asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have made any estimate of the cost to Burkina Faso of the civil war in Ivory Coast and neighbouring countries; and what extra assistance they have provided for refugees and returnees. [HL4459]

We have not made any independent estimate but are aware, from assessments carried out by international agencies such as the IMF and World Bank, of the serious adverse impact on the Burkinabé economy of the conflict in Côte d'lvoire and neighbouring countries. These impacts have been factored into programmes of assistance to Burkina Faso recently agreed by the two institutions.Our direct response to the crisis in Côte d'lvoire has focused on assistance (amounting to £0.9 million) to internally displaced people and refugees of many nationalities, including Burkinabés, within Cote d'lvoire itself. We also contribute via programmes of the EU who in May approved 5.74 million euros to assist vulnerable groups affected by the conflict. Of this sum. 2.1 million euros will be used to assist refugees and returnees to neighbouring countries such as Burkina Faso.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Under the Education Act 1996, as amended, how many (a) fines and (b) sentences of imprisonment have been imposed on parents for condoning non- attendance of pupils at schools. [HL4401]

Information about the number of parents fined or imprisoned following a prosection for truancy is not collected centrally.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many students have been refused a student loan because they are over 54 years of age; and. [HL4464]How many students over 54 years of age are in the process of taking degrees. [HL4465]

The latest figures for 2001–02 show that there were 1,200 students on full-time first degree courses in English HE institutions who were aged over 54. Information on the number of people aged over 54 who apply for a student loan is not held centrally.Grant for tuition fees, and supplementary grants for living costs (e.g. dependants’ grants for students with children and disabled students’ grants) are available to all eligible students whatever their age. It is only loans for living costs (which have to be repaid) that are subject to an upper age limit on eligibilty. They are not available to over 54 year-olds (or over 49 year-olds who do not intend to enter employment upon graduation) only because the loan is written off at retirement age (65), and removing this age limit would leave many older graduates with inadquate time for repayment. Students over 54 who face additional costs whilst studying can apply for help from hardship funds.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Which body they have identified as the national service provider for managing the Education Maintenance Allowance scheme. [HL4578]

The Department for Education and Skills has conducted a rigorous procurement exercise. After thorough evaluation the contract to carry out the functions of the assessment and payment body for the national EMS scheme has been awarded to Capita Business Services Ltd.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they intend to commence Sections 136 to 138 and 140 of the Education Act 2002 on the qualifications of lecturers and principals in further education. [HL.4579]

The new Centre of Excellence in Leadership will pilot the Senior Leadership Qualification, a new professional qualification for college principals, from January 2004. Evaluation of the qualification will begin in the summer of 2004. We will consult on regulations under Section 137 in winter 2004. We will launch a consultation to review further education initial teacher training in November 2003, which will include consideration of the implementation of Sections 136 and 138. Section 140 is [ancillary] to Sections 136 and 138 and will be commenced accordingly.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When Ministers became aware that the pass mark for this year's GCSE mathematics was lowered; and for what reasons the pass mark was lowered. [HL4542]

Grade boundaries for an examination are set so that the grades awarded represent continuity and parity of standards over time and across syllabuses. Awarding bodies in England make these decisions under a regime independent of government, regulated by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. Ministers and their officials were therefore not advised by QCA of the grade boundary setting decisions in any of this summer's examinations. The Chief Executive of QCA will write to the noble Baroness to explain the decision in question.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many applications the Secretary of State for Education and Skills has received under Section 2 of the Education Act 2002; and for each application whether it has been:

Three applications under Section 2 of the Education Act 2002 had been received by 22 September 2003, all of which have been approved without modification.The department plans to publish its first annual report under Section 5 of the Education Act 2002 by the end of October 2003.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What information they are collecting on the number and nature of school companies being formed under Section 11 of the Education Act 2002. [HL4582]

Regulation 25 of The School Companies Regulations 2002 and Regulation 17 of The School Companies (Private Finance Initiative Companies) Regulations 2002 require information to be sent to the Secretary of State for Education and Skills concerning school companies formed under Section 11 of the Education Act 2002. In both cases, the supervising authority for the company must inform the Secretary of State, in writing, within 28 days of becoming the supervising authority of the following: the members of the company; the name and registered number of the company; and the fact that it is the supervising authority for the company.This will enable the Secretary of State to ascertain the number of such companies. There are no plans to collect information on the nature of such school companies.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What was the cost of removing the word "not" from the Federation of Schools (Community Schools, Community Special Schools, Voluntary Controlled Schools and Maintained Nursery Schools) (England) Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/1965) by means of the Federation of Schools (Community Schools, Community Special Schools, Voluntary Controlled Schools and Maintained Nursery Schools (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/2133). [HL4583]

The cost of printing the amendment regulations referred to above (SI 2003/ 2133) was –686.00. There were no additional distribution costs.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Hunt of Kings Heath to a question by Lord Morris of Manchester regarding the anthrax vaccine on 20 January

On 17 September 2003, I wrote to Lord Morris of Manchester and a copy was sent to you and also placed in the Library of the House. The text was as follows: I undertook to write to you in answer to your Parliamentary Question of 4 February (Official Report, Col. WA 26) about the medical countermeasures used to protect our personnel during the 1990–91 Gulf Conflict.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the unmarried heterosexual surviving partners of armed forces personnel will receive no less favourable treatment than homosexual partners under the new pension scheme. [HL4526]

Where the Government have introduced unmarried partners benefits for death due to service in the existing Armed Forces pension schemes and for all deaths in the future pension and compensation schemes, the eligibility criteria and treatment are and will be identical for heterosexual and homosexual unmarried partners.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When the new platforms at the renovated Moor Street station, Birmingham, will be connected to the Birmingham to Marylebone main line. [HL4404]

Network Rail advises that the work required forms part of the wider Saltley area resignalling project due to be completed in 2006.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Macdonald of Tradeston on 16 January

Section 144 of the Transport Act 2000 provides general enabling powers for local authorities outside London to enforce bus lanes. The work on preparation of the regulations including resolving relevant legal points has taken longer than expected but the Department for Transport and the Department for Constitutional Affairs hope to be able to make the relevant regulations later this year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many arrivals from all destinations at (a) Heathrow, (b) Gatwick and (c) Manchester there have been in the last three years for which figures are available. [HL4518]

The available information is as follows:

