asked Her Majesty's Government:

In view of the conclusion of the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee in December 2006 that the prevalence of BSE in the United Kingdom sheep population was likely to be zero and that the precautionary measure of splitting sheep to remove the spinal cord was unnecessary, when they will adopt the European Union-approved process of vacuum removal, as practised in France and elsewhere; and how much this alternative method would benefit the United Kingdom sheep and meat industry annually. [HL2116]

The Community TSE Regulations ((EC) 999/2001) lays down the rules for prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE). This requires that the spinal cord of sheep and goats over 12 months of age, or which have a permanent incisor erupted, must be removed and stained and disposed of as specified risk material (SRM). The Community regulation does not specify any method of removal and no particular methods of removal are specifically European Union approved.

We have been advised by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) that the latest Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC) advice on the prevalence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the United Kingdom sheep flock is that it may be zero or in the worst case no more than 10 flocks would be affected. SEAC has also advised of the importance of maintaining current SRM controls in order to minimise public health risk were BSE ever to enter the sheep flock and that a possible human health risk from atypical scrapie (another TSE of sheep) cannot, at present, be ruled out. SEAC has not issued any advice on the method of removal of spinal cord in sheep and goats.

We have also been advised that the FSA will be re-examining the effectiveness of the suction method for removal of sheep spinal cord and the possible methods of verification of complete removal. The agency will remain in close contact with the industry during this re-evaluation of the issue.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the pigswill feed identified at the start of the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak has been tested for that virus. [HL2195]

Testing of swill for the presence of the foot and mouth disease (FMD) virus was not carried out, either on a general or specific basis.

The noble Baroness may be aware that more than one inquiry into the 2001 FMD outbreak found that there were strong grounds for concluding it was caused by feeding unprocessed swill to pigs at the index premises. All the epidemiological evidence points towards this being the correct conclusion, although the body of evidence would not include empirical results from testing of swill.

However, testing of unprocessed swill for the presence of the FMD virus would be of limited value. The chances of detecting FMD in a batch of swill, if present, would be minimal and would not help reliably to establish the absence of such virus with any degree of confidence. With such a virulent disease, a little virus goes a long way, and as we have seen, its presence combined with any failure in processing requirements has disastrous consequences.

Once the FMD epidemic unfolded in 2001, it became imperative that the ban on swill feeding should be introduced urgently. This was due to the background level of virus which would have been present. Testing of batches of swill prior to processing would not have helped in those circumstances. The greatly increased risks with its use needed to be curtailed as soon as it was practicably possible.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the report and accounts for 2005–06 of the British Potato Council were not ordered to be printed until 18 July 2007; and why they do not contain statistics on the size of the market, the volume of imports and exports, and the sales split between retailers and processors. [HL2182]

The financial element of the British Potato Council's (BPC) 2005-06 annual reports and accounts was completed on time.

However, a number of issues arose during both the drafting of the commentary at the BPC, and clearance of the commentary section through Defra and its auditors, as well as in the printing of the final document. This led to the eventual delay in publication.

The BPC's audit committee and Defra were kept up to date with these issues, and lessons were learnt for the production of future documents. The format of the BPC's report and accounts is laid down in its parent legislation, the Industrial Development and Organisation Act 1947. This Act specifies no requirement to include statistics along the lines the noble Lord refers to. However, the BPC does gather and publish such data, which are available on its website at www.potato.org.uk.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In how many cases an exceptional additional benefit will be paid to members of the Armed Forces for injuries suffered before the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation Scheme) (Amendment) Order 2008 (SI 2008/39) came into force; what will be the total cost of such exceptional additional benefits; and how the cost will be met. [HL2137]

As at 12 February there were fewer than 30 cases whose serious multiple injuries were sustained before the Amendment Order 2008 (SI 2008/39) came into force and who were paid an exceptional additional benefit under Article 15B of the new rules. Under the rules of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, individuals have up to five years in which to make a claim. Accordingly, there may be others who have yet to claim. It is estimated that payment of additional benefits will cost an additional £2 million to £4 million following the revised rule coming into effect. Total cost for the cases paid so far amount to £1,009,481. This has been met from within the existing costs of the scheme. No other areas of the scheme have been reduced to supplement the changes.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How best practice is currently shared between the Defence Medical Services and National Health Service; and whether these arrangements are adequate. [HL2021]

This issue was raised in the House of Commons Defence Select Committee report Medical Care for the Armed Forces, published on 18 February 2008. The Government are currently considering the committee's recommendations and will submit their formal response to the committee within the next two months.

However, the MoD already has a number of processes in place to ensure that best practice is shared between the Defence Medical Services and the National Health Service.

When not deployed overseas, DMS medical personnel who work in secondary care maintain their clinical skills in the NHS, ensuring cross-pollination of the skills they develop while on deployment and NHS best practice. Similarly, NHS reservists bring the clinical and crisis management skills they learn on operations back into the NHS.

