asked the Chairman of Committees:In the last year for which data are available, and in the equivalent period 10 years ago, what was the average number of answers given to each Starred Question; and what was the average number of answers given during "Back-Bench time" on Statements. [HL5398]

This information is not recorded and could not be collected in full without incurring disproportionate expense. I have, however, arranged for an analysis to be undertaken of the three-month periods January to March 1993 and 2003, with the following results:

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether all police forces monitor and publish the number of religiously motivated incidents; and [HL4993]What are the latest available statistics for the number of faith-related incidents reported to each of the police forces in England and Wales. HL4994]

Statistics at national level for religiously motivated offences are currently not kept centrally. The Metropolitan Police Force has begun to keep its own statistics on such offences, following the introduction of new religiously aggravated offences in December 2001 as part of the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act. Their statistics are as follows:

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will exempt students from charges for visas extensions for the purposes of completing their studies in the United Kingdom. [HL4996]

We fully recognise the contribution overseas students make to the United Kingdom and wish to encourage them to study here, but do not accept that the general taxpayer should fund the service. The benefits, are after all, reciprocal. If we were to implement exemptions at reduced fees for students this would be argued, with some justification, to be unfair to other applicants paying the full fee, some of whom we are equally anxious to attract to the United Kingdom.It is my expectation that new students will be granted sufficient leave to enable them to stay for a short time beyond the completion of their studies to enable them to travel in the United Kingdom or attend their graduation. Instructions to this effect have been reissued.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What scope they and local authorities have to align as closely as possible the catchment areas of:

The Government's position is that any changes to local boundaries of responsibility should be focused on local government boundaries.In the case of secondary schools, it would be possible for local education authorities (LEAs) to review catchment areas for which they are the admission authority, but this is not for all schools. Foundation and voluntary aided schools set their own admission arrangements. Where they are the admission authority, LEAs would need to consider a range of issues, such as the number of places in the school, the number of children living in the area, access to other schools, when they set catchment areas. Not all LEAs designate catchment areas for their schools, but use other criteria such as distance from the school.The organisation of social work is determined locally. With the advent of children's trusts, with their accent on integration of services to focus on the needs of individual children and families, social workers and child care specialists will be brought together in multi-disciplinary teams. They will work with many other professionals, including those in youth offending teams, and could be based in schools.Section 39 of the Crime and Disorder Act places a duty on local authorities (in co-operation with chief officers of the police, probation committees or health authorities within their areas) to establish one or more youth offending teams. Demarcation of the catchment areas of youth offending teams (YOTS) and alignment of those areas would therefore be reliant on the independent decision of local authorities.Paragraph 5 of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 states that the various areas of the National Probation Service (NPS) should be aligned with the Police Service, in order for it to perform its functions. Therefore police and the NPS are already aligned and are not aligned with the other mentioned bodies.Paragraph 6 of the Act does allow for the alteration of the division of areas from time to time, by order of the Secretary of State, but this would not mean that the police would change their boundaries. The structure of basic command units within police forces is a matter for the chief constable rather than central government. However, many forces have recognised the benefits of co-terminosity with local authorities. As a result many have now reviewed the boundaries of their basic command units and where possible have sought to align them with local authorities.While it might be desirable to try and align boundaries as far as possible, differing service delivery areas and accountability mechanisms can make it difficult to co-ordinate closer alignment in all areas. Improvement in delivery is being undertaken with local partnerships, such as Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs) and Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs), which bring together those responsible for delivery of a number of services including family care and crime prevention. We are working with partnerships to bring benefits through the better co-ordination of delivery and the reduction of bureaucracy.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Which prisons are able to offer child-centred visits (as pioneered in Northern Ireland). [HL5184]

Magilligan Prison in Northern Ireland launched a child-centred visits scheme in partnership with the Probation Board for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders in September 2001. The scheme was recently extended to include "Big Book Share". Maghaberry Prison plans to operate two child-centred visits pilots later this year for female and life sentence prisoners.Prison Service policy within England and Wales is to encourage establishments to offer extended children's visits, where possible. An increasing number of prisons offer these visits, which assist imprisoned parents in maintaining their parental role, however, provision remains at the discretion of governors and is dependent on operational and resource considerations. Information on the establishments which offer child centred visits is not collated centrally by the Prison Service of England and Wales.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they intend to alter the functions or reduce the powers of HM Inspector of Prisons. [HL5305]

I will write to the noble Lord at the earliest opportunity and will place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What statistics are collected by the Metropolitan Police on rapes and sexual assaults; on women in London's bars and nightclubs; and whether as a result of these statistics they will recommend that the managers of these establishments provide additional security. [HL5330]

The Metropolitan Police Service has developed Project Sapphire in order to improve rape investigations and enhance the care given to victims of rape across London. The Project Sapphire sexual offences database holds data on allegations of rape and indecent assaults at entertainment venues, including public houses and nightclubs.The data shows that over a 21-month period (January 2002 to September 2003), 70 rapes were committed within entertainment venues. This represents two per cent of the total rapes reported during this period.The provision of security within entertainment venues should always be of concern to the management of that venue. If licensed premises are currently giving rise to criminal activity of any kind, which a licensee is unable to prevent, it is open to the police or any other person to ask the licensing justices to consider revoking the alcohol licence for the premises. It is therefore in the interests of any licensee to co-operate fully with the police to prevent serious crime of this kind. Under the Licensing Act 2003, when fully implemented, all holders of premises licences will be under a duty to take steps to prevent crime and disorder and assure the safety of the public on the premises, including compliance with associated conditions. If a premises licence holder fails to do so, it would be open to the police to seek a review of the licence, which can lead to the imposition of new conditions or, in serious cases, to the revocation of the licence.The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is to license door supervisors on a rolling geographical programme, starting with a pilot in March 2004. To obtain an SIA licence, door supervisors will be required to meet certain competencies (achieved through training programmes), and pass a criminality check through the Criminal Records Bureau. By raising the professional standards of door supervisors, SIA licensing will contribute to a safer environment for all customers in pubs and clubs.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What steps the Home Secretary is taking, in the light of the recent report by the independent Review of Coroner Services and the third report of the Shipman inquiry on coroners and death certificates, to make cremation and coroner arrangements more effective. [HL5413]

