asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans there are to address the issue identified in the Luce review, Fundamental Review of Death Certification and Coroner Services, June 2003, of a lack of any “consistent response to the wishes, traditions and religious beliefs of minority communities” in the planned reforms of coroners’ duties. [HL4911]

The needs of bereaved people are at the forefront of the Government’s plans to reform the coroners’ system, and part of that is the need to respect the wishes and traditions of minority groups. It is intended to issue statutory national guidance, in the form of a charter, to set out the standards of service that bereaved people will be entitled to in a reformed system.

A draft charter was published alongside the draft Coroners Bill in June 2006, and it includes a requirement that coroners should, where possible, comply with the wishes, feelings and expectations of the individual, family and community, including preferences, traditions and religious requirements relating to mourning and funerals. The draft Bill will provide bereaved people with a clear legal standing in the investigation, which will allow those who may have particular wishes based on religion to have a better understanding of how the system may affect them, to make their wishes known and, if they choose, to appeal against specified decisions made by coroners.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, following the implementation of an out-of-hours bereavement service by the coroners service in Coventry to accommodate those from the Jewish and Muslim faiths, which require that a deceased is immediately buried, there are any plans to extend and make compulsory the availability of such services nationwide. [HL4912]

Like several coroners throughout the country, the Coventry coroner has particular local arrangements in place to address the needs of religious groups wherever possible. Coroners are keen to accommodate the needs of bereaved people of any faith wherever their statutory duties to investigate violent or unnatural deaths allow. The draft Charter for Bereaved People, which will be implemented with the Coroners Bill, sets out the national standards of service which the bereaved should expect from a reformed coroners system, and includes the need to take account of a family’s religious sensitivities following the death of a loved one. Compliance with the charter will be monitored by the new Chief Coroner, also enabled by the Coroners Bill.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the draft Coroners Bill would not make compulsory the provision of a 24-hour service to accommodate religious sensitivities. [HL4913]

Coroners currently provide a service that takes account of the needs of religious sensitivities, particularly the need to release bodies quickly to comply with funeral traditions. The draft Charter for Bereaved People—statutory guidance that will be implemented at the same time as the Coroners Bill—sets out national standards of service which the bereaved should expect from the coroners system. This includes the need to take account of religious sensitivities wherever a coroner’s statutory responsibilities to investigate violent or unnatural deaths allow.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are considering any legislation to reform HM Coroners Service. [HL4914]

The Coroners Bill, which was published in draft in June 2006, is in the provisional legislative programme, announced by the Prime Minister on 11 July, for the next parliamentary Session. The Bill aims to strengthen and improve the coroners system by providing an improved service for bereaved people, creating a national framework and leadership while ensuring that the service remains firmly grounded locally, and by giving coroners additional powers so that investigations and inquests are more effective.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they will publish their response to the consultation document Convicting Rapists and Protecting Victims—Justice for Victims of Rape, which was published in March 2006. [HL5007]

We shall make our views known as soon as possible. We are aware that our published response to this consultation exercise has taken some time to prepare. This is a consequence of the complex issues raised by some of the policy areas discussed in the consultation paper. Our views are now largely settled and we are seeking actively to resolve any outstanding points.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Malloch- Brown on 11 July (WA 221), what assessment they have made of (a) the infringement of the human rights of Turkish Cypriots during the period 1963 to 1974; (b) how such infringement, if any, was manifested; and (c) the impact of EOKA-B on Turkish Cypriots during that period; and how these assessments have informed their policy of non-recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. [HL4966]

The Government deeply regret the suffering endured by both communities as a result of inter-communal violence during the period 1963 to 1974. The issues that continue to divide the two parties will be fully resolved only through a comprehensive and durable solution. We will continue to provide all possible support to the efforts of the two communities and the United Nations to rebuild trust and end the division of the island.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How the death and serious injury rates and conviction rates for motoring offences by drivers over the age of 75 compare with other driver age groups, in particular with the group aged between 17 and 24 years. [HL5118]

The information requested is given in the tables.

Conviction rates for motoring offences, by age: England and Wales 2004

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much, on a per head of population basis, each county in the East of England region received from central government for education in the last financial year. [HL5030]

The figures in the table below show the funding per pupil that local authorities in the East of England received in 2006-07. The figures cover funding through the dedicated schools grant, the school standards grant, the school standards grant (personalisation), the Standards Fund and from the Learning and Skills Council for pupils in schools.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many households in the United Kingdom are not connected to national distribution networks for water and electricity; and [HL4930]

What incentives they offer households to manage their own energy and water needs off-grid and off-mains; and whether this way of living makes any contribution to energy and resource security in the United Kingdom; and [HL4987]

What estimate they have made of the savings in energy and emissions achieved each year by the lifestyle choices of off-grid and off-mains households and communities. [HL4988]

The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform leads on issues of electricity network transmission. Defra does not hold statistics for the number of houses off the electricity grid and has made no estimate of the average energy efficiency or carbon dioxide emissions from homes unconnected to mains electricity supply. The Government do not provide incentives for householders to manage their own energy needs.

The requirements of Part L of the building regulations, which sets requirements for energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions, apply to all homes regardless of whether they are connected to mains energy supplies. Nevertheless, developers are reasonably free to determine how to meet the requirements of Part L.

The Code for Sustainable Homes and the draft planning policy statement on climate change are designed to cut carbon emissions from new homes and promote low- and zero-carbon homes in the period up until 2016, when the Government have proposed that all new homes will be zero-carbon.

It is estimated that there are around 50,000 private water supplies serving about 0.6 per cent of the population in England and Wales. No estimate has been made about the water efficiency of these dwellings, and they are not subject to the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.

The Government do not provide incentives to manage the use of non-mains-supplied water. They encourage all households to value water resources and to be aware of the need for water conservation. Where non-mains water supplies are used within households, it is vital that only wholesome drinking water is used for domestic purposes, in order to protect public health.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Royall of Blaisdon on 12 July (WA 242), whether the research project into the measurement of dental fluorosis and its aesthetic impact is the only research into the effects of water fluoridation that they envisage carrying out following the 2006 report by the United States National Research Council, whose recommendations Lord Warner, in his Written Answer on 24 July 2006 (WA 239), said they would be “taking … into account in the development of our own research programme”. [HL5051]

We are also considering a wider programme of research in consultation with specialists in dentistry and health services research, including a project on the impact of fluoridation on the levels and distribution of dental caries among children, its cost benefits and the extent to which any benefits continue into adulthood.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In view of the relatively small number of academic clinical fellowships, clinical lectureships and senior lectureships which have been approved, what steps they are taking to address the increasing numbers of medical students and the declining and ageing population of clinical academics. [HL4723]

The department and the Higher Education Funding Council for England will provide funding to support the appointment of 250 academic clinical fellowships and 100 clinical lectureships in each of the next five years, and up to 200 senior lectureships over 10 years. This is in response to the report Medically and Dentally Qualified Academic Staff: Recommendations for Training the Researchers and Educators of the Future, of March 2005.

