asked Her Majesty's Government:What plans they have to modify the decision-making process surrounding the budget and business cases for the Language Implementation Body, including consultation with the two agencies concerned.[HL2484]

There are no plans to change the decision-making process. However, the operational arrangements of the process to be followed by each of the relevant parties are reviewed on an annual basis. Consultation with the two agencies is ongoing and will be as often as is required to reach agreement on business plan and budget for each agency.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How long is the training given to prison officers in respect of control and restraint procedures for use on adults and children; and how often officers are required to undertake refresher training in such techniques. [HL2591]

(£ million)	1999–2000	2000–01	2001–02	2002–03	2003–041	2004–05	2005–06
Clinical Services (detoxification and maintenance prescribing	4	3	7	7	11	11	11
CARATs	6	9	12	13	16	17	20
Intensive drug rehabilitation programmes	3	5	7	7	9	12	16
Total	13	17	26	27	36	40	47
1 These figures include in their baseline the final year allocations from previous funding rounds (e.g. Comprehensive Spending Review allocations in 2001–02 became the baseline for Spending Review (SR) 2000).

The funding shown for 2005–06 does not include any additional funding that might be awarded as part of SR 2004, about which it is premature to comment at this stage.

asked Her Majesty's Government:For each of the years 2001–02, 2002–03 and 2003–04 (a) how many offenders were referred to drug treatment in the community on release from prison; and (b) how many offenders received drug treatment in the community on release from prison. [HL2724]

Information on the number of (a) offenders referred to drug treatment in the community on release from prison and

All new prison officers recruited to work in all types of public sector prison establishments, including those accommodating juvenile offenders (who are aged from 15 to 17 years old), undertake 39 hours of basic control and restraint (C and R) training as part of the eight-week prison officer entry level training course.Prison establishments are required to maintain an appropriate level of officers trained at basic level in C and R. Those officers selected to fulfil that requirement normally receive eight hours of basic C and R refresher training each year.Prison officers who are selected to deal with incidents of concerted indiscipline attend a five-day C and R advanced course and a two-day annual C and R advanced refresher course.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

(a) what total funding allocation for prison-based drug treatment in England and Wales has been made available for each year that figures are available; and

(b) what is the expected funding for the years 2004–05 and 2005–06. [HL2657]

The funding allocated to prison-based drug treatment; incorporating clinical services, counselling, assessment, referral, advice and throughcare services (CARATs) and intensive drug rehabilitation programmes since 1999–2000 is shown in the following table:(b) receiving drug treatment in the community on release from prison is not currently available centrally. Systems for collecting these data are currently being developed as part of the criminal justice intervention programme (CJIP).

asked Her Majesty's Government:What has been the percentage increase in the number of offenders in the UK who have been given (a) custodial sentences, and (b) community service punishment in each of the last 10 years; and whether they can explain the differential rates of increase.[HL2672]

asked Her Majesty's Government:When and in what ways they intend to prevent hardship when asylum applicants from the 10 European Union accession states are required to leave temporary accommodation and how many children will be affected by this change.[HL2676]