I will write to the noble Lord at the earliest opportunity and will place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will undertake public consultation on a review of burial law, including arrangements for the disposal of the dead and the exhumation of buried human remains. [HL5414]

I will write to the noble Lord at the earliest opportunity and will place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House

asked Her Majesty's Government:What studies they have made of the action taken by the European Union or any of its constituent bodies in the fight against trafficking in drugs, illegal weapons and persons; and whether any similar studies have been made by the governments of other European Union member states. [HL5498]

Reliable data on trafficking is extremely scarce, with the result that it is very difficult to make a comparative analysis of either the phenomenon itself or of the various counter-measures that have been introduced against it. The involvement of organised crime organisations complicates matters significantly further from a research perspective. However, the following three initiatives or sets of initiatives may be of relevance:(1) REFLEXThe most important development in terms of enforcement in the UK was the establishment of Reflex in May 2000. Reflex is a practical multi-agency task force on organised immigration crime, which includes people trafficking. The task force is led by the National Crime Squad (NCS), and brings together all the key agencies involved in combating the problem. This includes the Immigration Service, the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS), the security and intelligence agencies and key police forces including the London Metropolitan Police, Kent Police and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.In strengthening enforcement, the work of Reflex is aimed at building up the intelligence picture, co-ordinating operations and providing a focal point for the operational response to organised immigration crime. Reflex also provides both the information and the means to disrupt and dismantle the activities of organised crime groups involved in these activities. The task force is based around joint working between police and immigration, as well as between different countries on trafficking routes. The work of Reflex is both national and international. Overall, the Reflex strategy encompasses an end-to-end approach—it sees the phenomenon of organised immigration crime as one to be tackled in source and transit countries, EU, UK borders, UK-based facilitators, as well as through financial investigations.An internal review is currently being conducted on the contribution of the core agencies to the Reflex objectives. This review is for internal management purposes only and is not available for wider dissemination.(2) NIGERIA—ITALYA programme of action against people trafficking in minors and young women from Nigeria into Italy for the purposes of sexual exploitation is currently being carried out as a joint initiative between UNICRI (United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The project has been funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has been formally approved by the Nigerian Ministry of Justice on behalf of the Nigerian Government.The project envisaged four parallel activities to be carried out in both countries:

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will arrange for a public inquiry into the death by suicide of Joseph Scholes, aged 16, on 24 March 2002 in Stoke Heath young offender institution, and into connected issues. [HL5503]

There are no current plans to hold a public inquiry into the case of John (known as Joe) Scholes. More generally Paul Goggins is considering whether from a future date the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman should provide independent scrutiny of all deaths in prison custody.Any death in custody, particularly that of a young person, is a terrible tragedy, which needs to be carefully investigated. As matters stand in the case of Joe Scholes, the coroner's inquest into his death has not yet taken place, having been adjourned with no date yet set.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many people have been detained under emergency legislation without charges being made against them; and whether this is compatible with the principles of human rights. [HL5505]

Sixteen people have been certified and detained under the powers contained in Part 4 of the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 (the ATCS Act). Of these, two have chosen to leave the United Kingdom voluntarily, as any of the detainees are free to do at any time. One further person has been certified under Part 4 of the ATCS Act but is currently detained under other powers.Under the Act, the detainees are entitled to a full review of their individual cases by the Special Immigration Appeal Commission. To date the commission has considered the first 10 cases and upheld the Home Secretary's decision in each case.The detainees have also challenged the derogation from Article 5 of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) which was necessary to ensure that the Act was compatible with the United Kingdom's human rights obligations.In October 2002 the Court of Appeal unanimously held that this derogation was lawful. The detainees have been granted leave to appeal to the House of Lords but no hearing date has been set.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will collect and publish information concerning the condition of the children of refugees and asylum seekers within the United Kingdom and their treatment by public authorities, having regard to the obligations of the United Kingdom under international human rights law. [HL5495]

No specific information is recorded on the condition of children of asylum seekers and refugees.The Children in Need Census—(CiN)—collects information on all children in the care of social services. The information collected on each child includes age, gender, ethnicity, as well as whether the child is disabled, an asylum-seeker, on the child protection register or looked after.In the last CiN census, conducted in February 2003, details on approximately 380,000 children were recorded.In addition, the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) has just published a report on

asked Her Majesty's Government:What studies they have made of the action taken by the European Union or any of its constituent bodies in respect of its objective to remove internal boundaries; and whether any similar studies have been made by the governments of other European Union member states. [HL5497]

I will write to the noble Lord at the earliest opportunity and will place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they plan to announce the provisional police funding allocations for 2004–05. [HL5585]

I have today placed in the Library a copy of the Home Secretary's proposals for allocation of police grant for England and Wales in 2004–05. We intend to implement the proposals subject to consideration of any representations we receive about them.Funding the police properly remains a top priority for this Government. The settlement for 2004–05 builds on significant extra resources for policing in England and Wales over the last three years. Since 2000–01 total provision for policing to be supported by grant or spent centrally on services for the police has risen by over £2.3 billion or over 30 per cent.Total provision for policing to be supported by grant in 2004–05 will be £10,086 million. This is a cash rise of £403 million or 4.2 per cent over the provision for 2003–04. This includes principal formula police grant, specific grants, capital related grants, direct Home Office spending and the formula spending on which revenue support grant is based.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will, if necessary in conjunction with the World Health Organisation and the International Atomic Energy Authority, commission a full radiometric survey of the area of South Iraq which they control, including but not restricted to battle zones of the first Gulf War. [HL5138]