The approved posts are one means to recruit clinical academics but, as the report states, this should not exclude or preclude other means of entering and pursuing a career in clinical academia. For example, through the Government's health research strategy Best Research for Best Health, launched in January 2006, further support will be provided for academic training paths of all healthcare professionals to address the decline in clinical academic numbers.

Employers and higher education institutions need to also consider what steps they need to take to put in place attractive employment packages to attract high calibre people into the academic workforce.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will provide in future years for a significant number of entry points above specialty training year 1 for (a) those doctors who secure fixed-term specialty training appointments this year; (b) those doctors who have not secured a specialty training post; and (c) those staff and associate specialist doctors who wish to return to the training grades. [HL4694]

The department is currently considering the issue of entry points higher than ST1 for future years, pending the recommendations of the modernising medical careers review, chaired by Professor Sir John Tooke.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have assessed the extent to which moving the funding for podiatric care for diabetics from secondary to the primary sector will, as the National Health Service publication Diabetic Foot Guide acknowledges, impact adversely on the success of the hospital-based multi-disciplinary teams for diabetic foot care; and what action they have taken to address any adverse effect. [HL5056]

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer given on 25 June 2007 (Official Report, col. WA 96).

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What response they received from the Government of Israel when the United Kingdom embassy in Israel on 28 June raised the issues of the closure of Rafah crossing point and of the Agreement on Movement and Access generally. [HL5025]

We have had numerous discussions with the Government of Israel on the issue of movement and access for Palestinians within and between the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The meeting on 28 June between officials from our embassy in Tel Aviv and the Israeli Foreign Ministry was a continuation of these discussions. The Israeli authorities have informed us that they will continue to work with President Abbas to improve the quality of life for the Palestinian population. We will continue to call on all parties to work towards an opening of the crossings in and out of Gaza both for humanitarian and commercial flows. There is an urgent need to reopen the Rafah crossing point, and the EU is ready to resume the full activities of the EU Border Assistance Mission Rafah as soon as conditions allow.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether Parliament will be given an opportunity to vote on the proposed European Union regulation banning the sale of new mercury barometers and thermometers. [HL4955]

During negotiations, the legislation was subjected to normal parliamentary scrutiny procedures, passing through the Lords Select Committee on the European Union in November 2006 and the European scrutiny committee in another place in October 2006.

The proposals were recently accepted by the Environment Council and MEPs in the European Parliament, voting in plenary. The dossier has now been finalised, and the text will shortly appear in the EU Official Journal. There will be no further opportunity for changes.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How they were able to form a view on the justification for banning the manufacture of mercury barometers for domestic use if there is no estimate of the numbers of such barometers made. [HL4992]

We formed a view on banning the sale of new mercury barometers for domestic use in line with the principle that underlies the new EU chemicals policy set out in REACH. We cannot justify the continued use of a persistent, bio-accumulative, highly toxic material for a non-essential use, when fully acceptable alternatives are available.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it remains their intention to bring to justice all those who were responsible for the killing of Captain Nairac. [HL4776]

The Historical Enquiries Team is chronologically working through 3,268 cases, reviewing each in the hope of identifying new investigative opportunities. The murder of Captain Nairac is one of those cases.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Adonis on 16 July (WA 7), whether, for the convenience of Members who receive Hansard by post and others with an interest in academy schools who do not have access to the Library of the House, he will place the information to which he referred in the Official Report. [HL5008]

Responses to Written Questions exceeding four pages are placed in the Library and are not published in the Official Report. My office will contact the noble Lord to arrange access to that information.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Bassam of Brighton on 24 July (WA 84) on traffic commissioners, whether, as the formulation of future government policy may take some time, they have proposals to respond to the traffic commissioners’ annual reports promptly and publicly. [HL5192]

The Government do not issue a formal response to the traffic commissioners’ annual reports. However, the consultation document Strengthening Local Delivery—Modernising the Traffic Commissioner System, published on 26 July, and the European Commission proposal on the access to the occupation of road transport operator, published on 23 May, address issues highlighted in the annual reports.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Bassam of Brighton on 25 July (HL5034), whether on-the-spot fines will reflect the competitive advantage gained by non-compliant hauliers or their drivers. [HL5189]

The department is currently consulting about on-the-spot fines, and the levels will be determined once the consultation has concluded.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will take steps with their international partners to achieve a higher rate of freight transport by ships than by aviation in the long term. [HL5148]

The UK is working closely with the EU on the TEN-T programme, which is providing funding for Motorways of the Sea projects, and on the Marco Polo initiative, which is providing support to short sea shipping projects. The aim of these projects is to encourage a modal shift from other, less sustainable, types of freight transport.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Bassam of Brighton on 5 July (WA 190), of the heavy goods vehicles involved in accidents in 2006, how many were left-hand drive. [HL5193]

With reference to my earlier Answer, on 5 July (WA 190), in Great Britain in 2006 there were 361 heavy goods vehicles in reported personal injury road accidents in which a pedestrian or pedal cyclist was killed or seriously injured. Of these heavy goods vehicles, eight were foreign-registered and left-hand drive.

In 2006, a total of 11,336 heavy goods vehicles were involved in road accidents, of which 979 were foreign-registered and left-hand drive.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their current assessment of the integrity of the digital tachographs used in heavy goods vehicles. [HL5194]

We are satisfied that the digital tachograph represents an improvement on the analogue tachograph. We will keep abreast of developments both domestically and at international levels.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 12 July (WA 252), for how long the young offenders will have no access to sporting facilities whilst the building work takes place; and what arrangements will be made whilst the work takes place to ensure that all young offenders held at Rochester young offender institution have access to sporting facilities in the open air. [HL5036]

Access to sporting facilities in the open air for young offenders held at Rochester young offender institution will continue to be available during the build programme, and no reduction in the availability of open-air sporting facility is foreseen. The present PE regime will not be disrupted, despite the unavailability of the large football pitch on the sports field. There are two five-a-side football pitches—one all-weather—which are, and will continue to be, available for use.

Answers received between Monday 30 July and Friday 3 August 2007

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have assessed the implications of the conclusion by the Local Government Association in their 2000 report A New Future for Allotments 2000 that “understanding the legislation is often a major—and sometimes an insurmountable—first hurdle for local authorities wanting to tackle their allotments responsibilities” and what steps they have taken since 2000 to deal with this situation. [HL5045]

We considered the options for consolidating existing allotment legislation in 2000 and we agreed then with the Local Government Association that this would not necessarily improve the management and protection of allotments. It was decided that the best way to clarify the legislation was by promoting best practice within local authorities. We have done this by publishing Growing in the Community: A Good Practice Guide for the Management of Allotments in 2001 (an update is currently being drafted) and Allotments: A Plot Holder’s Guide in 2001, and a revised edition this year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, further to their response to the report of the House of Commons Select Committee on Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs, The Future for Allotments (Session 1997-98, HC Paper 560-1), they still have the option of new legislation concerning allotments under review. [HL5046]

We do not have any current plans for new allotment legislation. Following the Select Committee report we considered options for consolidating legislation, but it was decided that the best way to clarify the legislation was by promoting best practice within local authorities. We have done this by publishing Growing in the Community: A Good Practice Guide for the Management of Allotments in 2001 and Allotments: A Plot Holder’s Guide in 2001. It should be recognised that allotments already enjoy far greater protection than other green spaces.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the total number of people currently on waiting lists for allotments in each local authority in England. [HL5047]

We do not have centrally held figures for the number of people on waiting lists for allotments. Local authorities are responsible for keeping figures on waiting lists, and we do not require them to provide central government or Government Offices with this information. Waiting list numbers change regularly in line with local demand and it would be burdensome to require local authorities to provide this level of detail.

