asked Her Majesty's Government:What proposals they have to reduce the waiting time for those listed for an employment tribunal hearing in Northern Ireland.[HL4723]

The Department for Employment and Learning has taken action to reduce the waiting times for tribunal hearings by recruiting additional full-time tribunal chairmen and administrative staff and providing additional accommodation and a new IT system.Future action will include:the recruitment of additional part-time chairmen;extending the appointments of part-time IT chairmen to the Fair Employment Tribunal;further enhancements to the tribunals' IT system;testing the use of audio recording systems to speed up lengthy cases;updating the tribunal rules of procedure;improved case management, andpromoting alternative methods of resolving workplace disputes.In addition the draft Employment (NI) Order, which has just completed its passage through Parliament, will strengthen conciliation and require statutory minimum dispute resolution procedures to be introduced in every workplace in Northern Ireland. The aim is to help people to settle disputes in the workplace and so reduce the number of applications being made to the tribunals, which in turn should facilitate earlier listing of those applications already in the system.

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

The Written Answer to the noble Lord on 11 June (WA 44) did not indicate that the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs set the North/South Language Body's budget; rather it indicated that officials in the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure were informed of the Southern contribution to the budget of the body.

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

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer given on 8 July 2003 (WA 24).

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their position on the Baku-Tiblisi-Ceyhan pipeline. [HL5325]

On 4 November the Executive Board of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) agreed to provide a loan to help fund the Baku-Tiblisi-Ceyhan (BTC) Pipeline. The IFC decision was taken by the IFC Executive Board on which 175 shareholders are represented by 24 directors, including the UK. The IFC loan, which will be at commercial rates of interest, is for around 4.5 per cent of the total cost of the BTC pipeline and accompanying Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) Phase 1 oil field development projects.The BTC pipeline will provide an export route for oil from Azerbaijan's Caspian oil fields. The Governments of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey— the countries through which the pipeline passes— strongly support the project and have negotiated agreements with BTC Corporation, the pipeline company. Azerbaijan, a low-income country, will benefit from significant revenues from the ACG oil field development. Georgia, also a low-income country, will benefit from transit revenues of up to 10 per cent of current GDP per year. The pipeline will help to strengthen cooperation between the three countries and increase their links to global markets. It will provide local employment and demonstrate the potential for foreign investment. The construction of the pipeline, which will be buried underground, has already started.Responsible and transparent management of oil revenue will be vital if the BTC project is to achieve real development benefits for the people of the region. Working to achieve this will need to be a priority for the governments of the region, with support, assistance and oversight from civil society, the private sector and the international community. The agreement of BTC to "publish what it pays" and in turn the agreement of Georgia and Azerbaijan to "publish what they receive" are welcome steps. The UK will continue to work to increase transparency and build local capacity in decision making on the use of revenues, including through the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).The Department for International Development (DfID) is not providing any direct funding for the BTC project. DfID's role is as a shareholder of IFC and of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)—whose executive board will consider finance to BTC on 11 November. The institutions carried out rigorous social and environmental, integrity, legal and commercial due-diligence procedures. In accordance with standard practice, DfID did not duplicate the due diligence undertaken by these institutions.Over the past year, DfID officials have met with local and international NGOs, staff from IFC and the EBRD, BTC and representatives of the governments involved to build better understanding of the benefits and risks associated with the pipeline. In view of the project's complexity, DfID commissioned consultants to do an assessment of the BTC Environmental Assessment. They confirmed compliance with the IFC and EBRD policies and procedures. DfID will place a copy of this report in the House of Lords' Library.The Government recognise that large-scale pipeline projects such as the BTC pipeline present risks as well as potential benefits. Project risks include the weak governance environment and the potential social and environmental impacts of the pipeline. The multilateral institutions have thorough environmental and social safeguards procedures and genuine expertise of working in the region. We believe that their engagement provides the best prospect that the BTC pipeline will be constructed and operated to the highest standards. The UK director at IFC therefore supported the project.We are now focusing on ensuring that the project is implemented properly. In particular we recognise the importance of very strong monitoring including NGO and community representatives. We therefore pressed IFC to:Ensure regular independent consultation on monitoring the implementation of the project— IFC will set up a mechanism that brings together IFI staff, the sponsors, governments from the region, civil society (local and international) and representatives from the IFI executive boards in order to resolve issues arising during project implementation.Encourage enhanced transparency of revenue management—IFC will support the IMF and the World Bank in their efforts to promote the transparency of revenues in both Azerbaijan and Georgia and to encourage the use of these revenues to support Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper objectives.Demonstrate how IFC has learnt from the BTC/ ACG projects—IFC will ensure that these lessons are properly reviewed and inform future policy development, including in discussions of the Extractive Industries Review (EIR), and report back to the Board. We made clear that we would strongly support the use of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) for future infrastructure projects on this scale. IFC agreed to include in its review an assessment of the potential for SEA in future large scale and cross border projects. Other shareholders supported the UK points.The challenge now is to ensure that the people of the region benefit from the opportunities offered by the Caspian's natural resources. This will require concerted effort by the countries of the region, and also by civil society, the private sector and the international community. The UK Government will work to ensure that risks, which might impact on this project's contribution to sustainable development, are addressed.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether there is a shortage of Crown Prosecution Service members in any parts of the country; and what special attention is being given in those areas. [HL5084]

Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) areas are currently recruiting extra staff in anticipation of the enactment of the Criminal Justice Bill later this year when the CPS will assume responsibility for making charging decisions in all but the most minor or routine cases. CPS areas are now reviewing resource needs to deliver the charging initiative and a co-ordinated approach to the recruitment of additional prosecutors is currently being introduced.The main area that has had particular difficulties with recruitment is CPS West Midlands (specifically Birmingham). A study has recently been undertaken to identify the issues involved and a report and recommendations are currently under consideration. Any areas that the CPS consider may experience difficulties in recruitment will receive additional support from the Human Resource Directorate as appropriate.Recruitment of prosecutors in CPS London area which has previously been a problem has now seen an encouraging upturn with a rolling programme of recruitment campaigns producing a positive response with good quality applicants.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, in the light of the interim analytical report by the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit on alcohol misuse, they will set an example by reducing the budget for alcohol in every government department by 25 per cent. [HL5039]

A wide variety of government departments have an interest in the issues around alcohol misuse. However, the budget for hospitality in government departments is a matter for each individual department.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Which orders give directions about retention of communications data under the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001; and on what dates such orders were made. [HL5107]

No orders giving such directions have been laid.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will publish the National Policing Plan. [HL5320]

Copies of the National Policing Plan 2004–07 and the consultation paper Policing: Building Safer Communities Together have today been placed in the Library of the House.The National Policing Plan sets the framework and context for policing in England and Wales for the next three years. It sets out the vision for successful policing, the key priorities, underpinning themes, national standards and the operational tools to deliver the service wanted and demanded by the public. The National Policing Plan will inform local planning and help to ensure that all communities know what they should expect from their local police force.The plan is central to our determination to ensure the police are to work within a modern and efficient criminal justice system and to be engaged with the communities they serve. That is why we have published it jointly with our consultation paper,

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will respond to the consultation on the draft code of practice, issued under Part 4 of the Extradition Bill. [HL5321]

We are today publishing a report containing our response to the consultation on the draft extradition code of practice.The draft code of practice, which sets out the operation of police powers under Part 4 of the Extradition Bill, was published on 9 June 2003. The consultation closed on 8 September.We are grateful to all those who took the time and trouble to respond to the consultation. The responses (other than those where the author requested that the response remain confidential) were placed in the Library of this House and made available on the Home Office website on 30 September.The report contains a summary and analysis of the comments received and sets out the Government's position in response to the main issues raised by respondents. Copies of the report are available in the Library and can be accessed through the Home Office website at www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crimpol/oic/ extradition/bill/documents.html.Assuming that the Extradition Bill receives Royal Assent, the code of practice will be revised in the light of the comments received and laid before the House for approval by resolution.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they plan to issue a new land use planning policy statement for renewable energy in England. [HL5324]

