asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have received any requests to deploy main battle tanks to Afghanistan from commanders in that country in the past three months; and, if so, what has been their response. [HL2874]

There have been no such requests.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many members of the regular Armed Forces and the Reserves, having served in Iraq since January 2003, have been treated for mental illnesses; what consultation Ministers have had with Combat Stress in the past year about the after-care of those discharged because of their illnesses; and what further action is being considered. [HL2692]

During the operational period from January 2003 to 30 September 2006, 2,123 mobilised British Military Personnel (Regular and Reservists) who deployed to Operation TELIC were assessed by, and received treatment from, the Defence Medical Services for mental health conditions thought to be related to their deployment. This represents around 2 per cent of personnel deployed to Operation TELIC over the same period.

Of this number, 328 service personnel fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), representing around 0.3 per cent of personnel deployed to Operation TELIC over the same period. Some 904 personnel were diagnosed with an adjustment disorder; this figure will include a number who have post-traumatic symptoms not amounting to full PTSD. The other 891 personnel were treated for a range of other miscellaneous disorders.

In 2003, the MoD commissioned research by the King’s Centre for Military Health Research into the health of military personnel who were deployed to Operation TELIC. This report showed that in the 2003 deployment there was no significant increase in ill health of regular forces compared to those that did not deploy. However, the report did show that a higher proportion of Reservists who did deploy displayed symptoms of common mental health problems and PTSD compared to either regulars or to Reservists who did not deploy. As a result of this study, the MoD introduced the Reserves Mental Health Programme to improve the overall healthcare we offer to demobilised Reservists.

It remains the case that medical discharge from the UK Armed Forces due to psychological illness is also low. Out of the total of some 180,000 regular service personnel, only about 150, or less than 0.1 per cent, are discharged annually for mental health reasons, whatever the cause.

The Veterans Minister has had a number of meetings or discussions with officers of the Ex-Service Mental Welfare Society (Combat Stress) in the past year. Discussions have covered various aspects of the society's work with mentally ill veterans; his latest conversation with the chief executive was as recently as 19 March.

The MoD meets individual costs relating to war pensioners who undergo “remedial treatment” at either of the two Combat Stress homes in England for conditions related to their individual war pensioned disablement. For 2006-07, the “remedial treatment” fees rate was increased by more than the rate of inflation. We are currently in discussions with Combat Stress regarding fee rates for 2007-08.

The MoD also recently awarded a grant of £100,000 to Combat Stress towards the modernisation of its care home in Scotland, Hollybush House.

The Government are committed to good mental health and well-being for Armed Forces personnel, both in service and after they leave. For veterans, healthcare is primarily the responsibility of the NHS. A number of new initiatives are being considered to improve the treatment of veterans suffering with mental health problems. Following recommendations on mental health services for veterans in 2005 by the independent Health and Social Care Advisory Service, officials from the Ministry of Defence, the UK health departments and Combat Stress have been working together to develop and implement a new community-based model for mental health services for veterans; this would include integration of Combat Stress into NHS commissioning arrangements. It is hoped that, beginning in the spring of 2007, the model will be piloted at sites across the UK.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In respect of passengers dying during international flights on airlines registered in the United Kingdom—(a) what regulations or procedures apply; (b) whether there are limits on the time that a deceased person remains strapped in a seat; (c) in what circumstances airlines are required to divert to a nearby airport for the body to be removed; (d) whether airlines are required to provide facilities on board aeroplanes for use in such circumstances on flights over a certain duration; and (e) whether airlines are required to pay compensation for inconvenience caused to passengers in these circumstances. [HL2852]

The answers to the points raised are:

(a) The regulations regarding the registration of births, deaths and missing persons are laid down in the Civil Aviation (Births, Deaths and Missing Persons) Regulations 1948, as amended, made pursuant to Section 83 of the Civil Aviation Act, 1982. In general terms, if a death occurs on board an aircraft (which is not a consequence of an aircraft accident) anywhere in the world, the owner of the aircraft needs to notify the CAA of the death by completing the notification of deaths form and returning it to the Aircraft Registration Section. The regulation only covers aircraft that are registered in the UK and does not apply if the death occurs on an aircraft registered in another state, even if operated by a UK airline.

