asked Her Majesty's Government:

How they are promoting United Kingdom support for reconstruction and development in Afghanistan among the Afghan population. [HL2411]

DfID generally supports the Government of Afghanistan (GoA) in delivering their messages about reconstruction and development to the Afghan population, rather than promoting DfID's work directly. It is the GoA who are accountable to the people of Afghanistan for delivering reconstruction and development.

An example of DfID's support for this approach is our £1.5 million funding of UNDP to support the office of the spokesperson in the Office of the President from January 2004 to January 2007. This project helped the GoA improve public information on and understanding of reconstruction and development by developing and implementing a communications strategy, providing public information through press releases and establishing provincial outreach offices. It also supported the production of public information programmes, and a well known radio programme called, “You and Your President”, on which Afghans can ask President Karzai questions about reconstruction and development. A project evaluation found that presidential communications had improved dramatically over the life of the project, and Afghan journalists fed back that the presidency is now very accessible to the media and the quality of presidential communications is generally good. A permanent communications unit will be housed in the Office of the President to continue this work.

DfID also plans to hold an exhibition in Kabul entitled “Afghan Lives: Development in Action” which tells the stories of real Afghans whose lives have been changed by DfID's programmes in the past five years. This exhibition is currently touring the UK. We also make many of DfID's publications available on the internet and in our office, and are working with the World Bank to explain the successes of programmes that we co-fund.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proportion of United Kingdom fresh meat, poultry and dairy products has been procured for the public sector for each of the years 2000-06. [HL2370]

The department does not hold information centrally on the proportion of publicly procured food of British origin for each of the years 2000 to 2006. Such information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

The department is commissioning a MORI survey of local education authorities in England and is also working with its statisticians, key public sector procurers, the NFU, other trade bodies and the major food service companies to produce this information for 2006, which it will place in the Library of the House when it is available.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

On what basis the cost of the United Kingdom integrated pollution prevention and control charges for pig and poultry producers was established by the Environment Agency; and whether those rates required the approval of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. [HL2367]

The current charge levels for the intensive livestock sector were set following the agricultural summit held in Downing Street and the resulting action plan for farming in 2000. This recommended set levels for the sector's integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC) charges.

Since this time, the charge levels have been increased annually (at less than the rate of inflation) to give the current charges of £3,331 for applications and an annual subsistence charge of £,2295/£2,794 for small/large installations. The charges for the pig and poultry sector are significantly lower than those for other sectors; they are about one quarter of the average charge for IPPC.

These charges are included in the Environment Agency's charging scheme for pollution prevention and control. This is consulted on every year and requires approval by Defra in conjunction with HM Treasury.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their response to calls by the president of the Royal College of Physicians and others for a total ban on alcohol advertising. [HL2276]

Alcohol advertising must be socially responsible but the Government do not believe that an effective case has been made for a total or partial ban.

In response to the National Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy, both the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) tightened the non-broadcast and broadcast alcohol advertising code rules.

The Advertising Standards Authority and Ofcom are currently undertaking a major two-stage research project, designed to assess the impact of the above regulatory changes. The second stage is due later in 2007.

CAP and BCAP have committed to having robust evidence-based rules. If new evidence clearly highlighted major problems in relation to consumer harm or protection of the vulnerable, the codes, or their interpretation, may be reviewed.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much council tax a student living in a private rented property pays; and how much council tax the landlord pays on the same property. [HL2364]

Private rented properties occupied wholly by students, who meet the criteria set out in the Council Tax (Discount Disregards) Order 1992, are exempt from council tax under Class N of the Council Tax (Exempt Dwellings Order) 1992.

Where a private rented property is shared by students and non-students then the students are disregarded under the provisions of the Council Tax (Discount Disregards) Order 1992 for the purpose of calculating whether a single person discount should apply. By virtue of Section 6(4) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended by Section 74 of the Local Government Act 2003, the students are not jointly and severally liable for any council tax bill, but it is a matter for the occupiers to determine how any council tax costs should be shared.

