asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Irish Garda are co-operating to prosecute those who are endangering public health through criminal activity in the area of waste disposal and transportation. [HL4598]

There are excellent levels of co-operation between the Police Service of Northern Ireland and An Garda Siochana to tackle organised criminals who seek to operate in both jurisdictions. Formal mechanisms are in place for liaison between PSNI and agencies in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland with regulatory responsibility for combating illegal dumping.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will make representations to the appropriate European Union (EU) authorities about the apparent inclusion of a former prisoner and member of the Irish Republican Army at a recent presentation for Peace II EU funding in Brussels. [HL4691]

No. The seminar on the Peace II programme held in the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive, Brussels on 29 September, was jointly organised by that office, the Department of Finance and Personnel, the Special EU Programmes Body and the Irish Regions Office in Brussels. The purpose of the seminar was to show to a European audience how the EU Peace II programme was being implemented.It included a presentation on an ex-prisoners project with a cross-community dimension which had benefited from the programme. The organisers regret that this platform presentation was not balanced by the inclusion of a wider range of projects supported under the Peace II programme.

asked Her Majesty's Government:For each of the last five years, how many festivals have received funding in Northern Ireland for:

The only body that funds festivals specifically for Irish or Ulster Scots cultural activity is the North/South Language Body, which has provided funding as follows in each of the last five years:

Year	Ulster Scots Agency £Stg	No. of festivals	Foras na Gaeilge	No of festivals
2000	1,000	1	15,000	1
2001	51,853	11	36,765	5
2002	37,500	5	52,300	14
2003	40,395	4	40,380	10
2004	30,999	8	17,000	4
Total	161,747	29	161,445	34

Other funders do not assist festivals on the basis of cultural identity, but on the merits of the festival and the extent to which each one meets the objectives of government and the relevant funding body.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many parking places there are within the urban areas of Newry, Lurgan, Dungannon, Armagh and Portadown. [HL4926]

I have asked the chief executive of the Roads Service to respond directly to the noble Lord.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the unemployment ratio for (a) Catholics; and (b) Protestants in Northern Ireland; how this has changed since 1985; whether the ratio differs for (i) men and women; and (ii) different age groups; and whether they consider that it is a good indicator of the relative position between Catholics and Protestants in the labour market. [HL4949]

Information in relation to Catholic and Protestant unemployment rates is available from the Labour Force Survey. The earliest period held for such figures by religion is 1990 and these are set out in the table below. The table shows the most recent annual data available. The unemployment differential was 1.8 in 1990 and 1.9 in 2002. In respect of males the ratio was 2.0 in 1990 and 1.9 in 2002, comparative figures for females were 1.5 and 1.9.For both sexes aged 16 to 39 the differential was 1.6 in 1990 and 1.5 in 2002, comparative figures for those aged 40 years and over were 2.3 and 2.7.The unemployment differential expressed as a ratio describes the relative size of one community's attribute (in this case unemployment) to the other community. By definition, it is a simple reflection of relative positions. It therefore fails to reflect the size of the absolute position. However, used in conjunction with other measures it represents one of a range of labour market indicators.

Unemployment Differential expressed as a ratio between Catholics and Protestants
(all economically active 16 +)
	Males	Females	Both Sexes	Both Sexes 16–39	Both Sexes 40+
1990	2.0	1.5	1.8	1.6	2.3
1991	2.5	2.1	2.4	2.3	2.4
1992	2.4	1.3	2.0	2.1	1.6
1993	2.1	1.5	1.9	1.9	1.7
1994	2.0	1.4	1.9	1.8	1.9
1995	2.0	1.9	2.0	1.8	2.1
1996	1.6	1.8	1.6	1.6	1.7
1997	2.9	1.4	2.3	2.2	2.5
1998	2.3	1.4	1.9	1.8	2.0
1999	1.9	1.6	1.8	1.5	2.3
2000	1.6	1.9	1.7	1.5	2.1
2001	2.0	1.5	1.8	1.6	2.0
2002	1.9	1.9	1.9	1.5	2.7

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether any public body in Northern Ireland has researched the unemployment ratio for Catholics and for Protestants; what views if any were reached, and by which body; and whether they will publish the results of any such research. [HL4950]

A susbtantial body of research has been conducted on the unemployment rates for Catholics and for Protestants. The research indicates that a range of factors may underpin the difference in unemployment rates (and therefore the unemployment ratio) including characteristics such as age, marital status, number of children, family experience of unemployment, housing tenure and educational qualifications; regional factors such as area of residence, sectoral performance and demographic factors such as labour force growth and migration and the "chill" factor. The role of discrimination in contributing to the differential remains an area of continued debate.Recently published views by academics on the ratio suggest that economic inactivity, rather than unemployment should be given greater attention. There is ongoing research in this area commissioned by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister which is due to report in early 2005.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will ensure that the Northern Ireland Department of Education's proposals on the admission criteria for post-primary school places will not be made during December in view of the Christmas holiday. [HL4946]

In taking forward the consultation on admissions criteria for post-primary schools, the Department of Education in Northern Ireland will take full account of the Christmas holiday period.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What arrangements they are making to ensure that all files in Northern Ireland are available for inspection from 1 January 2005; and what steps are they taking to ensure that the records are not altered before that date. [HL4947]

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 entitles any person making a request for information to a public authority to be informed whether the authority holds the information described in the request and, if it does, to have that information communicated to him, subject to certain conditions specified in the Act. The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) and the Northern Ireland departments (NICS) have been implementing a Department for Constitutional Affairs' action plan to ensure that they are compliant with the Act.NIO and NICS staff have been made aware that anyone who alters, defaces, blocks, erases, destroys or conceals any record held by a public authority, with intent to prevent disclosure, will be guilty of an offence under the Act and liable to a fine. Staff have also been made aware of the code of practice on the management of records under Section 46 of the Act (2002), which sets out practices that public authorities should follow in relation to the creation, keeping, management and destruction of their records.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 4 November (