There are no plans to commission a full radiometric survey of the area of South Iraq, in conjunction with the World Health Organisation (WHO) or the International Atomic Energy Agency.As part of the Coalition Provisional Authority governing Iraq, the United Kingdom is committed to discharging its health and safety and environmental protection responsibilities and to working with our coalition partners and others with similar aims. To this end, the Department for International Development (DfID) has, in principle, agreed to part-fund the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) assessment of post-conflict environmental issues in Iraq. We have not yet been advised of the nature of any radiometric survey that UNEP might wish to carry out, but we understand that radiometric surveys within the UK area of operations are not identified as a priority within UNEP's "Desk Study on Iraq"

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have any figures of (a) expenditure on promoting exports of small arms and light weapons from the United Kingdom; and (b) expenditure on controlling end uses and trafficking, together with the costs of collecting and destroying such weapons and ammunition, both in the United Kingdom and overseas.[HL5467]

Information on the costs the Government incur in supporting United Kingdom industry's efforts to legitimately export defence goods and services does not include details of expenditure on the promotion of particular categories of weapons.The UK is one of the main donors to the work of the United Nations Development Progamme Small Arms and Demobilisation Unit with £7.5 million committed over the period 2001–04. This funding supports a global programme of weapons collection, stockpile management, capacity building and destruction within the context of disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration and community development. The UK's wider Global Conflict Prevention Pool Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Strategy, with over £20 million funding over the same period, aims to combat and prevent the supply, demand and availability of SALW around the globe as a contribution to conflict prevention, and to achieve a reduction in the impact of violent conflict on lives and livelihoods.The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has a fund (£100,000 to £200,000 per annum) specifically aimed at small arms destruction overseas. This has been used to supply gun-destruction equipment to several African countries and to provide significant funding to a development programme in Cambodia. Other projects are currently under consideration.The cost of administering end-use monitoring is not separately recorded.The collection of weapons in the UK and their destruction is the responsibility of the Home Office. Information on the national firearms amnesty was provided by my noble friend Lady Scotland of Asthal on 21 October 2003

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will place a copy of the Ministry of Defence Police Operational Report 2002-03 in the Library of the House.[HL5575]

In light of the recommendations made by the House of Commons Defence Committee as a result of the introduction of the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001, we are pleased to place in the Library of the House on behalf of the Ministry of Defence Police its operational report for 2002–03.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What key targets have been set for the Medical Supply Agency for financial year 2003–04. [HL5576]

Key targets have been set for the chief executive of the MSA for Financial Year 2003–04. The targets build on the progress already made by the agency since it formed in March 1996 and are as follows:KEY TARGET 1

asked Her Majesty's Government:What action the Government intend to take in light of today's judgment in the Court of Appeal regarding the interpretation of the Armed Forces Revision Scheme regulations.[HL5584]

After the introduction of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) in 1973, the Royal Air Force has, for the purposes of awarding pensions, been reviewing War Pension Scheme decisions on whether injuries, ill-health or deaths were due to service using the normal civil standard of proof ("balance of probabilities"). The War Pension Scheme uses a "beyond reasonable doubt" standard in favour of the claimant for the first seven years after leaving service. This interpretation of AFPS scheme regulations was challenged in a complaint to the Pensions Ombudsman who found in favour of the claimant, Mrs Hulme. The ombudsman's decision was upheld on appeal in the High Court and has today been further upheld in the Court of Appeal on the basis that the relevant regulations required AFPS administrators to accept the decision on attributability taken under the War Pension Scheme. We have decided that the Ministry of Defence will not seek leave to appeal the Court of Appeal judgment further to the House of Lords.Following this decision, the department will now review previous decisions on entitlement to attributable pensions for those conditions that led to invaliding or to death-in-service where AFPS administrators have previously not accepted War Pension Scheme decisions on attributability. Awards will be backdated and the department will consider compensation to reflect the effect of inflation on the value of pensions over the period of non-payment. We expect to make a further announcement on this matter early in the New Year.Initial research indicates that the incorrect interpretation of the regulations is likely to have affected Royal Air Force compensation payments since soon after 1973, and Army and perhaps some Royal Navy claims since 2000.We do not know how many pensioners are likely to have been affected or the likely cost. However, a substantial number of pension award decisions will need to be reviewed to ensure that all those at risk are identified. At present, we expect it to take around a year to complete this review. Payments will be made as soon as possible. We will also be using appropriate advertising to publicise to the ex-service community those categories of pensioner who might be affected and how claims can be lodged. We will consider these as quickly as possible. The judgment does not affect the benefits paid under the War Pension Scheme.The department will abide fully by the Court of Appeal decision with respect to claims from the past or where a decision is still pending. However, we have decided that, for the future, as soon as the relevant changes can be made to secondary legislation, the department should establish the right of AFPS administrators to take a second decision on attributability, using the balance of probabilities standard of proof. This is the standard of proof used for other public service occupational schemes, as well as for decisions in the civil courts and for the recently proposed new Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many square metres of the former Employment Service Estate, to be outsourced by the Department for Work and Pensions to Land Securities Trillium, can be vacated under the contract in each year up to 2018; and [HL5259]Why the Valuation Office was instructed to value the Employment Service Estate on a vacant possession basis when the Department for Work and Pensions is committed to occupy and pay an annual charge on the majority of the Estate for the next 15 years; and [HL5261]Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Hollis of Heigham on 29 October (WA 45–46), in respect of the Former Employment Service Estate to be outsourced by the Department for Work and Pensions to Land Securities Trillium, whether they will place in the Library of the House full details of the "transparent and demonstrable calculations" necessary to ensure that value for money is obtained; and [HL5287]In respect of the former Employment Service Estate to be outsourced by the Department for Work and Pensions to Land Securities Trillium, who has undertaken ongoing independent scrutiny to ensure the robustness of the outcome; how the results of that scrutiny have been reported; when; and to whom; and [HL5288]Why the freehold properties in the former Employment Service Estate are to be transferred to Land Securities Trillium at a price of £100 million compared with the agreed valuation of £128.4 million.[HL5289]

