asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Darzi of Denham on 21 April (WA 214), saying that spines removed by vacuum are randomly checked, why all United Kingdom sheep over the age of 12 months have their spinal columns split and are individually checked. [HL3655]

All consignments of fresh meat imported into the United Kingdom are subject to random inspection to check they are compliant with the relevant legislation.

It is the responsibility of the member state of origin to health mark each individual carcase as fit for human consumption, which indicates compliance with the Community (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy) Regulations and that all appropriate specified risk material has been removed. In the UK, we have taken the view that currently the only fully effective method of removing spinal cord from sheep over 12 months of age is by splitting the carcase first so that both the food business operator and enforcement officers can clearly see whether or not spinal cord remains present.

As I mentioned in my earlier Answers, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has advised the department that it is currently examining the effectiveness of alternative methods of removing spinal cord and verifying removal that do not require the carcase to be split. This will involve witnessing these alternative methods in action. The FSA has advised the department that they will arrange to meet with industry representatives to discuss the issue once their initial investigations have been completed.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What influence they expect to have on any decisions of the European Union on the registration and traceability of sheep, in view of the United Kingdom having the largest sheep flock in the European Union. [HL3657]

The Government are in regular contact with the European Commission and other member states on the registration and traceability of sheep. We are working, in conjunction with UK stakeholders, to secure amendments to the legislation that reduces the burden on the UK sheep industry, consistent with our objectives of ensuring that livestock disease can be identified and eradicated as quickly and efficiently as possible.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

(a) what measurable improvements in traceability and disease control would result from the introduction of identification of sheep through electronic implants; (b) to what extent this would improve traceability beyond the existing double-tagging regime; and (c) to what extent this would assist the elimination of the disease in light of the fact that the main vectors remain wind, wild animals and humans. [HL3658]

The only electronic implants provided for by EC Council Regulation 21/2004 are ruminal boluses. We have not produced a cost benefit analysis to consider the impact of ruminal boluses.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answers by Lord Davies of Oldham on 22 April (WA 275–6) and 12 May (HL3251), what is the relevance of the possession of information by Arts Council England about the sexuality of members of the management committees, boards, governing bodies and councils of theatre organisations to the discharge of the public functions of Arts Council England. [HL3563]

Arts Council England collects the information to provide assurance that applicants are not discriminated against on the grounds of sexual orientation. The Arts Council also has a duty as a public authority under the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007 to ensure it does not discriminate against any group.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they are making to the Government of Belarus concerning (a) the beating and arrests of peaceful protesters on 25 March 2008; (b) the re-arresting of some persons recently released following European Union–Belarus dialogue; (c) requests for amendment of the law of 2002 on religious groups; and (d) generally on procedures guaranteeing freedom of religion. [HL3168]

The Government continue to have serious concerns about the lack of respect for human rights in Belarus, including religious freedom, and monitor the situation closely. Our embassy in Minsk monitors details of arrests and detentions. We work closely with our EU and US partners to raise our concerns and maintain effective pressure for improvement, including through regular meetings of EU heads of mission in Minsk where human rights, religious freedoms and options for further action are discussed.

We are very concerned by the Belarusian Government's actions against protesters involved in the demonstrations on 25 March (and on 26 April). On 29 April the EU issued a statement highly critical of recent regime actions and the French ambassador, as EU presidency in Minsk, made a formal demarche on Foreign Minister Martynov. We were similarly concerned to learn of the re-arrest of five individuals recognised by the EU as political prisoners, especially coming so soon after their release.

We are aware of a fine, equivalent to US$650, imposed upon a Protestant leader and pastor of the New Life Church for organising a signature campaign to petition amendments to the 2002 religious law. The organisers of the campaign were judged not to have registered the group collecting signatures. The harsh treatment of the New Life Church pastor reflects a wider issue about the registration of non-governmental organisations and civil society groups and human rights violations in general, about which the EU regularly raises concerns. Meanwhile, the continued curtailment of religious freedom for Christians is of concern.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will arrange a joint EU demarche calling on the Government of Belarus to implement all their obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and, in particular, to cease deporting or barring the re-entry of foreign clergy and religious personnel. [HL3169]

The Government continue to have serious concerns about the lack of respect for human rights in Belarus, including the intimidation of civil society activists and detention of political prisoners, and monitor the situation closely. The continued curtailment of religious freedom, especially for Christians, is also of serious concern.