As referred to in my Answer given on 5 June 2004 (WA 126), discussions have taken place between relevant officials on a number of occasions.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What recognition the Police Service of Northern Ireland gives for salary purposes to past service in the full-time reserve when people are recruited as regular constables. [HL4962]

If a member of the PSNI full-time reserve is successful in a competition to become a PSNI trainee constable, then their past service is recognised when determining their salary. The rules governing this are set out in the Police Trainee Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001. A copy of these are available in the Library of the House.

asked Her Majesty's Government:In the light of the annual report and accounts 2003 for Tourism Ireland, why that body undertook no work to support Ulster Scots cultural tourism into Northern Ireland during 2003; and why the report refers to the island of Ireland's Celtic past but not the Ulster Scots connection. [HL4988]

In 2003, Tourism Ireland Ltd (TIL) did in fact undertake a number of activities specifically aimed at the Ulster Scots audience in the United States. Advertisements were placed in US-based publications and TIL also distributed Ulster-Scots Agency publications to key players throughout the United States. In addition, research undertaken by TIL in 2003 on the Ulster Scots market was used to inform the Northern Ireland Tourist Board's marketing activities in the current year.The reference to "Celtic traditions" is confined to one sentence in the chairman's personal statement.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What has been the cost to public funds of (a) the preparation of the Civil Partnership Bill: (b) the preparation of government amendments to the bill; and (c) briefing of Ministers in relation thereto. [HL4645]

The total cost to public funds of preparing for, and handling of, the Civil Partnership Bill is estimated to be approximately £1,088,000.This includes the cross-government co-ordination led by the DTI's women and equality unit, and all associated legal costs since the Bill's introduction.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether criminal courts have discretion when imposing custodial sentences on offenders responsible for the care of children to delay the start of the sentence to allow time for the best possible interim care arrangements to be made for those children; and, if not, whether they will introduce legislation to create such discretion. [HL4925]

There is no power for courts to delay the start of a custodial sentence in order for offenders to make child care arrangements. However, intermittent custody, introduced by the Criminal Justice Act 2003 allows offenders to serve their prison sentence intermittently either during weekdays or weekends, so that offenders can maintain jobs, caring responsibilities and relationships that contribute to rehabilitation.It is legitimate for a court, when deciding on sentence, to take into account the impact of a sentence on other people—including dependent children—as part of the overall picture.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many probationary constables in the United Kingdom, broken down by constabulary, have failed to become police constables in each of the last three years due to having failed firearms training tests. [HL4964]

No probationary constables, in England and Wales, currently receive training in how to use firearms. I understand from the Police Service of Northern Ireland that in the past three years in Northern Ireland, no trainee has failed to become a police constable due to having failed firearms training tests.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many probationary constables in each of the constabularies in the United Kingdom are currently awaiting re-examination for firearms competence. [HL4965]

No probationary constables, in England and Wales, currently receive training in how to use firearms. I understand from the Police Service of Northern Ireland that there are currently 24 trainees awaiting re-examination for firearms competence in Northern Ireland.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many Iraqis have applied for asylum in the United Kingdom in the last 12 months; how many Iraqi asylum seekers have been forcibly removed from the United Kingdom during that period; how many remain in detention or removal centres; and what plans they have for their removal in the coming weeks. [HL4987]

The number of nationals of Iraq who have applied for asylum in the United Kingdom between October 2003 and September 2004 are shown in the table.

Applications received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, for nationals of Iraq, October 2003—September 20041
Principal applicants
	Applications
Iraq	Total	Port	In Country
October 2003	235	10	220
November 2003	220	15	205
December 2003	130	5	125
January 2004	90	5	85
February 2004	155	15	145
March 2004	95	5	90
April 2004	115	15	95
May 2004	135	10	125
June 2004	160	15	145
July 2004	205	10	200
August 2004	150	5	145
September 2004	120	5	115
Total	1,810	115	1,690
1 Provisional figures rounded to nearest 5.

The number of nationals of Iraq who have sought asylum at some stage and who were removed from the UK during this same period are shown in the table. The removal figures include both persons who departed the UK after the initiation of enforcement action against them, and persons leaving under Assisted Voluntary Return Programmes operated on our behalf by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

Removals, voluntary departures assisted returns, of asylum applicants, excluding dependants, for nationals of Iraq, October 2003—September 20041
Principal applicants
Iraq	Removal2
October 2003	25
November 2003	20
December 2003	20
January 2004	60
February 2004	60
March 2004	90
April 2004	25
May 2004	55
June 2004	50
July 2004	65
August 2004	50
September 2004	75
Total	590
1 Provisional figures rounded to nearest 5.
2 Figures for October to December 2003 have been estimated due to data quality issues.

As at 25 September 2004, there were 35 Iraqi asylum seekers recorded as being in detention in the United Kingdom solely under Immigration Act powers. This figure has been rounded to the nearest five and comprises persons detained in removal centres and prison establishments.Earlier this year we announced our intention to start enforcing returns to Iraq, and we intend to commence doing so as soon as the necessary practical arrangements are in place. As yet there is no fixed date for enforced returns to commence.Information on asylum applications received and persons removed from the UK between October and December 2004 will be available in February 2005 from the Home Office Research Development and Statistics Directorate web site at

asked Her Majesty's Government:In line with their planning policy guidelines for open spaces, sport and recreation (PPG 17), how many local authorities have compiled audits of both the supply and demand for playing fields in their localities. [HL4843]

Planning Policy Guidance note 17 (PPG17) was issued in July 2002. It expects planning authorities to prepare assessments of need for open space and built sports and recreational facilities, and to undertake audits of existing provision as a part of the process of preparing their development plan documents.When planning authorities have prepared their development plan documents, they must submit them for an independent examination to ensure that they are sound. An inspector appointed by the Secretary of State, my right honourable friend the Deputy Prime Minister, conducts this examination of the development plan document, which will include a test of the plan's conformity with national planning policy such as PPG17. The recommendations of the inspector are binding on the authority.Authorities will also be obliged to monitor and report on the implementation of their plans, developing suitable indicators of performance. So the policies which they prepare to meet the requirements of PPG17 will be subject to this process.As part of the normal policy review process the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister aims to carry out an assessment within five years of publication, to look at the extent to which audits of the supply of, and demand for, open space and sports and recreational facilities have been undertaken by local planning authorities in line with the provisions of PPG17.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Why the radio system they are putting in place for the fire service is different from that operated by both the police and the ambulance service. [HL4862]