(b) No limits are laid down concerning the length of time a deceased person may remain strapped in an aircraft seat.

(c) There are no requirements for airlines to divert in the case of a death on board. Any guidance to the aircraft commander on actions to be taken following a death on board will be provided by the aircraft operator and set out in the operator's operations manual.

(d) There are no requirements for an airline to provide specific facilities on board an aircraft to cater for a death in flight.

(e) There are no regulations requiring an airline to pay compensation for any inconvenience caused to passengers as a result of a death on board.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 16 March (WA 159), whether they will instruct the British High Commission in Dhaka to visit Mr Ranghani Mro in the Chittagong hospital and report on his welfare and medical condition. [HL2854]

An official from our high commission in Dhaka visited the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) as part of a delegation from Dhaka-based EU missions on 21 to 22 March. The delegation met indigenous leaders and non-governmental organisation representatives to discuss the latest situation in CHT. Mr Mro's case formed part of these discussions, but there was no suggestion that his condition is life-threatening. We have no plans to visit him.

Following mounting concerns over the treatment of the indigenous people of the CHT, the EU raised this with the caretaker Government on 18 March. We will continue to press the caretaker Government and the army to respect human rights and the rule of law.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will take legislative or regulatory steps to prevent United Kingdom retail banks closing private customer accounts because of legitimate complaints of excessive charges from clients. [HL2778]

The decision to close an account is a commercial decision for the bank. However, the management of private customer current accounts is covered by the banking code, which is monitored by the Banking Code Standards Board (BCSB). The code sets out the ways in which banks fairly and reasonably deal with their customers, including circumstances under which accounts may be closed. If customers think that their bank has failed to treat them fairly and reasonably they can approach the Financial Ombudsman Service to look into the matter.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will support Botswana's application to the Committee on International Trade in Endangered Species to sell stocks of ivory accumulated from tusks recovered from elephants which died from natural causes; and whether they will encourage European Union member states to do likewise. [HL2683]

The UK is currently awaiting information on whether criteria, agreed at the 12th conference of CITES parties in 2002, for the one-off sales of ivory stockpiles to take place, have been met. The issue will be discussed by the CITES Standing Committee on 2 June. Botswana’s additional proposals, for annual sales and an increase in the size of any one-off stockpile sale, are to be discussed at the 14th conference of CITES parties (3-15 June). The UK, along with EU member states, is currently looking at these proposals and no decision on them has yet been taken.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

On what basis and by whom evidence of human involvement in climate change has been evaluated; and whether the ongoing natural process of climate change has been taken into account in the Government's assessments of climate change. [HL2699]

Recognising the problem of potential global climate change, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) established the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988. It is open to all members of the UN and WMO.

The role of the IPCC is to assess on a comprehensive, objective, open and transparent basis the scientific, technical and socio-economic information relevant to understanding the scientific basis of risk of human-induced climate change, its potential impacts and options for adaptation and mitigation.

The IPCC is the most authoritative voice on climate change. Its assessments represent the consensus of thousands of scientists worldwide, based on peer-reviewed, research. Objectivity is ensured by the broad and open review process and shared responsibility for its reports. No one Government, organisation or individual has sole responsibility for any part of the IPCC’s reports.

The IPCC’s latest major assessment, the fourth assessment report on climate change, concludes that most of the observed warming since the mid-20th century is very likely—that is, a more than 90 per cent chance—to be the result of human emissions of greenhouse gases. Both the spatial patterns and trend of warming can only be explained by the inclusion of human emissions. It is therefore very unlikely that the rapid increase in global temperatures seen over the past half century could have been caused by natural factors alone.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have published the advice they have received from Natural England in relation to coastal access; and, if not, whether they intend to do so and when. [HL2833]

Natural England's report, Improving Coastal Access: Our advice to Government, will be published at the same time as we issue our public consultation document.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What evidence they require from biofuels plants that qualify for enhanced capital allowances of significant carbon dioxide emission savings; and whether this evidence is publicly available.[HL2605]

ECAs were first introduced for a range of energy-saving technologies in 2001. The qualifying technologies are specified in the Energy Technology List (ETL) published by Defra. The ETL includes a product list that lists the products that meet the energy-saving criteria. This gives businesses certainty that if they buy a piece of machinery when it is on the list, they can claim the allowances.