The arrangement negotiated with Land Securities Trillium as part of the expanded PRIME contract allows the department a flexible approach to the way it can vacate its surplus property without additional cost. In total 228,000m² can be vacated on this basis. This has been profiled in the medium term to reflect the requirements of the department's Estate Strategy and it is not possible therefore to provide an estimate for each year up to 2018.The Valuation Office was instructed to value the former Employment Services estate on the basis of vacant possession as this is the way in which Land Securities Trillium was asked to price its bid and because the investment value of the department's occupation during the term of the contract is reflected in the unitary charge that DWP will pay Land Securities Trillium for occupying space.It is not possible to publish information in relation to the value for money calculations, as this remains commercial in confidence at the current time. The National Audit Office is carrying out an independent scrutiny and its report is due to be published in spring 2004.The department has sought to obtain the best value from the way it received payment for its properties. It was found that a capital receipt of £100 million from Land Securities Trillium, with the balance of the property values used to reduce the ongoing unitary charge payments, provided us with the optimum value for money solution.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the cost of supporting unemployed disabled people. [HL5526]

It is not possible to give a figure on the total cost of supporting unemployed disabled people as many of the costs are not separately identifiable.However, in 2002–03 we spent £100 million on benefits for disabled people who were seeking work.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many of those registered as disabled people who are unemployed suffer from a mental illness. [HL5527]

The Labour Force Survey (Summer 2003) indicates that there are 580,000 people of working age (16 to State Pension Age), who report that they are DDA disabled and have a mental health condition as their main health problem, in Great Britain.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have conducted any research into the number of unemployed disabled people who could benefit from a training course. [HL5528]

No research has been conducted specifically into the number of unemployed disabled people who could benefit from a training course.We have a wide range of programmes, including Work Based Learning for Adults, which offer support in helping disabled people secure work where they are ready and able to do so. Jobcentre Plus advisory services and the specialist programmes are available irrespective of benefit (if any) claimed.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Sainsbury of Turville on 29 October

The Director General of Telecommunications at Oftel has now written to Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts, and I have arranged for his letter to be published in the Official Report with this Answer.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Why no voluntary agreement has been reached between the credit card industry, the Office of Fair Trading and the Department of Trade and Industry on a single method of calculating annual interest percentage rates.[HL5408]

The Government are working closely with the Office of Fair Trading and the Association for Payment Clearing Services, which represents the credit card industry, to agree a set of assumptions that can be used for the calculation of annual percentage rates on credit cards. This will enable consumers to make a better comparison of different credit card offers.At present card issuers make different assumptions and all parties are agreed that the current situation is unsatisfactory and needs to be resolved. It is the Government's intention to publish draft regulations later this year as part of their White Paper on the reform of the Consumer Credit Act which will provide a single method of calculating an annual percentage rate for a credit card.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the proposed Commission for Equality and Human Rights will have investigative and enforcement powers beyond the equality field. [HL5428]

The Government will set out their proposals for the statutory powers and duties of Commission for Equality and Human Rights, including its investigative and enforcement powers, in a White Paper to be published in the spring. The Government will take account of the advice of the task force of representatives of the key interests concerned that they are establishing to provide advice on key issues for the CEHR, as mentioned in the written statement to the House on 30 October Official Report, col. WA 54–7, by my noble friend the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When the Office of Fair Trading will announce the results of its investigation into the price rise imposed by the London Stock Exchange on its member companies. [HL5464]

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) will announce the outcome of its investigation into the London Stock Exchange's increase in issuer fees when it has been completed. The timing is a matter for the OFT.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How growth in the number of Internet-enabled households subscribing to Internet services offering speeds of 512 kbps and above in the United Kingdom currently compares with other European Union and G7 countries; and how it is projected to compare in 2005. [HL5562]

The Government hold neither current nor projected comparative data about growth in the number of Internet-enabled house subscribers offering speeds of 512 kbps and above either in the United Kingdom or in other European Union and G7 countries.Data in the following table indicate the total number of subscribers for mass-market broadband services (which includes services at lower speeds) at September 2003 and the growth rate in the previous 12 months for a number of countries including the G7 and selected EU countries.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Following the premature publication of the September retail sales figures:(a) whether they will name the individuals within the Treasury, with their job titles, who had pre- release access to those figures, indicating in each case whether this access was for briefing purposes, for management information or for quality assurance purposes; and(b) whether they have now reduced the number of individuals who have pre-release access to the monthly retail sales figures, and, if so, to what number; and [HL5391]Why releases of market sensitive statistical information require early access by Treasury officials and Ministers, either (a) up to 40.5 hours in advance or (b) at all; and [HL5392]What are the monthly releases; of statistical information which they consider to be market sensitive, showing the numbers of individuals within the Treasury who received early access to each release in the month of September 2003. [HL5393]