The invitation to submit proposals set out the functional requirements for a national wide-area radio system that meets the operational needs of the fire and rescue service and secures interoperability with the other emergency services. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is conducting an open competition under EU procurement procedures. Companies were invited to put forward their own technical solutions to meet those requirements and the contract is still under negotiation. No technology has been ruled out. A more restrictive procurement process would in the Government's view have been less likely to deliver best value for money.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Statement by Lord Rooker on 21 June (

English Partnerships as landlord, has the right to approve any material variations to the planning permission which was granted by the London Borough of Greenwich on 23 February 2004 in respect of the mix and disposition of uses, the volume of floor space, external design issues and anything which may adversely affect EP's prospective economic return. English Partnerships also has the right to satisfy itself that any developer of any part of the overall development on the peninsula has sufficient experience and resources to undertake its proposed development and that all disposals are at no less than market value.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their estimate of the current number of homeless people in (a) London; and (b) the whole of the United Kingdom; and [HL4892]What were the number of homeless people at Christmas-time in (a) 1980; (b) 1990; and (c) 2000. [HL4893]

Information collected about local authorities' actions under homelessness legislation is in respect of households, rather than persons. Estimates of those accepted by local authorities in England and London as eligible for assistance, unintentionally homeless and in priority need during the last six months of 1980, the last quarters of 1990 and 2000, and during the second quarter of 2004 (the latest available period) are tabled below:

Households accepted as eligible for assistance, unintentionally homeless and in priority need1
	England	London
1980 (Oct-Dec)2	16,600	4,400
1990 (Oct-Dec)	33,560	9,230
2000 (Oct-Dec)	27,420	7,130
2004 (Apr-June)	32,840	7,420

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the standard programme of weapons refreshment training which reservists are expected to undertake on embodiment; how many days are required for this training; and what proportion of relevant reservists embodied since 1 January 2003 have undertaken the full programme. [HL4636]

:The type of weapons refresher training provided on mobilisation is dependent on the reservist's specialisation and whether there is a requirement to carry personal weapons where the reservist is to serve. For example, for Op TELIC those who were mobilised to fill key positions in headquarters in the UK, key enablers who manned ports or airheads in the UK or welfare officers mobilised to support reservists' families in the UK were not required to undertake such training. The carriage of a personal weapon would not have been necessary for the tasks they were to perform.Due to these factors, ascertaining what proportion of mobilised reservists have undertaken weapons refresher training since 1 January 2003 would involve consulting individual unit and personnel records. This would be a considerable task which could only be undertaken at disproportionate effort.Where weapons training is required, the programme of small arms refresher training for mobilised reservists is the same as that provided to regular servicemen before they are deployed on operations. The training consists of weapon handling tests to satisfy weapon safety procedures and corrective individual weapon firing. This training is usually completed as part of a wider pre-deployment training programme the length of which is determined by the role of the reservist and the operation they are to support. Remedial training is provided for those who fail to reach the required standards. All reservists who are required to carry personal weapons receive the appropriate training before deployment.Evidence given at the recent court martial of Lance Corporal Blaymire and Lance Corporal Sherratt suggests that, during the mobilisation for earlier deployments to Iraq, a decision was taken at the Army's Reserve Training and Mobilisation Centre (RTMC) that for two elements of the weapons handling tests (loading a magazine and wind tables, neither of which is related to safety) performance at "average" instead of "skilled" would be sufficient for the then operational requirement. While this did not accord strictly with the stated standards required, this decision reflected professional military judgment at the time.Since 4 October 2004, RTMC has directed that stated policy be followed. We are identifying those deployed in Iraq who passed the two modules at "average" and will judge the need, if any, for additional in-theatre training, but I should stress that safety has not been compromised and acceptance of the "average" standard was viewed by those who were professionally responsible for training at the time as appropriate. This is borne out by our Operation Telic "Lessons Identified" records, which contain no comments from operational commanders about safety deficiency with regard to personal weapon handling among deployed TA personnel.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Bach on 1 November (

The main side effects of pyridostigmine bromide (PB) may include: nausea, vomiting, increased salivation, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. PB acts by temporarily and incompletely blocking the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. Thus, any side effects are temporary. The acute effects of organophosphate (OP) pesticides, in sufficient dose, may include giddiness, anxiety, restlessness, headache, confusion, failure to concentrate, respiratory depression, excesive salivation, sweating, miosis, loss of bladder control, bradycardia, hypertension, tachycardia, tremor and paralysis. The severity and magnitude of these effects depends on the particular organosphosphate chemical involved and the route and extent of exposure.Although the precise mechanisms are different, both PB and OP pesticides in sufficiently high dose are inhibitors of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. The effects of combinations of the substances in humans are unknown and are diffficult to study.The Health and Safety Executive guidance note MS17 cautions that OP pesticide-induced symptoms associated with the central nervous system (giddiness, anxiety, retlessness, headache, confusion, failure to concentrate, respiratory depression) may not be easily detected. The primary risk from exposure to OP pesticides used in the 1990–91 Gulf conflict would have been to environmental health personnel applying the pesticides. The Armed Forces and service medical personnel on deployment would be likely to be more atttuned to symptoms of ill health, and any possible link to handling of pesticides than might be the case in other situations.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the planned in-service date of the future rapid effects system. [HL4888]

The future rapid effects system (FRES) is now in its initial assessment phase. A contract for the Systems House role for the FRES programme has been awarded to Atkins who, under the strategic direction of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), will be leading a number of key activities designed to inform MOD's major programme decisions.Part of this assessment phase work will be to identify and reduce risk in the programme to enable us to define an appropriate in-service date (ISD) in both capability and programme terms for endorsement at Main Gate. The ISD will not be formally endorsed until then, but our initial planning assumption is to introduce the early variants of FRES around the end of the decade, with a phased approach to achieving full operational capability.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the Volunteer Reserve Sergeant Airman No. T2662568 was supported by the Ministry of Defence in his claim to return to his civilian employment at his original status and salary. [HL4903]

