander, announced the publication of the List of Ministerial Responsibilities on 17 July 2003. For the first time ever it has been published in both paper and electronic form. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House.For the electronic version, the website can be accessed at

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will give details of prosecutions brought following the injuries of two men by gunshot at the Astoria Club, Charing Cross Road on 31 October 2001. [HL3989]

The shooting at the Astoria Club, Charing Cross Road took place on 1 November 2001, as a result of which two men suffered gunshot wounds. The incident was investigated by officers of the Metropolitan Police from Operation Trident. Unfortunately, due to a lack of co-operation from the victims and witnesses and a lack of any direct evidence, no suspects have been identified.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What recent developments there have been following the volcanic eruption in Montserrat; and what further action has been or is being taken. [HL4055]

Serious volcanic ashing has affected much of the island, causing damage to infrastructure and harm to crops and the island ecosystem. We have set aside up to £1.5 million for immediate emergency purposes, including a major ash clearance operation that is now being co-ordinated by the Government of Montserrat. Since Saturday 19 July parts of the exclusion zone around the fringes of the Belham Valley have been opened during the daylight hours (6.00 am to 6.00 pm) for those owning property in those areas. We will continue to keep the situation under close review.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What they are doing to improve the control of malaria and the treatment of infected children in Africa. [HL4192]

DfID remains strongly committed to meeting the Millennium Development Goal to halt and begin to reverse the incidence of malaria by 2015, recognising the importance of malaria, not just in terms of disease burden, but also the potential it has to undermine economic growth and human development.Since 1998, DfID has provided in excess of £110 million to support malaria control activities globally and at country-level. This includes support to Roll Back Malaria, an international partnership to reduce competition and duplication of effort, develop technical consensus, increase political commitment and raise the profile of malaria.This commitment to combating malaria has been recently reaffirmed by DfID's pledge to increase its commitment to the Global Fund to Fight Aids, TB and Malaria to 280 million US dollars. Successful implementation of existing Global Fund proposals will result in the annual number of treatments for resistant malaria in Africa increasing from 15,000 to 4 million and result in the purchase of 7.5 million insecticide-treated nets (ITN) over the next two years. These nets offer substantial protection against malaria. The proper use of insecticide-treated nets, combined with prompt treatment for malaria at community level, can reduce malaria transmission by as much as 60 per cent and the overall young child death rate by at least one-fifth.DfID also provides support to the Medical Research Council (MRC); to the Malaria Consortium Resource Centre; and to initiatives to help find new low-cost malaria treatments. Malaria control activities at country-level are supported through DfID bilateral country programmes.DfID is committed to supporting national governments and partners in order to ensure that effective drugs and commodities are accessible to the poor. We have committed over £1.5 billion, since 1997, to strengthen health systems to deliver vital drugs and health care treatment.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they could provide an update on recent developments in Liberia and on their response to them. [HL 4307]

Following the most recent fighting in Liberia, between 200,000–300,000 people had to leave their homes and seek shelter in over 100 different locations in Monrovia. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and a small number of NGOs have provided emergency humanitarian assistance throughout the crisis under extreme conditions, and in the last few weeks, the UN and additional NGOs have re-entered Liberia to increase the humanitarian effort. Malnutrition remains a major concern particularly among vulnerable groups, and safe drinking water as well as sanitation and basic hygiene remain critical issues, especially in the areas where refugees have moved to. Security remains a major concern for operational humanitarian agencies. While the deployment of ECOWAS (ECOMIL) has stabilised a secure zone in and around central Monrovia, access is still very limited outside the city. Agencies are operating on the basis of ad hoc negotiated access to rebel-controlled areas. In such difficult circumstances, it is crucial that the UN takes a strong lead in humanitarian co-ordination. After a difficult beginning, the agencies have reported that coordination with the UN has now dramatically improved.On 21 August DfID committed an additional £4.7 million to support humanitarian needs in Liberia. The funds are being allocated to UN agencies. NGOs and the ICRC to provide an immediate response. This brings the UK's total humanitarian assistance to Liberia to £7.6 million this year. Our approach is to strengthen the UN system to take on a lead role in coordination and delivery of assistance, to support NGOs and the Red Cross in provision of immediate relief, and to ensure collaboration between the major donors in planning and monitoring of assistance. Last month we hosted a meeting of NGOs working in Liberia, or planning to do so, to discuss the situation and identify what help is needed on the ground. We have invited NGOs to put proposals to us and we have just agreed to fund a supplementary feeding programme for all refugee children under the age of five in Monrovia. Our strategy has been developed with advice from an assessment team who are currently based in Monrovia. This team will remain in the region to assess the evolving humanitarian situation in Liberia, and monitor DfID-funded operations.The UK is committed to working closely with the international community to ensure that ECOMIL, and the UN Mission planned for Liberia, are successful in restoring peace and security. We have contributed £1 million to ECOM IL and have seconded a military adviser to ECOWAS. We have also offered military advisors to the UN planning mission and headquarters. The UK is also working in the UN Security Council to ensure that the forthcoming resolution authorises the deployment of a UN mission with a strong mandate to: restore and maintain security; establish peace-building initiatives; and provide the conditions to allow the transitional government to operate effectively and work towards holding free and fair elections. We are monitoring developments in the region closely to ensure that ex-combatants do not cause problems in neighbouring countries. A regional approach to disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDF) will be important if the region is to eliminate the "guns for hire" culture that has developed. We are discussing options for DDR with the UN, ECOWAS and other interested parties, and are considering how we can best support this process.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, in the light of the recent closing of the last major independent television network in Russia, they have discussed independence of the media with Russian representatives. [HL3590]

The closure of TVS gives rise for concern and we and EU partners have issued a joint declaration about the negative impact this will have on the plurality and independence of the electronic media in Russia.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Given that the new Security Bill for Hong Kong passed its Committee stage in eight hours and is likely to become law on 9 July, what discussion they are having with the government of China on this subject. [HL3701]

Article 23 of the Basic Law states that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) shall enact national security legislation "on its own". We have therefore made frequent representations to the SAR Government on this issue, including at ministerial level.We have also discussed the issue with the Chinese Government. My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Mr Rammell) did so with Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui in January and my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary did so on 25 June with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing. On 21 July. during his visit to China, my right honourable friend the Prime Minister discussed Article 23 with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.The legislation was not passed on 9 July. Following a large demonstration in Hong Kong on 1 July, the Chief Executive announced significant amendments to the legislation on 5 July, including the removal of the proposed new provisions regarding the proscription of Hong Kong organisations subordinate to organisations proscribed on the mainland on national security grounds. This had been one of the main concerns of the people of Hong Kong and of the international community and we had repeatedly expressed our concern on this issue. On 7 July the Chief Executive announced that passage of the legislation would be delayed to allow more time for further discussion in Hong Kong. My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Mr Rammell) issued a press statement on 16 July welcoming these significant developments.We shall continue to follow developments closely.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What are the conditions in which British citizens are currently being detained by United States authorities at Guantanamo, as regards visits from their families and their lawyers; access to exercise, recreational and educational facilities; and access to books, newspapers and television. [HL4050]

