asked Her Majesty's Government:

How the identification of sheep carcasses by electronic implants is possible once the head holding that implant is removed from the body. [HL2424]

The implementation date for the introduction of electronic identification (EID) of sheep and goats is 31 December 2009.

Once the head of a sheep bearing an electronic implant (or ear tag) is removed after slaughter at a slaughterhouse, the individual identification of the sheep is usually lost.

Slaughterhouse systems to relate individual identities to carcases are possible (eg sequential kill number—commonly used for cattle) but are not used for sheep in most slaughterhouses. Traceability of sheep carcasses is usually at the batch or consignment level.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Answers by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 25 February (Official Report, cols. 429-31), whether the British Armed Forces Federation was or will be asked for its response to the proposals set out in the consultation paper Transforming Tribunals; and whether they will place a copy of any response from the federation in the Library of the House. [HL2254]

Transforming Tribunals was published on 28 November, both in hard copy and on the Ministry of Justice website at www.justice.gov.uk/publications/cp3007.htm.

A number of service organisations have responded to the consultation, including the Royal Air Forces Association, the Royal British Legion, Combat Stress, the Army Benevolent Fund and the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen's Association. The Pensions Appeal Tribunal also made a detailed submission, which was the subject of Lord Morris' Question. Copies of all of these documents have been placed in the Library of the House. The British Armed Forces Federation did not submit a response.

Although the consultation period closed on 22 February, the Government will gladly consider further representations from service organisations that have not already responded. No final decisions have yet been made. The Government are currently considering the representations they have received, and are committed to publishing a response by the end of May.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consideration they have given to exercising their powers under the Banking (Special Provisions) Act 2008 over institutions other than Northern Rock. [HL2298]

The Government have no intention at present to use the Banking (Special Provisions) Act 2008 to bring any institution other than Northern Rock into temporary public ownership.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have made to the Government of the Republic of Ireland concerning its ratification of the Council of Europe Framework Convention on National Minorities (Cm 4059), as required by the Belfast Agreement of 1998 (Cm 4705); and how the convention affects the (a) Irish; and (b) Ulster Scots languages. [HL2295]

I am not aware of any specific representations made to the Irish Government concerning their ratification of the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. In accordance with commitments in the 1998 Belfast Agreement, the Irish Government ratified this framework convention on 7 May 1999, with entry into force on 1 September 1999. Any monitoring of its compliance is a matter for the Council of Europe.

Some articles in the framework convention, notably Article 10, make reference to minority languages. The relevant UK state reports to the Council, with material relevant to the Irish and Ulster Scots languages, are available on the Council of Europe's website at www coe.int/t/e/human%5Frights/minorities.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 10 March (WA 197), whether, in considering reimbursement arrangements for concessionary fares which include provisions that the operator will be “no better and no worse off”, account is taken of the likely demand on bus operators to provide extra services to cater for the increased demand for travel. [HL2483]

Reimbursement paid to bus operators takes account of all relevant costs. The loss of revenue from existing passengers now travelling free (termed “revenue foregone”) is an element of the calculation. However, operators are also eligible for reimbursement of additional costs associated with carrying new passengers, for example, where there is increased demand because of the concession.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their estimate of the amount spent during the last year for which figures are available, including fees paid to consultants, by (a) government departments and agencies, and (b) local government, in making, submitting and evaluating submissions for transport projects made under the new approach to appraisals. [HL2312]

In 2006-07, the Department for Transport spent £0.4 million for business case development and challenge of appraisal of improvements to the rail network. The largest portion of this was on appraising the modernisation of the west coast main line.

Franchise replacements include a significant amount of appraisal as part of the invitation to tenders against which bidders submit their bids. During 2006-07, there were five franchise replacements and some appraisal work to support developments to existing franchises. It is difficult to isolate the appraisal element from work on timetabling, performance and consultation and other aspects, but an indicative figure for the 2006-07 year might be £0.5 million to £0.75 million.