Responsibility for any volunteer reservist being demobilised following a period of mobilised service rests with her or his unit. All reservists are issued with a copy of JSP 532 A guide for reservists seeking reinstatement in civilian employment following a period of mobilised service, which gives guidance on how to seek reinstatement and the redress available should the employer fail to meet their statutory obligations. Each reserve unit has a unit employment support officer who should be the reservist's first port of call in accessing advice on employment-related matters. Reservists may also make use of the Supporting Britain's Reservists and Employers (SaBRE) helpline and website, or contact an employer support executive (now replaced by regional SaBRE campaign directors) within each reserve forces and cadet association, for additional information and advice. We have no reason to believe any of these resources were unavailable to Sergeant Airman No. T2662568.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What provision is made under the Reserve Forces (Safeguard of Employment) Act 1985 for legal representation of reservists in reinstatement committee proceedings; and [HL4904]How the remedies available from a reinstatement committee under the Reserve Forces (Safeguard of Employment) Act 1985 compare to those available under other legislation for a claim of unfair dismissal; and [HL4906]How the allocation of legal expenses arising from a reinstatement committee under the Reserve Forces (Safeguard of Employment) Act 1985 varies from that available under other legislation for a claim of unfair dismissal. [HL4907]

Provision for reinstatement committees is established under the Reserve Forces (Safeguard of Employment) Act 1985, with the relevant regulations governing their operation being the Reinstatement in Civil Employment (Procedure) Regulations 1944 (SI 1944/880). The reinstatement committee system is closely aligned with that in place for the consideration of unfair dismissal claims in employment tribunals, and is administered by the Employment Tribunal Service.Reinstatement committees can order that an applicant should be reinstated and/or compensated. Reinstatement means a return to the applicant's old job on no less favourable terms and conditions than would have applied had he not entered service or, if this is not reasonable and practicable, to the most favourable job on the most favourable terms and conditions that are reasonable and practicable. Compensation is for loss suffered and cannot exceed the amount of pay the applicant would have been entitled to receive had the employer discharged his obligations towards him under the Act. Failure to reinstate further to an order renders an employer liable to summary conviction and the payment of further compensation. Such compensation is for loss suffered and cannot exceed the amount of pay the applicant would have been entitled to receive from the employer had the employer discharged his obligations towards him under the order.The regulations provide that an applicant may be represented at the sitting of the Reinstatement committee by counsel or solicitor, but there is no requirement for individuals to be so represented. The reinstatement committees are designed to be informal, and individuals may represent themselves, as several have successfully done. There is no provision for costs to be awarded against either party under the Act or the regulations.An employment tribunal may order reinstatement or re-engagement and/or the payment of compensation in unfair dismissal claims. Reinstatement in the case of an employment tribunal means a return to the applicant's old job on no less favourable terms and conditions than would have applied had he not been dismissed. Re-engagement means re-employment in employment comparable to that from which he was dismissed or other suitable employment on terms which are, so far as is reasonably practicable, as favourable as an order for reinstatement would confer. Compensation is awarded for the actual financial loss suffered as the result of the unfair dismissal in such amount as the tribunal considers just and equitable in all the circumstances (subject to a statutory maximum of £55,000) and for loss of job security. If a reinstatement or re-engagement order is not complied with, the ultimate remedy is additional compensation which need not be directly related to the employee's loss but may be penal.An employment tribunal which considers a claim of unfair dismissal has no general power to award costs against either party. They may, however, be awarded where, in the opinion of the tribunal:

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether a Ministry of Defence observer was at the hearing of the reinstatement committee case number RCO3/010/LEIC concerning volunteer reserve sergeant airman number T2662568. [HL4905]

There was no Ministry of Defence observer at the hearing of the reinstatement committee case number RCO3/010/LEIC concerning Volunteer Reserve Sergeant Airman No. T2662568.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they first knew that sarin and cyclosarin were involved in the fall-out from the demolition by United States forces of the Iraqi chemical arms bunkers at Khamisiyah in March 1991, to which British troops were exposed; and why this information was not included in the paper

The Ministry of Defence was first made aware of the presence of sarin and cyclosarin at Khamisiyah upon publication of a CIA paper entitled CIA Report on Intelligence Related to Gulf War Illness on 2 August 1996.The MOD published their initial assessment of the events at Khamisiyah in a paper entitled

asked Her Majesty's Government:What consideration they have given to United States Federal Judge Emmet Sullivan's instruction to the United States Department of Defense concerning the administration of anthrax vaccine to United States troops; and whether there is any action they will be considering in the light of his decision. [HL5003]

The Ministry of Defence is aware of the ruling made by Judge Sullivan concerning the administration of anthrax vaccine to US troops. The US, unlike the UK, has a mandatory anthrax vaccination policy and the US judgment relates to that fact.The MoD will continue to follow developments in the case.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many recruits, including Commonwealth recruits, to all three respective military services, have tested positive to (a) HIV; and (b) hepatitis B over the past four years. [HL4983]

In accordance with government policy, there is no compulsory testing for HIV or hepatitis B in the UK Armed Forces either at the time of recruiting or during service. It is open to recruits and service personnel to attend civilian or military genitourinary (GU) clinics without going through their GP, if they choose to do this, and legislation to protect the privacy of patients attending GU clinics prohibits any feedback into the military system. It is therefore not possible to provide comprehensive figures on the number of recruits who have tested positive to HIV or hepatitis B over the last four years. I can however advise that between September 2001 and September 2004, 19 military personnel have been confirmed as having hepatitis B and C or HIV, and of these four were recruits.As part of new entry training, sexual health advice, including information on the risks of HIV and the use of condoms, is provided to all new recruits to the Armed Forces.Personnel who consider themselves to be at risk are encouraged to seek confidential counselling and voluntary testing.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many journalists, including television correspondents, are attached to the Black Watch battle group in Iraq. [HL4984]

