asked Her Majesty's Government:

What Afghan cultural activities they have supported in and outside Kabul to demonstrate the United Kingdom's interest in reviving traditional and contemporary arts and culture. [HL2414]

More than 25 years of conflict have undermined Afghanistan's cultural and artistic traditions. The United Kingdom, through the British Council and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), is committed to supporting Afghanistan as the country works to revive its rich cultural heritage.

The British Council provides effective support to the arts in Afghanistan. Recent contributions include donations of musical instruments, theatrical equipment, and IT and digital production tools to Kabul University's Faculty of Fine Arts as well as staff training to the faculty's staff; sponsorship of Afghanistan's nationwide Summer Festival of Theatre; and funding towards the forthcoming Nawroz Music Festival set to take place in late March in Mazar-i Sharif.

The FCO also provides valuable support to Afghanistan's cultural revival. In 2005 the UK contributed funding to the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research for its investigation of the Minaret of Jam at the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage Site in Ghor province, central Afghanistan. In 2006 we provided support for two important cultural projects in Kabul's Old City: the Turquoise Mountain Foundation School for Traditional Afghan Arts, which aims to preserve and develop traditional Afghan arts and design while providing economic opportunities for Afghans; and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture as it works to repair the most valuable examples of Afghan architecture in Kabul's Old City. UK funding has been used to restore a Hammam (public bathhouse) in the heart of the Old City, helping to revive a traditional facility for the local community.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What evidence they have, such as opinion polls, that the Afghan people still connect the presence of foreign troops with reconstruction and development. [HL2412]

UK troops are in Afghanistan as part of the UN-mandated NATO International Security Assistance Force, and at the request of the Afghan Government, to establish the secure environment necessary for reconstruction and development to take place. Reconstruction of a country ravaged by more than 25 years of conflict is a long-term endeavour. Challenges remain, particularly in the south. But Afghan people are starting to see results across much of the country, particularly in regions where security has been restored. An ABC News/BBC World Service poll published last December shows that 74 per cent of Afghans consider that their living conditions are better than under the Taliban and eight in 10 Afghans support the presence of international troops in their country. While life in Afghanistan is far from easy, most Afghans are conscious of the important amount of resources allocated by the international community to the security and reconstruction of their country. Most Afghans continue to rely on international forces to re-establish the security necessary for reconstruction and development. The enduring unpopularity of the Taliban (89 per cent of Afghans view them unfavourably) and the levels of support for the current Government are testament to the fact that the Afghan people consider that Afghanistan is heading in the right direction. International troops, including close to 6,000 British soldiers, are assisting the Afghan Government and their people along the way.

The ABC News/BBC World Service poll is available at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/l/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/ 07_12_06AfghanistanWhereThingsStand.pdf.

The very comprehensive Asia Foundation Survey for 2006 might also be of interest. It is available at: wvw.asiafoundation.org/Locations/afghanistan_survey06.html.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why only 5 per cent of the lamb procured by United Kingdom-based British Armed Forces is British lamb; and how this compares to the amount of British beef and pork these forces procure. [HL2369]

The amount of British lamb procured for the UK-based British Armed Forces is restricted principally by a requirement for year-round availability and value for money. Additionally, meat is required to be delivered frozen, rather than chilled, and there is a shortage of freezing plant production capacity in the UK.

Since the start of the current food supply contract in October 2006, 55 per cent of beef, 100 per cent of pork and 3 per cent of lamb by volume has been procured from British farms.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the large aircraft survivability study will be published. [HL2327]

The “Low Technology Threats to Strategic Reach Aircraft” study is intended to report in March 2007. The findings will not be published externally as this would or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness and security of our Armed Forces.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many members of the Armed Forces were diagnosed with methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (a) during routine military service; (b) in military hospitals; and (c) in Ministry of Defence hospital units in 2005 and 2006; and [HL1759]

What precautions are taken to reduce the risk of Armed Forces personnel contracting hospital-acquired methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA); and [HL1760]

Whether they have made an assessment of the possible increased susceptibility of members of the Armed Forces to methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) if they are placed in general hospitals or Ministry of Defence hospital units; and, if such assessments were taken into account when the decision to close Royal Hospital Haslar was taken; and [HL1761]

Whether Ministry of Defence hospital units are separated from general hospital wards to reduce the risk of members of the Armed Forces having increased susceptibility to hospital-acquired methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (HA-MRSA); and whether procedures are in place to reduce the risk of members of the Armed Forces contracting HA-MRSA through staff passing between general patients and service personnel. [HL1805]

Ministry of Defence hospital units (MDHUs) are located within NHS hospitals at Derriford, Frimley Park, Peterborough, Portsmouth, Northallerton and the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM) at Selly Oak hospital in Birmingham. The primary purpose of these units is to provide medical training to military medical personnel.