British officials have visited the British detainees held at Guantanamo Bay five times, most recently in April. As part of the visits they checked on the welfare of the detainees, who appeared generally to be in sound physical health. The physical conditions of their detention appear to be broadly satisfactory. However, we have raised any welfare concerns we may have with the US authorities.We understand that provision for exercise has improved from the minimum of two 15-minute periods of exercise outside every week, but varies according to circumstances. The camp authorities provide some books, including the Koran.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they consider the Military Commissions proposed for the trial of British citizens detained at Guantanamo are independent and impartial tribunals established by law, as required by Article 14 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. [HL4051]

As my right honourable friend the Prime Minister said during Prime Minister's Questions on 9 July, Official Report, Commons, col. 1152–3, "Any commission or tribunal must be conducted in accordance with the proper canons of law so that a fair trial takes place and is seen to take place".The UK has made this view clear to the US. On 18 July the US announced that they would not commence any military commission proceedings against UK nationals, pending discussions between American and British legal experts. The Attorney-General visited Washington on 21–22 July for talks with the US Administration. He secured a number of assurances from the Administration, including that the US will not seek the death penalty against the two British detainees who have been designated as eligible for the commissions, and will he returning to the US shortly for further discussions.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Following the public concern of the Red Cross representative visiting Guantanamo Bay that open-ended detention is having an impact on the mental health of prisoners, how the Government will verify the fitness of any British detainees to plead before a military tribunal. [HL4208]

The US announced on 18 July that they would not commence any military commission proceedings against UK nationals detained at Guantanamo Bay, pending discussions between American and British legal experts. We understand from the US authorities that medical facilities, including psychiatric care, at Guantanamo Bay available to the detainees are of a high standard and are the same as those for US military personnel. We firmly believe that a fair judicial process should take account of a person's fitness to stand trial. This is one of the specific issues we have raised with the US authorities, and continue to discuss with them.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What representations they have made to the Russian government about the continued resort to torture and other forms of ill treatment by members of law enforcement agencies and federal forces operating in the Chechen Republic, and the insufficiency of action taken to bring to justice those responsible, as stated by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Punishment on 10 July. [HL4054]

We have repeatedly stressed the urgent need for the thorough, transparent and effective investigation of human rights violations in Chechnya, and for the prosecution and punishment of those responsible. The issues of ill treatment and torture were raised at our bilateral human rights talks in March 2003. We have emphasised that the failure to deal with this problem risks undermining Russian efforts to initiate a political process in the republic, and the prospects for securing a lasting solution to the conflict in Chechnya.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their position in discussions about the future relations of the European Union with Togo, following the recent presidential election in that country. [HL4108]

We remain deeply worried about poor governance in Togo and have been active in ensuring that EU policy takes full account of this. We supported the most recent EU statement issued on 4 July, which highlighted serious concerns about events during the run-up to the 1 June elections, their conduct and subsequent events. The statement also called on the Togolese Government to commit themselves to an effective inter-Togolese dialogue.EU aid to Togo has been suspended since 1993. We believe that the Togolese authorities need to take positive action to promote democratic principles before EU aid is resumed.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether any inquiries have been made in the past five years by any staff members of Her Majesty's Embassy in Washington about the numbers of members of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives holding valid passports for foreign travel; and, if so, what results the inquiries revealed. [HL4211]

We have found no record of any formal inquiries of this nature in the past five years.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When the British and United States Governments will produce a coherent plan, with a clear timetable, for the political and physical reconstruction of Iraq. [HL4218]

Coalition plans for political and physical rehabilitation are as follows:The Iraqi Governing Council formed on 13 July is the principal element of the interim administration called for in Resolution 1483 and has been welcomed by the UN. The council has significant powers that will increase over time. An early task for the council is to determine how a new constitution should be prepared. Once adopted, it will pave the way for elections and an internationally recognised representative Iraqi Government to which the coalition will hand over its powers and responsibilities.Our immediate priorities in securing the physical reconstruction of Iraq are the restoration of law and order and ensuring that basic public services are returned to a fully functioning state. The Iraqi police force is up and running and conducting patrols with coalition military and we are working on the rebuilding of a new Iraqi army. We are also working with the Iraqi ministries to enable them to improve on the social and physical infrastructure of Iraq and develop a robust economic policy, which will empower the Iraqi people to manage their own free market democracy.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What the Bremer administration is doing to restore the Iraqi police force, civil service, judiciary, armed forces and customs services; and what resources the Bremer administration has in Iraq to achieve these tasks. [HL4220]

The Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) is working with the United Nations and the international community on all aspects of the reconstruction of Iraq, as called for in United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1483.We are making progress. The Iraqi police force is up and running and conducting patrols with the coalition military. Prisons and courts are open to try those arrested. The new Iraqi army has started recruiting with the aim of recruiting and training a 40,000 strong force in the next two years. The CPA is working with 19 Iraqi ministries, including on the immigration and customs side, and civil servants are returning to work.To pay for the reconstruction process, UNSCR 1483 enables the CPA to draw from the oil revenues and seized Iraqi assets transferred to the Development Fund for Iraq. The UK and other international contributors have also committed resources and specialists to help in the reconstruction process.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What resources Ambassador Bremer possesses to conduct the government of Iraq efficiently and effectively; what funds this requires: and where those funds will come from. [HL4221]

Ambassador Bremer has a staff of around 1,200 secondees.United Nations Security Council Resolution 1483 enables the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) to draw from the oil revenues and seized Iraqi assets transferred to the Development Fund for Iraq in order to pay for public expenditure in Iraq. The interim 2003 budget for Iraq makes provision for the restoration and upgrading of the administrative infrastructure of Iraq, in addition to the payment of public sector wages. Details of the budget for 2003 are available on the CPA website at

asked Her Majesty's Government:What plans they have to assist small retailers in deprived areas to improve the security of their business in the current year. [HL3437]

We are pleased to announce today the specific projects which will receive funding from the 2003–04 allocation from the Capital Modernisation Fund to assist small retailers in deprived areas to improve the security of their business.Some £5.8 million has been distributed to regions in England and Wales according to the formula based on an equal share for each region, crimes impacting on retailers and percentage of people living in the most deprived wards. The remaining £200,000 of the third year funding has been set aside for administration and evaluation.This year's funding will provide assistance to a minimum of 5,000 individual retailers and essential businesses. As in previous years, this funding will be spent on schemes identified by regional Home Office directors, in conjunction with crime and disorder reduction partnerships and a variety of interventions will be employed, including enhancing the security of individual premises and improving the environment of shopping parades. This will mean that over the 3 years of the initiative, since 2001, over 12,500 individual shops units will have directly benefitted from improved security measures.We have placed in the Library a paper showing the allocations of funds to individual projects. The Home Secretary has also written to honourable Members in England and Wales who have projects in their constituencies.

