asked Her Majesty's Government:

What assessment they have made of the effect of the environmental conditions in Afghanistan on the operational effectiveness of weapons-mounted installation kit Land Rover vehicles; and what proportion of the deployed fleet of these vehicles is currently non-operational due to the effect of the environmental conditions. [HL3563]

The operational environment in Afghanistan is severe. The weapons-mounted installation kit (WMIK) Land Rovers are well equipped to cope with operating in hot and sandy conditions, but they inevitably require maintenance in such conditions. While records are kept of the usage of spare parts, we do not hold records of the specific cause of any maintenance requirements, as the focus in theatre is on returning the equipment to service as quickly as possible by rectifying faults regardless of cause.

Overall serviceability of the combat vehicle fleet, of which this vehicle platform is a part, is assessed as good and improving. I am withholding detailed information on the availability of the combat vehicle fleet in Afghanistan, as this is sensitive operational information.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many weapons-mounted installation kit Land Rover vehicles in Afghanistan are currently in working order. [HL3564]

Overall serviceability of the combat vehicle fleet, of which this vehicle platform is a part, is assessed as good and improving. I am withholding detailed information on the availability of the combat vehicle fleet in Afghanistan, as this is sensitive operational information.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many British service men and women have been killed or wounded in Afghanistan in each of the years of this century. [HL4113]

The fatality and wounded (severe injuries only) figures for each year where UK forces have been deployed in Afghanistan are shown in the table below.

These casualty figures for Afghanistan, including historical data, are published on a fortnightly basis, two weeks in arrears, on the Ministry of Defence’s website at the following address: www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/Corporate Publications/DoctrineOperationsandDiplomacy Publications/OperationsInAfghanistan/OpHerrick CasualtyAndFatalityTables.htm

In-theatre hospital admission records prior to March 2006 have not been collated centrally in a format that would reliably identify all personnel wounded in action separately from those with disease or non-battle injury. The figures presented for “very seriously injured” and “seriously injured” include those injured in non-combat situations, such as road traffic incidents. It is not possible to identify all those wounded, as minor injuries may have been treated in theatre and not be recorded.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Affairs, Landscape and Biodiversity on 28 March (Official Report, 1575-76W), whether the quarterly and cumulative decline in the percentage of approvals for the higher level stewardship scheme has been reversed in the second quarter of 2007; or whether the published figures indicate that later applications for the scheme are not of sufficiently high standard to maintain the 85 per cent plus approval rate of the Rural Development Service. [HL4195]

In the most recent quarterly application round (for agreements with a start date of 1 May 2007), Natural England received 240 applications for higher level stewardship (HLS), of which 119 have been approved.

These figures do not indicate a decline in the standard of applications for higher-level stewardship; rather, they illustrate the competitive nature of the scheme and the fact that submitting an application does not guarantee an offer of an agreement. Because funds for HLS are limited, Natural England has been obliged to target agreements where they are likely to achieve the most environmental benefit for the countryside. Unfortunately, while some applications have scored highly, they have fallen short of the current thresholds established within Natural England’s regions.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In light of the Prime Minister's comments on 7 June, what vital interests to the United Kingdom would have been wrecked by a continued investigation by the Serious Fraud Office into the Al Yamamah arms deal. [HL4236]

The director of the Serious Fraud Office independently took the decision to discontinue the investigation because of a real and serious threat to national security. I refer to the explanation that I gave to the House on 1 February 2007 (Official Report, cols. 375-82).

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps are being taken to locate and close down illegal radio stations operating on FM frequencies which might interfere with transmissions to and from aircraft. [HL3879]

The information requested falls within the responsibilities of the Office of Communications (Ofcom), and I have received the following information from Ed Richards, the chief executive:

Ofcom has a dedicated staff of 70 field officers who investigate and take illegal broadcasters off the air. In 2006, Ofcom undertook 1,085 separate operations against illegal broadcasters. This included seizing transmitters, disconnecting transmitters and aerials, and raids on illegal broadcasters’ studios.

Enforcement is also targeted against owners of premises, advertisers, nightclub events and suppliers of equipment or other services to the illegal station. Ofcom uses specialist solicitors and barristers to secure court convictions against illegal broadcasters. Almost all prosecution cases have resulted in a court appearance for the offenders. In 2006, some 63 people were convicted.

Ofcom's work in tackling the problem of illegal broadcasting is carried out in partnership with other organisations, notably local authorities and the police.

Due to the potential threat of violence from illegal broadcasters, Ofcom's field officers seek support from local police officers while conducting work in the field. Where illegal broadcasters are found on site, they are arrested and taken to the local police station for interview. In the majority of cases, this results in the broadcaster being summoned to court to face charges regarding their criminal activities.