I am today announcing the start of the public consultation period for Planning Policy Statement 22, which sets out this Government's planning policy for renewable energy projects.Increased development of renewable energy resources is vital to facilitating the delivery of the Government's commitments on both climate change and renewable energy. This new draft planning policy statement clearly sets out positive planning policies, which will facilitate renewable energy developments and contribute to all four elements of the Government's sustainable development strategy.This statement makes clear: that local planning authorities should set clear criteria in their plans on which renewable energy projects will be judged rather than identifying any specific locations suitable for certain types of development. We believe that the past emphasis on identifying specific areas of search within development plans has proved unsuccessful;that targets for renewable energy generation should be set within regional planning guidance, as indicated in the energy White Paper. Such targets may be disaggregated subregionally if appropriate, but the aim should always be to exceed any targets set, rather than just meet them;the latest government planning policy relating to renewable energy developments and the additional safeguards for national parks or other national and internationally designated areas.Due to the need for clearer and more concise statements of government policy this PPS does not include technical advice or good practice guidance. The intention is to publish separately a companion guide containing the technical details of what was originally in the annexes of PPG22. We are also keen to include evidence of good practice from both developers and local planning authorities within this guide. Work on the guide will commence shortly and it will be published alongside the final version of PPS22.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have found a means of amending the definition of "qualifying park homes" for the purposes of Schedule 3 to the Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance) (England and Wales) Order 2002, so that disabled facilities grants are available to people who live on gypsy caravan sites. [HL5106]

Yes. Provision to extend eligibility for disabled facilities grant to all those occupying caravans as their only or main residence will be brought forward at the earliest suitable legislative opportunity.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How much military aid they are giving Colombia in 2003–04; and what is the projected amount for 2004–05. [HL5041]

In financial year 2003–04, military assistance provided by the United Kingdom to the Colombian armed forces focused primarily on explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and provision of training courses to members of the Colombian armed forces both in Colombia and in the UK. The cost of this assistance was about £120,000.The assistance is aimed at reducing the number of deaths, both civilian and military, from explosive devices, and at introducing Colombian military personnel to British defence concepts in key areas such as rules of engagement and the democratic and accountable control of the armed forces.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Bach on 9 October (

I refer my noble friend to the Ministry of Defence paper, Medical Records in the Gulf, dated October 2001, a copy of which is available in the Library of the House. It is also available on the Internet at: http://www.mod.uk/issues/gulfwar/info/ medical/bwa.htm.A mandatory operational medical record form (F Med 965) is now in use whenever service personnel deploy on non-maritime operations during which time they are not required to have their permanent service medical record (F Med 4) with them. The F Med 4 is held on board ship for the RN ship's company and embarked Royal Marines and thus is available to medical staff. The F Med 4's of deployed Army and RAF personnel are retained at their home base. The F Med 965 has been used in the Army since July 1998 and on a tri-service basis where appropriate from 20 January 1999. It comprises a 12-page booklet in a waterproof cover and should be held by the individual to whom it relates at all times while deployed on operations. Since January 1999, medical centres have been required to record the fact that F Med 965s have been issued to individuals so that forms not returned after the operation can be hastened. On return from deployment, the information recorded on the F Med 965 is to be transferred to the individual's F Med 4. When not being used, the F Med 965 is retained within the individual's F Med 4 and should be reviewed for accuracy at each medical examination and updated following vaccinations and significant health events. An audit procedure is in place to ensure that the information on the F Med 965 is transferred to the F Med 4.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Bach on 9 October (

No data are readily available showing where and how many immunisations against anthrax were administered in 1991 prior to and during the Gulf Conflict but a proportion of immunisations were given in the United Kingdom as well as in theatre.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How United Nations Resolution 1510, which widens the mandate of the International Security Assistance Force, will specifically help in the protection of humanitarian workers in southern Afghanistan. [HL5131]