Small Retailers in Deprived Areas: Specific Sites to Be Year Three Funding (2003–04)
Name of Scheme	Funding (£)
Eastern Region
Shedding Light on Retail Crime in Basildon	27,405
St Andrews Retail Project, Colchester	21,202
Wisbech North Ward, Fenland, Cambridgeshire*	21,202
Operation Shop Safe, Great Yarmouth	58,416
Safer Gaywood Project, King's Lynn	33,607
Biscot and Dallow Small Retails Project, Luton	27,405
Kingsbrook Small Retailers Initiative, North Bedfordshire	21,202
Norwich SRDA 2003–04 (2 Schemes)	27,405
Peterborough Supports Small Retailers (3 Sites)	33,607
Bedwell and Rockingham Way Shops, Stevenage	21,202
Clacton Small Shop Scheme	33,607
Thurrock Assisting Small Retailers	27,405
Britten Centre & Battery Green Multi-Storey Car Park Safety and Environmental Improvements Projects, Waveney	39,810
	393,475
East Midlands
Leicester Retail Crime Initiative	75,000
Nottingham Retail Crime Initiative	111,000
Bolsover Retail Crime Initiative	75,000
Bassetlaw Retail Crime Initiative	15,000
Derby Retail Crime Initiative	40,000
Mansfield Retail Crime Initiative	40,000
Erewash Retail Crime Initiative	10,000
Chesterfield Retail Crime Initiative	10,000

Small Retailers in Deprived Areas: Specific Sites to Benefit From Year Three Funding (2003–04)
Name of Scheme	Funding (£)
East Lindsay Retail Crime Initiative	45,000
Ashfield Retail Crime Initiative	10,000
Newark and Sherwood Retail Crime Initiative	10,000
West Lindsay Retail Crime Initiative	10,000
North East Derbyshire Retail Crime Initiative	10,000
South Kesteven Retail Crime Initiative	10,000
	471,000
London
Gale Street Lighting, Barking and Dagenham	25,544
Brent Target Hardening Scheme	34,587
Camden Small Retailers Initiative:	57,194
Retail Crime Reduction & Regeneration Project, Croydon*	16,501
Ealing Small Retailers Project	16,501
Enfield Small Retailers in Deprived Areas	30,065
Greenwich Small Retailers	57,194
Hackney Target Hardening Scheme	114,000
Hammersmith and Fulham CCTV Scheme	21,023
Haringey Target Hardening Scheme	57,672
Islington Radio Scheme	66,236
Kensington & Chelsea Small Retailers Project	21,023
Lambeth Small Retailers Project	25,544
Shop Security Radio Scheme, Lewisham	30,065
Newham Small Retailers Scheme*	115,971
Southwark Small Retailers	79,800
Tower Hamlets Shops Scheme	93,534
Waltham Forest Small Retailers Scheme	30,065
Westminster Small Retailers 2003 -04	21,023
	908,542
North East
Alnwick Small Retailers Scheme	10,000
Seahouses CCTV Scheme & Berwick upon Tweed Fraud Prevention Scheme	10,000
Business Crime Reduction Project, Blyth Valley	20,000
Castle Morpeth CCTV Scheme*	10,000
Small Retailer Scheme, Gateshead	24,000
Newcastle City Retailers	35,000
North Tyneside Small Retailers Project	20,000
South Tyneside CCTV Scheme	35,000
Digital Camera Safe Project, Sunderland	35,000
Tynedale Small Retailers Scheme*	10,000
Retail Crime Initiative, Wansbeck	20,000
Small Retailers Initiative, Derwentside	20,000
City of Durham Small Retailers Crime Prevention Scheme	10,000
Sedgefield Shop Fronts	20,000
Creating Safer Shops in Chester West and Grange Villa, Chester-le-Street	10,000
Small Retailers CCTV Scheme, Darlington	20,000
Billingham Shops Improvement Project, Stockton	35,000
Teesdale Safer Retailers	10,000
Wear Valley Safer Retailers Initiative*	24,000
Shop Watching, Hasington	35,000
Whale Hill Shopping Centre, Eston, Redcar	24,000
Assisting Small Retailers, Middlesbrough	35,000
Hartlepool CCTV	24,000
	496,000
North West
Ellesmere Port and Neston Small Retailers Scheme	21,857
Warrington Security Fencing Scheme	14,743
Macclesfield Radio Equipment	10,000
Chester Radio Scheme and Improvements	14.743
Congleton CCTV Retailers Scheme	10,000
Halton Security Grants	33,713
Vale Royal Security Improvements	12,371
West Street Small Retailers Scheme, Crewe and Nantwich*	12,371
Eden/Carlisle Small Retailers Scheme	22,371
South Lakeland Small Retailers 2003–04	10,000
Central Barrow Retailers	24,228
Shop Security Initiative 2003–04 Allerdale and Copeland Areas	41,342
Bury Retail Security Initiative	12,371
Mocha Parade, Broughton, Salford	15,000
Whittle Street, Salford	10,000
Individual Repeat Victims, Salford	6,342
Gorton Villa Shops. Manchester	37,000
Brunswick Street, Ardwick	37,026
Newport Street, Bolton	26,599