Our embassy in Minsk, along with EU partners, continues to raise human rights concerns with the authorities. They also maintain regular contacts with civil society organisations devoted to human and civil rights and observe their public demonstrations. The recent crackdown on civil society in general, including the severe sentencing of two more political prisoners, Sergei Parsyukevich and Andrei Kim on 22 and 23 April 2008 for their active participation in demonstrations in January 2008, is of particular concern especially since we understand that Mr Parsuykevich is in poor health.

We will continue to work with EU partners to keep the situation under close review.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 30 April (WA 24) about the cost of the Saville inquiry, whether an apology was offered for Tessa Jowell MP's statement that the inquiry had cost about £400 million. [HL3442]

My previous Written Answers dated 17 March (Official Report, col. WA 2) and 30 April (Official Report, col. WA 24) set out when the accurate costs of the Bloody Sunday inquiry were placed on record.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their latest assessment of the effects on climate change of the felling of rainforests. [HL3265]

The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that net deforestation rates (which include felling have fallen since 1990-00, but that some 13 million hectares (about the same area as England) of the world's forests are still lost each year, including 6 million hectares of primary forests.

The FAO expects croplands in the developing world to expand by a net 3.8 million hectares a year over the next three decades. Gross expansion will be greater, because some farmland is abandoned and new demands may increase the pressure. The 10 countries with the largest net forest loss per year between 2000 and 2005 had a combined net forest loss of 8.2 million hectares per year.

The fourth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from deforestation to be about 5.8 GtCO₂/yr during the 1990s, and more recently 8.5 GtCO₂/yr in 2004, which accounts for just over 17 per cent of global CO₂ emissions. This is similar to the estimate in the Stern review, which was just over 8 GtCO₂/yr for the year 2000. Deforestation has a particularly strong effect on emissions because trees in tropical forests typically hold, on average, about 50 per cent more carbon per hectare than trees outside the tropics.

In Montreal in 2005, the Conference of Parties (COP) under UNFCCC called for a two-year process to explore how deforestation in developing countries could be integrated into the climate process. A decision was agreed by the COP in Bali in 2007 which recognised that deforestation should be included in a post-2012 climate agreement and set out a process under the Bali action plan for establishing how to achieve this before the COP in Copenhagen in 2009. The UK Government are highly supportive of this decision, and are taking forward research in line with the Bali action plan to inform the development of an EU position.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to increase funding for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children's young witness support services beyond the seven areas so far given priority (Northern Ireland, Cheshire, Devon and Cornwall, Essex, Hull, Surrey and Swansea); and [HL3497]

Whether they will encourage the involvement of volunteers in providing young witness support services; and whether they will invest in these services to maximise their effectiveness. [HL3498]

As part of the £37 million grant made to Victim Support this year (2008-09), £2 million is to provide an enhanced service for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses, including children.

In 2006-07 (the most recent year for which figures are available) Victim Support's witness service helped almost 31,000 young witnesses (under 18). Nine thousand volunteers contributed to the service provided by Victim Support.

The Office for Criminal Justice Reform is currently working on good practice guidance, based on existing schemes run by local safeguarding children boards, the NSPCC and Victim Support using both volunteers and paid staff, which will help local areas develop schemes to support young witnesses.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which law enforcement agency, department or other statutory body has responsibility for investigating and prosecuting possible criminal breaches of (a) the Data Protection Act 1998, (b) the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, and (c) the Computer Misuse Act 1990. [HL3267]

(a) Investigation of breaches of RIPA would be investigated by the police or other relevant law enforcement agency; any subsequent prosecution would be taken forward by the CPS or other relevant prosecuting agency.

(b) The Information Commissioner is an independent body created by statute with responsibilities for investigating complaints made to him under the Data Protection Act 1998. Proceedings for offences in England and Wales can be instituted by the commissioner or by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions. In Northern Ireland, offences would be instituted by the commissioner or by or with the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland. In Scotland, potential breaches investigated by the commissioner are prosecuted by the procurator fiscal.