From 1 May 2004 asylum seekers from the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Cyprus and Malta, ceased to be eligible for support from the National Asylum Support Service or a local authority under the Asylum Support (Interim Provisions) Regulations 1999. This is because of the effect of paragraph 5 of Schedule 3 to the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.While these changes have been known about by people for some time, IND officials wrote to all those affected on 5–6 April to remind them of the changes and ensure that they were aware of their options after 1 May. Letters were sent to local authorities on 1 April asking that they ensure that cases whom they supported were aware of the changes. Additionally families directly supported by NASS were visited by officials during April to ensure that people understood their options. They can obtain work and register as workers under the Home Office worker registration scheme if from a country covered by the registration scheme, remain in the UK as jobseekers but become self supporting, or leave the UK.Once they have secured employment and registered under the scheme, asylum seekers may become eligible for family tax credit and child benefit. If they are on low incomes they can also access housing benefit and council tax benefit. Part-time workers may also be eligible for income-based jobseeker's allowance or income support, provided they meet the usual conditions for those benefits.If an accession state national wishes to return to his country of origin, he can seek assistance from the local authority who have a power under the Withholding and Withdrawal of Support (Travel and Assistant and Temporary Accommodation) Regulations 2002 to arrange travel. Local authorities also have the powers to provide short-term accommodation and support for families pending return. Additionally, the Immigration Nationality Directorate (IND) can make arrangements for their return.Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act does not prevent the exercise of a power or the performance of a duty if, and to the extent that, its exercise or performance is necessary for the purpose of avoiding a breach of a person's convention rights or a person's rights under the Community Treaties. Accession state nationals who feel that their circumstances are such that support should continue to avoid such a breach are able to make representations to NASS or the local authority that was previously supporting them. Several hundred have done so. Support, whether from NASS or local authorities, will continue while the representations are assessed. Whether and for how long support continues after the assessment will depend on the facts in each case. If support is provided it will be on a temporary basis—our overall expectation is that they can find work, return home or become self-supporting.Those families from the accession states who are still under consideration for the indefinite leave to remain project will continue to be supported until a decision is made.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How long is the average delay from the initial application at local level to the issuing of a project licence under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; and whether this delay causes unnecessary duplication of research involving animals as defined in the Act. [HL2760]

In the period April 2003–March 2004, 77 per cent of completed and signed project licence applications were processed within the target of 35 working days agreed with the scientific research community. Many applications were actually turned around in signficantly less time, and the average processing time for all applications was 26 working days. We expect to do even better than that once we have in place a new IT system. We have no evidence that the time taken to process project licence applications has caused any unnecessary duplication of researchThe time taken to process such applications varies according to their nature and complexity, but the Home Office has agreed with representatives of the scientific research community that it will try to process 85 per cent of applications for project licences within 35 working days, excluding any time spent waiting while further information is obtained from the applicant. The Home Office cannot account for time taken on applications while they are being prepared and going through local ethical review processes within the establishments of origin.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many individual money laundering reports were made to the National Criminal Intelligence Service in each of the past three years.[HL2844]

Under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 reports on potential money laundering, known as suspicious activity reports, are made to the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS).The total number of suspicious activity reports submitted to NCIS in each of the past three financial years is set out below:

01/04/2001–31/03/2002	42,049
01/04/2002–31/03/2003	64,277
01/04/2003–31/03/2004	105,619

asked Her Majesty's Government:In each of the years 1998–99 to 2002–03, how many injuries were attributed to events involving handguns, rifles, shotguns, air weapons and imitation firearms where the event was not recorded as a crime or as involving a crime.[HL2886]

No information is collected centrally by the Home Office in relation to injuries resulting specifically from the non-criminal use of firearms.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many police were allocated to the state visit of the President of Poland on Wednesday 5 May, and what was the estimated number of spectators for the processions.[HL2919]

The Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis informs me there were 32 inspectors, 139 sergeants and 963 constables allocated to the state visit of the President of Poland on Wednesday 5 May.The Metropolitan Police Service made no estimate of the number of spectators for processions.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What are the security vetting procedures in place for the sale of tickets for the 2004 European Championships to those resident at United Kingdom addresses by: (a) the Football Association and (b) the Union of European Football Associations over the Internet.[HL2939]

The Football Association limits distribution of its ticket allocation to members of the FA englandfans ticketing club. Membership of the club is subject to a range of vetting and behavioural terms and conditions. UEFA has also made tickets available to the general public on the basis of four tickets per applicant. In accordance with EUFA Euro 2004 ticketing terms and conditions, applicants resident in England and Wales have been subject to police checks. Police vetting of ticket applicants is but one of an extensive range of UK and Portuguese security measures put in place to minimise the risk of significant disorder during Euro 2004.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What representations they have made to the Portuguese Government and the Union of European Football Associations about the deployment of open-air big screens in town centres during Euro 2004, both in terms of the risk of potential hooliganism and as potential targets for terrorists.[HL2940]