The numbers of media representatives attached to the Black Watch fluctuates but, in general, there are two print journalists, four broadcast correspondents, two video cameramen and one photographer.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What information they have concerning the recently reported sale of arms by a British businessman to Sudan; and what action they are taking to enforce European Union and British sanction policies in regard to the sale of arms to Sudan. [HL4414]

Since the report concerning the alleged activities of a British businessman with regard to the sale of arms to Sudan came to light, inquiries have been under way to see if there is sufficient information for UK authorities to commence a criminal investigation. For legal reasons, I am unable to comment further on the nature and extent of these inquiries. I am therefore withholding this information under Exemption 4 (b) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. It is worth noting that the report related to alleged negotiations. While such activity might itself be licensable and provided no evidence that any military goods have in fact been supplied.The UK enforces rigorously the EU arms embargo against Sudan. This is done by the scrupulous consideration of export licence applications, the investigation of alleged breaches and through dialogue with other states. Furthermore, on 3 March 2004 the controls on trade to embargoed destinations came into force under the Export Control Act 2002. Since then any person in the UK or any UK person overseas wishing to seek to trade in controlled goods to Sudan would first need to apply for a trade control licence from the UK. These controls have full extraterritorial reach. Seeking to trade in controlled goods to Sudan without first obtaining a licence would constitute an offence and the broker would be liable to prosecution. The Government would only issue licences for supply of or trade in controlled goods to Sudan in line with exemptions to the embargo.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What representations they have made to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) concerning a formal United Kingdom-specific report on the treatment of prisoners; and whether they expect the ICRC to produce such reports in the future. [HL4858]

I refer the noble Lord to the reply my noble friend the Lord Bach gave to him on 21 October (Official Report, col. WA91).

asked Her Majesty's Government:Under what statutory authority it is intended that the integrated children's system will operate. [HL4781]

The ICS is derived from statutory duties placed on local authorities social services for children in need and their families. As part of social services responsibilities, records are kept of work undertaken with children in need and their families. Record keeping is a function of the local authorities' duty which is imposed under the following legislation: Children Act 1989, Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 and the Adoption arid Children Act 2002.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they propose to intervene to ensure that university departments of national and regional importance remain available; and whether south-east Asian studies and Chinese, Japanese and Korean languages are examples of departments which are currently under threat of closure; and [HL4826]Whether they have any plans to intervene in the proposed closure of the department of south-east Asian studies at Durham University. [HL4827]

Universities are independent, self-governing bodies, responsible for their own decisions about how best to deploy the funding available to them and about the viability of their courses. The UK HE funding councils monitor overall provision in subject areas, such as east Asian studies and languages that are in the national interest. In addition, HEFCE are currently conducting an evaluation of their programme of support for minority subjects.The Secretary of State is currently considering with the Higher Education Funding Council for England, whether further action is needed in relation to subjects of strategic importance.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When officials in the Department for Education and Skills responsible for secondary education last met representatives of those who wish to retain grammar schools in Northern Ireland. [HL4928]

There have been no such meetings. Education is a devolved issue and is therefore a matter for the Northern Ireland Executive. While the institutions in Northern Ireland are dissolved, responsibility rests with Ministers in the Northern Ireland Office.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How much money has been allocated to funding (a) the construction of new children's centres; and (b) the running costs of new children's centres; and how many such centres will be built; and on what basis these funds are being allocated; and [HL5001]Whether, when the responsibility for funding children's centres passes to local government in 2005, they will provide local government with any necessary additional funding; and, if not, what assurances they have that local government will be able and willing to provide the funds for capital works and running costs. [HL5002]

The Government's target is to provide children's centre services to 650,000 children by March 2006. To achieve this target, the Government have allocated local authorities £317.8 million in capital and £117.2 million in revenue funding to develop children's centres in the 20 per cent most disadvantaged areas. There will be few new purpose-built children's centres as the majority will be developed from existing provision such as Sure Start local programmes, neighbourhood nurseries, early excellence centres, maintained nursery schools and health centres. Similarly it is not possible to estimate annual running costs as each will have wide-ranging annual running cost budgets. There are no plans to change the funding arrangements in 2005.By 2008, the Government aim to create up to 2,500 children's centres and eventually to have one serving every community. Details of how the Government will achieve this and the funding arrangements will be part of the Government's 10-year childcare strategy, due to be published in December.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What are the most recent figures, broken down by country of origin, of the number of overseas students enrolled in colleges and universities in the United Kingdom. [HL4832]

The available information is given in the table and covers overseas domiciles studying HE courses at UK HE institutions in 2002–03.

All HE enrolments by overseas domiciles to UK HE institutions 2002–03
Country of Domicile	Total
China (People's Republic of)	30,690
Greece	22,485
United States	13,645
Germany	13,145
France	12,490
Irish Republic	12,305
India	10,420
Malaysia	9,715
Hong Kong	9,355
Spain	7,390
Japan	5,730
Italy	5,640
Taiwan	4,455
Singapore	3,990
Nigeria	3,945
Sweden	3,675
Cyprus	3,570
Norway	3,550
Canada	3,365
Zimbabwe	2,850
Kenya	2,705
Thailand	2,650
Pakistan	2,640
South Korea	2,610
Netherlands	2,360
Portugal	2,325
Belgium	2,305
Finland	2,195
Sri Lanka	1,795
Ghana	1,755
Denmark	1,735
Oman	1,655
Mexico	1,600
Russia	1,600
Saudi Arabia	1,540
Mauritius	1,500
Turkey	1,410
Australia	1,375
Austria	1,345
Switzerland	1,325
Bangladesh	1,300
Israel	1,290
United Arab Emirates	1,250
South Africa	1,075

asked Her Majesty's Government:What are the principal concerns of the European Commission regarding the sale of the Tote to a racing trust; on what date these concerns were brought to the attention of the Government in writing; and what the Government's response to them was. [HL4844]