Providing ECAs for tailor-made installations, such as biofuel plants, rather than an individual piece of equipment requires a different approach. For example, in the case of combined heat and power (CHP) plants, to qualify spending must be certified as being incurred on “good quality” CHP. Accreditation is carried out by the CHP quality assurance programme (CHPQA) on behalf of Defra. The ETL includes a criteria list that lists the equipment making up a CHP installation that can qualify for ECAs.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have quantified the emissions of nitrous oxides associated with feedstock cultivation for biofuels and biofuels consumption; and how this compares with nitrous oxides emissions associated with (a) arable land used for growing food, and (b) production and use of fossil fuels. [HL2646]

The Government have funded a number of studies to consider environmental impacts and benefits of biofuels, including emissions of nitrous oxides.

Emissions of nitrous oxide associated with feedstock cultivation are mainly related to fertiliser production and application. The fertiliser nitrogen requirement of arable crops grown for fuel are little different from that required to grow the same crops for food.

Both oxides of nitrogen (NOx—local pollutants) and nitrous oxide (N₂0—a powerful greenhouse gas) are produced during the combustion of biofuels. A DfT funded study found that at low-level blends, emissions performance of vehicles are broadly the same as for fossil fuels (~0.007 N₂0 grams per kilometre (g/km)). Pure biofuels had a slightly higher rate of N₂0 emissions (~0.01 N₂0 g/km), but NOx emissions were 8 per cent lower than for fossil fuels.

Under the forthcoming Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, obligated companies will be required to report on the environmental impacts and lifecycle greenhouse gas benefits of the fuels that they supply. The Government are currently developing technical guidance to ensure reporting is consistent and robust.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their assessment of the level of input of fertiliser into the cultivation of feedstock for production of bioethanol and biodiesel which will render the use of the biofuel to be responsible for net emissions of greenhouse gas rather than savings. [HL2648]

The Government have funded a number of studies to evaluate the net lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions performance of biofuels. Such research routinely takes into account inputs such as levels of fertiliser application.

Emissions associated with the production and use of fertiliser reduce the overall greenhouse gas benefits that biofuels offer. Nevertheless, most biofuels do offer worthwhile emissions savings. For example, UK biodiesel using rapeseed typically offers net lifecycle greenhouse savings of around 50 per cent compared with fossil diesel. Similar levels can be achieved through UK bioethanol derived from wheat. Actual levels of performance can vary widely according to the type of feedstocks used, the level of inputs, and the processing methods employed.

Under the forthcoming Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), obligated companies will be required to report on the lifecycle greenhouse gas benefits of the fuels that they supply. The Government are currently developing the technical guidance that transport fuel suppliers will have to use when calculating their greenhouse gas savings. This will ensure that reporting under the obligation is consistent. In the future, when the reporting system has demonstrated that it is sufficiently robust, the Government are keen to move to a system under which biofuels are rewarded under the RTFO according to their carbon-saving performance. The Government are seeking views in their public consultation on the RTFO, available via the DfT website, on whether, how and when the RTFO might directly incentivise use of biofuels according to their carbon performance.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have made an assessment of the carbon accounting trials conducted by the Renewable Energy Association and the Home Grown Cereals Association; and, if so, whether the trials provide an effective model which could be rolled out across the country as a means of assessing the carbon mitigation benefits of biofuels. [HL2708]

The Government are aware of the work by the Renewable Energy Association (REA) and the Home Grown Cereals Association (HGCA). It has been considered as part of the development of the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation’s carbon reporting framework which will be piloted over the summer. HGCA and REA are on the advisory groups which are helping to develop this framework.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has been involved in determining the terms of reference for the reconstituted Committee on Radioactive Waste Management; and [HL2687]

Whether the Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will be involved in the recruitment and appointment of the members of the reconstituted Committee on Radioactive Waste Management. [HL2688]

Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser was consulted on the terms of reference for the reconstituted Committee on Radioactive Waste Management.