(c) Under normal circumstances, the police would investigate any breaches of the Computer Misuse Act, and any subsequent prosecution would be handled by the Crown Prosecution Service. The CPS has a number of high tech crime prosecutors who are trained to prosecute offences contrary to the Computer Misuse Act.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What the United Kingdom/Croatian strategic partnership in Europe has so far achieved. [HL3633]

The UK/Croatia strategic partnership is delivering in many key areas. Among other projects, the UK has supported the development of alternative dispute resolution in the Croatian courts helping to reduce case backlogs and speed citizens' access to justice. There has been a wide programme of scholars visiting the UK, many with funds matched by host institutions or Croatian ministries. A UK anti-corruption adviser has provided legal and practical advice to the Ministry of Justice, towards meeting the requirements of the accession process. Co-operation between the two sides has led to UN-accreditation for the annual police peacekeeping training, held in Croatia, which also brings in participants from regional neighbours. Trade missions in both directions have developed direct business links, especially in priority sectors such as ports, financial services, and the environment. The two partners have also communicated the benefits of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation membership to the Croatian public, paving the way for a rise in levels of popular support and an invitation at the Bucharest summit.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to further the progress of the United Kingdom/Croatian strategic partnership in Europe. [HL3634]

The UK/Croatia strategic partnership that was launched in 2007 is a valuable tool in progressing co-operation between the two countries. This is a two-way partnership which has brought momentum to build upon in the ongoing process of reforms undertaken by Croatia. Close co-operation between the UK and Croatia will continue in the framework of this strategy and we will continue to explore new possibilities for our partnership.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

To what extent the current United Kingdom/Croatian strategic partnership in Europe may provide a useful precedent within south-east Europe for states not yet candidates for membership of the European Union. [HL3635]

The UK/Croatia strategic partnership launched in March 2007 is a valuable framework for co-operation between the two countries. It sets out the areas in which the UK supports Croatia— in which there is a two-way exchange of ideas, experiences and best practice in light of the shared strategic goal of Croatian membership of the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)—and Croatia's role in spreading stability and prosperity to its neighbours.

Croatia's progress towards EU and NATO membership, and in making difficult but necessary reforms, shows what can be achieved through partnership and co-operation. In that context, Croatia has been playing a leading role in laying the basis for a stable and prosperous south-east Europe. This provides a useful model and precedent for other countries in the region.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps are taken to ensure the security of ballot papers and other election material prior to destruction of such material one year after an election. [HL3713]

The responsibility for storing electoral documents rests with locally appointed electoral registration officers upon receipt of the sealed bags of documents from the returning officer.

Under rule 57, Schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 1983, registration officers must ensure that there is no opportunity for any individual to identify how a specific elector has voted. In order to achieve this requirement, ballots are sealed up separately from other election documents. The documents are then stored in a secure place by the electoral registration officer.

As a further security measure, access to either the ballot papers or the list recording the elector number can only be gained by order of the House of Commons, the High Court or a county court. Circumstances in which such an order may be appropriate are where the result of an election has been legally challenged, or a relevant police authority has cause to investigate possible electoral malpractice.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Darzi of Denham on 8 May (WA 88), what is their assessment of the accuracy of the judgment of Dr Susan Millns from Kent Law School in the journal Res Publica in January 2003 (Volume 9, page 88); and what alternative interpretation the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has used for the cited text on page 320 of Regulating Reproduction: Law, Technology and Autonomy; and [HL3609]

Further to the Written Answers by Lord Darzi of Denham on 21 April (WA 234–35) and 8 May (WA 88), how consideration of comments received from those opposed to cloning human embryos has affected any decision of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority's research licence committee. [HL3610]

The department has been informed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) that it has no view on the accuracy of Dr Susan Millns's judgment in the journal Res Publica in January 2003. This is Dr Millns's own assessment and opinion of Regulating Reproduction: Law, Technology and Autonomy. The HFEA considers that the book is an academic work that, among other things, does no more than discuss the arguments both for and against reproductive cloning.

On the question of the HFEA's consideration of research licence applications involving the creation of embryos by cell nuclear replacement, there is nothing further I can add to my previous Answer.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What percentage and number of male and female staff, disaggregated by part-time and full-time work, are employed in companies employing (a) over 500 employees; (b) 50 to 500 employees; (c) five to 50 employees; and (d) fewer than five employees. [HL3747]

The ONS's annual business inquiry (ABI) gives a split of the total number of employees by sex, full time/part time and firm size. It does not, however, cover all sectors. Financial intermediation (approximately 1 million employees) and public administration (around 5 million employees) are excluded.