Liability for any council tax due on a private rented property occupied in part by students will fall to the landlord, rather than occupants who are not students, if the property is deemed to be a house in multiple occupation within the meaning of Class C of the Council Tax (Liability for Owners) Regulations 1992.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proposals they have to help horse-riding establishments encountering difficulty with insurance claims following accidents, and in obtaining insurance cover, following the House of Lords interpretation of the Animals Act 1971 in the case of Mirvahedy v Henley 2003. [HL2400]

Decisions about the provision and cost of insurance cover for equestrian businesses are matters for the commercial judgment of the insurance industry.

However, the Government are well aware of the horse industry's view that the Mirvahedy judgment in 2003 had an adverse effect on insurance premiums. My department has consulted interested parties on the question of whether an amendment to the Animals Act 1971 to allow a defence of reasonable care would be desirable or appropriate. Parties consulted included the British Horse Industry Confederation, the Country Land and Business Association and the Countryside Alliance.

The majority of responses received were in favour of a change, and my department has accordingly offered the horse industry its support if a suitable vehicle for amending the Animals Act, such as a Private Member's Bill, can be found. That offer remains on the table.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will publish the latest figures for prices being charged as a percentage of ground rents paid, when tenants buy their freeholds under the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002. [HL2385]

The Government do not hold information about the prices paid for freeholds purchased by leaseholders using their statutory rights nor do they hold information about the ground rents paid by leaseholders.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In respect of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, (a) on how many occasions in the past year malicious programs have compromised departmental computer systems; and, for each occasion, how many machines were affected; how long it took to remove the programs from the system; and what was the impact on the department's activities; (b) what penetration tests have been carried out of information systems over the last year and what were the results, indicating in each instance, whether the tests were carried out independently of the providers of the system concerned; and (c) on how many occasions in the last year the departmental management team has considered information risk. [HL2405]

There have been no instances in the past year where malicious programs compromised departmental computer systems at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Independent vulnerability assessment tests are carried out twice a year. We do not publish the results on grounds of security. The departmental management team considers information risk at least quarterly as part of the department's strategic risk management process.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What amounts they intend to contribute to the World Bank's public-private infrastructure facility; and whether they will reconsider this expenditure in the light of the World Development Movement's report Down the Drain: How aid for water reform could be better spent, which shows that the fund promotes water privatisation. [HL2335]

The public/private infrastructure advisory facility (PPIAF) is not a World Bank fund. It is a good example of successful donor harmonisation in development, housed in the World Bank offices in Washington. The World Bank is one of 14 PPIAF donors.

The World Development Movement's report incorrectly states that PPIAF pushes privatisation on developing countries. PPIAF does not push privatisation; it supports developing country Governments to develop sound policies, regulations and institutions in order to harness the full potential of public/private partnerships in infrastructure. It does this by providing developing country Governments with technical assistance which they can use to tap the full potential of public/private partnerships in infrastructure. PPIAF also identifies, disseminates and promotes best practice on matters relating to public/private partnerships in infrastructure. It is also recognised as a leading resource for training and best practices in the role of public/private partnerships in infrastructure service delivery.

There are many examples of PPIAF's success. For example, in Kenya PPIAF provided technical assistance and training to enable micro-credit banks to lend to small water providers to provide clean water to rural and semi-urban communities. This capacity building has led to 21 micro-credit investments and an output-based grant that will result in 60,000 people gaining access to clean water.

Also, in Ghana, PPIAF supported the Ghana Community Water and Sanitation Agency with regulatory and legal reform to improve small town water services. This has allowed local water operators to provide clean water to communities for the first time. Communities themselves were involved in the selection of the water providers. This has been successfully implemented in three towns and will be rolled out to 300 small towns across the country.

An independent strategic review of PPIAF in 2004 and internal DfID reviews have concluded that PPIAF is successful in what it does. Specifically, it has helped developing country Governments' capacity to improve their policies, laws, regulations and procedures that resulted in better infrastructure and better services for their people. The PPIAF has also been recognised as a centre of excellence for advice to developing countries on public/private partnerships, and there is high demand for PPIAF's services.

DfID has supported PPIAF over three phases since 1999. Our total commitment to PPIAF from 1999 to 2008 is £53 million.