A summary of the Survey of Allotments, Community Gardens and City Farms, published 2006, showed that the average number of people on local authority waiting lists was 59. Almost one-third of survey respondents had 10 people or fewer on their list, and 51 per cent had more than 200 people on their list. Local authorities should be continuously improving any allotment sites which may be vacant or in disrepair so that the whole community can benefit and waiting lists are reduced across their area. We are working with our partners to promote and share best practice within local authorities.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What estimate they have made of the carbon emissions reduction that would be achieved each year if all of those currently on waiting lists for allotments were given access to them. [HL5048]

No such estimate has been made.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have made an assessment of the research undertaken by the London Assembly Environment Committee that suggests a loss of 6.9 per cent of allotment plots in London between 1996 and 2006; and how many people are currently on waiting lists for allotment plots in London. [HL5049]

We contributed to the research undertaken by the London Assembly Environment Committee. We welcome the research and are considering the implications of the report for national allotment policy.

We do not have centrally held figures for the number of people on waiting lists for allotments in London. Local authorities are responsible for keeping figures on waiting lists, and we do not require them to provide central government or Government offices with this information. Waiting list numbers change regularly in line with local demand and it would be burdensome to require local authorities to provide this level of detail. The London Assembly Environment Committee report (October 2006) states that (based on a survey of the 33 London boroughs) there are 4,300 people waiting for allotments across London.

Local authorities should be continuously improving any allotment sites which may be vacant or in disrepair so that the whole community can benefit and waiting lists are reduced across their area. We are working with our partners to promote and share best practice within local authorities.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have any plans to increase the number of allotment sites in the City of Westminster from zero; and how many inquiries have been made about allotment provision to Westminster City Council in recent years. [HL5101]

Provision of allotments is the responsibility of local authorities and we are not aware of how many inquiries have been received by the local authority. For inner London boroughs, the provision of allotments on demand is discretionary, not mandatory.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many United Kingdom soldiers have been treated for heat stress immediately after periods spent working in Warrior vehicles; and [HL5126]

Whether they have any plans to replace or upgrade air conditioning systems in the Warrior fighting vehicle. [HL5127]

Warrior vehicles currently deployed on operations have been or are being fitted with an environmental cooling unit that is designed to provide air at 25 degrees below the ambient temperature to both the crew compartment and the driver. Changes to this system will be considered as part of the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme.

The number of servicemen sustaining heat injuries after working in a Warrior vehicle is not held centrally. To obtain these details would require the examination of the individual medical records of each injured serviceman since Warriors’ introduction into service in 1987. These records could only be viewed for non-clinical reasons with the express consent of the individual concerned, to protect patient confidentiality. To do so would incur disproportionate effort.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What they are doing to combat possible racism in the Household Division; and whether through enhanced public relations they are tackling any perception of racism in the Army by promoting awareness of the Army and its values. [HL4941]

The Army has a policy of zero tolerance on all forms of prejudice, harassment and bullying. Any allegations are thoroughly investigated and action is taken where appropriate. To reinforce the Army’s core values and standards, and to ensure that all personnel are aware of current equality and diversity policy and their obligation to comply with it, they are required to undertake annual training. These provisions apply equally in the Household Division as they do to the rest of the Army. All Army recruitment initiatives have a clear diversity dimension and through efforts such as media campaigns, work in schools and with ethnic minority communities, a positive perception is being given and more young people are seeing the Army as a career option of first choice.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the estimated internal rate of return per annum to date, taking realised capital returns and unrealised capital appreciation or depreciation together, on the £20 million of taxpayers’ money invested in Bridges Community Ventures Limited. [HL4617]

The Government do not calculate mid-term estimates of the internal rate of return (IRR) for any of their portfolio of equity funds.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their assessment of the Coal Health Compensation Schemes report by the National Audit Office, published on 18 July, and in particular its findings that in the British Coal Respiratory Disease Litigation (a) 69 per cent of claimants awarded compensation received less than the average cost of administering claims, and (b) the average cost of processing each such claim was £3,200. [HL5063]

That many claimants receive less than the average cost of administering claims reflects the complex nature of the High Court ruling against British Coal in the respiratory disease litigation. Each claim is assessed individually and takes into account a number of factors including employment and medical histories. The department has sought to minimise the administrative costs of the scheme but these costs indicate the scale and complexity of the process required.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their response to the findings in the Coal Health Compensation Schemes report by the National Audit Office, published on 18 July, that the total forecast cost of administering the British Coal respiratory disease litigation and British Coal vibration white finger litigation will be £2.3 billion. [HL5064]

The department accepts the National Audit Office's observations on what we might have done differently before and during the start-up of the schemes. However, the level of administration costs reflects the size and scale of the schemes. The department has developed processes to help reduce both administrative costs and the timescale for claims, such as the fast-track option for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which the department developed from its experiences administering the scheme. The department secured a reduction in the solicitors’ tariffs for fast-track claims, reducing the overall bill by £100 million, and is currently negotiating the tariff to be paid for vibration white finger services claims.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have made an assessment of the legal services provided by Nabarro solicitors in the negotiation of a tariff for claimants’ solicitors’ fees in the British Coal vibration white finger litigation in 1998 and 1999, having regard to the Boys Smith report cited in the Coal Health Compensation Schemes report by the National Audit Office, published on 18 July, and their findings about the preparation by Nabarro solicitors on behalf of the former Department of Trade and Industry; and whether they intend to take independent legal advice in the matter. [HL5065]

The National Audit Office report notes that Nabarro assisted in the negotiation of solicitor costs for the vibration white finger scheme but makes clear that those negotiations were conducted initially by IRISC and concluded by the former Department of Trade and Industry.