The precise number of military patients diagnosed with MRSA in NHS hospitals is not recorded separately. This information could be obtained only by searching through individual medical records with that person's permission.

The total number of patients of all types who have been diagnosed with MRSA at the hosting NHS hospital can, however, be found on the Health Protection Agency website: www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/hai /mandatory_report_2006.htm.

In the case of our remaining military hospitals outside the UK (The Princess Margaret Military Hospital in Akrotiri, Cyprus, and the Royal Navy Hospital, Gibraltar), where the numbers of service patients are small, there were no recorded cases of MRSA in military personnel in 2005 and 2006.

It is rare for patients to remain in field hospitals for more than a day or two. Medical staff will provide any immediate surgical treatment that is required, but any patients needing further surgery or longer-term hospital care will then be aeromedically evacuated back to the UK. We estimate the prevalence of MRSA to be very low tending to negligible. As a result, medical personnel screen a patient only if they have clinical indicators of an infection. There are no known cases where a patient has shown signs of infection or tested positively for either organism in UK military field hospitals in 2006.

The NHS has standard infection control and hygiene measures in place, combined with the prudent use of antibiotics to prevent and control any outbreak of infection. The Defence Medical Services has robust and stringent infection control procedures which fully meet NHS requirements. We take the issue of infection control seriously and work to ensure the best possible healthcare for all service personnel. Standards of infectious disease control at our field hospitals are at least equivalent to those within the NHS.

The military-managed ward which has been established at Selly Oak hospital, Birmingham is contained in a block where NHS patient treatment takes place. We consider that the control and prevention of MRSA in a military population is not so much a case of segregating military patients from the general public rather it is about the observation of infection control procedures for which detailed instructions are prepared and promulgated within the NHS. The MoD is not aware of any evidence published that suggests that military patients are more susceptible to MRSA than general patients, and therefore this was not a factor when the decision to close the Royal Hospital Haslar was taken.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What assessment they have made of the implementation and effectiveness of the compensation scheme arrangements in the Armed Forces (Pensions and Compensation) Act 2004 since these were introduced in 2005. [HL2224]

An evaluation has been carried out of the first year of operation of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme which came into force on 6 April 2005. The aim of the evaluation was to assess the scheme's performance in the first year against the original intent and also to identify any emerging issues. Views were obtained from ex-service organisations, individual claimants and the staff who administer the scheme. The report is now being finalised in light of comments received. Once this is complete the report will be published. I will place a copy in the Library of the House and it will also be available on the MoD internet site.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have made to the Government of South Africa regarding the Prohibition of Mercenary Activities and Prohibition and Regulation of Certain Activities in Areas of Armed Conflict Bill; and what was the outcome of any such representations. [HL2346]

Representations have been made by my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Defence to the South African Defence Minister on the potential implications of the proposed legislation for recruitment and retention of personnel into the UK Armed Forces. The service of South Africans is greatly valued and we are anxious to retain that service in our Armed Forces. A visit is being planned to South Africa to enable MoD officials to hold face-to-face discussions with the South African Department of Defence to resolve some of the uncertainties.

Our High Commissioner to South Africa, Mr Paul Boateng, has also made representations to the Government of South Africa on several occasions.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action they intend to take to address the implications of the Government of South Africa's Prohibition of Mercenary Activities and Prohibition and Regulation of Certain Activities in Areas of Armed Conflict Bill for South African citizens serving in the British Armed Forces. [HL2347]

We have been following the development of the draft Prohibition of Mercenary Activities and Prohibition and Regulation of Certain Activities in Areas of Armed Conflict Bill very closely and are urgently investigating the potential consequences for South African personnel currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, should the legislation be enacted, so that we can support those who may be affected. We greatly value the service given by South African personnel and are keeping them appraised of the situation at regular intervals.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What number of Vector patrol vehicles, to be delivered incrementally between January and August 2007, they consider should provide an effective capability in Iraq by the end of January 2007. [HL2260]

Vector will be delivered to Afghanistan, but there are currently no plans to deploy it to Iraq.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have made an assessment of the intentions of the caretaker Government of Bangladesh regarding the implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord of 1997; and, in particular, whether the caretaker Government of Bangladesh have informed the Government about any planned or recently implemented withdrawals from that territory of military units; and, if so, how many men were in those military units. [HL2434]

At this time, we have no evidence of an enhanced will to implement the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord of 1997. The caretaker Government of Bangladesh have neither informed the Government nor publicly announced their intentions on the CHT Peace Accord. Although there has been some media reporting in this respect, we are not aware of significant troop withdrawals from CHT. Through our High Commission in Dhaka, we have consistently urged the caretaker Government and the Bangladesh armed forces to respect human rights and the rule of law.

