asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have made an assessment of the extent of the unmet need for independent advice in the United Kingdom; and whether they anticipate that this need will grow over the next five years. [HL5491]

Our understanding of people's need for independent advice draws on several areas of research. In 2006, the Legal Services Research Centre, the independent research arm of the Legal Services Commission (LSC), published the second edition of Causes of Action: Civil Law and Social Justice, which was the most in-depth study ever made of client experiences of civil law, including of the availability and value of advice. The study was funded by the LSC and the then Department for Constitutional Affairs, and followed on from earlier studies. A copy is available in the House Library.

The Government believe that although the successful application of their policies has acted to address the need for some types of advice, substantial need remains. Causes of Action demonstrates that people experiencing a cluster of inter-related problems are at particular risk of social exclusion, and the LSC and other public bodies are developing their strategies for advice provision to tackle this issue.

The Public Legal Education and Support Task Force also considered how to help people recognise when they may need support, what sort of advice is available, and how to go about getting it. The task force published its report Developing Capable Citizens: the Role of Public Legal Education in July 2007. A copy has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What discussions the Department for Transport has had with BAA since September 2006 in connection with its work on the project for the sustainable development of Heathrow; and whether the Government and the authority have met for this purpose; and [HL5562]

Whether they will include BAA in the list of consultees in the forthcoming consultation on the project for the sustainable development of Heathrow. [HL5563]

Our programme of work since the 2003 air transport White Paper to assess the prospects for further development at Heathrow has been carried out with the involvement of BAA and other key parties, as was explicitly proposed at the time of the White Paper. The Department for Transport has led this work and has continued to draw on the airport operator's technical and operational expertise in regular meetings over the period.

As interested parties BAA will be included in the list of consultees and have the opportunity to respond to the consultation. That the consultation could not have been prepared without appropriate input from BAA should not deprive it of the opportunity to comment on the Government's findings.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will take steps to ensure that charities, educational bodies and other socially valuable organisations will be able to secure spectrum in the auction proposed by Ofcom to allocate spectrum released under the Digital Dividend Review. [HL5520]

Spectrum management is a matter for Ofcom, subject to power of direction from Ministers. The Government have a clear policy of using market mechanisms to allocate spectrum as this is the best way of identifying the most valuable use to which it can be put, and Ofcom's proposal to auction the Digital Dividend spectrum accords with this. If a use of spectrum is deemed to have particularly high social value, it is in principle a matter for relevant stakeholders and their funding bodies to raise the necessary funds in order to access spectrum, if this is what they believe to be the best use of their resources.

The threshold for government intervention in order to secure spectrum for any potential use is extremely high, as it would preclude other, potentially more valuable users from gaining access to valuable capacity.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ensure that proper parliamentary consideration is given before spectrum is sold or allocated by Ofcom as part of the Digital Dividend Review. [HL5521]

The allocation of the spectrum released by digital switchover is a matter for Ofcom, subject to the power of direction from Ministers. There are no current plans for a parliamentary debate on this issue. However, the Government welcome Ofcom's engagement with all interested parties, including honourable Members, throughout the consultation process for the Digital Dividend Review, and expect that this will continue until the publication of Ofcom's statement on this consultation.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to ensure that socially valuable broadcasting content remains freely available across a wide range of channels after the transition to digital broadcasting. [HL5522]

The Government recognise the social value of diverse high-quality broadcasting as is delivered through the public service broadcasting system. Sustaining plurality of public service broadcasting provision will be a key consideration of the Government's review of funding for PSB beyond the BBC, which will commence once the conclusions of Ofcom's current PSB review are available.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether any mechanism exists which could oblige property developers to provide compensation for the physical inconvenience caused to bus travellers when bus stops are suspended for extended periods in order to facilitate commercial redevelopment. [HL5611]

There is no mechanism within the planning system through which compensation could be provided to bus travellers inconvenienced by the suspension of bus stops. However, we would expect the highway authority and bus operator to liaise with each other over the suspension of any bus stop. Some local authorities operate voluntary considerate contractor schemes to encourage building contractors to carry out their activities with due regard to pedestrians and other road users.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, by asking the Electoral Commission to consider the matter or otherwise, they are considering changes to the arrangements for electoral registration in order to avoid potential problems of disenfranchisement of electors in parliamentary elections that may be called in autumn and winter before the coming into operation of the new electoral registers following the annual canvass. [HL5480]

In July 2007, the Electoral Commission issued guidance to electoral registration officers about the 2007 annual canvass in which they recommended procedures to be followed should any type of election be called during this period, to ensure that all eligible electors are registered to vote. This guidance combined with the fact that eligible electors can now personally choose to register up to 11 days before polling day provides opportunities for all electors whose details have changed to be effectively registered. The Government are discussing with stakeholders whether it is necessary to simplify the administrative process of registering electors in the event of any election being called during the annual canvass period and before publication of the revised electoral register on 1 December each year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the 20 per cent renewables target agreed with the Council of Europe in March should be taken as the target for domestic energy supply by 2020 as well as an overall European Union target. [HL5553]