We also share the results of defence medical research. DMS personnel undertaking research publish their papers in the wider scientific press, and deliver presentations at both national and international civilian clinical conferences. Advances in military emergency medicine have influenced recommendations from the Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee. Also, our Royal Centre of Defence Medicine is hosted at University Hospital Birmingham Foundation Trust, a centre of excellence for polytrauma medicine, and the closest cross-fertilisation exists between them, and with field hospitals in theatre.

We also share best practice with the Medical Research Council, for example to increase awareness of our recent enhancements in battlefield medicine that may have wider A&E applicability. We have also engaged with Dame Carol Black's review of health in the workplace, where our rehabilitation programmes are seen as leading the field in getting severely injured people back to work. Such work is taken forward within an overall framework that is overseen by the cross-government MoD/UK Health Departments Partnership Board.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What system is in place to transfer the medical records of service personnel from military to civilian clinicians on retirement. [HL2044]

This issue was raised in the House of Commons Defence Select Committee report Medical Care for the Armed Forces, published on 18 February 2008. The Government are currently considering the committee's recommendations and will submit their formal response to the committee within the next two months. However, the MoD already has measures in place for the transfer of medical records of personnel leaving the services.

All individuals leaving the Armed Forces are given a summary of their medical records, which they are advised to give to their new civilian GP when they register. If the GP wishes, they can request a copy of the full medical record from the appropriate single service.

For medical discharges that require an ongoing medical care plan to be put in place, the military consultant in charge of medical care will arrange the handover of care to his civilian counterpart, much in the same way as a handover of care is arranged for civilians moving from one primary care trust to another. The transfer of medical records will form an integral part of the process.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 11 July 2007 (WA 223) on the Buncefield explosion and fire, whether they will reassess the rules governing oil terminals. [HL2193]

There is currently no intention to extend the scope of either the Pollution Prevention and Control (England and Wales) Regulations 2000 or the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994 to include “Buncefield type” sites (both of these regulatory regimes will be replaced by the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 on the 6 April 2008). These “Buncefield type” sites are regulated under the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999 (COMAH) by the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive, as the competent authority.

The incident has been investigated by the Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board. The board has produced several investigation reports containing recommendations for the design and operation of fuel storage sites and emergency preparedness for response to and recovery from incidents. The competent authority is working with industry and others to implement these recommendations.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in view of the continuing concerns of bus operators and local authorities, they will review the present funding of the concessionary fares scheme. [HL2143]

The Government are aware of the concerns of bus operators and local authorities but are confident that the overall level of funding for the statutory minimum provision of concessionary travel is sufficient. The Government provided an extra £350 million in 2006-07 and £367.5 million in 2007-08 for the statutory concession and are now providing councils with a further £212 million dedicated to funding rollout of the extension to the statutory scheme. For many local authorities this will equate to increases of more than 33 per cent against what they currently spend on concessionary travel. Our proposed distribution of additional funding for an extension to an England-wide concession from April is through a formula-based special grant, as requested by local authorities. A report on the grant has been laid before the House.

The formula used to allocate the funding takes explicit account of the likely drivers of cost of the new concession and is based on the most popular options among respondents to our recent consultation on the issue.

In agreeing reimbursement with bus operators, authorities must work to ensure that they are left “no better and no worse off”. If an operator considers that the reimbursement arrangements are not appropriate they may appeal to the Secretary of State.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the carbon offset market is working satisfactorily; and whether they will produce a code of practice covering verified emissions reductions and certified emissions reductions. [HL2180]

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced the framework for the code of best practice for carbon offsetting on 19 February. The code is designed to set standards for how offsets are sold to consumers.

The code will initially allow only Kyoto-compliant credits from the regulated market which includes certified emissions reductions (CERs).

However, the Secretary of State has challenged the industry to develop a standard for voluntary emissions reduction credits (VERs). If this industry standard is sufficiently robust, VERs accredited under this standard can also be included in the Government's code of best practice.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make representations to the new president and administration of Cuba concerning the right to practise religion in that country freely. [HL2136]

Although there are some controls placed on their administrative management, religious organisations in Cuba are numerous and are expanding. The UK's policy on Cuba aims to encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as set out in the EU Common Position of 1996. The UK makes regular representations to the Cuban Government on human rights issues and will continue to do so. We welcome existing dialogue between religious organisations and the Cuban state, including the recent visit of Cardinal Bertone from the Vatican.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much money the Department for International Development is currently spending annually on improving security and access to justice for the poor to achieve the aim set out in chapter four of the 2006 White Paper Making Governance Work for the Poor. [HL2127]

The Department for International Development's project reporting system does not currently collect this information, although we will be able to report annual expenditure for next financial year onwards. The department is currently committed to spending £135 million on projects to improve security and access to justice in 13 countries around the world. The department also contributes to the management of the conflict prevention pools. Current commitments to security and access to justice programmes within the pools total £28 million.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Department for International Development has adequate staff resources to meet the aim set out in chapter four of the 2006 White Paper Making Governance Work for the Poor. [HL2128]

Yes. There are 218 governance, conflict and social development advisers currently working across the Department for International Development on country programmes, in policy roles and influencing international organisations. Analysis of conflict, insecurity and access to justice are core skills for these advisers.