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether it is illegal for cyclists to (a) cross junctions whilst traffic lights are red, (b) cycle without lights after lighting up time, (c) cycle on a pedestrian pavement, or (d) proceed down a one- way street in a prohibited direction; and, if any of the above are offences, how many successful prosecutions there were in the Greater London area in 2002 in respect of each offence. [HL4520]

I can confirm that the manoeuvres by a bicycle referred to are illegal.The available information on successful prosecutions in Greater London is contained in the table below:

asked Her Majesty's Government:What steps would have to be taken to enable the United Kingdom to meet the 2005 and 2010 European Union targets for biofuels for road transport. [HL4562]

The Biofuels Directive requires member states to set their own indicative targets for sales of biofuels for road transport in 2005 and 2010. The Government will be consulting early next year on possible targets for the UK and on what steps it might take to meet them. Channel Tunnel Rail Link

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the Strategic Rail Authority is seeking proposals for through passenger rail services on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link to serve Dover and Folkestone; and [HL4572]What risk assessment has been made of the operation of higher speed trains on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link in respect of Shakespeare Cliff tunnel; and whether they will place a copy of such work in the Library of the House; and [HL4573]What discussions have taken place between train manufacturers and the Strategic Rail Authority concerning the manufacture of passenger rolling stock suitable for operating on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and Shakespeare Cliff tunnel; and what conclusions have been reached. [HL4574]

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) consulted earlier this year on options for Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) services to a variety of destinations including Folkestone and Dover. The authority is now assessing these in the context of an integrated Kent franchise which would combine CTRL domestic and other Kent services. It expects to hold a further public consultation shortly.The possibility of building end doors or escape hatches into the trains to allow emergency evacuation in Shakespeare Tunnel has been discussed with manufacturers. But this needs to be reconciled with structural safety requirements and air pressure pulses associated with high speed running and a satisfactory solution has yet to be identified. The SRA nevertheless continues to work with the industry and, subject to a way forward being identified, Dover remains a possible destination for CTRL domestic services.The operation of CTRL domestic services nevertheless remains dependent on the approval of a satisfactory business case within the SRA's affordability constraints.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What legal restraints apply to the taped recording of telephone or other conversations without the recorded consent of the persons being recorded; and, where consent is given, to any subsequent editing of the recording; and [HL4259]Whether the taped conversation with the late Dr David Kelly reported to the Hutton inquiry was recorded with Dr Kelly's consent; and if so, whether the consent was also recorded. [HL4258]

There are circumstances in which it can be lawful to record communications between third parties, or for one party to a private conversation to record a conversation with another person or persons without their knowledge. Depending on the precise circumstances, such recording might be covered by, among others, the Telecommunications (Lawful Business Practice) (Interception of Communications) Regulations 2000, the Data Protection Act 1998, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.The circumstances of the recording which was submitted as evidence to Lord Hutton's inquiry are not a matter for the Government.

asked Her Majesty's Government: What reductions have been made to the "modernising the civil courts programme" during the three years to April 2003, as a result of the rejection of the funding bid by HM Treasury last year. [HL4323]

The Court Service announed its plans to modernise the civil and family courts in a report published May 2002. That report made it clear that the ambitious scope of the programme would require some additional funding from central funds. In the event these funds were not allocated as part of the 2002 spending review. Government investment focused on the Crown Court in recognition of its role in the criminal justice system.This decision had no impact on plans during the three years to April 2003, but will have an impact on the speed at which the modernisation programme can be implemented. We remain committed to modernising the civil and family courts and will push ahead with our plans to introduce modern IT-based services for all court users.This will include developing new online services to complement our highly successful Money Claim Online service, installing a new IT infrastructure in a wide number of courts, opening the courts up to email services, and continuing to improve the IT services provided to the judiciary.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the basis for offering legal aid in Northern Ireland differs from that in England; and, if so, how and why. [HL4385]

Legal aid in Northern Ireland is currently provided under the Legal Aid, Advice and Assistance (Northern Ireland) Order 1981. The basis for offering legal aid in Northern Ireland under the 1981 order is broadly similar to the position in England and Wales under the Legal Aid Act 1988. Criminal legal aid is provided on the same basis in the two jurisdictions: that is whether it is in the interests of justice that the defendant is given legal aid. Civil legal aid is provided in Northern Ireland against a statutory test of whether there are reasonable grounds for bringing, defending or being a party to an action: whereas in England a funding code applies which sets out different tests for different categories of case.The Access to Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 establishes the Northern Ireland Legal Services Commission, which will assume responsibility for the administration of legal aid on 1 November 2003. The commission will consider how to reform the delivery of publicly funded legal services in Northern Ireland in a manner which is consistent with the needs of the users of those services and the legal services culture in Northern Ireland. Specifically the commission will bring forward a new Northern Ireland funding code to set out grounds against where legal aid will be available for civil actions.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Lord Filkin on 8 September

Under current arrangements, legal aid payments to lawyers and expert witnesses are assessed by a panel of solicitors, barristers and non-legally qualified people in criminal cases, and by the Legal Aid Committee of the Law Society in civil cases, are subject to review and benchmarks set by the Master (Taxing Office) and the High Court. The average costs of cases have been increasing with a resulting increase in the total funding required.The Access to Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 repeals the Legal Aid, Advice and Assistance (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 which governs the current arrangements for legal aid in Northern Ireland. The order establishes the Northern Ireland Legal Services Commission with effect from 1 November 2003.The commission will be responsible for funding civil legal services and criminal defence services within the framework laid down by the Access to Justice Order. Within that framework, the commission's overall aim is to ensure that legal advice, assistance and representation is made available to those who need it, and to ensure that it is provided in ways which are effective and give value for money.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Who are the members of the legal Aid Board in Northern Ireland; how many are appointed; by whom, and how much are they paid. [HL4409]

The new Legal Services Commission of Northern Ireland assumes responsibility for legal aid on 1 November 2003. On 28 July 2003 the Secretary of State appointed the Chair and ten members to the new Northern Ireland Legal Services Commission.Those appointed to the commission are: Chair-Sir Kenneth Bloomfield KCBMembers-Mr Les Allamby, Mrs Maeve Bell OBE, Professor Sean Doran, Ms Breidge Gadd, Mrs Jennifer Greenfield, Dr Jeremy Harbison CB, Mr Francis Hewitt, Mr Miceal McCoy, Mr Peter Osborne and Mr Ronald Spence CB.The chair receives £390.00 per day while members receive –289.00 per day.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they intend to ratify the European Convention on the Exercise of Children's Rights; and, if not, for what reasons. [HL4525]

The Government are considering the implications of this convention before taking a decision on signature and ratification. The position will be announced in due course.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What were the numbers and percentages of people of working age receiving incapacity benefits in each of the past 10 years in each of the standard regions and nations of the United Kingdom. [HL4597]

The information is in the tables.