While the department reviews the work of all its contractors as part of its normal business, I see no need to carry out a review of the work of one specific adviser in this period or take independent legal advice on it.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the total sum, by way of legal and other fees, paid to the Union of Democratic Mineworkers and its claims handling company, Vendside Limited, in respect of the British Coal respiratory disease litigation and British Coal vibration white finger litigation. [HL5066]

The total amount of legal fees paid to the Union of Democratic Mineworkers and to Vendside Limited in respect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and vibration white finger (VWF) under the coal health compensation schemes as at 22 July 2007 are shown in the table below:

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the total amount of legal costs paid to (a) Beresfords; (b) Raleys; (c) Wake Smith; (d) Ashton Morton Slack; (e) Avalon; (f) Thompsons; (g) Mark Gilbert Morse; (h) Watson Burton; (h) Graysons; (i) Simpson Millar; (j) BRM Solicitors; (k) Moss Legal LLP; (l) Corries; (m) Barber & Company; (n) Hugh James; (o) Browell Smith & Company; and (q) Oxley & Coward in respect of the British Coal respiratory disease litigation and British Coal vibration white finger litigation. [HL5067]

The total amount of legal fees paid to the solicitors listed above in respect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and vibration white finger (VWF) under the coal health compensation schemes as at 22 July 2007 are shown in the table below:

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What were the average sums paid in respect of claimants represented by (a) Beresfords; (b) Aston Morton Slack; (c) Moss Legal LLP; (d) Avalon; (e) Union of Democratic Workers/Vendside Limited; and (f) Barber & Company by way of compensation and legal costs in the British Coal respiratory disease litigation. [HL5068]

The average sums paid in respect of legal fees for firms listed above under the coal health compensation schemes as at 22 July 2007 are shown in the table below:

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in light of the recent statistics showing a rise in crime related to computing, they will review existing computer crime legislation and assess the effectiveness of the Computer Misuse Act 1990. [HL5130]

The Government are committed to ensuring that actions should be legal or illegal according to their merits, rather than the medium used. As such, all legislation criminalises offences regardless of the means used to commit the offence. Where there is a need to revise legislation to take account of new criminal techniques we seek to do so. We liaise regularly with the prosecution and law enforcement authorities to ensure the criminal law remains fit for purpose.

Although the law relating to e-crime is generally fit for purpose, we have recently legislated, in the Police and Justice Act 2006, to reform the criminal law to ensure that the Computer Misuse Act 1990 is strengthened. In addition, the Fraud Act 2006 has created a general offence of fraud that will deal with such crimes in a technology-neutral way. It will also ensure that the offence continues to be relevant as methods and technologies deployed by fraudsters change and develop. The Act also created other new offences including a new offence of possessing articles for use in fraud, and a new offence of making or supplying articles for use in fraud. These offences will also assist in tackling online fraudsters.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will place in the Library of the House copies of the Ministry of Defence’s interim policy paper, following the Defence Industrial Strategy, on the engagement and involvement in the supply chain of small and medium enterprises. [HL5074]

MoD’s policy on engagement and involvement in the supply chain of small and medium enterprises will be set out in the update of the Defence Industrial Strategy. The update will be published in December and a copy will be made available in the Library of the House.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will publish a list of new jurisdictions acquired by industrial and employment tribunals in each of the years 1972 to 2006, and the legal source of each such jurisdiction where that information is available. [HL5014]

The Government do not hold this information in the form you seek. However, a full list of the jurisdictions currently heard in employment tribunals can be found on the Tribunals Service website at http//www.employmenttribunals.gov.uk/about_us/jurisdiction_list.htm, and this is updated as necessary. A copy of this information has been placed in the Library.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the rate of introduction of lower carbon energy efficient light bulbs in United Kingdom households is satisfactory; and whether the efforts of private industry will be supplemented by further official actions to persuade consumers. [HL4742]

UK sales of energy-efficient light bulbs doubled between 2000 and 2006 with the number in use in people’s homes rising from 26 million to 108 million. We recognise that more can be done and are actively working with other government departments, manufacturers and retailers to phase out the use of inefficient light bulbs. We are currently discussing with UK retailers and manufacturers how they might voluntarily phase out inefficient light bulbs in the UK by 2011 for almost all domestic use where an efficient alternative exists.

The European Union (EU) is also working to remove inefficient light bulbs from the EU market. It aims to complete the necessary legislative process by 2010, after which inefficient light bulbs will be phased out over a number of years.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are still of the opinion that a Severn barrage is not viable for the reasons given by Lord Sainsbury of Turville on 21 March (Official Report, col. 131). [HL4927]

Since March 2006, we have completed an energy review and published our energy White Paper. The context in which we need to meet our two long-term energy challenges of tackling climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions and ensuring secure, clean and affordable energy is evolving. In particular, there is the growing evidence of climate change, rising fossil fuel prices and our heightened awareness of risks arising from the concentration of the world’s remaining oil and gas reserves in fewer regions around the world.

It is against this background that the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) working together with my department, the Welsh Assembly Government, the devolved Administrations and the South West Regional Development Agency, is undertaking a study of tidal power in the UK. The study is looking in some detail at the issues arising on tidal power and will provide a strategic, independent and evidence-based consideration of all the environmental, social and economic aspects of options for tidal power in the Severn estuary from a sustainable development perspective. The final report is expected to be published in September and further details of the study can be seen at www.sd-commission.org.uk/pages/tidal.html.

The Severn barrage is a complex scheme and any assessment of its viability would not rest solely on its economics. Whether or not the position has altered since my noble friend made his comments is something that the SDC’s report should help us better understand.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How they reconcile the statement by Baroness Royall of Blaisdon in her Written Answer on 12 July (WA 242) that dental fluorosis does not affect “the extra resistance to dental decay that is provided by exposure to fluoride”, with the finding by the United States National Research Council (US NRC) that the evidence is “mixed but generally supportive” of a greater frequency of caries in those with severe enamel fluorosis, of which the US NRC in 2006 found infants and young children at risk. [HL5050]

The United States National Research Council was asked by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address any adverse health effects on fluoride at the high levels which occur naturally in some supplies in the United States of America. In particular the report looks at whether the EPA’s maximum permitted level of fluoride in drinking water of 4 milligrammes per litre should be adjusted. In the United Kingdom there is a legal requirement for fluoride levels in drinking water not to exceed 1.5 mg per litre and, in supplies which are artificially fluoridated, the target concentration is lower, at 1 mg per litre. Any research findings in relation to the current high levels of fluoride permitted in the USA are not directly applicable to the UK.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answers by Lord Warner on 24 July 2006 (WA 240) and Baroness Royall of Blaisdon on 12 July (WA 242) on fluoridation, whether infants and young children will be affected by fluoridated water at the standard 1 part per million (ppm) to the same degree as will adults at 3-4 ppm, in view of the finding by the National Research Council of the United States Academy of Sciences in its report of March 2006 that they “have approximately three to four times greater exposure” to fluoride on a per-body-weight basis than do adults. [HL5112]

The one proven side effect of water fluoridation is dental fluorosis and, while the risk is less at the 1 part per million concentration used here, we accept that some children in fluoridated areas will be affected. It appears that people with the flecking of the teeth characteristic of mild fluorosis are seldom concerned about the appearance of their teeth, but in order to test this assumption we have funded a research project involving the use of intra-oral cameras and automated software in order to obtain consistent readings in surveys of levels of dental fluorosis. If the project is successful, we intend that the photographs are used in a further study to assess the aesthetic impact of fluorosis. Unlike the United States, levels of fluoride concentration of 3 to 4 ppm are not found in drinking water in the United Kingdom so comparison with the National Research Council report is inappropriate.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answers by Lord Warner on 24 July 2006 (WA 240) and Baroness Royall of Blaisdon on 12 July (WA 242) on fluoridation, what is their response to possible health concerns in respect of infants and young children, in areas where the United States National Research Council found potential risks with fluoride levels of 4 ppm, which included bone strength, IQ, brain chemistry and function, and thyroid and other endocrine functions. [HL5113]