We have notified the European Commission of our plans for the sale of the Tote to the Racing Trust (28 October 2004, Official Report, WA 149) and met with them in September as planned (14 September 2004, Official Report, col. 1043). The Government cannot divulge any detail of the continuing discussions with the Commission until its views are published, since such discussions are confidential. In terms of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, exemptions 1, 2 and 14 apply as: disclosure at this stage might harm relations with the Commission (exemption 1); the discussions are internal ones with a regulator (exemption 2); and the Commission has given its initial views in confidence and not consented to their disclosure (exemption 14). In due course, the Commission will publish its formal views.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What plans they have for the further use of lottery funds for heritage protection, including essential maintenance, and for heritage-related learning programmes. [HL4908]

Decisions on the provision of lottery funds within the heritage sector are the responsibility of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and are made by the board of trustees independently of the Government. This year the HLF will commit around £330 million to projects which, among other things, aim to conserve and enhance the United Kingdom's heritage, and increase opportunities for learning about heritage and opening up heritage resources and sites to the widest possible number of people. In July 2004, the HLF announced the establishment of a £4 million training bursary scheme to keep alive essential heritage skills, as well as training for essential customer services skills at heritage sites.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they are planning to increase, maintain or decrease in real terms their financial support for the protection of the nation's heritage; and what they intend any such increase or decrease to be. [HL4909]

No decisions have yet been taken within DCMS on individual funding allocations following the 2004 Spending Review. The share of lottery proceeds going to the heritage good cause is guaranteed until 2009. This of course excludes the proceeds from any dedicated Olympic games introduced after July 2005 as a result of a successful Olympic bid.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What were the total unclaimed sums handed over to the National Savings and Investments to the Commissioners for the Reduction of the National Debt in each of the last 10 years. [HL4967]

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer I gave him on 9 November (Official Report col. WA 72).

asked Her Majesty's Government:On how many occasions during the past 12 months Ministers or civil servants within the Department for Culture, Media and Sport have been in contact with the owners or operators of gambling casinos in the United States; and what subjects have been discussed. [HL4851]

Since the publication of the report of the Gambling Review Body (Cm 5206) in July 2001, the department has undertaken a very extensive programme of consultations with interested bodies about options and proposals for changes to gambling law in Great Britain. There have been two formal public consultations, the first on the review body's report and the second on the draft clauses published for pre-legislative scrutiny in November 2003.In addition to these consultations, the relevant government departments have corresponded with and met individual companies (including those which have expressed an interest in trading in Great Britain as well as those already doing so), trade associations, charities and other bodies concerned with problem gambling or who benefit from lotteries, local authorities, trade unions, law enforcement agencies, academics and many other bodies and individuals, including members of the public, with an interest. These contacts, designed to ensure that the Government's policy proposals are sound and take full account of all relevant benefits, cost and risks, have involved both Ministers and officials. Discussions covered all aspects of gambling regulation.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have considered the issue of a £5 coin of size and weight comparable to that of the disused half-crown coin; and [HL4997]What, in terms of buying power, was the equivalent in 1939 to the present £5; and [HL4998]Whether it is the case that not all shopkeepers and banks accept payment by means of the recently issued £5 coins; and [HL4999]Whether they consider that the recently issued £5 coins are suitable for day-to-day use. [HL5000]

The £5 crowns are issued to commemorate special occasions of national importance and are not intended to be used in general circulation. Rather they are something which people wish to keep as souvenirs to mark a special occasion. However, the coins are given legal tender status by Royal Proclamation and some shops accept them, although they are not obliged to do so. Thus as there are no plans to issue a £5 coin for general circulation, no consideration has been given to change its current specification.Taking account of inflation over the period, the purchasing power of £5 today would be the equivalent of around 2 shillings and sevenpence in 1939.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they intend to introduce single equalities legislation to tackle the complexities and differential powers involved in anti-discrimination legislation; and, if so, when. [HL4465]

The Government have long recognised concerns about the complexities and differential powers involved in anti-discrimination legislation. We are beginning to consider the best mechanisms for reviewing the evidence of the nature of inequality in our society and the current discrimination legislation framework, taking into account the interest of the many different stakeholders who would be affected by any changes to the current position. We believe the Commission for Equality and Human Rights will have an important role to play in this review and it will separately be empowered to recommend changes to discrimination legislation as it sees fit.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the allegations in the

The Export Credits Guarantee Department's procedures to combat bribery and corruption remain robust.Following the coming into force of its new bribery and corruption procedures on 1 May, ECGD and DTI officials have held discussions with customers and their trade bodies who made representations about their implementation. These discussions continue with a view to resolving issues surrounding the details and practical application of aspects of the procedures.When these discussions are complete the final procedures will be published.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the Export Credits Guarantee Department has refused cover for any company during the past five years because they have received evidence of bribery or corruption. [HL4499]

All applications for cover during the period have been assessed against ECGD's rigorous criteria to identify evidence of bribery or corruption and none have been refused for the reason set out.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, in the light of the continuing pay gap between women and men in the United Kingdom, they will introduce legislation to strengthen the Equal Pay Act 1970 by simplifying the procedure for determining whether there is equal pay between men and women for work of equal value, and requiring large employers to introduce employment and pay equity schemes. [HL4660]

The Government continue to take action to improve the way equal pay legislation works. We have introduced a number of measures in recent years to speed up and simplify equal pay cases, including amendments to the Equal Pay Act 1970 that introduced the Equal Pay Questionnaire.From 1 October 2004, we changed the way in which employment tribunals deal with complex equal value cases and amended the Equal Pay Act to limit the circumstances in which a tribunal could refuse to consider an equal value claim. This will streamline tribunal procedures and help to prevent long delays. The new rules provide tribunals with a range of powers they can use to manage each case appropriately rather than having to follow a standard procedure.The Government have adopted a voluntary approach to pay reviews and have put in place a number of initiatives to help support business. These include funding the Equal Opportunities Commission to develop equal pay tool kits and providing funding to trade unions for training representatives in equal pay issues in the workplace. More recently, we have provided resources to the TUC to develop the Equal Pay Panel of experts who can deliver free advice/ guidance sessions to organisations looking to investigate or undertake an equal pay review in partnership with unions. In September, the Government appointed the Women and Work Commission which will make recommendations to the Government on tackling the gender pay gap.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they intend to consult with sports bodies about the proposal to implement in 2006 the European Union age discrimination laws. [HL4672]What impact the European regulations prohibiting age discrimination is likely to have upon sport; and whether there will be an exemption for sport. [HL4673]