Whether their priority to encourage development on brownfield sites extends to rural locations, for example redundant farm buildings; and, if so, whether they are satisfied that the local planning and highways authorities have been given clear guidance to this effect. [HL4397]

National planning policies expect local authorities to give priority to reusing previously-developed land where this supports sustainable development. Agricultural land and farm buildings are excluded from the definition of previously-developed land given in planning policy guidance but the reuse of redundant agricultural buildings where this supports sustainable development is encouraged. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has recently issued for public consultation a draft of a new planning policy statement (PPS7) concerning sustainable development in rural areas. This promotes the productive reuse of existing rural buildings where this is consistent with other planning policies.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What statistics they have on the income derived by local authorities from the imposition of parking penalties in their areas. [HL4424]

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister collects information on English local authority expenditure and income through the annual Revenue Outturn (RO) suite of forms. The most recent estimate of all income derived from parking is £861 million in 2001–02. This amount includes income derived from the operation of decriminalised parking regimes but it is not possible to separately identify it.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the proposed new Surrey County Hall at Woking requires planning permission; and, if so, from whom. [HL4498]

I understand that Surrey County Council's preferred option for the potential relocation of its County Hall is to a site in the Woking area. The relocation of County Hall would require planning permission. Surrey County Council has confirmed that Woking Borough Council would be the local planning authority that would determine any planning application for Surrey's new County Hall if the county council decide to relocate to Woking. However, the planning application may have to be referred to the First Secretary of State if the local planning authority proposed to grant planning permission for a development that would not accord with the development plan. If this were the case, the First Secretary of State would then consider whether the proposal raises any planning issues of more than local importance which might justify his intervention.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the sale of the Dome has been completed, and when it is expected to re-open for business. [HL4538]

English Partnership (EP), Meridian Delta Ltd and Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) signed contracts on 29 May 2002, to develop much of the Greenwich Peninsula, including a new use for the Dome. The deal is conditional primarily on securing planning permission satisfactory to the contracting parties.On 23 December 2002 a planning application was submitted to the London Borough of Greenwich (LBG), for a 26,000 capacity arena inside the Dome, with associated facilities, and a new masterplan covering 15m sq.ft. on the Greenwich Peninsula, the delivery of over 10,000 homes-many of which will be affordable and the creation of 20,000 jobs. The private sector investment is expected to be £4 billion.In April 2003 LBG resolved that it is minded to grant permission subject to a number of conditions and subject to legal requirements. The Mayor confirmed in June he would not refuse permission and in July my right honourable friend the Deputy Prime Minister confirmed the application would not be called in for his determination. Negotiations between LBG and the applicants over the section 106 and section 278 agreements are ongoing.Subject to the successful completion of agreements, a satisfactory planning permission and satisfaction of other conditions, the contracts relating to the sale of the Dome and development of land on the Greenwich Peninsula should go unconditonal in spring 2004. On this basis AEG's current aim is to open the Dome arena in late 2006, or possibly 2007.In the interim period the Dome continues to host popular events, the most recent being the Festival of Asia on 23 to 25 August. EP continues to explore opportunities for events in the Dome while the deal with MDL is being completed.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What expenditure has been incurred on the maintenance and security of the Dome since its closure. [HL4539]

The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) was responsible for maintaining the Dome from its closure on 31 December 2000 to the end of June 2001. English Partnerships (EP) took over responsibility in July 2001. In total £8 million has been incurred on maintenance and security from the Dome's closure on 31 December 2000 to July 2003: £1.9 million by NMEC from January 2001 to the end of June 2001 and –6.1 million by EP from July 2001 to July 2003.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What process of regulatory impact anlaysis is carried out before changes are made in building regulations. [HL4567]

Before any changes are made to the building regulations in England and Wales, or their supporting approved documents, consultation with outside bodies takes place. Part of the consultation package, which is publicly available, is a draft regulatory impact report, prepared by officials or by consultants working on their behalf. The views of consultees on this report are invited and the analysis revised in the light of these comments. The final regulatory impact analysis is made available when the regulations are laid before Parliament or the revised approved document published.

When they expect to announce a decision on the scheme submitted by the Manchester Salford market renewal pathfinder for tackling low demand housing and abandonment in the area. [HL4602]

I am delighted to announce the award of £125 million to the Manchester Salford pathfinder over the next two and a half years for the implementation of its scheme. The funding comes from the £500 million market renewal fund announced earlier this year in Sustainable Communities: building for the future.The investment from the market renewal fund will be complemented by significant investment from other programmes and the private sector so that other issues vital to sustainable communities in the pathfinder such as jobs, education and crime reduction can be tackled alongside housing.The scheme marks a key step in our commitment to deliver thriving sustainable communities in those areas devastated by low demand housing and abandonment.

What representations they are making to the European Commission concerning the legality of the French Government's plan to subsidise Alstom by acquiring shares in the company. [HL4302]

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State is considering the matter. In major restructuring cases it is normal for the Commission to launch an investigation under Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty providing third parties, including competitors and other member states, with an opportunity to make representations.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their view of the proposals of Alstom to halve its United Kingdom staff, which is estimated would result in 5,000 redundancies and would reduce the company's operation in the United Kingdom from an export centre to a servicing base. [HL4303]

Alstom's proposals are disappointing, but the decision is a commercial matter for the company and has been brought about by a major restructuring package affecting Alstom's worldwide operations as the company seeks to address continuing losses and a huge debt burden. However, it is important to note that many of the jobs affected are being transferred, rather than lost; for example, the sale of the transmission and distribution business, with 3,500 jobs out of the total of 5,000, which is expected to be finalised shortly.It should be noted that Alstom's restructuring plan would also significantly affect the company's sites in other European countries, mainly in the power sector. Any UK job losses will of course be a blow to the individuals affected and their families. Regional bodies and local agencies are in contact with the company and will do everything necessary to help the individuals affected.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What representations they are making to the European Commission concerning any reduction in the workforce that may result from Alstom's proposal to reduce its United Kingdom staff by 5,000 and concerning any relationship between this reduction and the French Government's subsidy to the company. [HL4427]