Operations by the International Security Assistance Force outside of Kabul will form a part of the international community's wider efforts to enable the Afghan people to rebuild a stable, prosperous and secure country. As such, it should benefit all those who live and work in Afghanistan, including humanitarian workers.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What conversations they have held with other NATO members about the strength and future deployment of International Security Assistance Force troops in provinces outside Kabul. [HL5132]

The United Kingdom is taking an active part in discussions within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation on how to implement United Nations' Security Council Resolution 1510 to expand the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) outside Kabul. The alliance has not yet finalised its military planning for ISAF expansion and it is too early to say what the future strength and disposition of the ISAF may be.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will reconsider the Royal British Legion's call for a full public inquiry into the still medically unexplained illnesses of troops deployed in the 1990–91 Gulf War. [HL5148]

The Government are not convinced that a public inquiry would help to answer the basic question of why some Gulf veterans are ill. We have not ruled out the possibility that we may look at this again if circumstances were to change, but in the present circumstances it is only through the programme of independent scientific and medical research initiated by the Government that we are ever likely to be able to establish the causes of Gulf veterans' illnesses.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the assessment phase for the Regional Prime Contract South West has been completed. [HL5322]

The Ministry of Defence has undertaken to make significant improvements to the Defence Estate through a restructuring of the service and construction delivery mechanisms. Regional prime contracting is a key element of that policy for which the south-west region represents the second of five regional contracts. The initiative aims to provide a better quality of service and greater value for money through a suitably incentivised contract awarded on "Smart Procurement" principles that encourages innovation and efficiency.We are pleased to tell the House that the assessment phase is now complete. Revised bids have been received from three consortia and the bids have been evaluated against detailed criteria. The preferred bidder has been identified as Debut Services Ltd, a consortium of Bovis Lend Lease and Babcock Services Group International.The South West Regional Prime Contract will provide for capital works, property maintenance and facilities management services throughout the MoD's estate in south-west England over the next seven years. The value of this contract is likely to be in excess of £500 million. It is expected that contract award will take place in spring next year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What are the present numbers of Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat life Peers; what percentage each represents of the three-party total of life Peers; and what percentage the Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties received of the total votes cast for these three parties at the 2001 general election. [HL5071]

The information requested is as follows:PRESENT NUMBER OF LIFE PEERS

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will lay the annual report of the Chief Inspector of the Magistrates' Courts Service Inspectorate before Parliament. [HL5323]

The annual report of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of the Magistrates' Courts Service for 2002 03 has been laid before Parliament today. This document gives full details of the Magistrates' Court Service Inspectorate's performance for that year. Copies of the report have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What revenue they expect to receive from the film company in return for unrestricted and sole access to the Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner during the week beginning 20 October. [HL4139]

English Heritage will receive £2,300 plus VAT for filming at Wellington Arch on 20 and 21 October 2003. The Arch is not open to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Why the route across Hyde Park Corner through Wellington Arch is closed to cyclists but not to horses; and why no suitable safe alternative route was provided for cyclists. [HL5046]

The road running across Hyde Park Corner through Wellington Arch, which is known as Apsley Way, is Crown Land managed and maintained by Westminster City Council. It has not been "adopted" as public highway. I understand that for one day, 21 October, the normal route was closed, but that an adjacent alternative route was provided. For further information contact Tim Owen, Westminster's Head of Special Events at the following address:

• Westminster City Hall,
• 64 Victoria Street,
• London SW1E6QP.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many safety camera partnerships are currently in place; and when each was established. [HL5120]

There are currently 42 safety camera partnerships in England, Scotland and Wales. Information on their locations and start dates is available in the Library of the House.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their policy in regard to the provision of secure and adequately serviced overnight parking for heavy lorries. [HL5146]