Under the European Employment Directive (2000/78/EC) regulations will oputlaw age discrimination in employment and vocational training. The Government have already held three public consultations with all those who have an interest in age issues. Regulations will apply to all employers, including those in the sport sector. Our detailed proposals will be set out in draft regulations which will be consulted on in due course.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will set out the constitution, membership, responsibilities, reporting lines and governance arrangements of the Shareholder Executive. [HL4771]

The Shareholder Executive is a team located in the DTI. Its responsibility is to improve the Government's shareholding functions by providing advice to Ministers and officials on corporate governance frameworks, the setting of objectives, scrutiny of business plans, monitoring of performance, appointments and the approval of remuneration frameworks.The team currently has 56 staff from private sector and Civil Service backgrounds.The Shareholder Executive reports to Sir Andrew Turnbull for the overall success of its mission to professionalise the Government's shareholder function. It reports to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State on the DTI's shareholdings and other financial interests in British Energy plc, British Nuclear Fuels plc, Export Credits Guarantee Department, Royal Mail Holdings plc and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority.It reports to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on his department's shareholdings and other financial interests in Partnerships UK plc and to senior DfID officials on that department's shareholding and other financial interests in Actis Capital LLP.It advises officials in other government departments on their shareholder responsibilities as follows:

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their response to the recent official survey of 3,267 civil servants working in the Department of Trade and Industry that showed that 17 per cent of respondents thought that the leadership of the department made "good long-term decisions", while 23 per cent of staff thought that there was "effective leadership at the department". [HL4806]

Like many other organisations, DTI carries out regular surveys of its staff to inform management plans in the department. In answer to the question in the survey "is there effective leadership across the DTI", 25 per cent of staff agreed, and 41 per cent recorded a neutral score. These attitudes towards leadership in general are not unusual for any organisation undergoing major change. Overall, the majority of DTI staff (65 per cent) recorded in that survey that they were satisfied to be working for the DTI and felt valued for what they could offer the Department.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will set up an independent inquiry into the present state of morale among civil servants in the Department of Trade and Industry. [HL4807]

This would not be an appropriate use of public funds.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will give an assurance that patients who are to take part in the Medical Research Council PACE trials on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and fibromyalgia (FM), or who are to be referred to any of the centres for CFS, ME or FM, will not, as a consequence of the psychiatric intervention involved, suffer a foreseeable deterioration in their medical condition; and [HL4829]Whether patients who enrol for the Medical Research Council PACE trials are required to sign a statement giving consent and waiving their rights to sue for damages should any harm flow from the graded exercise component of the trials. [HL4830]

The Medical Research Council-funded PACE trial is designed to test treatments for patients who have CFS/ME. Patients with fibromyalgia alone would be excluded unless they also have CFS/ME. The treatments being tested are not primarily psychiatric treatments, with the arguable exception of cognitive behaviour therapy, which is a form of rehabilitative psychotherapy. None of the treatments being tested is likely to cause "a foreseeable deterioration in their medical condition", and were designed with the opposite effect in mind.In common with all clinical trials, all patients recruited to the PACE trial will receive detailed patient information literature and will sign a consent form to confirm that they understand the full details and implications involved in taking part in the trial. Because the trial participants will have provided informed consent, they will receive no compensation if they become more ill (whether or not as a result of the particular treatment). However, they would retain the right to sue for negligent damage.As with any trial, it is accepted that some people may not respond to the treatment(s), or may indeed become iller (whether or not as a consequence of the treatment). If patients do get worse, they will be reassessed earlier than planned in collaboration with their own specialist and general practitioner. A decision will be made by the patient and the doctor as to whether they should stay on their study treatment (or not), and what further help should be given.An independent data monitoring and ethics committee will closely monitor progress of the study, including any adverse events that may occur and have the power to advise the independent trial steering committee to change or stop the study if necessary.The new specialist centres will offer patients a multidisciplinary based approach to the treatment of their illness. It will be for the clinicians involved to decide what treatment to offer patients referred to them. Their decision will be taken in consultation with the patient, will be informed by the patient's medical history, and will take account of a range of factors, including the ability of the patient to benefit from the treatment proposed.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Under what circumstances energy companies are allowed to install water turbines in the weirs of the River Thames. [HL4916]

Water turbines in the weirs of the Thames for the purpose of generating electricity have to take place within the normal formal planning procedure. An abstraction licence from the Environment Agency would also be required.

asked Her Majesty's Government:At what rates the energy companies generating power from turbines in the River Thames are permitted by OFGEM to sell power to (a) Windsor Castle; and (b) other customers. [HL4917]

Under the legislation passed by Parliament it is envisaged that the prices charged by electricity generators to customers are a matter for the companies themselves rather than for OFGEM to decide.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Sainsbury of Turville on 5 November (

The statement "the risk of incendive sparking from mobile equipment is low" is taken from an advice note to Petroleum Enforcement Officers issued by the HSE, which based its advice on the conclusions drawn from an open technical seminar hosted in March 2003 by the Institute of Petroleum (now the Energy Institute). A full record of the proceedings can be obtained via the Energy Institute website (www.energyinst.org.uk).Published standards (EN 60079–14:2003) written by an international committee of experts advise on the use of personal electrical apparatus in hazardous areas. They conclude that "the risk with electronic watches is small and their use in a hazardous area is generally acceptable".We are not aware of any comparative studies of the sparking risk of mobile phones and wrist watches.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, before making a statement on a matter which is the subject of a complaint to the National Contact Point on an alleged breach of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's guidelines for multinational enterprises, they consult the National Contact Point on whether the terms of the statement might prejudice the complaint. [HL4923]