In the United Kingdom there is a legal requirement for fluoride levels in drinking water not to exceed 1.5 milligrams per litre. In supplies, which are artificially fluoridated, the target concentration is lower at 1 milligram per litre. Any research findings in relation to the current high levels of fluoride permitted in the United States are not directly applicable to the UK. A systematic review of public water fluoridation published by the University of York in 2000 found no significant association between water fluoridation and thyroid disorders, bone disease or any systemic disease but called for further research to strengthen the evidence base. Water Fluoridation and Health, published by the Medical Research Council in 2002, endorsed York's recommendation on the need for further research and we are committed to a continuing programme of research on the effects of fluoridation on health.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will hold talks with United Kingdom food and drink industry representatives to increase public usage of the new guideline daily amount nutrition labels. [HL5152]

The Government have engaged with food manufacturers and retailers since work on front-of-pack signposting schemes first began in 2004 and continue to be in regular dialogue with industry on this matter.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In what proportions the Secretary of State for Defence and for Scotland plans to divide his working time between those two responsibilities. [HL5058]

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Defence and Secretary of State for Scotland plans to devote the appropriate amount of time to each role. In discharging his responsibilities he is supported in the Ministry of Defence by myself, my right honourable friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces and the Under-Secretary of State and Minister for Veterans and, in the Scotland Office, by the Minister of State.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will take steps to increase the number of primary care trusts which operate a Race for Health programme for black and ethnic minority patients. [HL5147]

Currently, 15 primary care trusts are taking part in the Race for Health programme. There are plans to increase this number in the near future.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What percentage of blood and blood products used by the National Health Service comes from donations made in the United Kingdom; and [HL5060]

How the proportion of blood and blood products currently used by the National Health Service originating from donations made in the United Kingdom differs from the proportion of the same five, 10 and 20 years ago. [HL5061]

The National Blood Service is responsible for managing the blood supply in England and North Wales. All red blood cells and platelets provided to the National Health Service in England and north Wales come from United Kingdom donors. There has been no change in this source of supply over the last 20 years.

Bio Products Laboratory (BPL) provides a range of blood products for the NHS and customers abroad. BPL operates in a competitive market, and the NHS has always been able to source blood products from a range of suppliers. Commercial products are derived from non-UK sources. Since September 1999, BPL has imported blood products from the United States of America for fractionation to manufacture all of its blood products. Previously BPL used plasma from UK donors.

Clinicians have been able to directly procure blood products from other sources and data on their use are not collected.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much is spent annually on advertising and marketing blood donation. [HL5062]

In 2006-07, the National Blood Service spent £2.5 million on media advertising to encourage blood donation.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which advice takes precedence in managing cancer treatment-related anaemia: that of the Chief Medical Officer to conserve blood stocks or cost-effectiveness guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence on the use of Erythropoietin. [HL5174]

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has not yet issued final guidance to the National Health Service. In reaching its draft recommendations on the clinical and cost effectiveness of erythropoietin in the management of treatment-induced anaemia, I understand that NICE's appraisal committee has considered the impact of its guidance on blood stocks and their availability.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will encourage the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence to appraise cost-effectiveness with reference to the actual price paid for treatment by the National Health Service. [HL5209]

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guide to the Methods of Technology Appraisal describes all aspects of appraisal methodology, including the principles and methods of health technology assessment. The guide states that “estimates of ... prices for particular resources should be used consistently across appraisals”, and that the institute uses the “public list price” of a treatment when conducting its appraisals. The guide is published on the NICE website at www.nice.org.uk/page.aspx?o=201973.

NICE is currently undertaking a review of its Guide to the Methods of Technology Appraisal, which underpins the technology appraisal programme. NICE expects to commence a three-month public consultation on its findings in November 2007.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much, on a per head of population basis, each county in the East of England region received from central government for National Health Service services in the last financial year. [HL5029]

The information is not available in the format requested.

The following table gives details of the allocation per head for primary care trusts (PCTs) in the East of England for the year 2006-07.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the preliminary recommendation by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, if it permits erythropoietins only for Jehovah's Witnesses, would require medical professionals to discriminate against all other faith or non-faith groups. [HL5171]

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has not yet issued final guidance. NICE published its appraisal consultation document on erythropoietins in the treatment of cancer treatment-induced anaemia on 29 June and the consultation ended on 23 July 2007. Subject to appeals, NICE expects to publish final guidance to the National Health Service later this year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their assessment of the survey of National Health Service professionals undertaken in July by Professor Nick Bosanquet, which shows that clinicians frequently use erythropoietins to manage blood stocks; and what impact negative guidance on erythropoietin would have on this practice. [HL5175]

On 29 June 2007, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published its preliminary recommendations on the use of erythropoietin for the treatment of anaemia induced by cancer treatment. As part of its appraisal process NICE considers all the evidence supplied by individuals or organisations.

The National Blood Service is responsible for managing the blood supply in England and north Wales. Blood stocks are sufficient and NHS trusts are continuing to receive all the blood they need.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether women with ovarian cancer are recognised as a distinct subgroup of cancer patients; and what is their response to the rejection of this group by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence on the basis of there being no biologically plausible survival benefit, as described in the national institute's consultation document. [HL5173]

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has not yet issued final guidance to the National Health Service on the clinical and cost effectiveness of erythropoietins in the management of cancer treatment-induced anaemia. NICE issued an appraisal consultation document on 29 June which included consideration of a sub-group of patients with ovarian cancer. NICE’s Appraisal Committee will consider the responses received to its consultation and expects to issue final guidance later this year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the regulation of healthcare professionals is still a reserved power in all four countries of the United Kingdom in the light of recent devolution legislation. [HL5184]

Under the Scotland Act 1998 the Scottish Parliament was given legislative powers for the regulation of those healthcare professions that were not the subject of legislation in Parliament on the principal appointed day for the coming into force of that Act.

The position in Northern Ireland was not affected. The regulation of healthcare professions is a transferred matter on which the Northern Ireland Assembly has competence to legislate.

Under the Government of Wales Act 2006, the National Assembly for Wales may be given the power to pass legislative measures in certain areas, including “health and health services”. No Legislative Competence Order or Act has been passed amending Schedule 5 of the 2006 Act in respect of the regulation of healthcare professionals and this therefore remains a reserved matter.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

By what process members were appointed to the seven work streams of the National Advisory Group on Professional Regulation. [HL5185]

On 5 June 2007 the department held an inclusive stakeholder conference where views were sought on taking forward the implementation of the White Paper. Groups represented at the conference included patient and public interest groups; national bodies and expert resources; National Health Service and other healthcare bodies; the Department of Health and other government departments; and professional associations and representative bodies.