The televising of football matches on large screens in public places is a matter for the host police and civil authorities. This issue has been raised with the Portuguese authorities who are satisfied that large screens in controlled areas will provide local and visiting fans with an opportunity to participate in the festivities in a secure and safe environment. Policing and security at large screen venues is the preserve of the host authorities. However an experienced English police team will be in Portugal to provide on the spot advice on the behaviour and risk associated with England fans.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What (a) public dividend capital, and (b) loans, have been advanced to National Health Service trusts in 2002–03 and 2003–04; and how much is estimated to be advanced to (i) National Health Service trusts, and (ii) National Health Service foundation trusts, in 2004–05.[H L2895]

The information requested is given in the table. No loans were issued to National Health Service trusts in 2002–03 or 2003–04. Of the £2,784 million available to the NHS for public dividend capital (PDC) in 2004–05, it is currently estimated that £150 million will fund both PDC and loans to NHS foundation trusts. The estimate of loans and PDC to be issued to NHS foundation trusts will be refined during the year as better information becomes available on spending plans and in-year starts.

Total PDC issued/forecast
		PDC/loans to NHS
Financial Year	PDC to NHS trusts £million	foundation trusts £million	Total £million
2002–03	1,434	0	1,434
2003–04	1,833	0	1,833
2004–05 (estimate)	2,634	150	2,784

asked Her Majesty's Government:(a) what amount of dividends, and (b) how much cash they expect to receive from National Health Service foundation trusts in respect of the financial year 2004–05.[HL2896]

The dividend payable by National Health Service foundation trusts will be calculated on the same basis as for NHS trusts. It is not possible to estimate the amount of dividends, or cash, that will be received until it is known which organisations are to be given NHS foundation trust status during 2004–05.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they expect to receive any repayment of public dividend capital from National Health Service foundation trusts during 2004–05; and, if so, how much.[HL2897]

We are not currently expecting to receive any repayment of public dividend capital from National Health Service foundation trusts during 2004–05.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What additional revenue would have been received, in respect of the latest financial year for which figures are available, from a single percentage point rise in (a) the 22 per cent rate of income tax; (b) the 40 per cent rate of income tax; (c) capital gains tax; and (d) inheritance tax, assuming in each case that all other factors remained unchanged. [HL2810]

The information requested can be found on the Inland Revenue website: www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/ stats.tax_expenditures/table1–6.pdf

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the current top rate of income tax on income in each of the member states of the European Union, indicating in sterling in each case the level of taxable income at which the top rates apply.[HL2811]

The table below shows the current top rates of personal income tax together with the threshold levels of taxable income in each of the EU member states.