Also, the firm size breakdown in the ABI has a maximum size band of over 250 employees.

Table 1 gives the total number of employees, split by gender, full time/part time and firm size based on the 2005 ABI.

Table 2 gives the number of employees by gender, full time/part time and firm size as a percentage of the total number of employees.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have ruled out reprocessing nuclear waste for use in nuclear power stations; and whether they have considered how much carbon dioxide-free electrical power could be produced from that waste. [HL3627]

The Government are aware that nuclear fuel, after use in a reactor, can be reprocessed to separate out reusable plutonium and uranium. The plutonium can then be turned into mixed oxide fuel for reuse in reactors.

We would consider any commercial proposals for new reprocessing but these would have to go through detailed approval processes, as with new reactor proposals. In the absence of any such proposals, the Government have concluded that any new nuclear power stations that might be built in the UK should proceed on the basis of a once-through cycle, with spent fuel disposed of as waste. We are not currently expecting any proposals to reprocess spent fuel from new nuclear power stations. Should such proposals come forward in the future, they would need to be considered on their own merits at the time and the Government would expect to consult on them.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have secured a derogation for British beef from European Union food regulations which ban the making of mince from carcasses more than six days-old. [HL3642]

To date, no derogation has been secured. The Food Standards Agency continues to work closely with industry representatives and other stakeholders to try to find an acceptable solution to this issue. British meat industry representatives have also, very recently, made representations to the European Commission.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answers by Lord Malloch-Brown on 6 May (WA 49–50), which European Union legislative proposal has been amended or vetoed as a result of a recommendation of the European Union Scrutiny Committee of either House. [HL3510]

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer I gave the noble Lord Vinson on 6 May 2008 (HL 2446).

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the projected net benefit or net cost (in sterling) to HM Treasury, over the period 2007–13, of the measures contained in the European Communities (Finance) Act 2008. [HL3679]

Based on the European Commission's forecasts and assumptions, and using the financial perspective table agreed on 17 December 2005, Treasury estimates for the extra costs to the United Kingdom were set out in an Answer given in the House of Commons on 20 December 2005 and are as follows:

Latest estimates of the UK net contribution to the EC Budget over the period 2007-08 to 2010-11 were included in table C9 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report (HC 388, page 194). Later financial year estimates for the United Kingdom's contributions to the EC Budget will be published in future pre-Budget Reports and Financial Statement and Budget Reports.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What estimate they have made of (a) the number of lives that have been saved by the Food Standards Agency's campaign to reduce salt intake; and (b) the cost of this campaign since it began in 2004; and [HL3700]

What estimate they have made of the morbidity avoided by the Food Standards Agency's campaign to reduce salt intake since it began in 2004. [HL3701]

The Food Standards Agency's (FSA's) activities on salt include both consumer awareness campaigns, and work with the food industry to reformulate products with lower salt levels. The 0.5 gram reduction in salt intakes that has been achieved so far as a result of this work is estimated to have resulted in 3,500 lives being saved annually. It is not possible to estimate the morbidity avoided specifically.

The total cost of the FSA's campaign (January 2004 to March 2008) has been £15,227,000. This includes all campaign costs such as advertising, production, research, marketing, public relations, web and partner grants.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there have been any developments in using cord blood stem cells in clinical treatment. [HL3566]

The department monitors progress in the use of cord blood stem cells, including via dialogue with key stakeholders in this area. The department is conducting a review to examine current United Kingdom practice on the collection and use of umbilical cord blood and to compare this practice with other countries. This analysis will be used to inform future policy on cord blood.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many people have been treated with cord blood stem cells in the past three years. [HL3567]

In the past three years, the NHS Cord Blood Bank has issued both unrelated and directed cord blood units to treat 115 patients with blood cancers or inherited blood disorders.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they issue guidance to general practitioners about separating the prescription of drugs to patients and the provision of services to patients. [HL3686]

The Department of Health has not issued guidance on this matter.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many grants to purchase archives were awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund in each of the financial years 1994–95 to 2006–07; and in each case what was the value of the award made and the total project cost. [HL3583]