In July 2005, Ofcom staff were contacted by the National Air Traffic Service (NATS), which was experiencing extreme interference to aircraft frequencies, in use, on approach to London. A second complaint received from Air Traffic Control (ATC) at London City Airport, highlighted its difficulties further, when it suggested that it would have to close the airport if the interference became more severe. Passion FM, an illegal broadcaster based in east London, was found to be causing the problem and was removed from the airwaves by Ofcom's investigation staff later the same day.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Triesman on 18 October 2006 (WA 187) on the discussions between the United Kingdom and the Government of India referred to by the Indian Minister of External Affairs in the Lok Sabha on 25 July 1991, what was the result of the document search; and whether the requested information has been placed in the Library of the House. [HL4220]

The document search revealed a few reports of discussions between UK and Indian officials on the future of British passport holders of Indian origin in Hong Kong. We have not yet completed our review of whether these documents might be placed in the Library of the House. I will write to the noble Lord when this is done and arrange for a copy of the letter to be placed in the Library.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Triesman on 18 October 2006 (WA 187) on representations received from the former Governor of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Legislative Councillors, what was the result of the document search; and whether the requested information has been placed in the Library of the House. [HL4221]

The document search revealed a number of representations received. We have not yet completed our review of whether these documents might be placed in the Library of the House. I will write to the noble Lord when this is done and arrange for a copy of the letter to be placed in the Library.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have made an assessment of the outcome of the British Coal respiratory disease litigation and the British Coal white finger vibration litigation; and, if so, whether their objective of securing the speedy delivery of fair and just compensation to the retired miners and their widows was achieved. [HL3114]

The department continues to strive to secure the speedy delivery of fair and just compensation to miners and their families. Already £3.5 billion has been paid in compensation, which is expected to total approximately £4.3 billion by the time all claims have been settled.

In 2005, an independent review of the schemes was undertaken, the report of which was placed in the Libraries of both Houses and is available on the department's website at: www.dti.gov.uk/energy/coal-health/publications/external-review/page16634.html

The report provides assurance that the administration of the schemes is basically sound, although there are lessons to be learned about how the schemes were initially put into operation.

In addition, the NAO is undertaking a value-for-money review of the coal health compensation schemes; it is expected to report in the summer.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they will take in response to the judgment of the Court of Appeal on 23 May upholding the right of abode of the Chagossian people.[HL4284]

The Court of Appeal handed down its judgment on the 2004 Orders in Council on 23 May. My right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary will consider it carefully and has asked officials for further advice. She reserves the right to petition the House of Lords to grant permission to appeal as she is entitled to do within one month.

The Government’s policy in relation to the British Indian Ocean Territory therefore remains the subject of possible ongoing legal proceedings, and it would be inappropriate to comment further.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the level of co-operation between the police authorities in Portugal and United Kingdom police authorities in the case of Madeleine McCann has been satisfactory. [HL4199]

We are confident that the level of co-operation between the Portuguese and UK police authorities is satisfactory, and we have been assured by the Portuguese authorities that they are doing everything possible to find Madeleine and return her safely to her family. The UK is lending support to the Portuguese investigation, at their request. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has the overarching national co-ordinating role for the UK contribution, and several UK agencies are lending support.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Adonis on 17 May (WA 55–6), which experts sceptical of the doctrine of man-made catastrophic climate change they consulted in determining a balanced approach to teacher guidance on climate change. [HL4302]

The writers of the guidance to teachers which accompanied the climate change pack were chosen on the basis of their knowledge, expertise and experience to write material to support the teaching of geography, science and citizenship in schools. We do not believe that any of those consulted on the guidance are sceptical of the strong scientific consensus that man-made emissions of greenhouse gases are the main cause of the climate change observed since the start of the industrial era. However, all those who contributed to the guidance are aware that a small minority of scientists do not share this consensus view, and this is appropriately reflected in the teacher guidance accompanying the pack.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which of their policies have changed as a result of advice from the Commission for Rural Communities. [HL4219]

The Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) was established on 1 October 2006 under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 as a new non-departmental public body to provide evidence-based, impartial advice on rural issues, both to government and across the wider public sector. It also provides an independent voice for people in rural England and is tasked with ensuring that the development and implementation of government policies take account of the particular characteristics of rural areas. The Act requires the CRC to have a particular regard for persons suffering social disadvantage and rural areas experiencing underperformance.