Further to the Answer I gave the noble Lord on 28 February (Official Report, col. WA 307), the visit to CHT by officials from our High Commission in Dhaka, planned to take place later this month, has regrettably had to be temporarily postponed.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Triesman on 8 February (WA 152) concerning British citizenship applications which had been refused in the past on the basis of incorrect information on Indian citizenship law, whether the British Consulate-General in Hong Kong has now received all the outstanding British citizenship certificates; and, if not, how many certificates are still outstanding. [HL2381]

The British Consulate-General in Hong Kong has not received all of the British citizenship certificates. Fifty-seven are still outstanding.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will hold discussions with the Children's Commissioner for England, Sir Albert Aynsley-Green, on children's problems in the United Kingdom, as outlined recently by UNICEF. [HL2296]

Ministers and officials have regular and constructive meetings with the Children's Commissioner to discuss matters relating to children and young people. Many of these concern issues raised by children and young people themselves as well as those areas highlighted in the UNICEF report. As well as raising issues with the Government, the commissioner is also able to raise his views before relevant Select Committees should he choose to do so.

The Children's Commissioner for England commented on UNICEF's report on 14 February. The Government note the commissioner's views and welcome his support for the investment and effort that, through Every Child Matters and other initiatives, we have made to improve children's well-being.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What assessment they have made of the Aarhus Centre, supported by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, in Azerbaijan; and which organisation in the United Kingdom fulfils such a role. [HL2391]

The Aarhus Centre in Baku performs a useful role in promoting public environmental awareness in Azerbaijan. There is no direct equivalent of an Aarhus Centre in the United Kingdom. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' environmental information unit provides advice and guidance, on the environmental information regulations which derive from the Aarhus Convention.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it remains their policy that patients undertaking treatment funded by the National Health Service from any source will not have that funding withdrawn solely for financial reasons. [HL1392]

It is our policy that a patient receiving treatment funded by the National Health Service will not have the treatment stopped solely on the grounds of cost during the course of treatment. Primary care trusts, NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts are responsible for making decisions on the care of individuals on a case-by-case basis.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What measures they are taking to reduce stress levels in the United Kingdom; and what advice is given to (a) employers, and (b) employees on reducing stress levels. [HL2175]

The national service framework for mental health (1999) identifies excessive stress as one of the factors that can reduce mental well-being and, in some cases, lead to physical and mental ill health. As such, stress is part of Making it possible: improving mental health and well-being in England (2006), which provides good practice to support the development and delivery of action to improve mental health and well-being.

The Shift anti-stigma workplace campaign, Action on Stigma, is in line with our emphasis on improving mental health for the whole community. Shift, which is being run from 2004-09 by the National Institute for Mental Health in England (NIMHE), and is funded by the department, is an integral part of NIMHE's work in tackling stigma and discrimination in mental health. Through Action on Stigma, Shift is helping employers to reduce the discrimination faced by people with mental health problems in the workplace. The initiative has included a listening exercise involving more than 500 employers and Shift will be producing an action plan for employers in 2007.

The Government recognise the importance of tackling work-related stress (WRS) to both the economy and the health of the nation, with the topic also being covered in both the Health Work and Wellbeing Strategy and the Department for Work and Pensions' work on welfare reform. WRS is also one of the priority topics identified in the Health and Safety Commission's strategy for workplace health and safety 2010.

In 2004, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched the management standards for tackling work-related stress (MS) and is supporting organisations through the process.

Nearly 1,500 organisations in the HSE's target sectors (central government, local government, health, education and financial services) have received support via sector implementation plans (SIPs). The first (SIP1) saw nearly 80 organisations provided with direct support from an HSE inspector and access to nearly £300,000 of Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) adviser time. SIP2 started with a series of 69 workshops in late 2006/early 2007 with more than 1,400 organisations represented. Support for SIP2 organisations is provided via a telephone helpline, a series of master classes and guidance on how to choose professional assistance if required.

For employers outside the target sectors, help is still available. Workplace Health Connect is a pilot initiative providing advice to small and medium organisations on a number of occupational health issues, including WRS.

A wealth of guidance is also available on the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk with content being added regularly. This is in addition to the free printed guidance, also available on the website: Making the stress Management Standards work: How to apply the Standards in your workplace which gives an overview of the process and the stressors identified and Tackling stress: the management standards approach—a short guide.

Guidance for employees is also available on the website and in the publication entitled Working together to reduce stress at work—a guide for employees which was co-published with ACAS and the Trades Union Congress.