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State is considering the matter. In major restructuring cases it is normal for the Commission to launch an investigation under Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty providing third parties, including competitors and other member states, with an opportunity to make representations.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the offence of criminal libel under English law is compatible with the right to freedom of expression protected by Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights; and, if so, what are their reasons for this view. [HL4283]

The offence of criminal libel is not in our view, in itself, incompatible with the right to freedom of expression. Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the exceptions in Article 10.2 of the European Convention on Human Rights may justify any interference with that right.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will introduce legislation containing their proposals for longer minimum prison sentences. [HL4326]

The measures set out in the Criminal Justice Bill for determining the minimum term to be served in relation to a mandatory life sentence will take effect two weeks from the date of Royal Assent for the Bill.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will introduce legislation containing their proposals for longer minimum sentences. [HL4435]

The Criminal Justice Bill, which is currently before Parliament, contains measures for determining the minimum term to be served in relation to a mandatory life sentence. The Bill also makes provision for a minimum sentence for certain firearms offences.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many prisoners serving sentences of six months or less are (a) adults; and (b) young offenders. [HL4530]

On 30 April 2003, there were 3,376 adults and 871 young offenders serving sentences of six months or less in Prison Service establishments in England and Wales.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, in the light of the pressure on the prison system, they will introduce tougher community sentences as possible alternatives to custodial sentences. [HL4531]

It is for the courts to decide in individual cases whether a prison sentence is appropriate. Where imprisonment is the most appropriate punishment, it should be applied and we should, and are, developing our capacity to meet demand. There is already a range of demanding community sentences available to sentencers. In addition we are introducing tough new programmes such as the "Intensive Control and Change Programme" (ICCP) for 18 to 20 year-olds. ICCP, which was launched as a pilot in April, involves probation supervision and police surveillance, for 25 hours a week.The Criminal Justice Bill will provide sentencers with further options. A generic community sentence will replace the current series of stand-alone orders and will provide sentencers with the flexibility to impose a package of requirements to meet offences of varying degrees of seriousness. Additionally the introduction of two "intermediate" sanctions— custody minus and intermittent custody, allowing offenders to retain employment and family contact will provide options short of full time custody.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many parenting orders have been made since the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 came into effect; and whether compulsory counselling and guidance has made parents receiving it more responsible and thus reduced youth crime and anti- social behaviour. [HL4402]

4,047 parenting orders were made between September 1998, when piloting started, and June 2003. The orders were available nationally from June 2000.Independent evaluation of the Youth Justice Board's parenting programme, which included parents under parenting orders and voluntary participants, has shown improvements in a range of parenting skills. In the year after counselling and guidance, offences by their children fell by 50 per cent. The parenting order has clearly played a significant role in this.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they support inter-faith, inter-religious dialogue within communities in the United Kingdom; and what initiatives have been taken to encourage this work. [HL4462]

The Government strongly support inter-faith dialogue in the United Kingdom. My department provides core funding to the Inter Faith Network, which since 1987 has been linking inter-faith initiatives and developing good relations between people of different faiths in this country. Recently we have provided additional funding to the network to carry out a survey of local inter-faith activity and produce a good-practice leaflet. We welcome the activities of the many other well-established inter-faith initiatives operating in this country, and my colleagues have on many occasions met representatives of these and offered encouragement.The Community Cohesion Faith Practitioners Group, one of the many groups which my department has established to help us promote community cohesion, is looking at how faith communities can co-operate in local areas to address social problems. The present review of the Government's Interface with the Faith Communities, led by my honourable friend Fiona Mactaggart, is making good progress and is due to report at the end of this year. It is identifying more effective ways for relevant perspectives from faith communities to be taken into account when planning government policy. This should also have the effect of encouraging co-operation between faith communities in responding to government initiatives.Finally, we have taken the opportunity of occasions like the Millennium and Golden Jubilee celebrations to bring together religious leaders and young people from the different faith communities to discuss issues and explore their shared values. Noble Lords may recall the shared act of reflection and commitment by the faith communities of the United Kingdom, which took place in this House on 3 January 2000This process will be continued though a number of mock Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings for young people, including many from the faith communities, which my department is planning in association which the Royal Commonwealth Society. We expect that up to six of these will take place around the United Kingdom during the month of November, with their conclusions being presented to the real Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Nigeria in December.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will give free passage to Mr Rasul Guliev who seeks to be a candidate in the forthcoming presidential elections in Azerbaijan; and, if the authorities there persist in denying him an opportunity to do so, whether the Government will not restrict his freedom to move through this country or express his opinions freely. [HL4482]

Any person who seeks to visit this country, and who is subject to immigration control, must meet the necessary conditions for admission. Such a person, once admitted, may travel freely and express opinions within what is permitted by the rule of law.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How long a Criminal Records Bureau certificate remains valid once issued to an individual by the bureau. [HL4513]

The Criminal Records Bureau issues two levels of certificate to applicants, standard disclosure and enhanced disclosure. Neither level carries any predetermined period of validity. Disclosures are intended to be used at the point of recruitment or a licensing decision for a particular position. This is because a conviction or other matter could be recorded against the subject of a disclosure at any time after it was issued.Nevertheless, this does not preclude an individual from presenting his or her disclosure to another organisation after having used it for its originally intended purpose. However, given that there is no pre-determined period of validity associated with disclosures, it must be for the organisation concerned to decide whether it is prepared to accept a disclosure that was originally requested by another organisation.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 8 September

The British detainees at Guantanamo Bay are not presently allowed by the US Government to have access to lawyers.The Attorney-General has recently held a number of rounds of talks with the US Administration. His objective has been to ensure that the British nationals detained at Guantanamo Bay, if prosecuted, are assured of fair trials that meet generally recognised principles. The issue of the role of defence lawyers has been discussed. Further talks are planned for the near future.British officials have visited the British detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, six times, most recently two weeks ago. Parliament will be informed about the visit.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the conditions of detention for British prisoners at Guantanamo (Cuba) are inhuman and degrading; what is the present weekly amount of time for exercise; and what improvements they have asked for, particularly regarding exercise and access for relatives and legal counsel. [HL4483]