In line with long-standing practice under this and previous administrations, Ministers with policy responsibility for the relevant subject matter, and a small number of their officials, are granted limited early access to statistical releases to enable them to respond completely when questions arise at the time of the release of the data. The list of Treasury Ministers and officials who have authorised pre-release access to National Statistics First Releases is available on the Office for National Statistics (ONS) website.In addition the Macroeconomic Statistics Service Level Agreement, drawn up between ONS and HM Treasury in 1998, lists a further small number of individuals at HM Treasury who receive copies of HM Treasury's internal briefing on these statistical releases before the publication of the data. Since 1998, this list has been updated to reflect changes to personnel and staff structures with the overall number of individuals reduced from eight to seven.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What opportunities are provided in the Licensing Act 2003 for individual residents to make representations about licensing decisions. [HL5568]

The Licensing Act 2003 provides that interested parties, which include persons living or involved in a business in the vicinity of a premises or bodies representing them, may make representations about applications for provisional statements and about the grant or variation of premises licences or club premises certificates, except where a simple conversion of an existing licence or certificate is made under the grandfather rights provisions in Schedule 8 of the Act. Interested parties may also apply for the review of a licence or certificate at any time as well as make representations about a review once it has been applied for. Representations must be about the effects of the application on the promotion of the licensing objectives.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have plans to bring forward further draft proposals for a modernisation of the law on gambling. [HL5577]

We have today published the major sections of the draft Gambling Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny.The Bill will make major changes to the way in which gambling is regulated and controlled in Great Britain. It will build on the work undertaken by Sir Alan Budd and the Gambling Review Body that he led.It is based on the three key principles. First, the principle that the system of gambling law and regulation must keep the gambling industry free of crime. Our industry has a high international reputation for integrity, which must not be put at risk. Secondly, the law must ensure that gambling is conducted fairly, so that players know what to expect. Thirdly, there must be effective protection for children and the vulnerable.The current laws on gambling dating back to the 1960s have failed to keep pace with rapid technological change. Attitudes to gambling have changed too. The law needs to be modernised but we must make sure that it is flexible enough to cope with further change.However, modernisation does not mean a gambling free for all and reform must not be allowed to generate an upsurge in problem gambling. The provisions published today combine a managed relaxation of outdated restrictions with the strongest protections for children and the vulnerable. Following reform, there will be greater choice for adults but there will remain important limitations on what types of gambling are available and where they can be located.In A

asked Her Majesty's Government:Given their plan to reduce the number of sites which can receive hazardous waste next year, what volume of hazardous waste the United Kingdom has provision for over the next six years. [HL5447]

There are no government plans to reduce the number of sites that can receive hazardous waste. From July 2002, the Landfill Directive required operators to specify whether their sites will be inert, non-hazardous or hazardous waste landfills. In July 2004, when co-disposal of waste ends, those landfill sites classified as hazardous in 2002 can alter their classification to non-hazardous. Following this reclassification exercise, and working from the current information supplied by the waste management industry, we believe that a relatively small number of sites will continue as hazardous waste landfills. However, also from July 2004, the Landfill Directive permits stable non-reactive hazardous waste to be disposed of in a separate cell in non-hazardous landfills.Analysis conducted by the Hazardous Waste Forum shows that there is likely to be sufficient capacity in non-hazardous and hazardous waste landfill to deal with hazardous waste arisings. It is estimated that approximately 3 million tonnes of hazardous waste will require landfilling each year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How much hazardous waste they expect will be imported from other countries in the next six years. [HL5448]

It is difficult to predict expected imports for the next six years. However, the total hazardous waste imported to the United Kingdom for the years 1996 to 2001 ranged from approximately 90,000 to 182,000 tonnes per annum.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether waste from ships imported for breaking will subsequently be exported to the country from which it came. [HL5449]

No. In most cases, the majority of the waste arising from ships will comprise steel, which can be recovered or recycled together with relatively small quantities of wastes for disposal. Overall though the import of the waste ship may be classed as waste moving for recovery. The return of waste as part of the transfrontier movement is not normally envisaged. The United Kingdom has a policy of not exporting waste for disposal.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether there was any official or unofficial written or verbal discussion between the United Kingdom and United States Governments prior to November 2003 on the issues of the "ghost fleet" disposal. [HL5451]

There has been a regular dialogue between the UK authorities including the Environment Agency and those in the US both before and during November 2003.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their policy on the use and classification of material that is dredged from watercourses to maintain channel capacity; and [HL5555]What is the status of material that is dredged from watercourses; and whether it can have more than one status; and [HL5556]Whether they propose to change their policy concerning material that is dredged from watercourses; if so, whether any such change has been costed; and whether it represents the most sustainable option. [HL5557]

The regulatory and technical provisions of the 1999 EU Landfill Directive, including those on the treatment and disposal of liquid dredgings, were implemented in England and Wales by the Landfill (England and Wales) Regulations 2002. The ban on landfilling of non-hazardous liquid wastes is unlikely to come fully into force before 2006. My department is currently working with the Environment Agency and others to deliver a policy that meets the needs of all parties, bearing in mind that the UK must comply with EU law.The Government are committed to reducing the UK's reliance on landfill, which makes little practical use of waste and is a missed opportunity to recover value from waste. The Government believe that landfilling of waste sites at the bottom of the waste hierarchy and in their waste strategy have set out a range of policies to promote the reduction, re-use, recycling and recovery of waste in order to divert it from landfill.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether Article 2 of the draft Water Framework Directive does not include a definition of wetlands because the wetlands associated with a river are included within the definition of a river; or whether a river is that area of water that is normally between two banks; and [HL5558]If wetlands are not included within the definition of a river in the draft Water Framework Directive regulations for England and Wales, what status they have. [HL5559]