The White Paper sets out objectives for the whole of government. DfID's advisers work with colleagues from a range of other government departments in order to realise the commitments in Chapter 4 of the paper.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many air miles were accumulated by staff of the Department for International Development while on official business in each year between 1997 and 2007. [HL2117]

DfID does not hold records of accrued air miles. The staff handbook contains guidance on the use of air miles, which can be used only for official purposes.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make representations to the Government of Egypt concerning the right to freedoms of expression, thought, conscience and religion for Mr Mohammed Hegazy, who was told on 29 January by a court that it was only lawful to convert to Islam, and not to another religion, in his case Christianity. [HL2135]

Officials raised their concerns about the case of Mr Hegazy with the Egyptian embassy on 27 February 2008. It explained that Mr Hegazy's conversion application was not successful as he did not follow the correct legal processes. However, we welcome the positive ruling by the Egyptian Supreme Administrative Court on 10 February 2008 allowing 12 Christian converts to Islam to reconvert back to Christianity.

We regularly raise human rights issues with the Egyptian Government, including religious freedoms, and will continue to do so. My honourable friend the Minister for the Middle East, Kim Howells, raised religious freedom issues directly with the visiting Speaker of the Egyptian Parliament on 21 January 2008. We also look forward to these issues being discussed at the forthcoming EU-Egypt political sub-committee established under the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Malloch-Brown on 19 February (WA 38), whether they can give any example of the incorporation into European Union legislation of a recommendation of the European Union Scrutiny Committee of either House. [HL2057]

The House of Lords Committee (HL Paper 27) recommendations on a restricted scope and the country of origin principle were incorporated into the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (amending the Television Without Frontiers Directive).

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will seek to extend the qualifying period for the second foreign language requirement for United Kingdom nationals seeking senior European Union Commission posts by one year. [HL2034]

The Government are working to ensure that the number of UK nationals recruited to the EU institutions, including those who might in due course be promoted to senior positions, reflects our proportion of the total EU population. We continue to raise the current recruitment procedures, including the language requirements, with those responsible in the EU institutions with a view to ensuring that the arrangements do not discourage UK nationals from applying.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether a head has been found for EULEX; if not, when they expect the post to be filled; and to whom the head will report. [HL2019]

Yves de Kermabon has been appointed as head of mission of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX Kosovo). The head of mission will exercise command and control of EULEX Kosovo at theatre level and will be directly responsible to the civilian operations commander in the general secretariat of the council. The civilian operations commander reports to the council through the Secretary-General/High Representative. Under the responsibility of the council, the political and security committee will exercise political control and strategic direction of the mission.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the terms of reference of EULEX. [HL2020]

The Joint Action, adopted on 4 February, sets out the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo's (EULEX Kosovo) mission statement. This is that EULEX Kosovo shall assist Kosovo authorities, judicial authorities and law enforcement agencies in their progress towards sustainability and accountability and in further developing and strengthening an independent multi-ethnic justice system and multi-ethnic police and customs service, ensuring that these institutions are free from political interference and adhering to internationally recognised standards and European best practices. EULEX Kosovo, in full co-operation with the European Commission assistance programmes, shall implement its mandate through monitoring, mentoring and advising, while retaining certain executive responsibilities.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many of the inhabitants of the Falkland Islands are of an age to undertake military service; and how many of these are enlisted in the Falkland Islands self defence force. [HL2121]

As in the UK, there is no compulsory military service in the Falkland Islands. The Falkland Islands Defence Force (FIDF) is a locally maintained volunteer defence force unit, funded by the Falkland Islands Government, working alongside the UK military units based at Mount Pleasant, to ensure the security of the islands. Falkland Island nationals, British citizens, British overseas citizens and Commonwealth citizens aged between 17 and 55 are eligible to apply to join the FIDF. According to the 2006 Falkland Islands census, approximately 1,600 men and women may have been eligible to apply to join the FIDF, subject to medical clearance and selection procedure.