For the reasons stated above, DfID does not intend to reconsider funding a successful facility that is helping developing country Governments, at their request, with high quality policy and technical advice to help them improve infrastructure and service delivery for their citizens.

Further information about PPIAF and its successes are available in the DfID factsheet Public Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility PPIAF: Helping developing countries to eliminate poverty and achieve sustainable development through Public-Private Partnerships in Infrastructure copies of which have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In consequence of the recent Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland report on the circumstances surrounding the death of Raymond McCord Junior and related matters, what were the numbers of (a) security forces, and (b) civilians murdered by (i) loyalist groups, and (ii) republican groups between 30 June 1983 and 30 June 1996; how many Protestant and Roman Catholic civilians, respectively, were murdered by each group during that period; how many persons have been charged from each group in respect of each category of civilian murdered; and whether they will provide these figures both as numbers and as percentages.[HL1680]

The table below provides a breakdown of security force, civilian and total murders by loyalist and republican groups.

PSNI records charges by republican and loyalist grouping. The figures are not broken down by specific paramilitary groups; this would incur a disproportionate cost. In relation to the religion of the victims I would refer the noble Lord to the book Lost Lives.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the proportion of persons charged with terrorist murder in Northern Ireland set against the nature of the group responsible for those killings between 30 June 1983 and 30 June 1996 indicates any bias by the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC. [HL1681]

The table below provides a breakdown of security force, civilian and total murders by loyalist and republican groups.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their response to reports that negotiations with Virgin Trains about providing extra carriages for the west coast railway line have collapsed; and, if they have collapsed, how they propose to deal with the likely overcrowding. [HL1949]

Negotiations still continue with Virgin Trains and their partners over the provision of additional cars for Pendolino trains.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many of the e-mail addresses on the Downing Street online road pricing petition are registered Department for Transport accounts or from any of its agencies; and [HL2280]

How many of the e-mail addresses on the Downing Street online road pricing petition are registered Cabinet Office accounts or from any of its agencies; and [HL2281]

How many of the e-mail addresses on the Downing Street online road pricing petition are registered HM Treasury accounts or from any of its agencies; and [HL2282]

How many of the e-mail addresses on the Downing Street online road pricing petition are registered Home Office accounts or from any of its agencies; and [HL2283]

How many of the e-mail addresses on the Downing Street online road pricing petition are registered Department for Work and Pensions accounts or from any of its agencies. [HL2284]

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer given by my right honourable friend the Prime Minister to the honourable Member for North East Hertfordshire (Oliver Heald), in the other place, on Monday 5 March, (Official Report, col. 1668W).

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there will be sufficient places in Northern Ireland in integrated schools at secondary level, to meet the needs of pupils now attending integrated primary schools, and of increased parental demand in future years; if not, what plans they have for increasing provision of places at integrated secondary schools; and what assessment they have made of the impact on such provision of possible devolution and the recommendations in the Bain Report.[HL2287]

The Department of Education has a duty to encourage and facilitate the development of integrated education and also a duty to ensure that parental choice is balanced against the provision of efficient instruction and training, and the avoidance of unreasonable public expenditure. Proposals to increase enrolments at integrated secondary schools either through expansion of intakes at existing schools, or the establishment of new grant-maintained schools are the subject of a formal development proposal consultation process. The Minister for Education considers carefully all relevant factors before deciding on such proposals.

The Bain report advocated not a single approach to integration but a more pervasive and inclusive strategy focused on a dynamic approach of integrating education across the schools system. The report contains a number of recommendations on integration and collaboration and the Government have announced that they have accepted the report's recommendations.

The provision of places under devolution would be a matter for the local administration.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proposals they have to assist in the repair of Windsor Park Football Ground, Belfast, in preparation for Northern Ireland home international matches. [HL2357]

Responsibility for bringing forward proposals to assist in the repair of Windsor Park Football Ground, Belfast, in preparation for Northern Ireland international matches rests with Linfield Football Club and the Irish Football Association (IFA).