We are consulting Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser on the appointment arrangements and expect to advertise for applicants for the reconstituted committee shortly.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress has been made by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on facilitating voluntary agreements between the football authorities and (a) betting companies, and (b) pools companies on their use of fixtures and data. [HL2761]

In February 2006, the Minister for Sport held meetings between betting companies and football authorities over the use of football's fixture data.

Since then, the Minister and DCMS officials have met and corresponded with representatives of the football authorities on a number of occasions and have made it clear that:

we are not considering seeking to introduce a sports-specific intellectual property right; and

we favour voluntary financial agreements between the sports and betting industries.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress has been made by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on facilitating voluntary agreements between sports governing bodies and betting companies in relation to integrity agreements and payments for the use of sports fixtures and data. [HL2762]

The Gambling Commission is undertaking a number of initiatives related to integrity in sports betting. It recently published a consultation document on information sharing between the Gambling Commission, sport bodies and betting operators and intend to hold a workshop on this issue on 5 April this year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What assessment they have made of the amount of bets taken by United Kingdom betting operators on the following sports (a) horseracing; (b) football; (c) cricket; (d) rugby league; (e) rugby union; and (f) tennis. [HL2763]

The total estimated stake in 2005 and 2006 was £0.9 billion on UK on-course betting and £44.5 billion UK off-course betting.

The Government do not hold information about what proportion of these bets was placed on any particular sport or activity.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will call in large-scale applications for residential development that do not include accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers on land where some Gypsies and Travellers were living or had recently been living. [HL2855]

The Secretary of State’s approach to calling in applications for her own determination remains in line with that set out in a parliamentary Statement made by Richard Caborn, the then Planning Minister, in 1999 [Hansard, Written Answer, 16 June 1999, col. 138]. The Secretary of State's policy is to be very selective about calling in planning applications. She will only take this step if planning decisions of more than local importance are involved. However, each case will be considered on its individual merits.

Cases that may be called in may include, for example, those which in the Secretary of State's opinion:

may conflict with national policies on important matters;

could have significant effects beyond their immediate vicinity;

give rise to substantial regional or national controversy;

raise significant architectural or urban design issues; or

may involve the interests of national security or of foreign Governments.

Planning Circular 01/2006, Planning for Gypsy and Traveller Caravan Sites, offers guidance on major development projects and states:

“A major development or redevelopment project may require the permanent or temporary relocation of a gypsy or traveller site. An onus should be placed on the planning applicant to identify and provide an alternative site, providing the original site has a legal status. The local planning authority should work with the planning applicant and the affected gypsy and traveller community to identify a site (or sites) that would be suitable for relocating this community. In proposing relocation and in seeking a relocation site regard will need to be paid both to the gypsy and traveller community’s social, economic and environmental needs and identified social, economic, and environmental benefits that the major development/redevelopment project will bring to the locality and the broader area”.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many social landlords have responded to the invitation by the Department for Communities and Local Government to discuss provision of accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers; and whether any of these social landlords have indicated that they intend to provide sites or group housing. [HL2856]

The Department for Communities and Local Government holds a forum for registered social landlords with an interest in providing and managing Gypsy and Traveller sites, and 20 organisations are currently represented. Three of these organisations are currently managing sites, and we are working with the Housing Corporation and National Housing Federation to ensure the interest of these, and other RSLs, results in proposals for the provision of accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers.

asked the Chairman of Committees:

Whether he has assessed the extent to which, wherever practicable, tap water is the most suitable and environmentally friendly source of drinking water for the parliamentary estate; and [HL2797]

Why tap water cannot be used as the principal source of drinking water for the parliamentary estate wherever practicable; and [HL2798]

Whether, in the interests of financial economy, he will ensure that tap water is used as the primary source of drinking water within the parliamentary estate wherever practicable. [HL2799]

Potable tap water is made available in all areas of the Lords estate where it is practicable to do so. For example, potable tap water points are provided on every floor of Fielden House and Two Millbank; a number of potable tap water points are located in corridors and offices within the Palace; and potable tap water is available in all Lords refreshment outlets.