British officials have visited the British detainees held at Guantanamo Bay six times, most recently two weeks ago. One of the main objectives of the visit was to check on the detainees’ welfare. This is generally satisfactory. The visiting official did not see or hear of mistreatment of the UK detainees by the camp authorities.The physical conditions of their detention are also satisfactory. Detainees have cells with individual sleeping, washing and toilet facilities. They are allowed to practise their religion and have access to religious and non-religious books, including novels. The standard period for exercise has increased to 30 minutes per day. Welfare concerns are raised with the camp authorities on such visits.The Attorney-General has recently held a number of rounds of talks with the US Administration with the objective of ensuring that if British detainees are prosecuted the trials are fair and meet generally recognised principles. The issue of the role of defence lawyers has been discussed. Further talks are planned for the near future. Proceedings against the two designated British detainees remain suspended until completion of the discussions.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What representations concerning British prisoners at Guantanamo they have received from the Bar Human Rights Committee or other respected British organisations. |HL4484]

The British Government have received representations from various British organisations, including the Bar Human Rights Committee, asking that the human rights of detainees held in Guantanamo" Bay be respected by the US authorities.The Attorney-General has recently held a number of rounds of talks with the US Administration. His objective has been to ensure that the British nationals detained in Guantanamo Bay, if prosecuted, are assured of fair trials that meet generally recognised principles.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether Mr Moazzam Begg, a British citizen now imprisoned at Guantanamo, was arrested by Pakistan's security services in February 2002 at Islamabad; and, if he did not fight in Afghanistan, whether he can properly be considered an unlawful enemy combatant". [HL4485]

Mr Begg is considered to be an enemy combatant by the US, the detaining power. Whatever Mr Begg's status, he is entitled to humane treatment, and if prosecuted, a fair trial. We have made this clear to the US Administration.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Why no tribunal has been convened (as required by the Geneva Convention and as requested by the International Committee of the Red Cross) to determine the status of British and other prisoners held at Guantanamo; and whether trials of such men by the United States military court would constitute a fair trial under the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (Article 14) of which the United States is a signatory. [HL4487]

The question of the legal status of the detainees at Guantanamo Bay under international law has to be considered in the light of the facts relating to each individual detaineeWe consider that, whatever their status, the detainees are entitled to humane treatment. and if prosecuted, a fair trial and have made this clear to the US Administration.The Attorney-General has recently held a number of rounds of talks with the US Administration. His objective has been to ensure that the British nationals detained in Guantanamo Bay, if prosecuted, are assured of fair trials that meet generally recognised principles. Further talks are planned for the near future. The possible repatriation of the detainees is also a matter under discussion.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What representations they have received concerning United Kingdom residents, with refugee status or indefinite leave to remain, now imprisoned at Guantanamo; how many such cases are known to them; and what protection they intend to provide for them. [HL4488]

We have been made aware of five cases where UK residents, with either refugee status or indefinite leave to remain, are detained in Guantanamo Bay. We have had contact with lawyers and MPs about these cases. The British Government are not in a position to provide consular or diplomatic assistance to non-British nationals detained in Guantanamo Bay.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have received reports of major disappearances of people in Belarus; and if so, whether they will raise this matter with the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe or other appropriate body. [HL4510]

HMG are aware of a number of unsolved disappearances in Belarus including those of the former Interior Minister, General Yuri Zakharenko, the former First Deputy Speaker of the dissolved 13th Supreme Soviet, Viktor Gonchar, his business associate, Anatoly Krasovsky, and a cameraman for the Russian Public Television channel ORT, Dmitry Zavadsky. We and our EU partners have raised these cases with the Belarusian authorities. Our concerns have centered on the failure of the authorities to make any substantive progress in investigating the fate and the whereabouts of those missing; to conduct such investigations in a thorough, impartial and transparent fashion; and to account satisfactorily for the alleged involvement of senior state officials in these disappearances.In September 2002 the Council of Europe created a sub-committee to clarify the circumstances of each case. The EU and US sponsored a resolution at the UN Commission on Human Rights this year, which called for a full and impartial investigation into the disappearances. Our embassy will continue, in concert with EU representatives and the OSCE office in Minsk, to monitor developments on this and other issues of human rights concern. The Government of Belarus will have to demonstrate progress towards the standards expected of an OSCE member state before relations with the EU can be improved.

asked Her Majesty's Government: Whether they have recently made any exemptions to the United Nations arms embargo on Iraq HL4543]

Following consultation with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Trade and Industry recently approved a licence to export military list goods to Iraq. The arms embargo against Iraq remains in place under United Nations Security Council resolution 1483 (2003), with the exception of "arms and other related material required by the (Coalition Provisional) Authority to serve the purposes of this and other related resolutions". Accordingly Her Majesty's Government consider it appropriate to grant exemptions for these goods to be exported on the basis that they are to be used by a private security firm in the protection of the British Office in Baghdad. The work of the British Office in Baghdad forms part of the authority's functions under resolution 1483 (2003). The export is consistent with the consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria. Future applications will continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis against the UN Embargo and Consolidated Criteria, taking into account the circumstances prevailing at the time.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What recent changes there have been to United Nations sanction regimes. [HL4544]

As of 18 September, the United Kingdom has implemented mandatory UN sanctions, imposed by the UN Security Council acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, in relation to Al Qaeda and the Taliban, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Iraq, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Somalia. UN sanctions in relation to Angola (UNITA) and Libya were lifted on 9 December 2002 and 12 September 2003 respectively. The full trade embargo and all-encompassing asset freeze in relation to Iraq have been lifted. But an arms embargo remains and UNSCR 1483(2003) placed a ban on trade in stolen cultural property and requests member states to freeze and transfer certain Iraqi assets to the Development Fund for Iraq. The United Kingdom implements, in addition, sanctions imposed by the European Union in relation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burma, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (former President Milosevic and the persons associated with him continue to represent a threat to the consolidation of democracy in the area of the former Republic of Yugoslavia), Libya, Sudan and Zimbabwe. In accordance with a decision of the OSCE, the United Kingdom implements arms embargoes on Armenia and Azerbaijan. The UK has imposed a unilateral arms embargo adopted by national legislation on Iran and a ban in relation to the sale of certain equipment to the armed forces of either side on the island of Cyprus. A list of sanctions regimes implemented by the UK is in the Library of the House. Annexed to this is a summary of additional UK restrictions on the export of strategic goods. These documents are also available on the FCO website, at www.fco.gov.uk/sanctions and are updated each time there are changes to sanctions regimes implemented by the UK, or to UK restrictions on the export of strategic goods.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What support is available to the relatives of British victims of terrorism. [HL4546]