No. EU Heads of Government agreed unanimously in March that differentiated national overall targets should be derived with member states' full involvement, with due regard to a fair and adequate allocation taking account of different national starting points and potentials, including the existing levels of renewable energies and energy mix.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What new steps they will take to promote the use of new technologies for producing energy and fuel from sewage treatment separation and processing, including sludge conversion, hydrogen output and microbial fuel cells in inorganic residues. [HL5413]

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is supporting three principal research activities within UK universities on the production of energy from human sewage treatment.

The Biological Fuel Cells consortium is directly investigating the use of sewage sludge for electricity generation. The project is studying the use of bacteria found in waste and the optimisation of the system through new synthetic enzymes and novel electrode technology.

The UK Sustainable Hydrogen Economy Consortium is investigating the development and optimisation of the biological generation of sustainable hydrogen by dark fermentation of biomass. This work is concerned with sewage as one of a range of waste materials as a hydrogen source.

The Intensified Integrated Bio-Refinery project is a consortium of five universities funded as part of the EPSRC Green Chemistry initiative. In this project, biomass waste such as sewage sludge is converted directly to bioethanol via gasification, producing (together with waste gases) hydrogen and syngas which, after cleaning, can be used as chemical building blocks of larger molecules such as ammonia, ethanol and methanol. Alternatively, syngas can be used as a fuel for internal combustion engine or fuel cells to generate electricity.

Electricity generation from sewage is also eligible for support under the renewables obligation (RO). The Government have consulted on proposals to reform the RO and are considering how best to allocate support to different technologies in light of consultation with all interested groups, including those planning to produce energy from sewage. Details of the obligation and the recent consultation can be found at www.berr.gov.uk/consultations/page13960.html.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What evaluation they have made of the use of thermal-energy cells in power generation for domestic use. [HL5586]

We are aware of one company (Ecowatts) which works on “thermal-energy cells”. However, it is not the role of government to validate claims from individuals or companies. At the request of the company Ecowatts, officials from the then DTI's energy group met them to discuss potential sources of funding for the device developed by the company. It was explained that two government-funded programmes were potentially available:

the DTI's technology programme which offered support for pre-commercial, collaborative research and development projects; and

the DTI's hydrogen, fuel cell, carbon abatement technology programme (HFCCAT) which offered support for technology demonstrations.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What contact they have had with Ecowatts of Lancing, West Sussex, on the development of thermal-energy cells. [HL5587]

At the request of the company, officials from the then DTI’s energy group met company representatives last year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What contact they have had with the University of York on their research into the technology used in thermal-energy cell power generation. [HL5588]

None.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the European Commission is considering fining the United Kingdom or reclaiming or withdrawing grant in relation to schemes in the North West of England; if so, from which budgets such penalties will be provided; and which schemes will not be funded as a result. [HL5665]

The Commission has indicated that it may impose a financial correction on the north-west Objective 2 programme. We are carrying out further work to reassure the Commission as a matter of urgency and to minimise any potential correction before a final decision is taken.

Any potential correction is likely to be deducted from claims already made to the EC and as such would ultimately come from CLG resources. Her Majesty's Government have a contingent liability in place for £62 million in the current year. We will continue to reimburse projects for all eligible expenditure.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have considered or will consider encouraging a limit to the size of families by the use of incentives. [HL5629]

No. The Government's support for families is based on help for all families, recognising the costs of bringing up children, with more for those who need it most. Financial support for families with children is delivered primarily through child benefit and child tax credits, and is paid in respect of each child.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their timetable for the abolition of the English regional assemblies. [HL5685]

I refer the noble Lord to the Statement made by my honourable friend the Minister for Local Government on 17 July, (Official Report, col. 161-162) announcing the publication of the review of sub-national economic development and regeneration. The review sets out the Government's proposals for the future of regional institutions including regional assemblies. The Government will consult further later this year on how to implement these reforms.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much each regional assembly spends annually on internal administration; and what is this figure expressed as a total of the annual budget of each assembly. [HL5707]

Information on regional assemblies' administration budgets is not held centrally.

Total Communities and Local Government grant to regional assemblies in 2007-08 is tabled below.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which central government departments are represented in each Government Office in each English region; and what is the approved staffing establishment in each regional office (a) from each central government department, and (b) at regional office level not part of a central departmental establishment. [HL5684]

The Government Office network is sponsored by and represents 11 government departments in the English regions. These are: Department for Communities and Local Government; Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform; Home Office; Ministry of Justice; Department for Children, Schools and Families; Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Department for Work and Pensions; Department for Transport; Cabinet Office; Department for Culture Media and Sport; and the Department of Health.