The Water Framework Directive defines a river as a "body of inland water flowing for the most part on the surface of the land but which may flow underground for part of its course." The draft England and Wales regulations contain the same definition. The directive does not set environmental objectives for wetlands as such, and this may be why there is no separate definition of this term.A wetland that is dependent on a groundwater body, that forms part of a surface water body, or that is a protected area, will however benefit from directive obligations to protect and restore the status of water. The draft regulations for England and Wales will provide the framework within which those obligations will be met.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the reclassification of pulverised fuel ash as waste requiring a licence by the Environment Agency will reduce the total of recycled products in the waste processing statistics by 3.5 million tonnes; and [HL5435]Whether blast furnace slag is to be classified as waste requiring a licence instead of being directly recyclable as in the past; and [HL5437]What impact the reclassification of pulverised fuel ash as waste requiring a licence will have on the total waste going to landfill; and [HL5438]Whether the reclassification of pulverised fuel ash as waste requiring a licence is consistent with their policy for recycling. [HL5439]

The definition of waste in force in the United Kingdom is the definition in Article l(a) of the Waste Framework Directive (as amended). It provides that waste means, "… any substance or object … which the holder discards or intends or is required to discard." Whether or not a substance, such as power station ash or blast furnace slag, is discarded as waste is a matter which must be determined on the facts of the case and the interpretation of the law is a matter for the courts. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has issued several judgments on the interpretation of the definition of waste and the meaning of "discard". ECJ judgments are binding on member states and their "competent authorities".The Government have not classified either pulverised fuel ash or blast furnace slag as waste. It rests in the first place with the producer of a substance to decide whether it is being discarded as waste. The Environment Agency is designated as a competent authority for the purposes of the directive and is responsible for the application of its controls to substances discarded as waste.The Government propose, in consultation with the Environment Agency, to review in the light of the ECJ's judgments the guidance on the interpretation of the definition of waste originally provided in DOE Circular 11/94. But it is not feasible for any revised guidance which the Government issue to determine whether any particular substance is in any particular circumstances discarded as waste. It will be feasible only for any revised guidance to advise on the factors which the ECJ has determined should be taken into account in reaching a decision.Power station ash—including pulverised fuel ash— and blast furnace slags are two of the waste streams discussed in the Government's

asked Her Majesty's Government:Why it is necessary to replace pulverised fuel ash with a new aggregate for purposes such as stabilizing old mine workings. [HL5436]

The Government have imposed no requirement which makes it necessary to replace pulverised fuel ash (pfa) with new aggregate for purposes such as stabilising old mine workings. The effect of the Waste Framework Directive is to require a permit, such as a waste management licence issued by the Environment Agency, for the disposal or recovery of waste. This requirement applies to the disposal or recovery of pfa discarded as waste. The requirement does not preclude the use of waste pfa for purposes such as stabilising old mine workings. But it is necessary for anyone proposing to use waste pfa for this purpose to apply to the Environment Agency for the necessary licence. It is the applicant's responsibility to do so as part of his project planning.The use of waste ash for purposes such as this was the subject of a judgment by the European Court of Justice in Case C-600 on 27 February 2002 (Abfall). Among other matters, the Court was asked for a ruling on whether the use of waste ash to secure hollow spaces (mine-sealing) is a waste disposal or recovery operation. The Court's judgment was that, "The deposit must be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether the operation is a disposal or recovery operation within the meaning of that Directive [the Waste Framework Directive]. Such a deposit constitutes a recovery operation if its principal objective is that the waste serve a useful purpose in replacing other materials which would have had to be used for that purpose".

asked Her Majesty's Government:When the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will issue the hazardous waste criteria and regulations. [HL5450]

We aim to issue for consultation new regulations on the control of hazardous waste in England at the end of this year, together with new regulations listing the European Waste Catalogue. There will be a three month consultation period. We intend to lay both sets of regulations before Parliament in the spring. The regulations are expected to come into force in the summer of 2004.The draft Landfill (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2004, that implement the European Council Decision on waste acceptance criteria in England and Wales, are currently out for consultation. That consultation ends on 17 December 2003 and a response to the consultation will be placed on the Defra website in the new year. We remain on target to meet the EU requirement to transpose this legislation by July 2004.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 30 October

I regret that my earlier Written Answer did not list more specifically holidays enjoyed by civil servants in Northern Ireland. St Patrick's Day and 12 July are indeed bank holidays.While the Cabinet Office is responsible for the policy on leave and attendance in the Civil Service, bank and public holidays in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are the responsibility of the Department of Trade and Industry. Dates for Scotland are a matter for the Scottish Executive.Civil servants in Northern Ireland are allowed public and privilege holidays up to a maximum of 12 days a year. The distribution of these days over the year is:

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many additional civil servant posts have been created in the years (a) 2001–02, (b) 2002–03 and (c) 2003–04 (first six months). [HL5205]

The figures on a full-time equivalence basis are set out in the table below and are also available at www.civil-service.gov.uk/statistics.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What percentage of new Civil Service posts created since the year 2001–02 are designated as front-line service delivery jobs. [HL5207]

Data on staffing levels in the Civil Service are collected from departments and agencies twice yearly in April and October. The information is available from www.civil-service.gov.uk/statistics. Individual departments are responsible for the number and composition of staff they employ to deliver their objectives.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Davies of Oldham on 5 November

The B6403 junction is to be improved as part of the Colsterworth junction improvement scheme.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Which listed buildings have been damaged or destroyed in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years; and in which cases successful prosecutions have followed. [HL4846]