The IFA is currently developing a programme to help improve football grounds in Northern Ireland, including Windsor Park. The Sports Council for Northern Ireland, which is responsible for the development of sport in NI including the distribution of funding, is assisting the IFA with the development of this programme.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs statutory instruments that were passed in 2006 were new; and how many were upgraded pieces of regulation. [HL2397]

Defra made 90 new statutory instruments in 2006. Defra revoked and re-made another 64 statutory instruments.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the relevant trade associations will have an opportunity to study the wording of the Environment Agency's guidance on end-of-life vehicles before it is implemented. [HL2384]

Draft guidance on end-of-life vehicles, which the Environment Agency (EA) plans to issue shortly, has already been shared and discussed with trade and other relevant bodies. The EA also plans to allow further review of the final document prior to its release. This will not be a formal consultation but will allow any issues of clarity to be picked up.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What scientific studies have been conducted on the effects on human health, animal health and the environment of leaching of chemicals into land and water supplies and of dust from the deposits of toxic chemical wastes in the localities of (a) Brofiskin; (b) Maendy; (c) Penrhos; (d) Ruabon; (e) Wrexham; (f) Dalton; (g) Rayleigh; and (h) Newport. [HL2353]

Brofiscin, Rhondda Cynon Taf: The Environment Agency (EA) advises that this quarry has been the subject of several studies, two by the Water Research Centre following closure of the site, and the others since 2001 following implementation pf Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. A summary of the reports can be found in the table below.

Studies have included: assessment of the waste mass; human health studies, to assess the potential impact through direct exposure or via any vapour or dust generated from the site; and surveys to assess the impact on groundwater and surface water.

Current studies relate to the significant pollutant linkages on the Record of Determination (ground and surface waters), and an assessment of appropriate remedial options for the site.

Maendy, Rhondda Cynon Taf: I understand from Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council that no health studies have been conducted at this site. However, in 1975, the Department of the Environment carried out a study on possible water contamination by leachates. The site has been identified as warranting further investigation.

Penrhos, Caerphilly: According to Caerphilly county borough council, risk assessments and other studies were carried out in 1996, 1997, 2001, 2003 and 2005, by various consultants.

Ruabon and Wrexham: I assume the noble Countess refers to the Monsanto chemical waste tip to the north of Rhosllanerchrugog, and the adjacent Llwyneinion acid tar lagoon. The regulator, Wrexham county borough council, has advised that it has records only for the first of these sites.

Investigations in 1995 into the first site's potential impacts on groundwater, surface water and human health resulted in remedial work being carried out. Following new legislation and guidance, further studies are under way. All relevant pathways are being considered, such as inhalation, dermal contact, ingestion, and leaching through permeable ground strata. No scientific studies are known to have been carried out at the second site.

Newport, South Wales: I assume the noble Countess refers to the Solutia site at this location. Solutia UK has conducted environmental risk assessment of Polychlorobiphenyl (PCB) releases to the Severn Estuary. These are fugitive releases to water from historic contamination (spillage at the site rather than any waste deposits) underneath the site. It included assessment of the opportunities for bio-accumulation within the food chain and the potential for human health risks. The Food Standards Agency reviewed the assessment and concluded that “the operation is unlikely to have any unacceptable effects on the human food chain”.

Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria: The Environment Agency (EA) is not aware of any studies on the impact of the site on human or animal health and has not been alerted by the local health authority or State Veterinary Service of any evidence of such issues.

Rayleigh, Essex: The Environment Agency (EA) holds limited information for historic landfill sites in the Rayleigh area. This includes details of the landowner, the site location, the size and the waste category. This general information was originally obtained from Rochford district council, which may hold further details.

There is no record of any toxic chemical waste being disposed at these sites. The EA has not conducted any scientific studies in the area and is not aware of any such studies conducted by others.

During June 2002 and February 2003, the EA received reports of an orange coloured discharge from a broken pipe running from the historic landfill site at Hambro Hill, to the main sewer. Samples of this were found to contain mild pollution.