Small Retailers in Deprived Areas: Specific Sites to Benefit From Year Three Funding (2003–04)
Name of Scheme	Funding (£)
South Trafford Small Business Security	7,372
Canterbury Road, Trafford	7,371
Hyde (Godley) CCTV, Thameside	14,743
Rochdale Small Retailers in Deprived Areas Project	28,971
Oldham Small Retailers Scheme	26,599
Reddish District Centre, Stockport	12,371
Smithy Green CCTV System, Wigan	19,485
Burnley Small Retailer Scheme	19,485
Small Retailers in Deprived Areas, Pendle	26,599
Eaves Lane CCTV System, Chorley	10,000
Target Hardening/Takeaway Watch, Rossendale	10,000
Small Retailers in Ribble Valley 2003–04	10,000
Royal Avenue Small Retailers Project, South Ribble	10,000
Inner Preston Retail Crime Initiative	24,228
Blackburn with Darwen Small Retailers Scheme	33,713
Small Retailers Loud and Clear, Hyndburn	19,485
Fylde Retail Crime Initiative	10,000
Blackpool Small Retailers Initiative 2003 (3 Projects)	26,599
Digmoor Parade, Skelmerdale	19,485
Operation Re-Glaze, Wyre	14,743
Target Hardening, Lancaster (2 Projects)	17,114
Kennelwood Avenue Shops Security Project, Knowsley	27,620
Kirby Town Centre Radio Link, Knowsley	13,014
Old Farm Road Shops, Knowsley	12,050
St Helens Small Retailers Security Project 2003–04	26,599
Neighbourhood Shops CCTV Initiative, Sefton	28,971
Old Chester Road/Rock Lane West Retailers Safety Project, Wirral	12,114
Twickenham Drive Retailers Safety Project, Wirral	12,114
Liverpool CDRP (CitySafe) Scargreen Avenue Alleygate Project	15,000
Muirhead Avenue/Eaton Road North Security Project, Liverpool	15,283
Muirhead Avenue Alleygate Project. Liverpool	10,000
Breck Road Radio Link, Liverpool	16,000
Broadway Shooping Centre Radio Link, Liverpool	13,000
	942,205
South East
Britwell and Others, Slough*	50,000
Blackbird Leys and Barton, Oxford*	150,000
Temple Hill, Dartford*	25,000
Westbrook Traders CCTV Scheme, Thanet*	70,000
Community Safety Improvements for Redbridge Retailers, Southampton	20,000
The Botley Drive Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, Havant	20,000
Battle Road Business & Retail Security, Hastings	20,000
Kestrel Retailers Safety Project, Medway	20,000
Old High Street—Crime Reduction Initiative, Shepway	47,580
Central Whitehawk Shops, Brighton & Hove	20,000
Kingsley Road Post Office. Maidstone	6,000
Somerstown Retailers Initiative, Portsmouth	35,000
Buckland Retailers Initiative, Portsmouth	10,000
	493,580
South West
Bristol Filwood Small Retailers Scheme*	64,770
Kerrier Small Retailers Scheme*	51,810
North Somerset Small Retailers 2003–04*	25,906
Project 'Open All Hours', Plymouth	38,860
West Cornwall Community Safety Team Small Retailers 2003–04	38,860
Year 3 Penhill—Hannington Close Parade—Crime Reduction	36,000
Boscombe Traders Project, Bournemouth	16,790
Small Business Security Support Scheme, Gloucester	25,906
Community Retail Initiative—North Devon 2003–04	25,906
Exeter Retail Crime Scheme (Fore Street)	12,954
Small Retailers Scheme for Weymouth and Portland—Littlemoor Shopping Centre	12,954
Penwerris Small Retailers Initiative 2003–04, Carrick	12,954
Priorswood Place Security Improvements 2003–04, Taunton	12,954
Westward Ho! Small Retailers Initiative	12,954
	389,578
Wales
Caernarfon Business Watch Scheme & Stryd Fawr, Deiniolen, Caernarfon	21,150

Small Retailers in Deprived Areas: Specific Sites to Benefit From Year Three Funding(2003–04)
Name of Scheme	Funding (£)
Ceredigion Partnership Security Scheme	38,396.50
Ynys Mon Radio Shopwatch Scheme, Anglesey	20,000
Caerphilly Small Retailers Crime Reduction Project	11,000
Plas Madoc Shops and Roads. Wrexham	25,000
West Rhyl Retailer Group, Rhyl	20,000
Ebbw Fach Crime Reduction Partnership, Blaenau Gwent	15,000
Brecon CCTV Scheme. Powys	20,000
Blaenymaes Shopping Area, Swansea	25,000
Vale of Glamorgan Small Retailers	18,273
Cardiff Small Retailers Project	30,000
Pembrokeshire Small Retailers	38,537.50
Rhondda Cynon Taff Small Retailers Initiative	40,000
Safer Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre Retail Crime	15,000
Broughton CCTV Scheme, Flintshire	37,400
Neath Port Talbot Small Retailers	6,500
	381,257
West Midlands
Broomhill, Cannock*	23,000
Dudley Safer Shopping*	75,000
Walsall Retail Crime Initiative*	70,000
Wolverhampton Neighbourhood Shop Watch*	120,000
Operation Neon, Birmingham	120,000
Camp Hill Retailers Phase 2, Nuneaton and Bedworth	35,000
Stanton Road Shopping Centre Security Improvements, Coventry	50,000
Severn Grove Regeneration Project, Wyre Forest	20,000
Brookside Safety Partnership, Telford and Wrekin	50,000
Hughes Avenue—Cross Heath Small Retailers Initiative, Newcastle under Lyme	20,000
Sandwell Traders Association Retail Crime Initiative	50,000
Solihull Security Improvements	20,000
Congleton Road Shops	13,182
	666,182
Yorkshire and Humber
Barnsley Business Crime*	72,927
Security for Shops, Bradford	72,927
Small Retailer Security Programme, Calderdale	24,309
Doncaster Small Retailers Scheme Phase 2*	89,133
Hull Small Retailers Scheme	81,030
Reducing Retail Crime and Disorder in Kirklees	24,309
Leeds Deprived Areas Modernisation Scheme*	56,721
Frodingham Road Radio Scheme, North Lincolnshire	20,000
Scheme to Assist Small Retailers in Deprived Areas, North East Lincolnshire*	24,309
Safer Shops Rotherham	48,618
Eastfield High Street Crime Reduction, Scarborough*	20,054
Sheffield First for Safety Small Retailers RD 2, Sheffield	81,030
Wakefield Shopwatch Crime Prevention Initiative	40,515
	655,882
* Funding already agreed in 2003–04 as a 2-year project.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 30 June (

The Government have made it clear that it is for the courts to decide, in individual criminal cases, the appropriate sentence for an offender by reference to the facts of the case and the offender's circumstances. It is not for the Government to determine the size of the prison population but they do believe that prison should be reserved for serious, dangerous and the most persistent of offenders.It is the duty of the Prison Service to receive and accommodate, in humane conditions, those prisoners sent to it by the courts. The Government are keeping under review the demand on prison places and the capacity of the Prison Service to meet those demands.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How they intend to implement their strategy to combat religious discrimination. [HL3868]

We are currently undertaking a review of the way that the Government relate to faith communities. This review will lay the foundations for the effective long-term involvement of the faith communities' perspectives and needs in policy development across government.The Government have introduced new legislation to tackle discrimination on grounds of religion or belief. The Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 will come into force in December 2003 and will prohibit discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief in the areas of employment and vocational training.We have also recently created a new unit in the Home Office—the Faith Communities Unit. Its work will support our efforts to address issues of religious discrimination.We believe that these initiatives will enable us for the first time to identify and tackle the disadvantages faced by the members of religious communities in a structured and coherent way.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the progress being made by public bodies to comply with the requirements of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 is satisfactory; and what steps they propose to take with regard to those public bodies which did not produce policies and schemes as required by 31 May 2002, and still continue to disregard their statutory duty. [HL3891]