Country	Top rate of national income tax (%)	Level of taxable income above which top rates apply (£)
Austria	50	£34,270
Belgium1	53.63	£20,352
Cyprus	30	£22,999
Czech Republic	32	£6,985
Denmark2	59	£27,597
Estonia	26	£0
Finland3	52	£37,591
France	48.09	£32,290
Germany4	47.48	£35,133
Greece	40	£15,764
Hungary	38	£3,942
Ireland	42	£18,863
Italy5	45.63	£47,157
Latvia	25	£0
Lithuania	33	£0
Luxembourg6	38.95	£23,242
Malta	35	£10,399
Netherlands	52	£34,123
Poland	40	£10,480
Portugal	40	£35,922
Slovakia	19	£0
Slovenia	50	£23,756
Spain	45	£30,315
Sweden7	57	£32,453
UK	40	£31,400
Currency conversions are calculated to the nearest pound sterling using exchange rates as at 17 May 2004.
1 Belgium: Top national rate (50 per cent) plus local surcharge (average 7.25 per cent). Total effective rate 53.63 per cent.
2 Denmark: Top national rate (26.5 per cent) is augmented by flat rate local income taxes at both county and municipal levels (average aggregate rate 32.6 per cent). However, the maximum combined rate of local and national income taxes is limited to 59 per cent.
3 Finland: Top national rate (34 per cent) plus municipal income tax (average rate 18 per cent). Total rate 52 per cent.
4 Germany: Top national rate (45 per cent) plus solidarity surcharge (5.5 per cent). Total effective rate 47.48 per cent.
5 Italy: Top national rate (45 per cent) plus regional surcharge (average rate 1.15 per cent), plus municipal surcharge (average rate 0.25 per cent). Total effective rate 45.63 per cent.
6 Luxembourg: Top national rate (38 per cent) plus employment surcharge (2.5 per cent). Total effective rate 38.95 per cent.
7 Sweden: Top national rate (25 per cent) plus flat rate local income tax (average rate 32 per cent). Total effective rate 57 per cent.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What was the top rate of direct tax on personal incomes in the United Kingdom for each year from 1970–71 to 2003–04; and whether they will provide

	Single, non-aged personal allowance for a man with children £	Taxable income above which the highest rate is charged £	Highest rate of income tax charged %	Retail price Index	Single, non-aged personal allowance for a man with no children at 2003–04 prices £	Taxable income above which the highest rate is charged at 2003–04 prices £
1970–71	325	20,000	91.25	18.92	3,135	192,896
1971–72	325	20,000	88.75	20.67	2,869	176,565
1972–73	460	20,000	93.75	22.13	3,793	164,916
1973–74	595	20,000	90	24.45	4,441	149,268
1974–75	625	20,000	98	28.82	3,957	126,634
1975–76	675	20,000	98	35.91	3,430	101,632
1976–77	735	20,000	98	41.40	3,240	88,155
1977–78	945	21,000	98	47.19	3,654	81,205
1978–79	965	24,000	98	51.11	3,445	85,688
1979–80	1,165	25,000	75	59.19	3,592	77,074
1980–81	1,375	27,750	75	68.85	3,644	73,549
1981–82	1,375	27,750	75	76.77	3,268	65,961
1982–83	1,565	31,500	75	82.20	3,474	69,928
1983–84	1,785	36,000	75	86.03	3,786	76,360
1984–85	2,005	38,100	60	90.37	4,049	76,934
1985–86	2,205	40,200	60	95.71	4,204	76,645
1986–87	2,335	41,200	60	98.78	4,314	76,110
1987–88	2,425	41,200	60	102.72	4,308	73,191
1988–89	2,605	19,300	40	108.88	4,366	32,346
1989–90	2,785	20,700	40	117.38	4,330	32,180
1990–91	3,005	20,700	40	128.74	4,259	29,341
1991–92	3,295	23,700	40	134.85	4,459	32,071
1992–93	3,445	23,700	40	139.11	4,519	31,089
1993–94	3,445	23,700	40	141.48	4,443	30.568
1994–95	3,445	23,700	40	145.35	4,325	29,754
1995–96	3,525	24,300	40	150.08	4,286	29,546
1996–97	3,765	25,500	40	153.73	4,469	30,269
1997–98	4,045	26,100	40	158.81	4,648	29,990
1998–99	4,195	27,100	40	163.76	4,675	30,198
1999–2000	4,335	28,000	40	166.35	4,755	30.715
2000–01	4,385	28,400	40	171.33	4,670	30,248
2001–02	4,535	29,400	40	173.88	4,759	30,854
2002–03	4,615	29,900	40	177.52	4,744	30,735
2003–04	4,615	30,500	40	182.48	4,615	30,500

asked Her Majesty's Government:What steps they will take to improve their standing in the summary of results published by the International Olympic Committee on 18 May, in which London ranked eighth out of nine applicant cities to host the 2012 Olympic Games in the category of "Government support, legal issues and public opinion."[HL2974]