The intention is that future meetings of the national advisory group and the seven working groups will be as inclusive as possible, while keeping numbers in the working groups at a manageable level. Proposals for the membership and terms of reference of the national working groups were presented at the conference and views and expressions of interest sought. The detailed membership and terms of reference of the working groups are now being finalised by the department, working with the chairs and taking into account views expressed by stakeholders.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they will ensure that all the regulators of healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom have the same range of sanctions. [HL5186]

The recent White Paper, Trust, Assurance and Safety: The Regulation of Health Professionals in the 21st Century, set out the need to ensure that there is consistency in the handling of cases by all healthcare professional regulators. Options for achieving this, including the question of sanctions, will be considered by the relevant working groups charged with implementing the recommendations. They are expected to report in due course.

asked the Chairman of Committees:

Whether there is a convention that membership of the European Union Committee and the Science and Technology Committee is reserved to Back-Bench Members; and, if so, whether this convention is being observed. [HL5177]

The membership of Select Committees is agreed by the House usually upon report from the Committee of Selection. It is unusual for Members of the Front Benches to be appointed on to Select Committees but there is no rule that would prevent this.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they took account of immigration when drawing up their plans for providing three million new homes by 2020; and, if so, what was the net annual immigration figure used. [HL5120]

The housing Green Paper published on 23 July, Homes for the Future: More Affordable, More Sustainable, set out a target to increase housing supply to 240,000 extra homes per annum by 2016. In setting that target we took account of household projections, which are produced by Communities and Local Government based on population projections (2004-based) from the Office for National Statistics. Those population projections assume a long-term net migration into England of 130,000 per annum.

The household projections (2004-based) indicate that an average of 223,000 extra households will form each year over the next 20 years. The principal drivers of the increase in the number of households are increasing longevity and a significant increase in one-person households. Net migration accounts for around one-third of household growth.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the Home Office has taken almost five months to consider the compassionate and medical cases of Ms Helen Berhane and her sister for entry clearance (UK Visas Ref GV100/123-498/MA); and[HL4245]

Whether Ms Helen Berhane and her sister have yet been admitted to Britain on compassionate and medical grounds (UK Visas ref GV100/123-498/MA); and [HL4918]

When they will answer Lord Hylton's Question for Written Answer tabled on 8 June (HL4245). [HL4919]

It is the policy of the Border and Immigration Agency not to comment publicly about individual cases. I wrote to the noble Lord on 24 July privately about this case.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 18 May 2006 (WA 63-64), whether following the review of processes for effecting family removal, they will make the text of the guidance available to operational enforcement staff, including the guidance on treatment of breastfeeding mothers, and the web reference for the operational enforcement manual where such guidance is to be found. [HL4940]

A full copy of the family removals review from October 2006 entitled Review of UKIS Family Removals Process, an executive summary, list of recommendations and a progress-to-date report are published on the Border and Immigration Agency website at www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/newsarchive/childsafety. The review is also available to staff on the Border and Immigration Agency internal website.

Chapter 58 of the Operational Enforcement Manual (OEM) contains instructions to be followed by operational enforcement staff when dealing with families liable to removal. This has recently been updated to include guidance on the treatment of breastfeeding mothers. The OEM is available to view at the following address: http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/lawandpolicy/policyinstructions/oem.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have received reports of a solicitor who has been allowed into Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre (IRC) on two occasions and has taken money from asylum-seekers; whether they will defer the removal of asylum-seekers affected by this to allow them to get representation and to act as witnesses in any criminal proceedings arising from the deception; and whether they will conduct an investigation into the procedures for allowing solicitors into Yarl's Wood and other IRCs. [HL5015]

This matter is currently being investigated by both the police and the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner and we would not wish to comment further so as to avoid prejudicing those investigations.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why they chose to reduce the total of frigates and destroyers from the 32 referred to in the Strategic Defence Review to 25; and whether they propose any further reduction. [HL4983]

The reasons the department decided to make the reductions to the destroyer and frigate fleet are clearly set out in the White Paper Delivering Security in a Changing World: Future Capabilities (CM 6269), presented to Parliament in July 2004. This explained that a reduced conventional threat, revised planning assumptions and improved technology meant that we required fewer destroyers and frigates than before. It judged that our future requirements could be met by a fleet of 25 of these ships. No further reductions to the fleet are currently planned.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the implications of the relocation of the Office of Science and Innovation for the scrutiny of scientific matters in Parliament. [HL5161]

I refer the noble Lord to the debate in the other place on 25 July 2007 concerning amendments to Standing Order 152 (Select Committees related to government departments). The proposals presented in this debate by the Leader of the House were approved in a vote and will be effective from the beginning of the next Session of Parliament [Official Report, Commons, 25/7/07; col. 939].

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How they will ensure that the planned eco-towns will be inhabited by people living an eco-lifestyle. [HL4933]

On 23 July the Minister for Housing launched the Eco-towns Prospectus, which sets out the Government’s vision for new towns of 5,000 to 20,000 homes which will be exemplar “green” developments. They will be designed to meet the highest standards of sustainability, including zero-carbon technologies and good public transport, as well as lead the way in design, facilities and services, jobs, health and community involvement.

We expect the developments to be planned in a way which supports low-carbon living and this includes minimising carbon emissions from transport. There should also be the opportunity for the community to own and manage assets and to have a greater say in the running of their community. All these factors should help residents of eco-towns to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 25 June (WA 120), what revenue has been received by them between September 2004 and September 2006 from national non-geographic telephone numbers in use by (a) the Criminal Records Bureau; (b) the Passport Service; (c) the Immigration and Enquiry Bureau; and (d) Siemens Business Service query letters. [HL4997]

The latest information available shows that £385,261.58 was generated from the 0870 numbers used for the Passport Adviceline for the last financial year of 2006-07. This figure covers both the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) and calls in response to Siemens Business Service query letters. This sum is deducted from the monthly invoice total from the Adviceline supplier and hence reduces the burden on the passport fee.

The Immigration and Enquiry Bureau (IEB) generated £73,999.35 up until 31 March 2005. IEB ceased taking any revenue from the three non-geographic numbers from 1 April 2005. The Criminal Records Bureau receives no income from non-geographic numbers. All three business areas are looking into using 03 numbers, in line with COI recommendations.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which non-military organisations have received some form of recognition for their efforts in the 1939-45 war, whether of medals, ribbons or lapel badges; and whether the Bevin Boys will now be recognised in this way. [HL4427]

Successive Governments have acknowledged publicly the major contribution made to the war effort by a wide variety of civilian organisations. We do not hold records of the specific awards made to non-military organisations.

However, with respect to recent awards, the department is responsible for the introduction of a veterans badge for those members of the Merchant Navy who operated with HM Armed Forces in a conflict zone. With respect to the Bevin Boys, the noble Lord will be aware that the Prime Minister announced on 20 June 2007 a commemorative badge for the Bevin Boys, in recognition of their contribution to the war effort. More detail of that award was given later that day by my noble friend the Minister for Energy, Lord Truscott, by Written Statement (Official Report, col. WS 30).

Answers received between Monday 6 August and Friday 10 August 2007

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

What was the total number of children eligible for child benefit in the United Kingdom in 1997, 2001 and 2006, or the latest year for which there is information available. [HL5076]

The table below shows the estimated number of children for whom child benefit was claimed in 1997-98, 2001-02 and 2006-07.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

What was the amount per week of child benefit for the first child and for each other child in the family in 1997, 2001 and 2006, or the latest year for which there is information available; and (a) what would these amounts have been, and (b) what would the total cost in billions of pounds have been, if maintained in strict accordance with the growth of average national earnings for men and women. [HL5078]

Historic child benefit rates are available in the Tax Benefit Reference Manual in the Library of the House. Child benefit rates are outlined on page 75 of the 2007-08 manual; it is government practice to update these annually.