The department does not centrally collate individual local authorities' expenditures for submitting proposals. However, in 2006-07, the department provided authorities involved in the Congestion Transport Innovation Fund with £5 million for the development of schemes. This met more than two-thirds of the costs of the submissions, with the local authorities meeting the other part of the costs.

In the Highways Agency, the costs related to preparing appraisal submissions are part of the total costs of major projects approved by Ministers. The specific financial information related to appraisal work cannot easily be separated out from overall scheme costs as it is an integral element of scheme preparation.

The department assesses the value for money of proposals, using the evidence provided by the appraisals and this is estimated to cost about £0.3 million, including the fees of consultants brought in to assist for complex proposals.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Statement by the Prime Minister on 27 February (Official Report, HC Deb, col. 1089) that he had invited the new Greek Cypriot leader to London to discuss a settlement over North Cyprus, whether a similar invitation has been extended to the Turkish Cypriot leader. [HL2242]

My right honourable friend the Prime Minister invited President Demetris Christoflas to London to discuss working together on shared objectives, in order to build a strong and open bilateral relationship. The meeting will also provide an opportunity to discuss with the new President how he intends to make progress towards the reunification of Cyprus.

Our objective in Cyprus is the reunification of the island, through support of the UN's efforts. We engage with both communities in order to encourage progress towards a comprehensive settlement, based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation. This engagement naturally includes contacts with Mr. Talat, leader of the Turkish Cypriot community. Any future meeting with Mr. Talat at ministerial level would focus on his efforts to achieve progress towards a comprehensive settlement. Such engagement does not affect our long-standing policy of non-recognition of the so-called “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether representatives of the European Commission have held discussions with parliamentarians of the Democratic Society Party of Turkey about accession negotiations. [HL2339]

Representatives of the European Commission delegation in Turkey meet regularly with parliamentarians of the Democratic Society Party, as they do all political parties of the Turkish Government, to discuss a range of political issues including Turkey's progress on EU accession.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What procedures exist to verify the fairness of the distribution and spending of European Union aid to Turkey between the various regions and provinces of that country; and whether the European Union Commission and auditors are satisfied that sufficient weight is given to the poorest and least developed areas in Turkey. [HL2340]

EU funding to Turkey is determined according to the rules laid down in the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance regulation and within the framework of multi-annual indicative planning documents proposed by the European Commission and agreed by the European Council. These documents lay down the priorities for spending, including the concentration of spending on regional development and human resources development in those areas of Turkey with less than 75 per cent of the average national income. The documents are reviewed on an annual basis, and are available through the European Commission's website at www.ec.europa.eu.

Spending in Turkey takes place under a decentralised implementation system on which the European Commission currently exercises controls before and after expenditure. Spending is subject to the normal auditing controls specified for EU funds.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to ensure that health commissioners and providers address the needs of homeless people. [HL2347]

Homeless people have the same access to National Health Service services as the rest of the local population and needs assessments of primary care trusts (PCTs), as local commissioners, should address their needs in the same way as for other minority groups. This needs assessment will be reflected in the way PCTs contract for services with providers.

The absence of a permanent address is not a barrier for a person with “no fixed abode” to registering with a general practitioner (GP) practice. In many instances, practices have used the practice address in order to register a homeless person.

Where a patient has “no fixed abode” and they are not registered with a GP practice, the PCT responsible for funding their services should be determined by the terms of the “usually resident” test. If patients consider themselves to be resident at an address which is, for example, a hostel, then this should be accepted.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will seek an urgent meeting of the European Union General Affairs and External Relations Council to seek solutions to the current Israel-Palestine crisis. [HL2318]

The EU General Affairs and External Relations Council met and discussed the Middle East Peace Process at its meeting on 10 March.