The CRC has already presented evidence to and engaged with the Government on a range of issues, including the review of the rural post office network, affordable rural housing and the impact of migrant workers in rural areas. Its annual rural-proofing report is part of its “watchdog” role and helps ensure that policies across government take account of rural needs. It is also increasingly engaged in dialogue with local government and other agencies with responsibility for economic and social regeneration. The Government will continue to pay close attention to the advice and recommendations they receive from the CRC.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have carried out any studies which estimate how many people in the developing world die from malnutrition and related causes each year; whether any of those deaths can be attributed to the European Union common agricultural policy; and, if so, how many. [HL4061]

Malnutrition remains a formidable development challenge, with an estimated 824 million people in the developing world affected by chronic hunger in 2003. Every day 25,000 people die of hunger, and over half of the 10 million child deaths that occur each year are of children who are underweight in childbirth.

DfID supports global and national assessment processes such as those conducted by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF); it does not try to replicate them.

We are not aware of any work that has been conducted to determine whether any of the deaths caused by malnutrition and related causes can be directly attributed to the European Union common agricultural policy (CAP). CAP subsidies have led to overproduction of agricultural commodities, and these have distorted developing country markets. This is one of the reasons that the UK Government are a strong supporter of CAP reform. We want to see significant reductions in trade-distorting subsidies for agricultural products, which would enable developing countries to compete more effectively on international markets and to capture the gains from trade that could help to reduce poverty and malnourishment.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What measures are currently being taken to reduce the incidence of crimes targeted against business; and [HL3809]

What measures are currently being taken to achieve the key action point from the National Community Safety Plan 2006-09 to encourage police forces to adopt a model for improving the quality and accuracy of statistics around business crime and to ensure businesses have access to key crime prevention advice in order better to protect themselves and their staff from crime; and[HL3810]

What measures are being taken to ensure that Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships are including crimes against business in their priorities and strategies.[HL3812]

Since 2004 the Home Office has provided more than £1 million funding to the Action Against Business Crime Group (AABC) to set up 120 new business crime reduction partnerships in towns and cities across England and Wales. It has also, in partnership with stakeholders, produced a booklet to enable businesses to undertake a crime prevention survey of their premises. More than 125,000 copies of the booklet have so far been printed and distributed. Top-tips postcards have also been produced, giving more general advice to retailers and other businesses on how to reduce the risk of being a victim of crime.

A new strand of the forthcoming crime reduction strategy will include a renewed focus on working with business to see what more can be done to tackle crime problems. Measures will be taken to raise the profile of business crime among crime and disorder reduction partnerships (CDRPs) by highlighting the need to tackle it in the public service agreement delivery plan. The Home Office will also seek to raise the profile of crime against businesses, to ensure that CDRPs consult and engage with the business community as part of their wider community consultation to identify local priorities.

It will be a key part of the Home Office's new business crime strategy to encourage business to work closely in partnership with the police and local authorities through CDRPs to inform local crime reduction strategies. Where a partnership has a significant business crime problem, it would be expected to ensure that an appropriate target for this is included in the local area agreement. The Home Office will support this by improving the quality of information available on business crime, through regular criminal victimisation surveys and better crime recording categories.

Neighbourhood policing has been introduced across England and Wales to deal with low-level crime and anti-social behaviour, and in some communities this will include, for example, police community support officers working in partnership with local businesses.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 14 May (WA 4) concerning Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority licence application R0153, to what extent Members of Parliament were consulted in determining the overall intentions of Parliament; and [HL4073]

How the definitions used by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority in the appeals process prior to awarding licence R0153 compare with the definitions of nucleus, pronucleus and genetic structure provided in both the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 and the draft Human Tissue and Embryos Bill. [HL4074]

The terms nucleus, pronucleus and genetic structure are not defined in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990. With respect to nucleus and pronucleus, the appeals committee that considered the application that resulted in awarding licence R0153 was satisfied that the pronucleus is not the same as the nucleus. Having reached agreement on this distinction, the committee considered that the prohibition contained in Section 3(3)(d) of the Act did not extend to the proposed research involving the pronuclei.

The draft Human Tissues and Embryo Bill defines “nucleus” as follows:

“‘Nucleus’, in relation to an embryo, includes pronucleus and, accordingly, ‘nuclear DNA’, in relation to an embryo, includes DNA in the pronucleus of an embryo”.

Genetic structure is not defined in the 1990 Act and is not mentioned in the draft Human Tissue and Embryos Bill. When considering this, the appeals committee took “genetic structure” to have a narrow meaning centring on the expression of nuclear genes that result in heritable characteristics. Following on from that, altering the genetic structure would involve alteration to the genes or the genome and the resulting heritable characteristics.