The table below shows what the rates would have been if indexed by average national earnings from 1997-98.

Child benefit rates if increased by earnings: 1997-98, 2001-02 and 2006-07.

The total expenditure would have been around £8.5 billion in 2001-02 and around £10 billion in 2006-07 if these rates had been introduced.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Whether they have a strategy in respect of the production of films and television programmes for children; whether they will set up a fund for the production of such programmes; what steps they will take to increase the circulation of world films and television programmes to children in the United Kingdom; and, within the extended schools initiative, whether the films on the UK Film Council’s film club list reflect films drawn from the wider world which may be of interest to children. [HL5011]

All public funding for film directed by the UK Film Council is available for children’s films, along with all other genres. The UK Film Council is taking several steps to increase the circulation of world films, through the recently completed digital screen network and the distribution and exhibition fund.

The list of films in the film club pilot phase included a wide range of films drawn from around the world, from “Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday” to “Whale Rider” and foreign language and silent films. These were all well received. One of the recommendations from the evaluation of the pilot scheme is that the film catalogue could increase its impact on young audiences by including more world, independent and archive film, especially for primary schools. This will be duly noted.

Section 264 of the Communications Act 2003 requires Ofcom regularly to review and report on the extent to which public service broadcasters fulfil the purposes of public service television, including the provision (when the services are taken together) of a “suitable quantity and range of high quality and original programmes for children and young people”.

Ofcom is currently conducting a review of children’s television programming in the UK and this is expected to be published in the autumn. We look forward to seeing its findings.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Whether they will take steps to reinforce the latest Ofcom restrictions on irresponsible television advertising of unsuitable food and drink products to children. [HL5133]

The Government have welcomed Ofcom’s strengthened rules on broadcast food promotion to children as a proportionate and balanced contribution to the wider range of measures aimed at tackling childhood obesity and poor diet.

As set out in the public health White Paper, the Government will monitor the impact of the new rules being implemented across all media. The Government will therefore be conducting an interim review in autumn 2007, with a more detailed review in autumn 2008, before considering whether further measures are necessary.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

How many times the European Commission has written to them asking for explanations of gaps in the implementation of the European race directive; and what response was made to such requests; and [HL4730]

What deficiencies have been identified by the European Commission with the United Kingdom race equality legislation; and what action has been taken and is proposed to deal with them. [HL4731]

Details of any correspondence between the Commission and member states on matters relating to the European race directive are confidential. I can, however, confirm that, following an exchange of letters with the Commission, the Commission has now sent a reasoned opinion letter to the UK (it has also sent such letters to 13 other member states). The Government are presently considering the opinion and will be responding by the required deadline of 27 August.

More information on this subject is available on the European Commission’s website at the following addresses:

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do? reference=MEMO/07/263&format=H TML&aged =0&language=EN&QuiLanguage

http://www.europa.eu/rapid/pressreleasesaction. do?reference=ip/07/928&format=h TML&abed=0 &language=EN&guiLanguage=en.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord West of Spithead on 23 July (WA 67), whether they will set out those considerations which led them to conclude that it was not in the public interest to reveal whether or not applications have been made to secure extradition from other countries of persons claiming to have committed murder in the United Kingdom. [HL5116]

I apologise if the reply given in the Official Report on 23 July did not fully address the noble Lord’s concerns. The reply given by Lord Rooker on 3 July 2007 generally holds true. It is policy and practice neither to confirm nor deny the existence of any extradition request made to or by the UK. This is so that the subject of any potential extradition request is not alerted to its existence, thus affording them the opportunity to escape justice.

In the case of Lugavoy, however, it was decided exceptionally to depart from that policy because, given the exceptionally serious nature of Mr Litvinenko’s murder, it was right that my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary should give a full account to Parliament of what action the Government have taken and are taking. The substance of this account was in part drawn from the public statements issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions. In this context, I refer the noble Lord to my right honourable friend’s oral Statement to the other place of 16 July (Official Report, Commons, cols. 21-22).

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

What is their response to the call, made by Lord Owen at the hearing on 11 July of the Independent Public Inquiry into Contaminated National Health Service Blood and Blood Products headed by Lord Archer of Sandwell, for the Department of Health to identify the officials who shredded documents for the period 1989-92; and who from the department will be assisting the inquiry to establish the facts of what happened and why. [HL5168]

On 22 May 2007, A Review of Documentation Relating to the Safety of Blood Products 1970-1985 (Non A, Non-B Hepatitis), together with copies of relevant documentation, was issued to Lord Archer’s inquiry. The documents released with the review included the report of an internal audit conducted in 2000 into the destruction of papers from the Advisory Committee on the Virological Safety of Blood covering May 1989 to February 1992. I very much regret the loss of these documents, but I am satisfied that the loss has been properly investigated and the results now published.

Departmental officials have met with the inquiry team and offered to help by answering any questions they may have, where this is possible. However, I do not believe that more can be learned at this stage about the loss of documents that has not already been set out in the review and audit that have now been published.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Whether the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence appraisal consultation document (ACD) on Erythropoietin will facilitate the ethical duty of clinicians to provide the best treatment for their patients; and whether, if a recommendation is made on the basis of cost-effectiveness, the national institute has an ethical duty to ensure this is properly done. [HL5170]

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) bases its appraisal guidance on an assessment of both clinical and cost effectiveness. NICE applies the same published methodology to all its appraisal work and has published documentation on the social value judgments that it applies in the development of its guidance. A copy of NICE’s social value judgments document is available on its website at www.nice.org.uk/page.aspx?o=283494 and its Guide to the Methods of Technology Appraisal is published on the NICE website at www.nice.org.uk/page.aspx?o=201973.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Whether the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence will issue guidance setting out the range of discounts between which purchase of Erythropoietin would be cost-effective. [HL5172]

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has not issued final guidance to the National Health Service on the use of erythropoietins in the management of cancer treatment-induced anaemia. NICE’s Guide to the Methods of Technology Appraisal states that “estimates of ... prices for particular resources should be used consistently across appraisals” and that the institute uses the “public list price” of a treatment when conducting its appraisals. The guide is published on the NICE website at www.nice.org.uk/page.aspx?o=201973.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

How many non-United Kingdom citizens are employed in (a) the Identity and Passport Service, and (b) the Immigration and Nationality Directorate of the Home Office; and, in each case, how many of these are citizens of other European Union countries. [HL5165]

As of 31 July 2007, the IPS employs 22 non-UK citizens, 14 of whom are citizens of other EU countries.

The Border and Immigration Agency does not hold this information centrally and to provide this information would be at disproportionate cost.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Whether they have applied or will apply positive vetting procedures to all employees of the Identity and Passport Service and the Immigration and Nationality Directorate of the Home Office. [HL5166]

National security vetting is carried out to the appropriate level for all persons working for the Identity and Passport Service and the Border and Immigration Agency.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

How much housebuilding, sanctioned by planning authorities, is in progress on flood plains in England. [HL5107]

Information on how much housebuilding, sanctioned by planning authorities, is in progress is not available centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

The most recent data (for 2005) show that 9 per cent of dwellings built were built in flood-risk areas. There were around 177,000 permanent dwellings started in 2005, which suggests that an estimated 16,000 dwellings were started on flood plains in 2005. It is worth noting that not all dwellings started end up as completed dwellings.