High Representative Solana briefed Ministers on his visit to the region on 2 to 5 March. The EU expressed concern at the worsening situation, following the recent escalation of violence in Gaza and southern Israel, as well as the killings at a Jewish seminary in Jerusalem on 6 March. Ministers also expressed concern about the recent approval of settlement activity by the Israeli Government at Givat Ze'ev. The EU continues to make clear that settlement building anywhere in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is illegal under international law and presents an obstacle to peace.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they and the European Union will make representations to the Government of Serbia about any encouragement of violence in Kosovo and its effect on Serbia's progress towards joining the European Union. [HL2178]

The head of the Diplomatic Service, Sir Peter Ricketts, called in the Serbian charge d'affaires on 22 February to express the UK's very strong concern over the violence against diplomatic premises in Belgrade. He called on the Serbian Government to condemn recent violence unequivocally and to uphold their responsibility to protect diplomatic premises in accordance with the Vienna Convention.

The EU Troika in Belgrade presented a demarche to the Serbian authorities on 29 February, condemning the attacks against foreign embassies in Belgrade and the crossing points in Kosovo. The EU considered the inflammatory language used by some members of the Government as completely unacceptable in its apparent legitimisation of the use of violence.

Violence against international personnel in Kosovo or against diplomatic premises in Belgrade, and statements by Serbian Ministers which condone this, clearly create an unpromising background for progress in the EU's relations with Serbia. Representations have been made at ministerial and official level. Together with our EU colleagues, we continue to monitor the security situation on the ground.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Ministry of Defence has rejected, on the basis of excessive mark-up, any charges made by BAE Systems in respect of land system components supplied by sub-contractors; and if so, what penalties were imposed on BAE Systems. [HL2522]

The mark-up that BAE Systems adds to sub-contractors costs is pre-agreed with the MoD. The MoD goes directly to sub-contractors to avoid paying these mark-up costs if it judges that this procurement strategy offers best overall value-for-money. If the MoD chooses to source directly from sub-contractors no penalties are imposed on BAE Systems.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the review being undertaken by the Ministry of Defence into the facilities at Headley Court will be completed; and whether the results of the review will be published in full. [HL2041]

The outcome of this review and its availability was raised in the House of Commons Defence Select Committee report Medical Care for the Armed Forces published on 18 February.

I can confirm that we are in the process of reviewing what our future requirements for rehabilitation are likely to be. This involves not only the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) at Headley Court, but also our regional rehabilitation units (RRUs). We expect the review to be completed shortly.

The Government are currently considering the House of Commons Defence Select Committee's report and intend to publish their formal response to the Committee within two months.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 3 March (WA 157-8) concerning the costs of the Northern Ireland Bill of Rights Forum, how the travel costs of £71,000 are broken down. [HL2324]

In the forecast budget for the Bill of Rights Forum, travel costs were budgeted at £71,000 and were broken down into a transport budget of £45,000 and travel subsistence budget of £26,000. The forecast transport costs included motor mileage, air fares, car hire, taxis, trains, official cars and other transport costs. The forecast travel subsistence costs included personal allowances and overnight hotel costs.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 3 March (WA 158) concerning the post of chair of the Northern Ireland Bill of Rights Forum, whether they received any curriculum vitae from Chris Sidoti; and, if not, on what basis he was appointed.[HL2325]

I refer the noble Lord to the Written Answer given to him on 3 March 2008 (Official Report, col. WA 158); and also the Written Answer given to him on 19 February 2008 (Official Report, col. WA 46).

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 3 March (WA 159-60) concerning the membership of the Bill of Rights Forum, stating that he did not know the opinions of the members of the forum, whether that answer is consistent with his Written Answer on 19 February (WA 45), stating that the members reflect a diverse range of opinions. [HL2326]

I believe that it is. The fact that the membership of the forum was drawn from each of the five main parties and a variety of sectors within civic society ensured that a diverse range of opinion was present.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 3 March (WA 159) concerning the assessment of candidates for the chairmanship of the Northern Ireland Bill of Rights Forum, what knowledge of human rights the officials in the Northern Ireland Office who were involved had. [HL2327]

All staff within the Northern Ireland Office must fulfil the appropriate competence requirements. The officials who were responsible for assessing potential candidates for the chairmanship of the Bill of Rights Forum against the stipulated criteria had the skills and experience relevant to their posts.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 3 March (WA 156-7) concerning the cost of the Northern Ireland Bill of Rights Forum, what is the existing budget of the sponsoring division within the Northern Ireland Office; and how it was reorganised to provide extra funding for the forum. [HL2384]