The FIDF is of company strength. The current membership is 75 volunteers.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking to encourage and support the Falkland Islands self defence force. [HL2122]

The Government are responsible for the security of all their overseas territories, which includes the Falkland Islands. This is reflected in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's objectives and the Ministry of Defence's Defence Plan 2007. The Falkland Islands Defence Force (FIDF) is a locally maintained volunteer defence force unit, the responsibility of, and funded by, the Falkland Islands Government (FIG), working alongside the UK military units based at Mount Pleasant to ensure the security of the islands. The FIDF currently receives £420,000 per year in funding from the FIG. UK military forces conduct a number of joint exercises with the FIDF. Most recently this has included a disaster planning operation in South Georgia in October 2007. UK military forces in the Falklands think highly of the FIDF's level of professionalism and, above all, their invaluable local knowledge.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 11 December 2007 (WA 50–52), whether increasing the flood risk through reducing maintenance on low-risk watercourses is classified as low-risk because there is a low risk of those watercourses becoming flooded or because there is a low risk of many properties being affected by any flooding that occurs. [HL2208]

A low-risk watercourse is classified as such because there is a low risk of many properties being affected by any flooding that occurs.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the European Union proposes to resume imports of poultry from the United States; and whether the United States no longer uses antimicrobials in poultry production. [HL2207]

The use of antimicrobial treatments (AMT) on poultry during processing is not permitted in the EU. If poultry produced in a third country (eg the USA) has been treated with AMT it may not be imported to the EU. We understand the United States continues to use antimicrobials in poultry production.

However, in accordance with EU legislation, imports of live poultry from the USA is permitted. Each consignment must be accompanied by appropriate veterinary certification.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Malloch-Brown on 21 February (WA 81), whether, in their discussions with the Governments of India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, they have raised the possibility of legislative measures to give better civil protection and remedies in those countries to victims and potential victims of forced marriages from the United Kingdom. [HL2118]

Our discussions with these Governments have focused on the suffering caused by forced marriage and the need for all countries to tackle the problem. This has led to practical partnerships ensuring UK citizens facing forced marriage can be assisted as quickly and effectively as possible. Encouragingly a draft Forced Marriage Bill was introduced in Pakistan in 2007. However, it was not adopted by its Parliament during 2007, and it is not yet clear whether it will be reintroduced in 2008.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What reductions are being made to the size of government departments; how much of that reduction is due to alternative provision through external agencies and consultants; and how much is due to delegation to local elected bodies such as local authorities. [HL1187]

Each government department is responsible for managing its own workforce. Latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show the reduction in the size of the Civil Service over the past year. Full information including details for each department are included in the Public Sector Employment—Quarter 3 2007 report. This is available on the ONS website (www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/pse1207.pdfs). The breakdown by government department reflects all the machinery of government changes announced in summer 2007. Further information is not held centrally.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why there is no separate financial tariff for cardiac rehabilitation; and whether steps will be taken to provide one. [HL2076]

A payment by results development sites project, sponsored by the department and involving the British Heart Foundation, the British Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation and a number of hospital sites, has recently been established. This project will determine the costs associated with the provision of a comprehensive package of cardiac rehabilitation and put forward suggestions on how those costs should be reimbursed to providers of services. The project will run throughout 2008-09.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they plan to implement state registration of clinical physiologists as recommended by the Health Professions Council in 2004. [HL2090]

The Government are planning to introduce statutory regulation for healthcare scientists, and clinical physiologists form part of the group. There are several strands of work that are being brought together in order to achieve this, working in discussion and consultation with the other three health departments, the profession and the service.

We do not expect the process of statutory regulation to begin before 2009.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they collect data on the number of hydrotherapy pools in England and Wales; and, if so, whether there are fewer hydrotherapy pools in England and Wales than five years ago. [HL2096]

This information is not held centrally. It is for primary care trusts to commission health services locally.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why a patient over 60 suffering from multiple sclerosis who is wholly immobilised receives full support when a similar patient under 60 receives only partial support. [HL2204]

Eligibility for continuing care is made on an individual basis. Each assessment takes into account the healthcare needs of the patient concerned. Eligibility for continuing care is not based on the age of the patient or their medical condition.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consultation or procedures are followed prior to the withdrawal or restriction of the availability of drugs for prescription to ensure that medical opinion as to the therapeutic value of the drug in question is made public and given due consideration before changes are made in their categorisation. [HL2166]

Before regulatory action is taken to withdraw a medicine from the market or restrict its availability, a rigorous assessment of the latest evidence on its risks and benefits is conducted. Advice is sought from the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM), the Government's independent scientific advisory committee on medicines safety. The CHM is supported by expert advisory groups whose membership includes specialists in clinical therapeutics as well as drug safety.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will also liaise with key stakeholders, including health professional and patient organisations, on the implications of withdrawing a medicine from the market or restricting its availability. A public consultation exercise is conducted on any proposals to change legal categorisation.

On the basis of CHM advice the licensing authority then reaches a decision on the proportionate regulatory action to be taken to safeguard public health. A summary of the minutes of the CHM and its expert advisory groups' deliberations is made available on the MHRA's website and further steps are taken as necessary to communicate the rationale for the regulatory action to health professionals, patients and the public.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many centres are designated to use ventricular assist devices in patients being assessed for transplant; and how many additional centres will be designated during the next two years. [HL2078]

Three centres are currently designated by the National Commissioning Group (NCG) to offer ventricular assist devices to patients as a bridge to a transplant. These centres are at the Harefield, Freeman and Papworth Hospitals. Later this year, the NCG is expected to consider an application to continue this arrangement with these three centres and two additional centres, which are in Birmingham and Manchester.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they intend to charge fees and other payments to unpaid Buddhist monks who enter the United Kingdom on short-term assignments; and if so, how much; what length of stay they will be allowed; and what consultations on these matters they have undertaken with the Sangha. [HL2233]

At present the appropriate entry category in the Immigration Rules for Buddhist monks would be as a “Minister of Religion, missionary or member of a religious order”. The entry clearance fee is £200 and leave to enter is granted for an initial period of 12 months. Under the new points-based system (PBS) which is being gradually rolled out, such applicants will have to apply for entry either as a Minister of Religion under Tier 2, or as a temporary religious worker under Tier 5.