Information on damage to, or destruction of, listed buildings is not collated and it could not, therefore, be obtained except at disproportionate cost.However, the Department of the Environment is aware of the following listed buildings having been destroyed in Northern Ireland during the last five years:Chapelfield Parochial House, Laurel Hill, ColeraineMount St Columb, Rostrevor Road, Warrenpoint2001 Rock Castle, Portstewart 34 Upper English Street, Armagh Partial demolition of a building within the curtilage of Jennymount Mill, North Derby Street, Belfast2002 Tillie and Henderson Building, Carlisle Square, Londonderry2003 9–11 The Diamond, Portstewart 41–43 Court Street, Newtownards (rear return only)Successful prosecutions have taken place in respect of the Chapelfield, Upper English Street, and Mount Street Columb, cases.In respect of The Diamond, Portstewart, the Department of the Environment's Planning Service has started legal proceedings against the demolition offence.In respect of Court Street, Newtownards, the Planning Service is presently liaising with the Department of the Environment's Environment and Heritage Service's Listed Buildings Section with a view to instigating legal action against the owner.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 13 October

I am not aware of any advice offered by the chairman of the Ulster-Scots Agency. It is not, however, the practice of government to comment on advice given to Ministers by officials.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer from the Lord President on 16 October

The table below provides the internal staff costs of the North/South Implementation Bodies as a percentage of each body's total expenditure in each year.Costs relating to the year 2000 relate to the period December 1999-December 2000.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Regarding the recruitment of civilian staff to the police in Northern Ireland, how many recruits were sought; when they were sought; and how many were recruited. [HL5027]

The current recruitment arrangements for civilian staff were introduced in the Police (Northern Ireland) 2000 Act. It requires that where there are more than six vacancies at the same level and which are to be filled at or about the same time, then appointments must be made from a pool of qualified candidates on a 50:50 basis.The tables below show the requested figures for all the competitions that have taken place for civilian posts in the Police Service of Northern Ireland. It is important to note that some competitions are still ongoing and the numbers recruited from those competitions are not yet finalised.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 9 September

I refer the noble Lord to the answer given to him on 11 June 2003 (WA 44).

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 12 May

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer given to HL5244 on 18 November 2003 (WA 271).

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 15 July

The papers relating to the decisions made on the Language Body budget under the Exchange of Notes of 19 November 2002 have been placed in the Library.Under Part II, Paragraph 2

asked her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 15 July

I have nothing further to add to the answers given on 15 July 2003 (WA 96), Tuesday 24 June 2003 (WA 7), Monday 13 January (WA 1) and Tuesday 26 November 2002 (WA 36).

asked Her Majesty's Government:Why the Northern Ireland Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure agreed to reduce the 2003 budget of the Ulster-Scots Agency by 16 per cent. [HL5273]

In accordance with the agreement made by the exchange of notes between the two Governments dated 19 November 2002, the budget for the agency for 2003 was agreed by the Government of the UK and the Government of the Republic of Ireland as part of the overall budget for the North/ South Language Body. This took account of a number of factors, including in particular pressures on public expenditure in the South. The budget for 2003 has now been increased in line with revised business plans for the Irish Language Agency and the Ulster Scots Agency.

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

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer given on 9 September 2003 (WA 105).

asked Her Majesty's Government:

The four members of the Independent Monitoring Commission, including those from the United Kingdom, met for the first time on 12 October 2003. No meeting has occurred since. Specific details of costs concerning payments and expenses are being finalised. As with the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning, the Government intend to make IMC accounts available in due course.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What new proposals there are to restrict the fishing of prawns in Strangford Lough; whether a consultation document will be issued; if so, to whom it will be made available; and what is the proposed timetable. [HL5104]

Currently there are no proposals to restrict fishing for prawns in Strangford Lough. However, should the department decide to introduce legislation, depending on the nature of the legislation required, it will consult in accordance with legislative requirements.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether it is proper use of public funds to facilitate smoking in the Northern Ireland Civil Service through the funding of 144 smoking chambers. [HL5127]

Since the policy on smoking was first issued in 1978, revised in 1987 and again in 1994, the NICS has been to the forefront in developing progressive workplace smoking policies aimed primarily at protecting non-smokers from the harmful effects of passive smoking.In line with increasing workplace restrictions being placed on smokers at those early stages, it was agreed with the trade unions that, where practicable, a properly ventilated smoking room should be provided in each building. This remains the practice in many public sector and private sector organisations across the UK.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How the head of the Northern Ireland Office in Washington was appointed; by whom; and using what criteria. [HL5209]

The Director of the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington was appointed by open competition, by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. It was conducted in accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code.Candidates were required to demonstrate core competencies in the areas of communication, personal effectiveness and leadership, conceptual and strategic thinking, planning and managing relationships and partnerships. In addition a comprehensive knowledge of current key issues involving Northern Ireland and in particular its administration, and other Northern Ireland bodies, as appropriate, and how these should be represented in the United States.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What steps they are taking to develop or support Ulster Scots cultural tourism in the local council areas of Lame and North Down. [HL5211]

The Natural Resource Rural Tourism Initiative (NRRTi), jointly developed by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of the Environment, is aimed at developing tourism, including cultural tourism, in selected rural areas throughout Northern Ireland. NRRTi funding has been made available during the period 2002–06 to the Causeway Coast and Antrim Glens. This funding can be accessed by Larne Borough Council.The Ulster Scots Agency, which receives core funding from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, provides some financial support for Ulster Scots events in Larne and North Down Council areas. The support of such community activity provides an impetus and focus for the development and marketing of cultural tourism.

asked Her Majesty's Government:From what sources the Northern Ireland Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure receives advice on Ulster-Scots culture, history, language and identity. [HL5243]