No Members of Parliament were involved in reaching this decision.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 14 May (WA 4), why the embryos of no other species would be suitable for researching implantation; and what scientific references to previous research undertaken on this aspect demonstrate the feasibility of such proposed research with human embryos. [HL4075]

Schedule 2 to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 sets out the activities for which licences may be granted. Licences for the purpose of a project of research involving human embryos cannot authorise any activity unless it appears to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) to be necessary or desirable for one or more of the purposes specified. Furthermore, the law makes clear that no licence shall be granted unless the authority is satisfied that any proposed use of embryos is necessary for the purposes of the particular research project.

Research into implantation per se does not exclusively require human embryos, therefore embryos from other species can be, and are, used for research. When reaching decisions about licensing research applications, the HFEA considers whether or not the use of human embryos is necessary or whether it could be achieved using other material, for example animal embryos.

In addition, as part of the peer review process undertaken by the HFEA, members of the scientific community are asked to consider licence applications and comment on the applications. Part of that consideration will include consideration of other studies that would demonstrate the feasibility of any proposed research.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

What assessment they have made of the implications for public policy arising out of the work of Japanese scientists in successfully turning adult stem cells into embryonic stem cells; and what purpose now remains in using animal eggs and human embryos when an unlimited supply of embryonic stem cells and tissues may now be produced without the necessity of creating a human embryo; and [HL4233]

Whether, in drafting any future human tissue and embryos Bill, they will take into account work undertaken at Kyoto University, Japan, the Whitehead Institute and the Harvard Stem Cell Institute in creating stem cells, hitherto found only in embryos, from adult stem cells; and whether the scientists involved in this research will be invited to give evidence to the Government before any such Bill is introduced;[HL4234]

Prior to the publication of the draft Human Tissue and Embryos Bill, a consultation on the review of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act was carried out. Responses were received from a broad range of stakeholders including scientists. In addition, the parliamentary scrutiny committee currently considering the draft Bill will be taking evidence from different groups, including members of the scientific community. The Government have no plans to specifically invite the groups mentioned to present their findings prior to the publication of the Bill.

The Government continue to support all forms of stem cell research and do not make arbitrary distinctions about the best source of stem cells. Through more than 20 years of parliamentary and public debate, we have legislative regulation which is internationally recognised as supportive, flexible and facilitating. Research involving embryos in the United Kingdom is regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. In order to receive a licence, the applicant must demonstrate that research is necessary or desirable for the purposes specified in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 as amended.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 23 January (WA 220), what projects the joint steering committee has agreed to support; when each is due to start and finish; how much money will be contributed to each by the joint steering committee; and which of these projects will also receive funding from other sources. [HL3584]

Final negotiations are taking place with several energy companies about the details of their proposals for inclusion in the energy demand research project (EDRP). An announcement on the full scope and nature of the EDRP will be made once these negotiations are complete.

Ofgem, which is managing the project on the DTI’s behalf, with advice from a steering group consisting of officials from the DTI, Defra and Ofgem, invited proposals last autumn from energy supply companies and others for participation in the EDRP. Proposals were invited to trial smart meters, associated feedback devices and better bills, together with energy-efficiency advice, as ways to influence consumers to use less energy.

Following a detailed evaluation of the proposals put forward and discussions with various bidders, Ofgem made recommendations to government about the proposals that should be funded. In each case, companies will fund at least 50 per cent of the costs of their trials themselves. The trials will take place over two years from this spring.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Statement by Lord Truscott on 23 May on the energy White Paper, what steps they will take to ensure that the attainment of 15 per cent of electricity supplies from renewables will be met by domestic action rather than by the import of supply. [HL4003]

The energy White Paper announced changes to the renewables obligation (RO) which are expected to deliver some 13.5 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2015. Electricity is only eligible under the RO if it has been generated and supplied in the UK. The balance is expected to come from non-RO eligible sources such as historical large hydro-electricity stations and conventional energy from waste schemes within the UK.

Imports of electricity are treated separately in government energy statistics and are not counted towards our renewables targets.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which functions of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights and the Equal Opportunities Commission are “regulatory” within the meaning of the consultation document A Code of Practice for Regulators; and whether they include giving assistance to litigants and securing compliance with the law. [HL3865]

The code of practice to which the consultation document relates does not come into effect until 1 April 2008. By that date, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) will have been dissolved and the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) will have assumed the role of the EOC in the promotion and enforcement of gender equality.