On 30 January my right honourable friend the Minister for Borders and Immigration (Liam Byrne), in his Written Ministerial Statement, set out the Border and Immigration Agency (BIA)'s proposed fees for 2008-09 (Official Report, cols. 15WS-18WS). The proposed fees for entry under Tier 2 and Tier 5 of the PBS are £205 and £99, respectively. The fees will be set in subsequent legislation as the PBS is rolled out and will not be final until approved by Parliament.

The length of the initial period of leave to enter under either tier has yet to be decided.

The BIA is currently carrying out extensive consultations with interested parties, including faith groups, on the proposed changes to the immigration system. Both Tier 2 and 5 of the PBS are due for implementation in the autumn.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their estimate of the level of rape suffered by the women of Iraq; and how this compares with the position five years ago. [HL2051]

Under Saddam Hussein, torture and abuse, including the systematic use of rape, were used as instruments of state repression and there was no culture of respect for human rights in Iraq. Following the removal of Saddam Hussein and the creation of a democratically elected government, work continues for the creation of a society based on respect for human rights. We have no evidence to support a belief that violence overall has increased towards women in Iraq.

The Government condemn all intimidation of and violence against women and are committed to supporting the development of women's rights in Iraq. Although the Iraqi constitution includes many provisions to protect women's rights, the challenge remains for the Government of Iraq to turn these into real improvements in women's lives.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their estimate of the level of the use of rape as a method of pressurising women of minority groups in Iraq to convert to Islam. [HL2052]

We have no evidence to support a belief in the use of rape as a method of applying pressure to convert to Islam or that violence overall has increased towards women in Iraq. The Government condemn all intimidation of and violence against women and are committed to supporting the development of women's rights in Iraq.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect to be in post (a) the European Union Special Representative to Kosovo; and (b) the British ambassador to Kosovo; and whether the ambassador will initially be a full-time or a joint appointment. [HL2018]

The European Union special representative to Kosovo, Mr Peter Feith, arrived in Pristina on 18 February.

Mr David Blunt, previously head of the British office in Pristina, was appointed British ambassador to Kosovo on 19 February. The position is a full-time appointment.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect a donors conference for Kosovo to be held. [HL2053]

The donors conference for Kosovo is being organised by the European Commission in partnership with the World Bank.

While no date has yet been finalised, we expect it to be held in May or June 2008.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether European Union and bilateral support for Kosovo will work to ensure maximum integration with its neighbouring states in respect of transport, fuel and energy systems. [HL2054]

The EU has earmarked approximately 500 million euros over the next three years. Part of this funding is focused on cross-border co-operation—essential if Kosovo's transport, fuel and energy systems are to be integrated and efficient.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the terms of reference of the NATO Kosovo Force will be changed; and, if so, to what extent. [HL2055]

The Kosovo Force (KFOR) is mandated under UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1244. On 18 February 2008, the North Atlantic Council agreed that KFOR should continue to remain in Kosovo on the basis of UNSCR 1244, unless the UN Security Council decides otherwise. The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's responsibility and capability to ensure a safe and secure environment in Kosovo remain unchanged.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether EULEX will seek to arrange secure access between Serbia and Serbian Orthodox monastic houses in Kosovo, particularly for principal religious festivals. [HL2056]

The EU's European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) mission in Kosovo, EULEX, will assist with policing and rule of law. It will also work closely to ensure that all communities and their religious and cultural heritage are protected and promoted in line with the UN special envoy's comprehensive proposal for a Kosovo status settlement.

The proposal provides extensive safeguards for non-Albanian communities, especially the Kosovo Serbs and guarantees a special status for the Serbian Orthodox Church and protection of its religious sites.

The main responsibility to ensure the security of Kosovo's religious and cultural heritage, including secure access for pilgrims, will lie with the Kosovo Police Service (KPS). The ESDP rule of law mission, in consultation with the Kosovo Force (KFOR), will monitor, mentor and advise the KPS in this task.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the Milk and Milk Products (Pupils in Educational Establishments) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (SI 2007/3429) apply Council Regulation (EC) No. 1255/1999 on the common organisation of the market in milk and milk products rather than Council Regulation (EC) No. 2597/97 on the common organisation of the market in milk and milk products for drinking milk, as per the Drinking Milk (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2007 (SI 2007/3428). [HL2181]

Council Regulation (EC) No. 2597/1997 (as amended) applies to the subject of drinking milk in general. Council Regulation (EC) No. 1255/1999 and Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2707/2000 made under it (both as amended), specifically deal with a sub-set of drinking milk—that is, milk provided to children in educational establishments—and the system to support this.