Potable tap water is no longer provided in Committee rooms. There is limited time available for Committee rooms to be prepared between meetings and the provision of bottled water is quicker and more sanitary than the filling and washing of carafes.

asked the Chairman of Committees:

Whether he will place in the Library of the House a copy of the feasibility study of the options for a parliamentary visitor information centre commissioned by the House of Lords Information Committee and the House of Commons Administration Sub-Committee, which was published on a confidential basis in October 2006; and [HL2954]

What were the reasons for the confidentiality of the feasibility study of the options for a parliamentary visitor information centre commissioned by the House of Lords Information Committee and the House of Commons Administration Sub-Committee; and whether those reasons still apply. [HL2955]

A feasibility report and options appraisal was prepared by the parliamentary visitor and information centre programme manager in conjunction with external consultants. The report was submitted as evidence to the inquiries undertaken by the House of Lords Information Committee and House of Commons Administration Committee into the viability of a parliamentary visitor centre. Given the commercially sensitive nature of the information contained, circulation of the report was restricted to members of the committees.

As the feasibility report and options appraisal was submitted as evidence to their inquiries, it will be for the committees to decide whether the report should be published. I understand that the Commons committee is likely to report shortly after the Easter Recess. Past practice would suggest that they will publish a selection of the evidence that they have received at the same time.

asked the Chairman of Committees:

When the House of Lords Information Committee will next discuss the provision of a parliamentary visitor information centre or alternative facilities; and when it plans to issue a report on the provision of such facilities. [HL2956]

The House of Lords Information Committee will meet next on 18 April to consider visitor services and facilities. The committee hopes to publish a report before the summer recess.

asked the Chairman of Committees:

Whether any further joint meetings of the House of Lords Information Committee and the House of Commons Administration Sub-Committee will be held in relation to the options for the provision of a parliamentary visitor information centre or alternative facilities. [HL2957]

There are no concurrent meetings scheduled between the House of Lords Information Committee and the House of Commons Administration Committee. However the committees have resolved to maintain close contact and exchange committee papers on visitor services. The chairmen also meet regularly.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many complaints they have received from migrant workers about non-payment or delayed payment of wages; of these complaints, how many referred to payments lower than the national minimum wage or the levels set by the agricultural wages order; and whether they have received complaints of abuses relating to accommodation and other matters.[HL2881]

The statistical data on enforcement of the minimum wage is collected centrally through information received during inquiries into employers at risk of not paying the national minimum wage. The statistical data are held by reference to the team that is conducting the inquiry or by DTI region. HMRC does not currently collect information about the ethnic origin of workers who complain about non-receipt of the minimum wage, nor does it currently collect information about the particular aspect of minimum wage legislation that is breached, which leads to an underpayment of minimum wage.

The agricultural minimum wage is enforced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether arrangements will be made for a Minister to meet a delegation of representatives of the Dalits currently visiting the United Kingdom.[HL2962]

Unfortunately, on this occasion, such a meeting has not been possible due to Ministers' diary commitments. However, a meeting has been arranged at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 28 March with officials from the India Desk, South Asia Group, and the Human Rights, Democracy and Governance Group.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they will take to ensure that Scottish banknotes are accepted overseas for exchange into other currencies; and whether they will take steps to ensure that exchange rates overseas for Scottish banknotes are the same as the exchange rates for English banknotes. [HL2886]

Her Majesty’s Government believe that the exchange of banknotes into other currencies is a commercial matter for the parties involved.

The acceptability of any banknotes will be influenced by the parties’ familiarity with the banknotes and consequent ability to authenticate them as genuine as well as their ability to obtain value for the banknote.

The four banknote denominations issued by the Bank of England account for around 90 per cent of banknotes issued in the United Kingdom. In contrast, the three commercial note-issuing banks in Scotland and four in Northern Ireland collectively issue 39 banknotes designs. Consequently, some Scottish and Northern Ireland banknotes may not be as readily recognised and accepted overseas as Bank of England banknotes.

Her Majesty’s Government believe that the responsibility for promoting recognition and encouraging the acceptance of Scottish and Northern Ireland banknotes lies with the issuing banks.