The results published by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on 18 May represent the findings of their Candidature Acceptance Working Group to the IOC Executive Board. Now that the report has been published all the information In the same form as that given in the Official Report on 11 March (WA 47–48). [HL2812]

An updated version of the table given in my reply to the noble Lord of 11 March 2002 (WA 47–48) is given below:candidate cities will develop their proposals, taking into account the findings of the report, in time for the submission of the bid folders on 15 November 2004. The Government, the Mayor and the British Olympic Assocation will work closely with London 2012 to ensure that public awareness of and enthusiasm for the bid is maximised, both in London and across the whole of the UK.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the relevant splits in percentage weighting to the category "Government support, legal issues and public opinion" in the International Olympic Committee analysis of 18 May are 70 per cent, 15 per cent and 15 per cent respectively. [HL2975]

The category of "Government support, legal issues and public opinion" in the IOC's 18 May evaluation report has three sub-criteria: (i) Government support and commitment, (ii) Legal aspects including compliance with the Olympic Charter, and (iii) Public opinion. The relative weighting of these sub criteria is indeed 70 per cent, 15 per cent and 15 per cent respectively.For each sub-criterion, the evaluation report attributed minimum and maximum scores and, for government support, an assessment of feasibility. London, Paris, New York, Madrid and Moscow all scored the same for the "Government support and commitment" sub-criterion, with a minimum of 8/10 and a maximum of 9/10 for each city. The feasibility scores were 0.8 for New York, Moscow and London, and 0.9 for Paris and Madrid, and all cities were deemed by the IOC to have a "high probability" of achieving required levels of government support.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What percentage of the United Kingdom's national energy requirement is supplied by imported French nuclear power; and at what cost, overall and per megawatt.[HL2813]

In 2002, 0.3 per cent of the United Kingdom's national energy requirement was met by electricity imported via the French interconnector and the value of such imports, based on trade data collected by HM Customs and Excise, was £140 million (equivalent to £15 per megawatt hour). It is estimated that by 2003, this share fell to 0.2 per cent at an overall value of £90 million (£18 per megawatt hour). Figures for electricity imported from French nuclear power stations only are not available.

asked her Majesty's Government:Why the White Paper

The Government published the White Paper Fairness for All: A New Commission for Equality and Human Rights on Wednesday 12 May 2004. The White Paper sets out our proposals for a new body to meet the challenges we must overcome if we are to end discrimination and promote respect for human rights.The White Paper was not available in different formats for disabled people at the same time as publication of the original document due to the extra production time required to publish the document in accessible formats.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Whitty on 6 May (

The electrified grids in the Channel Tunnel entrances continually short-circuited due to the combination of dirt and high saline content of moisture within the tunnel. Frequent cleaning to attempt to stop this happening did not solve the problem.The options put forward by Eurotunnel to rectify the problems of electrified grids were rejected by the Channel Tunnel intergovernmental commission, on advice from the binational Channel Tunnel Safety Authority, on human health and safety grounds.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the cost of the new control centre and upgrade of the passenger information system at South Eastern Trains stations. [HL2921]

The cost of the new control centre is around £200,000. The upgrade of the passenger information system cost £9.5 million, of which £6.1 million was provided by Network Rail.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What action they plan to take to tackle motorcyclists in the North Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire Dales National Parks who adapt their motocycles to increase their engine noise. [HL2935]

There are several ways in which we regulate noise from motorcycles. These include noise limits for new motorcycles, plus requirements for maintenance and for silencer markings. In response to a request from the department's Advisory Group on Motorcycling we produced some guidance to help riders to comply with the regulations and to aid the police in enforcement.Copies of this note

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the recent report to the effect that the status of the e-Envoy is to be downgraded is correct. [HL2884]

The report is incorrect.