As European legislation has made a distinction between drinking milk in general, and milk for schoolchildren specifically, each of the two topics is dealt with by a separate strand of domestic legislation. The Drinking Milk Regulations 1998 (Statutory Instrument (SI) 1998/2424) relate to Council Regulation EC (No.) 2597/1997, that is to drinking milk in general. It is this SI to which subsequent SI 2007/3428 makes amendments on this general topic.

The Milk and Milk Products (Pupils in Educational Establishments) (England) Regulations 2001 (SI 2001/994) relate to Council Regulation 1255/1999 and to Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2707/2000, that is to milk for schoolchildren specifically, and in particular, the payment of the national top-up. It is this SI to which subsequent SI 2007/3429 makes amendments on this specific subject.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether newly qualified NHS foundation trusts are free to purchase commercial insurance in the form of either top-up or ground-up cover; and what guidance is given to NHS trusts on the purchase of insurance cover, including its procurement; and [HL2086]

What is the estimated cost to the public purse of a hospital not covered by commercial insurance being destroyed by a disaster such as flood or fire; and what procedure would be followed; and [HL2087]

How the level of insurance cover of National Health Service hospitals against fire, flooding and other non-clinical risk is assessed. [HL2088]

The National Health Service Litigation Authority operates two non-clinical risk pooling schemes for NHS trust hospitals and NHS foundation trust hospitals. The liabilities to third parties scheme (LTPS) provides cover for a wide range of non-clinical liabilities, subject to pre-determined excesses and limits of cover set out for each type of liability in the rules governing the scheme. The property expenses scheme (PES) provides cover in relation to damage to buildings and other property and related matters such as business interruption. Levels of cover vary according to member income subject to excesses and up to a maximum of £1 million for property damage and one million pounds for business interruption.

Long-standing government policy has been that NHS trust hospitals should rely on the LTPS and PES for non-clinical risk cover, and should not use commercial insurance. All NHS trusts are members of both the LTPS and the PES. NHS foundation trusts are also eligible to be members and we are not aware of any that have given up their membership since achieving foundation status. However, the greater independence of NHS foundation trusts means that they are free to obtain additional insurance from the commercial sector if they so wish.

The PES is not intended to cover the extremely rare event of catastrophic damage to property, such as the complete destruction of a hospital complex. Apart from anything else, it would be impossible to assess accurately in advance what the likely costs of such an event might be. Each would have to be considered on its own merits, taking into account all the local circumstances before decisions could be taken on the best way forward, including funding options.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How the quality of non-clinical risk management undertaken at National Health Service hospitals is assessed. [HL2089]

In addition to managing liability claims made against National Health Service organisations, a key function of the NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA) is to “contribute to the incentives for reducing the number of negligent or preventable incidents”. The NHSLA achieves this aim through an extensive risk management programme, the core of which is provided by standards and assessments.

The current version of the risk management standards for NHS hospital trusts issued by the NHSLA incorporates organisational, clinical and non-clinical/health and safety risks. Previously, the NHSLA issued separate clinical and non-clinical risk management standards. The risk issues addressed by the NHSLA standards include those that are known to give rise to a significant number and/or cost of liability claims made against the NHS.

The NHSLA risk management standards for acute trusts comprise five standards, each with 10 criteria and set at three incremental levels. All NHS trusts are assessed against the standards by a specialist team with the frequency of assessment ranging from annually to once every three years depending on the level achieved by the trust at its previous assessment.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether an equality impact assessment was prepared for the Northern Ireland Bill of Rights Forum; if so, by whom; and whether they will place a copy of it in the Library of the House. [HL2131]

I refer the noble Lord to the Written Answer given on 19 February (Official Report, col. WA46).

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action the Northern Ireland Equality Commission is taking concerning the ban on British symbols on local council property; and [HL2132]

Whether the Northern Ireland Equality Commission approves of the appointment of the chairman of the Bill of Rights Forum without either application or interview. [HL2133]

The sponsorship of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland is a matter for the devolved Administration.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Jersey-based trust Granite, associated with Northern Rock, has ever paid any United Kingdom tax. [HL2148]

The rules of taxpayer confidentiality do not permit HM Revenue and Customs to disclose this information.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Granite trust has ever had a demand for a tax payment of any kind from HM Revenue and Customs. [HL2149]

The rules of taxpayer confidentiality do not permit HM Revenue and Customs to disclose this information.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

With their present knowledge on nationalisation of Northern Rock, whether transactions between Northern Rock and Granite should have been liable to tax. [HL2150]

Any tax liability would depend on the nature of the transactions but to disclose this information would be a breach of taxpayer confidentiality.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have any proposals to provide that nuclear disarmament should take place in parallel with nuclear non-proliferation. [HL2017]