I would refer the noble Lord to the Answer given on 7 January 2003 (WA 171). In addition to this expert advice the department has received the advice of many people within the Ulster-Scots linguistic and cultural community, for example during the ongoing Future Search consultation process.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the Northern Ireland Equality Commission is opposed to religious discrimination in all sectors of employment; and, if not, why not. [HL5308]

The Equality Commission has a range of functions and powers under the anti-discrimination and equality legislation including that dealing with religious belief or political opinion. These include general duties of promoting equality of opportunity and working towards the elimination of unlawful discrimination.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is opposed to religious discrimination in all sectors of employment; and, if not, why not. [HL5309]

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

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 13 October

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer given on 10 September 2003 (WA 123).The current acting chief executive is not provided with a car as this was not part of her temporary promotion arrangements.

asked Her Majesty's Government:In terms of the handling of prisoners in Northern Ireland, what is the difference between separation and segregation. [HL5472]

The term "separation" is used to describe a regime in which prisoners connected to loyalist and republican paramilitary groups are kept apart for safety reasons but the staff remain firmly in control.The segregated regime that existed in the Maze Prison was heavily criticised for the lack of control that prison staff were able to exert.It is the Government's clear objective that by developing "separated" conditions for certain prisoners, the prison service staff retain authority over the conduct of prisoners and the regime in which they live.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answers by the Attorney- General on 6 November

By long-standing convention, observed by successive governments, the fact of and substance of the Law Officers' advice is not disclosed outside government. The convention is referred to in paragraph 24 of the Ministerial Code. This enables the Government to obtain frank and full legal advice in confidence, as everyone else can. Consistent with this convention, the Attorney-General's advice relating to the proposed military action against Iraq has not been disclosed. However, in view of the high-level of public interest in the proposed military action, the Attorney-General, exceptionally, made a Written Statement in Parliament on 17 March 2003 setting out his view of the legal basis for the use of force against Iraq.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Which developing countries are expected to be able to manufacture their own generic drugs to treat HIV and AIDS; and whether they anticipate that this will have the effect of putting pressure on pharmaceutical companies to reduce their prices. [HL5500]

A number of developing countries have levels of capability in their pharmaceutical sector; a detailed list is attached. The developing countries whose generic drug manufacturing capacity is substantial enough to manufacture their own drugs to treat HIV and AIDS include Mexico, Brazil, China, India and South Africa.All of the factors affecting access to medicines are inter-linked and one strategy alone will not have sufficient impact on pricing or access to affordable drugs for the poor. However, the lowest world price for average annual triple therapy drugs has been reduced by approximately 95 per cent over the past three years. At the beginning of 2000 anti-retro viral (ARV) triple combination therapy typically cost over 10,000 US dollars. Since then a combination of price reductions by patent based pharmaceutical companies, schemes such as the Accelerated Access Initiative, increased demand through donor financing and the introduction of generic competition have brought prices down to almost 200 US dollars. It is important to note that these are supply side prices and not the price to the end user. Prices can be inflated through taxes, tariffs and other additional costs on their route to a medical centre or patient. It is also important to note that these prices are not available in all developing countries but represent the best world price available.The factors recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that can improve poor peoples' access to medicines are: affordable pricing, sustainable financing, reliable health and supply systems, and the rational selection and use of existing drugs.The UK Government are pursuing a number of different approaches to make essential drugs— including those for the treatment of HIV/AIDS— available in developing countries. These include working with other G8 countries, developing country governments, multi-lateral institutions, the pharmaceutical industry (generic and patent-based), investors and NGOs to encourage companies to reduce their prices in developing countries.The Prime Minister's high level Working Group on Increasing Access to Essential Medicines in the Developing World recommended differential pricing of essential medicines for the developing world. The UK Government are working to secure greater international commitment to affordable pricing.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they support the general aims of the report by International Family Health, HIV/AIDS and drug misuse in Russia: harm reduction programmes and the Russian legal system. [HL5519]

Yes. The Department for International Development has provided technical assistance worth £480,000 for a project entitled Building Police Support for Harm Reduction managed by International Family Health, which runs from August 2001 to December 2003. The project aims to work in partnership with the Russian police as an integral part of strategies, including harm reduction, for combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Russia, and IFH's report is one of its outputs. The report seeks to analyse and raise questions about a range of issues on HIV/AIDS and drugs misuse, and harm reduction programmes in Russia, from the standpoint of the Russian legal system. It seeks to contribute to the debate about the efficacy of harm reduction programmes in preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What estimate they have made, in consultation with international agencies, of the number of street children in Central and South America; and what is the figure for each country in the region. [HL5531]

There is no internationally accepted estimate of the number of street children in Central and South America as there is neither an agreed definition nor evidence to support any figures that are quoted. Street children form a proportion of the 135 million people that live in poverty in Latin America (on less than 2 dollars per day). In Latin America, we know that some 2 million children are out of school at primary level, and 20 million at secondary level (UNESCO). Some of these will be street children.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What support they have given to projects involving street children in Central and South America in each of the past five years; and what support they plan to give next year. [HL5532]

The Government have been providing support through our contribution to reducing poverty generally and through assistance to organisations working with street children, either directly or through our contribution to the work of the European Commission. Full details of direct assistance will be placed in the Library shortly.There are no current plans to provide additional support directly to street children projects next year from DfID's Latin American programme.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What effect the new Department for International Development policy on withdrawing aid to middle-income countries is likely to have on the programme of aid to street children in Central and South America. [HL5533]

DfID will be focusing its reduced bilateral programme on working more closely with multilateral donors to enhance their effectiveness in tackling the poverty that leads to children living in the streets. Finance for initiatives to help street children directly will continue to be available from DfID's central funding for British NGOs.