Last week we remembered the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks, two years ago. In a few weeks, we shall be marking the first anniversary of the Bali bombings. The Government responded to these tragic events with practical support for the families of the victims beyond the consular assistance we would normally provide following the death or injury of British nationals abroad. We did so because of the exceptional nature of terrorism, in which individuals are random victims of attacks directed at society as a whole. My right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary announced on 18 September a package of measures designed to support the families of victims of future terrorist attacks abroad, which is based closely on what was provided for the families of victims of September 11 and Bali.These measures are:

asked Her Majesty's Government:What action the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is taking to strengthen co-operation with British trade unions. [HL4547]

The FCO has been working to strengthen co-operation with British unions on issues of mutual interest overseas. As economic decisions are increasingly made in a global context, so British trade unions are more involved with international organisations and counterparts overseas. British trade unions have long played a wider international role in helping promote, among other things, democracy and human rights.To identify areas of concern and to facilitate discussion, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and the General Secretary of the TUC have agreed to set up an FCO/TUC International Advisory Council. This council will be led from the Foreign Office side by Dr MacShane, Minister for Europe, and will include participants from both the FCO and the trade union movement. To brief interested parties on this expanded co-operation, the FCO and TUC agreed to produce a leaflet setting down in pratical terms how British unions and the FCO are working together. This leaflet was circulated to delegates at the TUC General Congress last week. Copies of the leaflet, which have been placed in the Library of the House, will also be circulated to our embassies abroad and will be available on the official FCO website (www.fco.gov.uk).

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, in the light of the recent ban on direct flights by United Kingdom airlines to Nairobi and Mombasa this summer, they have any estimate of the cost to the Kenyan economy in terms of (a) lost revenues from tourism and (b) jobs, which have resulted from the ban. [HL4314]

We have no figures available on the cost to the Kenyan economy of the recent flight ban. Our top priority is the security of UK travellers. But we do not underestimate the negative impact on the Kenyan tourist industry and hope that the lifting of the ban on flights by UK airlines to Nairobi and Mombasa will quickly restore lost revenues and job opportunities in the industry.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What have been their arrangements with the United States Government for sharing the cost of the occupation of Iraq since 1 May 2003; and whether they will place the details in the Library of the House. [HL4317]

As with previous international operations the cost of military commitments to the International Stabilisation Force has been borne separately by each troop contributing nation. Salary costs arising from secondments of staff to the Coalition Provisional Authority have also been met by contributing nations, and their subsistence is provided from the CPA budget. The cost of running each Iraqi ministry is met by the Development Fund for Iraq in accordance with paragraph 14 of UN Security Council Resolution 1483.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What has been the cost to the United Kingdom of the civil administration and reconstruction of Iraq since 1 May 2003, excluding the direct cost of maintaining United Kingdom forces there. [HL4319]

Since 1 May 2003 the UK contribution to the cost of civil administration and reconstruction in Iraq has been £220 million.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have agreed that United Kingdom public expenditure on the occupation and reconstruction of Iraq will be a proportionate share of United States expenditure. [HL4426]

The UK will continue to contribute to the cost of occupation and reconstruction in Iraq according to an assessment of the needs of the military and civilian activities, not on the basis of providing a proportion of any other contributions to the cost of military occupation or reconstruction.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What scope they see in a new United Nations Security Council resolution on Iraq for expanding the role of the United Nations in the political work required to assist the emergence of stable, democratic and generally accepted institutions in Iraq; and what they are doing to bring about such an expansion. [HL4366]

The Government remain committed to a vital role for the UN in Iraq, as provided for by Security Council Resolution 1483. The Security Council is currently considering a draft resolution which would encourage further participation by the UN and the international community in assisting Iraq, including in the political processes leading to the formation of a representative government. The Secretary-General's report of 17 July (of which a copy has been placed in the Library of the House) identified further areas in which the UN could contribute to the initial effort in Iraq. The Government would support an increased UN contribution in these areas.Following the terrorist attack on the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad on 19 August, the UN's efforts in Iraq have inevitably been scaled back. We are in discussion with the UN on the security measures needed to ensure that the UN is able to resume and expand its role in Iraq.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What steps they and the other mediators are taking to strengthen the arrangements for monitoring and securing the current ceasefire in the Sudan, following recent violations. [HL4369]

The UK has already contributed 500,000 US dollars, a UK senior liaison officer and two monitors to the Verification Monitoring Team (VMT). On 10 September other international donors pledged to contribute additional funding and personnel. The British Peace Support Team in Kenya has trained personnel appointed to the VMT by the Government of Sudan, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and Inter-Governmental Authority on Redevelopment countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia and Eritrea. The VMT has looked at the 81 allegations of violations of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Cessation of Hostilities. These have been prioritised and investigations have begun.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will seek the holding of thorough consultations with the people in all regions on the future constitution of the Sudan; and if so, whether they and their co-mediators would be willing to facilitate the consultations, if requested. [HL4370]

The Machakos Protocol signed by the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement on 20 July 2002 provides for a constitutional framework, incorporating the peace agreement, to be drafted during the six month pre-interim period (immediately following peace agreement) by a representative constitutional review commission. The precise terms of reference and composition of this commission have not yet been agreed but we would expect it to be representative of all regions of Sudan. We would be willing to facilitate its work, and other aspects of implementation of a peace agreement if asked.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their response to the opposition by the Sudan Ecumenical Forum to the imposition of a quick-fix solution to the future of the Sudan. [HL4371]

There is no question of an imposed solution. Our aim is to help the Sudanese themselves to reach a just and lasting peace, which addresses the root causes of their civil war. To this end we are working closely with the Inter-Governmental Authority on Redevelopment (IGAD) mediators and other partners.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When the current independent evaluation of the Conflict Prevention Pools, the Africa Pool and the Global Conflict Prevention Pool, will be completed; and in what form it will be published. [HL4414]