The functions of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights which are regulatory within the meaning of the consultation document A Code of Practice for Regulators include its powers to provide information and advice under Section 13 of the Equality Act 2006; to issue codes of practice under Sections 14 and 15; to conduct inquiries under Section 16; and its enforcement powers under Sections 20 to 23 (investigations, unlawful act notices, action plans and agreements) and Sections 31 and 32 (public-sector duties: assessment and compliance notices). These functions include securing compliance with the law in some respects; for example, the power to issue unlawful act notices and compliance notices under Sections 21 and 32. They do not include giving assistance to litigants, because that constitutes a function of conducting civil proceedings, which is specifically excluded from the definition of a regulatory function for the purposes of the consultation document.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What response they received from European Union member states to the request from Mr Ed Balls MP for the Government to adhere to the single market in the Financial Services Directorate. [HL4098]

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury wrote to Commissioner McCreevy to support his efforts to maintain pressure on member states to implement the markets in financial instruments directive (MiFID). The letter was well received.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have made an assessment of the information circulated by the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in the United States that plastic containers and plastic wrap such as that used in the production of microwave-ready dinners will, if heated in a microwave, release carcinogenic dioxins into the food; and whether they have issued similar information;[HL4079]

Whether they have assessed the safety of freezing plastic bottles containing drinking water; and whether they have commissioned any research into the possibility of such bottles releasing dioxins into the water when frozen; [HL4080]

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is aware of these suggested sources of dioxins in food but has not found any evidence to substantiate them. The FSA regularly monitors food for the presence of these persistent environmental contaminants. Based on its monitoring data, the estimated total dietary intake of dioxins by United Kingdom consumers has fallen by about 50 per cent since 1997.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will now provide an update on the common position of the G4 on the Doha round; and what progress was made at Heiligendamm on ensuring this position is adopted by the G8. [HL4092]

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) round of trade negotiations remains the UK’s top trade priority. Ministers from the G4 countries (EU, US, Brazil and India) are scheduled to meet from 19 to 23 June in Potsdam, with the aim of reaching broad agreement on the core issues, including agricultural market access, domestic support for agriculture and industrial tariffs. We want to see an ambitious, pro-development outcome to the WTO round. We will work with our EU partners, the European Commission and other WTO members to ensure that the interests of the poorest countries are taken into account in any broader WTO deal.

At Heiligendamm, G8 members issued a trade statement calling for the round to be completed by the end of 2007, for progress in the coming weeks, and for all WTO members to demonstrate the constructive flexibility needed to bring the round to a prompt, successful conclusion.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

To what extent the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is expected to consider the ethical implications of any decision it reaches when issuing guidance; and whether National Health Service practitioners may deny erythropoietin to patients with chemotherapy-induced anaemia who for religious reasons refuse to receive blood transfusions. [HL4139]

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), through its Citizens’ Council, considers ethical implications of decisions reached when developing and issuing its guidance. NICE’s published documentation on the social value judgments that it applies in the development of its guidance recommends that guidance developers recognise the importance of respecting individuals’ systems of values as well as their cultural attitudes and religious views. A copy of NICE’s Social Value Judgments: Principles for the Development of NICE Guidance is available on its website at www.nice.org.uk/page.aspx?o=283494

It is a matter for clinicians and their patients to agree the most appropriate form of treatment in individual cases.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the average cost of providing a blood transfusion to an adult patient in the National Health Service; and what cost increase is expected when prion screening is introduced. [HL4141]

The cost of a unit of red blood cell is £134. There is currently no licensed blood screening test for variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) therefore we cannot evaluate the cost increase for the introduction of a screening test for vCJD.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether blood transfusions are more cost-effective than erythropoietins (EPOs) in managing chemotherapy-induced anaemia; and whether it is recommended National Health Service practice that the cost of providing a blood transfusion should be measured against the cost of EPOs as part of the process of deciding which is better for the patient and for blood supplies in the National Health Service. [HL4142]

The type of treatment offered to patients is a matter of individual clinical judgment and discussion with the patient concerned.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is currently appraising erythropoietin for the treatment of anaemia induced by cancer treatment and expects to publish final guidance to the National Health Service in November 2007.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action they are taking following the publication of the contraceptive services audit. [HL4108]

The department is using the results to inform Best Practice Guidance on Reproductive Healthcare, which we will publish later in 2007. It will also inform the sexual health commissioning framework which the department is planning to publish in 2007-08.

Contraception service commissioners and providers are using the findings of the review to address gaps in service provision locally. In addition, this information will be useful to make comparisons with other areas of similar demographics and geography and to provide a national overview.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much public money was allocated in each of the last 10 years to research into Henoch-Schönlein Purpura; and which establishments received the money. [HL4184]

Neither the department nor the Medical Research Council has directly funded research on Henoch-Schönlein Purpura in the past 10 years.