Our current policy is that provision of overnight parking for heavy lorries is primarily a matter for private sector developers and local planning authorities to take forward through normal planning procedures. In view of concerns about the lack of proper parking and other facilities for lorry drivers, my officials have met industry representatives and motorway service area operators. Operators are looking at ways they might improve facilities for lorry drivers at existing service areas. I have also asked my officials to investigate the feasibility of a jointly funded pilot scheme to address the needs of lorry drivers on roads off the motorway network.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they consider it to be in line with good commercial practice for airlines to deny boarding to passengers who have bought a valid ticket; and whether they will inquire into Air France's policy of overbooking on some of its flights from Newcastle. HL5149]

Overbooking is an accepted practice among full-service scheduled airlines. On any particular flight there is likely to be a proportion of passengers, mainly from those holding flexible tickets, who do not check in. On the basis of statistical evidence from previous flights, airlines estimate the probable number of no-shows and overbook accordingly. On the great majority of flights no passengers are denied boarding, and by reducing the number of empty seats overbooking keeps fares lower than they would otherwise be. This practice is widely accepted by passenger organisations and by regulators as being in the best interests of consumers generally.In the comparatively small proportion of cases where denied boarding occurs, existing Community legislation requires Community air carriers to provide prescribed minimum levels of financial compensation, in addition to offering passengers a choice between re-routeing and reimbursement. One of the aims of the legislation is to incentivise airlines to estimate the numbers of no-shows accurately. In December 2001 the European Commission presented a proposal for a regulation to increase levels of compensation to passengers denied boarding, as well as to require the provision of assistance to travellers affected by cancellations for commercial reasons or delays. Political agreement on this proposal was reached at Transport Council in December 2002. Final amendments to the draft text were agreed during recent conciliation between the Council and the European Parliament. Subject to ratification of these amendments, the regulation will be published and, 12 months later, have direct application in all member states. It is not for the Government to inquire into Air France's booking practices.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Who is responsible for ensuring that there is sufficient electric power for the national rail network; and to which Government department hey report; and [HL5168]Who is responsible for planning and implementing the future planned electric power requirement for the national rail network; and HL5169]Which government department is responsible for the stategic overview of the power requirement of the national rail network. [HL5170]

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) is responsible to the Department for Transport for planning for the railways' power supply needs. Before it went into administration, Railtrack had this responsibility but it failed to make proper provision for the power supply upgrade needed to cater for the new trains now being introduced on the Southern Region. That upgrade is now being led by the SRA, working with Network Rail which has day-to-day responsibility for use of the power supply and for remedial action if the supply fails.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What evidence they require from drivers over 60 to provide to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency proof of adequate eyesight when applying for or holding driving licences. [HL5189]

For drivers of cars and motorcycles, eyesight is checked at the practical driving test by the reading of a number plate from a prescribed distance. When the licence is renewed at 70 the driver is required to declare that the eyesight standard can still be met. Drivers of large vehicles such as lorries and buses are required to undergo a medical examination, including an eyesight test, at application and then at age 45 and at five yearly intervals thereafter until 65, from which time the examination is carried out annually.All drivers are required by law to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency if at any time they develop an ongoing medical condition affecting their fitness to drive, including defective eyesight.

asked Her Majesty's Government:In which European Union member states driving licensing authorities require drivers over 60 to submit evidence of a satisfactory eye test when applying for or holding driving licences.[HL5190]

There is currently no comprehensive information available on how other member states evidence satisfactory eyesight in relation to driver licensing. However, the European Commission has recently issued a questionnaire seeking information on the procedures in place in member states for applying the minimum standards of physical and mental fitness to drive. We understand that the findings of this will be presented at a future meeting of the EC Committee on the Driving Licence and when they are available I will write to the noble Lord.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will indicate the roundabouts on the Al trunk road, detailing in respect of each the date on which they plan to replace the roundabout with another form of road junction. [HL5213]

The construction/opening dates for the roundabout schemes on the AS1 which are to be changed to grade separated junctions are as follows:

asked Her Majesty's Government:What proportion of the container traffic to or from the port of Felixstowe arrives at or leaves that port by rail; and what plans they have to increase that proportion. [HL5216]