The Bill of Rights Forum is funded from the programme budget of the sponsoring division, which for the financial year 2007-08 is £962,000. It was not necessary to reorganise these funds as they were adequate to cover the costs of the Bill of Rights Forum and all other calls on that budget during the current financial year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the remit of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is still as outlined in the Belfast Agreement of 1998 (Cm 4705) under the sections marked Human Rights in paragraph four. [HL2294]

Flowing from commitments made in the 1998 Belfast Agreement, the Northern Ireland Act 1998 established the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. Section 69 of the Act sets out the functions of the commission, including subsection (7): “The Secretary of State shall request the Commission to provide advice of the kind referred to in paragraph 4 of the Human Rights Section of the Belfast Agreement”.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 3 March (WA 160) concerning competition for senior public sector posts in Northern Ireland, who decided that it was not proportionate to have a public appointment process for the three bodies mentioned; and how they reached that decision. [HL2385]

Ministers reached that view, having considered the relevant circumstances including the nature of the bodies and the timescale within which they were being established.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What were the financial results of Northern Rock for the six months to 31 December 2007. [HL2245]

Northern Rock operates on an arm's-length basis from government as a commercial entity. It publishes its audited reports and accounts on a regular basis in accordance with statutory reporting requirements.

Ron Sandler, Northern Rock's executive chair, expects to publish audited reports and accounts for last year shortly.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What value of mortgages Northern Rock transferred to Granite between 1 January and 29 February. [HL2249]

No new mortgage assets have been transferred to Granite since the Bank of England started providing ongoing financial support to Northern Rock in September 2007.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have received advice on the value at which Northern Rock was brought into public ownership; and if so, what that advice was. [HL2299]

All the shares of Northern Rock were transferred to the Treasury Solicitor acting as nominee of HM Treasury on 22 February. The valuation principles, on which compensation arrangements for shareholders whose shares were transferred and certain others affected by the transfer are based, reflect the Government's assessment that, without public support, Northern Rock would not have been a going concern and would be in administration. It is for an independent valuer to assess the value to be placed on the company on the basis of those principles for the purpose of determining the amount of any compensation.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What discussions were held between Ministers or officials and Northern Rock or its advisers on the status of Granite and Dolerite before the decision to nationalise Northern Rock plc. [HL2300]

Discussions with Northern Rock or its advisers concerning their commercial relationships with other companies are commercially confidential.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What discussions were held between Ministers or officials and bondholders, directors or other controllers of Granite and Dolerite before the decision to nationalise Northern Rock plc. [HL2301]

Northern Rock has a commercial relationship with Granite. No contact was made with any of Northern Rock's commercial partners prior to the announcement that Northern Rock would be taken into temporary public ownership. The bonds issued by Dolerite were fully redeemed in August 2007.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What discussions were held between Ministers or officials and Sir Richard Branson about the ownership of Granite or Northern Rock's contingent liabilities and obligations to Granite. [HL2302]

Discussions with the bidders are commercially confidential.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much has been provided in the budget for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to cover the cost of transporting International Olympic Committee officials during the games in chauffeured cars. [HL2429]

The £9.325 billion budget for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games does not include specific provision for transporting International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials.

Staging of the Games, including the transportation of IOC officials during the Games, is a matter for the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Ltd (LOCOG). LOCOG is largely privately funded, with the majority of its funds being raised through sponsorship; sale of tickets; merchandising and from the IOC itself.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether policing and justice could be devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly before the IRA ruling council has (a) become inactive; and (b) disbanded. [HL2409]

It is for the Assembly to request the devolution of policing and criminal justice powers.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will implement the recommendation of the independent arbitration panel to increase police salaries by 2.5 per cent with effect from 1 September 2007. [HL1842]

My right honourable friend the Home Secretary considered the award of the Police Arbitration Tribunal very carefully. In doing so she took account of the tribunal's findings and reasoning, the need to ensure value for money and the best use of resources, affordability and government policy on public sector pay.