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has provided the following information about the number of grants to purchase archives which were awarded, the value of the award made and the total project cost in the financial years from 1994-95 to 2006-07:

asked the Chairman of Committees:

Whether he will review the present rate of 40p per mile allowed to Peers in respect of the use of their private vehicles, having regard to recent increases in the price of petrol. [HL3770]

The maximum allowance for members of the House for journeys by car or motorcycle was set by resolution of the House on 10 November 2004. Under that resolution, the allowance is payable at the rate which is applicable to the vehicle under subsection (2) of Section 230 of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003. The allowance is accordingly directly linked to a statutory scheme administered by HM Revenue and Customs and I am not, therefore, in a position to undertake a review of the current rate.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will request an early meeting of NATO member states to discuss the alleged air attacks by Turkey on 12 villages in Iraq on 1 and 2 May; how many civilians were killed and what properties were damaged; whether there is evidence of collusion between military intelligence in the United States, Turkey and Iran; whether aircraft and weapons committed to NATO were used; and how many bombs failed to explode. [HL3565]

The Government do not intend to request a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) meeting to discuss any of the alleged air attacks by Turkey on the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) presence in Northern Iraq and has no information whether any aircraft or weapons committed to NATO were used. Reports of the impact of the bombings vary widely and we have no reliable information on casualties, damage to properties or unexploded ordnance. We are aware that the US and Turkey are co-operating closely on operations issues concerning the activities of PKK terrorists in Northern Iraq. We have no firm information of any similar co-operation between Turkey and Iran, although we have seen media reporting suggesting co-operation.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress has been made by the Middle East quartet towards the objective of creating a Palestinian state by the end of the year. [HL3485]

The ongoing talks between Palestinian President Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Olmert offer the best hope of progress for several years. These have been reinforced by some positive developments on the ground, including the removal of some Israeli roadblocks and improved security performance by the Palestinian Authority. However, as the quartet recognised at their 2 May meeting in London, there remains much to do. We welcome the quartet's continued support for the process.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have made to the Government of Israel about reparations payable by Israel for damage to internationally funded infrastructure in the West Bank and Gaza. [HL3432]

The UK has supported efforts by the EU and the UN to raise the issue of damage to internationally funded infrastructure in the West Bank and Gaza with the Israeli Government and, where appropriate, to seek compensation.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What discussions they have held with the Government of Israel regarding membership of the European Union. [HL3538]

The Government have held no discussions with the Israeli Government about membership of the EU.

To our knowledge, Israel has expressed no immediate interest in joining the EU. But the EU and Israel are looking to develop their relationship under existing instruments, namely the association agreement and the European neighbourhood policy.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will encourage the re-convening of the Taif conference, which ended the earlier civil war in Lebanon, in order to provide a good setting for preventing renewed violent conflict in that country. [HL3684]

The UK remains deeply concerned by the recent violence in Lebanon. We fully support the recent efforts by the Arab League to bring all sides together for talks in Doha. We believe these talks are currently the best way for parties to work towards a long-term solution for Lebanon.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in their planned public consultation on possible new exemptions within the Licensing Act 2003 for low-risk live music events, they will make clear the range of legislative powers already available to the police and local authorities, irrespective of entertainment licensing, to control noise nuisance, public safety, crime and disorder at public events. [HL3717]

The Government are currently considering options for possible de minimis exemptions under the Act, including certain live music events and the content of the future public consultation. We will take the noble Lord's suggestion into account in developing proposals for consultation in accordance with better regulation principles.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What guidance exists for trusts who manage local authority leisure facilities; and who sets such guidance. [HL3570]

The DCMS has not issued guidance to local authorities which opt to use a leisure trust model for the management of local leisure facilities. However, every local authority is under a statutory duty to establish an adequate and effective system of financial management and arrangements for the management of risk. The authority's chief finance officer also has duties to report to the council on proposed decisions or actions that would be unlawful or likely to cause a loss.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What recommendations and conclusions they intend to implement from the Audit Commission report of June 2006, Public sports and recreation services: Making them fit for the future. [HL3573]

The Government welcomed this important report, which highlighted the need for better, more strategic decision-making by local authorities on the procurement and management of leisure facilities. We want to help local authorities to revitalise their leisure facilities and to ensure that the right sports facilities are in the right places. Sport England has already developed a range of strategic planning tools to assist them. These include, among others: the active places database, which provides a comprehensive picture of sports facilities across the country; the national benchmarking service; a facilities planning model; and a sports facilities demand estimator. In addition, Sport England's facilities improvement service is working closely with local authorities to improve the quality of their sports facilities and service delivery.