Flood risk is a major factor in the location of new development. Flood-risk areas account for about 12 per cent of land in England, including parts of major cities, and around 10 per cent of the population already live in flood-risk areas. The Government’s aim is to avoid inappropriate development in areas of high flood risk. The Government published planning policy statement 25 (PPS25) in December 2006 to strengthen and clarify earlier policy on this issue. PPS25 directs development away from high-risk areas through a sequential, risk-based approach.

Flood risk must be taken into account at all stages of the planning process. Development that would not be safe in the higher-flood-risk areas should be directed to areas of lower risk wherever this is practicable. In particular, more vulnerable development, such as housing, should not be permitted in high-risk areas unless it can be clearly demonstrated that the development will be safe, without increasing flood risk elsewhere, and provides wider sustainability benefits that outweigh the flood risk. Where new development is necessary in higher-risk areas because no viable alternative is available, steps must be taken at site level to make it safe if it is to be permitted.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

How much housebuilding, sanctioned by planning authorities, has been carried out in (a) 2005; (b) 2006; and (c) 2007 to date on flood plains in England. [HL5108]

The most recent data for dwellings built on flood-risk areas are for 2005. Data for 2006 and 2007 are not available centrally and could be provided only at a disproportionate cost. In 2005, an estimated 14,200 dwellings were built in flood-risk areas.

The Government’s aim is to avoid inappropriate development in areas of high flood risk. The definition of high-flood-risk areas and flood plain used by the Department for Communities and Local Government is the high-risk zone mapped by the Environment Agency as having a probability of flooding, excluding the presence of flood defences, of at least one in 100 each year for river flooding and at least one in 200 for coastal flooding. This is the basis for the definition of “high-risk areas” in planning policy statement 25 (PPS25).

Flood risk is a major factor in the location of new development. Flood-risk areas account for about 12 per cent of land in England, including parts of major cities. PPS25 ensures that flood risk must be taken into account at all stages of the planning process. Development that would not be safe in the higher-flood-risk areas should be directed to areas of lower risk wherever this is practicable. In particular, more vulnerable development, such as housing, should not be permitted in high-risk areas unless it can be clearly demonstrated that the need for the development outweighs the risk, and it will be safe, without increasing flood risk.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Whether, in light of their policy to provide and retain the stock of social housing for rent, they intend to withdraw the right of social housing tenants to buy. [HL5119]

The Government have no plans to withdraw the right to buy. We support the principle of the scheme. It has helped many thousands of families to realise their aspirations to own their homes and has helped to create stable mixed-tenure communities.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord West of Spithead on 12 July (WA 245) stating that “information on charges or convictions arising from stops at ports of entry [under Schedule 7 to the Terrorism Act 2000] could be obtained only at a disproportionate cost”, how they assess whether the powers given under that schedule are being used effectively and in accordance with their expectations at the time of the enactment of the Act. [HL4961]

Lord Carlile, the independent reviewer of terrorist legislation, provides regular feedback to the Government on the use of the powers given under Schedule 7 to the Terrorism Act 2000. In paragraph 141 of his most recent publication, the report on the operation in 2006 of the Terrorism Act 2000, Lord Carlile states: “I am satisfied that in 2006 the port powers and the checks and balances on those powers worked well and remained necessary. Recording systems are sound and accountable. Each port examination (as opposed to short stop) is recorded in written form and superior officers examine written records routinely. Special Branch officers generally function to a very high professional standard ... Given that there are so many ports and so extensive a coastline, the effort against terrorism via freight and small vessels is remarkably proficient”.

In paragraph 129, Lord Carlile states that he has personally “received no complaints about treatment of members of the public at ports in 2006”. Complaints have been made to the police and the Home Office, generally relating to being stopped at all. In the Government’s response to Lord Carlile’s comments, we agreed that there is a need for more intelligence-led examinations at ports. It is likely that, with better selection processes in place, the number of stops at ports will decrease but the quality of intelligence retrieved from this smaller number of persons of interest will improve. We believe that it is still important that travellers expect to be stopped and challenged because, as Lord Carlile states in paragraph 126 of his report, it provides a “significant inhibition” and “deterrent to terrorists”.

The single border force will deliver a unified, uniformed, visible border force with greater powers providing a single primary line for both passport control and customs. Coming in, the travelling public will see a highly visible and uniformed border where “control” functions on people are clearly exercised, the strong sense of a single HMG presence and all passports and individuals checked.

The public will be presented with a unified border control. This will be achieved through customs officers working together with immigration officers with the ability to detain individuals for immigration and customs offences.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Whether, since the promulgation of Iraq (United Nations Sanctions) Order (SI 2003/1519), they have issued licences permitting the export from the United Kingdom of antiquities believed to have been illegally exported after 6 August 1990 from Iraq. [HL5037]

Yes. One licence was issued in 2006 at the request of the Metropolitan Police Art and Antiques Unit to enable it to return to Iraq an item that had been smuggled out of Iraq after 1990.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

What is the current status of the Live Music Forum; and what plans there are for further meetings of the forum following the publication of its report Live Music Forum—Findings and Recommendations on 4 July. [HL5111]

Following the publication of its report on 4 July, the Live Music Forum has now disbanded. No further meetings are planned. We will respond to the forum’s recommendations in the autumn.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

How much the Big Lottery Fund awarded in (a) 2005; (b) 2006; and (c) 2007 to date, to projects in north-west England. [HL5109]

The figures in the table reflect how much the Big Lottery Fund awarded to projects in north-west England in the respective years.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 13 June (WA 20-1), how many passports were included in the packages recorded as lost or stolen in each of the last 12 months while in transit between the Identity and Passport Service and the point of delivery. [HL5164]

As set out in the previous Answer, of the 110 packages reported lost or stolen while within the delivery process, 75 contained new passports. The remaining 35 contained documents sent in by the customer to support their application, which would have included previously issued passports and birth certificates. No central record is kept of the number of expired and cancelled passports returned in this way.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

How much, on a per head of population basis, each county in the East of England region received from central Government for policing in the last financial year. [HL5027]

The Government do not distribute grant to police authorities purely on the basis of population. The police funding formula uses a range of data relating to demographic and social characteristics to reflect the relative needs of each authority.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

When Home Office country guidance on Sri Lanka was last updated; and whether it reflects the recent deterioration of the humanitarian situation there and the expulsion of ethnic Tamils from Colombo. [HL5188]

The country of origin report on Sri Lanka, published in May, contains extensive information on the humanitarian situation up to the end of April. Information on the expulsion of ethnic Tamils from Colombo, which occurred on 7 June 2007, was provided promptly in June to caseworkers. It will be reflected in the next full report, due for publication in August.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

What was the overall level of trade between the United Kingdom and Sudan each year for the past five years. [HL5180]