The joint independent evaluation of the Africa Conflict Prevention Pool and the Global Conflict Prevention Pool began in June 2003. The results are intended to inform the spending review 2004 process and so the aim is for the evaluation to be completed by early 2004.A decision on publication of the report of the evaluation will be taken when the length and format are clearer.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether:

The Eurobus tour was not part of the "Yes" campaign, but an information awareness exercise. The aim was to inform people about the EU and its activities.In Estonia, no British Embassy staff toured on the Eurobus, nor handed out any material connected with it. In Poland, the British Embassy donated a bus to the Polish Government in May 2002-no financial assistance was provided. The bus had previously been used for an information campaign in the UK.These activities are entirely consistent with the UK's obligations under Article 41.1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Regulations 1961, which requires the non-interference of diplomatic staff in the internal affairs of the receiving state. The British Government have maintained throughout the accession campaigns in 2003 that it is for the citizens of the countries concerned to decide whether to join the EU.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the answer by the Lord President to the supplementary question by the Lord Richard on 8 September (HL Deb, col. 3), whether European Union Commissioners and staff are bound to owe allegiance solely to the European Union, ignoring the interests of their country, in accordance with (a) the solemn declaration made by incoming European Union Commissioners; (b) Article 213 (2) of the Treaty establishing the European Community; and (c) Titles II (Rights and Obligations of Officials) and VI (Disciplinary Measures) of the European Union staff Regulations. [HL4432]

In the performance of their duties, both European Union Commissioners and their officials are expected to be completely independent. This means, amongst other things, that they should not take instructions from any individual government or member state. Rather, they should consider the interests of the European Union as a whole.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the answer by the Lord President to the supplementary question by the Lord Richard on 8 September (HL Deb, col. 3), whether former European Union Commissioners and staff may lose their entitlement to retirement pension if they are in breach of Article 213(2) of the Treaty establishing the European Community or of Titles II (Rights and Obligations of Officials) or VI (Disciplinary Measures) of the European Union Staff Regulations. [HL4433]

Former members of the European Commission and their officials are bound to respect certain obligations arising from the office that they held. In the event of any breach of these obligations, the EU institutions are able to rule, according to the circumstances, that that person should be liable to a reduction or withdrawal of pension rights.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What representations they have made in response to the President of Al-Quds University against the decision of the Government of Israel to seize almost one-third of the university grounds to make way for the "security wall"; and what representations have been made by other European Union member states. [HL4456]

My right honourable friends the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary both made clear our concerns over the route and likely impact of the "security fence" to Prime Minister Sharon when he visited London on 14 July. Foreign Office officials have also made representations through the Israeli Embassy.The fence should not be built within occupied territory. We deplore the seizure of Palestinian land, isolation of Palestinian villages and the creation of a further physical obstacle to the two-state solution. We continue to monitor the situation closely. Our embassy in Tel Aviv has raised our concerns with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the proposed path of the fence through Al-Quds University. There is no justification for taking this land and dividing the university.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they support the establishment of an inter-religious international peace council at the United Nations to facilitate dialogue between different faiths. [HL4463]

The Government are not aware of any specific proposal for the United Nations to establish an inter-religious international peace council. The Government would welcome receiving details of such a proposal and on the basis of these would decide whether or not to support the initiative. We believe that inter-faith dialogue can make a valuable contribution towards building mutual understanding between communities and preventing conflict.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will ensure that the principles of neutrality and impartiality currently in the European Union humanitarian regulation are added to the new European Union constitutional treaty. [HL4457]

On 4 October, EU member states will launch an intergovernmental conference (IGC) to draw up a new treaty for the EU. EU leaders agreed in June that the draft constitutional treaty drawn up by the Convention on the Future of Europe was a good basis for starting in the IGC.The Government welcome the proposed inclusion in the treaty of a specific article (III–223) on humanitarian aid. This will provide a clear basis for the EU's efforts in this field.As currently drafted, the treaty commits the EU to conducting humanitarian aid operations in compliance with the principles of international humanitarian law, in particular the principles of impartiality and non-discrimination. We proposed amendments to Article III–223 to make the objective of humanitarian aid more explicit, including a reference to humanitarian aid operations being conducted in compliance with the principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality. These amendments were not, however, accepted by the convention. We will nevertheless explore the scope for securing them in the IGC.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will include a reference to all developing countries, as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, in the new European Union constitutional treaty. [HL4458]

On 4 October, EU member states will launch an intergovernmental conference (IGC) to draw up a new treaty for the EU. EU leaders agreed in June that the draft constitutional treaty drawn up by the Convention on the Future of Europe was a good basis for starting in the IGC.The Government welcome the draft treaty's commitment to the eradication of poverty as the primary objective of EU development policy. However we agreed at the convention that there was still more to do on the articles relating to development co-operation. We proposed amendments to Article III–218 on development co-operation to clarify that the Union objective of poverty eradication covers all developing countries. These amendments were not, however, accepted by the convention. We will nevertheless explore the scope for securing them in the IGC.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How the United Kingdom's opt-out of the single currency provisions of the Maastricht Treaty will be preserved after the coming into force of the proposed European Constitution. [HL4400]

The draft treaty produced by the European Convention confirms that "those Member States which have not adopted the euro, and their central banks, shall retain their powers in monetary matters." (1–29.4). The draft treaty does not alter the terms of the UK's Economic and Monetary Union protocol.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Of the forecast 674,000 additional public sector jobs that will have been created between May 1997 and 2006, (including 354,000 between 1997 and 2002) how many are:

ONS statistics for public sector staffing show a total increase in public sector employment between 1997 and 2002 of 344,000. Increases in the parts of the public sector specified are:

asked Her Majesty's Government:Of the £19 billion estimated increase in the annual cost to the taxpayers between 1997 and 2006 of the additional number of public sector jobs, how much is attributable to:

This information is not held centrally in the form requested.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether it is their intention to raise the licensing charges from £5 to £100 for voluntary sports clubs. [HL4375]

The Government estimate that the fees for a premises licence or club premises certificate under the Licensing Act 2002 will be between £100 and £500 as a one-off application fee, and that an annual fee of between £50 and £150 would be payable thereafter. These fees have been estimated on the basis of the actual costs of the licensing authority. Current fees are not based on full cost recovery by the magistrates’ courts. We do not consider it appropriate for the taxpayer to subsidise the consumption of alcohol in clubs or any other premises.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many convictions for the smuggling of illegal meat have been recorded on the central database of HM Customs and Excise since 11 April. [HL4412]