On the specific recommendations:

where possible funding streams are being aligned and Sport England were successful in a bid for improvement partnership funding; and

the DCMS was not allocated PFI credits in CSR07 and will not therefore be supporting any leisure PFI projects but continues to work with councils which are currently procuring leisure facilities through PFI and with 4ps and regional centres of excellence on procurement guidance.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will raise during the United Nations Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review of Pakistan the matters dealt with in the Minority Rights Group International report State of the World's Minorities 2008 under the heading Pakistan in Crisis: Religious Minorities under Pressure. [HL3458]

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) raised the rights of persons belonging to minority groups in Pakistan. Through the UPR, we welcomed Pakistan's recent decision to ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and to sign the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention against Torture. We also asked how Pakistan plans to ensure the full implementation of these covenants to safeguard the rights of all citizens of Pakistan including non-Muslim minorities, by repealing laws that discriminate against them. In addition, we asked Pakistan's delegation to the UN Human Rights Council what practical and legislative plans the Government of Pakistan have to safeguard religious, social and cultural rights for minorities.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether counterterrorist check clearance forms submitted by candidates for chaplaincy posts in the Prison Service are dealt with by named individuals who are recorded on a central computer system. [HL3536]

Chaplains submit counterterrorist check clearance forms to the Prison Service, together with supporting documentation which is used to undertake a range of checks on identity, entitlement to work, references and criminal record. A baseline verification is then forwarded with the security questionnaire to MoJ's Corporate Security Branch for processing of the counterterrorist check. Details of those involved in these processes are not currently recorded on a central computer system, though documents and access to records is strictly controlled, and MoJ is reviewing arrangements for recording user access as part of our information assurance programme.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the most recent guidance that has been issued to civil servants by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the drafting of Answers to Questions for Written Answer in the House of Lords. [HL3516]

Cabinet Office guidance for civil servants on drafting Answers to Parliamentary Questions was published in February 2005. A copy of the guidance is in the Library of the House. It can also be found on the Cabinet Office website at www.cabinet office.gov.uk/propriety_and_ethics/civil_service/pq_guidance.aspx.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the most recent guidance that has been issued to civil servants by the Department of Health on the drafting of Answers to Questions for Written Answer in the House of Lords. [HL3548]

Cabinet Office guidance for civil servants on drafting Answers to Parliamentary Questions was published in February 2005. A copy of the guidance has been placed in the Library and it can also be found on the Cabinet Office website at www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/propriety_and_ethics/civil_service/pq_guidance.aspx.

The department also provides general guidance to staff on handling Parliamentary Questions and this is updated regularly.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the most recent guidance that has been issued to civil servants by the Ministry of Justice on the drafting of answers to Questions for Written Answer in the House of Lords.[HL3598]

Cabinet Office guidance for civil servants on drafting Answers to Parliamentary Questions was published in February 2005. A copy of the guidance is in the Library of the House. It can also be found on the Cabinet Office website at www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/propriety_and_ ethics/civil_service/pq_guid ance.aspx.

The Ministry of Justice's internal guidance for answering Questions for Written Answer was updated and issued on the departments intranet on 14 November 2007. I will send the noble Baroness a copy.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Malloch-Brown on 25 April (WA 325), why they required four weeks to reply to Question HL2904.[HL3478]

The Government's reply to Question HL2904 was delayed due to an administrative error. I would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused by this delay.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is standard practice for a regulatory body to insist that a complainant undertakes not to take legal action against the organisation subject to the regulatory body's authority before it will agree to examine the complaint. [HL2936]

Practice within regulatory bodies, in relation to complaints, varies. Whether it would be appropriate for a regulator to consider a complaint about a particular matter where that matter is the subject of separate ongoing legal proceedings will depend on the circumstances of each case.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the current position in respect of the recruitment of the next head of the UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation. [HL3677]

The recruitment process is ongoing and we expect to be in a position to announce the appointment of the new head of UKTI DSO before the Summer Recess. The post was publicly advertised in accordance with the guidance set out by the Office of the Civil Service Commissioner.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will publish the job specification for the next head of the UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation. [HL3678]

The job specification for the head of the UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation, was part of a 12-page information pack for applicants, a copy of which has been placed in the House Library for reference.