There is no set staffing establishment by department or by Government Office. Staffing is the responsibility of the regional director in consultation with stakeholders to determine the most effective staffing to deliver the outcomes required by the departments. However, the following provides details of staffing by GO and in total for the network as at the end of September 2007.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking to ensure appropriate methods of construction and infrastructure are used during development of new housing in areas prone to flooding; and what co-ordination is taking place with the insurance industry. [HL5659]

The initial stage of protecting development of new housing in areas prone to flooding is through the planning system and requires that planning applications are supported by a flood risk assessment. This assessment will need to show that the development is safe; that it does not increase flood risk elsewhere; and where possible that it reduces flood risk overall.

Where the planning process determines that it is reasonable for the development to proceed there may be a case for using modified forms of construction to mitigate the effects of flooding. Information on this type of construction was published by the Department for Communities and Local Government in May this year.

Infrastructure, particularly electrical sub-stations, is classed as essential infrastructure in planning guidance; this is a key factor in developing risk assessments. At a local level drainage systems should also not increase the flood risk to the buildings they serve.

Sir Michael Pitt is investigating the effects of the summer floods and any lessons that emerge from that review will be carefully considered and responded to appropriately. This will include consideration of the need to review building regulations to take greater account of flood risk.

We continue to have constructive discussions with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) at both ministerial and official level to understand and monitor how the insurance industry is dealing with policy holders who have been hit by the floods. Ministers from Communities and Local Government, Treasury, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform most recently met representatives from the ABI on 2 October to discuss recovery from the summer floods. A task group of officials from across the Government and a representative of the ABI meet regularly to address issues relating to the industry's role in the flood recovery process.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What amount of funding they are planning for the London Gateway housing developments over the next five years. [HL5493]

Following the recent announcement of the Comprehensive Spending Review, consideration is being given to the precise allocation for the Thames Gateway. We aim to make an announcement shortly.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Davies of Oldham on 1 October (WA 253), what is the background to the £260,000 paid to the Government of the Isle of Man in 2003 in respect of 26 Far East prisoners of war; and what other examples there are of such repayment. [HL5508]

On 7 November 2000, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence announced a single ex gratia payment of £10,000 to each of the surviving members of the British groups who were held prisoner by the Japanese during the Second World War, in recognition of the unique circumstances of their captivity. There are no other such examples under the contribution agreement in place since 1994.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Davies of Oldham on 1 October (WA 253) concerning contributions from the Government of the Isle of Man, how the annual voluntary contributions are calculated; and by whom. [HL5509]

The amount is calculated under the terms of the Isle of Man Contribution Agreement 1994. It is initially calculated by the chief accountant of the Isle of Man Government Treasury department, and agreed with the UK.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the review by Peter Scott QC of the appointment of Bertha McDougall as interim victims commissioner for Northern Ireland, whether a copy of the review will be placed in the Library of the House; and whether an opportunity will be provided for a debate on the issue. [HL5507]

Copies of Mr Scott's report were placed in the Library when I made my Statement to this House on 25 July 2007 (Official Report, col. WS 79). There are no plans to hold a debate on the issue.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will place in the Library of the House the terms and conditions, including levels of financial compensation, currently being offered by Post Office Limited to the postmasters of post offices identified for closure. [HL5624]

The Government will fund the compensation to sub-postmasters who leave under Post Office Ltd's network change programme with a package worth up to 28 months’ remuneration. The detailed terms and conditions are the subject of an agreement between Post Office Ltd and the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters and are commercially confidential.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the six-week consultation period relating to each round of post office closures currently being conducted by Post Office Limited is long enough to allow suitable and adequate consultations in those communities affected. [HL5625]

The early stages of the local process will involve detailed area plan development with input from Postwatch and the involvement of local authorities in advance of formal public consultation. We believe that this, together with the subsequent six weeks of public consultation, will enable sufficiently robust consultations to take place at a local area level while reducing uncertainty for customers and sub-postmasters.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How the policy of post office closures currently being conducted by Post Office Limited is compatible with its stated goal of reducing both rural and urban exclusion. [HL5626]

The Government are committed to maintaining a national network with national coverage. Following national consultation, we have introduced a range of criteria that guarantee a national level of access to post office services with additional safeguards for those in need, such as communities in rural and deprived urban areas.