Independent research commissioned by the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) has found that between 83 per cent and 99 per cent of relevant authorities and institutions had produced a race equality scheme or policy; 43 per cent of these were found to be fully or mainly developed. The aim now is to move from process—getting the structures and systems in place—to delivery of improvements.The CRE has the power to take enforcement action against any public authority failing to comply with any specific duties imposed on it. However, the emphasis is on supporting public bodies to get implementation of the requirements of the Act right. The Home Office is working closely with the CRE to develop ways to offer this support and to monitor progress.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they expect institutional racism to have been eliminated from the policies and practices of public bodies; and what involvement the victims of discrimination will have in the evaluation processes. [HL3892]

The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, which came into force in April 2001, placed a general duty on listed public bodies to be proactive in promoting race equality. It is a positive duty, requiring public authorities to seek to avoid unlawful discrimination before it occurs. As policy makers and service providers they need to take steps to ensure that their policies and services are fair, and to put things right when they are unfair or unlawful. As employers, they need to ensure that their procedures and practices are fair so that the public sector can better reflect the society it serves. The duty under the Act is a lever to raise standards of practice and to lead towards elimination of discrimination.Public bodies were required to have in place by 31 May 2002 realistic and timely plans for complying with their new obligations under the RR(A)A. The aim of the duty is to lead to sustainable and significant change over a period of time—it is not about putting in place "quick fix" solutions or arrangements. The time-scale for delivery of improvement will vary across different bodies. The Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) has issued codes of practice which provide guidance to public bodies. The Home Office is working closely with the CRE to support effective implementation of the duty to promote race equality.The Act requires public bodies to consult on the likely impact of proposed new policies on race equality and this should involve a wide range of black and minority ethnic communities. Race equality schemes should include arrangements for assessing which of their functions are relevant to the duty, which should be reviewed at least every three years.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many of the abortions of girls under 16 years of age have led to criminal prosecutions of those individuals responsible for making these girls pregnant in the past five years for which statistics are available. [HL3898]

The information requested is not available centrally for England and Wales. The figures collected on persons proceeded against for various offences connected with unlawful sexual intercourse do not identify cases where abortions may have taken place.

asked Her Majesty's Government:On what basis they estimate that there would be a £39 charge for the issue of proposed identity cards containing biometric data; and whether it includes an allowance for the cost of the appropriate infrastructure, card readers, and associated hardware. [HL3905]

The Government have not reached a conclusion following the recent consultation exercise on whether or not to implement a card scheme. There are a number of ways in which a scheme could be implemented which would give rise to different estimates of cost.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

The information sought by the right honourable gentleman in relation to the proportion by value of the work contracted to Capita Group plc by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) undertaken in the United Kingdom is not available. Under the terms of the CRB contract, all of the work contracted to Capita Group plc is carried out in the United Kingdom, with the exception of an element of the disclosure data entry process which is conducted in India. That process involves the data entry of personal information from the application form into an electronic format. This work is conducted at the beginning of the process and no information from police sources or other data sources is involved. The price paid for this work is commercially sensitive between Hays Commercial Services and Capita Group plc and cannot therefore be disclosed according to the terms of the contract.At the time the contract was awarded in August 2000, it was estimated to be worth £400 million over 10 years. The annual value of the contract between CRB and Capita is dependent on activity volumes. In the financial year to 31 March 2003 the CRB paid Capita £22.7 million in service charges under the contract and £13.1 million in respect of contract changes in that year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:(a) What proportion of prisoners' complaints about racist incidents are upheld; (b) how many prison staff have been dismissed since April 2002 as a result of findings of racial discrimination or harassment at employment tribunals; (c) what systems exist in the Prison Service for staff and prisoners to report racist incidents to third parties; and (d) what figures are available on recalls to prison for breaches of parole, broken down by ethnic group.[HL3947]

Prisoners' complaints about allegedly racist incidents are investigated locally by individual establishments and no central record is maintained about the number of incidents that are upheld. This information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.Since April 2002, no member of prison staff has been dismissed for racial discrimination or harassment as a result of an Employment Tribunal. However, since April 2002, five members of staff have been dismissed for this type of offence as a result of internal disciplinary action under the Prison Service code of conduct and discipline. The dismissals arose because of two incidents of staff against staff; two incidents of staff against prisoners and one incident of staff against a member of the public.Prisoners and staff can report racist incidents to a number of third parties. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman can investigate any incident on behalf of a prisoner once internal investigation procedures have been exhausted. Prisoners can raise any issues, including racial incidents, with the independent members board at any stage. Both staff and prisoners can report racist incidents to the Commission for Racial Equality. Serious racist incidents can also be referred through the Governor to the police.The most recent period for which complete statistics are available on recalls to prison for breaches of parole, broken down by ethnic group are for the period 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003. During this period, there were a total of 420 prisoners recalled to prison as a result of breaching their parole. Their ethnic breakdown is as follows:

White	335
Black	57
South Asian	9
Mixed ethnicity	19

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many Afghan refugees in the United Kingdom have been resettled in Afghanistan since 2001; how many have been sent back forcibly; and how many have returned to the United Kingdom. [HL3953]

The number of people in receipt of a resettlement grant under the Return to Afghanistan Programme (RAP) between its commencement on 20 August 2002 and 31 March 2003 (the latest date for which information is available) was 40.Information on the destination of enforced removals would only be available by examination of individual case-files; this would incur disproportionate cost. Information on the number of people who, having been removed from the United Kingdom, subsequently return is not available.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will advise the Metropolitan Police to provide details of criminal offences committed on, or in the vicinity of, licensed premises, when requested to do so by the licensing authority. [HL3988]

Under the Licensing Act 2003, the chief officer of police for any police area in which premises are situated will be able to apply for a review of the premises licence if it appears to him that crime is taking place in or in the vicinity of those premises. In doing so, the police will have to provide the licensing authority with evidence of offences or suspected offences which have taken place there.A revision of the draft statutory guidance for licensing authorities and the police that will accompany the Act will be available shortly. Final guidance will then require parliamentary approval.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many alleged serious criminal offences were reported to the police from the Equinox Club, Leicester Square, and its vicinity, from the beginning of 2002 to the latest convenient date. [HL3990]

In the period 1 January 2002 to 16 July 2003, the Metropolitan Police received 119 allegations of crime in or near the Equinox Club, Leicester Square. Of these, 17 can be viewed as serious cases. These are very broad statistics and further detailed research would need to be undertaken to ascertain how many of the allegations actually related to the Equinox Club.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What statistics are maintained by police forces in England and Wales of criminal offences motivated by racial or religious hatred and homophobia; and whether convictions for offences aggravated by any of these factors are separately recorded for publication in national statistics; and [HL3976]How many offences were (a) reported to police forces in England and Wales; and (b) prosecuted in 2002 for incitement to commit offences against persons identified by their sexual orientation. [HL3977]

Police forces in England and Wales are currently required to forward recorded crime statistics to the Home Office for the following offences where they are racially or religiously aggravated:

• less serious wounding;
• harassment;
• common assault;
• criminal damage to a dwelling;
• criminal damage to a building other than a dwelling;
• criminal damage to a vehicle;
• other criminal damage.