Rail had a 21 per cent market share at the port of Felixstowe in the 2002 calendar year. To increase the capability of the network to carry freight the route between the port and the West Coast Main Line is being cleared to take 9'6" containers, work will be completed by the end of 2004.

asked Her Majesty s Government:Whether they have any records of the proportion of containers leaving the United Kingdom which are empty. [HL5217]

In 2002, 41 per cent of container units leaving major ports of the United Kingdom were empty.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What evaluation has been made of the safety justification and risk-based evidence of the decision of the safety authorities to fit the train protection and warning system at terminal station platforms; and whether they will publish the results. [HL5248]

The TPWS System Authority, a rail industry body, commissioned a study which considered the safety benefits, disbenefits and operational issues arising from the fitment of the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) at station terminal platforms used by older style Mark 1 rolling stock. This is an internal industry document and there are no plans for it to be published outside the TPWS System Authority members.TPWS has been fitted at certain sites on the network as a requirement of the Railway Safety Regulations 1999. The industry has always had the option of applying to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for exemptions from these requirements, if justified. No such application has been made to the HSE for TPWS buffer-stop fitments.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the decision by the Office of Fair Trading to let the Wales and the Borders franchise to Arriva Trains on the ground that Arriva operates bus services in part of the area covered, whether transport operators should have available a public interest defence when proposing through or joint tickets and services. [HL5262]

The Wales and the Borders Franchise was awarded to Arriva plc by the Strategic Rail Authority. Continued participation in existing integrated transport schemes (e.g. rail-bus links) was a requirement for all the bids for the franchise but it was not a critical factor in the selection of the franchise operator.The Office of Fair Trading is required, under the Enterprise Act 2002, to investigate the impact of the franchise award on the bus operations of Arriva plc to the extent that they overlap with the rail services. In doing so they will take into account the views of third parties including user groups.The sale of through tickets covering both a rail and bus journey seldom has competition implications because the operators of each stage of the journey are not normally competing with each other for the passengers making the journey.The public transport ticketing schemes block exemption allows transport operators to agree to through or joint ticketing schemes, subject to certain conditions, notwithstanding the general prohibition on pricing agreements in the Competition Act 1998.The Transport Act 2000 gives local authorities powers to make ticketing schemes for local buses which may include connecting rail or tram services. Even where a scheme has a significantly adverse effect on competition, but secures improvements in local bus services, or reduces congestion or pollution, it satisfies the competition test in that Act if the benefits achieved are proportionate to the restrictions on competition.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What services SchlumbergerSema provides for the National Health Service.[HL4910]

Information about local contracts let by National Health Service organisations is not held centrally where there is no need for departmental approval.The Department of Health, on behalf of the NHS, has awarded the following contracts to SchlumbergerSema:

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the cost of the National Health Service per head of population for each of the years 1991–92 to 2002–03 for (a) England; (b) Wales; (c) Scotland; and (d) the United Kingdom. [HL5063]

The table shows total net National Health Service expenditure per head of population for the period 1991–92 to 2002–03 in England and in the United Kingdom. Figures for Wales and Scotland are the responsibility of the devolved administrations.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the estimated cost of the National Health Service per head of population for each of the years 2003–04 to 2005–06 for (a) England; (b) Wales; (c) Scotland; and (d) the United Kingdom. [HL5064]

The table shows planned total net National Health Service expenditure per head of population in England and in the United Kingdom for the period 2003–04 to 2005–06. Expenditure per head figures for Wales and Scotland are the responsibility of the devolved administrations.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What steps are being taken to ensure that cod fish stocks in Britain have a sustainable and profitable future. [HL5060]

In December 2002 the UK and other member states agreed emergency measures which limit the days at sea of vessels which take cod either as a target species or as a bycatch. We are discussing with member states and the European Commission a longer-term recovery plan.We have also agreed a range of technical measures intended to reduce the amount of juvenile cod taken by fishing gear. An area of the Irish Sea has been closed during the spring spawning season for four successive years.