In developing its proposals for post office closures and new outreach service points, Post Office Ltd will take into account the Government’s access criteria and wider factors relating to accessibility of post office services.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many shops, stores or other enterprises co-located with post offices they estimate will close due to the closures of the co-located post offices planned by Post Office Limited. [HL5627]

It is impossible to say which co-located shops and other enterprises will close with the associated post office until the implementation of Post Office Ltd's area network change plans is completed. Post Office Ltd's local decisions will need to reflect the Government's aim of supporting a national network and comply with the access criteria requirements.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What calculations, if any, have been made on the cost of public expenditure allocated to Scotland in the Pre-Budget Report, both in terms of population-based and needs-based cost. [HL5485]

The additions to the Scottish Executive departmental expenditure limit made in the Pre-Budget Report are set out in table D27 of the 2007 Pre-Budget Report and Comprehensive Spending Review (Cm 7227). The additions are based on the application of the population-based Barnett formula.

asked the Leader of the House:

What action she has taken or intends to take with those departments responsible for answering the eight Questions for Written Answer, tabled in July, which remain unanswered on 11 October. [HL5518]

Departments have continued to work closely with my office to address the number of outstanding Questions for Written Answer and to ensure that they are answered promptly and accurately, wherever possible within the 14-day deadline.

All departments are aware of the importance of responding to Questions for Written Answer from Members of the House within this deadline and I will continue to ensure that Answers are provided in a timely fashion.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 11 October (WA 24), whether the potential benefits of the European Rail Traffic Management System level 3 might in many instances be achieved by a combination of more efficient train planning, optimised signal spacing and improved driver training. [HL5604]

The key benefits of European Rail Traffic Management System level 3 are:

optimum capacity to speed profile for any train type or service combination; and

lower cost, higher reliability and reduced exposure of trackside workers to risk.

These benefits cannot be achieved through alternative measures such as efficient train planning, optimised signal spacing and improved driver training. However, efficient train planning and improved driver training can deliver additional benefit irrespective of the type of signalling system.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How the Highways Agency ensures that all reasonable steps are taken by motorway service area operators to prevent or discourage ordinary lorries from parking in the abnormal load bay of motorway service areas. [HL5640]

Currently there is no policy requirement for motorway service area (MSA) operators to provide an abnormal load bay, although a number do. The Government will soon be consulting the public on roadside facilities policy, and included in that consultation will be consideration of the need for the provision of abnormal load bays at service areas.

However, MSA service areas are privately run operations and while they are required to comply with policy in order to secure signing from the motorway, it is for the operator to control the parking arrangements within the site. The Highways Agency has no direct powers of enforcement.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their latest policy regarding road-user pricing as it affects (a) motor cars, and (b) lorries. [HL5605]

There has been no change of policy. No decisions have been taken on national road pricing. The Government continue to explore the potential of road pricing to tackle congestion: first, by working with local authorities that are developing local road-pricing schemes as part of wider packages of measures to tackle local congestion problems; and, secondly, by working with industry to run demonstrations projects to look at systems and technology that are reliable and accurate and that safeguard privacy.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Department for Transport or the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions commissioned research from any Ministry of Defence research agency into vehicle recovery in advance of the Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2002; and, if so, what hourly cost was attributed to the closing of a motorway in the relevant report. [HL5638]

The Defence Research Agency was commissioned to carry out an assessment of heavy vehicle recovery practice which was completed in 1996. The congestion effects of a full motorway closure were not considered, only that of a blocked lane. Congestion was modelled by a computer programme and the report states that the delay costs assumed a cost per vehicle hour of about £7.80.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will draw the attention of the Office of Fair Trading to the charging by telecommunications companies with minimal notice or consultation of a payment fee on telephone bills not paid by direct debit plus a late payment fee on bills which are not settled within eight days of receipt of the bill by the customer. [HL5660]

The independent regulator, the Office of Communications (Ofcom), announced on 6 June that it would carry out a full review of communications providers' additional charges. Ofcom expects to announce the conclusions of its review in the autumn and progress may be monitored on its website www.ofcom.org.uk.

The review covers charges for non-direct debit payments as well as other additional charges including late payment, restoration of service and early termination fees. It also covers fixed and mobile operators and pay TV services. Ofcom is looking at the nature and level of charges levied by communications providers and how well signposted and transparent such charges are. It is investigating how far consumers are aware of additional charges, whether they are able and willing to shop around on the basis of core prices and additional charges rather than just core prices, and whether there are certain groups of consumers who are unable to do this and therefore may be disadvantaged.

On investigating this issue it became clear that it would be wrong to look at BT in isolation. More than 40 per cent of homes are provided with telephony services by operators other than BT, and the differentials for payment by non-direct debit range from no extra charge to £15 a quarter. Some providers provide no payment option other than direct debit.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which waste collection authorities in England have set up arrangements to collect waste electrical and electronic equipment from domestic premises. [HL5478]

All the English waste disposal authorities have registered their sites as part of the national waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) collection network. Those listed below have either already finalised or are in the process of finalising arrangements with producer compliance schemes for WEEE to be cleared.