Managers have been identified as having a significant bearing on staff's experiences in the workplace. In light of this, HSE has commissioned research from Goldsmiths College on the competencies and behaviour required to minimise WRS—the findings from this work will be launched in March 2007.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consideration they are giving to restoring the rights of unpaid charity workers who are United Kingdom citizens, and who have worked overseas for more than five years, to receive free National Health Service healthcare. [HL2110]

Anyone who is not ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom (UK) is subject to the National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 1989, as amended, and will be liable for charges for National Health Service hospital treatment if they are not exempt from charge under one of several exemption categories listed in the regulations.

These regulations were amended in 2006 so that anyone who is working outside the UK as a missionary for an organisation with its principal place of business in the UK will be fully exempt from charges. This is regardless of whether they derive a salary or wage from the organisation, or receive any type of funding or assistance from the organisation for the purposes of working overseas. We have no plans to extend that to other unpaid charity workers.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their assessment of the extent to which they expect energy reports will have an impact on (a) the saleability of property; (b) the value of property; or (c) the property market in general. [HL2090]

It is too early to give a definitive assessment of the impact that energy performance certificates will have on the property market. The introduction of energy performance certificates will for the first time allow prospective purchasers to compare the energy efficiency of properties. This in turn is expected to stimulate a market for more efficient properties, which may benefit from a more rapid sale and/or higher value.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

By which international organisations, of which the United Kingdom is a member, Javier Solana is employed. [HL2386]

Javier Solana is employed by the European Union (specifically the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union) as Secretary-General of the Council and High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy. He is also Secretary-General of the Western European Union and head of the European Defence Agency, but is not paid a separate salary for either of these positions.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the 10th division of the Iraqi army will be fully operational; and when they will transfer operational command of the division to Iraqi ground forces command. [HL2248]

Operational command of the 10th division of the Iraqi army was handed to Iraqi ground forces command on 1 January 2007 and an enabling MOU was signed in February. 10 div is assessed as being able to carry out independent operations with some support from coalition forces. There are areas which still require improvement and UK forces continue to provide mentoring and training support.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have made an assessment of the likely date by which Basra can be handed over to Iraqi provincial control. [HL2250]

The decision on when to transition provinces to provincial Iraqi control is made jointly by the Government of Iraq and the coalition based on an assessment of security-related conditions. On current estimates, we hope to handover Basra to provincial Iraqi control in the second half of 2007, although this will be dependent on progress towards meeting the agreed conditions.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What work the Ministry of Defence has undertaken since October 2006 to improve the air conditioning and ventilation for contracted chefs and kitchen staff in Iraq. [HL2262]

Within the past three months we have installed a new kitchen in Basra Palace and within the past six months we have installed five new kitchens in five new camps at the contingency operating base at Basra air station. Each of these new facilities is fitted with air conditioning and appropriate ventilation. In addition, we continually undertake a programme of air condition maintenance, overhaul and replacement as necessary.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many detainees United Kingdom forces currently hold in Iraq; what are the grounds for their detention; and how detention figures have fluctuated since the opening of the divisional temporary detention facility at Shaibah logistics base. [HL2257]

As at 27 February 2007, UK Forces were holding 113 individuals in Iraq, at the divisional temporary detention facility (DTDF) at Shaibah logistics base. Eight are on remand while their cases are heard by the Central Criminal Court of Iraq (CCCI). One has been convicted by the CCCI and is being held while arrangements are made for his transfer to the Iraqi prison service. The remaining internees are held under the authorisation contained in letters annexed to United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1546, as carried forward by resolutions 1637 and 1723.

Since its opening in December 2003 UK forces have interred in the region of 1,500 persons. As would be expected, the numbers of internees have fluctuated in accordance with the type and tempo of operations. Generally, since 2004, the numbers held range between 30 and 130.

Of the 118 who were held on 8 February 2007:

Five had been held for more than two years (one convicted prisoner, two on remand, two internees)

Five had been held for 18 to 24 months (five internees)

22 had been held for 12 to 18 months (22 internees)

45 had been held for six to 12 months (three on remand, 42 internees)

41 had been held for zero to six months (three on remand, 38 internees)

Those detained are assessed and released or interned. All cases of internees are reviewed monthly by MND(SE). In addition, these cases go to a joint Iraqi and MNF-I review board every three months. There are additional review procedures for those held for a period in excess of 18 months.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Answer by the Lord President on 21 February (Official Report col. 1084), when the Government of Australia were consulted over the plans for United Kingdom forces drawdown in Iraq. [HL2213]

We have made clear our intent to consult with allies over our plans for Iraq and will continue to do so in the future. We consulted the Australian Government, along with other allies, prior to the Lord President's announcement.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What changes coalition partners in the multinational division (south east) Iraq have announced to their deployments in the light of the United Kingdom announcement of a prospective drawdown in force levels. [HL2214]