The matter was handed over to Rochford District Council, which is responsible for the site.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is the intention of the Environment Agency to file a claim in the United States bankruptcy courts relating to prospective liability for land contamination caused by Monsanto or related companies at a number of sites in England and Wales where toxic chemical wastes from the companies' manufacturing activities have been dumped. [HL2312]

The Environment Agency (EA) is currently investigating whether Monsanto or related companies should be considered liable for contamination at one designated special site.

The EA has filed papers with the United States Bankruptcy Court and, pending the outcome of its investigations, will consider whether to file any claims against Monsanto.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Over what periods toxic chemical wastes were deposited in or at (a) Brofiscin; (b) Maendy; (c) Penrhos; (d) Ruabon; (e) Wrexham; (f) Dalton; (g) Rayleigh; and (h) Newport; what chemicals were deposited; and by which companies and individuals these deposits were made. [HL2351]

Brofiscin, Rhondda Cynon Taf: I understand from the Environment Agency (EA) that consent to deposit wastes on the Brofiscin site was given to Industrial Waste Disposal (South Wales) Ltd in August 1965. Reports indicate that deposition continued until the early 1970s.

Waste types are understood to include: barium-based, calcium-based and zinc-based petroleum additives; chlorinated hydrocarbons (trichloroethylene, methylene chloride (dichloromethane), and ethylene dichloride (1,2-dichloroethane); phenols; polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); white spirits; plastic manufacturing wastes; organophosphorous compounds; and distillation residues containing aniline and surfactants. Other wastes contain metals (arsenic, mercury, lead, copper, vanadium, chromium VI, zinc, manganese, barium, calcium and aluminium).

Investigations are ongoing as to which companies and/or individuals made these deposits.

Maendy, Rhondda Cynon Taf: I understand from Rhondda Cynon Taf county borough council that tipping occurred at this site from 1966 until early in 1970.

Wastes originated mainly from Monsanto, BP, ICI and Pyrene Ltd. Monsanto records indicate 6,100 tonnes per annum.

Chemicals specifically identified as having been tipped at the site are: barium-based, calcium-based, and zinc-based petroleum additives; chlorinated hydrocarbons (trichloroethylene, methylene chloride and ethylene dichloride); phenols; polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); white spirit; wastes from plastic manufacture; organophosphorus compounds; and distillation residues, containing aniline and surfactants (alkylbenzenesulphonates). Wastes containing arsenic, mercury, lead, copper, vanadium, hexavalent chromium, zinc, manganese, iron, magnesium, barium, calcium and aluminium have also been tipped at the site.

Penrhos, Caerphilly: Caerphilly county borough council advises that hazardous waste was deposited at this site between 1960 and 1968. No detailed records are available, as no licensing regime was in place at that time. However, tests have identified a wide range of chemicals, including volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds.

Ruabon and Wrexham: I assume the noble Countess refers to the Monsanto chemical waste tip to the north of Rhosllanerchrugog, and the adjacent Llwyneinion acid tar lagoon. The regulator, Wrexham county borough council, has advised that it has records only for the first of these sites.

I understand that Monsanto chemicals were deposited between 1964 and 1965, and that these comprised mainly phenol-bearing sulphite cake, pitch (from phthalic anhydride) and sublimed phthalic acid.

Specific chemicals that have been identified are: phenol; aniline; naphthalene; o-hydroxybiphenyl; p-hydroxyphenyl, benzothiazole; phthalic anhydride; diphylguanidine; and mercaptobenzothiazole.

Newport, South Wales: No details of tipping at the Solutia site are available from the lead regulator (the EA).

Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria: The EA has no records for this site prior to 1972, but its records show that wastes, including some toxic chemicals, have been deposited from 1972 to 2005.

The toxic chemicals deposited were sulphuric acid, plasticised nitro-cellulose, sodium hydroxide (during the period 1972 to 1977), wastes notifiable under the Poisonous Wastes Act and special wastes (during the period 1977 to 2005).

From 1972 to 2005, Cumbria Land Reclamation Ltd (1977-89, Caird Environmental (Northern) Ltd (1989-93), Caird Environmental Ltd (1993-2005) deposited such wastes. British Cellophane Ltd deposited waste on site from 1972 to 1977.