Recorded crime figures submitted to the Home Office by police forces do not separately identify crimes motivated by homophobia. This is because, unlike racially or religiously aggravated offences, homophobic crime is not a distinct offence in law, and is instead included within the figures for other offences according to the nature of the action.Statistics of persons proceeded against for offences of racially aggravated offences separately identify the following:

asked Her Majesty's Government:How the United Kingdom's Schengen opt-out on border controls will be preserved under the proposed Constitutional Treaty of the European Union.[HL4006]

The draft constitutional treaty produced by the Convention on the Future of Europe makes clear that the protocols attached to it remain an integral part of it. This will include the protocol integrating the Schengen acquis, under which the UK has made a successful application for partial participation.The Government's position on the Protocols relating to our frontier controls in general and our opt-out from the Schengen agreement in particular has not changed. We will maintain controls at the UK's frontiers.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When the present headquarters of the Home Office was built; and what was the cost (including fitting-out and moving costs) taking inflation into account. [HL4048]

The lease for the present headquarters of the Home Office commenced on 24 June 1976. The costs associated with their fitting out and moving are not known. They were the responsibility of the former Property Services Agency (PSA).

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the estimated total cost of building and fitting out the proposed new headquarters for the Home Office, and of moving there from the present headquarters. [HL4049]

The demolition of the previous building, design, construction, fitting out and operation of the new Home Office headquarters in 2 Marsham Street is a PFI for a period of 29 years (three years construction, 26 years operation) commencing 26 March 2002.The net present cost (NPC) at the time of contract signature in March 2002 was £311 million reflecting an initial annual cost of £30.3 million. The capital cost of the building including its fit-out is the responsibility of the Supplier Annes Gate Property plc (AGP).

asked Her Majesty's Government:What are the Home Office's estimates of the current open market value with vacant possession of their surplus central London freehold properties Cleland House, Abell House and Horseferry House; and what professional advice they took on the risks of double-banking their exposure to the central London office market at financial close of their commitment to their new headquarters in March 2002.[HL4207]

The most recent open market valuations with vacant possession were prepared in March 2002:

Cleland House	£23.3million
Abell House	£27.3million
Horseferry House	£17.7million
Total	£68.3million

These figures were provided by a leading firm of independent property consultants familiar with the central London office market. The department's accommodation strategy has secured the disposal by way of an agreement for the transfer to the Department of Constitutional Affairs of the present Home Office at 50 Queen Anne's Gate. This follows the transfer in December 2002 of Clive House to that department. Together this reduces the department's exposure to the London office market by about 39,500m

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 15 July (HL3694), whether they participated in the negotiations of the Race Directive (Council Directive 2000/43/EC); and, if so, what reasons, if any, were expressed during the negotiations for the exclusion of discrimination based on colour from the scope of the Race Directive. [HL4025]

Her Majesty's Government were fully involved in the negotiation of the Race Directive (Council Directive 2000/43/EC), at the Social Questions Working Group, at COREPER and at the Social Affairs Council. There was no discussion whatsoever about either the inclusion or the exclusion of discrimination based on colour from the scope of the Race Directive.The Commission's original draft directive, published in November 1999, which formed the basis of the negotiations, included only "race or ethnic origin" as the grounds of discrimination. None of the member states' delegations suggested adding other grounds which their own national legislation already covered, or which were of particular concern in their own national contexts. This was in recognition that EC Directives set a minimum standard beyond which member states' legislation can—and in the case of the United Kingdom does—extend.Beyond this, the Government cannot speculate on the Commission's rationale for the non-inclusion of colour in the grounds of discrimination covered by the directive.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the effect of the Regulations made to implement the Race Directive (Council Directive 2000/43/EC) is that under the amended Race Relations Act 1976 victims of discrimination based on colour will be less well protected in some respects than the victims of any other forms of discrimination. [HL4053]

The vast majority of victims of discrimination based on colour will continue to be protected under the provisions of the Race Relations Act 1976 which are similar in many respects to the legislation implementing the other Article 13 directives. The changes made by the regulations in order to ensure full compliance with the directive conform to the scope of the directive, which does not extend its protection to discrimination based on colour, or indeed nationality. Victims of discrimination based colour will not be less well protected, by virtue of these regulations, than victims of discrimination based on nationality.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Which other member states of the European Union have implemented the Race Directive by legislation which excludes discrimination based on colour from the prohibition against racial discrimination. [HL4176]

We understand that three member states in addition to the United Kingdom - Belgium, Sweden and Italy—have recently updated their anti-discrimination rules or legislation to take account of the race directive. We do not currently have any information about the exact nature of the changes made in those three states, nor are we able to speculate about the position in the other member states.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the Commission for Racial Equality has made representations about the exclusion of discrimination based on colour from the regulations implementing the race directive; and [HL4177]Whether the Commission for Racial Equality has made representations about the exclusion of discrimination based on colour from the Race Directive (Council Directive 2000/43/EC). [HL4179]

The Commission for Racial Equality submitted responses to the Government's public consultations on the implementation of the EC Article 13 Race and Employment Directives Towards Equality and Diversity (December 2001) and Equality and Diversity: The way ahead (October 2002). These responses include representations for inclusion of "colour" as one of the protected grounds in the race regulations.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, pursuant to Articles 24(5) and 38 of the Treaty on European Union, there are any constitutional procedures required to be followed in the United Kingdom in order for the Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance Agreements between the European Union and the United States to become binding in the United Kingdom; and, if so, what those constitutional procedures entail. [HL4061]

No ratification procedure is required for the agreements. The provisions in the Extradition Agreement are either contained or reflected within the Extradition Bill that is currently before Parliament, or within the UK—US bilateral extradition treaty, signed on 31 March 2003; or else they require administrative changes that will simplify and speed up the procedures before transmitting extradition documentation.The provisions of most articles of the Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement are either already in place or reflect those in the Crime (International Co-operation) Bill that is also now before Parliament; or else can be provided for using secondary legislation under that Bill and earlier Acts of Parliament.

asked Her Majesty's Government:With regard to the Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance Agreements between the European Union and the United States, what steps they are taking to ensure that the assurances given orally to Sub-Committee E of the European Union Committee by Bob Ainsworth MP on 4 June, recorded in a letter to the Minister dated 12 June, and concerning compliance with the European Court of Human Rights, non-imposition of the death penalty; no substitution of a capital charge; trial before an ordinary federal or state court, and not before a military tribunal; and no mutual assistance except where an investigation is in progress and the requesting authority has criminal competence, are made known to those facing extradition pursuant to the Extradition Agreement or otherwise likely to be affected by either of the Extradition or Mutual Legal Assistance Agreements. [HL4062]