My right honourable friend the Home Secretary accepted the recommendation of the tribunal for an award of 2.5 per cent. However she decided that, in the interests of affordability, and government policy, including the maintenance of low inflation, the award should be implemented with effect from 1 December 2007 rather than 1 September.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How they will resolve their pay dispute with the police to a mutually satisfactory outcome prior to pay discussions for 2008; and what the expected timeframe is for that resolution. [HL1843]

Discussion of the 2008 police officer pay award is a matter for the Police Negotiating Board (PNB). My right honourable friend the Home Secretary wrote to the PNB on 8 January asking it to consider in its discussions a multi-year deal for police officers starting in September 2008, based on the index recommended by the Police Arbitration Tribunal for the 2007 police officer pay award. She has also held meetings with the police staff associations in order to give them an opportunity to convey their members' views, and to discuss how the PNB could reach a multi-year deal for the future.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 11 March (HL2268), where are the alternative spare trains which are available on the market which may be used to replace the Class 142 or similar units used in the Exeter area. [HL2479]

Deployment and utilisation of trains in the Exeter area is a matter for First Great Western to manage.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will underwrite the hire of units additional to those proposed in the rolling stock plan in order to replace outdated stock in the Exeter area. [HL2480]

The rolling stock plan is about providing additional capacity and not about replacement of existing units which are in operation and are not life-expired.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much of the subsidy to be paid to Virgin Trains for services operating under the west coast main line franchise in 2007-08 and 2008-09 relates to trains operating on the Crewe, Chester and Holyhead section of the line. [HL2329]

Subsidy is determined for the whole of the west coast trains franchise and is not route specific.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much subsidy Virgin Trains will be paid for train services operating under the west coast main line franchise in 2007-08 and 2008-09. [HL2328]

The subsidy at franchise award was set at £274.5 million in 2007-08 and £294.6 million in 2008-09.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 24 January (WA 74) on regulators: criminal prosecution, what were the categories of offences for which the prosecutions were brought. [HL2152]

The information requested about Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) prosecutions is set out in the table below:

The information requested about Civil Aviation Authority prosecutions is set out in the table below:

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord McKenzie of Luton on 28 January (WA 92) on regulators: criminal prosecution, what were the categories of offences for which the prosecutions were brought. [HL2154]

Tables providing a breakdown of offences prosecuted under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and other legislation for the three years 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07 have been deposited in the Library.

The Pensions Regulator was established by the Pensions Act 2004 to replace the Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority (OPRA) on 6 April 2005.

In respect of the regulator, the one prosecution, in 2006, was onseven counts of fraudulent evasion—this offence was inserted into the Pension Schemes Act 1993 at Section 111A by Section 9 of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999—andone count of knowingly or recklessly providing OPRA with false or misleading information—this offence was created by Section 101(5) of the Pensions Act 1995 and was intended to reinforce the powers of the regulator (OPRA at the material time). By virtue of the transitional provisions in the Pensions Act 2004 (Commencement No. 3, Transitional Provisions and Amendment) Order 2005, Section 101(5)of the Pensions Act 1995 continues to have effect for the purpose of enabling the Pensions Regulator to continue dealing with any matters not concluded by OPRA.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Adonis on 5 March (WA 185), what factors have been identified to explain (a) that since 1998 more than 50,000 newly qualified teachers left their posts within the first six years of working in maintained sector secondary schools; and (b) that the yearly rate of wastage has increased over the past decade by over 30 per cent; and [HL2373]

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Adonis on 5 March (WA 185), how many of the more than 50,000 newly qualified teachers who left their posts within the first six years of working in maintained sector secondary schools were teachers of (a) English; (b) mathematics; (c) foreign languages; (d) ICT; and (e) physics.[HL2374]

The previous Answer (WA 185) provided numbers of secondary teachers leaving the maintained sector by total length of service in each year from 1997-98 to 2005-06, irrespective of when they qualified. It did not provide information specific to newly qualified teachers and so cannot be used to estimate how many newly qualified teachers left their posts within the first six years of working in maintained sector secondary schools.