Over that time, the main part of the department’s total expenditure on health research has been devolved to and managed by National Health Service organisations. Details of individual NHS-supported research projects, including a small number concerned with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura, are available on the national research register at www.dh.gov.uk/research.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to ensure that general practitioners can provide the human papilloma virus vaccine to females aged between 12 and 26; and [HL4110]

What advice they have had from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation on “catch-up” programmes for the human papilloma virus vaccine in older women. [HL4111]

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is in the process of thoroughly examining the vaccine safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness evidence concerning human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines, including the options for a catch-up campaign. The work is being taken forward by a sub-group of JCVI, which will present its findings to the parent committee. Ministers will then consider the advice from the JCVI.

If the decision is taken to introduce HPV vaccines, the options for implementation, including the role of general practitioners, will be considered carefully.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

To what extent the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is expected to consider patient convenience and preference when formulating its guidance. [HL4140]

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence’s (NICE) Guide to the Methods of Technology Appraisal makes clear that submissions from patient/carer groups as part of the guidance production process should examine the difference that health technology might make to the lifestyle and choices that matter to patients and their carers. NICE also recognises that, while respect for autonomy and individual choice are important for the National Health Service and its users, they should not have the consequence of promoting the use of interventions that are not clinically effective and/or cost-effective.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the outcome of the meeting on 4 May between the quartet and representatives of the Arab League; and what efforts they are making to support the Arab League peace plan and to enable negotiations, whether bilateral or multilateral, to start. [HL4169]

The Arab League’s re-endorsement of the 2002 Beirut Declaration at the Arab summit in Riyadh is a welcome step. It offers the prospect of normal relations between Israel and the Arab world. The Arab League has a key role to play in promoting reconciliation between the Israelis and Palestinians and moving forward the peace process.

In its statement on 30 May, the quartet (EU, US, UN and Russia) noted its positive meeting with the Arab League in Sharm el-Sheikh on 4 May and looked forward to continued engagement with the Arab states. It welcomed the intention of the Arab League to engage Israel on the 2002 Arab League initiative and Israeli receptiveness to such engagement. The quartet encouraged continued and expanded Arab contacts with Israel and Israeli action to address concerns raised in the 18 April Arab League follow-up committee meeting, including a cessation of settlement expansion and the removal of illegal outposts, as called for in the road map.

Israeli Foreign Minister Livni met President Mubarak and the Egyptian and Jordanian Foreign Ministers in Cairo on 10 May to discuss subsequent action. The quartet principals agreed to meet in the region with members of the Arab League to follow up on the Arab peace initiative and efforts to advance the regional track.

We support the Arab League’s engagement with the parties and welcome the meetings since the re-endorsement of the Arab League initiative. We hope that that will create confidence between the parties to restart negotiations.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make a further request to the Government of the United States to persuade the Government of Israel to follow international law in response to United Nations Resolutions 242 and 244, in order to facilitate progress in peace talks with Palestine. [HL4126]

We, along with the US, have consistently called for Israel to follow international law with regard to its actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We continue to work closely with the US and the EU on the peace process and agree that the road map is the way forward. We, and the US, both want to see an end to violence and the creation of a two-state solution.

Any final status issues will need to be negotiated between the parties. These negotiations should take into account all aspects of international law and key UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, and 1373, to which we remain committed.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have assessed the extent to which the Hamas political party and its Ministers in the Government of Palestine have given de facto recognition to Israel by their actions in (a) offering to discuss communications and transport between Gaza and the West Bank; (b) accepting the Mecca agreement; and (c) entering the Government of National Unity and accepting their platform; and, if so, what implications that has for the Government and the quartet. [HL4232]

Hamas has not yet made clear its position regarding recognition of Israel. We do not believe that, by offering to discuss a link between Gaza and the West Bank, accepting the Mecca agreement, entering the National Unity Government and accepting their platform, Hamas has necessarily given de facto recognition of Israel. Despite these actions, Hamas has shown in other ways that it has not recognised Israel.