The exchange rate offered for Scottish and Northern Ireland banknotes overseas will be influenced by the acceptor's perception of his ability to obtain value for the banknote. As these banknotes are not liabilities of a central bank, some parties may reflect this in the exchange rate offered.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Davies of Oldham on 14 March (WA 134), whether they are aware of any reliable estimates of the proportions of Sunni and Shia Muslims, ordinarily resident in the Great Britain. [HL2808]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.

Letter from Karen Dunnell, National Statistician, to Lord Lester of Herne Hill, dated 28 March 2007.

As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question inquiring whether there are any reliable estimates of the proportions of Sunni and Shia Muslims ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom. [HL2808]

I would refer you to the Answer given in Official Report, Volume 690, No 58. col. 134, which explains that information requested is not available.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, under the Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) Regulations 2007, it will be the responsibility of veterinary surgeons to ensure that measures to improve environmental conditions or management systems have been taken to prevent tailbiting before pigs' tails are docked; and, if not, what means of enforcement they envisage. [HL2729]

The routine tail docking of pigs is not permitted. The ban under the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 will be carried over into the new Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) Regulations 2007.

Under the law, the tail docking of piglets may not be carried out unless there is evidence that injuries to other pigs' tails have occurred, and other measures or management systems have been implemented in order to improve environmental conditions and prevent tail biting. Advice from private veterinary surgeons should be sought by producers in making decisions about changing conditions to avoid having to tail dock.

The welfare of the pigs remains the responsibility of the owner or stock-keeper. In the event of an inspection by the State Veterinary Service, which is responsible for the enforcement of farm animal welfare legislation, the onus will therefore continue to be on the owner or stock-keeper to show compliance with the law.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the Gypsy and Traveller accommodation needs assessment for Greater London will be published; and whether the needs of Gypsies and Travellers who will be required to move because the land on which they are now living will be required for purposes connected with the 2012 London Olympic Games will be met. [HL2805]

We expect the Gypsy and Traveller accommodation needs assessment for London to be published in the autumn. The London Development Agency, which is responsible for clearing the Olympic zone, and the local authorities that provide the sites on which the Gypsies and Travellers are currently living are working to ensure that their accommodation needs are met.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the present level of railway fares is conducive to maximising the use of the network. [HL2508]

Over the past 10 years, the commercial approach to pricing taken by train operators has helped to generate the 40 per cent increase in passenger volumes which has given Britain the fastest-growing railway in Europe. Commercial pricing means charging higher fares at peak times when trains are full, but lower fares in the off-peak to attract additional passengers. This helps to achieve value for money in terms of both passengers carried and subsidy required.

Where operators have a degree of market power—for example, commuter transport into London and other big cities—the Department for Transport places a limit on fares increases. As a result, these regulated fares are currently on average 2 per cent less in real terms than they were in 1996.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 14 March (WA 138) on the Great North Eastern franchise, how they will ensure that the current level of on-board service offered by the Great North Eastern Railway is maintained in any of the bids considered, bearing in mind that the market will not have an opportunity to determine the level of on-board service. [HL2826]

The bidders for the InterCity East Coast franchise are given extensive material relating to the operation of the current franchise during the bidding process including details of the current on-board service.

Bidders are encouraged to consult with stakeholders during the preparation of their bid. Stakeholders are provided with the contact details of the bidding parties through the stakeholder briefing document that is published on the DfT website.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the protection afforded to Virgin Trains under the moderation of competition arrangements as part of the original franchise has been extended; and, if so, until when. [HL2825]

Any extension of the moderation of competition arrangements will be considered by the Office of Rail Regulation as part of the new track access agreement which is currently being negotiated between West Coast Trains Limited and Network Rail Infrastructure Limited.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the regional rate in Northern Ireland in each of the past five years; and what was the total amount raised by this rate for water and sewage services in each of these years. [HL2677]

The following table lists the domestic and non-domestic regional rate in each of the last five years.

The regional rate is an unhypothecated tax and is not allocated to specific areas of expenditure, but instead contributes to the overall resources available to the Secretary of State to allocate to regional public services in Northern Ireland.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their response to the recommendations of the United Nations high-level report on Sudan that (a) the General Assembly of the United Nations should request the compilation of a list of foreign companies that have an adverse impact on human rights in Darfur; and (b) United Nations institutions and offices should abstain from entering into business transactions with any identified companies. [HL2869]

The report of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) Mission to Sudan, issued on 12 March, confirms concerns we already have about the grave human rights situation in Darfur. We are working with partners at the HRC to pass a resolution in support of the report.