None of Customs’ seizures of illegal meal: since 11 April 2003 have resulted in convictions being recorded on its central database.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many additional mobile anti-smuggling detection teams and trained dogs have been deployed by HM Customs and Excise since 11 April when it took over responsibility for anti-smuggling controls on meat. [HL4413]

I refer the noble Lord to the answer I gave to his Question on 10 June (HL 3103) (Official Report, col. WA 26). Since then two of the new teams have begun operations. Customs continues to redeploy existing teams until the remaining appointments have been made. The additional dog teams commence training in November and will be operational early in 2004.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether further reforms will need to be made to the provisions of Titles VIII and XI of Part Three of the Treaty of Rome on the coming intergovernmental conference to ensure that the European economies respond sufficiently to the measures taken under the Lisbon agenda and that the European Union meets the objective of becoming the world's most competitive economy; and, if so, what those reforms should be. [HL4422]

The Government's White Paper A Constitutional Treaty for the EU published on 9 September sets out the Government's approach to the forthcoming intergovernmental conference. In the IGC, the Government will work to ensure outcomes that will bolster stability, promote flexibility and enhance the ability of European countries to raise productivity and employment levels in line with the Lisbon economic reform agenda. The White Paper also notes the Government's strong support for a full-time Chair of the European Council. This will bring coherence and consistency to the EU's actions, and thereby give the member states through the Council much greater capacity to give direction and momentum to the EU's agenda, for example on the Lisbon process.The Government outlined proposals on economic reform in their

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the EDAW and HOK Sport's master plan for the London 2012 Olympic bid proposes to include Crossrail. [HL4472]

Crossrail is not required for the delivery of a robust transport plan for the Olympics. The Government have always said that Crossrail would not be completed before 2012 and that it could not therefore form part of the Olympics transport solution. Crossrail will therefore not be included in the master plan for the London 2012 Olympic Bid.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, and if so when, they intend to amend Barbara Cassani's contract as leader of London's bid for the 2012 Olympic Games from part-time to full-time. [HL4475]

There are no plans to amend Barbara Cassani's contract as leader of the London's bid for the 2012 Olympic Games.On 26 September, London 2012 Ltd announced the appointment of a full time chief executive, Keith Mills, to take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the bid.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will provide details of their proposals to hold the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. [HL4474]

The Government have always made it clear that the bid is to stage not only the Olympic Games but also the Paralympic Games in London in 2012.By agreement between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee, the Olympic and Paralympic Games will be hosted by the same city with one organising committee for both games. Detailed proposals for staging the Paralympic Games in London will be provided as one of the themes for the candidature file due to the IOC in November 2004.Mike Brace, chairman of the British Paralympic Association, has recently been appointed as a member of the board of the bid company London 2012.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many "tourist" railways receive lottery grants. [HL4514]

Since the Heritage Lottery Fund started awarding grants in 1995, it has made 93 awards to heritage railways, which includes grants that pay for the restoration of associated equipment and structures (for example, engines and stations).The lottery awards database, which contains information held by distributors, shows that the Millennium Commission has supported two railways and that a number of other grants have involved railways in some way.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many piers in England and Wales have received lottery funding in the past 10 years.[HL4516]

Since the Heritage Lottery Fund started awarding grants in 1995, it has awarded grants to five piers and three harbour/pier combinations in England and Wales.As part of the "Thames 2000 Initiative", the Millennium Commission has awarded lottery funding to five piers in London.In addition, some other grants have been linked in some way with piers. However, in these cases the pier itself has not been the primary purpose of the award.

North-west Canals are generating more than £105 million visitor spend. The canals are attracting a variety of tourist activities including: boating holidays, walks, educational visits, cycling trips and angling, while towpaths are being used to get to marinas, pubs and eateries.British Waterways and its partners have gained an international reputation for delivering sustainable tourism through waterway regeneration. Successful restoration projects such as the Millennium Ribble Link, Huddersfield Narrow and Rochdale Canal are attracting strong tourist interest, as well.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What were the average percentage increases between 1997 and 2001 in gross value added per head for:

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

asked Her Majesty's Government:In which local authorities the 2001 census figure for pensioners exceeds the corresponding figure from pensions data by more than 10 per cent as referred to in paragraph 44 of the 9th Report of the HoC Committee on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. (HC 492–1). [HL4529]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the present disparity between the fuel duty rebate for biofuels and road fuel gases is in the national interest. [HL4563]

The Government offer lower duty rates for less environmentally-damaging fuels by offering duty differentials relative to the main road fuels. These differentials are intended primarily to reflect the relative environmental benefits of the fuels in question, but they also take account of other factors, such as costs of production and supply, and wider social and economic benefits, including fuel security and the potential to encourage the recycling of waste products. The primary environmental aim of the incentive for biofuels is to reduce greenhouse emissions, and for road fuel gases, to improve local air quality. The incentives also take account of the fact that, unlike biofuels, road fuel gases require a separate refuelling infrastructure and specially designed or converted vehicles.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Mclntosh of Haringey on 16 September

The UK has made annual repayments of principal and interest of around 138 million US dollars to the United States in respect of its Second World War loans. The payments were made in US dollars at the end of each calendar year except on six occasions. Payments were deferred, in accordance with the terms of the agreement, due to prevailing international exchange rate conditions and the level of the United Kingdom's foreign currency and gold reserves in 1956, 1957, 1964, 1965, 1968 and 1976. Consequently, repayment of the war loans to the United States Government should be completed in 2006.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What procedure is used to appoint the chairman of the Board of Governors of the BBC; and whether they have any plans to review that mechanism. HL4593]

The Chair of the BBC Governors is appointed by the Queen on recommendation of the Prime Minister following advice from my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Candidates are identified through an open and transparent process that is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. This includes advertising in the national press, consideration against a published range of criteria and interview by a panel including an independent assessor.There are no current plans to change the appointments mechanism, although the commissioner regularly reviews her code. The forthcoming review of the BBC's Royal Charter will provide an opportunity to examine all aspects of the corporation's role and function, including appointments provision for the chairman of the board.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What were the percentage employment rates for working age people in each of the standard regions and nations of the United Kingdom for each spring since 1992. [HL4598]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.