In response to the changing conditions in Basra, the Danish Government announced, in parallel with the UK, plans to replace their battalion of approximately 400 troops with an aviation capability in August. Prior to the UK announcement, the Australian Government stated that they would be sending an additional 70 military trainers to southern Iraq to help enhance the capacity of the Iraqi security forces. This was fully consistent with UK plans. Our other partners in southern Iraq (Czech Republic; Lithuania; Romania) have all confirmed their continued support to Iraq.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What assessment the Ministry of Defence has made of the implications of the transition to provincial Iraqi control for United Kingdom troop numbers in theatre. [HL2251]

The precise number of troops required after transition to provincial Iraqi control will be dependent on the scale of residual tasks. As with those provinces in multinational division (south east) where responsibility for security has already been transferred to the Iraqi authorities, following handover to provincial Iraqi control in Maysan and Basra, we will need to maintain sufficient force levels to continue training and developing Iraqi forces while retaining the ability to reintervene should the security situation necessitate.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What assessments the Ministry of Defence has made of how the threat of heat exhaustion while in a vehicle can most effectively be overcome in Iraq and other operational theatres, other than by equipping vehicles with air conditioning. [HL2261]

In addition to an extensive programme to fit air conditioning to many of our current and future armoured fighting vehicles, we have examined other methods of combating high temperatures and mitigating the effects of excessive heat. Access to cold drinking water will be provided to soldiers operating from Warrior vehicles and we hope to procure a personal cooling system to lower the thermal load of soldiers conducting foot patrols and other duties outdoors.

We are also investigating the use of reflective blankets on the top of vehicles to reflect solar heat. Pragmatic measures such as keeping vehicles in shade with hatches closed during the hottest time of day are applied when practical.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many Iraqi police officers have been trained to date. [HL2133]

At present there are approximately 135,000 personnel in the Iraqi police service, all of whom have been trained and equipped by coalition forces.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What capabilities the central Government of Iraq have developed to assist with the delivery of security in Basra. [HL2131]

Central Iraqi Government support to delivering security in all Iraqi provinces continues to develop, with decisions on recruitment, training and equipping the Iraqi security forces (ISF) made centrally by the Iraqi Ministries of Defence and the Interior. Advice is provided to the central Iraqi security institutions by coalition experts, including around 25 from the UK.

The Iraqi military headquarters, Iraqi Ground Force Command, is located in Baghdad; it commands on a national level and has started to take operational control of the Iraqi army. 10 Division, which is based in Basra, was transferred to their command in January 2007 and is increasingly taking a lead role in delivering security. The Iraqi Police Service commands at a provincial level. Once responsibility has been transferred to the Iraqi authorities, it will be the Basra Provincial Police Service which will take the lead for delivering security in the province.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will propose to the quartet that Hamas Ministers have already given de facto recognition to the state of Israel. [HL2409]

Hamas has not yet made clear its position regarding the recognition of Israel.

We welcome Saudi Arabia's efforts to broker a national unity government through negotiations with Hamas and Fatah in Mecca. We also welcome President Abbas's efforts for intra-Palestinian reconciliation. We await the final details of the new national unity government. We will judge the national unity government as a whole on their actions and respond accordingly.

We have repeatedly made clear that we are ready to engage with any Palestinian Government who are based on the quartet principles: renunciation of violence; recognition of Israel; and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the road map.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What discussions they have held with the international community concerning the request for advice from the International Court of Justice on the occupation of Palestine, following the United Nations Human Rights Council report of 29 January. [HL2500]

We have had no such discussions following the report of the special rapporteur to which the noble Baroness refers.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have made to the Government of Israel concerning the continued house demolitions in East Jerusalem. [HL2497]

We are greatly concerned by the demolition of Palestinian homes and property. While we recognise Israel's right to defend itself against terrorist attack, the Israeli Government must act within international law. The demolition of homes harms innocent civilians. It fuels anger among Palestinians and consequently risks undermining prospects for peace in the longer term. We have called on the Israeli authorities to end demolitions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Our embassy in Tel Aviv regularly raises our concerns regarding house demolitions with the Israeli authorities. It did so most recently on 20 February.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have made to the Government of Israel concerning recent events in Nablus involving the arrest of people, house demolitions and militarisation of the city. [HL2498]

We are concerned by the impact of Israel’s military operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Israel, like all states, has the right to defend itself against terrorism, which the UK condemns absolutely. However, Israel must ensure that its actions comply with international humanitarian law and minimise the impact on civilians. Our embassy in Tel Aviv raised our concerns regarding the impact of the military incursion in Nablus with the Israeli Defence Force on 8 March.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have made to the Government of Israel concerning the closure of schools, banks and public services in Nablus. [HL2499]