We are working at the UN Security Council to impose further measures on those responsible for violating UN Security Council Resolution 1591, including targeted sanctions against individuals. There must be no impunity for human rights abuses.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have made to the Governments of China and Russia about their decision to dismiss the report of the United Nations Human Rights Council into human rights violations in Darfur as having no validity as the report's authors were denied visas to visit the region. [HL2870]

The UN Human Rights Council (HRC) Mission to Sudan issued a damning report on 12 March, confirming what we already knew about the grave human rights situation in Darfur.

My right honourable friend the Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs, Ian McCartney, and the UK Permanent Representative to the HRC, called on the Council to take effective action on Darfur and not become mired in procedural debates. We do not accept the argument that the mission report lacks validity because the mission failed to go to Sudan. The Government of Sudan reneged on their commitment to co-operate with the mission and refused to grant visas to all members of the mission, so, rightly, none of the members went. The report is based on the assessments of UN humanitarian agencies, the African Union in Addis Ababa and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in eastern Chad. All of these organisations, which have large numbers of staff operating in Darfur and Eastern Chad, continue to report an appalling human rights and humanitarian situation there. We are lobbying partners, including China and Russia, to ensure that the report's recommendations are taken forward.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have given further consideration to the disinvestment of British commercial investment in Sudan. [HL2868]

We have not considered taking steps to encourage disinvestment from Sudan by British companies. We are concerned that sanctions should not impact on those in Sudan who have no responsibility for violence in Darfur or on the comprehensive peace agreement, thus damaging the south. While we are considering further, targeted sanctions, it remains true that they are more effective if implemented by the international community. None the less, if such support were not forthcoming, we have not excluded the possibility of taking further measures with our EU partners.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

By administrative region, what is the proportion of eligible working families, single parents and old-age pensioners claiming tax credit; and what proportion of claims are successful. [HL2911]

Latest estimates show that in 2004-05, 79 per cent of eligible working families with children, and 93 per cent of eligible working single parents, took up tax credits. Take-up rates for tax credits among working families with children, broken down by country and Government Office region, are shown in table 9 of the HMRC publication Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit Take-up Rates 2004-05, available on the HMRC website at: http://hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/takeup-rates2004-05.pdf

Estimates of tax credit take-up rates for those above state pension age, and for single parents by country and Government Office region, are not available.

Information on the proportion of successful tax credit claims is not available.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to exempt sport's national governing bodies from corporation tax, as happens in some other countries. [HL2765]

The Government have no current plans to exempt sport's national governing bodies from corporation tax. The Government fully recognise the important role of national governing bodies in helping achieve their objectives, particularly in encouraging grassroots and schools sporting activity. The Government, too, have demonstrated their practical commitment to sport at all levels through a variety of funding mechanisms.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many funerals or memorial services Ministers have attended in their official capacity in respect of (a) road accident victims, and (b) rail accident victims. [HL2375]

Since May 2005, no Ministers have attended, in their official capacity, a funeral or memorial service in respect of victims of road or rail accidents.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Davies of Oldham on 20 March (WA 189) about medical examination for vehicle licences, which particular certificates will be subject to the standard rate of VAT. [HL2946]

All reports and medical examinations that are undertaken by a health professional for the purposes of a person obtaining or maintaining a licence to drive a vehicle, fly an aircraft or crew a ship will be liable to VAT at the standard rate from 1 May.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to encourage volunteering by giving employers who allow their employees time off to volunteer in sport a tax credit against their business tax bill. [HL2764]

Employers are already granted tax relief against their business tax bill for volunteering by their employees in charities and educational establishments, many of which have objectives and engage in activities linked to sport. There has been investment across government in sector-specific volunteering, through, for example, the Step into Sport programme, the Department of Health's Opportunities for Volunteering programme and the DfES Community Champions scheme.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Environment Agency rejected the pro bono services of a pollution consultant and United States bankruptcy trustee to consider the technical details of the dumping of unauthorised toxic wastes into the quarries at Brofiscin and Maendy between 1965 and 1972 and the relevant United States Bankruptcy Court filings made by the Environment Agency; and, if so, what were their reasons for rejecting the services. [HL2769]

I am advised by the Environment Agency that it had discussions, between January and August 2006, with an individual who offered it useful information as a potential witness to the historical events which took place at Brofiscin, and their relevance to recent bankruptcy proceedings in the USA.