The assurances given by my honourable friend, the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Home Office, Bob Ainsworth, on 4 June 2003, as recorded in the letter to him from the noble Lord, Lord Grenfell, of 12 June, are a matter of public record.The Extradition Bill, currently before Parliament, is consistent with the assurances by guaranteeing that there will be no extradition where there is a possibility of the death penalty being carried out, and no extradition where it would breach the European Convention on Human Rights.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many of those currently in prison were opiate users before conviction. [HL4114]

Results from the Criminality Survey, a large survey of newly arrived male prisoners carried out in 2000, show that 31 per cent had used heroin in the year prior to being sent to prison.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What funding is being provided for the proposed new pilot supervised injecting clinics; and whether they intend to commission any ongoing independent evaluation of these clinics. [HL4115]

The Government announced the launch of heroin prescribing guidance on 13 June 2003. The guidance was developed to complement and expand on existing Department of Health guidelines,Drug misuse and dependence: guidelines on clinical management.The guidance is based on a fresh examination of the latest national and international evidence and best practice and represents a consensus of expert opinion on injectable prescribing. Discussions are taking place between the Home Office, the Department of Health and National Treatment Agency on pilot projects to test aspects of the guidance.Funding for these is under discussion.

asked Her Majesty's Government:In light of the 76 per cent reconviction rate, what steps are they taking to reduce the number of offenders aged between 18 and 20. [HL4116]

The Government has identified the need to address the particular issues of offending by this age group and to use the experience of the youth justice reforms to inform its approach. In doing so, we will take account of the recommendations of the Social Exclusion Unit Report, Reducing re-offending by ex-prisoners.Compared with older prisoners, offenders aged 18 to 20 have fewer basic skills, higher unemployment rates and are more likely to have been excluded from school. The most immediate priority, therefore, for reducing their re-offending is to improve their access to programmes and support.We have agreed that the new funding provided for prison education should have a particular focus on 18 to 20 year-olds. Priority has therefore been given to expanding provision in establishments holding female prisoners and young offenders aged 18 to 20. We have also agreed that the strategy for this age group should be underpinned by the principle of testing new approaches to sentence delivery through 18 to 20 year-olds in the first instance. For example, the National Probation Directorate has already commenced piloting the Intensive Control and Change Programme (ICCP) which will be delivered through a community punishment and rehabilitation order (CPRO) and involves a number of key partner agencies, such as the Police and Connexions. One of the aims of the ICCP is to reduce reconviction rates by 10 per cent compared with a similar group receiving short custodial sentences.The Government have also funded the extension of the High Intensity Training Programme (HIT), previously piloted at HM Young Offenders Institution Thorn Cross, and planned to start at HMYOI Deerbolt later this year. The regime included offending behaviour, education, mentoring and throughcare components.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether any procedure is in place to ensure that each coroner works with the local community which he is appointed to serve; and [HL4212]

Coroners are appointed locally to serve a specific district in accordance with the provisions of coroner legislation. The location of coroners' officers within a coroner's district is a matter to be decided locally depending on need and practicality. I understand that in a number of coroners' districts, officers are already located at hospitals.When the report on the provision of Coroners' Officers was published in August 2002, we made it clear that it would not be appropriate to seek to implement any changes to the existing arrangements for the provision of officers in advance of the outcome of the wider ranging reviews then in hand.The Report of the

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they intend to publish the Forensic Science Service (FSS) Annual Accounts for 2002–03. [HL4306]

I have today laid before this House copies of the Forensic Science Service's Annual Report and Accounts for 2002–03.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What arrangements they are making, together with the United States, to establish the numbers and, where possible, the identities of Iraq's military personnel who fell in the most recent war so that they can be properly commemorated; and what arrangements they are similarly making, for welfare reasons, to establish the numbers and identities of the wounded; and how soon they expect this work to be completed. [HL3838]

We have no viable means of ascertaining the numbers or identities of Iraqi military personnel who were killed or injured during the coalition's military action.The Deployed Operating Instructions issued to all United Kingdom military units state that enemy dead are to be treated the same as UK military dead. This includes a direction that, where next of kin cannot he traced, the bodies are to be given the same funeral as would UK military personnel, subject to religious practices. Wounded enemy personnel are given care and medical attention that accord fully with our obligations under the Geneva Convention.

asked Her Majesty's Government:In relation to the most recent war in Iraq, what arrangements they are making, together with the United States, to establish how many civilians were killed; how many civilians were wounded as the result of the employment of cluster bombs; how many civilians have been killed and how many civilians have been wounded by the detonation of unexploded cluster bombs; and how many unexploded cluster bombs and bomblets have so far been rendered safe since the end of the war. [HL3839]

We have no viable means of ascertaining the numbers of civilians who were killed or injured by cluster bombs during or since the coalition's military action.United Kingdom and other coalition explosive ordnance disposal teams in the UK's area of responsibility have completed over 1,000 tasks and destroyed over 100,000 individual munitions. We do not record types of munitions destroyed.A full survey of sites contaminated with unexploded munitions is now under way. The survey is being conducted in concert with other coalition forces, nongovernmental organisations and demining companies. On average the survey is identifying 30 new EOD tasks each week.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the estimated cost of United Kingdom personnel who are continuing the search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq; and how this compares with the cost of personnel engaged in reconstruction. [HL3950]

The Ministry of Defence identifies the costs of operations in terms of the net additional costs it has incurred. The costs that the department would have incurred regardless of the operation taking place such as wages and salaries are not included. Savings on activities that have not occurred because of the operation—training exercises for example—are deducted from the total costs of the operation.Neither the net additional costs incurred by United Kingdom personnel engaged in the search for WMD in Iraq, nor the net additional costs of those engaged in reconstruction can he differentiated from the total net additional cost of UK personnel deployed to the Gulf region. For example, stock accounting records will identify the recipient of stock as entitled UK military personnel, not whether they are engaged in reconstruction work or in the search for WMD. It is therefore not possible to identify costs related solely to the WMD search team.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How much money has been allocated for Army recruits and their training in the financial year 2003–04; and how many people can he recruited. [HL3970]

For the financial year 2003–04, the Army Training and Recruiting Agency (ATRA) has been allocated a resource departmental expenditure limit (DEL)—or budget—of £1,039 million, and a capital DEL of £23 million. This sum covers the recruiting of soldiers and officers (including advertising and marketing activities) and the cost of initial, specialist and career and professional development training. ATRA's target for recruitment in this year is 15,545 soldiers and 690 officers, although it is anticipated that not all of these will complete the selection and training process.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What guarantees RO Defence Ltd have given to provide sufficient propellant whenever necessary, especially in time of operations; which firms currently make ammunition for the armed services; and whether propellant should be in this country prior to its use in the manufacture of ammunition. [HL3975]