We are concerned by the impact of Israel's military operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Israel, like all states, has the right to defend itself against terrorism, which the UK condemns absolutely. However, Israel must ensure that its actions comply with international humanitarian law and minimise the impact on civilians. Our embassy in Tel Aviv raised our concerns regarding the impact of the military incursion in Nablus with the Israeli Defence Force on 8 March.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the agreement of 13 February on nuclear restraint with North Korea will be used as a model for agreements with other countries with nuclear weapons inside or outside the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) framework and as a means to persuade non-NPT signatories, including Israel, into NPT membership. [HL2489]

The Government welcome the positive outcome reached on 13 February to this latest round of the six-party talks and commend the efforts made by all parties involved to reach an agreement.

We hope that North Korea will work towards implementation of the 13 February agreement, comply with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718, and resume its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Every proliferation case is individual and extrapolation of the North Korea model to other cases may not be appropriate. For example, the 13 February agreement has specific clauses on the provision of heavy fuel oil, which is of relevance to North Korea, but not necessarily elsewhere.

The UK continues to support universalisation of the NPT, and uses every opportunity, including with Israel, to promote accession to the treaty.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Andrews on 21 February (WA 258), what are the inter-departmental co-ordinating mechanisms concerning light pollution between the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department for Communities and Local Government; and which Minister has overall responsibility for the proposed guidance. [HL2356]

Policy responsibility for statutory nuisance from artificial light rests with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Planning controls, which provide an important mechanism for limiting the effects of light pollution, are the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. This means that the two departments work closely together in this subject and are currently collaborating on the production of guidance for local planning authorities on planning and pollution issues.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many national insurance numbers are currently recorded as valid. [HL2421]

All of the national insurance numbers (NINOs) held on the DWP customer information system (CIS) database are valid numbers.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proportion of the average increase in the earnings of general practitioners from the National Health Service over the past three years will be pensionable. [HL1963]

General practitioners (GP) receive a pension based on the net profits they make due to National Health Service work based on their average revalued pensionable earnings for each year of service. It follows that increases in net NHS profits in the past three years will be fully pensionable for those years.

Following consultation with the British Medical Association, the Government have capped the revaluations of GP pensions contributions paid in past years.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the British ambassador to the Council of Europe will sign the Council of Europe convention on human trafficking in March this year. [HL2402]

On 22 January my right honourable friend the Prime Minister announced the UK's intention to sign the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. The UK is currently examining how to implement the convention and cannot give a specific date for signature. However, having signalled our intention to sign, we are now committed to implementing the convention and putting in place a framework which will provide real protection and support to all victims of trafficking.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the chief executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland made representations to the Northern Ireland Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure concerning the funding of the Queen's Festival this year; if so, to whom she made such representations; what level of funding she requested; and why she made these representations. [HL2359]

The chief executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland did not make representations to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) concerning the level of funding for the Belfast Festival at Queen's in 2007.

She did attend a round table meeting of the festival's public funding partners which was led by DCAL. At this meeting the chief executive outlined the Arts Council's funding position.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 20 February (WA 233), when the raised capacity levels of 30 per cent above existing levels will be reached, bearing in mind current capacity issues on the Cross Country franchise. [HL2176]

The specification for the new Cross Country franchise requires bidders to put forward proposals for an increase of at least 30 per cent above existing levels by June 2010.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will take action to reverse the decision not to fit toilet retention tanks during the current refurbishment of First Great Western high-speed train rolling stock. [HL2217]

The current refurbishment of the First Great Western high-speed train rolling stock is intended to provide a 10-year life extension to support services during the current franchise until the introduction of their replacement, the InterCity Express for which a procurement announcement in line with European procedures will be made in March.

Work to fit toilet retention tanks to the existing rolling stock would increase train weight and require major structural modifications that cannot be justified as part of the life extension. However, the decision to reverse the present position belongs to First Great Western and not the Government. The InterCity Express rolling stock will include retention tanks.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the work being carried out on the slipway at Bagenalstown will be completed; at what cost; whether outside contractors were used; and, if so, how they were selected. [HL2426]

This proposal will be designed by Waterways Ireland’s design section and will be ready to go to construction in late summer of 2007. It has not yet been decided whether to let the work to contract or to undertake it using Waterways Ireland’s operational staff. The estimated cost of the work is €20,000 subject to final design, and completion is expected in early 2008.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to modify the functions of the Serious Fraud Office, in view of recent difficulties in achieving prosecutions. [HL2300]

There are no plans to modify the functions of the Serious Fraud Office. In particular, there are no plans to disband the Serious Fraud Office; on the contrary it is the Attorney-General's intention to strengthen its position.