Issues regarding the OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises are primarily a matter for the National Contact Point, located in the DTI. Statements made by other government bodies would not therefore prejudice any complaint under the guidelines.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they informed Rights and Accountability in Development and its Congolese partner, Action Contre 1'Impunité Pour les Droits Humains, that they had been accepted as complainants against the United Kingdom-based company, Avient Ltd, in respect of alleged violations of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's guidelines for multinational enterprises. [HL4924]

Rights and Accountability In Development and Action Contre L'impunité Pour Les Droits Humains indicated their intention to act as complainants on 12 July 2004. The National Contact Point looks forward to receiving specific details of their complaints, with supporting evidence as soon as possible.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will give further details of the operations by an MI 24 attack helicopter in the Democratic Republic of Congo, said by the United Kingdom-based company Avient Limited to have been involved in the relief of isolated places; and what steps were taken by the National Contact Point for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines to obtain independent corroboration of the company's account of the use made of this machine. [HL4980]

We are unable to comment on the matter. The National Contact Point (NCP) discussed the issue with the company in the dialogue process preceding the NCP statement. That dialogue process is confidential.The implementation procedures of the OECD guidelines are a mechanism for mediating between parties on specific instances of alleged breach of the guidelines. In considering the issues raised regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo the NCP has drawn on material across government, in the public domain and supplied by the UN. No independent corroboration is sought in a mediation process.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the exemption from licensing given to Powergen Renewables Offshore Wind Limited under the Electricity (Exemption from the Requirement for a Generation Licence) (No 2) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1776) will be available to all windfarm owners. [HL4975]

Exemption from the requirement for an electricity generation licence may be granted individually or by class. An individual exemption is granted to a specific company in respect of a specific station. The Secretary of State has granted exemption to a number of companies operating generating stations capable of exporting no more than 100 megawatts of electrical power to the total electricity system. Where an operator seeks an individual exemption, the Secretary of State will decide whether to grant an exemption on the merits of the case and following consultation with the statutory consultees and other interested parties.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Why the Cosmetic Products (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations, made on 8 September, are numbered 2004/2361 when the Regulatory Reform (Patents) Order, made on 22 September is numbered 2004/2357. [HL4976]

In order to comply with Cabinet Office guidelines the Patent Office had to give the public "at least 84 days" notice before the Regulatory Reform (Patents) Order 2004 comes into force on 1 January 2005. The notice informing interested parties of the order was therefore published in the 6 October issue of the Patents and Designs Journal.However, in order to ensure that the notice appeared on this date the number of the order had to be obtained some time in advance not only of the journal's publication, but also of the date that the order was made. This resulted in an earlier number being allocated to the RRO than for the Cosmetic Product (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Why, in view of the cost to businesses from increased taxation, no regulatory impact assessment was prepared in respect of the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government, etc.) (Modification) (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1682). [HL4977]

This order imposes no additional cost on business. Inclusion of an employing body on the order is at the request of that body (subject to meeting eligibility conditions). Therefore a regulatory impact assessment is not required.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Why no regulatory impact assessment was prepared in respect of the Gas (Third Party Access) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/2043) given the provision made by paragraph 5. [HL4990]

No regulatory impact assessment was prepared in respect of the Gas (Third Party Access) Regulations 2004 because it was judged that they would have no significant cost implications or impact on business.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Why the Fireworks Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/ 1836) define "night hours" in paragraph 7(3)(b) as ending at 12 a.m. [HL4989]

Regulation 7 of the Fireworks Regulations 2004 defines "night hours" as the period beginning at 11 p.m. and ending at 7 a.m. the following day.A "permitted fireworks night" with respect to 5 November, however, is defined as beginning at 11 p.m. and ending at 12 a.m. the following day. This means that fireworks may be used beyond the usual curfew start time of 11 p.m. till 12 a.m. (midnight).The department is currently reviewing the wording of this regulation with a view to making it clearer.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the rights of people affected by coal mine subsidence will be changed by the implementation of the Coal Mining Subsidence (Subsidence Adviser) (Revocation) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/ 2241). [HL4991]

No. The rights of property owners to have coal mining subsidence damage repaired at no cost to themselves remain unchanged.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many haemophilia patients have been infected with HIV and hepatitis C by contaminated blood and blood products; and, of these, how many have since died in each case. [HL4709]

The number of haemophilia patients infected with HIV from National Health Service blood products registered with the Macfarlane Trust and who have died are shown in the table.

Registrants1	Number who have died2
1,243	857
1 Most co-infected with hepatitis C.
2 The Macfarlane Trust does not collect information on the cause of death. Figures as at 2 November 2004.

It is estimated that in England, around 4,000 haemophiliacs were infected with hepatitis C through blood and blood products. The latest figures from the UK Haemophilia Centre Doctors Organisation indicate that a total of at least 212 people with haemophilia have died as a direct result of the effects of hepatitis C.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many of the 5,200 consultant surgeons in England and Wales are women; and [HL4801]What steps they will take to encourage women to train as surgical specialists; and when they expect numbers to attain equality with men. [HL4802]

As at June 2004, there were 5,698 consultant surgeons working in the National Health Service in England, of which 406 were female. Information relating to Wales is a matter for the Welsh Assembly.Since 1991, the Department of Health has continued to fund and support the work of the Royal College of Surgeons to promote surgery as a career to women, among school-age girls and female medical students.Through the Royal College's Women in Surgical Training (WIST) initiative, it offers free membership to over 1,700 members ranging from medical students to consultants and provides a range of support to female surgeons and potential surgeons, including mentoring. More recently, WIST has extended to promoting Improving Working Lives initiatives; for example, the Flexible Careers Scheme which enables doctors to return to work after a career break to work flexibly. All these measures are supporting women in taking up surgical specialties.While the number of female surgeons working in England has increased by 221 or 119 per cent between September 1997 and June 2004, no estimate has been made of when the number of female surgeons might equal that of their male counterparts.