It is not the case that more than 50,000 newly qualified teachers left their posts within the first six years of working in maintained sector secondary schools since 1998.

The following table shows the percentage of newly qualified secondary teachers who were still in service in local authority maintained schools a number of years after qualification.

The latest available data can only be used to track three cohorts of qualifiers from 1997 onwards for six years after entering service. Of the 9,300 secondary teachers who qualified in 1997, around 3,000 had left service six years later; in 1998, the corresponding figures were 8,700 and 2,700, respectively; and in 1999, the corresponding figures were 8,800 and 2,700, respectively.

It is not possible to provide a breakdown of subjects taught by those teachers leaving the profession.

It can be seen from the table that wastage rates have remained largely constant over this period with decreases evident in recent years.

Many teachers return to service after a break. In 2005-06, the latest year for which figures are available, around 10,000 qualified teachers returned to service in the maintained sector (all school types) after a break of at least one year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their policy on the celebration of terrorists who committed suicide for their cause. [HL2515]

We consider acts that glorify terrorism and foment the climate around extremists to be unacceptable. We introduced new offences and powers to tackle those who promote terrorism in the Terrorism Act 2006, including the offence of encouragement of terrorism. This legislation specifically aims to make it more difficult for extremists to abuse the freedoms we cherish.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the known neurotoxic, genotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects of chronic exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls on human foetuses, young children and adults. [HL2478]

The World Health Organisation International Programme on Chemical Safety has recently reviewed the data on the toxicity of polychlorinated biphenyls in its Concise International Chemical Assessment Documents series. This is available at www.inchem.org/documents/cicads/cicads/cicad55.htm.

Human studies have identified associations between exposure to polychlorinated biphenyl mixtures and adverse reproductive effects, effects on sperm motility, foetal growth rate and development and neurological function in the offspring, and cancer. However, the human studies are restricted by limited exposure data, inconsistency among some results, and the presence of confounding factors; these make it impossible to use them as a basis for risk estimations and thus cannot be assessed.

Data from animal and related experiments indicate that polychlorinated biphenyls do not have any significant mutagenic or genotoxic properties but they are carcinogenic. Neurodevelopmental effects have been observed in several animal species after exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the European Union directive requiring the compulsory use of road vehicle lights during daylight will require the agreement of both Houses of Parliament before implementation; and [HL2466]

What is the estimated average annual cost to private motorists and commercial vehicle operators of the European Union directive on daytime running lights; and [HL2467]

How much additional carbon dioxide will be emitted as a result of the European Union directive on daytime running lights; and [HL2468]

Whether there will be additional risks to motorcyclists arising from the European Union directive on daytime running lights. [HL2469]

The new requirement relates to an agreed UN-ECE regulation (not a European directive). The UK is already a signatory and no further processes are required.

From 2011-12 new types of vehicle will have to be fitted with dedicated low-wattage daylight running lights (DRLs) which automatically activate when the engine is started. This applies only to new types of vehicle, not to new vehicles built under existing type approvals. There is no requirement for existing vehicles to use dipped-beam headlamps during the day.

Research has estimated that, while mandatory dedicated DRLs may provide a net accident reduction of between 3.9 to 5.9 per cent, they may also increase fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by about 0.5 per cent. Fuel prices vary and we do not have calculations of the costs requested, but for an average petrol-engine car we estimate that this will result in a decrease from 32 miles per gallon (mpg) to 31.94 mpg and for an average diesel heavy goods vehicle from 7.8 mpg to 7.76 mpg.

Although dedicated DRLs are low-wattage it is possible that they might in some circumstances mask motorcyclists, but there is no definitive evidence of this. However, motorcycles have been omitted from the DRL requirements so that riders will, as now, remain free to use dipped headlamps during the daytime on a voluntary basis. This has been welcomed by motorcycle user groups.