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:

Whether the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has been in action against armed militants or terrorists; if so, how many fatal casualties the force has received or inflicted; and how many arrests the force has made. [HL4170]

Since the passage of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 in August 2006, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has not been in action against armed militants or terrorists. As a consequence, no casualties have been received or inflicted. UNIFIL has not made any arrests or detained any personnel. Any arrests or detentions have been carried out by the Lebanese authorities, as UNIFIL is not mandated to carry out these tasks.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What has been the response from both interest groups and the general public to their recent marine conservation zones White Paper. [HL4124]

Consultation on a marine Bill White Paper, which includes proposals for a new mechanism to designate and manage marine conservation zones, ended on 8 June 2007. We are considering nearly 300 individual responses to the consultation from a wide range of interest groups and the public, and around 8,000 postcards and letters in support of marine Bill campaigns by non-government organisations. We will publish a summary of the responses within three months of the end of the consultation period.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proposals they will make to counter the anticipated rise in United Kingdom adult obesity to one in four by 2010. [HL4123]

Addressing obesity means fundamentally changing behaviour among the population. This is a long-term process, as reflected in the fact that the public service agreement (PSA) target to halt the year-on-year rise in obesity among children under 11 by 2010, in the context of a broader strategy to tackle obesity in the population as a whole, is jointly owned by three government departments, to lead on a concerted, joined-up effort across government and other national and local stakeholders. As childhood obesity often tracks into adulthood, the PSA-owning departments are working to support families to eat more healthily and be more active.

Present action to tackle obesity in adults includes: the care pathways for National Health Service primary care professionals; a self-help guide, Your Weight Your Health; the National Heart Forum’s toolkit, Lightening the Load: Tackling Overweight and Obesity; work on foods high in salt, fat and sugar; front-of-pack labelling as an easy-to-understand way of helping individuals and families to make healthier food choices; the general practice physical activity questionnaire; local exercise action pilots and the national step-o-meter programme.

We will also continue to work closely with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence to support dissemination and implementation of its guidance on physical activity public health intervention and on the prevention, identification, assessment and management of overweight and obesity in adults and children.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In relation to the farewell reception at Lancaster House on 19 June for Lord Levy as the Prime Minister's personal envoy (a) what is the total estimated cost; (b) how many people have been invited; and (c) why the invitation is in the name of the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and not the Prime Minister. [HL4161]

My right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary is hosting a farewell reception for my noble friend Lord Levy in recognition of his nine years of service as my right honourable friend the Prime Minister’s special envoy to the Middle East, at Lancaster House on 19 June. Around 260 guests have been invited, and the estimated cost of this event is £6,000, which will be met by my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary’s entertainment budget.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in coming to its decisions on the future of Manor Garden allotments on the Olympic site, the London Development Agency consulted the original covenant drawn up by Major Villiers; what were the terms of this covenant; and whether they will place a copy in the Library of the House. [HL4115]

The terms of the London Development Agency (Lower Lea Valley, Olympic and Legacy) Compulsory Purchase Order 2005, confirmed by the relevant Secretary of State in December 2006, will render any such covenant unenforceable.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

On what date they expect to relocate the Manor Garden allotment holders back to the Olympic site in the event that they are evicted. [HL4116]

On completion of the Olympic and Paralympic Games there will follow a legacy phase. This will involve the deconstruction of temporary facilities and the preparation of the Olympic Park for the legacy development. The reprovision of allotments will take place during this phase. It is expected that the allotments will be ready for occupation for the start of the 2014 growing season. The proposed interim site at Marsh Lane in the London Borough of Waltham Forest will be available throughout this period.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the estimated cost of removing the topsoil, disposing of it and substituting new topsoil, on the proposed replacement site for Manor Garden allotment holders in Waltham Forest district; and who will bear that cost. [HL4118]

The London Development Agency is in the process of tendering the work to deliver the proposed allotments at the Marsh Lane site in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. Any estimates the London Development Agency has must necessarily remain confidential to ensure a fair and robust procurement process. The London Development Agency is responsible for the cost of these works.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What additional administrative burden would be placed on the Identity and Passport Service by a passport applicant who used the passport application form to request the delivery of the passport to a named police station. [HL3826]

At the time of making an application, customers are able to specify an alternative address to their residential address for the delivery of their passport.

However, the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) uses address data as part of its identification checks; there is accordingly the risk that applications will be delayed if a customer chooses to use a police station as an alternative delivery address.

The customer would also need to ensure that the police were happy to accept the delivery and sign for it if required, as there would be considerable impact on the customer and the IPS if the passport was returned, either at the time of delivery or later.

If a large number of customers sought delivery of their passports for collection from police stations, there could be an impact on other police work.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many passports have been lost or stolen in transit from the Identity and Passport Service in each of the last 12 months; and what steps they intend to take to eliminate such losses. [HL3827]

A total of 110 packages have been recorded as lost or stolen in the last 12 months while in transit between the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) and the point of delivery. Secure Mail Services (SMS) delivers new passports and supporting documents where the customer elects to pay an additional fee. Of the 110 packages, 75 contained new passports.

Of the 110, 20 are recorded as lost within the system and 90 as stolen due to theft from premises, couriers or couriers’ vehicles.