The post was publicly advertised in the Sunday Times on 9 March 2008, in accordance with the guidance set out by the Office of the Civil Service Commissioner. UKTI engaged an executive search agency from the Cabinet Office call off contract to run the search and advertisement on behalf of the department. The advert described the role in the following terms:

“UK Trade and Investment is taking on responsibility for HM Government's strategic engagement with business in support of UK defence and security sales overseas. The newly formed UKTI Defence and Security Organisation will comprise a mix of civilian and military staff, working within a wider organisation which draws on staff from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and the Ministry of Defence. The Head of UKTI DSO will sit on the UKTI Board and report to its chief executive, be based in Westminster, but travel extensively.

The key focus of this role is to lead UKTI DSO in its work to promote British defence sales worldwide by developing and maintaining close relations with overseas Governments. The Head of UKTI DSO will act in an ambassadorial capacity, presenting the UK's capability with impact at the highest levels and personally taking the lead in marketing to potential clients. He/she will also drive the development of UKTI DSO's service offering in the security sector and its role in attracting inward investment, as well as its engagement with business stakeholders on promoting the highest possible standards in the defence and security industries. Important stakeholders include other parts of government, the armed forces, the UK defence industry, and the broader business community. An important element of the role is the leadership of some 200 staff, and the integration of the new group into UKTI.

Candidates for this high profile, externally-facing role will be accustomed to operating at board level, to dealing with governments at Ministerial level and to leading complex negotiations. Knowledge of the defence sector would clearly be relevant, but UKTI is equally interested in considering candidates from both the private and public sectors with significant experience of leading international negotiations. An established leader of change is sought, with a strong international background, excellent communication skills and strategic ability”.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make representations to the Government of Vietnam for the release of United Buddhist Church of Vietnam Patriarch Thich Huyen Quang and his deputy Thich Quang Do. [HL3494]

The UK, together with its EU partners, continues to raise its human rights concerns with the Vietnamese Government, including over the arrest and detention of peaceful human rights defenders and religious activists in Vietnam. We do so as part of the EU-Vietnam human rights dialogue: bilaterally, during high-level meetings and at official level; and with our EU partners outside the framework of the human rights dialogue. During the visit of Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to the UK in March 2008, the UK and Vietnam signed a political memorandum of understanding to strengthen dialogue and step up progress on a wide range of issues, including human rights.

We will continue to urge the Government of Vietnam to release all individuals currently imprisoned or detained for peacefully expressing their views.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress has been made by the Waste and Resources Action Programme to reduce the estimated £8 billion-worth of food discarded annually by British consumers. [HL3611]

WRAP and its partners are running the “Love Food Hate Waste” consumer-facing campaign to address this issue directly. The campaign is being delivered in partnership with the Women's Institute, local authorities, the UK grocery sector, the food industry, government and organisations such as the Food Standards Agency. Its aim is to develop practical advice, to help us all get the most from the food we buy, and to waste less of it.

The campaign highlights quick and easy things that consumers can do to reduce the amount of food thrown away, including better planning before going shopping, and storing perishables in the fridge. WRAP is also in discussion with retailers to extend in-store advice about home storage. If followed, this should prolong the life of the food that is purchased.

On 8 May 2008, WRAP published a report entitled, The Food We Waste. This report provides an objective assessment of the amounts and types of food that we buy, but do not eat. Key findings from the research are that, in the UK, we throw away around one third of the food we buy, and of that, 61 per cent (4.1 million tonnes a year) was avoidable waste. The most common reason for food being wasted is that it is left unused until it goes off or out of date; this accounts for 61 per cent (2.5 million tonnes) of the avoidable food waste. Of this, almost 1 million tonnes is not even touched, and at least a tenth (340,000 tonnes) is still in date. We also cook and prepare too much, resulting in an additional 1.6 million tonnes of food waste a year.

This research report will help the campaign to focus on the key areas for future behaviour change.

Progress on the campaign, which was launched in November 2007, will be evaluated with the rest of WRAP's 2006-08 business plan and will be set out in detail in WRAP's annual review for 2007-08, due to be published in October 2008.