The Ministry of Defence has a 10-year framework partnering agreement with Royal Ordnance plc (ROD), a British-based subsidiary of BAE Systems, for the supply of ammunition which includes propellant. There are robust agreements with subcontractors to ensure that MoD's future requirements are met and security of supply is taken into account when competing all requirements for ammunition including propellant.The United Kingdom planning process ensures that we maintain sufficient stocks of ammunition to meet current operational planning assumptions; this includes maintaining a qualified source of propellant to meet forecast ammunition requirements.The following firms currently supply ammunition to the Armed Forces as prime contractors:

asked Her Majesty's Government:What measures or proposals are in place to accelerate medical consultations and operations for Her Majesty's Armed Forces personnel. [HL3971]

Service personnel are entitled to the full use of NHS hospitals on the same basis as other United Kingdom citizens if appropriate military provision is not available. They will therefore benefit from the sustained investment through the NHS Plan which will reduce waiting times. Provision for accelerated diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation to return service personnel back to fitness faster than would otherwise he the case is available through service level agreements (SLAs) with NHS trusts that host the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM) in Birmingham and Ministry of Defence Hospital Units (MDHUs). These SLAs also include provision for fast-track out-patient appointments if service personnel are needed for immediate operational deployment. In addition, in 2003–04, up to £8 million for accelerated diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation is available for use in the NHS or, as appropriate, with private healthcare providers. A pilot scheme for fast-tracking orthopaedic cases is currently being run at MDHU Northallerton. Finally, the joint MoD/Department of Health reception arrangements for military patients (RAMP) ensure that in times of conflict casualties are returned to the UK and receive the care that they need in NHS hospitals.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What were the estimated costs of the Iraq war. [HL4056]

The Ministry of Defence identifies the costs of operations in terms of the net additional costs it has incurred. The costs, which the department would have incurred had the operation not been undertaken—expenditure on wages and salaries or on conducting training exercises for example—are deducted from the total costs of the operation.Calculating all the costs of military action will take some time to determine since it will include the cost of ammunition, bombs and guided weapons consumed in excess of peacetime levels and equipment destroyed and damaged. Excluding those costs, the latest estimate is that the net additional cost of operations in Iraq for 2002–03 is around £700 million. This is less than the £1 billion set aside at Spring Supplementary Estimates 2002–03.Items in the £700 million estimate include costs for the procurement of equipment or modifications under the heading of urgent operational requirements, increased maintenance and stock consumption, civil sea and air charter and provision of infrastructure in the theatre of operations. It is most likely that a comprehensive and robust figure for 2002–03 will be available only when the National Audit Office has approved the departmental resource accounts.It is too early to estimate the costs likely to arise in 2003–04. Once these are known, additional funding will be sought in the normal way through Supplementary Estimates.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many unexploded cluster bombs there are in Iraq. [HL4172]

We have no means of knowing the number of unexploded cluster bombs there are in Iraq.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many people have been killed and injured by cluster bombs in Iraq since the end of the war. [HL4173]

We have no means of knowing the number of people who have been killed or injured by cluster bombs since the end of the war.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What steps are being taken to clear unexploded cluster bombs in Iraq. [HL4174]

United Kingdom and other coalition Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams in the UK's area of responsibility have completed over 1,000 tasks and destroyed over 100,000 individual munitions. We do not record types of munitions destroyed.A full survey of sites where unexploded munitions exist is now under-way. The survey is being conducted in concert with other coalition forces, non-governmental organisations and demining companies.

asked Her Majesty's Government:In relation to the two vehicles found in Iraq and suspected of being involved in the production of weapons of mass destruction, what were (a) the components of British manufacture and (b) the companies that produced them. [HL4186]

The investigations into these two vehicles are continuing and we will take as long as necessary to conduct a thorough examination. As the Prime Minister has said in the past, we are going to assemble evidence of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and present it properly to people at the appropriate time. I am withholding details of components and companies under Exemption 1c of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, which relates to information received in confidence from foreign governments.

asked Her Majesty's Government:In relation to the two vehicles found in Iraq and suspected of being involved in the production of weapons of mass destruction, how long the investigation into these vehicles will take; and whether they will publish the report of the investigation. [HL4187]

The investigations into these two vehicles are continuing and we will take as long as necessary to conduct a thorough examination. As my right honourable friend the Prime Minister has said in the past, we are going to assemble evidence of Iraq's WMD and present it properly to people at the appropriate time.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Bach on 16 July (

On 15 July, the single prisoner of war and the 71 other persons captured by British forces were all Iraqi. All the 71 persons were being interned for imperative reasons of security.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Bach on 16 July (

Of the 71 persons held for imperative reasons of security on 15 July, 49 have already been released. The remainder will be held until it is assessed that their internment is no longer necessary for reasons of security, all cases are subject to regular review. In cases where there is evidence to suggest that a criminal offence has been committed, persons captured by United Kingdom forces are handed to the Iraqi judicial system. If internment is based on intelligence material that justifies internment, the case will not be suitable for trial, although cases will be subject to regular review.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What were the costs to the taxpayer of taking the Gulf War veteran case of Shaun Rusling to the High Court; and if the costs are still not fully ascertainable, what is their present estimate of the total costs involved. [HL4216]

Legal costs in respect of the High Court appeal in the case of Mr Shaun Rusling have yet to be finalised. Costs settled up to 22 July 2003 totalled £44,206.77, but an estimate of the total amount involved is not possible as the Treasury Solicitor is still in discussion with the defendant's lawyers regarding their costs.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will give an undertaking that British troops will stay in Iraq until a broadly based permanent Iraq Government are established and can manage their own security. [HL4222]

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer I gave to the noble Lord, Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay, on 2 July 2003, (Official Report WA 106).

asked Her Majesty's Government:Which British troops will be sent to the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afganistan; and how many troops will be involved. [HL4223]

The final structure of the UK-led Provincial Reconstruction Team currently deploying to Mazar-e-Sharif is not yet fixed. On current plans, we expect the total number of British military personnel eventually deployed to be about 50 strong. They are drawn predominantly from the Second Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What assessment has been made of the risk to non-motorised users from using the C602/A 1065 and C603 roads as the respective alternatives to those public rights of way which have been suspended on safety grounds at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall; and [HL4224]What assessment of the likely danger to the safety of lawful users of footpath 6 Eriswell, adjacent to RAF Lakenheath, was made prior to the imposition of Traffic Regulation Orders under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 in (a) 2001, (b) 2002 and (c) 2003. [HL4225]