The monthly breakdown is in the attached table.

Security of all SMS depots is regularly reviewed, and couriers vary routes to ensure that their movements are not predictable. As there is an auditable trail for every package, it is possible to determine where losses occur within the SMS, and procedures are improved where possible. Security of couriers’ vehicles is also being reviewed.

All confirmed losses are recorded on our “lost and stolen” database, and all passports contain security features to prevent misuse.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many times police cars in each force in England and Wales have been recorded as exceeding the speed limit; and in how many of these cases the driver was given a penalty. [HL4265]

This information is not collected centrally.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in view of the circumstances of the level-crossing crash in the week beginning 4 June in Australia, they will reconsider the nature of penalties meted out to drivers who misuse level crossings. [HL4282]

There are currently no proposals to change the penalties for drivers who misuse level crossings, though the Government will keep the existing policy under review.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

On what date pilot schemes will start in selected police forces to test restorative justice interventions for young people in circumstances in which a formal criminal justice response would be disproportionate. [HL4095]

We are exploring a range of options around alternative low-level disposals for young offenders, including the possibility of a restorative justice-related disposal. No decisions have yet been taken on the timing of any pilots in relation to this.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many officers in the Metropolitan Police force are engaged in roads policing; and how many were engaged in this activity 25 years ago. [HL3806]

The available data are the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) police officers primarily employed in the function “traffic”. Data are given for financial year (as at the last day of the year: 31 March).

Data for the Metropolitan Police are available for 31 March 2003 onwards only, and therefore are not available for 25 years ago.

Individual forces may have records prior to 2002-03; however, the information requested is not collected centrally in the police personnel statistics.

The most recent data available to the Home Office relate to 31 March 2006, when there were 603 such officers (FTE figures rounded to the nearest whole number).

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Affairs, Landscape and Biodiversity on 21 May (Official Report, Commons, cols. 1037-38W), whether the fall between 2006 and 2007 in the proportion of sites of special scientific interest in target condition in the east, south-west and West Midlands reflects a decline in performance or a loss of sites of special scientific interest in favourable condition to other uses.[HL4192]

SSSI units are assessed once every six years using common standards as part of a continuing rolling programme. A change in the condition of a unit can reflect either a change in its physical condition or a reassessment of the impact of activities on the unit.

The main causes of the decline in condition of SSSI land between 2006 and 2007 in the east of England related to water abstraction and water quality issues and unsustainable fishing practices. In the south-west, the main causes were fires, under-grazing, low summer water levels and inappropriate woodland management. In the West Midlands, the main causes related to water quality, invasive freshwater species, under-grazing, inappropriate woodland management and deer grazing.

For all these different reasons, a variety of remedial mechanisms has been identified in order to resolve the problems by 2010. This involves work by Natural England, the Environment Agency, internal drainage boards, water companies, the Forestry Commission, national park authorities and others. Land managers will be supported to deliver the right management through environmental stewardship and the English Woodland Grant Scheme.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the total annual revenue raised from taxes levied specifically on road users in the last year for which figures are available. [HL4103]

Revenues collected by HM Revenue and Customs include road-specific fuel duties and company car tax (including fuel benefit charge), which stood at £23 billion and £2.5 billion respectively in 2005-06. Vehicle excise duty receipts in 2005-06 were £5 billion, collected for the Exchequer by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to encourage environmental design as stated in Regulation 59 of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/3289); and [HL4136]

What steps they will take to ensure that producers do not prevent, through specific design features or manufacturing processes, waste electrical and electronic equipment from being re-used, as stated in Regulation 59 of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/3289). [HL4137]

The Government are committed to ensuring that producers recognise the importance of design in the sustainability agenda and will continue to work with the business community on this issue. As part of the UK WEEE system, the DTI will be establishing an independent WEEE advisory body to provide advice to government on issues arising from the implementation of the WEEE regulations. How to encourage product design to assist with re-use and recycling will be one of the areas the DTI will ask it to address.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What indicators they use to measure the impact of the Welsh Language Act 1993 on use of the language; and what were the findings to date.[HL4045]

The Welsh Language Board was established under the Welsh Language Act 1993 to promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language. The board monitors the implementation of Welsh language schemes by public bodies and has reported a steady rise in the number of bodies with Welsh language schemes. There are currently 423 statutory and 53 voluntary schemes in operation.

The 2001 census showed that the number of people able to speak Welsh had increased by around 80,000 since 1991, from 18.7 per cent of the population to 20.8 per cent. The Welsh Assembly Government and the Welsh Language Board are currently working with the Office for National Statistics to develop a set of questions for use in the next census to provide more comprehensive data on the language.