The UK is committed to working towards a world free of nuclear weapons, to zero tolerance of proliferation and to the integrity and strengthening of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. In his speech of 5 February to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Defence noted that,

“although we all understand that there is no formal conditionality between progress on disarmament and non-proliferation, our goal should be a virtuous circle, where progress on one reinforces the other”.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in view of the farmers' strike in Peru and the suspension of rail services to Cusco, they will update the travel advice on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website; and whether they have received representations from the Government of Peru for help from the United Kingdom or the European Union to facilitate a dialogue with the leaders of the strike. [HL2234]

Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice is based on objective assessments of the risks to British nationals and is reviewed and updated regularly; Peruvian travel advice has been updated five times in the past month. We will continue to monitor the situation in Peru and update the travel advice as appropriate. Neither our embassy in Lima nor the local EU presidency (France) have received any representations from the Government of Peru for help to facilitate dialogue with the leaders of the strike, nor do we judge it likely that it will be forthcoming.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many police officers are engaged in policing roads full-time (not shared with other tasked activities); and, of these, how many are (a) authorised examiners for the purposes of Section 67 of the Road Traffic Act 1988; (b) authorised examiners for the purpose of Section 69 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (Mechanical Prohibition); (c) authorised persons for the purpose of Section 70 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (Overload prohibition); (d) authorised persons for the purpose of Section 99A of the Transport Act 1968 (Power to prohibit driving of vehicle); and (e) adequately trained to investigate collisions.[HL2281]

The latest information relates to the position at 31 March 2007. At that time the number of full-time equivalent police officers whose main function was traffic was 6,412. The traffic function includes those who are predominantly employed in the policing of traffic and motorway related duties. It does not include those engaged in other road policing activities. Information on the numbers of officers authorised or trained for the purposes referred to in the Question is not collected centrally.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether their policy on social inclusion includes the provision of ways out of prostitution; and what funds they provide annually for the care of persons leaving prostitution. [HL2015]

Developing routes out for those involved in prostitution is a key element of “Paying the Price”, the Government's co-ordinated prostitution strategy.

The strategy aims to ensure that agencies that come into contact with those involved in prostitution will provide support and treatment on a voluntary basis, or through diversions from the criminal justice system where appropriate, and through providing advocacy services which can help to ensure that a complete and coherent package of support is available, including drug treatment and health services.

Those at risk of, or involved in, prostitution, have a range of complex needs which can include housing, drug treatment and other health needs, which need to be met primarily by local agencies through local budgets.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 19 February (WA 48) concerning equality impact assessments in Northern Ireland, who decides whether evidence exists of potential equality impact on public authorities. [HL2098]

I am advised that it is for public authorities to decide the nature and extent of impact of adopted or proposed policies on affected individuals, using the evidence that exists.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 6 February (WA 192–3) on regulators: criminal prosecution, what were the categories of offences for which the prosecutions were brought. [HL2151]

The following represent the categories of offences which were the subject of criminal proceedings.

The Environment Agency

The Environment Agency brought criminal proceedings under a number of statutory provisions, such as the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005, the Land Drainage Act 1991, and the Salmon and Fisheries Act 1975, but the majority of prosecutions were commenced for offences under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (the illegal deposit of waste) and Section 85 of the Water Resources Act 1991 (water pollution).

The Forestry Commission

The prosecutions commenced in England and Wales were all for felling without an appropriate licence, contrary to Section 9 of the Forestry Act 1967, as amended.

Natural England

All proceedings were brought under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by Schedule 9 to the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000).

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Darzi of Denham on 30 January (WA 130) on regulators: criminal prosecutors, what were the categories of offences for which the prosecutions were brought. [HL2164]

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is the enforcement body for legislation relating to food hygiene, specified risk material (SRM) and animal by-product identification in approved establishments, primarily slaughterhouses and meat cutting plants.

The following tables provide a breakdown of the categories of offences pursued for prosecution by the FSA in the past three years. Prosecutions have been listed against the category that covers the majority of offences in the case, although some of the prosecutions covered two or three categories:

No prosecutions were brought by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority or the Human Tissue Authority.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission made to its counterpart in the Republic of Ireland concerning the ban on United Kingdom citizens purchasing property in parts of that country unless they have a major qualification in Irish; and [HL2129]

What representations the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission made to its counterpart in the Republic of Ireland concerning the ban on United Kingdom citizens obtaining employment in that country unless they speak Irish. [HL2130]

As the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission remains independent of government, the noble Lord may wish to write to the commission directly on this matter.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the average cost of employing each of the 4,500 HM Revenue and Customs officers who cover United Kingdom ports and airports. [HL2198]

On 1 February 2008 HMRC employed around 4,500 officers whose duties included deployment to ports and airports, as well as inland locations.