The Attorney-General and the director of the Serious Fraud Office are therefore jointly commissioning a review in order to look for faster, more efficient ways to prosecute serious fraud and other complex cases. The precise scope of the review will be announced shortly.

As to the alleged difficulties in achieving prosecutions, so far this year the office has reached a 71 per cent conviction rate.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the views expressed by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in the Belfast Telegraph on 26 February, concerning the virtues of a stadium in a city centre, represented the views of the Government. [HL2358]

The views attributed to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, in the article in the Belfast Telegraph on 26 February 2007, reflected comments he had made specifically about the virtues of the location of the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. The Secretary of State has stated that the Maze/Long Kesh is the right site for the proposed multi-sports stadium for Northern Ireland.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their estimate of the loss of corporation tax revenues over the past (a) year, and (b) three years due to takeover bids for publicly listed companies by private equity bidders financed by high levels of debt secured on the assets of their takeover targets. [HL2072]

The information requested is not available.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the substantial increase in highly geared private equity takeovers of publicly listed companies in the past three years represents an increased risk to employment or economic stability in the United Kingdom in an economic downturn. [HL2073]

There has been an increase in debt levels in the corporate sector as a whole, reflecting favourable borrowing conditions and previous historically low debt levels. Higher debt levels can increase vulnerability to adverse changes in conditions in some cases. Financial institutions take this into consideration when making commercial lending decisions in accordance with their own risk management processes and relevant regulatory requirements. The FSA published a discussion paper in November 2006 on the potential risks associated with private equity. This noted that private equity is becoming an increasingly important component of a dynamic and efficient capital market and highlighted a number of risks identified to the FSA's statutory objectives. The paper is currently open for public comment.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will review the amount of interest payments which are tax-deductible in the early life of highly borrowed companies set up to make takeover bids. [HL2074]

It is the international norm that interest is in general treated as a business expense and deductible from taxable profits for companies in any form of ownership. The Government have no plans to review this principle.

The Government announced on 8 March that they will review the current tax deductibility rules applying to the use of shareholder debt where it replaces the equity element in highly leveraged deals in the light of market developments. The review is intended to ensure that existing rules are working as intended. This is consistent with the Government's focus on ensuring that commercial decisions are taken on a level playing field to maximise efficient working of the investment chain.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their estimate of the cost to the Exchequer in each of the past three years from allowing employees of private equity funds taper relief on capital gains tax on their personal shareholdings in the companies in which their funds invest. [HL2076]

The information requested is not available.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action they have taken to comply with the ruling of the European Court of First Instance in the case Organisation des Modjahedines du Peuple d'Iran v Council of the European Union, annulling Council Decision 2005/930/EC of 21 December 2005 freezing the funds of the organisation; and in what manner they will now provide for the full hearing of the case against the organisation. [HL2432]

On 12 December 2006, the Court of First Instance (CFI) of the European Community annulled the Council of the European Union's decision to add the Mujahedinn e Khalq (MeK, also known as OMPI or PMOI) to its list of terrorist organisations subject to an EU-wide asset freeze. The CFI judgment focused on issues of EU procedure; the Court did not rule on the substantive question as to whether the MeK is a terrorist group.

The specific Council decision of December 2005 annulled by the Court has been replaced by a subsequent Council decision of May 2006. The EU-wide asset freeze against MeK is therefore still in force. The EU keeps its terrorist asset freezing decisions under regular review.

Following the CFI decision on the MeK case in December, the EU has reviewed the listing, using improved procedures, and on 30 January reaffirmed its decision to include the MeK on its list of terrorist organisations. In line with the Court's requirements, it has written to the group setting out the reasons for the decision, and explaining how the group can exercise its right to provide further information relevant to the case and/or petition for delisting.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will take steps to enhance the appeal of Carrickfergus Castle as a tourist attraction. [HL2424]

Carrickfergus Castle is the most popular of the historic monuments cared for by Environment and Heritage Service (EHS), with almost 60,000 visitors in 2006. The staff complement includes a castle manager, assistant manager, custodian, tour guides and receptionists.

EHS's actions have included installing reduced-scale siege weaponry, refurbishing the model figures, upgrading the reception building (making it more suitable for disabled people) and improving the castle vaults for use by schools. During 2006 EHS carried out major conservation work on the walls on the seaward side. During 2007, work will continue on the entrance towers.

Other actions under way for 2007 include commissioning a new audio-visual presentation, producing a new guidebook, and further improving facilities for disabled people. EHS is considering opening sections of the wall walk to supervised groups and assembing military memorabilia.