While the agency was grateful for the assistance which was provided, it did not consider it appropriate to engage the individual as a consultant. That is an operational decision for the agency.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Welsh Office was aware by 1988 that the discharge at Brofiscin quarry contained carcinogens and was hazardous to users of the groundwater; and, if so, what measures were taken to protect humans, farm livestock, wildlife, vegetation and the soil close to the quarry and along water courses that carried the discharge. [HL2770]

The Welsh Office commissioned a survey of contaminated land in Wales which was undertaken by Liverpool University. It produced a report in August 1988, which included information about the Brofiscin site. The report suggested that the disposal of such wastes on permeable limestone could present a hazard to users of local groundwaters, although it did not identify any specific hazards. Previous investigations had also concluded that there were no proven or immediate risks to human health. There was some evidence of pollutants affecting grazing livestock, and measures had been taken to prevent or discourage the grazing of animals in areas polluted by surface water runoff. No groundwater supplies in the immediate vicinity of the site were or are currently used for human consumption.

In 1988, land not due for redevelopment had historically been dealt with via the statutory nuisance powers of local authorities. However, new legislation, implemented in Wales in 2001, has provided an improved system for the identification and remediation of land where contamination is causing unacceptable risks to human health or the wider environment. This aims to ensure that land is returned to a condition suitable for its current use.

Current site investigation work will be completed in April. This will enable the Environment Agency to make an informed decision on the most appropriate remedial solutions.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Bearing in mind that the company Monsanto has admitted to a daily discharge of 3.74 pounds of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) into the sewers from their Newport factory and into the River Severn, what measures have been taken to assess the health of humans, animals and plants on the land and in the water which may have been contaminated by the discharge. [HL2771]

Monsanto discontinued PCB manufacture at its Newport site in the 1970s. Detailed discharge records are no longer available. The current owner of the site is Solutia UK Ltd.

A Pollution Prevention Control Permit was issued to Solutia by the Environment Agency in 2004. It required the company to undertake an environmental risk assessment of polychlorobiphenyl (PCBs) releases into the Severn estuary arising as a result of historic contamination that occurred during Monsanto's ownership.

This assessment was completed and submitted to the agency in 2005. The Food Standards Agency reviewed the assessment and concluded that the operation was unlikely to have any unacceptable effects on the human food chain.

Current releases of historic PCB contamination from the Solutia Newport site into the Severn estuary are in the order of 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms) per year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

From what year the rates in Northern Ireland did not include a charge for water; why the change was made; after what consultation process the change was made; and how members of the public were informed of the change of policy.[HL2633]

Up to and including 1999, an element of the regional rate was hypothecated to cover water and sewerage charges. As part of the devolution settlement, and in order to provide the Northern Ireland Executive with greater flexibility as to the use of resources, agreement was reached with HM Treasury to remove the hypothecation. This involved internal changes to the public expenditure framework, and did not have a direct impact on the public in terms of the level of bills. Since 2000, the non-hypothecation of the regional rate has been clearly set out in each news release issued by the Department of Finance and Personnel regarding the regional rate poundage for the subsequent year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have plans to require water companies to produce disaggregated reports of (a) the capital, and (b) the operating costs associated with purifying water of pesticides, nitrates, cryptosporidium and metals. [HL2713]

Ofwat is the economic regulator of the water and sewerage industry in England and Wales. Companies report to Ofwat each year on their expenditure (both capital and operating costs) to deliver water and sewerage services. These reports are available on Ofwat’s website and include the additional costs of water treatment to reduce levels of pesticides and nitrates and other parameters to comply with water quality standards and to reduce the risk from cryptosporidium.

Companies report additional capital expenditure for new assets on a disaggregated basis by nitrates, pesticides, cryptosporidium and other parameters. The additional operating costs are reported as an overall figure for these new assets.