Rayleigh, Essex: There are a number of historic landfill sites in and around Rayleigh, Essex. The EA records indicate that these do not contain hazardous waste. The largest of these is Hambro Hill (National Grid reference TQ 80471 90973). The site received household waste between 1960 and 1966. However, the EA's records indicate that no toxic chemicals were ever buried there.

Hambro Hill ceased taking waste before there was a requirement to hold a waste disposal licence under the Control of Pollution Act 1974. This Act was the first piece of environmental legislation for regulating waste disposal sites. Such historic landfills were usually authorised by way of planning permission and therefore further details may be available from Rochford District Council.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the area and depth of contamination of the land, ground water and surface water resulting from the deposits of toxic chemicals in or at (a) Brofiskin; (b) Maendy; (c) Penrhos; (d) Ruabon; (e) Wrexham; (f) Dalton; (g) Rayleigh; and (h) Newport. [HL2352]

Brofiscin, Rhondda Cynon Taf: The Environment Agency (EA) is the lead regulator for this site, which occupies an area of approximately 1.5 hectares. Waste is confined to the western end of the quarry. Below ground, the waste mass is “wedge”-shaped, extending to a maximum depth of six metres at the deepest point, in the far western end of the quarry.

The full depth and extent of groundwater contamination beneath the quarry is currently being investigated and a report is due in the spring. The extent of surface water contamination is limited to the wetter winter months, when groundwater levels within the quarry rise and flow along drainage ditches. Current investigations are monitoring surface water quality in the vicinity. There is currently no measurable impact in the surface water of the nearest main watercourse.

Maendy, Rhondda Cynon Taf: The area of this tip is approximately 3.5 hectares and the maximum depth is approximately 5 metres. Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council has no up-to-date information on the contamination of land, ground water and surface water resulting from toxic chemical deposits.

Penrhos, Caerphilly: I understand from Caerphilly county borough council that this 26-hectare site has already undergone extensive remediation—140,000 tonnes of waste and contaminated soil have been removed and 6 million litres of contaminated groundwater and leachate treated. Protective measures are now in place against any possible remaining contamination that may be present.

Ruabon and Wrexham: I assume the noble Countess refers to the Monsanto chemical waste tip to the north of Rhosllanerchrugog, and the adjacent Llwyneinion acid tar lagoon. The regulator, Wrexham county borough council, has advised that it has records only for the first of these sites.

The area of chemical waste in the first site is approximately 250 square metres and its depth is approximately four metres. The existence and extent of groundwater and surface water contamination are not yet fully understood, since investigations are still on going.

Newport, South Wales: The lead regulator, the EA, has no details of contamination at the Solutia site.

Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria: The EA confirms that land contamination at this site is limited to the licensed area of the landfill and that neither groundwater nor surface water contamination has occurred.

Rayleigh, Essex: The EA holds limited information for historic landfill sites in the Rayleigh area. This includes details of the landowner, the site location, the size and the waste category. This general information was originally obtained from Rochford District Council.

There is no record of any toxic chemical waste being disposed at this site.

London clay predominantly underlies the Rayleigh area. This effectively limits the presence of an aquifer containing a water table. As a result, the EA has no monitoring of groundwater quality in the vicinity of the Hambro Hill landfill.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have made in the past 12 months to the World Bank in respect of the allegations of bribery and fraud within that institution; and whether they intend to make any further representations on these matters. [HL2204]

The UK is in regular contact with the World Bank about how to address bribery, fraud, corruption and related governance issues.

We pushed hard last year for a new governance and anti-corruption strategy which is currently being finalised and we will continue to work closely with the bank and its management on these topics. We have encouraged the bank to consult widely and to reflect the outcome of the consultations in the strategy and implementation plans in order to ensure the broad-based support needed to achieve the desired outcomes.

We also pressed for a review of the work of the bank's department of institutional integrity, which is an independent arm of the bank that investigates allegations of fraud, corruption and misconduct in bank-financed projects or by bank staff. The terms of reference of the review were agreed in January and the review's report is expected later this year.

We are also actively engaged in work to strengthen the bank's whistleblower protection policy.