The castle will host a number of events throughout 2007. These include a fencing competition in June, the Lughnasa Fair in July, the Halloween Fair in October, and a series of living history events and demonstrations throughout the year. The castle may also be used when Carrickfergus hosts the Walled Towns of Ireland Association in the autumn.

I am satisfied that EHS's programme of work is greatly enhancing the appeal of Carrickfergus Castle as a tourist attraction. The agency will continue to work with the council and tourism industry to achieve that.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In respect of accidents on the roads and railways for each of the past five years, how many people died in (a) road, and (b) rail accidents, separated into (a) general public travelling; (b) transport workers engaged in maintenance; (c) suicides; and (d) level crossing accidents. [HL2374]

The information requested on reported personal injury on road accidents has been published by the department on its website in table 8.2 of Transport Statistics Great Britain: 2006 edition. This table can be found at the following web address: www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/statistics/datatablespublications/tsgb/2006edition/sectioneight transportacciden1846. A copy of this publication is also available in the Libraries of the House.

Statistics on railway safety are published by the Office of Rail Regulation in its annual reports on railway safety, which are available in the Libraries of the House or from its website: www.rail-reg.gov.uk.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the 85 per cent recycling target for 2006 under the End-of-Life Vehicles Regulations 2003 has been met; and, if not, when they expect it to be met. [HL2383]

Vehicle manufacturers and authorised treatment facilities with recovery obligations under the End-of-Life Vehicles (Producer Responsibility) Regulations 2005 are required to report to the Secretary of State by 1 April 2007 on the reuse, recovery and recycling rates achieved for vehicles they have treated in 2006. This information will be analysed and verified before being used to calculate the UK's overall recovery performance, which must be submitted to the Commission by mid-2008.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in light of the increased average cost of road traffic accidents indicated in the Department for Transport report, Road Casualties in Great Britain Main Results: 2005, they will commission Loughborough University to update its calculations of the cost benefit of making retro-reflective markings mandatory on heavy goods vehicles. [HL2510]

No. There would be little point in asking Loughborough University to update its research as the decision has already been taken to require fitment of retro-reflective tape to new heavy trucks. Preparations are in hand for public consultation on an amendment to the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations to implement the retro-reflective tape requirements from October 2009, the earliest date that contracting parties to UNECE Regulation 48 can refuse to register new heavy trucks not fitted with reflective tape.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the work being carried out on the refurbishment of the Grand Canal dock will be completed; at what cost; whether outside contractors were used; and, if so, how they were selected. [HL2427]

I understand from Waterways Ireland that this work is currently advertised for tender. It is intended that the work will be undertaken by a private contractor. This project will commence in 2007 and run into 2008.

The work is estimated to cost in the region of €1.3 million.

Selection of contractors is at all times carried out in accordance with the Waterways Ireland Financial Memorandum.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the work being carried out on the navigational signage and installation of jetties in the Lough Erne water system will be completed; at what cost; whether outside contractors were used; and, if so, how they were selected. [HL2428]

The installation of navigation signage and jetties on Lough Erne forms part of Waterways Ireland's 2007 capital programme.

Navigational signage will be installed in 2007 as part of a rolling programme of signage modernisation. The current phase is due to be completed by December 2007, at an estimated cost of €11,000. Contractors will be used as and when required.

Jetties will be installed at a number of locations and are due to be completed by March 2008, at an estimated cost of €390,000. Contractors have been used to date and will continue to be used as and when required.

Selection of contractors is at all times carried out in accordance with the Waterways Ireland Financial Memorandum.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to widen the criteria for granting compensation under the ex-gratia payments scheme for former civilian internees of the Japanese in World War II; and [HL2078]

Whether they will widen the criteria for granting compensation under the ex-gratia payments scheme for former civilian internees of the Japanese in World War II to include compensation to (a) siblings of those deemed eligible; (b) individuals whose birth certificates were held in Southport; (c) individuals who worked for the Government abroad for 20 years; and (d) those whose birth certificates were issued by colonial authorities; and [HL2079]

Whether they will re-examine the establishment of a hardship fund to grant compensation to those former civilian internees of the Japanese in World War II who are not deemed eligible for that compensation under present guidelines. [HL2080]

Following the implementation of the 20-year UK residence criterion last June, the Government made clear that an analysis would be carried out on the way the criterion was working and that they would seek the views of the Association of British Civilian Internees—Far East Region on the results of this analysis. That process is almost complete and my honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence and Minster for Veterans will set out the Government's conclusions shortly.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which department is taking the lead in considering the request for some form of recognition for conscripted coal-miners during World War II; and whether the examination is being restricted to conscripts only. [HL2083]

We expect to announce the Government’s specific proposals to give greater recognition to the Bevin Boys within the next few weeks.