The average salary for these mainstream (ie non senior civil service) staff is £29,538. This figure includes employer’s contribution for national insurance and superannuation.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will take steps to tackle tax evasion in offshore tax havens, in addition to their proposal for an annual levy on persons residing in the United Kingdom but not domiciled there for tax purposes; and [HL2067]

What measures they will introduce to counter tax evasion in the United Kingdom. [HL2225]

Evasion is the deliberate omission or misrepresentation to gain a tax advantage, and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) targets evaders through enhanced data matching capabilities, as well as by amending legislation to remove opportunities for evasion. The recent offshore disclosure arrangements under which 45,000 people made disclosures yielded around £400 million. This work is underpinned by the Government's introduction of the new penalty regime to deter and penalise tax evasion.

The Government are also committed to tackling offshore tax evasion. They are working with the OECD and the EU to promote transparency and exchange of information, which are key to tackling the problem.

The Government are in the process of negotiating tax information exchange agreements with British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependences and have recently concluded one with Bermuda. Following the 2007 offshore disclosure arrangements, the Government are also in discussion with the banking industry with regard to obtaining further offshore account information on UK residents.

The Government actions to target offshore tax evasion need to be clearly distinguished from the proposed changes to the rules on residence and domicile. The remittance basis of taxation does not represent a form of tax evasion. Rather, it offers an alternative basis of taxation, which helps to make the UK an attractive destination for international talent and investment. The Government's reforms will retain these special rules, while ensuring that they operate more fairly.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether any Ministers are either non-domiciled or not resident and ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom for tax purposes. [HL2141]

HMRC is under a statutory duty not to disclose the tax affairs of individuals.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many professional footballers currently playing in the United Kingdom are not domiciled in the United Kingdom for tax purposes. [HL2244]

HM Revenue and Customs is under a statutory duty not to disclose the tax affairs of individuals.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make representations to the Government of Vietnam for clemency for Nguyen Van Dai and Le Thi Cong Nhan, both lawyers, and Rev Nguyen Van Ly, for reasons of respect for freedoms of thought and expression and time already spent in custody. [HL2104]

Together with our EU partners, we have raised our concerns with the Government of Vietnam over the arrest and sentencing of several peaceful human rights defenders in Vietnam. These include Nguyen Van Dai, Le Thi Cong Nhan and Father Nguyen Van Ly, who have been charged with “conducting propaganda against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam”. We will continue to do so.

The biannual EU-Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue is our main forum for discussion of human rights issues. Our ambassador in Hanoi attended the last dialogue, which was held in Hanoi on 19 December 2007. We also raise our concerns with the Government of Vietnam independently of the dialogue, both bilaterally and with our EU counterparts. For example, my honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Meg Munn, raised our concerns on human rights with the Vietnamese Foreign Minister at the Association of South East Asian Nations summit in Singapore on 23 November 2007 and with the Deputy Foreign Minister during his visit to London on 29 November 2007. Additionally, she raised the issue with the Vietnamese ambassador on 9 October 2007.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why staff at the United Kingdom visa application centre in Singapore are advising applicants that they should not indicate their maiden name in section 1.3 of the VAF-1 application form if the maiden name is not recorded in their current passport, when the guidance notes advise otherwise. [HL2167]

The entry clearance manager at our high commission in Singapore is not aware of any instances where visa applicants have been advised by staff at the visa application centre (VAC) not to include their maiden name in section 1.3 of visa application form VAF-1. However, the manager of the VAC has been instructed to ensure that applicants complete all data fields on the form, including the “other names” section.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether any of the original witness statements and evidentiary materials provided to the chairman of the Environment Agency and to officials of Environment Agency Wales by Mr Douglas Gowan were sent to the firm of Lovells in the United States as part of the evidence for remediation of Brofiscin Quarry in the case against Solutia Inc and Monsanto in the US Bankruptcy Court. [HL2006]

The Environment Agency has sent no original documentation supplied by Mr Douglas Gowan to Lovells.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the role of the Environment Agency Wales in the determination of action to be taken for remediation work on the site of Brofiscin Quarry and the identification of “appropriate persons”. [HL2007]

The Environment Agency's role in Wales is set out in detail in the Welsh Assembly Government's Part 2A Statutory Guidance on Contaminated Land (2006) which is issued under Section 78E(5) of Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Chapter C of the guidance deals with the remediation of contaminated land. It details the steps required of the enforcing authority to ensure that the remediation is reasonable, practical, effective and durable. Chapter D of the guidance deals with exclusion from, and appointment of, liability for remediation including the identification of potential appropriate persons and liability groups.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in view of rising global food prices, they will make an extra emergency contribution to the World Food Programme. [HL2124]

The UK Government, with other donors, are in close contact with the World Food Programme (WFP) on the rise in global food prices. We assess our humanitarian contributions on the basis of need and we will take account of higher food procurement and delivery costs when considering our response to new appeals. With regard to existing programmes, WFP is conducting country-specific analyses and we will consider whether additional contributions might be appropriate when the results are available.